High power continuous laser at 461 nm based on a compact and high-efficiency frequency-doubling linear cavity.

A Watt-level continuous and single frequency blue laser at 461 nm is obtained by frequency-doubling an amplified diode laser operating at 922 nm via a LBO crystal in a resonant Fabry-Pérot cavity. We achieved a best optical conversion efficiency equal to 87% with more than 1 W output power in the blue, and limited by the available input power. The frequency-converted beam is characterized in terms of long term power stability, residual intensity noise, and geometrical shape. The blue beam has a linewidth of the order of 1 MHz, and we used it to magneto-optically trap 88Sr atoms on the 5s2 1S0 - 5s5p 1P1 transition. The low-finesse, linear-cavity doubling system is very robust, maintains the lock for several days, and is compatible with a tenfold increase of the power levels which could be obtained with fully-fibered amplifiers and large mode area fibers.

Dopamine denervation in the functional territories of the striatum: a new MR and atlas-based 123I-FP-CIT SPECT quantification method.

Current quantification methods of 123I-FP-CIT SPECT rely on anatomical parcellation of the striatum. We propose here to implement a new method based on MRI segmentation and functional atlas of the basal ganglia (MR-ATLAS) that could provide a reliable quantification within the sensorimotor, associative, and limbic territories of the striatum. Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavioral disorder (iRBD), and healthy controls underwent 123I-FP-CIT SPECT, MRI, motor, and cognitive assessments. SPECT data were corrected for partial volume effects and registered to a functional atlas of the striatum to allow quantification in every functional region of the striatum (nucleus accumbens, limbic, associative, and sensorimotor parts of the striatum). The MR-ATLAS quantification method is proved to be reliable in every territory of the striatum. In addition, good correlations were found between cognitive dysexecutive tests and the binding within the functional (limbic) territories of the striatum using the MR-ATLAS method, slightly better than correlations found using the anatomical quantification method. This new MR-ATLAS method provides a robust and useful tool for studying the dopaminergic system in PD, particularly with respect to cognitive functions. It may also be relevant to further unravel the relationship between dopaminergic denervation and cognitive or behavioral symptoms.

[Difficult-to-engage patients: What evolution after discharge from Assertive Community Programs?] / Patients réfractaires aux soins : quelle évolution après le suivi intensif d'une équipe mobile de psychiatrie ?

OBJECTIVES: Beneficial effects of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs on patients with severe mental disorders are well established over short or medium term. However, studies that investigate long term clinical and psychosocial outcomes are remarkably scarce, and it is not known whether the support and intensive care delivered by these programs maintain their benefits over time, especially after discharge. Thus, the present study sought further understanding on this issue by evaluating long term clinical and psychosocial evolution of patients who had been treated by an ACT team in 2007. We investigated the nature of treatment interventions and the level of care since discharge from ACT, especially in terms of adherence to care and number of psychiatric hospitalizations. We also examined factors, at inclusion in the ACT program and after six months of treatment, that could predict better long-term outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with severe mental disorders, characterized by the heavy use of inpatient facilities and refusal of care, were treated by an ACT team which was implmented between 2007 and 2009. They participated at that time in an initial study on the effect of the program and were therefore assessed at inclusion and again after six months of treatment. Between 2016 and 2017, the present follow up took place and patients were assessed again on their current psychosocial functioning, quality of life and intensity of symptoms, using the same scales as those administered in the initial study. This design allowed us to compare baseline with "early" (after six months) and "late" (after a mean of 8.7 years) effects of ACT program on patients. In order to assess adherence to care since discharge from ACT, data on nature and level of psychiatric treatment was systematically reviewed, including all public and private inpatient and outpatient treatments since the end of the ACT program. RESULTS: Detailed tables on hospitalizations before, during and after ACT treatment are reported, as well as tables summarizing the level of care and nature of treatment since discharge from ACT. During the mean of 8.7 years of evolution and 6.3 years after discharge from ACT, these patients, characterized by severe mental disorders, heavy use of inpatient facilities and refusal of care, sustained a reduced rate of hospitalizations and a minor rate of disengagement from outpatient care (6.9 %). Both severity of symptoms, poorer quality of life and worst functioning in the community at inclusion (baseline) as well as early improvements (after six month of ACT treatment) of the same outcomes were significantly associated with long term improvements. Results also show other baseline predictors of long term improvement: fewer years since disorder onset was associated with improvement of functioning in the community; further advancement in the recovery process predicted better enhancement in quality of life, and a better initial functioning in the community was associated with a better improvement of symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight on the sustainability of the benefits of ACT programs, suggesting that these interventions can help patients who are refractory to care to gain clinical and psychosocial improvement in the long term. Our results also suggest that baseline severity as well as early improvements after six months of treatment were associated with larger improvement at follow up. These clinical predictors provide some help to distinguish which patients are more likely to benefit from an ACT approach.

