A hidden herbivory effect on Sphagnum reproduction.

Defence theories provide predictions about trade-offs in the allocation of resources to defence and growth. However, very little is known about how pressure from herbivores influences the allocation of resources during reproduction. Two common peatland bryophyte species, Sphagnum angustifolium and S. capillifolium, were chosen as study species. Vegetative and reproductive shoots of both Sphagnum species were subjected to treatments with and without herbivores in a lab experiment. After 4 weeks of exposure to herbivores in a growth chamber, we measured biomass production, net photosynthesis rate, defence traits (phenolics in leachate and phenolics in extract), nonstructural carbohydrates (soluble sugar and starch), and reproductive traits (capsule number, weight and diameter, and spore germination) of both Sphagnum species. Reproductive shoots had higher constitutive defence than vegetative shoots in S. angustifolium, and a similar pattern was observed in S. capillifolium. With herbivory, reproductive shoots showed stronger induced defence (released more phenolics) than vegetative shoots in S. capillifolium, but not in S. angustifolium. Herbivory had no effect on capsule number, weight, or diameter, but reduced spore germination percentage by more than half in both species. Our study highlights the hidden effects of herbivory on reproduction of Sphagnum and indicates the presence of maternal effects in bryophytes. Ecologists will benefit from examining both quality- and quantity-based traits when attempting to estimate the herbivory effect on plant fitness.

Stress radiographic assessment of collateral ligament constraints on the feline tarsocrural joint.

INTRODUCTION: This cadaveric study describes the collateral ligament constraints on the feline tarsocrural joint using stress radiography. METHODS: Thirty-six feline cadaveric hindlimbs free of orthopaedic disease were placed in a custom-made jig and controlled stress radiography was performed before and after transection of one, or both collateral ligaments. Changes in varus and valgus deviation and pronation and supination were measured at three limb angles (extension, 120o flexion and 90o flexion). RESULTS: There was a significant positive percentage change in the mean angle of varus deviation after transection of the fibulocalcaneal ligament at all limb positions (extension: 41%, 120°: 78%, 90°: 63%). There was a significant positive percentage change in the mean angle of varus deviation after transection of the fibulotalar ligament at extension (14%). There was a significant positive percentage change in the mean angle of varus deviation after transection of both fibulocalcaneal and fibulotalar ligaments at all limb positions (extension: 58%, 120°: 67%, 90°: 67%), and in the mean angle of valgus deviation (100%) and supination (89%) at 90 degrees flexion. There was a significant positive percentage change in the mean angle of valgus deviation after transection of the tibiocentral ligament at all limb positions (extension: mean 79%, 120°: 43%, 90°: 49%) and the mean angle of pronation at 120 degrees flexion (10%). There was a significant positive percentage change in the mean angle of varus deviation after transection of the tibiotalar ligament at extension (11%) and at 90 degrees flexion (54%) and in the mean angle of pronation at all limb positions (extension: 11%, 120°: 19%, 90°: 32%). There was a significant positive percentage change in the mean angle of valgus deviation (extension: 255%, 120°: 172%, 90°: 176%) and pronation (extension: 58%, 120°: 134%, 90°: 76%) after transection of the tibiocentral and tibiotalar ligaments at all limb positions and in the mean angle of varus deviation at extension (13%) and 90 degrees flexion (69%). CONCLUSION: The medial collateral ligaments prevent against excessive valgus deviation and pronation, and the lateral collateral ligaments prevent against excessive varus deviation and supination. At 90 degrees flexion subluxation of the talus occurs on the ipsilateral side of the ligament injury resulting in an additional direction of instability.

A RelA(p65) Thr505 phospho-site mutation reveals an important mechanism regulating NF-κB-dependent liver regeneration and cancer.

