Evidence for the evolution of multiple genomes in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Ancient asexuals directly contradict the evolutionary theories that explain why organisms should evolve a sexual life history. The mutualistic, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are thought to have been asexual for approximately 400 million years. In the absence of sex, highly divergent descendants of formerly allelic nucleotide sequences are thought to evolve in a genome. In mycorrhizal fungi, where individual offspring receive hundreds of nuclei from the parent, it has been hypothesized that a population of genetically different nuclei should evolve within one individual. Here we use DNA-DNA fluorescent in situ hybridization to show that genetically different nuclei co-exist in individual arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. We also show that the population genetics techniques used in other organisms are unsuitable for detecting recombination because the assumptions and underlying processes do not fit the fungal genomic structure shown here. Instead we used a phylogenetic approach to show that the within-individual genetic variation that occurs in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi probably evolved through accumulation of mutations in an essentially clonal genome, with some infrequent recombination events. We conclude that mycorrhizal fungi have evolved to be multi-genomic.

Validation of methane measurement using headspace-GC-MS and quantification by a stable isotope-labeled internal standard generated in situ.

A previous study has shown the possibility to identify methane (CH4 ) using headspace-GC-MS and quantify it with a stable isotope as internal standard. The main drawback of the GC-MS methods discussed in literature for CH4 measurement is the absence of a specific internal standard necessary to perform quantification. However, it becomes essential to develop a safer method to limit the manipulation of gaseous CH4 and to precisely control the injected amount of gas for spiking and calibration by comparison with external calibration. To avoid the manipulation of a stable isotope-labeled gas, we have chosen to generate a labeled gas as an internal standard in a vial on the basis of the formation of CH4 by the reaction of Grignard reagent methylmagnesium chloride with deuterated water. This method allows precise measurement of CH4 concentrations in gaseous sample as well as in a solid or a liquid sample after a thermodesorption step in a headspace vial. A full accuracy profile validation of this method is then presented.

Unique and conserved functions of B cell-activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) in the chicken.

The chicken represents the best-characterized animal model for B cell development in the so-called gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and the molecular processes leading to B cell receptor diversification in this species are well investigated. However, the mechanisms regulating B cell development and homeostasis in GALT species are largely unknown. Here we investigate the role played by the avian homologue of B cell-activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF). Flow cytometric analysis showed that the receptor for chicken B cell-activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (chBAFF) is expressed by mature and immature B cells. Unlike murine and human BAFF, chBAFF is primarily produced by B cells both in peripheral lymphoid organs and in the bursa of Fabricius, the chicken's unique primary lymphoid organ. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that chBAFF is required for mature B cell survival. In addition, in vivo neutralization with a decoy receptor led to a reduction of the size and number of B cell follicles in the bursa, demonstrating that, in contrast to humans and mice, in chickens BAFF is also required for the development of immature B cells. Collectively, we show that chBAFF has phylogenetically conserved functions in mature B cell homeostasis but displays unique and thus far unknown properties in the regulation of B cell development in birds.

In situ introducer sheath dilatation for complex aortic access.

Aortic access problems due to diseased or small peripheral vessels are a major issue in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). In the emergency setting, like aortic rupture after blunt trauma, or in patients with a hostile abdomen, a more proximal access to the aorta is not a pleasant perspective. We developed in situ introducer sheath dilatation as a bail-out technique for patients with difficult aortic access under various circumstances including EVAR, intra-aortic balloon pump insertion and cannulation for perfusion. The method described allows to increase the access vessel diameter by 50% (from 6 to 9 mm) or the luminal circumference from 18 to 27 F. We have used this technique in five patients without complication, very much in contrast to the traditionally practiced 'forced device insertion'.