[Obsessive-compulsive disorder as seen by those who are confronted with it: A survey of patients, relatives and clinicians]. / Le trouble obsessionnel compulsif vu par ceux qui y sont confrontés : enquête auprès de patients, de proches et de cliniciens.

INTRODUCTION: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most disabling mental health disorders due to its negative impact on the patient's quality of life as well on that of her living caregivers. This disorder generates an additional burden for relatives, which may in turn affect the family dynamics and impair the evolution of the disease. Along with medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) represents a well-validated first line of treatment for OCD. However, therapeutic responses across patients are uneven with often residual symptoms and limited quality of life improvements. In total, OCD is a severely debilitating disease with repercussions on both personal, social and professional lives of patients and their relatives even after clinically-delivered treatments. The mutual identification of points of convergence and divergence in social representations is a factor that contributes to satisfactory interpersonal relationships. In the care relationship in general and particularly in the field of mental health, taking account of these different representations and expectations is essential for improving the care process: upstream of the care in the choice the therapeutic strategy and in strengthening the therapeutic alliance. Although less studied, the relationship with relatives of patients also depends on representations of each which have a significant impact on clinical outcomes and experience of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To carry out the first study of cross-representations of OCD in three groups of people affected by it: those who suffer, their families and clinicians. HYPOTHESIS: Considering the experiences and knowledge of patients, relatives and clinicians, we assumed that their representations related to OCD would partially overlap. Specifically, we assumed that the positioning of each population compared to the other two would differ depending on the investigated dimensions: nosology, etiology, therapy and psychiatric disability. METHODS: From 2010 to 2011 we conducted an online survey among self-declared OCD-patients (n=86), OCD-patients' relatives (n=38) and clinicians (n=79). The questionnaire included both closed questions regarding the nosology, etiology, therapy and psychiatric disabilities and open questions probing the representations of the disorder and its evolution, its impact on personal, social and professional domains, and on the quality of life. In particular, we investigated how each population conceived the role and involvement of the relatives in the care process and how they dealt daily with the disorder. RESULTS: Confirming our hypothesis, our results showed that representations of OCD converge on the DSM-based definition of the disorder conveyed by patient associations and mass media. The three populations also recognize the burden and the handicap associated with OCD considerably restrict their daily functioning. However, patients and relatives differ from clinicians in their view of the etiology and their expectations of the therapeutic process. Unexpectedly, patients do not report frequent stigmatization although this may reflect their attempt to hide their disorder as a form of self-stigmatization. Patients focus on care modalities (alternative therapies) motivated by quality of life improvement rather than symptom reduction put forward by clinicians. Relatives ask for being involved in the care process. CONCLUSION: Our study emphasizes the importance for health professionals to take into account the expectations of patients and their relatives in order to maximize the therapeutic alliance and efficiency of treatment.

Bacterial, fungal, parasitological and pathological analyses of abortions in small ruminants from 2012-2016.

