Habitat and climate influence hybridization among three genetically distinct Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) morphotypes in an avian hybrid zone complex.

Examining the frequency and distribution of hybrids across contact zones provide insights into the factors mediating hybridization. In this study, we examined the effect of habitat and climate on hybridization patterns for three phenotypically, genetically, and ecologically distinct groups of the Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) in a secondary contact zone in western North America. Additionally, we tested whether the frequency of hybridization involving the three groups (referred to as Boreal, Pacific and Rocky Mountain morphotypes) is similar across the hybrid zones or whether some pairs have hybridized more frequently than others. We reanalyzed microsatellite, mtDNA and plumage data, and new microsatellite and plumage data for 526 individuals to identify putative genetic and phenotypic hybrids. The genetically and phenotypically distinct groups are associated with different habitats and occupy distinct climate niches across the contact zone. Most putative genetic hybrids (86%) had Rocky Mountain ancestry. Hybrids were observed most commonly in intermediate climate niches and in habitats where Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) overlaps broadly with boreal and subalpine tree species. Our finding that hybrids occupy intermediate climate niches relative to parental morphotypes matches patterns for other plant and animal species found in this region. This study demonstrates how habitat and climate influence hybridization patterns in areas of secondary contact and adds to the growing body of research on tri-species hybrid zones.

S2k guidelines (consensus statement) for diagnosis and therapy of dermatitis herpetiformis initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV).

INTRODUCTION: Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic, pruritic, gluten-induced skin disorder characterized by subepidermal granular IgA deposition and a variable degree of enteropathy identical to that seen in coeliac disease. So far, there has been no European consensus about the management of DH. METHODS: The guidelines were created by small subgroups of a guideline committee consisting of 26 specialists from various medical fields and one patients' representative. The members of the committee then discussed the guidelines and voted for the final version at two consensus meetings. The guidelines were developed under the support of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) and in collaboration with the European Dermatology Forum (EDF). RESULTS: The guidelines summarize evidence-based and expert-based recommendations (S2 level) for the management of DH (see Appendix). CONCLUSION: These guidelines will improve the quality of management of DH and support dermatologists in their diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.

Range of motion in the avian wing is strongly associated with flight behavior and body mass.

Avian wing shape is highly variable across species but only coarsely associated with flight behavior, performance, and body mass. An underexplored but potentially explanatory feature is the ability of birds to actively change wing shape to meet aerodynamic and behavioral demands. Across 61 species, we found strong associations with flight behavior and mass for range of motion traits but not wing shape and strikingly different associations for different aspects of motion capability. Further, static morphology exhibits high phylogenetic signal, whereas range of motion shows greater evolutionary lability. These results suggest a new framework for understanding the evolution of avian flight: Rather than wing morphology, it is range of motion, an emergent property of morphology, that is predominantly reshaped as flight strategy and body size evolve.

Coding-complete sequence of a vaccine-derived recombinant porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus strain isolated in Hungary.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1 is a major cause of swine morbidity and mortality in various parts of the world, including Hungary. A national elimination programme to reduce the associated economic burden was initiated in Hungary in 2012. Using extensive laboratory surveillance, we identified and isolated an unusual PRRSV strain. The complete coding sequence of this isolate was determined and analyzed. The genome of this Hungarian PRRSV1 strain, HUN60077/16, is 15,081 nucleotides in length. Phylogenetic and recombination analysis showed a mosaic structure of the genome where a large fragment of ORF1b and the genomic region coding for ORF3 to ORF7 showed a very close genetic relationship to the vaccine virus Unistrain, while the ORF1a region, the 3' end of ORF1b, and the whole ORF2 were only distantly related to this or any other PRRSV1 strain whose genome sequence is available in the GenBank database. Genomic characterization of PRRSV strains is crucial when possible vaccine-associated cases are identified. This approach not only helps to identify genetic interactions between vaccine and wild-type PRRSV1 strains but may also be needed to prevent trust in commercial vaccines from being undermined.

