Isolation and characterization of compound microsatellite loci in the tri-spine horseshoe crab (<Emphasis Type=Italic>Tachypleus tridentatus</Emphasis>)

Nowadays, because of the constant increase in the capture and trade of sharks all over the world and reports of several species already showing important signs of over-exploitation, the establishment of registration mechanisms, evaluation and fishery control become urgent. Morphological identification of captured sharks is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, due to the removal of the animals’ parts. At this point, techniques of genetic identification through the molecular markers are considered essential tools for fishery monitoring. In this study, we present a method of multiplex-PCR, based on the gene Cytochrome Oxidase I, with species-specific primers developed for simultaneous identification of nine species of lamniform and carcharhiniform sharks, some of which are worldwide distributed.     

The isolation and characterization of 10 dinucleotide microsatellite markers from enriched <Emphasis Type=Italic>Channa argus</Emphasis> genomic library

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for one subspecies of the Xantus’s murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus scrippsi), a threatened seabird. Using blood samples obtained from 40 birds captured at Santa Barbara Island, California, in April–May 1996, 3–14 alleles per locus were detected, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.25 to 0.90. Genotype frequencies showed no departures from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Linkage is suspected in one pair of loci.     

New microsatellite resources in Chinese big-headed turtle (<Emphasis Type=Italic>Platysternon megacephalum</Emphasis>)

Ceratocystis fimbriata is a fungal pathogen which attacks several economically important plants, but occurs in host-associated, morphologically indistinguishable forms. In Brazil, this fungus seriously attacks mango trees (Mangifera indica), causing severe loss of yield. This work aimed to develop and characterize a novel set of microsatellite markers for this important pathogen, providing researchers with new molecular tools for the characterization of isolates. Twenty polymorphic primer pairs were designed from a microsatellite-enriched library. We tested the usefulness of these markers through genotyping thirteen isolates of the fungus. On average, 6.65 alleles per locus were detected, revealing the ability of this set of markers to characterize C. fimbriata isolates associated to mango and to other plant species.     

The first microsatellite markers for little terns (<Emphasis Type=Italic>Sternula albifrons</Emphasis>)

Little terns are a widespread species but most European populations are declining which presents a concern for conservation. We here present 45 novel microsatellite markers for little terns. In the 23 individuals tested from Denmark, 30 out of 45 markers tested were shown to be polymorphic with observed heterozygosities of up to 0.74. These markers are expected to prove highly useful in conservation and population genetic studies in the little tern and possibly other tern species.     

Neurotransmitter Receptor Homologues of <Emphasis Type=Italic>Dictyostelium discoideum</Emphasis>

The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a genetically amenable eukaryotic cell which displays many animal cell traits and has been used to study cellular signalling for over 30 years. Recently studies have highlighted the roles that molecules associated with synaptic transmission in animals, such as glutamate, GABA and ATP play in cellular differentiation and homeostasis in this simple organism. This short review summarises the evidence for the existence of both ionotropic and metabotropic families of neurotransmitter receptors in Dictyostelium.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aquilaria sinensis</Emphasis> (Lour.) Gilg

The long-distance migratory catfish Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii is among the two most important commercial catfish in the Amazon region. Recent data lists this species as being affected by overfishing. Thirty polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in 35 individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 22, with an average of 9.87. The observed (H _O) and the expected heterozygosity (H _E) ranged between 0.143–0.914 (average 0.636) and 0.215–0.929 (average 0.706), respectively. Five loci showed a significant deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium was detected between loci BR68/BR44, BR68/BR48 and BR68/BR61. Cross-amplification in six con-generic species resulted between 12 and 21 polymorphic loci, depending upon the species. These polymorphic microsatellites should be useful for management policies of B. rousseauxii in the Amazon as well as for the others Brachyplatystoma species of commercial value.     

<Emphasis Type=Italic>Anatomy of the Mind</Emphasis>: a Quick Overview

The recently published book, “Anatomy of the Mind,” explains psychological (cognitive) mechanisms, processes, and functionalities through a comprehensive computational theory of the human mind—that is, a cognitive architecture. The goal of the work has been to develop a unified framework and then to develop process-based mechanistic understanding of psychological phenomena within the unified framework. In this article, I will provide a quick overview of the work.     

Structural aspects of plasticity in the nervous system of <Emphasis Type=Italic>Drosophila</Emphasis>

Neurons extend and retract dynamically their neurites during development to form complex morphologies and to reach out to their appropriate synaptic partners. Their capacity to undergo structural rearrangements is in part maintained during adult life when it supports the animal’s ability to adapt to a changing environment or to form lasting memories. Nonetheless, the signals triggering structural plasticity and the mechanisms that support it are not yet fully understood at the molecular level. Here, we focus on the nervous system of the fruit fly to ask to which extent activity modulates neuronal morphology and connectivity during development. Further, we summarize the evidence indicating that the adult nervous system of flies retains some capacity for structural plasticity at the synaptic or circuit level. For simplicity, we selected examples mostly derived from studies on the visual system and on the mushroom body, two regions of the fly brain with extensively studied neuroanatomy.     

<Emphasis Type=Italic>Clostridium difficile</Emphasis>-Associated Disease Acquired in the Neurocritical Care Unit

Background  

Clostridium difficile is an important cause of nosocomial infection on the intensive care unit. Little is known about infection rates on the neurocritical care unit (NICU). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, severity, and outcome associated with Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) acquired on the NICU.     

<Emphasis Type=Italic>Tarasoff</Emphasis> Duties in Prisons: Community Standards With Certain Twists

Because inmates’ actions are restricted by incarceration, Tarasoff duties in prisons have certain unique aspects. There are two broad situations: (1) when the potential victim is located within the prison community; and (2) when the potential victim is located outside of prison. Although responsibilities vary widely from state to state, this paper discusses general principles of exercising Tarasoff duties in prison settings. In addition to duties to protect potential victims, correctional mental-health professionals have an ethical duty to protect patient confidentiality. Professionals should chose Tarasoff options that protect confidentiality to the fullest extent possible, and prisoners should be informed of situations where confidentiality does not exist. A caveat is that no Tarasoff statutes can be relied upon to offer tort protection to correctional clinicians until they have been tested in appellate courts.