MAIT cell activation is reduced by direct and microbiota-mediated exposure to bisphenols.

Oral uptake is the primary route of human bisphenol exposure, resulting in an exposure of the intestinal microbiota and intestine-associated immune cells. Therefore, we compared the impact of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) on (i) intestinal microbiota, (ii) microbiota-mediated immunomodulatory effects and (iii) direct effects on mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in vitro. We acutely exposed human fecal microbiota, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Escherichia coli to BPA and its analogues BPF and BPS referring to the European tolerable daily intake (TDI), i.e. 2.3 µg/mL, 28.3 µg/mL and 354.0 µg/mL. Growth and viability of E. coli was most susceptible to BPF, whereas B.thetaiotaomicron and fecal microbiota were affected by BPA > BPF > BPS. At 354.0 µg/mL bisphenols altered microbial diversity in compound-specific manner and modulated microbial metabolism, with BPA already acting on metabolism at 28.3 µg/mL. Microbiota-mediated effects on MAIT cells were observed for the individual bacteria at 354.0 µg/mL only. However, BPA and BPF directly modulated MAIT cell responses at low concentrations, whereby bisphenols at concentrations equivalent for the current TDI had no modulatory effects for microbiota or for MAIT cells. Our findings indicate that acute bisphenol exposure may alter microbial metabolism and impact directly on immune cells.

Specific proteome changes in platelets from individuals with GATA1-, GFI1B-, and RUNX1-linked bleeding disorders.

Mutations in the transcription factors GATA binding factor 1 (GATA1), growth factor independence 1B (GFI1B), and Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) cause familial platelet and bleeding disorders. Mutant platelets exhibit common abnormalities including an α-granule reduction resulting in a grayish appearance in blood smears. This suggests that similar pathways are deregulated by different transcription factor mutations. To identify common factors, full platelet proteomes from 11 individuals with mutant GATA1R216Q, GFI1BQ287*, RUNX1Q154Rfs, or RUNX1TD2-6 and 28 healthy controls were examined by label-free quantitative mass spectrometry. In total, 2875 platelet proteins were reliably quantified. Clustering analysis of more than 300 differentially expressed proteins revealed profound differences between cases and controls. Among cases, 44 of 143 significantly downregulated proteins were assigned to platelet function, hemostasis, and granule biology, in line with platelet dysfunction and bleedings. Remarkably, none of these proteins were significantly diminished in all affected cases. Similarly, no proteins were commonly overrepresented in all affected cases compared with controls. These data indicate that the studied transcription factor mutations alter platelet proteomes in distinct largely nonoverlapping manners. This work provides the quantitative landscape of proteins that affect platelet function when deregulated by mutated transcription factors in inherited bleeding disorders.

[Oral and maxillofacial surgeons' satisfaction of the use of procedural sedation and/or analgesia (PSA) in the clinic]. / Tevredenheid van mka-chirurgen over gebruik procedurele sedatie in de kliniek.

Fear of orofacial interventions is a very common problem. Procedural sedation and/or analgesia (PSA) offers added value in reducing anxiety, pain and discomfort. At the Radboud University Medical Centre (Nijmegen, the Netherlands) PSA is conducted under the guidance of physician assistants, resulting in a high degree of patient satisfaction. In this study, the 115 surgeons' satisfaction with PSA procedures for outpatient orofacial surgical interventions was evaluated by means of questionnaires. The study's conclusion is that oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly satisfied when PSA is administered to very anxious patients. The collaboration with the department of anaestesiology ensures that the outpatient interventions can be performed safely and efficiently by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Bile acids drive the newborn's gut microbiota maturation.

Following birth, the neonatal intestine is exposed to maternal and environmental bacteria that successively form a dense and highly dynamic intestinal microbiota. Whereas the effect of exogenous factors has been extensively investigated, endogenous, host-mediated mechanisms have remained largely unexplored. Concomitantly with microbial colonization, the liver undergoes functional transition from a hematopoietic organ to a central organ of metabolic regulation and immune surveillance. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of the developing hepatic function and liver metabolism on the early intestinal microbiota. Here, we report on the characterization of the colonization dynamics and liver metabolism in the murine gastrointestinal tract (n = 6-10 per age group) using metabolomic and microbial profiling in combination with multivariate analysis. We observed major age-dependent microbial and metabolic changes and identified bile acids as potent drivers of the early intestinal microbiota maturation. Consistently, oral administration of tauro-cholic acid or ß-tauro-murocholic acid to newborn mice (n = 7-14 per group) accelerated postnatal microbiota maturation.