Post-translational modifications of nuclear factor (NF)-κB subunits provide a mechanism to differentially regulate their activity in response to the many stimuli that induce this pathway. However, the physiological significance of these modifications is largely unknown, and it remains unclear if these have a critical role in the normal and pathological functions of NF-κB in vivo. Among these, phosphorylation of the RelA(p65) Thr505 residue has been described as an important regulator of NF-κB activity in cell lines, but its physiological significance was not known. Therefore, to learn more about the role of this pathway in vivo, we generated a knockin mouse with a RelA T505A mutation. Unlike RelA knockout mice, the RelA T505A mice develop normally but exhibit aberrant hepatocyte proliferation following liver partial hepatectomy or damage resulting from carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treatment. Consistent with these effects, RelA T505A mice exhibit earlier onset of cancer in the N-nitrosodiethylamine model of hepatocellular carcinoma. These data reveal a critical pathway controlling NF-κB function in the liver that acts to suppress the tumour-promoting activities of RelA.

Modeling socially anhedonic syndromes: genetic and pharmacological manipulation of opioid neurotransmission in mice.

Social anhedonia, or the diminished capacity to experience pleasure and reward from social affiliation, is a major symptom of different psychiatric disorders, including some forms of infantile autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The brain opioid hypothesis of social attachment is a promising model for achieving insights into how neurobiological and developmental factors contribute to the regulation of social reward. In this study, genetic knocking-out and naltrexone (NTRX) treatment during the first 4 days of life were used to disrupt opioid neurotransmission in mouse pups and their attachment relationships with the mother. Both permanent (genetic) and transient (pharmacological) manipulations of opioid neurotransmission exerted long-term effects on social affiliation. When juveniles, both µ-opioid receptor knockout mice and NTRX-treated pups showed reduced interest in peers and no preference for socially rewarding environment. These results demonstrate that sociability in juvenile mice is highly dependent on the establishment during infancy of a positive affective relationship with their mothers and that opioid neurotransmission has a major role in the regulation of social hedonic capacity. If the validity of this animal model will be confirmed by future research, translational studies focusing on the interaction between early experience and opioid neurotransmission could provide useful insights for identifying endophenotypes of human psychiatric disorders associated with social anhedonia.

Implication of the VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21 in mouse acute and chronic stress responses.

The impact of stress is widely recognized in the etiology of multiple disorders. In particular, psychological stress may increase the risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and mood disorders. Several genes are considered potential candidates to account for the deleterious consequences of stress and recent data point to role of Vgf. VGF mRNA is abundantly expressed in the hypothalamus, where it has been involved in metabolism and energy homeostasis; more recently a link between VGF-derived peptides and mood disorders has been highlighted. The following experiments were performed to address the contribution of the VGF-system to stress induced changes in mice: the distribution of VGF immuno-reactivity in hypothalamic nuclei and its modulation by social stress; the role of VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21 in plasma catecholamine release induced by acute restraint stress (RS); the efficacy of chronic TLQP-21 in a mouse model of chronic subordination stress (CSS). VGF fibers were found in high density in arcuate, dorsomedial, and suprachiasmatic and, at lower density, in lateral, paraventricular, and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei. Central administration of either 2 or 4 mM TLQP-21 acutely altered the biphasic serum epinephrine release and decreased norepinephrine serum levels in response to RS. Finally, 28-day of 40 µg/day TLQP-21 treatment increased CSS-induced social avoidance of an unfamiliar conspecific. Overall these data support a role for TLQP-21 in stress responses providing a promising starting point to further elucidate its role as a player in stress-related human pathologies.

Monitoring of alcoholic fermentation using near infrared and mid infrared spectroscopies combined with electronic nose and electronic tongue.

