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While there is a growing need to increase farm fish production to meet food security needs of a growing population, humane slaughter treatments are not well understood. Use of sedative agents prior to slaughter can facilitate a more rapid and humane slaughter process. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of implementing preslaughter electrosedation on the quality and consumer acceptance of farmed rainbow trout. A consumer sensory panel (n = 65) was conducted comparing rainbow trout slaughtered according to two methods: (1) immersion in an ice-water slurry (Control) or (2) immersion in an ice-water slurry immediately preceded by electrosedation (Electrosedation). Results from a sensory triangle test determined that there was no significant difference between the two fish harvested by different methods. These results suggest that electrosedation does not impact the sensory quality of farmed rainbow trout. This demonstrates that preslaughter electrosedation effectively aligns interests regarding animal welfare, efficiency, and product quality in the production of farm rainbow trout. This is an important finding as the results could provide insights for treating fish humanely without sacrificing the quality while meeting the demands of a highly regulated industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) is a dynamin protein that mediates mitochondrial fusion at the inner membrane. OPA1 is also necessary for maintaining the cristae and thus essential for supporting cellular energetics. OPA1 exists as membrane-anchored long form (L-OPA1) and short form (S-OPA1) that lacks the transmembrane region and is generated by cleavage of L-OPA1. Mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular stresses activate the inner membrane-associated zinc metallopeptidase OMA1 that cleaves L-OPA1, causing S-OPA1 accumulation. The prevailing notion has been that L-OPA1 is the functional form, whereas S-OPA1 is an inactive cleavage product in mammals, and that stress-induced OPA1 cleavage causes mitochondrial fragmentation and sensitizes cells to death. However, S-OPA1 contains all functional domains of dynamin proteins, suggesting that it has a physiological role. Indeed, we recently demonstrated that S-OPA1 can maintain cristae and energetics through its GTPase activity, despite lacking fusion activity. Here, applying oxidant insult that induces OPA1 cleavage, we show that cells unable to generate S-OPA1 are more sensitive to this stress under obligatory respiratory conditions, leading to necrotic death. These findings indicate that L-OPA1 and S-OPA1 differ in maintaining mitochondrial function. Mechanistically, we found that cells that exclusively express L-OPA1 generate more superoxide and are more sensitive to Ca2+-induced mitochondrial permeability transition, suggesting that S-OPA1, and not L-OPA1, protects against cellular stress. Importantly, silencing of OMA1 expression increased oxidant-induced cell death, indicating that stress-induced OPA1 cleavage supports cell survival. Our findings suggest that S-OPA1 generation by OPA1 cleavage is a survival mechanism in stressed cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal degenerative diseases are major causes of untreatable blindness worldwide and efficacious treatments for these diseases are sorely needed. A novel target for treatment of retinal disease is the transmembrane protein Sigma 1 Receptor (Sig1R). This enigmatic protein is an evolutionary isolate with no known homology to any other protein. Sig1R was originally thought to be an opioid receptor. That notion has been dispelled and more recent pharmacological and molecular studies suggest that it is a pluripotent modulator with a number of biological functions, many of which are relevant to retinal disease. This review provides an overview of the discovery of Sig1R and early pharmacologic studies that led to the cloning of the Sig1R gene and eventual elucidation of its crystal structure. Studies of Sig1R in the eye were not reported until the late 1990s, but since that time there has been increasing interest in the potential role of Sig1R as a target for retinal disease. Studies have focused on elucidating the mechanism(s) of Sig1R function in retina including calcium regulation, modulation of oxidative stress, ion channel regulation and molecular chaperone activity. Mechanistic studies have been performed in isolated retinal cells, such as Müller glial cells, microglial cells, optic nerve head astrocytes and retinal ganglion cells as well as in the intact retina. Several compelling studies have provided evidence of powerful in vivo neuroprotective effects against ganglion cell loss as well as photoreceptor cell loss. Also described are studies that have examined retinal structure/function in various models of retinal disease in which Sig1R is absent and reveal that these phenotypes are accelerated compared to retinas of animals that express Sig1R. The collective evidence from analysis of studies over the past 20 years is that Sig1R plays a key role in modulating retinal cellular stress and that it holds great promise as a target in retinal neurodegenerative disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to examine the antecedents and consequence of consumer attitudes toward local food and to segment these consumers using their food-related lifestyle (FRL) attributes. