501. Use of HuH6 and other human-derived hepatoma lines for the detection of genotoxins : a new hope for laboratory animals?Monika Waldherr, Miroslav Mišík, Franziska Ferk, Jana Tomc, Bojana Žegura, Metka Filipič, Wolfgang Mikulits, Sören Mai, Oskar Haas, Wolfgang W. Huber, Elisabeth Haslinger, Siegfried Knasmüller, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: Cell lines which are currently used in genotoxicity tests lack enzymes which activate/detoxify mutagens. Therefore, rodent-derived liver preparations are used which reflect their metabolism in humans only partly; as a consequence misleading results are often obtained. Previous findings suggest that certain liver cell lines express phase I/II enzymes and detect promutagens without activation; however, their use is hampered by different shortcomings. The aim of this study was the identification of a suitable cell line. The sensitivity of twelve hepatic cell lines was investigated in single cell gel electrophoresis assays. Furthermore, characteristics of these lines were studied which are relevant for their use in genotoxicity assays (mitotic activity, p53 status, chromosome number, and stability). Three lines (HuH6, HCC1.2, and HepG2) detected representatives of five classes of promutagens, namely, IQ and PhIP (HAAs), B(a)P (PAH), NDMA (nitrosamine), and AFB1 (aflatoxin), and were sensitive towards reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, the commercially available line HepaRG, postulated to be a surrogate for hepatocytes and an ideal tool for mutagenicity tests, did not detect IQ and was relatively insensitive towards ROS. All other lines failed to detect two or more compounds. HCC1.2 cells have a high and unstable chromosome number and mutated p53, these features distract from its use in routine screening. HepG2 was frequently employed in earlier studies, but pronounced inter-laboratory variations were observed. HuH6 was never used in genotoxicity experiments and is highly promising, it has a stable karyotype and we demonstrated that the results of genotoxicity experiments are reproducible. Keywords: hepatic cell lines, p53, comet assay, genotoxicity Published in DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Views: 152; Downloads: 105
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502. Inter-laboratory analysis of selected genetically modified plant reference materials with digital PCRDavid Dobnik, Tina Demšar, Ingrid Huber, Lars Gerdes, Sylvia Broeders, Nancy Roosens, Frédéric Debode, Gilbert Berben, Jana Žel, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: Digital PCR (dPCR), as a new technology in the field of genetically modified (GM) organism (GMO) testing, enables determination of absolute target copy numbers. The purpose of our study was to test the transferability of methods designed for quantitative PCR (qPCR) to dPCR and to carry out an inter-laboratory comparison of the performance of two different dPCR platforms when determining the absolute GM copy numbers and GM copy number ratio in reference materials certified for GM content in mass fraction. Overall results in terms of measured GM% were within acceptable variation limits for both tested dPCR systems. However, the determined absolute copy numbers for individual genes or events showed higher variability between laboratories in one third of the cases, most possibly due to variability in the technical work, droplet size variability, and analysis of the raw data. GMO quantification with dPCR and qPCR was comparable. As methods originally designed for qPCR performed well in dPCR systems, already validated qPCR assays can most generally be used for dPCR technology with the purpose of GMO detection. Keywords: digital PCR, droplet digital PCR, absolute quantification, reference materials, GMO quantification Published in DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Views: 230; Downloads: 92
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503. Uncertainty of modelled flow regime for flow-ecological assessment in Southern EuropeOlga Vigiak, Stefanie Lutz, Angeliki Mentzafou, Gabriele Chiogna, Tuo Ye, Bruno Majone, Hylke Beck, Ad de Roo, Anna Malagó, Faycal Bouraoui, Rohini Kumar, Luis Samaniego, Ralf Merz, Christos Gamvroudis, Nikolaos Skoulikidis, Nikolaos P. Nikolaidis, Alberto Bellin, Vicenç Acuňa, Nataša Mori, Ralf Ludwig, Alberto Pistocchi, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: Sustainable water basin management requires characterization of flow regime in river networks impacted by anthropogenic pressures. Flow regime in ungauged catchments under current, future, or natural conditions can be assessed with hydrological models. Developing hydrological models is, however, resource demanding such that decision makers might revert to models that have been developed for other purposes and are made available to them (‘off-the-shelf’ models). In this study, the impact of epistemic uncertainty of flow regime indicators on flow-ecological assessment was assessed at selected stations with drainage areas ranging from about 400 to almost 90,000 km2 in four South European basins (Adige, Ebro, Evrotas and Sava). For each basin, at least two models were employed. Models differed in structure, data input, spatio-temporal resolution, and calibration strategy, reflecting the variety of conditions and purposes for which they were initially developed. The uncertainty of modelled flow regime was assessed by comparing the modelled hydrologic indicators of magnitude, timing, duration, frequency and rate of change to those obtained from observed flow. The results showed that modelled flow magnitude indicators at medium and high flows were generally reliable, whereas indicators for flow timing, duration, and rate of change were affected by large uncertainties, with correlation coefficients mostly below 0.50. These findings mirror uncertainty in flow regime indicators assessed with other methods, including from measured streamflow. The large indicator uncertainty may significantly affect assessment of ecological status in freshwater systems, particularly in ungauged catchments. Finally, flow-ecological assessments proved very sensitive to reference flow regime (i.e., without anthropogenic pressures). Model simulations could not adequately capture flow regime in the reference sites comprised in this study. The lack of reliable reference conditions may seriously hamper flow-ecological assessments. This study shows the pressing need for improving assessment of natural flow regime at pan-European scale. Keywords: flow regime, ecohydrological assessment, SWAT, mHM, lisflood, HYPERstream Published in DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Views: 163; Downloads: 110
