Savannah roars: The vocal anatomy and the impressive rutting calls of male impala (Aepyceros melampus) – highlighting the acoustic correlates of a mobile larynx

A retractable larynx and adaptations of the vocal folds in the males of several polygynous ruminants serve for the production of rutting calls that acoustically announce larger than actual body size to both rival males and potential female mates. Here, such features of the vocal tract and of the sound source are documented in another species. We investigated the vocal anatomy and laryngeal mobility including its acoustical effects during the rutting vocal display of free-ranging male impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) in Namibia. Male impala produced bouts of rutting calls (consisting of oral roars and interspersed explosive nasal snorts) in a low-stretch posture while guarding a rutting territory or harem. For the duration of the roars, male impala retracted the larynx from its high resting position to a low mid-neck position involving an extensible pharynx and a resilient connection between the hyoid apparatus and the larynx. Maximal larynx retraction was 108 mm based on estimates in video single frames. This was in good concordance with 91-mm vocal tract elongation calculated on the basis of differences in formant dispersion between roar portions produced with the larynx still ascended and those produced with maximally retracted larynx. Judged by their morphological traits, the larynx-retracting muscles of male impala are homologous to those of other larynx-retracting ruminants. In contrast, the large and massive vocal keels are evolutionary novelties arising by fusion and linear arrangement of the arytenoid cartilage and the canonical vocal fold. These bulky and histologically complex vocal keels produced a low fundamental frequency of 50 Hz. Impala is another ruminant species in which the males are capable of larynx retraction. In addition, male impala vocal folds are spectacularly specialized compared with domestic bovids, allowing the production of impressive, low-frequency roaring vocalizations as a significant part of their rutting behaviour. Our study expands knowledge on the evolutionary variation of vocal fold morphology in mammals, suggesting that the structure of the mammalian sound source is not always human-like and should be considered in acoustic analysis and modelling.     

Association of polymorphism in adiponectin (+45 T/G) and leptin (–2548 G/A) genes with type 2 diabetes mellitus in male Egyptians

Introduction

Adiponectin is an adipose tissue-specific protein with insulin-sensitizing properties. Many investigators have explored the association between adiponectin single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in different ethnic populations from different regions. Leptin is a protein hormone constituting an important signal in the regulation of adipose tissue mass and body weight. The aim of this study was to explore potential associations between SNP +45 T>G of the adiponectin gene and SNP 2548G/A of leptin with T2DM and the effect of SNPs on serum adiponectin and leptin levels.

Material and methods

From the Egyptian population, we enrolled 110 T2DM patients and 90 non-diabetic controls. Serum lipid profile, blood glucose, serum adiponectin, and leptin were measured. Genotyping for two common SNPs of the adiponectin and leptin genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results

The G allele and TG/GG genotype of SNP 45 occurred more frequently than the T allele and TT genotype in T2DM patients compares to the controls. Subjects with the GG + TG genotype of SNP 45 were at increased risk for T2DM (OR = 6.476; 95% CI: 3.401–12.33) and associated with a low serum adiponectin level compared with the TT genotype. The serum leptin concentration of GA + AA genotype carriers was not significantly different from that of the GG genotype in the diabetic group.

Conclusions

The G allele carriers who have reduced plasma concentrations of adiponectin may have an association with T2DM, while leptin SNP 2548 G/A is not associated with the risk of development of T2DM in the Egyptian population.     

Axenic in vitro culture and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis from red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Thomson’s gazelle (Gazella thomsonii)

Giardia duodenalis is an ubiquitous flagellate that infects humans and many species of animals. This species exhibits great biotypic and genetic diversity. In the present study, we established short- and long-term in vitro cultures of G. duodenalis trophozoites originating from red deer and Thomson’s gazelle (artiodactyls) and genetically characterised the isolates by their glutamate dehydrogenase and triose phosphate isomerase gene sequences. The G. duodenalis isolates from red deer and the gazelle represented assemblages A (AIII sub-assemblage) and B. In conclusion, G. duodenalis assemblages and sub-assemblages can be associated with differences in growth rate in vitro cultures.     