Resultados preliminares de las mediciones de fuerza de blanco in situ de las principales especies pelágicas. Crucero BIC Humboldt 9803-05 de Tumbes a Tacna

Se han utilizado los resultados de 144 lances ejecutados en el transcurso del Crucero 9803-05. Se compararon los histogramas de TS y los de tallas en búsqueda de correlación entre ambas a fin de determinar el factor b20 de la Ecuación de Fuerza de Blanco (20 log (LT,cm) + b20). Se han determinado nuevas ecuaciones de TS para anchoveta (38 y 120 kHz), sardina (120 kHz), jurel (38 kHz) y caballa (38 y 120 kHz). Se deberá continuar con estas mediciones puesto que un cambio en las propuestas reflectivas de los peces puede afectar la correcta obtención de los estimados de biomasa.

Adaptive sequence evolution in a color gene involved in the formation of the characteristic egg-dummies of male haplochromine cichlid fishes.

BACKGROUND: The exceptionally diverse species flocks of cichlid fishes in East Africa are prime examples of parallel adaptive radiations. About 80% of East Africa's more than 1 800 endemic cichlid species, and all species of the flocks of Lakes Victoria and Malawi, belong to a particularly rapidly evolving lineage, the haplochromines. One characteristic feature of the haplochromines is their possession of egg-dummies on the males' anal fins. These egg-spots mimic real eggs and play an important role in the mating system of these maternal mouthbrooding fish. RESULTS: Here, we show that the egg-spots of haplochromines are made up of yellow pigment cells, xanthophores, and that a gene coding for a type III receptor tyrosine kinase, colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor a (csf1ra), is expressed in egg-spot tissue. Molecular evolutionary analyses reveal that the extracellular ligand-binding and receptor-interacting domain of csf1ra underwent adaptive sequence evolution in the ancestral lineage of the haplochromines, coinciding with the emergence of egg-dummies. We also find that csf1ra is expressed in the egg-dummies of a distantly related cichlid species, the ectodine cichlid Ophthalmotilapia ventralis, in which markings with similar functions evolved on the pelvic fin in convergence to those of the haplochromines. CONCLUSION: We conclude that modifications of existing signal transduction mechanisms might have evolved in the haplochromine lineage in association with the origination of anal fin egg-dummies. That positive selection has acted during the evolution of a color gene that seems to be involved in the morphogenesis of a sexually selected trait, the egg-dummies, highlights the importance of further investigations of the comparative genomic basis of the phenotypic diversification of cichlid fishes.

Mediciones in situ de TS de diversas especies a finales del invierno de 1998. Crucero BIC Humboldt 9808-09

Se efectuaron mediciones de TS (Fuerza de Blanco, Target Strenght) durante los 108 lances de comprobación de ecotrazos realizados por el BIC Humboldt en el marco del Crucero 9808-09 de Evaluación Hidroacústica de Recursos Pelágicos. Se consideran para el análisis únicamente aquellos lances donde más del 90% de la captura perteneció a una sola especie. Los factores b20 de la ecuación de TS (TS=20 log L - b20) que han sido determinados, las cuales deberán ser considerados como provisionales, son las siguientes: Pez cinta (Trichiurus lepturus) = 70,95 (120 kHz); Vinciguerria o pez linterna (Vinciguerria lucetia pacifici) = 83,29 (120 kHz); Samasa (Anchoa nasus) = 86,57 (120 kHz); Caballa (Scomber japonicus) = 83,09 (120 kHz); Pez cinta (Trichiurus lepturus) = 71,41 (38 kHz); y Vinciguerria o pez linterna (Vinciguerria lucetia pacifici)= 82,04 (38kHz).

Mediciones in situ de TS para el krill (Euphasia superba) a 120 Khz. Verano austral 1998. Perú antar IX

Se realizaron mediciones de la Fuerza de Blanco (TS) del krill (Euphausia superba) durante los 29 lances efectuados en el Crucero de Evaluación Hidroacústica utilizando la ecosonda SIMRAD EK 500 a bordo del BIC Humboldt entre los días 12 y 24 de enero de 1998 a lo largo del Estrecho de Bransfield y alrededores de la Isla Elefante. Se derivaron los valores de b20 a partir de le ecuación de TS de FOOTE (1990), de las longitudes promedios de los individuos capturados durante cada uno de los lances y de las tablas de TS generadas por la ecosonda, determinándose una ecuación de TS para el krill en un rango de longitud comprendido entre 2,1 y 5,3 cm de la siguiente forma: TS = 20 log L - 89,26. Se discute el posible sesgo de la ecuación debido, entre otros aspectos a que no se consideraron los estadíos sexuales del krill.

