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BACKGROUND: Genetic breeding is essential to develop grapevine genotypes adapted to warm climates and resistant to pathogens. Traditionally cultivated Vitis vinifera is susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. Winemakers and consumers, however, perceive wines from non‐vinifera or hybrid cultivars as inferior. In this study, sensory analyses and comprehensive metabolite profiling by targeted and untargeted approaches were used to investigate the oenological potential of wines from grapes of genotypes developed throughout four breeding cycles to improve climate adaptation, sugar contents and berry color. RESULTS: Novel genotypes had higher yields and the wines exhibited increased contents of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. Volatile monoterpenes in the wines decreased throughout breeding cycles in the absence of selective pressure. Polyphenol contents were higher in intermediate wines, with hydroxytyrosol contents reaching up to three times reported values. Mouthfeel attributes astringency, leafy taste, flavor and body, and persistency showed significant correlation with untargeted features. Supervised model‐based analyses of the metabolome effectively discriminate wines from distinct genetic origins. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the results demonstrate the potential of novel grapevine genotypes to a more sustainable viticulture and quality wine production in warm climates. Comprehensive metabolite profiling of the wines reveals that genotype clustering is dependent on the chemical class and that traits not submitted to selective pressure are also altered by breeding. Supervised multivariate models were effective to predict the genetic origin of the wines based on the metabolic profile, indicating the potential of the technique to identify biomarkers for wines from sustainable genotypes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Yield, disease tolerance, and climate adaptation are important traits in grapevine genetic breeding programs. Selection for these characteristics causes unpredictable changes in primary and specialized metabolism, affecting the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of the berries and their processed products, juice, and wine. In this study, we investigated the influence of the genetic distance between grapevine genotypes on the chemical signatures of the juices, by integrating comprehensive metabolic profiling to genetic analyses. RESULTS: The studied grapevine cultivars exhibited low genetic diversity. Breeding for agronomic traits promoted higher contents of soluble sugars, total phenolics, and anthocyanins in the juices. Untargeted juice metabolomics identified a total of 147 metabolites, consisting of 30 volatiles, 21 phenolics, and 96 ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS) features. Juices from grapes of the most recent cultivars exhibited increased levels of trans‐resveratrol, catechin, and luteolin. The blend of volatiles from juices of later cultivars was also more complex, consisting of 29 distinct metabolites in 'BRS Magna'. Grapes from 'BRS Carmem', an intermediate cultivar, gave the most divergent UHPLC‐MS juice profile. CONCLUSION: Contents of soluble solids, total phenolics, and anthocyanins in grape juices were increased by controlled crosses and hybrid selection. Integrative analyses demonstrated that the juices' metabolic profiles accurately represent the cultivars' genetic distances. Juices from 'BRS Violeta' and 'BRS Magna' show relevant positive association with health‐related phenolics and a distinct set of odor volatiles, although these characteristics were specifically sought by breeding. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Quality of Interactions Schedule (QuIS) is an observational tool to assess the quality of staff–patient interactions in a healthcare context. QuIS is a promising measure for the evaluation of compassionate care, particularly where care is being delivered to patient populations, such as older people, who may be excluded from self‐completion data collection methods. This study investigates the content validity of QuIS in identification of negative staff–patient interactions in acute care. Methods: Staff–patient interactions (n = 1598) on adult inpatient units with a high proportion of older patients in two UK National Health Service hospitals were observed and rated using QuIS. When rating interactions as negative quality, observers recorded brief field notes to explain the rating. Content analysis was used to develop categories of negative interaction type. These categories were compared with the QuIS negative interaction definitions. Results: Eighty‐eight negative ratings were accompanied by a field note that could be used in the analysis. Five interaction categories were identified: Patient calls for help, call not acknowledged; Staff focused on task and appear to ignore/not hear patient; Patient‐led interactions appear dismissed or ignored; Patient prevented from doing something without explanation; Staff interact with each other or talk to relatives, not including patient. There was clear association between the derived categories and QuIS guidance for negative ratings. Conclusion: These findings support the validity of QuIS data in relation to measurement of interaction quality in acute care settings. Extending the research to a wider range of settings would be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the impact of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis sp.) bagasse extract (PFBE) administration in systemic oxidative and inflammatory parameters in vivo, considering prostate cancer progression in transgenic mice (TRAMP). Piceatannol, scirpusin‐B, dicaffeoylquinic acid, citric acid, and (+)‐catechin were identified in PFBE, and the extract showed high in vitro antioxidant capacity. Some alterations in systemic parameters were verified during prostate cancer progression, as the increase in ALT and MDA levels, and SOD and GPx activities in the plasma. In the liver, higher MDA, TNF‐α, and NF‐κB levels, and GR and GPx activities were verified. Compared to their respective controls, the short‐ and long‐term PFBE administration reduced MDA levels in the liver and plasma. The long‐term treatment increased the catalase activity in the plasma, while the short‐term treatment increased the hepatic SOD and catalase activities. Still, a reduction in hepatic TNF‐α and NF‐κB levels was verified after long‐term treatment. Practical applications: Prostate cancer progression is associated with changes in systemic redox status and inflammation markers. Moreover, the intake of polyphenols with antioxidant properties, besides delaying prostate carcinogenesis, may improve the systemic antioxidant defenses and inflammatory response. In vitro studies pointed to a promising antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potential of yellow passion fruit bagasse. However, in vivo studies are scarce. Our results provided