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Electrode grids are used in neuroscience research and clinical practice to record electrical activity from the surface of the brain. However, existing passive electrocorticography (ECoG) technologies are unable to offer both high spatial resolution and wide cortical coverage, while ensuring a compact acquisition system. The electrode count and density are restricted by the fact that each electrode must be individually wired. This work presents an active micro‐electrocorticography (µECoG) implant that tackles this limitation by incorporating metal oxide thin‐film transistors (TFTs) into a flexible electrode array, allowing to address multiple electrodes through a single shared readout line. By combining the array with an incremental‐ΔΣ readout integrated circuit (ROIC), the system is capable of recording from up to 256 electrodes virtually simultaneously, thanks to the implemented 16:1 time‐division multiplexing scheme, offering lower noise levels than existing active µECoG arrays. In vivo validation is demonstrated acutely in mice by recording spontaneous activity and somatosensory evoked potentials over a cortical surface of ≈8×8 mm2. The proposed neural interface overcomes the wiring bottleneck limiting ECoG arrays, holding promise as a powerful tool for improved mapping of the cerebral cortex and as an enabling technology for future brain‐machine interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report a new practical and efficient multistep syntheses of 1"‐ and 2"‐hydroxycannabidiol metabolites. Both products and intermediates were fully characterized, and the target metabolites were produced in good overall yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional trait distances between coexisting organisms reflect not only complementarity in the way they use resources, but also differences in their competitive abilities. Accordingly, absolute and relative trait distances have been widely used to capture the effects of niche dissimilarity and competitive hierarchies, respectively, on the performance of plants in competition. However, multiple dimensions of the plant phenotype are involved in these plant–plant interactions (PPI), challenging the use of relative trait distances to predict their outcomes. Furthermore, estimating the effects of competitive hierarchy on the performance of a group of coexisting plants remains particularly difficult since relative trait distances relate to the effects of a focal plant on another.We argue that trait distinctiveness, an emerging facet of functional diversity that characterizes the eccentric position of a species (or genotype) in a phenotypic space, can reveal the unique role played by a given individual plant in a group of competing plants. We used the model crop species Oryza sativa spp. japonica to evaluate the ability of trait distances and trait distinctiveness to predict the outcome of intraspecific PPI on the performance of single genotype and genotype mixtures. We performed a screening experiment to characterize the phenotypic space of 49 rice genotypes based on 11 above‐ground and root traits. We selected nine genotypes with contrasting positions in the phenotypic space and grew them in pots following a complete pairwise interaction design.Relative distances and distinctiveness based on traits associated with light competition were by far the best predictors of the performance of single genotypes—taller genotypes that acquired resource faster being the best competitors—while absolute trait distances had no effect. These results indicate that competitive hierarchy for light dominates PPI in this experiment. Consistently, trait distinctiveness in plant height and age at flowering had the strongest, positive effects on mixture performance, confirming that functional distinctiveness captures the effects of trait hierarchies and asymmetric PPI at this scale.Our findings shed new light on the role of trait diversity in regulating PPI and ecosystem processes and call for a greater consideration of functional distinctiveness in studies of coexistence mechanisms. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Reports indicate that intraspecific neighbours alter the physiology of focal plants, and with a few exceptions, their molecular responses to neighbours are unknown. Recently, changes in susceptibility to pathogen resulting from such interactions were demonstrated, a phenomenon called neighbour‐modulated susceptibility (NMS). However, the genetics of NMS and the associated molecular responses are largely unexplored.Here, we analysed in rice the modification of biomass and susceptibility to the blast fungus pathogen in the Kitaake focal genotype in the presence of 280 different neighbours. Using genome‐wide association studies, we identified the loci in the neighbour that determine the response in Kitaake. Using a targeted transcriptomic approach, we characterized the molecular responses in focal plants co‐cultivated with various neighbours inducing a reduction in susceptibility.Our study demonstrates that NMS is controlled by one major locus in the rice genome of its neighbour. Furthermore, we show that this locus can be associated with characteristic patterns of gene expression in focal plant. Finally, we propose an hypothesis where Pi could play a role in explaining this case of NMS.Our study sheds light on how plants affect the physiology in their neighbourhood and opens perspectives for understanding plant–plant interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a new and stereoselective conversion of β‐nitro‐β,γ‐unsaturated ketones into conjugated dienones, a versatile class of electron‐poor alkenes, widely exploited in organic synthesis as source of highly functionalized molecules. Products were isolated in good yields and the method tolerates a variety of functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Agroecosystem diversification through increased crop genetic diversity could provide multiple services such as improved disease control or increased productivity. However, we still poorly understand how genetic diversity affects agronomic performance.We grew 179 inbred lines of durum wheat in pure stands and in 202 binary mixtures in field conditions. We then tested the effect of allelic richness between genotypes and genotype richness on grain yield and Septoria tritici blotch disease. Allelic richness was tested at 19K single nucleotide polymorphisms distributed along the durum wheat genome. Both genotype richness and allelic richness could be equal to 1 or 2.Mixtures were overall more productive and less diseased than their pure stand components. Yet, we identified one locus at which allelic richness between genotypes was associated with increased disease severity and decreased grain yield. The effect of allelic richness at this locus was stronger than the effect of genotype richness on grain yield (−7.6% vs +5.7%).Our results suggest that positive effects of crop diversity can be reversed by unfavourable allelic associations. This highlights the need to integrate genomic data into crop diversification strategies. More generally, investigating plant–plant interactions at the genomic level is promising to better understand biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a new one‐pot synthesis of polysubstituted carbazoles starting from β‐nitro‐β,γ‐unsaturated‐ketones and indoles. The process is based on a Friedel‐Crafts reaction of indoles to nitroolefins supported by 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) followed by an acidic‐promoted and microwave‐assisted intramolecular cyclization, that involves the elimination of both nitrous acid and water molecules. Products were obtained in satisfactory to good overall yields (55–78%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This significantly reduced hypoxia-induced retinal neovascularisation by counteracting hypoxia-inducible factor-1 upregulation and the downstream proangiogenic cascade.[1] Explorative clinical trials and three meta-analyses[2] showed that oral propranolol reduced ROP progression and the need for laser photocoagulation or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment. Treating infants with 0.2% propranolol eye micro-drops drastically reduced the progression of retinopathy of prematurity Abbreviations GA gestational age OIR oxygen-induced retinopathy ROP retinopathy of prematurity VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor VLBW very low birth weight Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) continues to threaten the vision of premature infants. [Extracted from the article]

Cannabidiol is one of the main non‐psychoactive cannabinoids present in Cannabis sativa and, in the last decade, it is gaining great interest among the scientific community for its pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. Herein, we report the first continuous flow chemical synthesis of cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogues cannabidivarin (CBDV) and cannabidibutol (CBDB). This approach permits to synthesize products in very good yields (55–59 %), limiting the formation of psychoactive and illegal cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe two cases of Baló's concentric sclerosis, and to review the state‐of‐the‐art literature. This dissertation is the result of a critical analysis matching the literature and our professional experience. Data were synthesized into a narrative review. BCS is often referred to as a variant of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is still unclear whether BCS is an acute variant of MS or a distinct entity that happens to coexist with MS. BCS and MS‐like lesions might be present at the same time. BCS lesions are characterized by a large concentric "onion‐like" shape on MRI T2‐weighted images composed of alternating hypointense and hyperintense layers. On contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted images, BCS active lesions usually show an enhancing and non‐enhancing pattern. The advancing edge of demyelination could be represented by peripheral restricted diffusion and contrast enhancement. Baló's lesions is mainly found in the supratentorial white matter; however; the cerebellum, the brainstem and the spinal cord might be affected as well. The present two cases both showed onion‐like lesions; case 1 showed typical BCS features, whereas case 2 was atypical and could be classified as probably BCS or as a BCS‐like lesion in the course of MS. It is important for radiologists to be able to recognize this type of lesion and to cooperate with clinicians to help them carry out earlier diagnosis and treatment, determining a better clinical outcome for patients affected by BCS, even without histological confirmation, which is still considered the gold standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein an unprecedented conversion of β‐nitroenones into β‐nitro‐β,γ‐unsaturated ketones. The reaction proceeds under microwave irradiation, furnishing products