MAIT cell activation in adolescents is impacted by bile acid concentrations and body weight.

Bile acids (BAs) are produced by liver hepatocytes and were recently shown to exert functions additional to their well-known role in lipid digestion. As yet it is not known whether the mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, which represent 10-15% of the hepatic T cell population, are affected by BAs. The focus of the present investigation was on the association of BA serum concentration with MAIT cell function and inflammatory parameters as well as on the relationship of these parameters to body weight. Blood samples from 41 normal weight and 41 overweight children of the Lifestyle Immune System Allergy (LISA) study were analyzed with respect to MAIT cell surface and activation markers [CD107a, CD137, CD69, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] after Escherichia coli stimulation, mRNA expression of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) and major histocompatibility complex class I-related gene protein (MR1), the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-8 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α as well as the concentrations of 13 conjugated and unconjugated BAs. Higher body weight was associated with reduced MAIT cell activation and expression of natural killer cell marker (NKp80) and chemokine receptor (CXCR3). BA concentrations were positively associated with the inflammatory parameters CRP, IL-8 and MIP-1α, but were negatively associated with the number of activated MAIT cells and the MAIT cell transcription factor PLZF. These relationships were exclusively found with conjugated BAs. BA-mediated inhibition of MAIT cell activation was confirmed in vitro. Thus, conjugated BAs have the capacity to modulate the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory immune responses.

Increased endogenous dopamine prevents myopia in mice.

Experimental evidence suggests that dopamine (DA) modulates refractive eye growth. We evaluated whether increasing endogenous DA activity using pharmacological or genetic approaches decreased myopia susceptibility in mice. First, we assessed the effects of systemic L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) injections on form deprivation myopia (FDM) in C57BL/6 J (WTC57) mice. WTC57 mice received daily systemic injections of L-DOPA (n = 11), L-DOPA + ascorbic acid (AA, n = 22), AA (n = 20), or Saline (n = 16). Second, we tested transgenic mice with increased or decreased expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2HI, n = 22; WTHI, n = 18; VMAT2LO, n = 18; or WTLO, n = 9) under normal and form deprivation conditions. VMAT2 packages DA into vesicles, affecting DA release. At post-natal day 28 (P28), monocular FD was induced in each genotype. Weekly measurements of refractive error, corneal curvature, and ocular biometry were performed until P42 or P49. WTC57 mice exposed to FD developed a significant myopic shift (treated-contralateral eye) in AA (-3.27 ± 0.73D) or saline (-3.71 ± 0.80D) treated groups that was significantly attenuated by L-DOPA (-0.73 ± 0.90D, p = 0.0002) or L-DOPA + AA (-0.11 ± 0.46D, p = 0.0103). The VMAT2LO mice, with under-expression of VMAT2, were most susceptible to FDM. VMAT2LO mice developed significant myopic shifts to FD after one week compared to VMAT2HI and WT mice (VMAT2LO: -5.48 ± 0.54D; VMAT2HI: -0.52 ± 0.92D, p < 0.05; WT: -2.13 ± 0.78D, p < 0.05; ungoggled control: -0.22 ± 0.24D, p < 0.001). These results indicate that endogenously increasing DA synthesis and release by genetic and pharmacological methods prevents FDM in mice.

[Patient satisfaction with procedural sedation in oral and -maxillofacial surgery]. / Patiënttevredenheid met procedurele sedatie in de mka-chirurgie.

Fear of treatment by an oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgeon or the dentist is a widespread and deep-rooted phenomenon. A patient can be taught to cope with dental phobia by means of psychological, cognitive behavioural therapy, but in cases of invasive oral treatment, such therapy may be insufficiently effective. For these invasive procedures, sedation serves as an alternative treatment option. The department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Radboud University Medical Centre in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, offers the possibility to utilise intravenous sedation with midazolam (Dormicum®) and remifentanil (Ultiva®). This results in a reduction in the experience of axiety and pain, which can lead to an anterograde amnesia for the invasive treatment. Procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) for OMF surgery demonstrate a high level of patient satisfaction, and therefore offer a good alternative treatment to local and general anaesthesia.