Mediciones in situ de TS a finales de la primavera 1998 crucero BIC José Olaya Balandra 9811-12

Se efectuaron mediciones de TS (Fuerza de Blanco: Target Strength) durante los 100 lances de comprobación de ecotrazos realizados por el BIC José Olaya Balandra durante el Crucero 9811-12 de Evaluación Hidroacústica de Recursos Pelágicos. Se consideraron para el análisis únicamente aquellos lances donde más del 90% de la captura perteneció a una determinada especie y que, además, se haya observado en ellos una adecuada correlación entre los histogramas de tallas y de TS. Los factores b20 de la ecuación de TS (TS = 20 log L - b20) que han sido determinados, las cuales serán consideradas como provisionales, corresponden a anchoveta (2) y a bregmaceros (1). Estas son las siguientes: anchoveta, b20 = 81, 8 (para ejemplares entre 6 y 8,5 cm); anchoveta, b20 = 78,5 (para ejemplares entre 11,5 y 14,5 cm); bregmaceros, b20 = 80,25 (para ejemplares entre 5,5 y 8 cm).

Mediciones in situ de ts a finales del verano 1999. Crucero BIC Jose Olaya Balandra 9902-03

Se efectuaron mediciones de TS (Fuerza de Blanco: Target Strength) durante los 136 lances de comprobación de ecotrazos realizados por el BIC José Olaya Balandra durante el Crucero 9902-03 de Evaluación Hidroacústica de Recursos Pelágicos. Se consideraron para el análisis únicamente aquellos lances donde más del 90% de la captura perteneció a una especie y que, además, se haya observado en ellos una adecuada correlación entre los histogramas de tallas y de TS. Los factores b20 de la ecuación de TS (TS=20 log L - b20) que han sido determinados, las cuales serán consideradas como provisionales, corresponden a anchoveta (2) y a pota (1). Estas son las siguientes: anchoveta a 120 kHz, b20=82,2 (para ejemplares entre 5,5 y 9,5 cm); anchoveta 38 kHz, b20=81,2 (para ejemplares entre 5,5 y 10,5 cm); pota a 38 kHz, b20=87,2 (para ejemplares entre 12 y 24 cm de longitud de manto).

BK DNA viral load in plasma: evidence for an association with hemorrhagic cystitis in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients.

We performed a case-control study to determine the association of BK plasma viremia with hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. Thirty cases of HC (14 of which occurred after platelet engraftment with documented BK viruria [BK-HC]) were compared with matched controls. Weekly plasma samples were tested for BK virus DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). BK viremia detected before or during the disease was independently associated with HC (adjusted odds ratio = 30, P < .001); BK viremia was even important before clinical symptoms of HC occurred (odds ratio = 11, P < .001). Cases of HC and BK-HC had a significantly higher peak of BK plasma viral load than controls. BK virus was detected by in situ hybridization in bladder biopsies of 2 cases with severe HC and long-lasting BK viremia. BK virus seems to play a role in the development of HC and quantitative detection of BK DNA in plasma appears to be a marker of BK virus disease in HCT recipients.