Intestinal anti-transglutaminase 2 immunoglobulin A deposits in children at risk for coeliac disease (CD): data from the PreventCD study.

In coeliac disease (CD), anti-tissue transglutaminase 2 immunoglobulin (Ig)A antibodies (anti-TG2) are produced and deposited in the intestine. PreventCD (www.preventcd.com) is a European multi-centre study, which investigates the influence of infant nutrition and that of genetic, immunological and other environmental factors on the risk of developing CD. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the appearance of intestinal anti-TG2 deposits in very early intestinal biopsies from at-risk infants and their predictive value for villous atrophy. Sixty-five small bowel biopsies, performed in 62 children, were investigated for the presence of intestinal anti-TG2 extracellular IgA deposits by using double immunofluorescence. The biopsies were performed in the presence of elevated serum levels of CD-associated antibodies and/or symptoms suggesting disease. Deposits of anti-TG2 IgA were present in 53 of 53 CD patients and three of three potential CD patients. In potential CD patients, mucosal deposits showed a patchy distribution characterized by some areas completely negative, whereas active CD patients had uniformly present and evident mucosal deposits. Only one of six patients without CD (negative for serum anti-TG2 and with normal mucosa) had intestinal deposits with a patchy distribution and a weak staining. Two of the 53 CD patients received a definitive diagnosis of CD after a second or third biopsy; mucosal deposits of anti-TG2 IgA were evaluated in all samples. Before developing villous atrophy, both patients had anti-TG2 deposits in normal mucosal architecture, antibodies in one patient being absent in serum. We demonstrated that in CD the intestinal deposits of anti-TG2 are a constant presence and appear very early in the natural history of disease.

Tracking Nanoelectrochemistry Using Individual Plasmonic Nanocavities.

We study in real time the optical response of individual plasmonic nanoparticles on a mirror, utilized as electrodes in an electrochemical cell when a voltage is applied. In this geometry, Au nanoparticles are separated from a bulk Au film by an ultrathin molecular spacer. The nanoscale plasmonic hotspot underneath the nanoparticles locally reveals the modified charge on the Au surface and changes in the polarizability of the molecular spacer. Dark-field and Raman spectroscopy performed on the same nanoparticle show our ability to exploit isolated plasmonic junctions to track the dynamics of nanoelectrochemistry. Enhancements in Raman emission and blue-shifts at a negative potential show the ability to shift electrons within the gap molecules.

Food and water intake, body temperature and metabolic consequences of interleukin-1ß microinjection into the cingulate cortex of the rat.

In order to elucidate whether cytokine mechanisms of the cingulate cortex (cctx) are important in the central regulation of homeostasis, in the present study, feeding-metabolic effects of direct bilateral microinjection of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) into the cctx of the rat have been investigated. Short- (2h), medium (12h) and long-term (24h) food and water intakes and body temperature were measured after the intracerebral administration of this primary cytokine or vehicle solution, with or without paracetamol pretreatment. The effect of IL-1ß on the blood glucose level of animals was examined in glucose tolerance test (GTT), and concentrations of relevant plasma metabolites (total cholesterol, HDL, LDH, triglycerides, uric acid) were additionally also determined following the above microinjections. In contrast to causing no major alteration in the food and water intakes, the cytokine treatment evoked significant increase in the body temperature of the rats. Prostaglandin-mediated mechanisms were shown to have important role in the mode of this action of IL-1ß, since paracetamol pretreatment partially prevented the development of the above mentioned hyperthermia. In the GTT, no considerable difference was observed between the blood glucose levels of the cytokine treated and control animals. Following IL-1ß microinjection, however, significant decrease of HDL and total cholesterol was found. Our present findings indicate that elucidating the IL-1ß mediated homeostatic control mechanisms in the cingulate cortex may lead to the better understanding not only the regulatory entities of the healthy organism but also those found in obesity, diabetes mellitus and other worldwide rapidly spreading feeding-metabolic disorders.

Improved efficiency of heat generation in nonlinear dynamics of magnetic nanoparticles.