INTRODUCTION: Abortion in small ruminants presents a clinical and economic problem with legal implications regarding animal health and zoonotic risk by some of the abortive pathogens. Several bacteria, fungi and parasites can cause abortion, but cost-orientated routine diagnostics only cover the most relevant epizootic agents. To cover a broad-range of common as well as underdiagnosed abortifacients, we studied 41 ovine and 36 caprine abortions by Stamp's modification of the Ziehl-Neelsen stain, culture for classical and opportunistic abortive agents, real-time PCR for C. burnetii, C. abortus, pathogenic Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. When the dam's serum was available detection of antibodies against B. melitensis, C. burnetii, C. abortus and Leptospira spp. was performed. In 37 cases sufficient placental tissue was available for pathological and histopathological examination. From the 77 cases 11 (14.3%) were positive by staining whereas real-time PCR detected C. burnetii and C. abortus in 49.3% and 32.5% of the cases. Antibodies against C. abortus and Leptospira spp. (33.3 and 26.7%) were detected. In 23.4% a bacterial culturable pathogen was isolated. Fungal abortion was confirmed in 1.3% of cases. A single abortive agent was identified in 44.2% of the cases and in 31.2% multiple possible abortifacients were present. Our study shows that the highest clarification rate can only be achieved by a combination of methods and evidences the role that multi-infections play as cause of abortion.

INTRODUCTION: Les avortements représentent un problème à la fois clinique et économique avec des conséquences en matière d'épizooties et un risque de zoonose pour certains agents. Diverses bactéries, champignons et parasites peuvent causer des avortements mais le diagnostic de routine, orienté sur les coûts, se concentre sur les principaux agents épizootiques. Afin d'avoir une vision large sur les agents d'avortements les plus fréquents et sur ceux qui sont sous-diagnostiqués, nous avons examinés 41 avortements de moutons et 36 de chèvres au moyen d'une coloration de Ziehl-Neelsen modifiée selon Stamp, de cultures ciblant les agents d'avortements classiques et opportunistes, d'une PCR en temps réel ciblant C. burnetii, C. abortus, les leptospires pathogènes, Toxoplasma gondii et Neospora caninum. Lorsque du sérum de la mère était disponible, nous avons procédé à une recherche d'anticorps contre B. melitensis, C. burnetii, C. abortus et Leptospira spp. Dans 37 cas, on disposait d'assez de tissu placentaire pour des examens pathologiques. Sur les 77 cas, 11 (14.3%) étaient positifs à la coloration alors que la PCR en temps réel démontrait la présence de C. burnetii et de C. abortus dans 49.3% respectivement 32.5% des cas. On a trouvé des anticorps contre C. abortus und Leptospira spp. dans 33.3% respectivement 26.7% des cas. Dans 23.4% des cas, on a pu mettre en évidence des pathogènes bactériens cultivables. Un avortement mycotique a été confirmé dans 1.3% des cas. Dans 44.2% des cas, un seul agent abortif était présent et dans 31.2% des cas, on trouvait plusieurs agents potentiels. Notre étude indique que le plus haut taux de diagnostic ne peut être atteint qu'en combinant diverses méthodes et montre le rôle possible de multi infections dans l'origine des avortements.

Survival analysis and microarray profiling identify Cd40 as a candidate for the Salmonella susceptibility locus, Ity5.

