Transforming fusions of FGFR and TACC genes in human glioblastoma

The brain tumor glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most lethal forms of human cancer. Here, we report that a small subset of GBMs (3.1%; 3 of 97 tumors examined) harbors oncogenic chromosomal translocations that fuse in-frame the tyrosine kinase coding domains of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) genes (FGFR1 or FGFR3) to the transforming acidic coiled-coil (TACC) coding domains of TACC1 or TACC3, respectively. The FGFR-TACC fusion protein displays oncogenic activity when introduced into astrocytes or stereotactically transduced in the mouse brain. The fusion protein, which localizes to mitotic spindle poles, has constitutive kinase activity and induces mitotic and chromosomal segregation defects and triggers aneuploidy. Inhibition of FGFR kinase corrects the aneuploidy, and oral administration of an FGFR inhibitor prolongs survival of mice harboring intracranial FGFR3-TACC3-initiated glioma. FGFR-TACC fusions could potentially identify a subset of GBM patients who would benefit from targeted FGFR kinase inhibition.     

Chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis along a vertical gradient of the crown in a poplar (Oxford clone) subjected to ozone and water stress

An experiment in open-top chambers was carried out in summer 2008 at Curno (Northern Italy) in order to study the effects of ozone and mild water stress on poplar cuttings (Oxford clone). In this experiment direct fluorescence parameters (JIP-test) were measured in leaves from different sections of the crown (L: lower; M: medium; U: upper parts of the crown). The parameters considered were calculated at the different steps of the fluorescence transient, and include maximum quantum yield efficiency in the dark-adapted state (F(v)/F(M)); the L-band, at 100?∝?s, that expresses the stability of the tripartite system reaction centre-harvesting light complex-core antenna; the K-band, at 300?∝?s, that expresses the efficiency of the oxygen-evolving complex; the J-phase, at 2 ms, that expresses the efficiency with which a trapped exciton can move an electron into the electron transport chain from Q(A)(-) to the intersystem electron acceptors; the IP-phase, which expresses the efficiency of electron transport around the photosystem 1 (PSI) to reduce the final acceptors of the electron transport chain, i.e., ferredoxin and NADP; and finally the performance index total (PItot) for energy conservation from photons absorbed by PSII to the reduction flux of PSI end acceptors. The main results are: (i) different dynamics were observed between leaves in the lower section, whose PItot decreased over time, and those in the upper sections in which it increased, with a dynamic connected to the leaf age; (ii) ozone depressed all the considered fluorescence parameters in basal leaves of well-watered plants, while it had little or no damaging effect on medium-level or upper-section leaves; (iii) PItot and IP-phase increased in upper leaves of plants subjected to ozone stress, as well as the net photosynthesis; (iv) water stress increased PItot of leaves in all levels of the crown. The results suggest that ozone-damaged poplar plants compensate, at least partially, for the loss of photosynthesis with higher photosynthetic rates in young leaves (in the upper section of the crown), more efficient to fix carbon.     

Seroepidemiological survey of sheep flocks from Northern Japan for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma agalactiae

Sheep flocks from Hokkaido, Iwate and Aomori, three northern prefectures of Japan, were screened for antibodies to Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma agalactiae by ELISA. Sixty four animals out of 246 (26%) were seropositive to M. ovipneumoniae, with positive results obtained from all three prefectures. None of the sera tested were serologically positive to M. agalactiae.     

Effect of aglepristone (RU534) administration during follicular phase on progesterone,estradiol-17β and LH serum concentrations in bitches

Aglepristone was administered in bitches during the follicular phase to evaluate its effects on progesterone, estradiol-17β and LH serum concentrations. Ten German Shepherds were divided into two groups (treated n = 5; control n = 5). Treated bitches received 10 mg/kg BW of aglepristone subcutaneously during the early follicular phase, 24 hr after and then 7 days later. The control group was injected, at the same time periods, with saline solution (0.3 ml/kg BW). For the steroid evaluations, blood was collected daily from the onset of proestrus until the first day of cytological dioestrus. For LH base-line serum determination, blood was also collected every 20 min for 2 hr at the onset of proestrus. For LH surge identification, blood was collected daily (every 6 hr) starting from the day of the first administration of aglepristone or saline solution until the first day of dioestrus. All animals ovulated but the treated group presented longer ovulation-dioestrus intervals than the control group (5.2 ± 2.2 days p < .05). Serum concentrations of the evaluated hormones were similar between experimental animals except for serum LH. Indeed, no LH peaks were detected in the treated group while LH surges were clearly observed in the control group (9 ± 1 days after the beginning of proestrus. In particular, the area under the curve for LH was significantly lower in treated than control animals (12 ± 4 ng/ml x Day; p = .01). In conclusion, administrations of aglepristone during the follicular phase of the bitch does not affect the steroid hormone patterns but does prevent the occurrence of a LH surge. This work raises significant questions and opens perspectives concerning the mechanisms of ovulation in bitches.     

