Comparative study of gp130 cytokine effects on corticotroph AtT-20 cells - Redundancy or specificity of neuroimmunoendocrine modulators?

Objective: This comparative in vitro study examined the effects of all known gp130 cytokines on murine corticotroph AtT-20 cell function. Methods: Cytokines were tested at equimolar concentrations from 0.078 to 10 nM. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription ( STAT) 3 and STAT1, the STAT-dependent suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 promoter activity, SOCS-3 gene expression, STAT-dependent POMC promoter activity and adrenocorticotropic hormone ( ACTH) secretion were determined. Results: Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), human oncostatin M (OSM) and cardiotrophin (CT)-1 (LIFR/gp130 ligands), as well as ciliary neurotrophic factor ( CNTF) and novel neurotrophin1/B-cell stimulating factor-3 (CNTFRalpha/LIFR/gp130 ligands) are potent stimuli of corticotroph cells in vitro. In comparison, interleukin (IL)-6 (IL-6R/gp130 ligand) and IL-11 (IL-11R/gp130 ligand) exhibited only modest direct effects on corticotrophs, while murine OSM (OSMR/gp130 ligand) showed no effect. Conclusion: (i) CNTFR complex ligands are potent stimuli of corticotroph function, comparable to LIFR complex ligands; (ii) IL-6 and IL-11 are relatively weak direct stimuli of corticotroph function; (iii) differential effects of human and murine OSM suggest that LIFR/gp130 (OSMR type I) but not OSMR/gp130 (OSMR type II) are involved in corticotroph signaling. (iv) CT-1 has the hitherto unknown ability to stimulate corticotroph function, and (v) despite redundant immuno-neuroendocrine effects of different gp130 cytokines, corticotroph cells are preferably activated through the LIFR and CNTFR complexes. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

Large carnivore expansion in Europe is associated with human population density and land cover changes

A.B.L. was supported by a Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación grant (IJCI-2017-31419) from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities; J.V.L.B. by a Ramón & Cajal research contract (RYC-2015-18932) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (…)Cimatti, M., Ranc, N., Benítez-López, A., Maiorano, L., Boitani, L., Cagnacci, F., Čengić, M., Ciucci, P., Huijbregts, M.A.J., Krofel, M., López-Bao, J.V., Selva, N., Andren, H., Bautista, C., Ćirović, D., Hemmingmoore, H., Reinhardt, I., Marenče, M., Mertzanis, Y., Pedrotti, L., Trbojević, I., Zetterberg, A., Zwijacz-Kozica, T., Santini, L

Large carnivore expansion in Europe is associated with human population density and land cover changes

Aim: The recent recovery of large carnivores in Europe has been explained as resulting from a decrease in human persecution driven by widespread rural land abandonment, paralleled by forest cover increase and the consequent increase in availability of shelter and prey. We investigated whether land cover and human population density changes are related to the relative probability of occurrence of three European large carnivores: the grey wolf (Canis lupus), the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos). Location: Europe, west of 64° longitude. Methods: We fitted multi-temporal species distribution models using >50,000 occurrence points with time series of land cover, landscape configuration, protected areas, hunting regulations and human population density covering a 24-year period (1992–2015). Within the temporal window considered, we then predicted changes in habitat suitability for large carnivores throughout Europe. Results: Between 1992 and 2015, the habitat suitability for the three species increased in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, North-West Iberian Peninsula and Northern Scandinavia, but showed mixed trends in Western and Southern Europe. These trends were primarily associated with increases in forest cover and decreases in human population density, and, additionally, with decreases in the cover of mosaics of cropland and natural vegetation. Main conclusions: Recent land cover and human population changes appear to have altered the habitat suitability pattern for large carnivores in Europe, whereas protection level did not play a role. While projected changes largely match the observed recovery of large carnivore populations, we found mismatches with the recent expansion of wolves in Central and Southern Europe, where factors not included in our models may have played a dominant role. This suggests that large carnivores’ co-existence with humans in European landscapes is not limited by habitat availability, but other factors such as favourable human tolerance and policy

Targeting of tumor radioiodine therapy by expression of the sodium iodide symporter under control of the survivin promoter

To test the feasibility of using the survivin promoter to induce specific expression of sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) in cancer cell lines and tumors for targeted use of radionuclide therapy, a recombinant adenovirus, Ad-SUR-NIS, that expressed the NIS gene under control of the survivin promoter was constructed. Ad-SUR-NIS mediating iodide uptake and cytotoxicity was performed in vitro. Scintigraphic, biodistribution and radioiodine therapy studies were performed in vivo. PC-3 (prostate); HepG2 (hepatoma) and A375 (melanoma) cancer cells all exhibited perchlorate-sensitive iodide uptake after infection with Ad-SUR-NIS, ∼50 times higher than that of negative control Ad-CMV-GFP-infected cells. No significant iodide uptake was observed in normal human dental pulp fibroblast (DPF) cells after infection with Ad-SUR-NIS. Clonogenic assays demonstrated that Ad-SUR-NIS-infected cancer cells were selectively killed by exposure to 131I. Ad-SUR-NIS-infected tumors show significant radioiodine accumulation (13.3±2.85% ID per g at 2 h post-injection), and the effective half-life was 3.1 h. Moreover, infection with Ad-SUR-NIS in combination with 131I suppressed tumor growth. These results indicate that expression of NIS under control of the survivin promoter can likely be used to achieve cancer-specific expression of NIS in many types of cancers. In combination with radioiodine therapy, this strategy is a possible method of cancer gene therapy