in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivity. The mechanism of the reaction has been rationalized by means of DFT modelling, which showed that sequential enolization/isomerization steps allowed to break the conjugation of the reagent. The E isomer is preferentially formed thanks to the solvent, which acts catalytically and dictates the regiochemical outcome. Moreover, the obtained β‐nitro‐β,γ‐unsaturated ketones have been efficiently converted into 1,2,5‐trisubstituted pyrroles by a one‐pot approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliphatic nitro compounds having an acidic hydrogen in the β‐position, with respect to the nitro group, are prone to undergo the elimination of nitrous acid, mainly under basic conditions, affording a C=C double bond. Until a few decades ago, the literature reported some examples of the application of this elimination as a strategic step in the synthesis of a variety of important targets. However, mainly in the last two decades, this methodology has been largely developed and applied, thus the aim of this review is to report the most important recent improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein a general and efficient continuous flow‐based protocol for synthesizing thiophene‐2‐carboxylates starting from ketal‐functionalized β‐nitroacrylates. The protocol involves (i) a promoter‐free conjugate addition of thioacetic acid to β‐nitroacrylates, (ii) a base‐induced elimination of nitrous acid, and (iii) a final acid‐promoted domino cyclization‐aromatization process to afford the title targets. Thanks to the means of the flow chemistry and the use of solid supported systems, the three steps were combined in a whole flow chemical process, by which the products were isolated in good to excellent overall yields (38–88%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nitroalkanes, mainly the primary ones, are the key starting materials for the synthesis of a large variety of important targets. However, in spite of their strategic synthetic importance, every single type of nitroalkane and every single procedure are relegated to individual contributions. Thus, this review represents the first exhaustive collection of procedures for their synthesis and, consequently, it can be considered as a very important tool for a growing use of nitroalkanes as key synthetic building blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new simple and efficient synthesis of 6-nitroindoles, starting from N-carboxylalkylpyrrole-2-carboxaldehydes and protected β-nitro ketones, has been developed. The method involves two distinct domino processes, respectively performed under flow chemical conditions and microwave irradiation. 6-Nitroindoles were produced in good to excellent overall yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Global change projections predict biodiversity changes and increased drought intensity in the Mediterranean Basin in the decades to come. This will presumably affect plant performance, plant community composition and ecosystem functioning. Shrublands are widespread in the Mediterranean area, yet we have no clear understanding of shrubland responses to the combined effects of increased drought and changes in plant diversity. Location Natural Mediterranean shrubland, Marseille, south France. Methods A rainfall manipulation experiment was conducted to examine the performance of four dominant shrub species in response to increased drought. The study assemblages spanned a gradient of four shrub richness levels (mono-, bi-, tri- and tetra-specific plant mixtures) and 15 different shrub combinations. Throughout the 2 yr of non-destructive experiments (2012-2014), we measured plant litter fall, stand necromass and plant cover of the four dominant plant species: Cistus albidus, Quercus coccifera, Rosmarinus officinalis and Ulex parviflorus. Results Increasing shrub richness levels in the plant community led to higher litter production by all four species and a decrease in dry shoots for Quercus and Ulex. Shrub species responses were affected by the rain exclusion treatment, but the effects were mainly dependent on shrub richness level. In mono-specific plots, aggravated drought conditions led to a decrease in litter fall of Cistus, Rosmarinus and Ulex and an increase in necromass of all four species. In general, these negative drought effects disappeared as number of shrub species in the community increased. Under rain exclusion treatment, Rosmarinus cover decreased in mono-specific plots whereas Quercus cover increased in bi-specific plots and Rosmarinus cover increased in tetra-specific plots. We observed two drought tolerance patterns, with Quercus and Rosmarinus being more tolerant species and Ulex and Cistus less tolerant. Conclusions The magnitude of drought effects on shrub performance is species-specific, and plant species combination-dependent. High shrub richness levels modulate the negative impacts of aggravated drought conditions. Our results point to a probable shift of interspecific relationships in response to water shortage. As drought impacts are not mediated in low-diversity communities, species-specific responses to drier conditions could lead to shifts in plant community composition favouring the most drought-resistant species, i.e. Quercus and Rosmarinus. Maintaining high diversity appears critical to mediate drought effects for less resistant species ( Cistus and Ulex in our study). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although MOS‐based pseudo‐resistors are capable of achieving the ultra‐high resistance required to design small‐area neural amplifiers, they suffer from substrate leakage currents which become dramatically higher when the devices are exposed to light. This can cause unwanted amplifier offsets and hinders the usability of these devices in the emerging optoelectrical neural applications. A solution is proposed to compensate the pseudo‐resistor leakage current using a dummy deep N‐well device. Experimental results show that neural amplifiers implemented with the compensated pseudo‐resistor become more robust to photo‐induced leakage currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article reports new procedures and practical application of the nitro to carbonyl conversion that appeared in the literature after our comprehensive report published in 2004. Beside traditional and well explored reactant systems, new procedures including the utilization of molecular oxygen and photoredox catalysis have been introduced for the Nef reaction. Of notable interest is the utilization of the nitro to carbonyl conversion in tandem and cascade processes aimed at the preparation of hetero and carbocyclic derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background PF9601 N [ N-(2-propynyl)-2-(5-benzyloxy-indolyl) methylamine] is an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B ( MAO- B), which has shown to possess neuroprotective properties in several in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease ( PD). As there is evidence that excitotoxicity may be implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases, the aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of PF9601 N in an acute in vivo model of excitotoxicity induced by the local administration of kainic acid during striatal microdialysis in adult rats. Methods The basal and evoked release of neurotransmitters was monitored by HPLC analysis of microdialysate samples and tissue damage was evaluated histologically ' ex vivo.' Results PF9601 N (40 mg/kg, single i.p. administration) reduced the kainate-evoked release of glutamate and aspartate and increased taurine release, but it had no effect on the release of dopamine, DOPAC, and HVA. PF9601 N pretreatment also resulted in a significant reduction in the kainate-induced astrocytosis, microgliosis, and apoptosis. Conclusions The results suggest PF9601 N to be a good candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases mediated by excitotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,3-Dinitro alkanes are an emerging class of nitro alkanes that act as bidentate nucleophilic species suited to undergo a variety of reactions with an array of electrophiles. The goal of this microreview is to demonstrate the synthetic potential of these nitro derivatives, reporting both (i) recent procedures for the convenient synthesis (symmetric and asymmetric) of 1,3-dinitro alkanes, and (ii) recent uses of these compounds as strategic starting materials for the preparation of a variety of important fine chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study conducted on the flow synthesis of substituted gamma-lactones through consecutive photocatalytic and reductive reactions. Flow reactors are used for the production of fine chemicals, and these devices are particularly applied to photochemical reactions. In the study, the gamma-lactone ring was prepared under flow conditions having a photocatalytic reaction.

The photochemical synthesis of benzo[ a]carbazoles from easily synthesizable 2-aryl-3-(1-tosylalkyl)indoles is presented. Irradiation of these substrates in polar aprotic solvents (acetone or THF) gives selectively the target products in satisfactory yields. This versatile and efficient procedure promises to be a useful alternative to the multistep strategies reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted angiostatic therapy receives major attention for the treatment of cancer and exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used as an effective clinical approach for these diseases. As PDT can cause an angiogenic response in the treated tissue, combination of PDT with anti-angiogenic compounds should lead to improved therapy. This study was undertaken to test the clinically used small molecule kinase inhibitors Nexavar® (sorafenib), Tarceva® (erlotinib) and Sutent® (sunitinib) for this purpose, and to compare the results to the combination of Visudyne®-PDT with Avastin® (bevacizumab) treatment. When topically applied to the chicken chorioallantoic membrane at embryo development day (EDD) 7, a clear inhibition of blood vessel development was observed, with sorafenib being most efficient. To investigate the combination with phototherapy, Visudyne®-PDT was first applied on EDD11 to close all <100 μm vessels. Application of angiostatics after PDT resulted in a significant decrease in vessel regrowth in terms of reduced vessel density and number of branching points/mm2. As the 50% effective dose (ED50) for all compounds was approximately 10-fold lower, Sorafenib outperformed the other compounds. In vitro, all kinase inhibitors decreased the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Sunitinib convincingly inhibited the in vitro migration of endothelial cells. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of these compounds for application in combination with PDT in anti-cancer approaches, and possibly also in the treatment of other diseases where angiogenesis plays an important role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are an adult stem cell population with high proliferative potential and the ability to differentiate in many cell types, and this has led scientists to consider these cells to be an alternative source of postnatal stem cells comparable to mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow. In this work, we studied the osteoblastic phenotype developed by DPSCs cultured in osteogenic medium. In particular, we analyzed the expression of the typical osteoblast markers such as alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I, osteocalcin, osteopontin, as well as mineralized matrix production. Furthermore, the gene expression during DPSC differentiation into osteoblastic cells was studied by microarray technology. Using microarray and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, we found that IGFBP-5, JunB, and NURR1 genes are upregulated during the differentiation of DPSCs. These data indicate that opportunely differentiated DPSCs show a correct osteoblastic phenotype. Therefore, during the osteoblastic differentiation process, IGFBP-5, JunB, and NURR1 gene expression is significantly increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors are highly localized on the peripheral and central pathways of nociceptive signal transmission. The discovery of A-317491 allowed their validation as chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain targets, but this molecule has a very limited oral bioavailability and CNS penetration. Recently, potent P2X3 and P2X2/3 blockers with a diaminopyrimidine core group and better bioavailability were synthesized and represent a new opportunity for the validation of P2X3-containing receptors as targets for pain. Here we present a characterization of three representative diaminopyrimidines.Experimental Approach: The activity of compounds was evaluated in intracellular calcium flux and electrophysiological recordings from P2X receptors expressed in mammalian cells and in a in vivo model of inflammatory pain (complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rat paws).Key Results: Compound A potently blocked P2X3 (pIC(50)= 7.39) and P2X2/3 (pIC(50)=6.68) and showed no detectable activity at P2X1, P2X2, P2X4 and P2X7 receptors (pIC(50)< 4.7). Whole-cell voltage clamp electrophysiology confirmed these results. Compounds showed good selectivities when tested against a panel of different classes of target. In the CFA model, compound B showed significant anti-nociceptive effects (57% reversal at 3mg·kg(-1) ).Conclusions and Implications: The diaminopyrimidines were potent and selective P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptor antagonists, showing efficacy in vivo and represent useful tools to validate these receptors as targets for inflammatory and neuropathic pain and provide promising progress in the identification of therapeutic tools for the treatment of pain-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Int J Dent Hygiene , 2011; 163-166 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00454.x Scattarella A, Petruzzi M, Ballini A, Grassi FR, Nardi GM. Oral lichen planus and dental hygiene: a case report. The presence of atrophic-erosive lesions among gingival tissues makes oral hygiene procedures difficult for several reasons. Plaque control and rigorous oral hygiene are a fundamental requisite for the treatment of any oromucosal disease. A patient suffering from a mixed atrophic-erosive form of oral lichen planus (OLP), with serious gingival involvement, was also treated with the topical application of clobetasol propionate 0.05% using gingival trays. The highest hygiene standards of both patient and trays were of fundamental importance. The management of the patient suffering from gingival atrophic-erosive OLP requires the synergic treatment of both dentist and dental hygienist, whose contribution supports the corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the potential of plant functional responses to speed up restoration in a postfire ecosystem. The patterns of change in plant nutrient uptake and water potential after compost amendment were monitored for 2 years in a 7-year-old postfire shrubland in southeastern France. We studied four different stress-tolerant species with contrasting life traits: three shrub species and a perennial herb. Three treatments were applied: control, 50 and 100 Mg/ha of fresh cocomposted sewage sludge and green waste. In both compost treatments, concentrations of all the macronutrients increased. The amendment improved N and cation nutrition, but the positive effect of compost on plant nutrient status was most apparent on leaf P concentrations, indicating that P was a limiting nutrient in this shrubland. Compost had no significant short-term effect on trace metal concentrations in plants. The plant nutrition response of different species to the compost varied; the nutritional status of Brachypodium retusum and Cistus albidus improved the most, whereas that of Quercus coccifera and Ulex parviflorus improved the least. Woody species exhibited no increase in N stocks. Phosphorus accumulation was also about three times higher in plots amended at 50 Mg/ha than in control plots for B. retusum and C. albidus. The severe summer drought of 2003 altered the compost effect. Contrary to our expectations, plants on amended plots did not exhibit a better water status in summer: the effect of the summer drought had a greater effect on water status than did the compost treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gell's