Lacrimal bone agenesis in a dog

A 20-month-old neutered male dachshund dog was referred because of a 10-week history of swelling close to the medial canthus of the left eye. Recurrence of the lesion and cytological appearance of the fluid content were suggestive of inflammation. Computed tomography revealed a triangular-shaped bone defect in the skull deep to the lesion. Computed tomography dacryocystography demonstrated contrast medium pooling within the maxillary recess and nasal cavity rather than filling the lacrimal duct. Lacrimal bone agenesis was diagnosed.Key clinical message:Congenital skull including lacrimal bone agenesis may be responsible for swelling of the medial canthus of the eye and computed tomography dacryocystography is helpful in making a diagnosis.     

Characterization of a tomato polyphenol oxidase and its role in browning and lycopene content

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was extracted from five Sicilian varieties of tomato fruit [Pizzutello, Naomi (Hazera), F1 PS212 (Peto seed), Rosa Maletto, and PO228] and assayed with a method using 3-methylbenzothyazolinone hydrazone (MBTH) as chromophore coupling agent. 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid was chosen for tomato PPO activity determination. The tomato PPO had maximum activity at pH 4.8. The pH of juice in ripe fruits is between 4.1 and 4.4, a range in which PPO relative activity is between 74 and 87%. The optimum temperature of activity for tomato PPO was 40 degrees C; the enzyme showed a good relative activity (55% of the maximum) at cold-storage temperature (4 degrees C). PPO retained 82% relative activity at an NaCl concentration of 0.1 M; at higher concentrations the PPO became gradually inactivated. The commercial variety Naomi is more susceptible to enzymatic browning than the local varieties Pizzutello, Rosa Maletto and PO228, due to higher PPO activity levels. This result confirms the suitability of these local tomato varieties to national markets. Results from storage tests seem to relate PPO activity with color changes associated with browning and lycopene degradation, because lycopene is an antioxidant agent that reconstitutes the polyphenols oxidized by the action of PPO.     

DNA fingerprinting sheds light on the origin of introduced mulberry (Morus spp.) accessions in Italy

Mulberries are members of the genus Morus L., a taxonomic group showing a great genetic variability and adaptability to different environmental conditions. This study deals with the use of AFLP-based fingerprints as a tool for estimating genetic variability within as well as among three different mulberry species (i.e., M. alba L., M. latifolia Poir. and M. bombycis Koidz.). A high level of polymorphism (72.2) was found over all the 48 accessions analyzed. Genetic similarity (GS) within single Morus species ranged from 0.845 (M. bombycis) to 0.884 (M. alba) being intermediate in M. latifolia (0.869). The between-species mean genetic similarity estimates based on pair-wise AFLP marker fingerprint comparison were very similar ranging from 0.861 to 0.874. The partition of the genetic variation over the three Morus species was unexpected a proportion of the among-species genetic diversity as low as GST= 0.084 pointed out that about 92% of the total genetic diversity found among Morus accessions is due to DNA polymorphisms within a species, while only 8% of the total variation was highlighted among species. Our data indicate that some of the introduced accessions showing distinctive phenotypes, clearly differentiated from those revealed in the original habitat where they have been selected and adapted, hide an identical genotype.     

