Toxicity of fullerene (C(60) ) to sediment-dwelling invertebrate Chironomus riparius larvae

An environmentally realistic method to test fullerene (C(60) ) toxicity to the benthic organism Chironomus riparius was created by allowing suspended fullerenes to settle down, making a layer on top of the sediment. To test the hypothesis that higher food concentrations will reduce toxic responses, two food concentrations were tested (0.5 and 0.8% Urtica sp.) in sediment containing fullerene masses of 0.36 to 0.55?mg/cm(2) using a 10-d chronic test. In the 0.5% food level treatments, there were significant differences in all growth-related endpoints compared with controls. Fewer effects were observed for the higher food treatment. Fullerene agglomerates were observed by electron microscopy in the gut, but no absorption into the gut epithelial cells was detected. In the organisms exposed to fullerenes, microvilli were damaged and were significantly shorter. The potential toxicity of fullerene to C. riparius appears to be caused by morphological changes, inhibiting larval growth. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2108-2116. ? 2012 SETAC.     

Improving the coverage of the cyanobacterial phylum using diversity-driven genome sequencing

The cyanobacterial phylum encompasses oxygenic photosynthetic prokaryotes of a great breadth of morphologies and ecologies; they play key roles in global carbon and nitrogen cycles. The chloroplasts of all photosynthetic eukaryotes can trace their ancestry to cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria also attract considerable interest as platforms for “green” biotechnology and biofuels. To explore the molecular basis of their different phenotypes and biochemical capabilities, we sequenced the genomes of 54 phylogenetically and phenotypically diverse cyanobacterial strains. Comparison of cyanobacterial genomes reveals the molecular basis for many aspects of cyanobacterial ecophysiological diversity, as well as the convergence of complex morphologies without the acquisition of novel proteins. This phylum-wide study highlights the benefits of diversity-driven genome sequencing, identifying more than 21,000 cyanobacterial proteins with no detectable similarity to known proteins, and foregrounds the diversity of light-harvesting proteins and gene clusters for secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Additionally, our results provide insight into the distribution of genes of cyanobacterial origin in eukaryotic nuclear genomes. Moreover, this study doubles both the amount and the phylogenetic diversity of cyanobacterial genome sequence data. Given the exponentially growing number of sequenced genomes, this diversity-driven study demonstrates the perspective gained by comparing disparate yet related genomes in a phylum-wide context and the insights that are gained from it.The Cyanobacteria are one of the most diverse and widely distributed phyla of bacteria. Among photosynthetic prokaryotes, they uniquely have the ability to perform oxygenic photosynthesis; they are considered to be the progenitor of the chloroplast, the photosynthetic organelle found in eukaryotes. Cyanobacteria contribute greatly to global primary production, fixing a substantial amount of biologically available carbon, especially in nutrient-limited environmental niches, from oligotrophic marine surfaces to desert crusts (1, 2). In addition, cyanobacteria are key contributors to global nitrogen fixation (3), and many produce unique secondary metabolites (4). Despite these important traits and substantial interest in developing cyanobacterial strains for biotechnology, there is a paucity and unbalanced distribution of publicly available genomic information from the Cyanobacteria: 40% (29 of 72 species) of the available genomes fall within the closely related marine Prochlorococcus/Synechococcus subclade. Improvements in coverage of sequenced genomes will enable a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of cyanobacterial morphology, niche-adaptation, and evolution.Taxonomic studies organized the Cyanobacteria into five subsections based on morphological complexity (5). Unicellular forms are split between those that undergo solely binary fission (subsection I, Chroococcales) and those that reproduce through multiple fissions in three planes to create smaller daughter cells, baeocytes (subsection II, Pleurocapsales). Strains in subsection III (Oscillatoriales) divide the vegetative cell solely perpendicular to the growing axis. Organisms in subsections IV (Nostocales) and V (Stigonematales) are able to differentiate specific cells [i.e., heterocysts (for nitrogen fixation)] and may form akinetes (dormant cells) and hormogonia (for dispersal and symbiosis competence). Subsection V is further distinguished by the ability to form branching filaments. Before this study, two subsections (II and V) had no representative genomes, underscoring the dearth in our understanding of these more complex morphological phenotypes.In this study, 54 strains of cyanobacteria were chosen to improve the distribution of sequenced genomes. The approach is modeled on the phylogenetically driven Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea (GEBA) (6), and so we refer to our data as the CyanoGEBA dataset (SI Appendix, Table S1 and Dataset S1). The results highlight the value of phylum-wide genome sequencing based on phylogenetic coverage.     