Mir211 Is Dysregulated In Conjunctival Melanocytic proliferations

Purpose Downregulation of TRPM1 mRNA, a transient receptor potential cation channel, has been identified in highly metastatic cutaneous melanoma cell lines. TRPM1 mRNA expression is inversely correlated with skin melanoma metastases. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the tumor suppressive activity of TRPM1 is due to miR211 situated in intron 6 of TRPM1. As we have previously identified a downregulation of TRPM1 mRNA expression in conjunctival melanoma, we decided to assess miR211 expression and its potential target gene IGF2R and KCNMA1 in conjunctival melanocytic proliferations. As MITF has been shown to regulate both TRPM1 and mir211 expression, we also assessed MITF expression in our series. Methods Expression of miR211 was assessed by in situ hybridization in 14 conjunctival naevi and 14 conjunctival melanoma. Integrity of miRNA in tissues was evaluated in each sample with the preservation of miR126 expression in endothelial cells. Protein expression of MITF, IGF2R and KCNMA1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed with JUMP 8,0 software. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were assessed independently by two observers. Results There were 7 subepithelial nevi and 7 compound nevi. There were 5 female and 9 male. The population mean age was 48.7 ± 6.4 years (SEM). miR211 was found in 11 nevi (79%). MITF was expressed in all the nevi. IGF2R was found in 13 nevi. KCNMA1 was found in 57% of the nevi.The melanoma group was composed of 9 females and 5 males with a mean age of 67 ± 4.8 years (SEM). Using the recent TNM classification, 5 tumors were belonging to the T1, 3 to theT2 and 6 to the T3 categories. miR211 was found in 5 melanoma (36%). There was a significant downregulation of miR211 in the melanoma compared to the nevi (p=0,0219). MITF was found in 13 melanoma (93%). IGF2R and KCNMA1 were respectively found in 71% and 77% of the melanoma. There was no significant differential expression of MITF, KCNMA1 and IGF2R between the nevi and the melanoma as well as no association between miR211 expression and protein expression of two potential target genes Conclusions In vivo miR211 is significantly reduced in conjunctival melanoma compared to conjunctival nevi. No correlation between mir211 expression and two potential target genes KCNMA1 and IGF2R was observed.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and alphaB-crystallin up-regulation during antibody-mediated demyelination in vitro: a putative protective mechanism in oligodendrocytes.

By using an in vitro model of antibody-mediated demyelination, we investigated the relationship between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and heat shock protein (HSP) induction with respect to oligodendrocyte survival. Differentiated aggregate cultures of rat telencephalon were subjected to demyelination by exposure to antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and complement. Cultures were analyzed 48 hr after exposure. Myelin basic protein (MBP) expression was greatly decreased, but no evidence was found for either necrosis or apoptosis. TNF-alpha was significantly up-regulated. It was localized predominantly in neurons and to a lesser extent in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and it was not detectable in microglial cells. Among the different HSPs examined, HSP32 and alphaB-crystallin were up-regulated; they may confer protection from oxidative stress and from apoptotic death, respectively. These results suggest that TNF-alpha, often regarded as a promoter of oligodendroglial death, could alternatively mediate a protective pathway through alphaB-crystallin up-regulation.

Two specific populations of GABAergic neurons originating from the medial and the caudal ganglionic eminences aid in proper navigation of callosal axons.

The corpus callosum (CC) plays a crucial role in interhemispheric communication. It has been shown that CC formation relies on the guidepost cells located in the midline region that include glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons as well as glial cells. However, the origin of these guidepost GABAergic neurons and their precise function in callosal axon pathfinding remain to be investigated. Here, we show that two distinct GABAergic neuronal subpopulations converge toward the midline prior to the arrival of callosal axons. Using in vivo and ex vivo fate mapping we show that CC GABAergic neurons originate in the caudal and medial ganglionic eminences (CGE and MGE) but not in the lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE). Time lapse imaging on organotypic slices and in vivo analyses further revealed that CC GABAergic neurons contribute to the normal navigation of callosal axons. The use of Nkx2.1 knockout (KO) mice confirmed a role of these neurons in the maintenance of proper behavior of callosal axons while growing through the CC. Indeed, using in vitro transplantation assays, we demonstrated that both MGE- and CGE-derived GABAergic neurons exert an attractive activity on callosal axons. Furthermore, by combining a sensitive RT-PCR technique with in situ hybridization, we demonstrate that CC neurons express multiple short and long range guidance cues. This study strongly suggests that MGE- and CGE-derived interneurons may guide CC axons by multiple guidance mechanisms and signaling pathways. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 647-672, 2013.