Mantle Sources of Recent Anatolian Intraplate Magmatism: A Regional Plume or Local Tectonic Origin?

We present an extensive study of rehomogenized olivine-hosted melt inclusions, olivine phenocrysts, and chromian spinel inclusions to explore the link between geodynamic conditions and the origin and composition of Pliocene-Quaternary intraplate magmatism in Anatolia at Kula, Ceyhan-Osmaniye, and Karacadag. Exceptional compositional variability of these products reveals early and incomplete mixing of distinct parental melts in each volcanic center, reflecting asthenospheric and lithospheric mantle sources. The studied primitive magmas consist of (1) two variably enriched ocean island basalt (OIB)-type melts in Kula; (2) both OIB-type and plume mid-ocean ridge basalt (P-MORB)-like melts beneath Toprakkale and Üçtepeler (Ceyhan-Osmaniye); and (3) two variably enriched OIB-type melts beneath Karacadag. Estimated conditions of primary melt generation are 23-9 kbar, 75-30 km, and 1415-1215 °C for Kula; 28-19 kbar, 90-65 km, and 1430-1350 °C for Toprakkale; 23-18 kbar, 75-60 km, and 1400-1355 °C for Üçtepeler; and 35-27 kbar, 115-90 km, and 1530-1455 °C for Karacadag, the deepest levels of which correspond to the depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary in all regions. Although magma ascent was likely facilitated by local deformation structures, recent Anatolian intraplate magmatism seems to be triggered by large-scale mantle flow that also affects the wider Arabian and North African regions. We infer that these volcanics form part of a much wider Arabian-North African intraplate volcanic province, which was able to invade the Anatolian upper plate through slab gaps.

Maternal cytokine status may prime the metabolic profile and increase risk of obesity in children.

BACKGROUND: The maternal inflammation status during pregnancy has been associated with metabolic imprinting and obesity development in the child. However, the influence of the maternal Th2 cytokines, interleukin-4 (IL4), IL5 and IL13, has not been studied so far. METHODS: We investigated the relationship between maternal innate (IL6, IL8, IL10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFa)) and adaptive (interferon-γ, IL4, IL5 and IL13) blood cytokine levels at 34 weeks of gestation and children's overweight development until the age of 3 years in 407 children of the German longitudinal LINA (Lifestyle and Environmental Factors and their Influence on Newborns Allergy risk) cohort. Children's body weight and height were measured during the annual clinical visits or acquired from questionnaires. Body mass index (BMI) Z-scores were calculated according to the WHO reference data to adjust for child's age and gender. Cytokine secretion was stimulated with phytohemagglutinin or lipopolysaccharide and measured by cytometric bead assay. Furthermore, we assessed metabolic parameter in blood of 318 children at age 1 using the AbsoluteIDQ p180 Kit (Biocrates LIFE Science AG). RESULTS: Applying logistic regression models, we found that an increase of maternal IL4 and IL13 was associated with a decreased risk for overweight development in 1- and 2-year-old children. This effect was consistent up to the age of 3 years for IL13 and mainly concerns children without maternal history of atopy. Children's acylcarnitine concentrations at 1 year were positively correlated with maternal IL13 levels and inversely associated with the BMI Z-score at age 1. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to show for the first time that the maternal Th2 status may be linked inversely to early childhood overweight development accompanied by an altered metabolic profile of the fetus. However, our data do not support a direct mediating role of acylcarnitines on maternal IL13-induced weight development.

[Endocrine disruptors : Evidence from epidemiological studies necessitates a critical review of model systems]. / Endokrine Modulatoren : Hinweise aus epidemiologischen Studien bedürfen einer kritischen Überprüfung in Modellsystemen.

Endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs) cause adverse health effects through interaction with endocrine systems. They are classified by chemical structure, effects on specific endocrine systems, bioaccumulation, persistence in the environment, or clinically observable effects. For research of the complex mechanisms of action in the human body, only in vitro model systems have so far been available, that have insufficient high-throughput capacity, which makes risk evaluation more difficult. In addition, in industrial nations, living people are often exposed to mixtures of substances, with various effects. The clinical importance of epigenetic changes caused by the action of EDCs during vulnerable phases of development is currently unclear. Epidemiological studies are criticized because reproducibility is not always guaranteed. Nevertheless, they remain the method of choice for the development and analysis of suitable model systems. Positive associations, in spite of sometimes conflicting results, are key in the selection of factors that can then be analysed in model systems in an unbiased way. This article depicts the mainly positive epidemiological findings for EDC-caused effects in the fields of growth and metabolism, neurocognitive development and sexual development and reproduction. As a result, there is a need for closer linkage between epidemiological studies and mechanistic research into model systems, especially focusing on the interaction of different EDCs and the consequences of prenatal and early life exposure.