IL-2 −330 T/G SNP and serum values—potential new tumor markers in neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas (GEP-NETs)

Cytokines participate in tumorigenesis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine genes influence expression of proteins and are evaluated in cancer susceptibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate IL-2 −330 T/G SNP and susceptibility to GEP-NETs, and analyze the correlation between G-allele and IL-2 serum values in GEP-NET patients. Moreover we assessed the value of IL-2 as a tumor serum marker. IL-2 −330 T/G SNP was examined in 101 patients and 150 healthy volunteers and IL-2 serum levels in patients and 20 controls. Patients’ IL-2 serum levels were compared to IL-2 −330 T/G genotypes and tumor functional status and finally with known markers such as chromogranin A (CgA) and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA). There was a significant difference in genotype distribution of the IL-2 −330 polymorphisms between GEP-NET and control group (p = 0.0006) as well as in the frequency of G-allele (p = 0.010). G-allele correlated with higher IL-2 serum levels (p = 0.028) and elevated in all patients, being highest in patients with functional tumors (p = 0.039). Compared to CgA and 5-HIAA, IL-2 was more specific in detecting GEP-NET patients (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Our results indicate importance of IL-2 in GEP-NET development and biochemical diagnosis.     

Interleukin-6 and the IL-6 (–174) C/G polymorphism in breast pathologies and in HIV-infected patients

Introduction

Breast cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are key issues for modern medicine. The aim of the current study was to present how cytokines, in the example of IL-6 and its polymorphism, can affect these two conditions.

Material and methods

Thirty-one women with benign breast tumours, 42 breast cancer patients and 40 HIV-infected females were enrolled in the study. Serum IL-6 levels were determined by ELISA. The IL-6 polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP.

Results

Serum IL-6 in patients with benign breast tumours was significantly lower than in females with breast cancer (p = 0.017) and HIV-infected women (p = 0.032). We did not find statistically significant differences in serum IL-6 level between females with breast cancer and HIV-infected women (p = 0.749). Comparing the distribution of genotypes and frequency of the IL-6 (–174) C/G polymorphism between the three study groups – breast cancer patients, patients with benign breast tumours, and HIV-infected patients – we did not find any statistically significant differences.

Conclusions

IL-6 can play an important role in pathogenesis of breast cancer and HIV infection and its level is higher than in the control group irrespective of distribution of genotypes and frequency of the IL-6 (–174) C/G polymorphism.     

An Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus mutant, vApAg, induces hemocytes apoptosis in vivo and displays reduced infectivity in larvae of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

An Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AgMNPV) mutant, vApAg, induces apoptosis in a cell culture derived from Anticarsia gemmatalis (UFL-AG-286), reducing viral progeny. We have investigated apoptosis induction in vivo by vApAg in A. gemmatalis larvae and its correlation to infectivity reduction. LC₅₀, LD₅₀, LT₅₀ and the mean time to death of larvae were determined for vApAg and AgMNPV. Apoptosis was accessed for hemocytes of infected larvae using light and transmission electron microscopy. All types of hemocytes can be infected by vApAg. After 12 h post-infection (h p.i.), typical cellular modifications associated to nucleopolyhedrovirus infection were observed. Apoptosis becomes evident after 24 h p.i., and massive after 72 h p.i. Necrosis of infected cells was also observed. Despite cell death, hemocytes produced budded viruses and polyhedra. Pl and gh1-type hemocytes presented phagocytic activity. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed fragmentation of hemocytes DNA at late times post-infection. The LC₅₀ and LD₅₀ were between five- and six-fold higher for vApAg. The LT₅₀ and the mean time to death were higher for vApAg in a same treatment or for a similar mortality induced by AgMNPV. These results show correlation of apoptosis and the reduced infectivity of vApAg in A. gemmatalis larvae.     

Exploration of antiplasmodial activity in Acalypha wilkesiana Müller Argoviensis, 1866 (family: Euphorbiaceae) and its GC-MS fingerprint

Parasitology Research - The plant kingdom continues to hold great promise for the eradication of Malaria infection following the challenges of insecticide resistance by the vector mosquito, drug...     

Effects of ethanol, Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol,or their combination on object recognition memory and object preference in adolescent and adult male rats

Recent advances have been made in our understanding of the deleterious effects of both ethanol and THC on adolescent behavior and brain development. However, very little is known about the combined effects of EtOH + THC during adolescence, a time in which these drugs are often used together. The purpose of this experiment was to: (1) determine whether EtOH and/or THC induced greater working memory impairment in adolescent than adult male rats using the novel object recognition (NOR) task and (2) determine whether the EtOH + THC combination would produce a more potent additive effect in adolescents than adults when compared to these drugs alone. NOR was performed with a 24 h delay under each of the four drug conditions: vehicle; 1.5 g/kg ethanol; 1.0 mg/kg THC; and 1.5 g/kg EtOH + 1.0 mg/kg THC, at 72 h intervals. The results show that there was an age effect on working memory in NOR after the EtOH + THC challenge. Specifically, adolescent animals showed a preference for the familiar object whereas adults showed no preference for the novel or familiar object, the latter being characteristic of a classic working memory deficit. These effects were not dependent on changes in exploration across session, global activity across drug condition, or total object exploration. These novel findings clearly indicate that further understanding of this age–drug interaction is crucial to elucidating the influence that adolescent EtOH + THC use may have on repeated drug use and abuse later in life.     