The deterministic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation has been used to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of magnetization and the specific loss power in magnetic nanoparticles with uniaxial anisotropy driven by a rotating magnetic field. We propose a new type of applied field, which is "simultaneously rotating and alternating," i.e., the direction of the rotating external field changes periodically. We show that a more efficient heat generation by magnetic nanoparticles is possible with this new type of applied field and we suggest its possible experimental realization in cancer therapy which requires the enhancement of loss energies.

Impaired glucose tolerance after streptozotocin microinjection into the mediodorsal prefrontal cortex of the rat.

The mediodorsal prefrontal cortex (mdPFC) is a key structure of the central glucose-monitoring (GM) neural network. Previous studies indicate that intracerebral streptozotocin (STZ) microinjection-induced destruction of local chemosensory neurons results in feeding and metabolic alterations. The present experiments aimed to examine whether STZ microinjection into the mdPFC causes metabolic deficits. To do so, glucose tolerance test (GTT) and measurements of plasma metabolites were performed in STZ-treated or control rats. Intraperitoneal D-glucose load was delivered 20 min or 4 weeks following the intracerebral microinjection of STZ or saline (acute or subacute GTT, respectively). The STZ-treated rats displayed acute glucose intolerance: at the 120th min of the test, blood glucose level of these rats was significantly higher than that of the ones in the control group. When determining the plasma level of various metabolites, 30 min following the intracerebral STZ or saline microinjection, the triglyceride concentration of the STZ-treated rats was found to be reduced compared with that of the control rats. The GM neurons of the mdPFC are suggested to be involved in the organization of complex metabolic processes by which these chemosensory cells contribute to adaptive control mechanisms of the maintenance of homeostasis.

Early effects of the antineoplastic agent salinomycin on mitochondrial function.

Salinomycin, isolated from Streptomyces albus, displays antimicrobial activity. Recently, a large-scale screening approach identified salinomycin and nigericin as selective apoptosis inducers of cancer stem cells. Growing evidence suggests that salinomycin is able to kill different types of non-stem tumor cells that usually display resistance to common therapeutic approaches, but the mechanism of action of this molecule is still poorly understood. Since salinomycin has been suggested to act as a K(+) ionophore, we explored its impact on mitochondrial bioenergetic performance at an early time point following drug application. In contrast to the K(+) ionophore valinomycin, salinomycin induced a rapid hyperpolarization. In addition, mitochondrial matrix acidification and a significant decrease of respiration were observed in intact mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and in cancer stem cell-like HMLE cells within tens of minutes, while increased production of reactive oxygen species was not detected. By comparing the chemical structures and cellular effects of this drug with those of valinomycin (K(+) ionophore) and nigericin (K(+)/H(+) exchanger), we conclude that salinomycin mediates K(+)/H(+) exchange across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Compatible with its direct modulation of mitochondrial function, salinomycin was able to induce cell death also in Bax/Bak-less double-knockout MEF cells. Since at the concentration range used in most studies (around 10 µM) salinomycin exerts its effect at the level of mitochondria and alters bioenergetic performance, the specificity of its action on pathologic B cells isolated from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) versus B cells from healthy subjects was investigated. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), proposed to mimic the tumor environment, attenuated the apoptotic effect of salinomycin on B-CLL cells. Apoptosis occurred to a significant extent in healthy B cells as well as in MSCs and human primary fibroblasts. The results indicate that salinomycin, when used above µM concentrations, exerts direct, mitochondrial effects, thus compromising cell survival.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: early infant feeding and coeliac disease--update 2015.