Carbon stocks in a 50‑year‑old Eucalyptus camaldulensis stand in Sicily,Italy

Eucalyptus stands in semi?arid areas may contribute to enhance carbon (C) stocks in both biomass and soil. However, the limited information available is mainly focused on short?rotation plantations. In this study, the above? and below?ground C pools in five 50?year?old Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. stands planted on Miocenic evaporitic deposits in Sicily, Italy, with a xeric and thermic pedoclimate, were measured. Above?ground biomass was determined by partitioning and weighing branches, stem and leaves. Below?ground C pools included the determination of litter, root biomass, and soil organic and inorganic C. In terms of the above?ground biomass, the E. camaldulensis stand accumulated on average 116?Mg ha?1 corresponding to 55?Mg C ha?1. Below?ground biomass consisted mainly of larger roots, followed by fine and medium roots (33?Mg ha?1 corresponding to 14?Mg C ha?1). Litter accumulation on the soil surface accounted for 13?Mg ha?1 corresponding to 5?Mg C ha?1. The amount of C stored in soil was 554?Mg C ha?1, of which 75% was in organic form. Although E. camaldulensis is planted extensively throughout the Southern Hemisphere and tropics where it is managed over short rotations (c. 2–4 years), the results obtained from this study make this species important in terms of future afforestation planning for longer rotations due to its potential to sequester C, particularly in the below?ground components.     

Carbohydrate metabolism of vegetative and reproductive sinks in the late-maturing peach cultivar 'Encore'

Activities of NAD(+)-dependent sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), sorbitol oxidase (SOX), sucrose synthase (SS), acid invertase (AI), and neutral invertase (NI) in 'Encore' peach (Prunus persica L.) fruits and developing shoot tips were assayed during the growing season to determine whether carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes could serve as indicators of sink strength. In fruit flesh, SS activity was detected during Stage I of growth, when cells were actively dividing, and SDH activity was detected during Stage III, when cells were actively enlarging. Acid invertase activity was detected during Stage I and showed a closer correlation with relative increase in fruit weight during the growing season than SS activity. During seed filling and pit hardening (Stage II), when relative fruit growth rate was slowest, activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes in fruit flesh were not detectable. No SOX activity was detected during Stages I and II. The highest sucrose content occurred near the end of fruit development when the activities of sucrose metabolizing enzymes were low. In developing shoot tips, the sorbitol:sucrose ratio was 2:1 (w/w) and SDH activity was low at the beginning and end of the season when vegetative growth was slowest. The sorbitol:sucrose ratio changed to 1:1 (w/w) along with an increase in SDH activity in shoot tips during the mid-growing season. In 'Nemaguard' peach, SDH exhibited higher activity in root tips than in other organs. Among the sorbitol- and sucrose-metabolizing enzyme activities, only SDH activity was positively correlated with shoot growth in 'Nemaguard' plants.     

Technological parameters of water curing affect postharvest physiology and storage of marrons (Castanea sativa Mill., Marrone fiorentino)

Little is known about the biochemistry of the marron (Castanea sativa cv Marrone fiorentino) when it is soaked in water for the curing process; the immersion treatment time is still empirical and based on traditional knowledge. A study was carried out by keeping marrons in water for 7 d at 14 °C. Tap water and acid water (pH 3) were used in the following water/marron ratios 1:1, 1:2, and 3:2. After curing, the marrons were moved to air storage at room temperature (20 °C and 90% RH) for 1 week (shelf-life), and at 0 °C and 90% RH for 60 d. A large accumulation of carbon dioxide in the head space of the glass jar where the marrons were kept, was observed during water soaking, above all in samples in acid water with a water/marron ratio 1:2. In the first 5 d of water curing, a significant increase in acetaldehyde concentration and phenol content was measured in the marron pulp and subsequently, both compounds declined. Ethanol decreased slightly or remained constant. During the following week of shelf-life, the lowest respiration rate was measured in 1:1 and 1:2 samples while the highest rate was measured in acid water samples. SSC (solid soluble contents) increased in marrons soaked in acid water but remained constant under shelf-life conditions. SSC, ethanol, acetaldehyde and polyphenols did not change following storage at 0 °C for 2 months, but acid water samples showed a higher percentage of decayed marrons. Finally, it is possible to define some technological parameters. The immersion time of marrons in water must be at least 5 and no longer than 7 d, in order to avoid cell destruction. A water/marron ratio of 1:1 is advised. Using acid water, the samples with the ratios of 1:2 and 1:1 showed higher polyphenol and sugar contents. However, the metabolic response of these marrons was assumed to be a “stress response” to acid water.