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, we proposed three factors to impact attitude toward local food (health consciousness, concern for the environment, and concern for local economies) along with subjective norm and perceived behavioral control to influence intentions to purchase local food. Methodology: Data were collected from 502 local food consumers measuring the following: antecedents and consequence of attitude toward local food; FRL; demographic information. Findings: Health consciousness, concern for the environment, and concern for local economies were found to be significant predictors of attitude toward local food. Attitude toward local food and subjective norm, but not perceived behavioral control, were found to have a significant effect on intention to purchase local food. Further, segmenting based on their FRL yielded four types of consumers (Impromptu Novelty Explorer, Uninvolved Connoisseur, Involved Information Seeker, and Apathetic Local Food Consumer). An ANOVA provided a snapshot of several demographic and psychographic differences between segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protein optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) is a dynamin-related protein associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane and functions in mitochondrial inner membrane fusion and cristae maintenance. Inner membrane-anchored long OPA1 (L-OPA1) undergoes proteolytic cleavage resulting in short OPA1 (S-OPA1). It is often thought that S-OPA1 is a functionally insignificant proteolytic product of L-OPA1 because the accumulation of S-OPA1 due to L-OPA1 cleavage is observed in mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction. However, cells contain a mixture of both L- and S-OPA1 in normal conditions, suggesting the functional significance of maintaining both OPA1 forms, but the differential roles of L- and S-OPA1 in mitochondrial fusion and energetics are ill-defined. Here, we examined mitochondrial fusion and energetic activities in cells possessing L-OPA1 alone, S-OPA1 alone, or both L- and S-OPA1. Using a mitochondrial fusion assay, we established that L-OPA1 confers fusion competence, whereas S-OPA1 does not. Remarkably, we found that S-OPA1 alone without L-OPA1 can maintain oxidative phosphorylation function as judged by growth in oxidative phosphorylation-requiring media, respiration measurements, and levels of the respiratory complexes. Most strikingly, S-OPA1 alone maintained normal mitochondrial cristae structure, which has been commonly assumed to be the function of OPA1 oligomers containing both L- and S-OPA1. Furthermore, we found that the GTPase activity of OPA1 is critical for maintaining cristae tightness and thus energetic competency. Our results demonstrate that, contrary to conventional notion, S-OPA1 is fully competent for maintaining mitochondrial energetics and cristae structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to expand on the limited awareness of the U.S. fish consumer. Measures were tested through a Web-based national survey. The final survey consisted of 40 questions, including environmental awareness, food neophobia, fish consumption, reasons for consuming fish, and demographic variables. Correlations andttests were used to analyze relationships between eating fish in restaurants and other variables. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to segment respondents into two groups based on their environmental awareness and neophylic/neophobic attitudes. EcoFish consumers were more likely to be male, eat fish for health and the environment, and eat fish at restaurants significantly more than the Indifferent Fish consumers. Restaurants can use these results to market to eco-friendly, health-conscious fish consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popular murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, is often used to initially screen natural products for bioactivity and to predict their potential effectin vivoor on primary cells. The cell line response is considered to reflect the potential humande novoresponse, and is used to evaluate the effective bioactivity of the product. Here, we compared the cytokine response of RAW 264.7 cells to shark cartilage (SC) with that of human leukocytes to determine whether the cell line response was a reliable predictor of the cytokine response one can expect from similarly stimulated human primary cells. Results not only revealed significant differences in the nature and level of TNFα produced by cellsin vitro, but also showed that while the primary cell response included an upregulation in the production of IL-1β such a response was absent in RAW 264.7 cells. This suggests that had we relied on RAW 264.7 cells alone to assess the cytokine-inducing capacity of SC, the comprehensive Th1 response (shown in an earlier study) induced by SC in primary cells, consisting of release of several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, would not have been revealed. We conclude, therefore, that assays using only RAW 264.7 cells to initially screen for and assess immune reactivity of test products will not necessarily provide a comprehensive picture of the immunomodulatory properties of the substance under investigation, and can in fact be misleading with regard to the overall bioactive potential of the substance on an initial screen. