Dietary and serum tyrosine, white matter microstructure and inter-individual variability in executive functions in overweight adults: Relation to sex/gender and age.

Tyrosine (tyr), the precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, is known to modulate cognitive functions including executive attention. Tyr supplementation is suggested to influence dopamine-modulated cognitive performance. However, results are inconclusive regarding the presence or strength and also the direction of the association between tyr and cognitive function. This pre-registered cross-sectional analysis investigates whether diet-associated serum tyr relates to executive attention performance, and whether this relationship is moderated by differences in white matter microstructure. 59 healthy, overweight, young to middle-aged adults (20 female sex/gender group, 28.3 ± 6.6 years, BMI: 27.3 ± 1.5 kg/m2) drawn from a longitudinal study reported dietary habits, donated blood and completed diffusion-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging and the attention network test. Main analyses were performed using linear regressions and non-parametric voxel-wise inference testing. Confirmatory analyses did neither support an association between dietary and serum tyr nor a relationship between relative serum tyr/large neutral amino acids (LNAA) levels or white matter microstructure and executive attention performance. However, exploratory analyses revealed higher tyr intake, higher serum tyr and better executive attention performance in the male sex/gender group. In addition, older age was associated with higher dietary tyr intake and lower fractional anisotropy in a widespread cluster across the brain. Finally, a positive association between relative serum tyr/LNAA level and executive attention performance was found in the male sex/gender group when accounting for age effects. Our analysis advances the field of dopamine-modulated cognitive functions by revealing sex/gender and age differences which might be diet-related. Longitudinal or intervention studies and larger sample sizes are needed to provide more reliable evidence for links between tyr and executive attention.

Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter jejuni Strain 12567, a Livestock-Associated Clade Representative.

We report here the complete genome sequence of Campylobacter jejuni strain 12567, a member of a C. jejuni livestock-associated clade that expresses glycoconjugates associated with improved gastrointestinal tract persistence.

Complete Genome Sequences of Three Campylobacter jejuni Phage-Propagating Strains.

Bacteriophage therapy can potentially reduce Campylobacter jejuni numbers in livestock, but it requires a detailed understanding of phage-host interactions. C. jejuni strains readily infected by certain phages are designated as phage-propagating strains. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of three such strains, NCTC 12660, NCTC 12661, and NCTC 12664.

Overweight and obesity are associated with neuronal injury in the human cerebellum and hippocampus in young adults: a combined MRI, serum marker and gene expression study.

There is growing evidence that obesity represents a risk for enhanced gray matter (GM) density changes comparable to those demonstrated for mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. However, it is not clear what mechanisms underlie this apparent alteration in brain structure of overweight subjects and to what extent these changes can already occur in the adolescent human brain. In the present volumetric magnetic resonance imaging study, we investigated GM changes and serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), a marker for neuronal injury, in a set of overweight/obese subjects and controls. We report a negative correlation for overweight and obese subjects between serum NSE and GM density in hippocampal and cerebellar regions. To validate our neuroimaging findings, we complement these data with NSE gene expression information obtained from the Allen Brain atlas. GM density changes were localized in brain areas that mediate cognitive function-the hippocampus associated with memory performance, and the cognitive cerebellum (lateral posterior lobes) associated with executive, spatial and linguistic processing. The data of our present study highlight the importance of extending current research on cognitive function and brain plasticity in the elderly in the context of obesity to young adult subjects and include serum biomarkers to validate imaging findings generally.

Relationship of monoamine oxidase A binding to adaptive and maladaptive personality traits.

BACKGROUND: Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is an important enzyme that metabolizes monoamines such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. In prefrontal cortex, low MAOA binding is associated with aggression and high binding is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and also risk for recurrence of depressive episodes. In rodent models, low MAOA levels are associated with increased aggression and fear conditioning, and decreased social and exploratory investigative behaviors. Our objective was to measure MAOA binding in prefrontal cortex and concurrently evaluate a broad range of validated personality traits. We hypothesized that prefrontal MAOA binding would correlate negatively with angry-hostility, a trait related to aggression/anger, and positively with traits intuitively related to adaptive investigative behavior. METHOD: Participants were aged 19-49 years, healthy and non-smoking. MAOA binding was measured with [11C]harmine positron emission tomography (PET) in prefrontal brain regions and personality traits were measured with the NEO Personality Inventory Revised (NEO PI-R). RESULTS: Prefrontal MAOA binding correlated negatively with angry-hostility (r=-0.515, p=0.001) and positively with deliberation (r=0.514, p=0.001). In a two-factor regression model, these facets explained 38% of variance in prefrontal MAOA binding. A similar relationship was found in prefrontal cortex subregions. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a new continuum describing the relationship between personality and MAOA: deliberate/thoughtful contrasting aggressive/impulsive. Additionally, the association between high MAOA binding and greater deliberation may explain why some people have moderately high levels of MAOA, although very high levels occur during MDD. In health, higher MAOA binding is associated with an adaptive personality facet.