Art and Agency that aimed to articulate the first anthropological theory of art has achieved a near-cult status among the academic community. Departing from previous semiological and aesthetic approaches, this theory takes it that art is a form of instrumental action, the canonical efficacy of which lies in its power to function as a cognitive trap and to captivate the spectator's mind. In this article it is argued that Gell's theory is not as novel as it is claimed; that it fails to define the specific field of art; and that by excluding the aesthetic properties of art objects, it discards ethnographical data nonetheless necessary for understanding the agency of art in Melanesian local cultures. At a meta-level, Gell assigned to his theory the same captivating purpose as he did to art, and this probably explains the seductive fascination that his work continues to exert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neuropathological and immune changes induced in the brain by ‘binge drinking’ have been investigated in a rat model. Evidence of neuro-inflammation was identified in the ‘binge drinking’ rat model of alcohol abuse after 3 weeks of administration of 2 or 3 g/kg ethanol (EtOH), three times per day for two consecutive days, followed by 5 days of abstinence: Firstly, alveolar macrophages, isolated from these animals, showed significant increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase, as assayed by nitrite release, both before and after lipopolysaccaharide stimulation. Secondly, significant numbers of activated microglia were present in the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus of the ‘binge drinking’ model, after major histocompatibility complex class II staining, by comparison with the control. Microdialysis studies in the ventral hippocampus identified a significant increase in the basal extracellular concentration of glutamate, in both the 2 and 3 g/kg administered ‘binge drinking’ rats. In contrast, no changes in the hippocampal extracellular concentrations, of GABA and taurine, or the dopamine and serotonin metabolites were observed under basal conditions. A further dose of EtOH induced a significant decrease in the concentrations of both 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, whereas glutamate, taurine and GABA levels were unaffected. There was no evidence that EtOH preference was initiated by the ‘binge drinking’ regimen. Our results suggest that the possible toxicity associated with ‘binge drinking’ maybe directed by the elevated glutamate levels, which in turn, activate phagocytic cells to release their inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, ultimately leading to neuro-inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin (Visudyne®) with ranibizumab (Lucentis®) can optimize the overall treatment outcome by providing more efficacy in vessel closure, and thus reduce the need for retreatment in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. In this preclinical study in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the chicken embryo, we compare the vascular occlusion effects of verteporfin and ranibizumab as monotherapies with those observed in the combined therapy. In order to optimize the combination therapy, we varied the timing and sequence of the PDT and antivascular endothelial growth factor modalities. We observed that 1 day after PDT, the smaller blood vessels (∅ < 70 μm) of the CAM were selectively occluded, but as early as 2 days after PDT, both significant reperfusion and regrowth of new vessels were observed. Both these phenomena could be significantly delayed by application of ranibizumab. Ranibizumab itself did not induce any vascular occlusion. Under the applied conditions of combination therapy, the occlusion of the targeted blood vessels could be significantly extended to 3 days in this model compared with 1 day in the case of verteporfin monotherapy. Thus, in the present preclinical study, we demonstrate that for the applied conditions, the optimal time to administer ranibizumab is 24 h after PDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, forecast methodologies emphasize precise point-forecasts of stationary data. Risk analysis demands forecasts that, in practice, must be developed using imprecise and nonstationary data. Currently, value-at-risk (VaR) is widely employed in risk analysis. VaR requires a form of interval forecasts. Generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models are stochastic recursive systems commonly adopted in financial prediction. This paper addresses a new approach to handle imprecise and nonstationary data using evolving fuzzy modelling translated into a recursive, adaptive forecasting procedure. VaR analysis is conducted to compare the performance and robustness of evolving fuzzy forecasting against GARCH using São Paulo Stock Exchange data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research has been devoted to understanding the role of biodiversity as a driver of ecosystem functioning. However, no previous study has evaluated the relative contribution of complementarity and selection to productivity in shrublands. We have attempted to do this for a Mediterranean shrubland dominated by Quercus coccifera, Cistus albidus, Ulex parviflorus and Rosmarinus officinalis. We found a highly significant and linear positive relationship between productivity and species richness. No selection effect was apparent, but both the complementarity and net effects were highly