Effective fermentation monitoring is a growing need due to the rapid pace of change in the wine industry, which calls for fast methods providing real time information in order to assure the quality of the final product. The objective of this work is to investigate the potential of non-destructive techniques associated with chemometric data analysis, to monitor time-related changes that occur during red wine fermentation. Eight micro-fermentation trials conducted in the Valtellina region (Northern Italy) during the 2009 vintage, were monitored by a FT-NIR and a FT-IR spectrometer and by an electronic nose and tongue. The spectroscopic technique was used to investigate molecular changes, while electronic nose and electronic tongue evaluated the evolution of the aroma and taste profile during the must-wine fermentation. Must-wine samples were also analysed by traditional chemical methods in order to determine sugars (glucose and fructose) consumption and alcohol (ethanol and glycerol) production. Principal Component Analysis was applied to spectral, electronic nose and electronic tongue data, as an exploratory tool, to uncover molecular, aroma and taste modifications during the fermentation process. Furthermore, the chemical data and the PC1 scores from spectral, electronic nose and electronic tongue data were modelled as a function of time to identify critical points during fermentation. The results showed that NIR and MIR spectroscopies are useful to investigate molecular changes involved in wine fermentation while electronic nose and electronic tongue can be applied to detect the evolution of taste and aroma profile. Moreover, as demonstrated through the modeling of NIR, MIR, electronic nose and electronic tongue data, these non destructive methods are suitable for the monitoring of must-wine fermentation giving crucial information about the quality of the final product in agreement with chemical parameters. Although in this study the measurements were carried out in off-line mode, in future these non destructive techniques could be valid and simple tools, able to provide in-time information about the fermentation process and to assure the quality of wine.

Sand impaction of the small intestine in eight dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe signalment, clinical findings, imaging and treatment of intestinal sand impaction in the dog. METHODS: Medical records of dogs with radiographic evidence of small intestinal sand impaction were reviewed. RESULTS: Sand impaction resulting in small intestinal obstruction was diagnosed in eight dogs. All dogs presented with signs of vomiting. Other clinical signs included anorexia, lethargy and abdominal pain. Radiographs confirmed the presence of radio-opaque material consistent with sand causing distension of the terminal small intestine in all dogs. Four dogs were treated surgically for their impaction and four dogs were managed medically. Seven of the eight dogs survived. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both medical and surgical management of intestinal sand impaction in the dog can be effective and both afford a good prognosis for recovery.

Postnatal handling reverses social anxiety in serotonin receptor 1A knockout mice.

Mice lacking the serotonin receptor 1A (Htr1a knockout, Htr1a(KO)) show increased innate and conditioned anxiety. This phenotype depends on functional receptor activity during the third through fifth weeks of life and thus appears to be the result of long-term changes in brain function as a consequence of an early deficit in serotonin signaling. To evaluate whether this phenotype can be influenced by early environmental factors, we subjected Htr1a knockout mice to postnatal handling, a procedure known to reduce anxiety-like behavior and stress responses in adulthood. Offspring of heterozygous Htr1a knockout mice were separated from their mother and exposed 15 min each day from postnatal day 1 (PD1) to PD14 to clean bedding. Control animals were left undisturbed. Maternal behavior was observed during the first 13 days of life. Adult male offspring were tested in the open field, social approach and resident-intruder tests and assessed for corticosterone response to restraint stress. Knockout mice showed increased anxiety in the open field and in the social approach test as well as an enhanced corticosterone response to stress. However, while no effect of postnatal handling was seen in wild-type mice, handling reduced anxiety-like behavior in the social interaction test and the corticosterone response to stress in knockout mice. These findings extend the anxiety phenotype of Htr1a(KO) mice to include social anxiety and demonstrate that this phenotype can be moderated by early environmental factors.

Triple tibial osteotomy for treatment of the canine cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle joint. Surgical findings and postoperative complications in 97 stifles.

OBJECTIVE: To report the surgical findings and early post-operative complications of triple tibial osteotomy (TTO) for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disruption in dogs. METHODS: Clinical records of 84 dogs (97 stifles) that had TTO procedures were reviewed. Surgical findings and postoperative complications were assessed. A complication was defined as any undesirable outcome resulting from TTO that required further diagnostic investigation or surgical treatment. RESULTS: Mean tibial wedge angle was 13.6 degrees (range 10-20). Incomplete tibial crest osteotomy was achieved in 79% of TTO procedures. Implants were placed in the tibial crest in 67% of stifles. Early postoperative complications occurred in 23% of joints, and included avulsion of the tibial crest (9.1%), fracture at the distal cortical attachment of the tibial crest (6.2%), fibula fracture (4.1%), patellar tendonitis (3.1%), late meniscal injury (3.1%), implant complications (3.1%) and patellar fracture (2.1%). Increased patient age (p = 0.023), increased wedge angle (p = 0.009) and intra-operative fracturing of the cranial tibial cortex (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with postoperative tibial crest avulsion. Implants did not prevent tibial crest avulsion. Increased patient age (p = 0.012) was significantly associated with tibial crest fracture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tibial crest avulsion and fracture are the most common postoperative complications for TTO. Late meniscal injury is uncommon after TTO.