The outcome of infection with Salmonella Typhimurium in mouse models of human typhoid fever is dependent upon a coordinated complex immune response. A panel of recombinant congenic strains (RCS) derived from reciprocal backcross of A/J and C57BL/6J mice was screened for their susceptibility to Salmonella infection and two susceptibility loci, Ity4 (Immunity to Typhimurium locus 4) and Ity5, were identified. We validated Ity5 in a genetic environment free of the impact of Ity4 using a cross between A/J and 129S6. Using a time-series analysis of genome-wide transcription during infection, comparing A/J with AcB60 mice having a C57BL/6J-derived Ity5 interval, we have identified the differential expression of the positional candidate gene Cd40, Cd40-associated signaling pathways, and the differential expression of numerous genes expressed in neutrophils. CD40 is known to coordinate T cell-dependent B-cell responses and myeloid cell activation. In fact, CD40 signaling is altered in A/J mice as seen by impaired IgM upregulation during infection, decreased Ig class switching, neutropenia, reduced granulocyte recruitment in response to infection and inflammation, and decreased ERK1/2 activity. These results suggest that altered CD40 signaling and granulocyte recruitment in response to infection are responsible for the Ity5-associated Salmonella susceptibility of A/J mice.

A short CD3/CD28 costimulation combined with IL-21 enhance the generation of human memory stem T cells for adoptive immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy based on the adoptive transfer of gene modified T cells is an emerging approach for the induction of tumor-specific immune responses. Memory stem T cells, due to their enhanced antitumor and self-renewal capacity, have become potential candidate for adoptive T cell therapy of cancer. Methods to generate memory stem T cells ex vivo rely on CD3/CD28 costimulation and the use of cytokines such as IL-7 and IL-15 during the entire culture period. However, a strong costimulation may induce differentiation of memory stem T cells to effector memory T cells. Here we show that manipulation of the length of the costimulation and addition of IL-21 enhance the ex vivo expansion of memory stem T cells. METHODS: Purified naïve T cells from healthy donors were cultured in the presence of anti-CD3/CD28 coated beads, IL-7, IL-15 and/or IL-21 (25 ng/ml). T cells phenotype from the different memory and effector subpopulations were analyzed by multiparametric flow cytometry. RESULTS: A short anti-CD3/CD28 costimulation of naïve T cells, combined with IL-7 and IL-15 significantly increased the frequencies of CD4(+) and CD8(+) memory stem T cells ex vivo, compared to a prolonged costimulation (34.6 ± 4.4 % vs 15.6 ± 4.24 % in CD4(+); p = 0.008, and 20.5 ± 4.00 % vs 7.7 ± 2.53 % in CD8(+); p = 0.02). Moreover, the addition of IL-21 to this condition further enhanced the enrichment and expansion of CD4(+) and CD8(+) memory stem T cells with an increase in the absolute numbers (0.7 × 10(6) ± 0.1 vs 0.26 × 10(6) ± 0.1 cells for CD4(+); p = 0.002 and 1.1 × 10(6) ± 0.1 vs 0.27 × 10(6) ± 0.1 cells for CD8(+); p = 0.0002; short + IL-21 vs long). CONCLUSIONS: These new in vitro conditions increase the frequencies and expansion of memory stem T cells and may have relevant clinical implications for the generation of this memory T cell subset for adoptive cell therapy of patients with cancer.

Impact of grassland management regimes on bacterial endophyte diversity differs with grass species.

UNLABELLED: Most plant species are colonized by endophytic bacteria. Despite their importance for plant health and growth, the response of these bacteria to grassland management regimes is still not understood. Hence, we investigated the bacterial community structure in three agricultural important grass species Dactylis glomerata L., Festuca rubra L. and Lolium perenne L. with regard to fertilizer application and different mowing frequencies. For this purpose, above-ground plant material was collected from the Grassland Management Experiment (GrassMan) in Germany in September 2010 and 2011. DNA was extracted from surface-sterilized plant tissue and subjected to 16S rRNA gene PCRs. Endophytic community structures were assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)-based analysis of obtained PCR products. DGGE fingerprints revealed that fertilizer application significantly altered the endophytic communities in L. perenne and F. rubra but not in D. glomerata. Although no direct effect of mowing was observed, mowing frequencies in combination with fertilizer application had a significant impact on endophyte bacterial community structures. However, this effect was not observed for all three grass species in both years. Therefore, our results showed that management regimes changed the bacterial endophyte communities, but this effect was plant-specific and varied over time. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Endophytic bacteria play an important role in plant health and growth. However, studies addressing the influence of grassland management regimes on these bacteria in above-ground plant parts are still missing. In this study, we present first evidence that fertilizer application significantly impacted bacterial community structures in three agricultural important grass species, whereas mowing had only a minor effect. Moreover, this effect was plant-specific and thus not visible for all grass species in each year. Consequently, this study sheds new light into the complex interaction of microbes and plants.