information about in vivo impacts of PFBE oral consumption on antioxidant defense and inflammation, indicating its potential as an adjuvant during the initial steps of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Establishing methods to evaluate interactions between hospital staff and patients with a dementia is vital to inform care delivery. This study aimed to assess the validity of Quality of Interactions Schedule (QuIS) ratings in relation to the care experiences of people with a dementia in a general hospital setting. Methods: Four hundred and ninety face‐to‐face interactions between staff and patients with a dementia (n = 107) on six medicine for older people wards in a UK National Health Service hospital were observed and rated using QuIS and the Psychological Well‐Being in Cognitively Impaired Persons (PWB‐CIP) tool. We also invited patient ratings for longer interactions (n = 217). Analyses explored associations between QuIS ratings, PWB‐CIP ratings and patient ratings. Results: When QuIS was rated negative, the mean researcher‐rated patient psychological well‐being was lower (PWB = 7.9 out of maximum score of 10) than when QuIS was non‐negative (PWB = 8.8, p = 0.036). Negative QuIS ratings were associated with negative ratings on seven out of ten individual PWB‐CIP items. When QuIS was rated negative, the associated patient rating was 4% less likely to be 'happy'. The patient was also 4% more likely to rate the interaction as 'kind'. Patients struggled to participate in care ratings. Conclusions: Some patients found responding to researcher questions difficult or not relevant, reflecting the need for development of more suitable methods in this field. Our findings of an association between lower quality QuIS‐rated interactions and lower psychological well‐being lend support to the use of QuIS with patient populations that include people with a dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To examine the use of electronic medical record (EMR) data to ascertain falls and develop a fall risk prediction model in an older population. DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal study using 10 years of EMR data (2004‐2014). A series of 3‐year cohorts included members continuously enrolled for a minimum of 3 years, requiring 2 years pre‐fall (no previous record of a fall) and a 1‐year fall risk period. SETTING: Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, an ambulatory setting. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 57 678 adults, age 60 years and older. MEASUREMENTS: Initial EMR searches were guided by current literature and geriatricians to understand coding sources of falls as our outcome. Falls were captured by two coding sources: International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) codes (E880‐889) and/or a fall listed as a "primary reason for visit." A comprehensive list of EMR predictors of falls were included into prediction models enabling statistical subset selection from many variables and modeling by logistic regression. RESULTS: Although 72% of falls in the training data set were coded as "primary reason for visit," 22% of falls were coded as ICD‐9 and 6% coded as both. About 80% were reported in face‐to‐face encounters (eg, emergency department). A total of 2164 individuals had a fall in the risk period. Using the 13 key predictors (age, comorbidities, female sex, other mental disorder, walking issues, Parkinson's disease, urinary incontinence, depression, polypharmacy, psychotropic and anticonvulsant medications, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis) identified through LASSO regression, the final model had a sensitivity of 67%, specificity of 69%, positive predictive value of 8%, negative predictive value of 98%, and area under the curve of.74. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated how the EMR can be used to ascertain falls and develop a fall risk prediction model with moderate sensitivity/specificity. Concurrent work with clinical providers to enhance fall documentation will improve the ability of the EMR to capture falls and consequently may improve the model to predict fall risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus, Rafinesque, 1820) in the Wabash River, Illinois/Indiana, USA, provide an important recreational sport and commercial caviar fishery. In fact, it is one of the last commercially viable populations for sturgeon roe harvest. Due to increased demand in the caviar trade and endangered species legislation that protect shovelnose sturgeon in only a portion of their range, efforts of the roe harvest market may continue to divert toward unprotected populations like the shovelnose sturgeon in the Wabash River. Previous studies have shown that increased harvest pressure in this species can affect the age‐at‐maturation and result in recruitment overfishing. Therefore, it is important to closely and continuously monitor commercially exploited populations. Over the past decade (2007–2016), 13,170 shovelnose sturgeon were sampled with boat electroshocking, hoop nets, drift nets, trotlines, and benthic electrified trawls. Captured fish ranged from 61 to 910 mm fork length (FL; mean = 668 mm), with very few fish less than 550 mm FL. Although fish were found to be in a healthy condition (mean relative weight = 87), there was a decrease in the mean condition over time. In addition, we saw declines in mean FL, weight of roe‐per‐fish, and size‐at‐maturity for female fish directly impacted by harvest. The decline of these population parameters, coupled with an increase in total annual mortality and a truncated age frequency distribution, suggest that harvest is negatively impacting the demographics and recruitment of shovelnose sturgeon in the Wabash River. Considering the downward trajectory of population dynamics and high estimates of mortality, their resiliency to continued harvest and environmental changes will be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Species and hybrids of Eucalyptus are the world's most widely planted hardwood trees. They are cultivated across a wide range of latitudes and therefore environmental conditions. In this context, comprehensive metabolomics approaches have been used to assess how different temperature regimes may affect the metabolism of three species of Eucalyptus, E. dunnii, E. grandis and E. pellita. Young plants were grown for 53 d in the greenhouse and then transferred to growth chambers at 10°C, 20°C or 30°C for another 7 d. In all three species the leaf chlorophyll content was positively correlated to temperature, and in E. pellita the highest temperature also resulted in a significant increase in stem biomass. Comprehensive metabolomics was performed using untargeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and liquid chromatography (LC)‐MS. This approach enabled the comparison of the relative abundance of 88 polar primary metabolites from GC‐MS and 625 semi‐polar secondary metabolites from LC‐MS. Using principal components analysis, a major effect of temperature was