Anatomical investigation of the canine cranial tibial artery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate arterial vascularity at the level of the proximal tibia as a potential source of the severe intra-operative haemorrhage, which has been previously reported as a complication during tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) and triple tibial osteotomy (TTO) surgeries in dogs. To devise a surgical approach for the management of this complication. METHOD: Eight pelvic limbs from five canine cadavers were dissected and the vascular structures at the level of the proximal tibia were identified and photographed. An arterial phase angiogram was performed on a sixth cadaver to further describe the vasculature in situ . Additional dissection was performed on four pelvic limbs to devise a medial surgical approach to the popliteal artery and the cranial tibial artery proximal to the stifle. RESULTS: The cranial tibial artery was identified as the most likely source of profuse haemorrhaging if damaged during proximal tibial osteotomy. Its course and branching are described. A simple medial approach to the popliteal artery at the level of its bifurcation into the cranial and caudal tibial arteries was developed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding of the vascular anatomy at the level of the proximal tibia may prevent iatrogenic damage and resulting haemorrhage during TPLO and TTO surgeries. Temporary occlusion of the cranial tibial artery can be achieved through a simple medial approach, proximal to the stifle, in the event of severe haemorrhage associated with TPLO or TTO.

Pathophysiological role of TLQP-21: gastrointestinal and metabolic functions.

The present review summarizes recent findings on the metabolic and gastroenteric role of the VGF gene and a peptide derived by post-translational cleavage of the VGF pro-hormone, i.e. TLQP-21. The vgf gene is widely expressed through the central nervous system as well as in the peripheral nervous system, in myenteric plexus ganglia and also in the glandular portion of the stomach. A few VGF derived peptide have been shown to possess biological activity, among them TLQP-21 attracted particular interest following its identification within rat nervous system. In particular, recent studies from our and other groups implicated TLQP-21 in both the modulation of energy homeostasis, body weight regulation and neuroendocrine functions as well as in the central control of gut functions. Overall, findings available point to a role for TLQP-21 in negatively affecting the body energy balance.

Chronic administration of olanzapine affects Behavioral Satiety Sequence and feeding behavior in female mice.

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of chronic olanzapine (Ola) administration on feeding behavior. Although atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) have greatly improved the management of schizophrenia and extrapyramidal symptoms, substantial bodies of literature point out that most of these agents are highly related to a major risk of metabolic drawbacks, leading to dyslipidemia and obesity. Among these compounds, Ola is one of the more weight gain-inducing AAPs. In the present study, we analyzed the Behavioral Satiety Sequence (BSS) in female mice given a palatable diet (wet mash) and chronically administered Ola (0.75, 1.5, 3 mg/kg per os) for 36 days. The results showed that administration of the highest dose of Ola postponed the onset of satiation, as suggested by the rightward shift of the BSS. This effect was confirmed by an increase in the actual food intake by the Ola (3 mg/kg) mice. These results suggest that one of the possible mechanisms involved in AAPinduced weight gain is alteration of the hunger-satiety regulation in female mice. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that enhanced food intake and diminished central sensitivity to satiation signaling may cooperate in promoting weight gain and metabolic dysregulation in rodents and patients taking antipsychotic medications.

Interaction with stressed mothers affects corticosterone levels in pups after reunion and impairs the response to dexamethasone in adult mice.