Mapping of a quantitative trait locus controlling susceptibility to Coxsackievirus B3-induced viral hepatitis.

The pathogenesis of coxsackieviral infection is a multifactorial process involving host genetics, viral genetics and the environment in which they interact. We have used a mouse model of Coxsackievirus B3 infection to characterize the contribution of host genetics to infection survival and to viral hepatitis. Twenty-five AcB/BcA recombinant congenic mouse strains were screened. One, BcA86, was found to be particularly susceptible to early mortality; 100% of BcA86 mice died by day 6 compared with 0% of B6 mice (P=0.0012). This increased mortality was accompanied by an increased hepatic necrosis as measured by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (19547±10556 vs 769±109, P=0.0055). This occurred despite a predominantly resistant (C57BL/6) genetic background. Linkage analysis in a cohort (n=210) of (BcA86x C56Bl/10)F2 animals revealed a new locus on chromosome 13 (peak linkage 101.2 Mbp, lod 4.50 and P=0.003). This locus controlled serum ALT levels as early as 48 h following the infection, and led to an elevated expression of type I interferon. Another locus on chromosome 17 (peak linkage 57.2 Mbp) was significantly linked to heart viral titer (lod 3.4 and P=0.046). These results provide new evidence for the presence of genetic loci contributing to the susceptibility of mice to viral hepatitis.

IL-6 blockade reverses the abnormal STAT activation of peripheral blood leukocytes from rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Considering the interplay of multiple STATs in response to cytokines, we investigated how IL-6 and its blocking affect STAT signaling in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Leukocytes obtained from RA patients before and after tocilizumab treatment and healthy donors (HDs) were cytokine-stimulated and STAT phosphorylation was analyzed by cytometry. RA patients had significantly fewer pSTAT1+, pSTAT3+, and pSTAT6+ monocytes and pSTAT5+ lymphocytes than HDs. After 24weeks of treatment, percentages of IFNγ-induced pSTAT1+ and IL-10-induced pSTAT3+ monocytes in RA patients increased, reaching levels comparable to HDs. pSTAT1+ and pSTAT3+ cells correlated inversely with RA disease activity index and levels of pSTAT+ cells at baseline were higher in patients with good EULAR response to tocilizumab. IFNγ-induced pSTAT1+ cells correlated inversely with memory T cells and anti-CCP levels. IL-10-induced pSTAT3+ cells correlated with Treg/Teff ratio. Our findings suggest that IL-6 blocking reduces the inflammatory mechanisms through the correction of STAT1 and STAT3 activation status.

Dietary administration of the probiotic SpPdp11: Effects on the intestinal microbiota and immune-related gene expression of farmed Solea senegalensis treated with oxytetracycline.

Few antimicrobials are currently authorised in the aquaculture industry to treat infectious diseases. Among them, oxytetracycline (OTC) is one of the first-choice drugs for nearly all bacterial diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary administration of OTC both alone and jointly with the probiotic Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 (SpPdp11) on the intestinal microbiota and hepatic expression of genes related to immunity in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) juveniles. The results demonstrated that the richness and diversity of the intestinal microbiota of fish treated with OTC decreased compared with those of the control group but that these effects were lessened by the simultaneous administration of SpPdp11. In addition, specimens that received OTC and SpPdp11 jointly showed a decreased intensity of the Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) bands related to Vibrio genus and the presence of DGGE bands related to Lactobacillus and Shewanella genera. The relationship among the intestinal microbiota of fish fed with control and OTC diets and the expression of the NADPH oxidase and CASPASE-6 genes was demonstrated by a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) carried out in this study. In contrast, a close relationship between the transcription of genes, such as NKEF, IGF-ß, HSP70 and GP96, and the DGGE bands of fish treated jointly with OTC and SpPdp11 was observed in the PCA study. In summary, the results obtained in this study demonstrate that the administration of OTC results in the up-regulation of genes related to apoptosis but that the joint administration of OTC and S. putrefaciens Pdp11 increases the transcription of genes related to antiapoptotic effects and oxidative stress regulation. Further, a clear relationship between these changes and those detected in the intestinal microbiota is established.