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504. Statistical modeling of long-term grapevine response to "Candidatus Phytoplasma solani" infection in the fieldAna Rotter, Petra Nikolić, Neža Turnšek, Polona Kogovšek, Andrej Blejec, Kristina Gruden, Marina Dermastia, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: Bois noir (BN) is the most widespread European grapevine yellows disease caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’. Although our knowledge of the mechanisms of interactions of this pathogenic bacteria with host is largely unknown, the plant-pathogen system of BN is commonly used as a model system for studying grapevine yellows diseases. We applied here a conceptual model of general plant pathology – a disease triangle for describing interactions among the host plant, the pathogen and the environment. We generated a proof-of-concept statistical model for disease triangle using original experimental data and different statistical and data mining approaches for a selected system of ‘Ca. P. solani’ infection of cv. ‘Chardonnay’ grapevine plants. We monitored individual plants from a single vineyard over a period of six years. Phytoplasma content, the expression of 21 selected grapevine genes and environmental conditions were recorded and related to disease severity. Our model predicts that in described conditions BN is a function of the expression of grapevine gene VvDMR6, summer rainfall and abundance of ‘Ca. P. solani’. The greatest impact among elements of the disease triangle is attributed to the pathogen, and is independent of the pathogen titer. We showed that this first de facto representation of the disease triangle is useful for showing disease dynamics over several years and could be applied to other plant-pathogen systems. The overall results of this study will contribute to understanding of ‘Ca. P. solani’ biology and its interactions with grapevine host. Keywords: plant diseases, plant pathology Published in DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Views: 273; Downloads: 138
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506. Rapid molecular detection and transmission of bacterial leaf streak pathogen, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola, in rice seedsMark Paul Selda Rivarez, Elizabeth Parac, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) is a seed-borne bacterial pathogen of rice. In this study, a rapid molecular detection method in seeds was developed to prevent unwanted movement of infected materials and greater yield loss. Crude DNA from ground seed extract supernatant was precipitated in ethanol and centrifuged. DNA pellets of homogenous subsamples were pooled and werepurified using SDS or a DNA extraction kit. Three pairs of primers previously designed on Xoc isolate BLS-256 genome sequence robustly amplify Xoc-specific DNA sequences. Primer T40 was found to efficiently detect Xoc but only in single primer reactions. While primers 3864 and 3866 can amplify Xoc DNA separately, however, their multiplex PCR reactions were unsuccessful, probably due to substrate competition in the reaction mixture. Optimized PCR mixture and conditions were able to detect as low as 10 cfu/mL Xoc cells and the direct extraction method and conditions were able to detect as low as 104 cfu/mL inoculated cells using primer T40. Lastly, Xoc transmission through seeds was observed only in plant samples which were heavily infected. Recovery from infection, at around 25-50% was also observed in some cultivars which also manifested good grain filling at 56 days after transplanting. Published in DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Views: 123; Downloads: 84
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507. Golden orbweavers ignore biological rules : phylogenomic and comparative analyses unravel a complex evolution of sexual size dimorphismMatjaž Kuntner, Christopher A. Hamilton, Ren-Chung Cheng, Matjaž Gregorič, Nik Lupše, Tjaša Lokovšek, Emily Moriarty Lemmon, Alan R. Lemmon, Ingi Agnarsson, Jonathan A. Coddington, Jason E. Bond, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: Instances of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) provide the context for rigorous tests of biological rules of size evolution, such as Cope’s rule (phyletic size increase), Rensch’s rule (allometric patterns of male and female size), as well as male and female body size optima. In certain spider groups, such as the golden orbweavers (Nephilidae), extreme female-biased SSD (eSSD, female:male body length