Effects of cisplatin, α-interferon, and 13-cis retinoic acid on the expression of Fas (CD95), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in oral cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that many chemotherapeutic agents can induce immuno-suppression at therapeutic drug concentrations whereas low drug doses induce immuno-augmentation. Methods: The effect of low-dose cisplatin, interferon-alpha, and 13-cis retinoic acid on receptors involved in immune-mediated apoptosis (Fas/CD95), cell growth (epidermal growth factor receptor) and lymphocyte adhesion (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) was investigated in two oral cancer cell lines (UT-SCC-20A and UT-SCC-24A). Different methods for cell preparation were studied: mechanical and enzymatic detachment, and culture on chamber slides. Receptor expression was investigated using immunohistochemical staining. The amount of soluble and cell-bound Fas was determined with the ELISA technique, and the functional relevance of Fas expression, apoptosis induction, was analyzed. RESULTS: Cisplatin enhanced cytoplasm and membrane staining for Fas in both cell lines. After cisplatin treatment, the amount of soluble Fas was increased in UT-SCC-20A cultures, but no effect was observed in the UT-SCC-24A cell line. Apoptosis, measured as enhanced caspase-3 activity, was induced by an agonistic Fas antibody (CH11) after cisplatin treatment in UT-SCC-24A cells. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose cisplatin treatment enhanced Fas expression in both cell lines and increased susceptibility to apoptosis in one of them.     

Haemodynamics and Acid-base equilibrium after cardiac surgery: comparison of rapidly degradable hydroxyethyl starch solutions and albumin

Background: stable haemodynamics is often achieved by administration of colloids after cardiac surgery. We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label study comparing haemodynamics and acid-base equilibrium after infusion of two rapidly degradable hydroxyethyl starch (Hes) solutions or human albumin (Ha) to cardiac surgical patients. Materials and Methods: 45 patients received a predetermined fixed dose of 15 ml kg-1 of either 6% Hes (mW 130 kda, n = 15), 6% Hes (mW 200 kda, n = 15) or 4% Ha (mW 69 kda, n = 15) after on-pump cardiac surgery. Results: left ventricular filling pressures assessed using pulmonary artery catheter responded similarly in all groups. mean (sd) cardiac index was higher in Hes130 [3.5 l min-1 m-2 (0.7) ] and Hes200 [3.5 l min-1 m-2 (0.5)] than in Ha [2.8 l min-1 m-2 (0.6)] group after completion of infusion (p = 0.002) but no differences were detected at 2 and 18 hours. oxygen delivery increased in both Hes groups but not in Ha group. after cessation of infusion base excess was the most negative in Ha group. at 2 hours mean (sd) base excess was higher in Hes130 [0 (1.32)] than in Hes200 [-1.32 (2.27) ] and Ha [-2.3 (1.3)] group (p = 0.002, between the groups). Conclusions: We conclude that the effect of albumin on cardiac performance is inferior than that of Hes130 or Hes200 in early postoperative phase after cardiac surgery. Hes130 induces no alterations in acid-base equilibrium whereas a negative base excess was observed after Ha infusion.     