Cytocomposition of the vitellarium in Khawia sinensis Hsü, 1935 (Cestoda, Caryophyllidea, Lytocestidae): another caryophyllidean species with lamellar bodies and lipids

The vitellarium of the invasive caryophyllidean tapeworm Khawia sinensis Hsü, 1935 from carp Cyprinus carpio L. was examined by means of transmission electron microscopy and cytochemical staining for glycogen with periodic acid–thiosemicarbazide–silver proteinate (PA-TSC-SP). A vitellarium consists of numerous follicles of irregular size that are interconnected by a net of vitelline ducts. Vitelline follicles are composed of vitelline cells at various stages of development that are interconnected by interstitial tissue. Vitelline follicles are surrounded by a cytoplasmic sheath associated with an intercellular matrix. Extensive development of the granular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes are both involved in the production of shell globules/shell globule clusters and characterise cytodifferentiation of vitellocytes. Nuclear and nucleolar transformation lead to the formation and storage of intranuclear glycogen, a feature specific for the Caryophyllidea. Newly observed within the mature vitellocytes of Khawia sp. is the presence of lamellar bodies and a few lipid droplets. These cytoplasmic inclusions first occur in the mature cells within the follicles and persist in the vitelline cells within vitelloducts and intrauterine eggs. Two types of lamellar bodies are detected: regular lamellar-structured body and irregular lamellar-structured body. None of the lamellar bodies are membrane bound. Results of the present study indicate that the formation of lamellar bodies may be closely related to the endoplasmic reticulum or shell globule clusters. Some of the shell globule clusters are transformed into lamellar body clusters. Ultrastructural features of vitellocytes in K. sinensis are compared with those of other monopleuroid, polypleuroid, and strobilated cestodes.     

Autosomal dominant inheritance in Cantú syndrome (congenital hypertrichosis, osteochondrodysplasia, and cardiomegaly)

Cantú syndrome (CS) is characterized by congenital hypertrichosis, osteochondrodysplasia, cardiomegaly, and coarse facial appearance; autosomal recessive inheritance has been postulated. We report on a Mexican family with CS; the affected members are the 44-year-old father and his two children (a male and female), aged 14 and 4 years, respectively; each shows the classic characteristics, but the father and the brother also have a previously unreported feature, namely, a thick calvarium. This is the first reported instance of male-to-male transmission of CS. With the paternal age effect found in the reported sporadic cases and the segregation analysis [Robertson et al., 1999], autosomal dominant inheritance is more likely than autosomal recessive inheritance. The cases of affected sibs reported by Cantú et al. [1982] could be explained by parental gonadal mosaicism.     

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroprevalence in pregnant women, bone marrow donors and adolescents in Germany, 1996–2010

In Germany, studies on the IgG seroprevalence in pregnancy and in women of childbearing age are rare. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated the CMV IgG seropositive rate in 40,324 pregnant women as well as in 31,093 female and male bone marrow donors over 15 consecutive years (1996-2010). Furthermore, the result of a study conducted in 1999 investigating 1,305 healthy adolescents with known ethnicity was included. The overall CMV IgG seroprevalence in pregnant women (15-50?years) was 42.3%. Age-dependent analysis revealed a significantly higher seropositive rate (55.6%) in young women (15-25?years) than in those aged 26-40?years (37-42%) and in women older than 40?years (48.3%). Over the study period of 15?years, the rate of seroprevalence in pregnant women declined significantly (χ(2) test?相似文献   

The GABA(A)ρ receptors in hippocampal spontaneous activity and their distribution in hippocampus, amygdala and visual cortex

A bicuculline-resistant and TPMPA-sensitive GABAergic component was identified in hippocampal neurons in culture and in acute isolated brain slices. In both preparations, total GABAergic activity showed two inactivation kinetics: fast and slow. RT-PCR, in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry detected expression of GABAρ subunits. Immunogold and electron microscopy indicated that the receptors are mostly extrasynaptic. In addition, by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence we found GABAρ present in amygdala and visual cortex.     