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper emanated from a Doctoral Thesis, which was an in-depth single case study of a frontline social work team based in the third sector. The research took place over a period of five months and included weekly visits to observe the day-to-day operations of the team, attending special events such as the Team's Away Day, Team Meetings and undertaking management consultation sessions with the Project and Deputy Managers. The thesis concludes that just as frontline staff require effective support, frontline managers also need space to effectively reflect on their experiences in role. The focus of this paper is the relationship dynamic between the managers, the team, senior management and the wider organisation as they dealt with the sudden announcement of the project's closure. The paper makes use of ethnographic and psychoanalytically informed observations of the team's ordinary day to day work processes, in addition, use was made of consultative interviews (MCI's) with the managers of this service who were afforded space to think about their management roles. Aspects of thematic analysis informed by psychoanalytic theory were used to analyse the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The erosion and breakdown of cartilage is generally recognized to be an integral manifestation of arthritic disease, which is often accompanied by the development and progression of inflammation associated with it. Commercial shark cartilage (SC) is a popular dietary supplement taken for the prevention and/or control of chronic disease, including arthritis. The efficacy of SC in maintaining joint health remains questionable; there is a lack of sufficient reliable information on its effect on immunocompetent cells, and the potential health risks involved have not been adequately assessed. Our earlier in vitro studies showed that SC extracts induce a Th1-type inflammatory cytokine response in human leucocytes, and collagen type II alpha 1 protein was shown to be an active cytokine-inducing component in SC. In this study, we further define the cellular response to SC stimulation by classifying leucocytes into primary and secondary responders employing enriched leucocyte subpopulations. Inhibitors of specific signaling pathways were used to verify the functional effect of SC on specific pathway(s) utilized. Results indicate the monocyte/macrophage as the initially responding cell, followed by lymphocytes and the production of interferon-γ. Chemokines, MCP-1 and RANTES, were produced at significant levels in stimulated leucocyte cultures. Initial cellular activation is likely followed by activation of Jun Kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathways. This study presents evidence of significant immunological reactivity of components of commercial SC supplement, which could pose a potential health risk for consumers, particularly those with underlying inflammatory disease such as irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lysozyme is a ubiquitous antibacterial enzyme that occurs in numerous invertebrate and vertebrate species. Three forms have been described c-type, g-type and i-type which differ in primary structure. Shark lysozyme has not been characterized; here we report on the isolation and characterization of lysozyme from unstimulated shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) leukocytes and provide amino acid sequence data across the highly conserved active site of the molecule identifying it to be a c-type lysozyme. A leukocyte lysate was applied either (a) to the first of two sequential DE-52 cellulose columns or alternatively, (b) to a DEAE-Sepharose column. Lysozyme activity in lysate and active fractions was identified by zones of lysis of Micrococcus lysodeikticus cell walls on lysoplates and zones of growth inhibition in agar diffusion assays using Planococcus citreus as the target organism. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed a 14 kDa protein which was identified as lysozyme by mass spectroscopic analysis of peptides, reactivity against anti-HEWL antibodies on a Western blot, hydrolysis of M. lysodeikticus cell walls, and inhibition of growth of P. citreus on AU-gel blots in which the area of growth inhibition correlated to a 14 kDa protein. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The United Nations estimates that the world will need additional seafood to sustain the growing population. Rising costs and concerns regarding food safety and environmental sustainability have encouraged reducing the use of marine-derived feedstuffs in aquaculture. The primary purpose of this project was to test for consumer acceptance of hybrid striped bass raised on a soy-maximized diet. The results showed that culinary professionals could not distinguish a difference between fish raised on traditional feeds versus soy-maximized feeds. Culinary professionals expressed an overall preference for fish fed the soy-maximized feeds. Results from this study suggest future marketing for fish raised on sustainable feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: To assess non-cellular innate immune mechanisms that play a role in the antimicrobial defense of an organism several assay systems have been devised to screen for such factors. Most assays, however, have been developed to measure activity against clinical isolates of medical importance. There is scant information on methods optimal for assaying material from sharks and other marine fish for antimicrobial activity particularly against salt tolerant organisms that are likely to be encountered in the marine environment. We have modified and optimized agar diffusion and broth dilution assays for detection and quantification of antibacterial activity of shark leukocyte lysates. By replacing marine agar, typically used for marine organisms, with artificial sea water complete medium (SCM) enriched with tryptone and yeast extract has resulted in an improved inhibition zone assay that uses Planococcus citreus, a