Chemical evaluation of partially acidulated phosphate rocks and their impact on dry matter yield and phosphorus uptake of maize.

Previous studies investigated the direct application of phosphate rock and its partially acidulated to enhance its solubility compared to soluble fertilizers. However, the interaction between the effect of particles diameter and partial acidulation of phosphate rock on phosphorus (P) availability and its effect on dry matter yield and P uptake is still elusive. This study was conducted to assess the effect of partially acidulated Egyptian phosphate rocks with different particle size diameters on P availability and its effect on dry matter yield and P uptake of maize (Zea mays L.). A pot experiment was conducted on maize plants grown on light clay soil for 42 days. Acidulation was done by mixing phosphate rock with single superphosphate or triple superphosphate at a total rate of 200 mg P kg-1 with five acidulation mix ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100). Different particle size diameters of phosphate rocks (500, 212, 75, and <45 µm included nano-particles ranged from 69.3 to 25.7 nm) were used. We found that dry matter yield and P uptake increased significantly due to the use of partially acidulated phosphate rocks especially when triple superphosphate was used for acidulation and the mixing ratio of 50:50 was the best. We also found that maize yield and P uptake increased significantly with decreasing particle size. It is recommended to use finely grounded partially acidulated phosphate rocks with particles diameter less than 45 µm at acidulation ratio 50% and no need to increase acidulation ratio above that as a slow-release phosphate fertilizer.

Mu opioid receptors in the medial habenula contribute to naloxone aversion.

The medial habenula (MHb) is considered a brain center regulating aversive states. The mu opioid receptor (MOR) has been traditionally studied at the level of nociceptive and mesolimbic circuits, for key roles in pain relief and reward processing. MOR is also densely expressed in MHb, however, MOR function at this brain site is virtually unknown. Here we tested the hypothesis that MOR in the MHb (MHb-MOR) also regulates aversion processing. We used chnrb4-Cre driver mice to delete the Oprm1 gene in chnrb4-neurons, predominantly expressed in the MHb. Conditional mutant (B4MOR) mice showed habenula-specific reduction of MOR expression, restricted to chnrb4-neurons (50% MHb-MORs). We tested B4MOR mice in behavioral assays to evaluate effects of MOR activation by morphine, and MOR blockade by naloxone. Locomotor, analgesic, rewarding, and motivational effects of morphine were preserved in conditional mutants. In contrast, conditioned place aversion (CPA) elicited by naloxone was reduced in both naïve (high dose) and morphine-dependent (low dose) B4MOR mice. Further, physical signs of withdrawal precipitated by either MOR (naloxone) or nicotinic receptor (mecamylamine) blockade were attenuated. These data suggest that MORs expressed in MHb B4-neurons contribute to aversive effects of naloxone, including negative effect and aversive effects of opioid withdrawal. MORs are inhibitory receptors, therefore we propose that endogenous MOR signaling normally inhibits chnrb4-neurons of the MHb and moderates their known aversive activity, which is unmasked upon receptor blockade. Thus, in addition to facilitating reward at several brain sites, tonic MOR activity may also limit aversion within the MHb circuitry.

Performance of geopolymers for direct immobilization of solvent extraction liquids: Metakaolin/LIX-84 formulations.

Direct immobilization of organic wastes, such as solvent extraction liquids, is an imperative demand in the nuclear sector. This demand has been met in the present study through the development of typical metakaolin-based geopolymeric formulations containing 8% LIX-84 (8LIXGP45) which were pre-saturated with Cu2+. They were completely homogeneous at very young ages and had 28-day compressive strength values of twice the waste acceptance criteria. Effect of 0.1 M of nitric, hydrochloric or sulfuric acids on the leaching of Cu2+ were studied in comparison to de-mineralized water. All formulations performed well where most of Cu2+ was not easily removed and the wash-offs were the controlling leaching mechanisms. Characterization of 8LIXGP45 formulations, at the end of the leaching tests, assessed that the Cu2+-saturated LIX-84 did not moved out of the matrices, even under sever acidic attacks. This was obvious via the presence of copper in the elemental analyses which was associated by cuprite and chloromenite minerals in phase analyses. Fourier transform infrared spectra proofed the presence of all bonding vibrations of LIX-84 along with the geopolymeric ones. These were also noticed in the scanning electron micrographs. Hereby it is recommended to apply metakaolin-based geopolymers to directly immobilize this kind of organic wastes.