In vivo imaging of serotonin transporter occupancy by means of SPECT and [123I]ADAM in healthy subjects administered different doses of escitalopram or citalopram.

BACKGROUND: Escitalopram is a dual serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It is the S-enantiomer of citalopram, and is responsible for the serotonin reuptake activity, and thus for its pharmacological effects. Previous studies pointed out that clinically efficacious doses of other SSRIs produce an occupancy of the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) of about 80% or more. The novel radioligand [123I]ADAM and single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) were used to measure midbrain SERT occupancies for different doses of escitalopram and citalopram. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy subjects received a single dose of escitalopram [5 mg (n=5), 10 mg (n=5), and 20 mg (n=5)] or citalopram [(10 mg (n=5) and 20 mg (n=5)]. Midbrain SERT binding was measured with [(123)I]ADAM and SPECT on two study days, once without study drug and once 6 h after single dose administration of the study drug. The ratio of midbrain-cerebellum/cerebellum was the outcome measure (V3") for specific binding to SERT in midbrain. Subsequently, SERT occupancy levels were calculated using the untreated baseline level for each subject. An Emax model was used to describe the relationship between S-citalopram concentrations and SERT occupancy values. Additionally, four subjects received placebo to determine test-retest variability. RESULTS: Single doses of 5, 10, or 20 mg escitalopram led to a mean SERT occupancy of 60+/-6, 64+/-6, and 75+/-5%, respectively. SERT occupancies for subjects treated with single doses of 10 and 20 mg citalopram were 65+/-10 and 70+/-6%, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between SERT occupancies after application of 10 and 20 mg escitalopram, but not for 10 and 20 mg citalopram. There was no statistically significant difference between the SERT occupancies of either 10 mg citalopram or 10 mg escitalopram, or between 20 mg citalopram and 20 mg escitalopram. Emax was slightly higher after administration of citalopram (84%) than escitalopram (79%). In the test-retest study, a mean SERT "occupancy" of 4% was found after administration of placebo, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.92, and the repeatability coefficient was 0.25. CONCLUSION: SPECT and [123I]ADAM were used to investigate SERT occupancies after single doses of escitalopram or citalopram. The test-retest study revealed good reproducibility of SERT quantification. Similar SERT occupancies were found after administration of equal doses (in respect to mg) of escitalopram and citalopram, giving indirect evidence for a fractional blockade of SERT by the inactive R-citalopram.

Electronically tunable external-cavity laser diode.

We present a new concept for an electronically tunable diode laser. It is based on an external-cavity configuration with simultaneous feedback and intracavity spatial separation of the laser's spectral components. The electronical tunability is achieved by insertion of a liquid-crystal array as an electronically controlled aperture into the region of spatial separation of the spectral components. Wavelength tunability without mechanical movement over a range of 10 nm and two-color operation are demonstrated with a 670-nm laser diode.

Long-term stable mode locking of a visible diode laser with phase-conjugate feedback.

We present a new method to obtain long-term stable phase-conjugate feedback (pcf) with a photorefractive crystal for a mode-locked semiconductor laser. The phase-conjugate mirror is a barium titanate crystal in a self-pumped internal reflection configuration, and the laser is a visible, antireflection-coated AlGaInP diode. We describe a new dynamic writing procedure for growth of an index grating in the photorefractive crystal that leads to stable pcf and discuss the reasons for this stability, which is the major advantage of this method over previously reported ones. Using this superior method, we achieve stable mode-locked operation of the laser with pulse widths of ~30 ps and a timing jitter of less than 2 ps.

Selenium in the maintenance and therapy of HIV-infected patients.

Due to its antiviral effects and its importance for all immunological functions, the administration of selenium is suggested as a supportive measure in early as well as in advanced stages of HIV-induced disease. Initial observations on the effects of selenium supplementation in HIV-infected patients indicate that selenium causes symptomatic improvements and possibly slows the course of the disease. As selenium inhibits reverse transcriptase activity in RNA-virus-infected animals, supplemental selenium could also prevent the replication of HIV and retard the development of AIDS in newly HIV-infected subjects. An adequate supply of selenium and of antioxidant vitamins is also proposed as a measure to reduce the probability of the placental transmission of HIV in pregnancy.