observed in each species which was larger than that resulting from the genetic background. Compounds mostly affected by temperature treatment were subsequently selected using partial least squares discriminant analysis and were further identified. These putative annotations indicated that soluble sugars and several polyphenols, including tannins, triterpenes and alkaloids were mostly influenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flathead CatfishPylodictis olivarisin the lower Wabash River, Illinois and Indiana, are currently exploited by anglers and commercial fishers under the same fishing regulation; however, the regulations differed between the states prior to 2015. We assessed demographics of Flathead Catfish in this interstate river to gain baseline information to create models to test for sustainable exploitation rates under the new regulation and several hypothetical scenarios. During 2010–2012, we sampled 951 Flathead Catfish (length = 343 ± 5.6 mm [mean ± SE], weight = 914.5 ± 55.6 g, age = 3.5 ± 0.07 years) using pulsed-DC electrofishing, AC electrofishing, commercial harvest, and hoop nets. Mean relative weight of Flathead Catfish was greater than 100%, and proportional size distribution indices (electrofishing = 35, hoop netting = 54) suggested a quality fishery. Total annual mortality (electrofishing = 0.48, hoop netting = 0.54) was similar to estimates in other Midwestern rivers. Yield-per-recruit models predicted that growth overfishing may occur over time under the current regulation; however, demographic metrics relate to recreational and commercial creel assessments. Our results suggest that the current minimum length limit could be raised to increase yield and reduce exploitation. Our findings also demonstrate several useful field and modeling techniques to assess catfish (family Ictaluridae) populations in environments that are difficult to sample and that lack fishery-independent information. Received January 11, 2017; accepted August 31, 2017 Published online October 20, 2017 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study used microsatellite loci to provide evidence of isolation by distance and an effect of artificial impoundments on the genetic diversity of Channel CatfishIctalurus punctatusfrom the Wabash and Ohio rivers. The Wabash River is the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi River in the USA, and the Ohio River is highly impounded, yet both rivers support large Channel Catfish fisheries. There was a significant positive relationship between genetic differentiation and geographic distance indicating isolation by distance. Clustering with the programs, STRUCTURE and GENELAND, and principal component analysis revealed multiple genetic clusters, and several sites had results consistent with adults existing as mixtures of genetic groups. These results suggest that the rate of straying among reproductive sites or dispersal is dependent on geographic distance. Channel Catfish from the unimpounded Wabash River had higher genetic diversity (HoandHe) than that from the impounded Ohio River. The impoundments had discordant effects on genetic structure; two site comparisons across a dam were differentiated more strongly than would be expected by geographic distance, whereas genetic differentiation was not detected in another comparison across a dam. Thus, the effect of artificial impoundments on Channel Catfish biology may be affected by river or site-specific characteristics, and the presence of genetic differentiation may be minimized by large population sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different memory systems offer distinct advantages to navigational behavior. The hippocampus forms complex associations between environmental stimuli, enabling flexible navigation through space. In contrast, the dorsal striatum associates discrete cues and favorable behavioral responses, enabling habit-like, automated navigation. While these two systems often complement one another, there are instances where striatal-dependent responses (e.g. approach a cue) conflict with hippocampal representations of spatial goals. In conflict situations, preference for spatial vs. response strategies varies across individuals and depends on previous experience, plasticity and the integrity of these two memory systems. Here, we investigated the role of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and exercise on mouse search strategies in a water maze task that can be solved with either a hippocampal-dependent place strategy or a striatal-dependent cue-response strategy. We predicted that inhibiting adult neurogenesis would impair hippocampal function and shift behavior towards striatal-dependent cue responses. However, blocking neurogenesis in a transgenic nestin-TK mouse did not affect strategy choice. We then investigated whether a pro-neurogenic stimulus, running, would bias mice towards hippocampal-dependent spatial strategies. While running indeed promoted spatial strategies, it did so even when neurogenesis was inhibited in nestin-TK mice. These findings indicate that exercise-induced increases in neurogenesis are not always required for enhanced cognitive function. Furthermore, our data identify exercise as a potentially useful strategy for promoting flexible, cognitive forms of memory in habit-related disorders that are characterized by excessive responding to discrete cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover legend: This cover image, by Jason S. Snyder et al., is based on the Research Article Running promotes spatial bias independently of adult neurogenesis, DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22737. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verbena minutiflora ( Verbenaceae) is popularly consumed as an infusion for the treatment of various diseases. However, so far there is no pharmacological or chemical validation to support its therapeutic applications. Therefore, the analysis of the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of V . minutiflora is crucial. In this study, extracts and infusions of the aerial parts of V . minutiflora (leaves, flowers and stems) were analyzed during four consecutive years. Extracts of leaves and flowers had significantly higher phenolic content and antiradical capacity than stems regardless of the year of collection. The infusions of leaves presented constant composition throughout the studied period with high levels of bioactive compounds and high antioxidant potential. Samples were analyzed by HPLC with photodiode array detector ( HPLC-DAD) and by LC-ESI- MS/ MS, and the potent antioxidants verbascoside and isoverbascoside (phenylpropanoids) and the iridoid hastatoside were tentatively identified in extracts and infusions of the aerial parts of V . minutiflora. Practical Applications Medicinal plants are used since ancient times and are increasingly attracting worldwide attention as functional foods or beverages. V erbena minutiflora is popularly consumed as an infusion to reduce the levels of glucose and cholesterol in blood. Despite its popularity, so far there is no pharmaceutical or chemical validation to support their therapeutic applications. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify the main bioactive constituents of V . minutiflora in order for the plant to be safely used as a phytotherapeutic resource. All extracts showed high concentration of phenolic compounds and therefore potential antiradical capacity, especially the extracts of leaves and flowers. Despite lower amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds extracted by hot water, infusions showed high antiradical capacity that might be due to the presence of hastatoside, verbascoside and its isomers. This result justifies the popular intake of infusions of V . minutiflora as a source of antioxidant compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate for subtypes of bipolar depression using latent class analysis ( LCA). Method Participants were recruited through a bipolar disorder ( BD) clinic. LCA was undertaken using: (i) symptoms reported on the SCID- IV for the most severe lifetime depressive episode; (ii) lifetime illness features such as age at first depressive and hypo/manic episodes; and (iii) family history of BD and unipolar depression. To explore the validity of any demonstrated 'classes', clinical, demographic and treatment correlates were investigated. Results A total of 243 BD subjects (170 with BD-I and 73 with BD- II) were included. For the combined sample, we found two robust LCA solutions, with two and three classes respectively. There were no consistent solutions when the BD-I and BD- II samples were considered separately. Subjects in class 2 of the three-class solution (characterised by anxiety, insomnia, reduced appetite/weight loss, irritability, psychomotor retardation, suicidal ideation, guilt, worthlessness and evening worsening) were significantly more likely to be in receipt of government financial support, suggesting a particularly malign pattern of symptoms. Conclusion Our study suggests the existence of two or three distinct classes of bipolar depression and a strong association with functional outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flavonoids are mainly present in Citrus fruits as their glycosyl derivatives. This study was conducted comparing in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of the aglycone hesperetin and its glycosylated forms (hesperidin and G-hesperidin) and their effects on the plasma lipid profile and the oxidative-antioxidative system (TBARS and antioxidant enzymes) in rats. The concentrations of the major conjugated metabolites in rat plasma after oral administration of these compounds were also determined. Wistar male rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6) supplemented for 30 days with 1 mmol/kg body mass of hesperetin, hesperidin or G-hesperidin. Hesperetin was a stronger xanthine oxidase inhibitor (IC50 = 53 μM and Ki = 17.3 μM) than the glycosylate derivatives. Supplementation with the three compounds led to a lower (more favorable) atherogenic index, and an antioxidant preventive effect from the increase of hepatic superoxide dismutase was observed associated to HT supplementation, possibly because of the higher level of hesperetin-glucuronide in rat plasma. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the closure of commercial fishing for Shovelnose SturgeonScaphirhynchus platorynchusin most reaches of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, harvest may increase in other rivers. We studied the demographics of a commercially exploited Shovelnose Sturgeon population in the lower 322 km of the Wabash River, Illinois. During 2000–2013, 10,734 Shovelnose Sturgeon were captured by using DC and AC electrofishing, gill nets, hoop nets, trotlines, and benthic trawls. Of the captured individuals, 399 fish were recaptured. Electrofishing CPUE was the highest reported in any study on Shovelnose Sturgeon. Captured fish ranged between 61 and 909 mm FL (mean = 662 mm; median = 671 mm), but few fish were smaller than 500 mm. Although the fish were in good condition (mean relative weight = 89.9), there was a decreasing trend in mean condition over time. Shovelnose Sturgeon ranged in age from 0 to 25 years; 90% of the fish were between age 8 and age 19. Fish were fully recruited to the sampling gear at age 10; total annual mortality for fish older than 10 years was 20.6%. An empirical growth rate of 2.67 mm/year was observed for fish larger than 635 mm, with several individuals showing negative growth. The sex ratio was slightly skewed toward males (2.18 males : 1 female). The Shovelnose Sturgeon population in the lower Wabash River was generally healthy and stable and had characteristics comparable to those of the upper Wabash River population, with slow growth, large sizes, good condition, and low mortality. Received December 19, 2014; acceptedMay 11, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A garicus brasiliensis was cultivated in vegetal substrates through submerged and solid-state fermentation. We aimed to determine which combination of fermentation methods and substrates would allow greater production of biomass and sterols for applications in nutraceutical foods. Six vegetal substrates were tested: wheat and malt grains, apple, grape and pineapple pomaces, and pineapple peel. Average ergosterol and total sterol levels ranged from 324 to 1,267 μg/g and from 701 to 2,659 μg/g, respectively. The extraction of ergosterol from biomass was optimized by experimental design. As a consequence, a simple and efficient extraction procedure was achieved. Seven sterols were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in fermented samples, and ergosterol and β-sitosterol were the most abundant. All substrates allowed a good development of A . brasiliensis mycelium with outstanding results for malt in submerged phase. Practical Applications The vegetal substrates wheat grains, malt grains, apple pomace, grape pomace, pineapple pomace and pineapple peel promote a good development of A garicus brasiliensis mycelium through solid-state fermentation and submerged fermentation techniques. Some of those substrates are discarded by the food industry. The results in this study indicate that vegetal residues from food industry could be effectively used as substrates to produce edible and medicinal mushrooms and sterols. Production of mycelium from the methods employed proved to be simple, fast, reproducible and efficient. Biomass production using residues from food industry adds value to these residues and at the same time solves disposal problems of agricultural by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives In a relatively small number of previous studies, childhood abuse has been found to be associated with more severe symptom course, earlier onset, greater comorbidity, and greater suicidality in those diagnosed with bipolar disorder. There have been no prior reports looking for any association between childhood abuse and cognitive style. This study