Lack of anticipatory behavior in Gpr88 knockout mice showed by automatized home cage phenotyping.

Mouse models are widely used to understand genetic bases of behavior. Traditional testing typically requires multiple experimental settings, captures only snapshots of behavior and involves human intervention. The recent development of automated home cage monitoring offers an alternative method to study mouse behavior in their familiar and social environment, and over weeks. Here, we used the IntelliCage system to test this approach for mouse phenotyping, and studied mice lacking Gpr88 that have been extensively studied using standard testing. We monitored mouse behavior over 22 days in 4 different phases. In the free adaptation phase, Gpr88 -/- mice showed delayed habituation to the home cage, and increased frequency of same corner returns behavior in their alternation pattern. In the following nose-poke adaptation phase, non-habituation continued, however, mutant mice acquired nose-poke conditioning similar to controls. In the place learning and reversal phase, Gpr88-/- mice developed preference for the water/sucrose corner with some delay, but did not differ from controls for reversal. Finally, in a fixed schedule-drinking phase, control animals showed higher activity during the hour preceding water accessibility, and reduced activity after access to water was terminated. Mutant mice did not show this behavior, showing lack of anticipatory behavior. Our data therefore confirm hyperactivity, non-habituation and altered exploratory behaviors that were reported previously. Learning deficits described in other settings were barely detectable, and a novel phenotype was discovered. Home cage monitoring therefore extends previous findings and shows yet another facet of GPR88 function that deserves further investigation.

mTORC1-dependent translation of collapsin response mediator protein-2 drives neuroadaptations underlying excessive alcohol-drinking behaviors.

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.12.

mTORC1-dependent translation of collapsin response mediator protein-2 drives neuroadaptations underlying excessive alcohol-drinking behaviors.

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) has an essential role in dendritic mRNA translation and participates in mechanisms underlying alcohol-drinking and reconsolidation of alcohol-related memories. Here, we report that excessive alcohol consumption increases the translation of downstream targets of mTORC1, including collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2), in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rodents. We show that alcohol-mediated induction of CRMP-2 translation is mTORC1-dependent, leading to increased CRMP-2 protein levels. Furthermore, we demonstrate that alcohol intake also blocks glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß)-phosphorylation of CRMP-2, which results in elevated binding of CRMP-2 to microtubules and a concomitant increase in microtubule content. Finally, we show that systemic administration of the CRMP-2 inhibitor lacosamide, or knockdown of CRMP-2 in the NAc decreases excessive alcohol intake. These results suggest that CRMP-2 in the NAc is a convergent point that receives inputs from two signaling pathways, mTORC1 and GSK-3ß, that in turn drives excessive alcohol-drinking behaviors.

Plasmodium falciparum population structure in Sudan post artemisinin-based combination therapy.

Over the past decade, Sudan has stepped up malaria control backed by WHO, and this has resulted in significant reduction in parasite rate, malaria morbidity and mortality. The present study analyzed Plasmodium falciparum parasites in four geographical separated areas, to examine whether the success in malaria control following the use of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has disrupted the population structure and evolution of the parasite. We examined 319 P. falciparum isolates collected between October 2009 and October 2012 in four different areas in Sudan (Jazira [central Sudan], Southern Darfur [western Sudan], Upper Nile [southern Sudan] and Kasala [eastern Sudan]). Twelve microsatellites were analyzed for allelic diversity, multi-locus haplotype and inter-population differentiation. Level of diversity was compared to that detected for three of the above microsatellites among P. falciparum parasites in central and eastern Sudan in 1999, prior to introduction of ACT. Diversity at each locus (unbiased heterozygosity [H]) was high in all areas (Jazira, H=0.67), (Southern Darfur, H=0.71), (Upper Nile, H=0.71), and (Kasala, H=0.63). Microsatellites were distributed widely and private alleles, detected in a single population, were rare. The extent of diversity in the above sites was similar to that seen, in 1999, in central (Khartoum, H=0.73) and eastern Sudan (Gedaref, H=0.75). Significant Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was observed between the microsatellites in all populations. Pairwise FST analysis revealed that parasites in the four areas could be considered as one population. However, the parasites in Sudan clustered away from parasites in West Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Despite marked reduction in malaria risk in Sudan, the extent of diversity and parasite genetic structure are indicative of a large population size. Further considerable reduction in transmission would be needed before fragmented sub-population can be seen. In addition, the large divergence of P. falciparum in Sudan from West Africa and Arabian Peninsula populations may result from differential evolutionary pressures acting at the population level, which shall be considered in eradication plans.