Mode locking using a type II multiple-quantum-well structure as a fast saturable absorber.

We demonstrate the application of a type II Al(x)Ga((1-x))As/AlAs multiple quantum well as a fast saturable absorber in a hybridly mode-locked dye laser. Type II multiple quantum wells are promising for this application because of the fast recovery of the saturated absorption with picosecond or even subpicosecond time constants. We obtain almost transform-limited pulses as short as 0.9 psec for a type II sample with a recovery time of 2.3 psec.

Suppression of recurrent genital herpes simplex virus infection with recombinant alpha 2 interferon.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of sc administered recombinant alpha 2 interferon (IFN-alpha 2) in the suppression of frequently recurrent genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Seventy-six otherwise healthy subjects who had eight or more recurrences during the preceding year received 1 X 10(6) IU of IFN-alpha 2, 3 X 10(6) IU of IFN-alpha 2, or placebo three times per week for 12 weeks. Recipients of the higher dose of IFN-alpha 2, had fewer outbreaks during the study (2 vs. 3), a shorter period of viral shedding (2 vs. 4 days), less itching (1 vs. 3 days), and a faster healing time (6 vs. 8 days). The lower dose of IFN-alpha 2 was not effective. Significant side effects (fever, malaise, myalgia, fatigue, and arthralgia) occurred after the first injection of 3 X 10(6) IU of IFN-alpha 2 in 91% of the subjects, but subsequent injections produced only mild and intermittent side effects that were well tolerated. Mild leukopenia was noted in subjects treated with IFN-alpha 2. Treatment with IFN-alpha 2 resulted in moderate suppression and decreased duration of recurrent genital HSV infection in patients with frequent recurrences.

Wound-Induced RNase Activity in Sweet Potato : EVIDENCE FOR REGULATION AT TRANSCRIPTION.

Upon wounding of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas, Lam. var. Puerto Rico) RNase activity increases rapidly following a 4-hour lag, peaks in 24 hours, and then declines. Cycloheximide inhibits induction indicating that increased activity is probably due to de novo synthesis. The half-time (t(0.5)) for RNase degradation in presence of cycloheximide (1.8 hours) is constant throughout the rise and decline in RNase activity. Induction is not affected by exogenous ethylene, but is dependent on production of endogenous ethylene. The following evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that the activity of RNase is regulated at transcription. (a) Wound induction of RNase is inhibited by actinomycin D (ACTD), cordycepin, or alpha-amanitin. (b) Addition of ACTD at 9, 12, or 24 hours causes an immediate decline in RNase. (c) Six measurements of the natural decline in RNase between 24 and 36 hours show a t(0.5) of 14.1 +/- 1 hour. (d) Use of proecdures for measurement of the t(0.5) for degradation of mRNA in bacteria and plants show a mean t(0.5) of 14 +/- 1 hour for degradation of RNase mRNA in presence of ACTD. From the fact that both the degradation of RNase in presence of ACTD and the natural decline in RNase have a t(0.5) that is very similar to the t(0.5) for degradation of RNase mRNA, it is postulated that the natural decline in sweet potato RNase is due to repression of the RNase gene as a result of which the rate of degradation of RNase follows the t(0.5) for degradation of RNase messenger.

Ethylene regulation of wound-induced ribonuclease in turnip root tissue.

Exogenous ethylene enhances the synthesis of wound-induced ribonuclease (RNase) (EC2.7.7.16) in tissue discs of white turnip (Brassica rapa L. var. rapa (L.) Tell.). The half-maximal concentration is <0.01 µl/l ehtylene. Maximal response was obtained with either continuous ethylene treatment, or a 90-min pulse of ethylene followed by flushing with 1500 cm(3) of air/min at standard pressure or 500 cm(3)/min at hypobaric pressure for the remainder of the experiments. Addition of ethylene at 60-75 min after cutting had no effect on RNase activity. Also the effect of ethylene in enhancing RNase decreased about linearly when addition of ethylene was delayed for tissue discs. Since actinomycin-D inhibition of RNase synthesis, observed earlier, is also limited to the initial 45-60 min after cutting, these results are consistent with the view that ethylene is acting at transcription.

Paradoxical Effect of Actinomycin D: Regulation of Synthesis of Wound RNase at Translation in Turnip Tissue.