significant. The magnitude of these effects increased from two to three species, but became non-significant in the four-species mixtures. Analysis of pairwise interactions revealed that legumes did not promote overyielding. Complementarity was mostly driven by Cistus, which always performed better when growing with other species than when growing with conspecifics. Our results are an addition to the still scarce literature dealing with diversity–productivity relationships in communities dominated by woody species, and show that methodologies commonly used to assess complementarity may not provide a precise estimation when a given species has negative effects on its conspecifics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extracellular levels of aspartate, glutamate and GABA were measured by microdialysis, coupled with an HPLC method, in rat prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and ventral hippocampus (VH) before and during the performance of a step-down inhibitory task. The basal levels of glutamate were about 50% higher than those of aspartate, and GABA levels were about 20-folds smaller than those of the excitatory amino acids. There were no significant differences in the basal levels of any of the three amino acids between the two brain regions. The extracellular levels of aspartate increased during acquisition and recall trials in both VH and mPFC, whereas those of glutamate increased in the VH during acquisition only. A significant increase in GABA levels was also detected during acquisition but only in the mPFC. The neuronal origin of the increased extracellular levels of aspartate, glutamate and GABA was demonstrated by administering tetrodotoxin directly into the mPFC or VH by reverse dialysis. These findings, together with previous evidence from our and other laboratories, indicate a differential release of aspartate and glutamate from excitatory neurons during the performance of behavioral responses, and therefore, distinct roles for the two excitatory amino acids should be envisaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium terephthalate was shown to be a new robust and sensitive chemical trap for highly reactive oxygen species (hROS), which lacks the drawbacks of the salicylic acid method. Reaction of the almost non-fluorescent terephthalate (TA2−) with hydroxyl radicals or ferryl-oxo species resulted in the stoichiometric formation of the brilliant fluorophor, 2-hydroxyterephthalate (OH-TA). Neither hydrogen peroxide nor superoxide reacts in this system. This procedure was validated for determining hROS formation during microdialysis under in vivo conditions as well as by in vitro studies. The detection limit of OH-TA in microdialysis samples was 0.5 fmol/μL. Derivatization of samples with o-phthalaldehyde, for amino acid detection, had no effect on OH-TA fluorescence, which could easily be resolved from the amino acid derivatives by HPLC, allowing determination in a single chromatogram. Use of terephthalate in microdialysis experiments showed the neurotoxin kainate to evoke hROS formation in a dose-dependent manner. The presence of TA2− in the perfusion fluid did not affect basal or evoked release of aspartate, glutamate, taurine and GABA. Assessment of cell death ‘ ex vivo’ showed TA2− to be non-toxic at concentrations up to 1 mM. The in vitro results in the Fenton system (Fe2+ + H2O2) indicate a mechanism whereby TA2− forms a primary complex with Fe2+ followed by an intramolecular hydroxylation accompanied by intramolecular electron transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• During the breeding process of cultivated crops, resistance genes to pests and diseases are commonly introgressed from wild species. The size of these introgressions is predicted by theoretical models but has rarely been measured in cultivated varieties. • By combining resistance tests with isogenic strains, genotyping and sequencing of different rice accessions, it was shown that, in the elite rice variety IR64, the resistance conferring allele of the rice blast resistance gene Pi33 was introgressed from the wild rice Oryza rufipogon (accession IRGC101508). • Further characterization of this introgression revealed a large introgression at this locus in IR64 and the related variety IR36. The introgressed fragment represents approximately half of the short arm of rice chromosome 8. • This is the first report of a large introgression in a cultivated variety of rice. Such a large introgression is likely to have been maintained during backcrossing only if a selection pressure was exerted on this genomic region. The possible traits that were selected are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Our view of genes involved in rice disease resistance is far from complete. Here we used a gene-for-gene relationship corresponding to the interaction between atypical avirulence gene ACE1 from Magnaporthe grisea and rice resistance gene Pi33 to better characterize early rice defence responses induced during such interaction. • Rice genes differentially expressed during early stages of Pi33/ ACE1 interaction were identified using DNA chip-based differential hybridization and QRT-PCR survey of the expression of known and putative regulators of disease resistance. • One hundred genes were identified as induced or repressed during rice defence response, 80% of which are novel, including resistance gene analogues. Pi33/ ACE1 interaction also triggered the up-regulation of classical PR defence genes and a massive down-regulation of