aimed to examine the relationship between cognitive factors, such as response styles to depressed mood and dysfunctional attitudes, clinical features, and childhood physical and sexual abuse in this population. Methods A total of 157 adult participants diagnosed with DSM-IV bipolar disorder I or II were assessed on clinical features of this condition and measures of childhood sexual and physical abuse. Participants also completed self-report questionnaires covering areas such as symptom measures of depression, anxiety and stress, dysfunctional attitudes, and response styles to depressed mood. Results Seventy-four participants (37%) reported having experienced either sexual or physical abuse. Those who reported physical or sexual abuse were significantly more likely to report self-harm or suicidal behaviors and showed higher stress scores. Specifically, those who reported sexual abuse were more likely to have simple phobias, to have attempted suicide, and to have had more hospitalizations for depression. After controlling for current mood severity, there were no significant differences on the self-report cognitive style measures for those who reported childhood sexual or physical abuse compared to those who did not report abuse. Conclusions Cognitive styles were not found to be associated with childhood sexual or physical abuse in participants with bipolar disorder. Stress may be important to target in psychological interventions, whilst special attention should also be paid to those with a history of sexual abuse given the greater likelihood of suicide attempt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recalcitrance of plant biomass is closely related to the presence of the phenolic heteropolymer lignin in secondary cell walls, which has a negative effect on forage digestibility, biomass-to-biofuels conversion and chemical pulping. The genus Eucalyptus is the main source of wood for pulp and paper industry. However, when compared to model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and poplar, relatively little is known about lignin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus and only a few genes were functionally characterized. An efficient, fast and inexpensive in vitro system was developed to study lignification in Eucalyptus globulus and to evaluate the potential role of candidate genes in this biological process. Seedlings were grown in four different conditions, in the presence or absence of light and with or without sucrose in the growth medium, and several aspects of lignin metabolism were evaluated. Our results showed that light and, to a lesser extent, sucrose induced lignin biosynthesis, which was followed by changes in S/G ratio, lignin oligomers accumulation and gene expression. In addition, higher total peroxidase activity and differential isoperoxidase profile were observed when seedlings were grown in the presence of light and sucrose. Peptide sequencing allowed the identification of differentially expressed peroxidases, which can be considered potential candidate class III peroxidases involved in lignin polymerization in E. globulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Recent neuroimaging studies support the contention that depression, pain distress, and rejection distress share the same neurobiological circuits. In two recently published studies we confirmed the hypothesis that the perception of increased pain during both treatment-refractory depression (predominantly unipolar) and difficult-to-treat bipolar depression was related to increased state rejection sensitivity (i.e., rejection sensitivity when depressed). In the present study, we aimed to compare the correlates of pain and rejection sensitivity in individuals with bipolar versus unipolar depression and test the hypothesis that bipolar disorder may be distinguished from unipolar depression both by an increased perception of pain and heightened rejection sensitivity during depression. Methods We analyzed data from 113 bipolar and 146 unipolar depressed patients presenting to the Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia. The patients all met DSM- IV criteria for bipolar disorder or unipolar depression (major depressive disorder). Results Bipolar disorder predicted a major increase in state rejection sensitivity when depressed (p = 0.001), whereas trait rejection sensitivity (i.e., a long-standing pattern of rejection sensitivity) was not predicted by polarity. A major increase in the experience of headaches (p = 0.007), chest pain (p < 0.001), and body aches and pains (p = 0.02 ) during depression was predicted by a major increase in state rejection sensitivity for both bipolar and unipolar depression. Conclusions State, but not trait, rejection sensitivity is significantly predicted by bipolar depression, suggesting that this might be considered as a state marker for bipolar depression and taken into account in the clinical differentiation of bipolar and unipolar depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ubiquitin ligases regulate quantities and activities of target proteins, often pleiotropically. The malin ubiquitin E3 ligase is reported to regulate autophagy, the misfolded protein response, microRNA silencing, Wnt signaling, neuronatin-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the laforin glycogen phosphatase. Malin deficiency causes Lafora disease, pathologically characterized by neurodegeneration and accumulations of malformed glycogen (Lafora bodies). We show that reducing glycogen production in malin-deficient mice by genetically removing PTG, a glycogen synthesis activator protein, nearly completely eliminates Lafora bodies and rescues the neurodegeneration, myoclonus, seizure susceptibility, and behavioral abnormality. Glycogen synthesis downregulation is a potential therapy for the fatal adolescence onset epilepsy Lafora disease. Ann Neurol 2014;75:442-446 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is chronically upregulated in several neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis, and following stroke. Although previous studies have shown that TGFβ1 may be neuroprotective, chronic exposure to elevated levels of this cytokine may contribute to disease pathology on its own. In order to study the effects of chronic exposure to TGFβ1 in isolation, we used transgenic mice that over-express a constitutively active porcine TGFβ1 in astrocytes. We found that TGFβ1 over-expression altered brain structure, with the most pronounced volumetric increases localized to the hippocampus. Within the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, increases in granule cell number and astrocyte size were responsible for volumetric expansion, with the increased granule cell number primarily related to a marked reduction in death of new granule cells generated in adulthood. Finally, these cumulative changes in DG microstructure and macrostructure were associated with the age-dependent emergence of spatial learning deficits in TGFβ1 over-expressing mice. Together, our data indicate that chronic upregulation of TGFβ1 negatively impacts hippocampal structure and, even in the absence of disease, impairs hippocampus-dependent learning. