Social stress in adolescents induces depression and brain-region-specific modulation of the transcription factor MAX.

MAX is a conserved constitutive small phosphoprotein from a network of transcription factors that are extensively studied in tumorigenesis and whose functions affect cell proliferation, differentiation and death. Inspired by its higher expression during development and in regions involved in emotional behaviors, we hypothesized its involvement in cerebral changes caused by early-life stress. We studied the effects of repeated social stress during adolescence on behaviors and on MAX and its putative partner MYC. Thirty-day-old C57BL/6 male mice underwent brief daily social defeat stress from an adult aggressor for 21 days. Following social stress episodes and housing in social groups after each defeat, adolescent mice exhibit depressive-like, but not anxiety-like behaviors and show higher MAX nuclear immunoreactivity in hippocampal (HC) but not prefrontal cortical (PFC) neurons. Conversely, MAX immunoreactivity is lower in the striatum (ST) of defeated adolescents. The positive correlation between MAX and MYC levels in the PFC revealed disruptions in both the HC and ST. The changes in MAX protein levels are not due to differential gene expression or protein degradation in those regions, suggesting that posttranscriptional modifications occurred. These findings indicate that repeated, brief social defeat in adolescent male mice, combined with group housing, is a useful protocol to study a subtype of depression that is dissociated from generalized (non-social) anxiety. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an association between dysregulation of the MAX-MYC network in the brain and a behavior, suggesting a novel approach for exploiting the neuroplasticity associated with depression.

Determination of tartaric acid in wines by FIA with tubular tartrate-selective electrodes.

A flow injection analysis (FIA) system comprising a tartrate-(TAT) selective electrode has been developed for determination of tartaric acid in wines. Several electrodes constructed for this purpose had a PVC membrane with a complex of quaternary ammonium and TAT as anion exchanger, a phenol derivative as additive, and a more or less polar mediator solvent. Characterization of the electrodes showed behavior was best for membranes with o-nitrophenyl octyl ether as solvent. On injection of 500 microL into a phosphate buffer carrier (pH = 3.1; ionic strength 10(-2) mol/L) flowing at 3 mL/min, the slope was 58.06 +/- 0.6 with a lower limit of linear range of 5.0 x 10(-4) mol/L TAT and R2 = 0.9989. The interference of several species, e.g. chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, gallic acid, tannin, sucrose, glucose, fructose, acetate, and citrate, was evaluated in terms of potentiometric selectivity coefficients. The Hofmeister series was followed for inorganic species and the most interfering organic ion was citrate. When red and white wines were analyzed and the results compared with those from an independent method they were found to be accurate, with relative standard deviations below 5.0%.

Technique for repair of Descemet membrane detachment.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate a successful repair of an intractable Descemet membrane detachment. METHODS: Case report. We used transcorneal mattress sutures to fixate Descemet membrane to the cornea in combination with intracameral air injection. RESULT: This technique resulted in reattachment of Descemet membrane and a substantial visual acuity improvement after complete resolution of corneal edema. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair may be needed in cases of large Descemet membrane detachment. This technique provides an additional surgical alternative to repair intractable Descemet membrane detachment without causing excessive anterior chamber disruption; it may also prevent the need for a penetrating keratoplasty.