chlorophyll a/b binding genes. Most of these differentially expressed genes were induced or repressed earlier in Pi33/ ACE1 interaction than in the gene–for–gene interaction involving Nipponbare resistant cultivar. • Besides demonstrating that an ACE1/ Pi33 interaction induced classical and specific expression patterns, this work provides a list of new genes likely to be involved in rice disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male rat chemosignals attract females and influence their reproductive status. Through the accessory olfactory bulb and its projection target, the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala (PMCo), species-specific chemosignals detected by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) may reach the hypothalamus. To test this hypothesis in vivo, behavioural activation and neurotransmitter release in the PMCo were simultaneously monitored in freely moving female oestrus rats exposed to either rat or mouse urinary stimuli, or to odorants. Plasma levels of the luteinizing hormone were subsequently monitored. All stimuli induced an immediate behavioural activation, but only species-specific chemosignals led to a delayed behavioural activation. This biphasic behavioural activation was accompanied by a VNO-mediated release of the excitatory amino acids, aspartate and glutamate, in the PMCo. The late behavioural and neurochemical activation was followed by an increase in the levels of circulating luteinizing hormone. In conclusion, these data show that only species-specific chemosignals induce a delayed behavioural activation and excitatory activation of the PMCo, which is dependent on an intact VNO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabinoids exert complex actions on neurotransmitter systems involved in cognition, locomotion, appetite, but no information was available so far on the interactions between the endocannabinoid system and histaminergic neurons that command several, similar behavioural states and memory. In this study, we investigated the effect of cannabimimetic compounds on histamine release using the microdialysis technique in the brain of freely moving rats. We found that systemic administration of the cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1-r) agonist arachidonyl-2′chloroethylamide/N-(2chloroethyl)-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenamide (ACEA; 3 mg/kg) increased histamine release from the posterior hypothalamus, where the histaminergic tuberomamillary nuclei (TMN) are located. Local infusions of ACEA (150 nm) or R(+)-methanandamide (mAEA; 1 µm), another CB1-r agonist, in the TMN augmented histamine release from the TMN, as well as from two histaminergic projection areas, the nucleus basalis magnocellularis and the dorsal striatum. When the endocannabinoid uptake inhibitor AM404 was infused into the TMN, however, increased histamine release was observed only in the TMN. The cannabinoid-induced effects on histamine release were blocked by co-administrations with the CB1-r antagonist AM251. Using double-immunofluorescence labelling and confocal laser-scanning microscopy, CB1-r immunostaining was found in the hypothalamus, but was not localized onto histaminergic cells. The modulatory effect of cannabimimetic compounds on histamine release apparently did not involve inhibition of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission, which provides the main inhibitory input to the histaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus, as local infusions of ACEA did not modify GABA release from the TMN. These profound effects of cannabinoids on histaminergic neurotransmission may partially underlie some of the behavioural changes observed following exposure to cannabinoid-based drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mediterranean areas, often characterized by degraded soil due to recurrent fires and violent precipitation events, sewage sludge compost could improve soil properties and stimulate plant succession processes. Most of the studies dealing with compost effects on soil properties only take into account the mineral horizon compartment, without studying compost effects on organic horizon properties. In this study, we monitored the patterns of change in the litter, humus, and mineral horizon compartments in a 7-yr-old garrigue over 2 yr after compost spreading. Three treatments were studied: control, 50 Mg ha-1, and 100 Mg ha-1 (Fresh Mass) of cocomposted sewage sludge and green wastes. The major changes occur in the humus and litter compartments, whereas the mineral horizon is slightly affected. The mineral horizon is enriched in exchangeable K, Mg, and sporadically in P (total and available) after amendment, slightly improving overall fertility, while the humus and litter compartments keep accumulated compost organic matter and its associated nutrients, showing the slow release of elements from the chosen mature compost. Compost amendment probably enhances the humus decomposition process, first because it decreases this compartment's C/N ratio, and second because it decreases its Ni and Cr concentrations. In contrast to humus, compost should reduce the litter decomposition process, by increasing C/N ratio, pH, and concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements such as Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Pb. Compost greatly enriched humus and litter in P, Cu, and Zn, and only Cu moves from organic to mineral soil horizon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]