salt-tolerant organism as the target organism. Antibacterial activity is correlated to the size of zone of no bacterial growth around wells containing bioactive test sample. An alternative broth based microdilution growth assay uses the 96 well format and the antibacterial effect of the sample on growth of P. citreus, the target organism, is measured spectrophotometrically as percent inhibition of bacterial growth when compared to the growth of P. citreus grown in medium alone that represents 100% growth. The assay can also be used to titrate antibacterial activity and express the level of growth inhibition as a titer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previous studies have shown that extracts of shark cartilage induce a cytokine response in human leukocytes, but the nature of the bioactive component(s) is unknown. Extracts treated with proteases lost 80% of their cytokine-inducing property, suggesting that the active component(s) was likely a complex protein. The aim of the present study was to determine the nature of the bioactive molecule(s). Solid phase extraction followed by ion exchange chromatography and electrophoretic separation were used to partially purify a bioactive preparation from commercial shark cartilage that has been identified as a small glycoprotein. LC–MS analysis yielded peptides with 100% molecular identity with collagen type II, alpha I protein from the lesser spotted catshark, Scyliorhinus canicula. The implications for the consumption of shark cartilage as a dietary supplement are discussed given the presence of collagen type II, alpha 1 protein in extracts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ultimate goal of this research was to understand the process of food service sustainability through a limited 'cradle-to-grave' analysis of Southern Illinois University's (SIU) campus dining facilities. The process of researching the dining halls' sustainability was broken into three separate stages: food mileage analysis, food waste analysis, and vermicomposting analysis. The first stage results determined that the dining halls were 15.67% sustainable in its food purchasing process. The goal for the university was to obtain a 20% purchase rate of sustainable products. The total carbon foot print for the university was 1533.5 tons of Co2 for 1,990 items. This carbon output is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 278.82 passenger vehicles. The total mileage of the food items was 775,394.50 miles. The second stage of the research calculated the average amount of waste that was produced per student. SIU's dining halls utilize a new system of service called trayless, where trays are removed and students have to fill up a plate instead of a tray. The average food waste per student was 1.04 oz a day. Currently, the waste produced is very limited. This demonstrates that trayless dining has proven effective and needs to be continued. The final stage was a vermicomposting analysis in which a pre-composting phase was introduced to expedite the vermicomposting process. The amount of time taken for this pre-composting phase was still longer than anticipated. The longer time frame translated into additional monies to pay for utilities for the building and payroll for the workers. Vermicomposting, although, ecological friendly does not appear cost effective in this setting. This study demonstrates how universities can begin the process of sustainability. By using several methods that have been investigated to increase sustainability (food mileage calculations and tray-less dining), university food services should be able to implement more sustainable practices in order to encourage making our universities green. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study constructs a causal model of culinary tourist behavior from the theoretical framework of push and pull motivations. The study proposed that culinary event attendees' expenditures, word-of-mouth behavior, and repeat patronage intentions would be affected by their overall event satisfaction. Push and pull motivations subsequently were examined for effect on overall satisfaction. Using multiple regression analysis with data collected from an international culinary event the study examined the above relationship. Results of the analysis can be summarized as: 1) food, event novelty, and socialization were push motivations identified for attending a culinary event; 2) food product, support services, and essential services were pull motivations and had a significant predictive affect on overall satisfaction; and 3) overall satisfaction had a significant relationship with outcome variables: word-of-mouth behavior and repeat patronage intentions. It is believed that results of the present study will be useful to organizers of culinary events and/or destination managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study culinary event attendees were segmented on the basis of push motivations. Using a factor-cluster approach with data collected from an international culinary event, the study segmented culinary attendees into two meaningful groups. The results of the analyses can be summarized as: 1) food event, event novelty, and socialization were the push motivations identified for attending a culinary event, 2) motivations were clustered into two segments: food focusers and event seekers, 3) the two clusters were statistically different from each other based on gender, age, income, education, and expenditures. This research makes a contribution to the area of consumer behavior research in culinary tourism from both the theoretical and empirical