BACKGROUND: New evidence emerged on early feeding practices and the risk of coeliac disease. AIM: To systematically update evidence on these practices to find out whether there is a need to revise current recommendations. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched from July 2012 (end of last search) to February 2015 for studies of any design that assessed the effect of gluten consumption and breastfeeding on the development of coeliac disease and/or coeliac disease-related autoimmunity. RESULTS: We identified 21 publications, including two, new, large, randomised controlled trials performed in high-risk infants. Exclusive or any breastfeeding, as well as breastfeeding at the time of gluten introduction, did not reduce the risk of developing coeliac disease during childhood. For infants at high risk of developing coeliac disease, gluten introduction at 4 months of age in very small amounts, or at 6 or 12 months of age, resulted in similar rates of coeliac disease diagnosis in early childhood. Later gluten introduction was associated with later development of coeliac specific autoimmunity and coeliac disease during childhood, but not total risk reduction. Observational studies indicate that consumption of a higher amount of gluten at weaning may increase the risk for coeliac disease development. CONCLUSIONS: Infant feeding practices (breastfeeding, time of gluten introduction) have no effect on the risk of developing coeliac disease during childhood (at least at specific timeframes evaluated in the included studies), necessitating an update of current European recommendations.

Magnetic correlations beyond the Heisenberg model in an Fe monolayer on Rh(0 0 1).

Motivated by a recent experimental observation of a complex magnetic structure (Takada et al 2013 J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 329 95) we present a theoretical study of the magnetic structure of an Fe monolayer deposited on Rh(0 0 1). We use a classical spin Hamiltonian with parameters obtained from ab initio calculations and go beyond the usual anisotropic Heisenberg model by including isotropic biquadratic interactions. Zero-temperature Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert spin dynamics simulations lead to a complex collinear spin configuration that, however, contradicts experimental findings. We thus conclude that higher order multi-spin interactions are likely needed to account for the magnetic ordering of the system.

Association of certain chronic maternal diseases with the risk of specific congenital heart defects: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Previous epidemiological studies have evaluated cases with all congenital heart defects (CHDs), rather than analysing different types of CHD. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible association of certain chronic maternal diseases with the risk of different types of CHD, because the role of possible environmental factors in the origin of CHDs is unclear in the vast majority of patients. STUDY DESIGN: Different types of CHD, diagnosed after lethal outcome (autopsy report) or after surgical intervention (catheter or correction), were evaluated in order to estimate the possible role of chronic maternal diseases in their origin. This analysis was based on the rates of medically recorded chronic maternal diseases in 3562 live-born cases with CHDs, 38,151 population controls without any birth defects, and 16,602 malformed controls with other isolated congenital abnormalities, using the data set of the population-based Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (1980-1996). RESULTS: Maternal epilepsy treated with carbamazepine and migraine were found to be associated with higher risk of ventricular septal defect; panic disorders were associated with higher risk of hypoplastic left heart; type I diabetes mellitus was associated with higher risk of coarctation of the aorta; chronic hypertension was associated with higher risk of ventricular septal defect, common atrioventricular canal and common truncus; and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia was associated with higher risk of atrial septal defect secundum, common atrioventricular canal and ventricular septal defect. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, certain chronic maternal diseases were found to be associated with higher risk of specific CHDs. Appropriate treatment of these diseases may help to prevent these CHDs.

Mitochondrial ion channels as oncological targets.

Mitochondria, the key bioenergetic intracellular organelles, harbor a number of proteins with proven or hypothetical ion channel functions. Growing evidence points to the important contribution of these channels to the regulation of mitochondrial function, such as ion homeostasis imbalances profoundly affecting energy transducing processes, reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial integrity. Given the central role of mitochondria in apoptosis, their ion channels with the potential to compromise mitochondrial function have become promising targets for the treatment of malignancies. Importantly, in vivo evidence demonstrates the involvement of the proton-transporting uncoupling protein, a mitochondrial potassium channel, the outer membrane located porin and the permeability transition pore in tumor progression/control. In this review, we focus on mitochondrial channels that have been assigned a definite role in cell death regulation and possess clear oncological relevance. Overall, based on in vivo and in vitro genetic and pharmacological evidence, mitochondrial ion channels are emerging as promising targets for cancer treatment.

[Enophthalmos in an orbital tumor]. / Enoftalmia asociata unei formatiuni tumorale iitraorbitale--prezentare de caz clinic.