Assessing climate change impacts on the rape stem weevil, Ceutorhynchus napi Gyll., based on bias- and non-bias-corrected regional climate change projections.

Agricultural production is directly affected by projected increases in air temperature and changes in precipitation. A multi-model ensemble of regional climate change projections indicated shifts towards higher air temperatures and changing precipitation patterns during the summer and winter seasons up to the year 2100 for the region of Goettingen (Lower Saxony, Germany). A second major controlling factor of the agricultural production is the infestation level by pests. Based on long-term field surveys and meteorological observations, a calibration of an existing model describing the migration of the pest insect Ceutorhynchus napi was possible. To assess the impacts of climate on pests under projected changing environmental conditions, we combined the results of regional climate models with the phenological model to describe the crop invasion of this species. In order to reduce systematic differences between the output of the regional climate models and observational data sets, two different bias correction methods were applied: a linear correction for air temperature and a quantile mapping approach for precipitation. Only the results derived from the bias-corrected output of the regional climate models showed satisfying results. An earlier onset, as well as a prolongation of the possible time window for the immigration of Ceutorhynchus napi, was projected by the majority of the ensemble members.

Deafferentation in thalamic and pontine areas in severe traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized mainly by diffuse axonal injuries (DAI). The cortico-subcortical disconnections induced by such fiber disruption play a central role in consciousness recovery. We hypothesized that these cortico-subcortical deafferentations inferred from diffusion MRI data could differentiate between TBI patients with favorable or unfavorable (death, vegetative state, or minimally conscious state) outcome one year after injury. METHODS: Cortico-subcortical fiber density maps were derived by using probabilistic tractography from diffusion tensor imaging data acquired in 24 severe TBI patients and 9 healthy controls. These maps were compared between patients and controls as well as between patients with favorable (FO) and unfavorable (UFO) 1-year outcome to identify the thalamo-cortical and ponto-thalamo-cortical pathways involved in the maintenance of consciousness. RESULTS: Thalamo-cortical and ponto-thalamo-cortical fiber density was significantly lower in TBI patients than in healthy controls. Comparing FO and UFO TBI patients showed thalamo-cortical deafferentation associated with unfavorable outcome for projections from ventral posterior and intermediate thalamic nuclei to the associative frontal, sensorimotor and associative temporal cortices. Specific ponto-thalamic deafferentation in projections from the upper dorsal pons (including the reticular formation) was also associated with unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Fiber density of cortico-subcortical pathways as measured from diffusion MRI tractography is a relevant candidate biomarker for early prediction of one-year favorable outcome in severe TBI.

An ENU-induced splicing mutation reveals a role for Unc93b1 in early immune cell activation following influenza A H1N1 infection.