BACKGROUND: Early adverse experiences are preeminent factors for the development of affective disorders. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of different postnatal manipulations applied either on the mother or on the offspring in mice. Maternal behavior and adrenocortical activity of both mothers and offspring at the end of postnatal stress and at adulthood were considered. METHODS: From postnatal day (PND) 1 to 14 mice underwent 15min of: (a) brief (15min) pups' exposure to clean bedding (CB: clean bedding), (b) mothers' exposure to the odor of a novel male (SM: stressed mother) or (c) mothers' exposure to a clean cage (CSM: control stressed mother), and (d) standard rearing (N-H: non-handled). The behavior of mouse dams during and after stress sessions was analyzed. Serum corticosterone of mothers and pups at the end of the stress session and 30min after reunion was assessed on PND 14. Moreover, anxiety levels and HPA-axis inhibitory feedback in response to dexamethasone administration were evaluated in adult male offspring. RESULTS: Overall, during the 14 days of treatment CB mothers when reunited with their pups showed higher maternal behavior than other dams. After the last stress (PND 14) SM and CSM maternal corticosterone levels increased as well as those of CB pups. While 30min of mother-infant interaction restored baseline corticosterone levels in SM and CSM mothers and in CB pups, SM and CSM offspring showed a decrease of corticosterone under baseline levels. At adulthood, SM and CSM males did not show the suppressive hormonal response to dexamethasone treatment. Moreover, adult CB and SM male mice displayed decreased anxiety in the open field. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal psychosocial stress during lactation seems to permanently affect the offspring's HPA functioning. These effects may be dissociated from the behavioral response as suggested by the decrease of anxiety in SM and CB adult mice.

Parasites of forage fishes in the vicinity of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) habitat in Alaska.

Fish serve as intermediate hosts for a number of larval parasites that have the potential of maturing in marine mammals such as Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). We examined the prevalence of parasites from 229 fish collected between March and July 2002 near two islands used by Steller sea lions in Southeast Alaska and island habitats in the Aleutian Islands. Sea lion populations have remained steady in Southeast Alaska but have been declining over the last 30 yr in the Aleutian Islands. Even though the fish samples near the Southeast Alaska haul-outs were composed of numerous small species of fish and the Aleutian Islands catch was dominated by juveniles of commercially harvested species, the parasite fauna was similar at all locations. Eleven of the 20 parasite taxa identified were in their larval stage in the fish hosts, several of which have been described from mammalian final hosts. Four species of parasite were more prevalent in Southeast Alaska fish samples, and seven parasite species, including several larval forms capable of infecting marine mammals, were more prevalent in fish from the Aleutian Islands. Nevertheless, parasites available to Steller sea lions from common fish prey are not likely to be a major factor in the decline of this marine mammal species.

Chronic intracerebroventricular TLQP-21 delivery does not modulate the GH/IGF-1-axis and muscle strength in mice.

OBJECTIVE: Biallelic ablation of VGF determines a dwarf phenotype. VGF precursor protein encodes for different biologically active peptides none of which has been related to growth or muscular abnormalities. Here we present the first attempt to fill this gap. We tested the hypothesis that a recently identified VGF-derived peptide, TLQP-21, shown to centrally modulate metabolic functions, could also modulate growth hormone (GH)-axis and muscle strength. DESIGN: Adult male mice were chronically icv injected with TLQP-21 (15 microg/day for 14 days). Physiological, molecular and behavioral parameters related to the GH/IGF-1-axis were investigated. RESULTS: Except for a reduction in the soleus weight, TLQP-21 did not affect GH/IGF-1-axis mediators, muscle strength and muscle weight. CONCLUSIONS: Results collected exclude a role for TLQP-21 in modulating the GH/IGF1-axis and muscle functions. VGF-derived peptides involved in the dwarf phenotype of VGF-/- mice have to be identified yet.

TLQP-21, a VGF-derived peptide, increases energy expenditure and prevents the early phase of diet-induced obesity.