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of an extract of propolis obtained with edible vegetable oil ( ODEP) and to identify antifungal compounds in this extract. Propolis sample was extracted with canola oil. After filtration, the oily liquid extract was submitted to solvent partition and dried to obtain ODEP, which was tested in vitro against Candida albicans strains. ODEP was fractioned on Sephadex and by high-performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC). Active fractions and/or a pure compound were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance, liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry ( LC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry ( LC-MS/ MS) to characterize their chemical composition. Bioassay-guided fractionation allowed the isolation of dihydrokaempferide, which was also quantified in ODEP by HPLC together with the total flavonoid content. Kaempferide and isosakuranetin were identified by LC-MS and LC-MS/ MS in fractions with a potential activity against C. albicans. In vitro assays showed that some fractions from ODEP produced better inhibition of C. albicans than the propolis extract itself. Practical Applications Aqueous or ethanolic extracts of propolis ( EEP) are widely used in alternative homemade medicine products mainly because of their antimicrobial and healing properties. Edible vegetal oils are known to extract bioactive compounds from propolis. The resulting extract ( ODEP) has several advantages over the common EEP, such as the possibility of new pharmaceutical presentations for topical or internal applications. Because of the absence of ethanol in its formulation, edible ODEP are expected to be more tolerated. In this study, ODEP was active in vitro against Candida albicans strains. This supports the use of ODEP as an alternative to EEP and also its potential for topical application in combination with antifungal drugs. In addition, the ingestion of ODEP (e.g., contained in gelatin capsules), which have a high percentage of flavonoids, could be of nutritional value, helping to reach the recommended daily amounts of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lafora disease (LD) is a fatal progressive myoclonus epilepsy characterized neuropathologically by aggregates of abnormally structured glycogen and proteins (Lafora bodies [LBs]), and neurodegeneration. Whether LBs could be prevented by inhibiting glycogen synthesis and whether they are pathogenic remain uncertain. We genetically eliminated brain glycogen synthesis in LD mice. This resulted in long-term prevention of LB formation, neurodegeneration, and seizure susceptibility. This study establishes that glycogen synthesis is requisite for LB formation and that LBs are pathogenic. It opens a therapeutic window for potential treatments in LD with known and future small molecule inhibitors of glycogen synthesis. Ann Neurol 2013;74:297-300 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cnidarian cell signalling remains poorly understood. This study has expanded our knowledge of the cell signalling molecule host release factor ( HRF) from the coral Plesiastrea versipora. We have now confirmed that HRF is present in coral host cells that lack intracellular algae. Previous studies showed that HRF stimulates the release of photosynthetic products (mainly glycerol) from Symbiodinium algae, thus providing the host with carbon; glycerol release was accompanied by reduced synthesis of algal triacylglycerols and starch. In this study, we have shown that supplying glycerol to algae incubated with HRF does not restore normal triacylglycerol and starch synthesis. Release of 14C-labelled products from algae may continue after photosynthesis ceases, although at a much lower rate. When algae were placed in the dark for 4 h with HRF following 2 h of photosynthesis in seawater, 14C-labelled products were released, but at ≤ 15% of the amount released during 2 h of photosynthesis with HRF. HRF did not stimulate the release of compounds derived from a nonphotosynthetic source. The response of Symbiodinium from P. versipora to HRF has been compared with the response of Symbiodinium algae from Tridacna maxima, Heliofungia actiniformis, Aiptasia pulchella and Pocillopora damicornis to both their own HRF and to P. versipora HRF. Algae from P. versipora showed the highest response to both P. versipora HRF and to the other hosts' HRF. Further purification of P. versipora HRF suggests that HRF is a peptide with an acidic pI. We propose that HRF will provide a useful tool for the study of carbon metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitchell PB, Johnston AK, Frankland A, Slade T, Green MJ, Roberts G, Wright A, Corry J, Hadzi-Pavlovic D. Bipolar disorder in a national survey using the World Mental Health Version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview: the impact of differing diagnostic algorithms. Objective: The World Mental Health Version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) DSM-IV bipolar disorder diagnostic algorithms were recalibrated in about 2006 following evidence of over-diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. There have been no reports of the impact of this recalibration on epidemiological findings. Method: Data were taken from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Findings for cases identified by the recalibrated bipolar disorder definition were contrasted against those identified by the un-recalibrated definition. Results: The 12-month prevalence of recalibrated bipolar disorder and un-recalibrated bipolar disorder were 0.9% and 1.7% respectively. The un-recalibrated bipolar disorder group was younger and more likely to have never married than the recalibrated bipolar disorder group. They were also more likely to have a comorbid alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder and asthma or arthritis. While they were more likely to have at least severe interference in at least one of the Sheehan Scale domains of functioning, they were less likely to have made a suicide attempt. Similarly, they were less likely to have consulted a psychiatrist. Conclusion: It is not possible to be certain about the nature of these differences. Some may be artifactual (reflecting greater statistical power to detect differences with the larger un-recalibrated bipolar disorder defined sample), while others may be indicative of the inclusion of a clinically distinct subpopulation with the un-recalibrated bipolar disorder definition, thereby producing a more heterogeneous sample. These findings indicate the need for clarity in the diagnostic algorithm used in epidemiological reports on bipolar disorder using the World Mental Health Version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memories serve to establish some permanence to our inner lives despite the fleeting nature of subjective experience. Most