Papillary thyroid carcinoma: The new,age-related TNM classification system in a retrospective analysis of 199 patients

The new, age-related TNM classification system of papillary thyroid carcinoma was applied in a retrospective analysis of 199 patients operated on during the 24-year period from 1956 through 1979 at the Second Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital. According to the new staging system, 103 patients (under 45 years of age) and 96 T1 patients (45 years of age and older) were categorized into stage I. The incidence of carcinoma-positive cervical lymph nodes was highest among patients under 30 years of age at primary surgery. During the follow-up period of 6–29 years, cervical lymph node involvement was verified at reoperation in 20 patients (10%). Distant metastases (bone or lung) developed in 11 patients (5.5%). thirty-one patients (16%) died from carcinoma. The prognostic value of stage grouping, in terms of metastatic tendency and cancer mortality, was clearly demonstrated in the present material, suggesting the suitability of this simplified, new, age-related staging system in clinical practice.

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Resumen La nueva clasificación TNM relacionada con la edad, del carcinoma papilar de la tiroides fue aplicada en un análisis retrospectivo de 199 pacientes operados en un período de 24 anos entre 1956 y 1979 en el Segundo Departamento de Cirugía del Hospital Central de la Universidad de Helsinki. De acuerdo con el nuevo sistema de estadificación, 103 pacientes menores de 45 años y 96 pacientes T1 de 45 años o más, fueron categorizados como estado I. La incidencia de ganglios cervicales positivos fue maxima entre los pacientes menores de 30 anos en el momento de la primera cirugía. En el curso del seguimiento de 6–29 años, se verificó invasión glanglionar cervical en reoperación en 20 pacientes (10%). Metástasis distantes (hueso o pulmón) aparecieron en 11 pacientes (5.5%). Treinta y un pacientes (16%) murieron por carcinoma. El valor pronóstico de la agrupación por estadificación, en términos de metastásis y mortalidad por cáncer, fue bien demostrada en este material chínico, lo cual sugiere la confiabilidad del nuevo y simplicado método de clasificación segÚn la edad, en la cual todo paciente menor de 45 años, no importa cuales sean las categorias T y N, son clasificados como estado I.

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Résumé Le nouveau système TNM de classification du carcinome papillaire de la thyroÏde en fonction de l'âge a été appliqué dans l'analyse rétrospective de 199 patients opérés sur une période de 24 ans, de 1956 à 1979, dans le 2ème Département de Chirurgie de l'Hôpital Central de l'Université d'Helsinki. Selon cette nouvelle classification, 103 patients T1 âgés de moins d 45 ans et 96 patients T1 de 45 ans et plus ont été répertoriés dans le stade I. L'incidence des adénopathies cervicales était plus fréquente chez les patients âgés de moins de 30 ans lors de la première intervention. Pendant la période de suivi allant de 6 à 29 ans, l'état des ganglions du cou a été contrôlé par réopération chez 20 patients (10%). Des métastases à distance (os ou poumon) se sont développées chez 11 patients (5.5%). Trenteet-un patients (16%) sont morts du cancer. La valeur pronostique du regroupement par âge, en terme de tendance métastasique et de mortalité, a été clairement démontrée dans cette étude, suggérant l'emploi de ce nouveau système de classification simplifié en fonction de l'âge dans la pratique clinique.

     

Pharmacological characterization of ligand-receptor interactions at the zebrafish bradykinin receptor

Ligand interactions of a piscine bradykinin (BK) receptor expressed in vitro have been characterized for the first time by measuring inositol phosphate accumulation.The ligands were analogues of zebrafish BK with serial substitutions by D-amino acids or alanine. Substitutions at residues Arg(1), Gly(4), Ser(6), Pro(7), Leu(8) and Arg(9) caused greatly reduced potency and maximum response. The Pro(3) --> Ala analogue had higher potency but lower maximum response.The peptide HOE140 was a weak partial agonist although it is an antagonist at the human B2 receptor and a potent agonist at chicken B2.Thus, cloned zebrafish BK receptor reveals a ligand-interaction profile that is distinct from mammalian B1 and B2 receptors and from the previously characterized BK receptor in trout stomach, but similar to the receptor in cod intestine. These results increase our understanding of the evolution of BK receptors and the functions of the kallikrein-kinin system.