Salty dog, an SLC5 symporter, modulates Drosophila response to salt stress.

To regulate their internal environments, organisms must adapt to varying ion levels in their diet. Adult Drosophila were exposed to dietary salt stress, and their physiological, survival, and gene expression responses monitored. Insects continued to feed on NaCl-elevated diet, although levels >4% wt/vol ultimately proved fatal. Affymetrix microarray analysis of flies fed on diet containing elevated NaCl showed a phased response: the earliest response was widespread upregulation of immune genes, followed by upregulation of carbohydrate metabolism as the immune response was downregulated, then finally a switch to amino acid catabolism and inhibition of genes associated with the reproductive axis. Significantly, the online transcriptomic resource FlyAtlas reports that most of the modulated genes are predominantly expressed in hindgut or Malpighian (renal) tubule, implicating these excretory tissues as the major responders to salt stress. Three genes were selected for further study: the SLC5 symporter CG2196, the GLUT transporter CG6484, and the transcription factor sugarbabe (previously implicated in starvation and stress responses). Expression profiles predicted by microarray were validated by quantitative PCR (qPCR); expression was mapped to the alimentary canal by in situ hybridization. CG2196::eYFP overexpression constructs were localized to the basolateral membrane of the Malpighian (renal) tubules, and RNAi against CG2196 improved survival on high-salt diet, even when driven specifically to just principal cells of the Malpighian tubule, confirming both this tissue and this transporter as major determinants of survival upon salt stress. Accordingly, CG2196 was renamed salty dog (salt).

Lumbar lordosis in osteoporosis and in osteoarthritis.

The curvature of the lumbar spine and the risk of developing either osteoporosis (OP) or osteoarthritis (OA) are influenced by many common factors. The aim of this study is to determine whether lumbar lordosis is different between patients with either disease and healthy persons. A cross-sectional, blinded, controlled design was implemented. One hundred and twelve postmenopausal women were evaluated for bone mineral density as well as undergoing spinal radiography. Lordosis measurement was performed with Cobb's method. The sample was divided in four groups: patients with OP (n = 34, L1-L5 = 40.7 degrees, L1-S1 = 54.1 degrees), patients with OA (n = 29, L1-L5 = 38 degrees, L1-S1 = 52.3 degrees), patients with both diseases (n = 20, L1-L5 = 41.8 degrees, L1-S1 = 52.3 degrees) and controls (n = 29, L1-L5 = 38.6 degrees, L1-S1 = 51.8 degrees). For all participants age, height, weight, body mass index, physical activity level and basal metabolic rate were measured and recorded. The results revealed that although the four groups have significant constitutional differences, lumbar lordosis was comparable between them. The reasons for the lack of association are discussed.

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty in the management of humeral head fractures.

The results of hemiarthroplasty for shoulder fracture were evaluated in 26 patients, 20 women and 6 men with a mean age of 64.7 +/- 8.2 years. The follow-up period was 2 to 7 years. Cofield prostheses were used for the first 10 patients and subsequently 9 Global and 7 Aequalis prostheses were implanted, all cemented. The clinical outcome was assessed using the Constant-Murley scale. The mean score, at the last follow-up, was 70.4 +/- 16.4 (39-96). Mean forward elevation of the arm was 150 degrees (300-175 degrees), mean abduction was 145 degrees (30 degrees -170 degrees), and mean external rotation was 30 degrees (10 degrees-45 degrees). In most of the cases internal rotation corresponded with a position of the dorsum of the hand at the L3 vertebrae. The patients in our series achieved their optimal clinical result within the first 6 months after operation. Shoulder hemiarthroplasty is a worthwhile procedure, giving predictable results provided the patients have been carefully selected, the individual anatomy of the shoulder is restored and an aggressive rehabilitation program is implemented during the first six months after surgery.