Genetic and immunological analysis of host-pathogen interactions can reveal fundamental mechanisms of susceptibility and resistance to infection. Modeling human infectious diseases among inbred mouse strains is a proven approach but is limited by naturally occurring genetic diversity. Using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis, we created a recessive loss-of-function point mutation in Unc93b1 (unc-93 homolog B1 (C. elegans)), a chaperone for endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLR)3, TLR7 and TLR9, which we termed Letr for 'loss of endosomal TLR response'. We used Unc93b1(Letr/Letr) mice to study the role of Unc93b1 in the immune response to influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1), an important global respiratory pathogen. During the early phase of infection, Unc93b1(Letr/Letr) mice had fewer activated exudate macrophages and decreased expression of CXCL10, interferon (IFN)-γ and type I IFN. Mutation of Unc93b1 also led to reduced expression of the CD69 activation marker and a concomitant increase in the CD62L naive marker on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in infected lungs. Finally, loss of endosomal TLR signaling resulted in delayed viral clearance that coincided with increased tissue pathology during infection. Taken together, these findings establish a role for Unc93b1 and endosomal TLRs in the activation of both myeloid and lymphoid cells during the innate immune response to influenza.

Monocyte implication in renal allograft dysfunction.

Macrophages are involved in the development and progression of kidney fibrosis. The aim of this study was to analyse the phenotype of circulating monocytes and their ability to predict kidney allograft dysfunction in living kidney transplant recipients. Whole blood samples from 25 kidney recipients and 17 donors were collected at five time-points. Monocyte phenotype was analysed by flow cytometry, and interleukin (IL)-10 and soluble CD163 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One week after transplantation, surface CD163 and IL-10 levels increased significantly from baseline [2·99 ± 1·38 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) to 5·18 ± 2·42 MFI for CD163; 4·5 ± 1·46 pg/ml to 6·7 ± 2·5 pg/ml for IL-10]. This CD163 increase correlated with 4-month creatinine levels (r = 0·4394, P = 0·04). However, soluble CD163 decreased significantly from baseline at 1 week (797·11 ± 340·45 ng/ml to 576·50 ± 293·60 ng/ml). CD14(+) CD16(-) monocytes increased at 4 months and correlated positively with creatinine levels at 12 and 24 months (r = 0·6348, P = 0·002 and r = 0·467, P = 0·028, respectively) and negatively with Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) at 12 months (r = 0·6056, P = 0·003). At 4 months, IL-10 decreased significantly (P = 0·008) and correlated positively with creatinine at 2 years (r = 0·68, P = 0·010) and with CD14(+) CD16(-) monocytes at 4 months (r = 0·732, P = 0·004). At 24 h, levels of human leucocyte antigen D-related declined from 12·12 ± 5·99 to 5·21 ± 3·84 and CD86 expression decreased from 2·76 ± 1·08 to 1·87 ± 0·95. Both markers recovered progressively until 12 months, when they decreased again. These results indicate that monitoring monocytes could be a promising new prognostic tool of graft dysfunction in renal transplant patients.

The treatment with the probiotic Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 of specimens of Solea senegalensis exposed to high stocking densities to enhance their resistance to disease.

Aquaculture industry exposes fish to acute stress events, such as high stocking density, and a link between stress and higher susceptibility to diseases has been concluded. Several studies have demonstrated increased stress tolerance of fish treated with probiotics, but the mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 is a strain isolated from healthy gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) and it is considered as probiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary administration of this probiotics on the stress tolerance of Solea senegalensis specimens farmed under high stocking density (PHD) compared to a group fed a commercial diet and farmed under the same conditions (CHD). In addition, during the experiment, a natural infectious outbreak due to Vibrio species affected fish farmed under crowding conditions. Changes in the microbiota and histology of intestine and in the transcription of immune response genes were evaluated at 19 and 30 days of the experiment. Mortality was observed after 9 days of the beginning of the experiment in CHD and PHD groups, it being higher in the CHD group. Fish farmed under crowding stress showed reduced expression of genes at 19 day probiotic feeding. On the contrary, a significant increase in immune related gene expression was detected in CHD fish at 30 day, whereas the gene expression in fish from PHD group was very similar to that showed in specimens fed and farmed with the conventional conditions. In addition, the dietary administration of S. putrefaciens Pdp11 produced an important modulation of the intestinal microbiota, which was significantly correlated with the high number of goblet cells detected in fish fed the probiotic diet.