Seed-vectored endophytic bacteria modulate development of rice seedlings.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the removal of indigenous bacteria from rice seeds on seedling growth and development. Here we report the presence of three indigenous endophytic bacteria in rice seeds that play important roles in modulating seedling development (shoot and root lengths, and formation of root hairs and secondary roots) and defence against pathogens. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seed-associated bacteria were removed using surface sterilization with NaOCl (bleach) followed by antibiotic treatment. When bacteria were absent, growth of seedlings in terms of root hair development and overall seedling size was less than that of seedlings that contained bacteria. Reactive oxygen staining of seedlings showed that endophytic bacteria became intracellular in root parenchyma cells and root hairs. Roots containing endophytic bacteria were seen to stain densely for reactive oxygen, while roots free of bacteria stained lightly for reactive oxygen. Bacteria were isolated and identified as Enterobacter asburiae (VWB1), Pantoea dispersa (VWB2) and Pseudomonas putida (VWB3) by 16S rDNA sequencing. Bacteria were found to produce indole acetic acid (auxins), inhibited the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum and solubilized phosphate. Reinoculation of bacteria onto seedlings derived from surface-disinfected rice and Bermuda grass seeds significantly restored seedling growth and development. CONCLUSION: Rice seeds harbour indigenous bacterial endophytes that greatly influence seedling growth and development, including root and shoot lengths, root hair formation and disease susceptibility of rice seedlings. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study shows that seeds of rice naturally harbour bacterial endophytes that play key roles in modulation of seedling development.

Functional Role of Bacteria from Invasive Phragmites australis in Promotion of Host Growth.

We hypothesize that bacterial endophytes may enhance the competitiveness and invasiveness of Phragmites australis. To evaluate this hypothesis, endophytic bacteria were isolated from P. australis. The majority of the shoot meristem isolates represent species from phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. We chose one species from each phylum to characterize further and to conduct growth promotion experiments in Phragmites. Bacteria tested include Bacillus amyloliquefaciens A9a, Achromobacter spanius B1, and Microbacterium oxydans B2. Isolates were characterized for known growth promotional traits, including indole acetic acid (IAA) production, secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, phosphate solubilization, and antibiosis activity. Potentially defensive antimicrobial lipopeptides were assayed for through application of co-culturing experiments and mass spectrometer analysis. B. amyloliquefaciens A9a and M. oxydans B2 produced IAA. B. amyloliquefaciens A9a secreted antifungal lipopeptides. Capability to promote growth of P. australis under low nitrogen conditions was evaluated in greenhouse experiments. All three isolates were found to increase the growth of P. australis under low soil nitrogen conditions and showed increased absorption of isotopic nitrogen into plants. This suggests that the Phragmites microbes we evaluated most likely promote growth of Phragmites by enhanced scavenging of nitrogenous compounds from the rhizosphere and transfer to host roots. Collectively, our results support the hypothesis that endophytic bacteria play a role in enhancing growth of P. australis in natural populations. Gaining a better understanding of the precise contributions and mechanisms of endophytes in enabling P. australis to develop high densities rapidly could lead to new symbiosis-based strategies for management and control of the host.

Metabolomics reveals effects of maternal smoking on endogenous metabolites from lipid metabolism in cord blood of newborns.