perspectives. It is believed that results of the present study will be useful to organizers of culinary events and/or destination managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine factors affecting the culinary consumer's decision to purchase meat products when preparing and cooking food at home. A 5-point Liken scale by Loureiro and Umberger (2005) was used to collect information concerning aesthetic factors, nutrition and fat content, food safety, country-of-origin labeling, traceability, and demographic information from competitors and visitors at the 20th Annual Murphysboro Barbeque Cook-Off in Murphysboro, IL. Overall, freshness, food safety, U.S. produced, tenderness, and reasonably priced were rated as the most desirable attributes when purchasing meat. This information can be useful to stakeholders who want to market meat products to U.S. consumers, especially to those who are interested in carnivorous consumption, such as those individuals who attend barbecue competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I am a social work doctorate student at the Tavistock Centre & UEL researching the nature and impact of projective processes in front line social work settings and management via the close study of a Children & Families Resource Centre. This paper forms part of a fuller thesis and focuses on two fragments of data from an interview with the project managers, who share material about a black male service user who had regular supervised contact sessions with his daughter at the centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C3, C4, and C5 are thiolester-containing proteins (TEPs) of vertebrate complement. The identification of the molecular origin of the TEP family, and more specifically the ancestor protein of complement components C3, C4, and C5, remains a fundamental question. The prevailing paradigm suggests that duplication and divergence of these proteins occurred after the deuterostome split in phylogeny. It is believed that the ancestor of thiolester-containing complement proteins was alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M)-like, a noncomplement-related protein. Here we describe a C3-like cDNA from a gorgonian coral, Swiftia exserta. This study provides evidence for the origins of a complement-related C3-like gene in the Precambrian period, predating both protostomes and deuterostomes. Furthermore, one may speculate that complement-like opsonic reactions were evolving at the earliest stages of metazoan evolution. This calls for a reassessment of the present concepts concerning the origins and evolution of TEPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interviews Sylvia Smith, founder, owner and editor of Smith Publications and Sonic Art Editions, publishers of serious contemporary U.S. music. Background of Smith Publications' inception; Reasons for an interest in multimedia; Changes in editorial policies regarding music publishing.

The SLC19 gene family of solute carriers is a family of three transporter proteins with significant structural similarity, transporting, however, substrates with different structure and ionic charge. The three members of this gene family are expressed ubiquitously and mediate the transport of two important water-soluble vitamins, folate and thiamine. The concentrative transport of substrates mediated by the members of this gene family is energized by transcellular H+/OH- gradient. SLC19A1 is expressed at highest levels in absorptive cells where it is located in a polarized manner either in the apical or basal membrane, depending on the cell type. It mediates the transport of reduced folate and its analogs, such as methotrexate, which are anionic at physiological pH. SLC19A2 is expressed ubiquitously and mediates the transport of thiamine, a cation at physiological pH. SLC19A3 is also widely expressed and is capable of transporting thiamine. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the structural, functional, molecular and physiological aspects of the SLC19 gene family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Intravitreal injection of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is known to induce glial intermediate filament protein (GFAP) expression in retinal Müller cells. Because CNTF binding can activate multiple signaling kinases, we have examined the involvement of JAK/STAT pathway in GFAP induction in Müller cells. Methods. CNTF was injected intravitreally into mouse eyes. Immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting were used to study GFAP and STAT3-p (phosphorylated STAT3) levels either in mouse eyes, retinal explant cultures or in a Müller cell line, rMC-1. Results. In protein extracts of CNTF-injected eyes, retinal explants and the Müller cells, there was a substantial increase in STAT3-p level. Immunocytochemistry showed that STAT3p was now present in many cell bodies in the INL and the GCL. To prove that CNTF acted via the JAK-STAT pathway, rMC1 cells were transfected with a dominant-negative STAT3 mutant prior to treatment with CNTF. In the immunoblots of transfected cells, there was decrease in GFAP level. Conclusions. The results establish that CNTF can induce GFAP expression in retinal Müller cells through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on early literacy instruction. Evolution of instructional changes in early childhood education; Themes of sustained change in teacher practice; Design and delivery of early literacy instruction; Implementation of an assessment system to inform instructional decisions. INSET: What Does the Literature Say About Early Literacy?.