Enophtalmus is an unusual sign of the orbital tumors often represented by proptosis. One patient with enophtalmus and intraorbital tumor and aplasy is presented. The treatment of choice of orbital tumor is complete surgical excision and careful follow-up. Considering the more aggressive course followed by recurrent tumor, correct diagnosis and management is essential.

[Orbit evisceration: retrospective study on a consecutive series of 10 years]. / Exenteratii de orbita: studiu retrospectiv pe o serie consecutiva de 10 ani.

Exenteration of the orbit is challenging in its anatomical, surgical and postsurgical management-related issues. We describe a surgical series of 65 patients diagnosed at Neurosurgery and Ophthal-mology departments; between 2003 and 2012, 65 cases with intraorbital tumors were identified and underwent partial or total exenteration of the orbit. The most frequent dignosticated tumor which underwent exenteration were spinous and basal carcinoma of the orbit (41.5 %) followed by neurofibroma The most common preoperative sign was proptosis (100%), followed by ocular and orbital pain (6.1%) and visual acuity loss (3.07%). Preoperatively signs included alteration of the facial aspect (96.9%), behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, especially in young people (6,9%). Although there is an extremely mutilant surgical procedure, pain is often relieved. Therefore, the surgical aim should be life preserving and relief of leading symptoms; estetic aspect of the patients was also one of postoperative aims.

Factors affecting the estimated probabilistic acute dietary exposure to captan from apple consumption.

The effect of the number of pesticide residue values below the LOQ/LOD of analytical methods, the variability of residues in individual fruits, mass of fruit units and the number of bootstrap iterations was studied on the probabilistically estimated acute exposure of consumers. The 4720 daily apple consumption data and the results of 1239 apple sample analyses for captan residues, performed within the Hungarian monitoring programme between 2005 and 2011, were used in this study as model matrix. Up to about 95th percentile exposure (µg/(kg bw·day)), simply multiplying each residue in composite samples with each consumption value gave similar estimates to those obtained with the complex procedure taking also into account the mass of and residues in individual fruits. However, the exposure above the 95th percentile calculated with the complex procedure gradually increased with increasing percentile level compared to the simple procedure. Including the high number of non-detects reduced the estimated exposure, which was the highest when only the residues measured in treated fruits were taken into account. The number of bootstrap iterations between 100 and 10,000 did not significantly affect the calculated exposure. The 99.99th percentile exposure amounted to 17.9% of the acute reference dose of 300 µg/(kg bw·day) for women of childbearing age.

Detection of pathogens in Boidae and Pythonidae with and without respiratory disease.

Respiratory diseases in boid snakes are common in captivity, but little information is available on their aetiology. This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of lung associated pathogens in boid snakes with and without respiratory signs and/or pneumonia. In total, 80 boid snakes of the families Boidae (n = 30) and Pythonidae (n = 50) from 48 private and zoo collections were included in this survey. Husbandry conditions were evaluated using a detailed questionnaire. All snakes were examined clinically and grouped into snakes with or without respiratory signs. Tracheal wash samples from all snakes were examined bacteriologically as well as virologically. All snakes were euthanased, and a complete pathological examination was performed. Respiratory signs and pneumonia were detected more often in pythons than in boas. An acute catarrhal pneumonia was diagnosed more often in snakes without respiratory signs than in snakes with respiratory signs, which revealed fibrinous and fibrous pneumonia. Poor husbandry conditions are an important trigger for the development of respiratory signs and pneumonia. Different bacterial pathogens were isolated in almost all snakes with pneumonia, with Salmonella species being the most common. Ferlavirus (formerly known as ophidian paramyxovirus)-RNA was detected only in pythons. Inclusion body disease was rarely seen in pythons but often in boas. Adenovirus and Mycoplasma were other pathogens that were diagnosed in single snakes with pneumonia. In living boid snakes with respiratory signs, tracheal wash samples were found to be a useful diagnostic tool for the detection of viral and bacterial pathogens.