INTRODUCTION: A general detrimental effect of smoking during pregnancy on the health of newborn children is well-documented, but the detailed mechanisms remain elusive. OBJECTIVES: Beside the specific influence of environmental tobacco smoke derived toxicants on developmental regulation the impact on the metabolism of newborn children is of particular interest, first as a general marker of foetal development and second due to its potential predictive value for the later occurrence of metabolic diseases. METHODS: Tobacco smoke exposure information from a questionnaire was confirmed by measuring the smoking related metabolites S-Phenyl mercapturic acid, S-Benzyl mercapturic acid and cotinine in maternal urine by LC-MS/MS. The impact of smoking on maternal endogenous serum metabolome and children's cord blood metabolome was assessed in a targeted analysis of 163 metabolites by an LC-MS/MS based assay. The anti-oxidative status of maternal serum samples was analysed by chemoluminiscence based method. RESULTS: Here we present for the first time results of a metabolomic assessment of the cordblood of 40 children and their mothers. Several analytes from the group of phosphatidylcholines, namely PCaaC28:1, PCaaC32:3, PCaeC30:1, PCaeC32:2, PCaeC40:1, and sphingomyelin SM C26:0, differed significantly in mothers and children's sera depending on smoking status. In serum of smoking mothers the antioxidative capacity of water soluble compounds was not significantly changed while there was a significant decrease in the lipid fraction. CONCLUSION: Our data give evidence that smoking during pregnancy alters both the maternal and children's metabolome. Whether the different pattern found in adults compared to newborn children could be related to different disease outcomes should be in the focus of future studies.

Metabotypes with properly functioning mitochondria and anti-inflammation predict extended productive life span in dairy cows.

The failure to adapt metabolism to the homeorhetic demands of lactation is considered as a main factor in reducing the productive life span of dairy cows. The so far defined markers of production performance and metabolic health in dairy cows do not predict the length of productive life span satisfyingly. This study aimed to identify novel pathways and biomarkers related to productive life in dairy cows by means of (targeted) metabolomics. In a longitudinal study from 42 days before up to 100 days after parturition, we identified metabolites such as long-chain acylcarnitines and biogenic amines associated with extended productive life spans. These metabolites are mainly secreted by the liver and depend on the functionality of hepatic mitochondria. The concentrations of biogenic amines and some acylcarnitines differed already before the onset of lactation thus indicating their predictive potential for continuation or early ending of productive life.

Biomonitoring of prenatal analgesic intake and correlation with infantile anti-aeroallergens IgE.

An association between prenatal acetaminophen or ibuprofen intake and an increased risk of asthma and increased IgE level in children is discussed in various epidemiological studies. Although the molecular mechanistic link is still unknown, the question whether or not acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen are safe pain medications during pregnancy arose. In this study, we associate maternal acetaminophen and ibuprofen intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding to infantile asthma phenotypes and elevated IgE level. Therefore, we analysed questionnaires from a local mother-child cohort and monitored drug intake by LC-MS biomonitoring in urine. No association was found between drug intake and any analysed health outcome using questionnaire data. For the information obtained from biomonitoring, no association was found for ibuprofen and acetaminophen intakes during breastfeeding. However, an association between prenatal acetaminophen intake and increased infantile IgEs related to aeroallergens was statistically detected, but not for asthma phenotypes.

Impaired respiratory function and associations with health-related quality of life in people with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Follow-up measurement in a multicenter prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of impaired respiratory function (pulmonary function and perceived respiratory function), the incidence of respiratory infection and the associations among these parameters in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) 5 years after initial inpatient rehabilitation. Second, we assessed associations between respiratory function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). SETTING: Eight rehabilitation centers with specialized SCI units in the Netherlands. METHODS: Measurements were performed 5 years after discharge of inpatient rehabilitation. Pulmonary function was determined by forced vital capacity (FVC) and perceived respiratory function by self-reported cough strength and dyspnea. HRQOL was measured using the Sickness Impact Profile 68 and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. RESULTS: One-hundred forty-seven people with SCI participated. Of this sample, 30.9% had impaired FVC, 35.9% poor or moderate cough strength, 18.4% dyspnea at rest and 29.0% dyspnea during activity. In the year before the measurements, 8.9% had had respiratory infection. FVC was associated with cough strength, but not with dyspnea. All respiratory function parameters were associated with social functioning, whereas other HRQOL domains were associated with dyspnea only. CONCLUSION: Five years after initial inpatient rehabilitation, impaired respiratory function and respiratory infection were common in people with SCI. More severely impaired respiratory function was associated with lower HRQOL. SPONSORSHIP: The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development.

The ecological and physiological responses of the microbial community from a semiarid soil to hydrocarbon contamination and its bioremediation using compost amendment.