Cutting of tissue sections induces RNase (EC 2.7.7.16) activity (phase I) in white turnip (Brassica rapa L. var. rapa) which peaks in 4 or 7 hours and then declines rapidly (phase II). The increase is inhibited by cycloheximide; also RNase from tissue bathed in 99.8% D(2)O during phase I underwent a large increase in buoyant density, indicating that the increased activity is due to de novo synthesis. Actinomycin D inhibited induction of RNase only if given within the initial 45 minutes after cutting. When it was applied after 45 minutes, it caused enhancement (super-induction) of RNase activity for over 24 hours. The half-time for degradation of RNase during phase I in the presence of cycloheximide and phase II in the presence and absence of cycloheximide is the same, indicating that the decline in RNase activity is due to cessation of synthesis. Also the rate of degradation of RNase remains the same during superinduction, thus indicating that actinomycin D superinduction is due to maintenance of synthesis of RNase rather than inhibition of its rate of degradation. Consistent with this is the fact that actinomycin D superinduction of RNase is inhibited by cycloheximide. The evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that messenger RNA for RNase is long-lived and the decline in RNase is due to transscription of a regulator gene coding for a specific repressor protein during phase I which inhibits RNase synthesis at the level of translation. Superinduction of RNase activity by actinomycin D is explicable in terms of (a) inhibition of synthesis of the mRNA coding for a repressor protein that inhibits translation of RNase-specific mRNA, or, (b) differential stability of mRNAs in presence of actinomycin D, and competition among mRNAs for factors rate-limiting to translation, thus favoring synthesis of proteins coded by long-lived messengers.

Acid Phosphatase Development during Ripening of Avocado.

The activity and subcellular distribution of acid phosphatase were assayed during ethylene-induced ripening of whole fruit or thick slices of avocado (Persea americana Mill. var. Fuerte and Hass). The activity increased up to 30-fold during ripening in both the supernatant fraction and the Triton X-100 extract of the precipitate of a 30,000g centrifugation of tissue homogenates from whole fruit or slices ripening in moist air. Enzyme activity in the residual precipitate after Triton extraction remained constant. The development of acid phosphatase in thick slices ripened in moist air was similar to that in intact fruit, except that enzyme development and ripening were accelerated about 24 hours in the slices. The increase in enzyme activity that occurs in slices ripening in moist air was inhibited when tissue sections were infiltrated with solutions, by aspiration for 2 minutes or by soaking for 2 hours, anytime 22 hours or more after addition of ethylene. This inhibition was independent of the presence or absence of cycloheximide or sucrose (0.3-0.5m). However, the large decline in enzyme activity in the presence of cycloheximide, as compared with the controls, indicated that synthesis of acid phosphatase was occurring at all stages of ripening.

Control of ribonuclease and acid phosphatase by auxin and abscisic acid during senescence of Rhoeo leaf sections.

We report the effects of abscisic acid and auxin (alpha-naphthalene acetic acid) on regulation of enzyme synthesis during senescence of leaf sections of Rhoeo discolor Hance. Abscisic acid always accelerates the onset of and enhances the magnitude of the increase in activity of acid phosphatase; this is followed by an acceleration of the onset of a rapid increase in free space.RNase activity increases 2- to 5-fold after cutting of leaf sections. Abscisic acid increases RNase activity and inhibits the rate of incorporation of uridine and leucine in leaf sections removed from plants grown under stress but not favorable conditions. Auxin inhibits the increase in RNase and acid phosphatase and suppresses the effects of abscisic acid. The increase in activity of RNase and acid phosphatase is inhibited by inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis. This and other evidence suggests that the increases in hydrolase activity could result from new enzyme synthesis. The possible significance of the results in respect of hormonal regulation of enzyme activity and senescence is discussed.

Senescense: association of synthesis of Acid phosphatase with banana ripening.

During ripening of banana (Musa sapientum L., var. Gros Michel or Valery) acid phosphatase activity increases 13-to 26-fold in the precipitate and 2- to 4-fold in the supernatant fraction of tissue homogenates. These increases are closely correlated with the onset and peak of the climacteric. The precipitate enzyme may be extracted with Triton X-100, CaCl(2) or NaCl; about 80% of it is in a 500g precipitate. Studies on effect of tonicity of the grinding medium indicate that the precipitate enzyme is desorbed from membrane or cell wall surfaces, and is not released as a result of lysis of membranes. The development of acid phosphatase during aging of tissue slices is the same as in intact fruit. Short term studies of tissue slices with cycloheximide and actinomycin D indicate that the increase in activity is owed to new enzyme synthesis, which is dependent upon synthesis of RNA. The possible effects of the increase in acid phosphatase on ripening are discussed.