Soil application of an encapsulated CO2 source and its potential for management of western corn rootworm larvae.

Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) larvae use carbon dioxide (CO2) to locate the roots of their hosts. This study investigated whether an encapsulated CO2 source (CO2-emitting capsules) is able to outcompete CO2 gradients established by corn root respiration in the soil. Furthermore, the following two management options with the capsules were tested in semifield experiments (0.5- to 1-m2 greenhouse plots): the disruption of host location and an "attract-and-kill" strategy in which larvae were lured to a soil insecticide (Tefluthrin) between the corn rows. The attract-and-kill strategy was compared with an application of Tefluthrin in the corn rows (conventional treatment) at 33 and 18% of the standard field application rate. Application of the CO2-emitting capsules 30 cm from the plant base increased CO2 levels near the application point for up to 20 d with a peak at day 10. Both the disruption of host location and an attract-and-kill strategy caused a slight but nonsignificant reduction in larval densities. The disruption of host location caused a 17% reduction in larval densities, whereas an attract-and-kill strategy with Tefluthrin added at 33 and 18% of the standard application rate caused a 24 and 27% reduction in larval densities, respectively. As presently formulated, the CO2-emitting capsules, either with or without insecticide, do not provide adequate control of western corn rootworm.

Insect fauna associated with Anacardium occidentale (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) in Benin, West Africa.

Cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), is an important cash crop in Benin. However, its production is threatened by several biotic factors, especially insects. In Benin, very few studies have focused on insects and just listed species commonly found on cashew worldwide. The present investigation fills this gap by presenting an exhaustive inventory of insect species associated with this crop in the country. The survey was carried out from September 2009 to August 2010 in 22 cashew orchards (5 young and 17 mature) distributed over three major agroecological zones where cashew is most produced in the country. Insects were collected using chemical knock-down technique and visual observation followed by capture with sweep net. In addition, infested plant organs were sampled and incubated to collect emerging insects. In total, 262 insect species were recorded and identified. Among them, the wood borer Apate terebrans Pallas, the leafminer Eteoryctis gemoniella Stainton, and the mirid bugs Helopeltis schoutedeni Reuter., and Helopeltis anacardii Miller., appeared as the most important insect species attacking cashew in Benin. Beneficial insects encountered included some predators, parasitoids, and pollinators. Few vertebrate predators were also recorded on the trees. Differences in agroecological conditions or in field cleanliness did not affect the number of insect species encountered in the cashew orchards. The results of this study represent an important baseline data for the design and implementation of strategies for cashew protection in Benin.

Susceptibility to lethal cerebral malaria is regulated by epistatic interaction between chromosome 4 (Berr6) and chromosome 1 (Berr7) loci in mice.

In humans, cerebral malaria is a rare but often lethal complication of infection with Plasmodium parasites, the occurrence of which is influenced by complex genetic factors of the host. We used a mouse model of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) with Plasmodium berghei ANKA to study genetic factors regulating appearance of neurological symptoms and associated lethality. In a genome-wide screen of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-mutagenized mice derived from C57BL/6J (B6) and 129S1/SvImJ (129) mouse strains, we detected a strong interaction between the genetic backgrounds of these strains, which modulates ECM resistance. We have mapped a major gene locus to central chromosome 4 (log of the odds (LOD) 6.7; 79.6-97.3 Mb), which we designate Berr8. [corrected]. B6 alleles at Berr6 are associated with resistance, and are inherited in a co-dominant fashion. In mice heterozygous for Berr6 B6/129 alleles, resistance to ECM is strongly modulated by a second locus, Berr7, that maps to the proximal portion of chromosome 1 (LOD 4.03; 41.4 Mb). 129 alleles at Berr7 are associated with ECM resistance in a dosage-dependent fashion. Results are discussed in view of the possible role of this two-locus system in susceptibility to unrelated inflammatory conditions in mice and humans.