The linkage between phylogenetic and functional processes may provide profound insights into the effects of hydrocarbon contamination and biodegradation processes in high-diversity environments. Here, the impacts of petroleum contamination and the bioremediation potential of compost amendment, as enhancer of the microbial activity in semiarid soils, were evaluated in a model experiment. The analysis of phospholipid fatty-acids (PLFAs) and metaproteomics allowed the study of biomass, phylogenetic and physiological responses of the microbial community in polluted semiarid soils. Petroleum pollution induced an increase of proteobacterial proteins during the contamination, while the relative abundance of Rhizobiales lowered in comparison to the non-contaminated soil. Despite only 0.55% of the metaproteome of the compost-treated soil was involved in biodegradation processes, the addition of compost promoted the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkanes up to 88% after 50 days. However, natural biodegradation of hydrocarbons was not significant in soils without compost. Compost-assisted bioremediation was mainly driven by Sphingomonadales and uncultured bacteria that showed an increased abundance of catabolic enzymes such as catechol 2,3-dioxygenases, cis-dihydrodiol dehydrogenase and 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde. For the first time, metaproteomics revealed the functional and phylogenetic relationships of petroleum contamination in soil and the microbial key players involved in the compost-assisted bioremediation.

Fatigue in persons with subacute spinal cord injury who are dependent on a manual wheelchair.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and severity of fatigue in persons with subacute spinal cord injury (SCI), assess whether demographic and lesion characteristics are related to fatigue and determine the relationship with physical fitness and physical behavior. SETTING: Measurements were performed 2 months before discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS: Thirty-six persons with subacute SCI, dependent on a manual wheelchair, mean age 43±15 and 83% men, completed the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). FSS scores >4 indicated fatigue. We recorded age and lesion characteristics, measured body mass index, measured peak power output and peak oxygen uptake during a maximal handcycling test and determined physical behavior using an accelerometer-based activity monitor. T-tests were used to test for differences in fatigue between subgroups based on age and lesion characteristics, and regression analyses to assess the relationship with physical fitness and physical behavior. RESULTS: Mean FSS was 3.3±1.3. Fatigue, including severe fatigue, was prevalent in 31% (95% confidence interval: 16-46) of participants compared with 18% in the general population. Furthermore, mean fatigue was significantly higher in persons with incomplete compared with complete lesions (t=2.22, P=0.03). Mean scores between other subgroups did not differ significantly. Of the physical fitness and physical behavior measures, only peak oxygen uptake tended to be related to more fatigue (B=-1.47, P=0.05). CONCLUSION: Fatigue was prevalent and is of concern in persons with subacute SCI. Those with incomplete lesions seem to be at higher risk. Because fatigue is known to persist among persons with SCI, interventions to reduce fatigue seem necessary.

Induction of salt tolerance and up-regulation of aquaporin genes in tropical corn by rhizobacterium Pantoea agglomerans.

UNLABELLED: Bacteria were isolated from surface disinfected seeds of eight modern corn types and an ancestor of corn, 'teosinte' and identified using 16S rDNA sequences. From each of the modern corn types we obtained Bacillus spp. (including, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus subtilis); while from teosinte we obtained only Pantoea agglomerans and Agrobacterium species. Of these bacteria, only P. agglomerans could actively grow under hypersaline conditions and increase salt tolerance of tropical corn seedlings. In laboratory and greenhouse experiments where plants were watered with a 0.2 mol l(-1) NaCl solution, P. agglomerans was found to enhance the capacity of tropical corn to grow compared to uninoculated controls. The total dry biomass was significantly higher in P. agglomerans-treated plants compared to controls under saline water. Gene expression analysis showed the up-regulation of the aquaporin gene family especially plasma membrane integral protein (ZmPIP) genes in P. agglomerans-treated plants. The plasma membrane integral protein type 2 (PIP2-1) gene in tropical corn seedlings was highly up-regulated by P. agglomerans treatment under salt stress conditions. Microscopic examination of P. agglomerans inoculated seedlings revealed that the bacterium colonized root meristems densely, and as roots developed, the bacterium became sparsely located in cell junctions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The enhancement of salt tolerance capacity in tropical corn, an important food crop, has the capacity to increase its cultivation area and yield in saline soils. The application of rhizobacteria to improve salt tolerance of tropical corn is ecofriendly and cost effective. We show that P. agglomerans isolated from teosinte (an ancestor of corn) induces salt tolerance in tropical corn and up-regulation of aquaporin genes. This study shows that microbes that increase salt tolerance may be used to enhance crop growth in saline soils.

Pyruvate Kinase and Phosphopyruvate Hydratase as Novel IgE Reactive Proteins in Prawn

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