The vgf gene has been identified as an energy homeostasis regulator. Vgf encodes a 617-aa precursor protein that is processed to yield an incompletely characterized panel of neuropeptides. Until now, it was an unproved assumption that VGF-derived peptides could regulate metabolism. Here, a VGF peptide designated TLQP-21 was identified in rat brain extracts by means of immunoprecipitation, microcapillary liquid chromatography-tandem MS, and database searching algorithms. Chronic intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of TLQP-21 (15 mug/day for 14 days) increased resting energy expenditure (EE) and rectal temperature in mice. These effects were paralleled by increased epinephrine and up-regulation of brown adipose tissue beta2-AR (beta2 adrenergic receptor) and white adipose tissue (WAT) PPAR-delta (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta), beta3-AR, and UCP1 (uncoupling protein 1) mRNAs and were independent of locomotor activity and thyroid hormones. Hypothalamic gene expression of orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides was unchanged. Furthermore, in mice that were fed a high-fat diet for 14 days, TLQP-21 prevented the increase in body and WAT weight as well as hormonal changes that are associated with a high-fat regimen. Biochemical and molecular analyses suggest that TLQP-21 exerts its effects by stimulating autonomic activation of adrenal medulla and adipose tissues. In conclusion, we present here the identification in the CNS of a previously uncharacterized VGF-derived peptide and prove that its chronic i.c.v. infusion effected an increase in EE and limited the early phase of diet-induced obesity.

Chronic administration of olanzapine induces metabolic and food intake alterations: a mouse model of the atypical antipsychotic-associated adverse effects.

RATIONALE: Most of atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) are highly related to a major risk of metabolic drawbacks leading to dyslipidemia and obesity. OBJECTIVE: To set up a mouse model of the AAP-associated weight gain in mice under the influence of chronic olanzapine regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female mice were housed in pairs and habituated to spontaneous feeding with a high-palatable diet (10% sucrose wet mash). Firstly, we orally administered olanzapine (0.75, 1.5 and 3 mg/kg), evaluating body weight and periuterine fat mass, as well as insulin, non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, and glucose levels. In a second experiment, we assessed the effect of olanzapine on energy expenditure through indirect calorimetry (IC). A third experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of olanzapine on a high fat-high sweet palatable diet (10% sucrose + 30% fat, HF-HS) in mice implanted with subcutaneous osmotic mini-pumps. Locomotor activity was also assessed. RESULTS: In experiment 1, the highest dose of chronically administered olanzapine (3 mg/kg) induced significant weight gain accompanied by augmentation of periuterine fat depots, with no changes in locomotor activity. In experiment 2, chronic administration did not alter energy expenditure, whereas, decreased respiratory quotient (RQ). In experiment 3, subcutaneously infused olanzapine evidenced a dose and time-dependent increase of body weight and HF-HS diet consumed. Notably, serum analyses revealed a hyperinsulinemia together with increased levels of triglycerides and glucose. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we describe in female mice metabolic alterations matching the metabolic syndrome, thus resembling the clinical situation of schizophrenic patients taking AAPs.

Psychosocial stress affects energy balance in mice: modulation by social status.

Stress has been associated with changes in eating behaviour and food preferences. Moreover, psychosocial and socio-economical challenges have been related with neuroendocrine-autonomic dysregulation followed by visceral obesity and associated risk factors for disease. In the current study, we provide a model of body weight development, food intake, energy expenditure of subordinate and dominant mice under psychosocial stress either in the presence of a standard diet or of a high palatable diet. When only standard chow was available stressed animals consumed more food in comparison to the control counterpart. Moreover, subordinate mice, at the end of the stress period were heavier in comparison to dominant animals. This last result was due to a decrease in the caloric efficiency of dominant animals in comparison to subordinates. Confirming this, the results of the experiment 2 showed that dominant mice significantly increase their energy expenditure at the end of the chronic psychosocial stress procedure in comparison to subordinate mice, as measured by indirect calorimetry. When a palatable high fat diet was available subordinate animals became heavier in comparison with both dominant and control animals. No differences in the caloric intake were found between groups. Subordinate mice ingested more calories from fat than controls, while dominant animals ingested more calories from carbohydrates. These results suggest that psychosocial stress can be a risk factor for overeating and weight gain in mice. However, social status influences the extent to which an individual keeps up with adverse environment, influencing the vulnerability toward stress related disorders.