In this study, we examined the kindergarten level of four commercial basal reading programs published in 1991 and 1993 to determine the adequacy of phonological awareness instruction for learners at risk for reading disabilities and delays. Criteria for the instructional analysis were derived from the research on instructional design and phonological awareness. Phonological awareness activities in each program were coded for (a) the presence of phonologic activities, (b) dimensions of phonological awareness (i.e ., metalinguistic skills), (c) the conspicuousness of instruction, (d) the presence of scaffolds to support student learning, and (e) instructional and practice examples. Findings indicated considerable similarity among basal programs regarding the type of phonological awareness activities and implicitness of instructional procedures. Specifically, all basal programs included phonological awareness activities. However, the activities did not address dimensions of phonological awareness most highly correlated with early reading acquisition (i.e., blending and segmenting) and did not provide sufficient tasks, materials, and teacher scaffolding. Findings further revealed considerable variability among programs in the number and range of phonological awareness examples. Analyses revealed that the phonological awareness instructional procedures in the four basal reading programs failed to integrate critical findings from empirical research. Instructional design implications relative to addressing the needs of students with diverse learning needs are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classical (CCP) and alternative (ACP) pathways of complement activation have been established for the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum). The isolation of a cDNA clone encoding a mannan-binding protein-associated serine protease (MASP)-1-like protein from the Japanese dogfish (Triakis scyllia) suggests the presence of a lectin pathway. The CCP consists of six functionally distinct components: C1n, C2n, C3n, C4n, C8n and C9n, and is activated by immune complexes in the presence of Ca[sup++] and Mg[sup++] ions. The ACP is antibody independent, requiring Mg[sup++] ions and a heat-labile 90 kDa factor B-like protein for activity. Proteins considered homologues of C1q, C3 and C4 (C2n) of the mammalian complement system have been isolated from nurse shark serum. Shark C1q is composed of at least two chain types each showing 50% identity to human C1q chains A and B. Partial sequence of the globular domain of one of the chains shows it to be C1q-like rather than like mannan-binding protein. N-terminal amino acid sequences of the α and β chain of shark C3 and C4 molecules show significant identity with corresponding human C3 and C4 chains. A sequence representing shark C4 ϒ chain, shows little similarity to human C4 ϒ chain. The terminal shark components C8n and C9n are functional analogues of mammalian C8 and C9. Anaphylatoxin activity has been demonstrated in activated shark serum, and porcine C5a desArg induces shark leucocyte chemotaxis. The deduced amino acid sequence of a partial C3 cDNA clone from the nurse shark shows 50%, 30% and 24% homology with corresponding region of mammalian C3, C4 and α2macroglobulin. Deduced amino acid sequence data from partial Bf/C2 cDNA clones, two from the nurse shark and one from the Japanese dogfish, suggest that at least one species of elasmobranch has two distinct Bf/C2 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the efforts made by teachers and researches to improve kindergarten literacy in Arizona. Effect of curriculum changes on student learning; Sustainability of research-based instructional practices; Suggestions for the expansion of project activities; Role of teachers and researchers in the development of school organizational structure.

Examines optimistic bias in cancer risk perceptions of American and British adults. Likelihood of cancer happening to subjects and the average person; Tendency of Americans and British to judge their personal likelihood of developing cancer.

Sigma 1 receptor (Sig1R), a pluripotent modulator of cell survival, is neuroprotective in models of retinal degeneration when activated by the high-affinity, high-specificity ligand (+)-pentazocine ((+)-PTZ). The molecular mechanisms of Sig1R-mediated retinal neuroprotection are under investigation. We previously reported that the antioxidant regulatory transcription factor Nrf2 may be involved in Sig1R-mediated retinal photoreceptor cell (PRC) rescue. Cullin 3 (Cul3) is a component of the Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant pathway and facilitates Nrf2 ubiquitination. Our earlier transcriptome analysis revealed decreased Cul3 in retinas lacking Sig1R. Here, we asked whether Sig1R activation can modulate Cul3 expression in 661 W cone PRCs. Proximity ligation and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) showed that Cul3 resides closely to and co-IPs with Sig1R. Activation of Sig1R using (+)-PTZ significantly increased Cul3 at the gene/protein level; silencing Sig1R decreased Cul3 gene/protein levels. Experiments in which Cul3 was silenced in cells exposed to tBHP resulted in increased oxidative stress, which was not attenuated with Sig1R activation by (+)-PTZ, whereas cells transfected with scrambled siRNA (and incubated with tBHP) responded to (+)-PTZ treatment by decreasing levels of oxidative stress. Assessment of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis revealed significantly improved maximal respiration, spare capacity and glycolytic capacity in oxidatively-stressed cells transfected with scrambled siRNA and treated with (+)-PTZ, but not in (+)-PTZ treated, oxidatively-stressed cells