Molecular evidence of Trichobilharzia franki Müller and Kimmig, 1994 (Digenea: Schistosomatidae) in Radix auricularia from Central Italy

The molecular approach was used to identify the first focus of human cercarial dermatitis occurring during the spring–summer season in Vico Lake, a Natural Reserve Area in Central Italy. Sequences of 586 bp length of the partial region of 18S and ITS-1 ribosomal DNA from cercariae were obtained. They were compared with extant GenBank sequences of Trichobilharzia. Accordingly, the ocellate furcocercariae were identified as belonging to the species Trichobilharzia franki Müller and Kimmig, 1994. Sequences of the 18S (712 bp) and ITS-2 (218 bp) rDNA gene of snails belonging to the family Lymnaeidae collected in the study area have allowed detection of this bird schistosome in Italy in Radix auricularia. The prevalence of the schistosome infection in snails was P = 9.6%. The reduction in habitat disturbance at the lake, as a result of its recent dedication as a nature reserve, has enhanced bird species abundance and richness. This has favoured the establishment of the life cycle of T. franki in the study area.     

Hürthle (oncocytic) cell tumors of thyroid: etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical significance

The etiopathogenesis and the classification of oncocytic (Hürthle cell) tumors of the thyroid is reviewed with an emphasis on the role played by mitochondrial and nuclear genetic abnormalities that interfere with mitochondrial function. Oxyphilia is classified into primary or secondary and the so-called Hürthle cell carcinoma is divided into oncocytic (Hürthle cell) variants of papillary and follicular carcinoma.     

The preventive effects of natural adjuvants,G2 and G2F on tracheal responsiveness and serum IL-4 and IFN-γ (th1/th2 balance) in sensitized guinea pigs

OBJECTIVE:

The effects of natural adjuvants on lung inflammation and tracheal responsiveness were examined in sensitized guinea pigs.

METHODS:

The responses of guinea pig tracheal chains and the serum levels of interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma were examined in control pigs and three other groups of guinea pigs: the sensitized group and two other sensitized groups treated with either adjuvant G2 or adjuvant G2F (n = 7 for each group). Sensitization of the animals was achieved by injection and inhalation of ovalbumin.

RESULTS:

The results showed that sensitized animals had increased tracheal responsiveness and increased serum levels of interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma compared to controls (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Treatments with either G2 or G2F prevented the increase in tracheal responsiveness and serum interleukin-4 (p<0.01 to p<0.001). However, the serum levels of interferon-gamma and the interleukin-4-to-interferon-gamma ratio was increased in the treated groups (p<0.001 for all cases).

CONCLUSIONS:

These results indicate important preventive effects of two natural adjuvants, particularly G2, on the changes in tracheal responsiveness, serum cytokines and the interleukin-4-to-interferon-gamma ratio (T helper 1/T helper 2 balance) in sensitized guinea pigs.     

Analysis of Polymorphisms in Genes (AGT,MTHFR, GPIIIa,and GSTP1) Associated with Hypertension,Thrombophilia and Oxidative Stress in Mestizo and Amerindian Populations of México

Several polymorphisms related to hypertension, thrombophilia, and oxidative stress has been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. We analyzed the frequency of M235T angiotensinogen (AGT), A222V 5,10 methylenete-trahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), L33P glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa), and I105V glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) polymorphisms in 285 individuals belonging to Mexican-Mestizo and five Amerindian population from México, by real time PCR allelic discrimination. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared using χ² tests.All populations followed the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium for assay markers with the exception of the Triki, whose were in Hardy Weinberg dysequilibrium for the glutathione S-transferase P1 polymorphism.Interestingly, according to all the analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the Triki population was the most differentiated and homogeneous group of the six populations analyzed. A comparison of our data with those previously published for some Caucasian, Asian and Black populations showed quite significant differences. These differences were remarkable with all the Mexican populations having a lower frequency of the 105V allele of the glutathione S-transferase P1 and reduced occurrence of the 222A allele of the 5,10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Our results show the genetic diversity among different Mexican populations and with other racial groups.     

Microcephaly, colobomatous microphthalmia, short stature, and severe psychomotor retardation in two male cousins: a new MCA/MR syndrome?

We report on 2 male cousins with minor facial anomalies, microcephaly, colobomatous microphthalmia, psychomotor retardation, short stature, and skeletal malformations. The children belong to a highly inbred family. We conclude that these patients have a previously undescribed autosomal-recessive syndrome.