neurobiological theories of memory assume that this mental permanence reflects an underlying cellular permanence. Namely, it is assumed that the cellular changes which first occur to store a memory are perpetuated for as long as the memory is stored. But is that really the case? In an opinion piece in this issue of Hippocampus, Aryeh Routtenberg raises the provocative idea that the subjective sense of memory persistence is not in fact a result of persistence at the cellular level, rather, that 'supple synapses' and multiple 'evanescent networks' that are forever changing are responsible for our memories. On one level, his proposal could be construed as a radical challenge to some of our most fundamental theories of the neurobiology of memory, including Donald Hebb's proposal that memories are stored by networks that strengthen their connections to increase the likelihood of the same activity patterns being recreated at a later date. However, it could also be seen as a moderating call, a call for a greater acknowledgement of the dynamic, stochastic, and distributed nature of neural networks. In this response to Routtenberg's article, we attempt to provide a clarification of the dividing line between these two interpretations of his argument, and in doing so, we provide some overview of the empirical evidence that bears on this subject. We argue that the data that exists to date favors the more moderate interpretation: that memory storage involves a process in which activity patterns are made more likely to reoccur, but that an under-appreciated reality is that mnemonic traces may continue to change and evolve over time. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing hippocampal neurogenesis sometimes, but not always, disrupts hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Here, we tested whether animal age, which regulates rate of hippocampal neurogenesis, is a factor that influences whether deficits in spatial learning are observed after reduction of neurogenesis. We found that suppressing the generation of new hippocampal neurons via treatment with temozolomide, an antiproliferation agent, impaired learning the location of a hidden platform in the water maze in juvenile mice (1-2 months old) but not in adult mice (2-3 months old) or middle-aged mice (11-12 months old). These findings suggest that during juvenility, suppression of neurogenesis may alter hippocampal development, whereas during adulthood and aging, pre-existing neurons may compensate for the lack of new hippocampal neurons. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of green tea Camellia sinensis extract on proinflammatory molecules and lipolytic protein levels in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice. Animals were randomized into four groups: CW (chow diet and water); CG (chow diet and water + green tea extract); HW (high-fat diet and water); HG (high-fat diet and water + green tea extract). The mice were fed ad libitum with chow or high-fat diet and concomitantly supplemented (oral gavage) with 400 mg/kg body weight/day of green tea extract (CG and HG, resp.). The treatments were performed for eight weeks. UPLC showed that in 10mg/mL green tea extract, there were 15 µg/mg epigallocatechin, 95 µg/mg epigallocatechin gallate, 20.8 µ/mg epicatechin gallate, and 4.9 fig/mg gallocatechin gallate. Green tea administered concomitantly with a high-fat diet increased HSL, ABHD5, and perilipin in mesenteric adipose tissue, and this was associated with reduced body weight and adipose tissue gain. Further, we observed that green tea supplementation reduced inflammatory cytokine TNFα levels, as well as TLR4, MYD88, and TRAF6 proinflammatory signalling. Our results show that green tea increases the lipolytic pathway and reduces adipose tissue, and this may explain the attenuation of low-grade inflammation in obese mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new interference phenomenon is reported, which has so far not been observed with either matter or light. In a nanometer-sized version of Feynman's famous two-slit "thought" experiment with single electrons, the width of a quasi-monochromatic line has been found to oscillate with the detection angle. Since this experiment resembles the original double-slit experiment by Young with light (1807), photon interferences were investigated in order to determine the wavelength distribution as a function of the position in the interference field. In addition to the well-known oscillating dependence of the intensity with a succession of dark and bright fringes, a periodic dependence with respect to the detection position has also been observed for the width of the wavelength distribution, revealing a larger analogy between electron and photon interferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the hippocampus, the production of dentate granule cells (DGCs) persists into adulthood. As adult-generated neurons are thought to contribute to hippocampal memory processing, promoting adult neurogenesis therefore offers the potential for restoring mnemonic function in the aged or diseased brain. Within this regenerative context, one key issue is whether developmentally generated and adult-generated DGCs represent functionally equivalent or distinct neuronal populations. To address this, we labeled separate cohorts of developmentally generated and adult-generated DGCs and used immunohistochemical approaches to compare their integration into circuits supporting hippocampus-dependent memory in intact mice. First, in the water maze task, rates of integration of adult-generated DGCs were regulated by maturation, with maximal integration not occurring until DGCs were five or more weeks in age. Second, these rates of integration were equivalent for embryonically, postnatally, and adult-generated DGCs. Third, these findings generalized to another hippocampus-dependent task, contextual fear conditioning. Together, these experiments indicate that developmentally generated and adult-generated DGCs are integrated into hippocampal memory networks at similar rates, and suggest a functional equivalence between DGCs generated at different developmental stages. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ehnvall A, Mitchell PB, Hadzi-Pavlovic D, Loo C, Breakspear M, Wright A, Roberts G, Frankland A, Corry J. Pain and rejection sensitivity in bipolar depression. Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 59-66. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Little is known regarding the correlates of pain in bipolar disorder. Recent neuroimaging studies support the contention that depression, as well as pain distress and rejection distress, share the same neurobiological circuits. In a recently published study, we confirmed the hypothesis that perception of increased pain during treatment-refractory depression, predominantly unipolar, was related to increased rejection sensitivity. In the present study, we aimed to test this same hypothesis for bipolar depression. The present study analysed data from 67 patients presenting to the Black Dog Institute Bipolar Disorders Clinic in Sydney, Australia. The patients all met DSM-IV criteria for bipolar disorder and had completed a self-report questionnaire regarding perceived pain and rejection sensitivity during depression. A significant increase in the experience of headaches (p = 0.003) as well as chest pain (p = 0.004) during bipolar depression was predicted by a major increase in rejection sensitivity when depressed, i.e., state rejection sensitivity. Being rejection sensitive in general, i.e., trait rejection sensitivity, did not predict pain during depression. The experience of increased headaches and chest pain during bipolar depression is related to increased rejection sensitivity during depression. Research to further elucidate this relationship is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aims. Previous attitudinal research has found that the way survey questions are asked can influence respondents' answers regarding their support for sensitive issues. This study aimed to explore whether findings regarding community support for harm reduction services could be manipulated through priming of language and information contained within survey items. Design and Method. A convenience sample of 260 university students from Sydney Australia were surveyed during late 2008 about their attitudes towards harm reduction services. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: one received a questionnaire that provided factual information about harm reduction services (Survey 1), while a second group received a questionnaire that contained no information about harm reduction services and framed heroin use as problematic (Survey 2). Results. Participants who completed Survey 1 expressed significantly higher levels of support for harm reduction services overall than participants who completed Survey 2 (t (249) = −5.8, P < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that overall support for harm reduction services was associated with the survey version that participants received and participants' political affiliations. These two factors accounted for 17.5% of the variance in the data. Discussion and Conclusions. Research findings regarding community support for harm reduction services are influenced by questionnaire design. This has implications for the development and expansion of harm reduction services and policy.[Hopwood M, Brener L, Frankland A, Treloar C. Assessing community support for harm reduction services: Comparing two measures. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During intraerythrocytic development, the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, establishes membrane-bound compartments, known as Maurer's clefts, outside the confines of its own plasma membrane. The Maurer's compartments are thought to be a crucial component of the machinery for protein sorting and trafficking; however, their ultrastructure is only partly defined. We have used electron tomography to image Maurer's clefts of 3D7 strain parasites. The compartments are revealed as flattened structures with a translucent lumen and a more electron-dense coat. They display a complex and convoluted morphology, and some regions are modified with surface nodules, each with a circular cross-section of ∼25 nm. Individual 25 nm vesicle-like structures are also seen in the erythrocyte cytoplasm and associated with the red blood cell membrane. The Maurer's clefts are connected to the red blood cell membrane by regions with extended stalk-like profiles. Immunogold labelling with specific antibodies confirms differential labelling of the Maurer's clefts and the parasitophorous vacuole and erythrocyte membranes. Spot fluorescence photobleaching was used to demonstrate the absence of a lipid continuum between the Maurer's clefts and parasite membranes and the host plasma membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on allergy to natural rubber latex in children. Description of the allergen; Discussion on the changing prevalence of latex allergy; Pollen and latex-associated food allergies; Prevention and test on sensitivity to latex; Information on immunotherapy.

The relative sensitivities of Mycena galopus (Pers.) Kummer, Phoma exigua (Desm.), Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fres.) de Vries and Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) Arnaud to low concentrations (12.5 100.0 μM) of sulphite (SO32- when growing on decomposing needles of Picea sitchensis (Bongard) Carriere (Sitka spruce) and Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) were assessed. Carbon dioxide evolution from the decomposing needles was strongly inhibited by SO32- at pH 3.0-4.5. P. Eixgua was the most sensitive of the species tested in the mycelial state and C.cladosporioides was the most sensitive spices tested as spores. Mycelium was consistently less sensitive then spores. The inhibitory effect of SO32- on CO2 evolution was increased by increasing the SO32- concentration or decreasing the pH. The concentrations shown to exert toxicity were similar to those which have been measured in rainfall in the UK, and the results provide evidence that SO32 can be toxic to litter fungi at environmentally realistic concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparisons of the saprotrophic fungi isolated from ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), birch (Betula spp.), hazel (Corylus avellana L.), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), sessile oak [Q. petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl.] and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) leaf litters from three woodlands exposed to low, medium and high levels (c. 0·0- > 0·060 μl l-1) of sulphur dioxide (SO2) showed that the composition of the fungal communities differed between sites. Fumigation of angiosperm tree leaf litters from the least and the most polluted site with environmentally-realistic concentrations (0·010-0·030 μl l-1) of SO2 for 16-68 wk in an open-air field-fumigation experiment resulted in marked changes in the composition of the fungal communities in the leaf litters, comparable with differences found between the woodland sites. Cladosporium spp., Epicoccum nigrum Link, Fusarium spp. and Phoma exigua Desm. were less commonly isolated from leaf litters exposed to SO2, whereas Coniothyrium quercinum Sacc. var. glandicola Grove, Cylindrocarpon orthosporum (Sacc.) Wollenw. and Penicillium spp. were more frequently isolated from fumigated litters. However, few differences could be detected in the response to SO2 of the mycofloras of leaf litters originating from different woodland sites. In general, SO2 did not affect the total extent of fungal occupancy of the microsites in the litter, as fungal species which decreased in abundance on exposure to the gas appeared to be replaced in the litter by other species more tolerant to the gas. SO2 therefore appeared to be selectively toxic to saprotrophic fungi isolated from these litters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]