in which Cul3 had been silenced. The data provide the first evidence that Sig1R co-localizes/interacts with Cul3, a key player in the Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant pathway. The data suggest that the preservation of mitochondrial respiration/glycolytic function and reduction of oxidative stress observed upon activation of Sig1R occur in part in a Cul3-dependent manner. [Display omitted] • Sig1R activation and its relationship to Cul3 were assessed in photoreceptor cells. • Sig1R co-localizes/interacts with Cul3, a player in the Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant pathway. • Sig1R activation increased, while silencing Sig1R decreased, Cul3 gene/protein levels. • Sig1R activation preserved mitochondrial/glycolytic function in a Cul3-dependent manner. • Activation of Sig1R reduced oxidative stress, which was Cul3 dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the sole output neurons conveying visual stimuli from the retina to the brain, and dysfunction or loss of RGCs is the primary determinant of visual loss in traumatic and degenerative ocular conditions. Currently, there is a lack of RGC-specific Cre mouse lines that serve as invaluable tools for manipulating genes in RGCs and studying the genetic basis of RGC diseases. The RNA-binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS) is identified as the specific marker of all RGCs. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a knock-in mouse line in which a P2A-CreERT2 coding sequence is fused in-frame to the C-terminus of endogenous RBPMS, allowing for the co-expression of RBPMS and CreERT2. The inducible Rbpms-CreERT2 mice exhibited a high recombination efficiency in activating the expression of the tdTomato reporter gene in nearly all adult RGCs as well as in differentiated RGCs starting at E13.5. Additionally, both heterozygous and homozygous Rbpms-CreERT2 knock-in mice showed no detectable defect in the retinal structure, visual function, and transcriptome. Together, these results demonstrated that the Rbpms-CreERT2 knock-in mouse can serve as a powerful and highly desired genetic tool for lineage tracing, genetic manipulation, retinal physiology study, and ocular disease modeling in RGCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from Loran Morris and Sylvia Smith to a letter to the editor about their article "The Prevalence of Food Security and Insecurity Among Illinois University Students," published in a 2016 issue, is presented.

Objective This study aims to define the food security status of Illinois university students and whether sociodemographic characteristics are related to that status. Design A cross-sectional research design was used to analyze the food security status of undergraduate Illinois university students, employing a survey containing the Household Food Security Survey Module that was distributed via e-mail to student participants. Setting Four public Illinois universities were highlighted, including Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University. Participants A total of 1,882 undergraduate students participated in the research study in April, 2013. Main Outcome Measure Variables include food security status and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, sex, race, and academic standing. Analysis Statistical analysis included frequencies and chi-square tests. Results The percentage of student respondents in the total sample who were considered food insecure was 35.0%. There were significant relationships between food security status and sociodemographic variables including race, grade point average, loan use, and living location. Conclusions and Implications This study suggests that 35% of respondents were food insecure based on quantitative assessment. Understanding the significant relationship between food security status and race, grade point average, loan use, and living location may be useful in developing services for those in need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glaucoma is an incurable optic neuropathy characterized by dysfunction and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an essential neurotrophin that supports RGC function and survival. Despite BDNF's importance, our knowledge of molecular mechanisms that modulate BDNF processing and secretion is incomplete. Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is associated with increased BDNF in hippocampus and with BDNF secretion by brain-derived astrocytes and neuronal cell lines. Much less is known about the relationship between S1R and BDNF in the visual system. Here, we examine how S1R activation and deletion alter expression of mature BDNF (mBDNF) and proBDNF in retina and cultured optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes. For S1R activation, the S1R agonist (+)-pentazocine (PTZ, 0.5 mg/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal injection to C57BL/6J mice, 3 times per week, for 5 weeks. Expression of proBDNF and mBDNF was also examined in S1R knockout and age-matched C57BL/6J mice. In vitro , cultured ONH astrocytes were treated with 3 μM PTZ for 24 h followed by collection of media and ONH astrocyte lysates. Results showed that treatment with (+)-PTZ increased mBDNF protein in both retina and hippocampus. In contrast, S1R deletion was associated with retinal mBDNF deficits. In ONH astrocytes S1R agonist (+)-PTZ significantly increased levels of secreted BDNF and proBDNF in cell lysates. These findings support a role for S1R in the modulation of BDNF levels within the retina and optic nerve head. Treatment with S1R agonists might provide benefit in diseases such as glaucoma by increasing BDNF levels from endogenous sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]