Effects of ethanol and ecstasy on conditioned place preference in the rat.

The club drug ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine or MDMA) is often taken recreationally with ethanol (EtOH). We have shown previously that EtOH potentiates the psychomotor effects of MDMA in rats. More recently, we demonstrated in striatal slices that MDMA produced preferential release of serotonin, but when combined with EtOH, the preferential release shifted to dopamine, raising the possibility that administration of EtOH may increase the reward effect of MDMA. To address this possibility, adult male Long-Evans rats were tested for conditioned place preference following treatment with saline, EtOH (0.75 g/kg), MDMA (6.6 mg/kg) or the combination. The only condition that produced a preference for the compartment associated with the drug was that of the drug combination. The current data are in line with anecdotal reports and one study in humans, indicating that EtOH alters the pharmacological effects of MDMA including self reports of enhanced or prolonged euphoria. Thus, administration of EtOH might increase the risk for compulsive use of MDMA, an issue that warrants further study.

[Extensive portocava thrombosis revealing a primary antiphospholipid syndrome: a case report]. / Thrombose portocave extensive révélant un syndrome primaire des anticorps antiphospholipides: à propos d'un cas.

We report a 20-year-old woman who presented with a massive portal thrombosis that rapidly extended to the superior and inferior vein cava system causing an acute Budd-Chiari syndrome. The investigations concluded to a primary antiphospholipid syndrome without any other prothrombotic factors. The outcome was fatal, 18 months later, despite anticoagulation, with hepatorenal syndrome and severe liver failure.

[Primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy without cutaneous involvement (Currarino's disease)]. / Ostéoarthropathie hypertrophiante primitive sans atteinte cutanée (maladie de Currarino).

INTRODUCTION: Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a syndrome associating hippocratic fingers, arthropathy and periostosis of long bones. Currarino's disease, considered at present as a clinical form of primary HOA, is characterized by the absence of pachydermia. OBSERVATION: A 24-year-old Caucasian man, consulted for a painful swelling of both ankles that had developed over the past year. Clinical examination revealed hippocratic fingers without pachydermia. The ankles were swollen. The X-rays showed periosteal apposition and an acro-osteolysis. In view of this triad: arthropathy, hippocratic fingers and periostosis, primary HOA without cutaneous involvement or Currarino's disease was diagnosed. The search for a secondary cause remained negative. Clinical improvement was obtained after 15 months with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and colchicine. COMMENTS: Although exceptional, primary HOA without cutaneous involvement is a genetic disease which must not be ignored.

Sex differences in perceived controllability of mate value: an evolutionary perspective.

Men and women value different characteristics in potential partners. It was hypothesized that women feel they have less control over traits relevant to their desirability than men feel they have over traits related to male desirability. In Study 1, undergraduates (N = 150) completed questionnaires measuring (a) the importance they attributed to 64 characteristics when choosing a mate and (b) their perceived control over these traits. Men selected partners on the basis of traits that are relatively uncontrollable (e.g., youth, attractiveness), whereas women selected partners on the basis of traits that are more controllable (e.g., status, industriousness; d = 1.75). In Study 2, these findings were replicated in an older, representative community sample (N = 301; d = 1.03). Greater uncontrollability of traits relevant to female mate value may place women at elevated risk for negative affect, depression, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction.

Selective effects of two systemic fungicides on soil fungi.

BAS 317 00F was not toxic to the total count of fungi after 2 days but was regularly significantly toxic at the three doses after 5, 20 and 40 days and toxic at the low and the high doses after 80 days. In the agar medium, it was toxic to the counts of total fungi. Aspergillus, A. terreus, Rhizopus oryzae and Mucor racemosus at the high dose. Only the mycelial growth of Trichoderma viride which was significantly inhibited by the three doses when this fungicide was added to the liquid medium. Polyram-Combi induced two effects on the total population of soil fungi. One inhibitory and this was demonstrated almost regularly after 2, 10 and 40 days and the other stimulatory after 80 days of treatment with the low and the high doses. In the agar medium, this fungicide was very toxic to total fungi and to almost all fungal genera and species at the three doses. Several fungi could survive the high dose. In liquid medium, the test fungi showed variable degree of sensitivity and the most sensitive was Gliocladium roseum which was completely eradicated by the three doses.