Meeting of the Ecosystem Approach Correspondence Group on on Pollution Monitoring (CorMon Pollution)

In accordance with the UNEP/MAP Programme of Work adopted by COP 21 for the biennium 2020-2021, the United Nations Environment Programme/Mediterranean Action Plan-Barcelona Convention Secretariat (UNEP/MAP) and its Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution in the Mediterranean (MED POL) organized the Meeting of the Ecosystem Approach Correspondence Group on Pollution Monitoring (CorMon on Pollution Monitoring). The Meeting was held via videoconference on 26-27 April 2021. 2. The main objectives of the Meeting were to: a) Review the Monitoring Guidelines/Protocols for IMAP Common Indicator 18, as well as the Monitoring Guidelines/Protocols for Analytical Quality Assurance and Reporting of Monitoring Data for IMAP Common Indicators 13, 14, 17, 18 and 20; b) Take stock of the state of play of inter-laboratory testing and good laboratory practice related to IMAP Ecological Objectives 5 and 9; c) Analyze the proposal for the integration and aggregation rules for IMAP Ecological Objectives 5, 9 and 10 and assessment criteria for contaminants and nutrients; d) Recommend the ways and means to strengthen implementation of IMAP Pollution Cluster towards preparation of the 2023 MED Quality Status Report

The genetic epidemiology of joint shape and the development of osteoarthritis

Congruent, low-friction relative movement between the articulating elements of a synovial joint is an essential pre-requisite for sustained, efficient, function. Where disorders of joint formation or maintenance exist, mechanical overloading and osteoarthritis (OA) follow. The heritable component of OA accounts for ~ 50% of susceptible risk. Although almost 100 genetic risk loci for OA have now been identified, and the epidemiological relationship between joint development, joint shape and osteoarthritis is well established, we still have only a limited understanding of the contribution that genetic variation makes to joint shape and how this modulates OA risk. In this article, a brief overview of synovial joint development and its genetic regulation is followed by a review of current knowledge on the genetic epidemiology of established joint shape disorders and common shape variation. A summary of current genetic epidemiology of OA is also given, together with current evidence on the genetic overlap between shape variation and OA. Finally, the established genetic risk loci for both joint shape and osteoarthritis are discussed

Research on subclinical mastitis and its ethiology in different breeds of cows

Detection of subclinical mastitis in five different breeds of cows were done on the territory of a municipality Kljuc, through all four year seasons by using the California mastitis test, at the level of the udder?s quarter with a certificate of bacteriological findings in order to justify their application in the diagnosis of mastitis. In total, 2150 cows of different breed composition: Simmental 1090, red Holstein 322, Holstein-Friesian 340, montafon 108 and various crossbreeds of 290 in total. After 1978 tested cows, 56.02% of cases had positive reactions to the California mastitis test. The most common positive reaction we found in the milk was in one or two quarters with the intensity of the reaction of one and two plus. The most common causes of mastitis were staphylococci, streptococci and mixed infections. Continuing use of these methods it is possible to timely detect the presence of subclinical mastitis and get satisfactory results in the prevention and treatment of mastitis as well as increasing the quantity and improving the quality of milk.</jats:p

Results of applying gonadorelin Fertagyl on the progesterone concentrations in the blood serum and cow conception

Considering there are different and inconsistent results of the wider use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone or its analogs in cattle breeding and due to scarce research studies in the field of individual breeding, we decided to explore the influence of gonadorelin Fertagyl on the results of the blood serum progesterone levels and conception of cows in veterinary field practice. Examination of the progesterone levels involved 14 (fourteen) cows treated with gonadorelin (GnRH), Fertagyl, manufactured by Intervet, according to the manufacturer?s instructions dose of 2,5ml (250 micrograms), within five minutes after insemination. There are individual differences in progesteron concentrations according to days of sampling in treated cows, respectively individuality is manifested in all cows between days of blood sampling, except for period of luteolysis (18th day) in non-gravid cows. Our research results indicate that there is a tendency for progesterone concentration to increase in gravid cows treated with Fertagyl at the time of insemination. Progesteron concentrations in blood serum in gravid cows were higher for 0.21 ng/ml in first three days after insemination and at 6th day those concentrations were higher for 0.40 ng/ml compared to non-gravid cows.</jats:p

Comparative description of the mammary gland of Dubska pramenka during the dry period and lactation

Glandulla mammae is a secondary sexual characteristic. The composition and structure of the mammary gland depends on the functional state of the gland and is affected by hormones. The mammary gland reaches its full development during gestation and it becomes functional and secretory upon delivery. Lactocytes of the mammary gland may be squamous in shape, low or high prismatic, depending on the phase of the glandular cycle. Lactocytes are affected by LTH hormones due to which they are called prolactin. The function of the mammary gland is also affected by STH, and indirectly by TTH. Examined material was taken from Central Bosnia Canton, under field conditions of veterinary practice. The assay of histological features of the mammary gland of Dubska pramenka was conducted during the dry period as well as during lactation. The total number of animals was 16, eight (8) during the dry period and eight (8) during lactation period. Following the development of histological preparations, we conducted a descriptive overview - interpretation of the histological structures. The study of histological preparations of the mammary gland of Dubska pramenka during the dry period and lactation shows that the parenchyma is well developed, more or less, with reduced intersticium. Histological appereance of the lactocytes resembles that of the perifollicular tissue, the presence of different cells is higher during the lactation - the onset of glandural cycle. Well-developed lactiferous ducts with cavity, with or without secretion, but with preserved epithelium are the characteristics of both periods. The glandural tissue is well-developed and the secretion was present regardless of the examination period.</jats:p