2) is the norm. Nephilid genera construct webs of exaggerated proportions, which can be aerial, arboricolous, or intermediate (hybrid). First, we established the backbone phylogeny of Nephilidae using 367 anchored hybrid enrichment markers, then combined these data with classical markers for a reference species-level phylogeny. Second, we used the phylogeny to test Cope and Rensch’s rules, sex specific size optima, and the coevolution of web size, type, and features with female and male body size and their ratio, SSD. Male, but not female, size increases significantly over time, and refutes Cope’s rule. Allometric analyses reject the converse, Rensch’s rule. Male and female body sizes are uncorrelated. Female size evolution is random, but males evolve toward an optimum size (3.2–4.9 mm). Overall, female body size correlates positively with absolute web size. However, intermediate sized females build the largest webs (of the hybrid type), giant female Nephila and Trichonephila build smaller webs (of the aerial type), and the smallest females build the smallest webs (of the arboricolous type). We propose taxonomic changes based on the criteria of clade age, monophyly and exclusivity, classification information content, and diagnosability. Spider families, as currently defined, tend to be between 37 million years old and 98 million years old, and Nephilidae is estimated at 133 Ma (97–146), thus deserving family status. We, therefore, resurrect the family Nephilidae Simon 1894 that contains Clitaetra Simon 1889, the Cretaceous GeratonephilaPoinar and Buckley (2012), Herennia Thorell 1877, IndoetraKuntner 2006, new rank, Nephila Leach 1815, Nephilengys L. Koch 1872, Nephilingis Kuntner 2013, Palaeonephila Wunderlich 2004 from Tertiary Baltic amber, and TrichonephilaDahl 1911, new rank. We propose the new clade Orbipurae to contain Araneidae Clerck 1757, Phonognathidae Simon 1894, new rank, and Nephilidae. Nephilid female gigantism is a phylogenetically ancient phenotype (over 100 Ma), as is eSSD, though their magnitudes vary by lineage. Keywords: spiders, evolution of sexual size dimorphism, golden orbweavers, analyses Published in DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Views: 293; Downloads: 149
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508. Expression patterns of endothelial permeability pathways in the development of the blood-retinal barrier in miceAnne-Eva van der Wijk, Joanna Wisniewska-Kruk, Ilse M.C. Vogels, Henk A. van Veen, Wing Fung Ip, Nicole N. van der Wel, Cornelis J. F. van Noorden, Reinier O. Schlingemann, Ingeborg Klaassen, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: Insight into the molecular and cellular processes in blood-retinal barrier (BRB) development, including the contribution of paracellular and transcellular pathways, is still incomplete but may help to understand the inverse process of BRB loss in pathologic eye conditions. In this comprehensive observational study, we describe in detail the formation of the BRB at the molecular level in physiologic conditions, using mice from postnatal day (P)3 to P25. Our data indicate that immature blood vessels already have tight junctions at P5, before the formation of a functional BRB. Expression of the endothelial cell-specific protein plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP), which is known to be involved in transcellular transport and associated with BRB permeability, decreased during development and was absent when a functional barrier was formed. Moreover, we show that PLVAP deficiency causes a transient delay in retinal vascular development and changes in mRNA expression levels of endothelial permeability pathway proteins.—Van der Wijk, A.-E., Wisniewska-Kruk, J., Vogels, I. M. C., van Veen, H. A., Ip, W. F., van der Wei, N. N., van Noorden, C. J. F., Schlingemann, R. O., Klaassen, I. Expression patterns of endothelial permeability pathways in the development of the blood-retinal barrier in mice. Keywords: tight junctions, transcellular permeability, VEGF signaling Published in DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Views: 157; Downloads: 122
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509. Bioactive compounds in the oils of the autochthonous slovenian olive varieties ‘Buga’, ‘Črnica’ and ‘Drobnica’Vasilij Valenčič, Milena Bučar-Miklavčič, Maja Podgornik, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The adaptation of autochthonous olive varieties to local soil and climatic conditions can lead to a unique chemical composition and characteristics of olive oils that may differ from the generally accepted quality standards set out in the International Olive Oil Council strategy documents and EU regulations. Therefore, the fatty acid composition, biophenol, tocopherol, sterol and triterpenic dialcohol content and composition of the autochthonous Slovenian olive varieties ‘Buga’, ‘Crnica’ ˇ and ‘Drobnica’ were studied for a three-year period with the aim of valorising the characteristics of the three olive varieties. Standardised and accredited analytical methods in accordance with SIST EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 were applied. The results of the investigation showed that the highest average amount of oleic acid (75.75%) was found in the oils of the ‘Crnica’ variety, followed by the ‘Drobnica’ ˇ (72.06%) and the ‘Buga’ (68.73%). All three varieties are a good source of total biophenols (‘Buga’ 616 mg/kg, ‘Drobnica’ 569 mg/kg and ‘Crnica’ 427 mg/kg) and ˇ α-tocopherol (‘Buga’ 378 mg/kg, ‘Drobnica’ 279 mg/kg, and ‘Crnica’ 243 mg/kg). ‘Buga’ and ‘Drobnica’ are characterised by high ˇ amounts of total sterols, 2468 mg/kg and 2391 mg/kg, respectively, while ‘Crnica’ oils, in comparison, ˇ showed a lower average value of total sterols (1351 mg/kg). Due to their exceptional chemical composition, ‘Buga’, ‘Crnica’ and ‘Drobnica’ show great potential for the further cultivation and ˇ valorisation of traditional olive oil production in the region, thus contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and local traditions. The quality parameters of olive oil from the autochthonous Slovenian olive varieties ‘Buga’, ‘Crnica’ and ‘Drobnica’ also fulfil the limits for extra virgin olive oil ˇ according to the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104, despite local climatic influences. However, accelerated growth due to climatic changes affecting early harvest can lead to them falling outside these limits, which was observed in particular for the ‘Buga’ variety in terms of the linoleic acid content. This study emphasises the importance of timing the harvest to achieve optimum maturity and meet EU quality standards, taking into account the genetic makeup of the varieties and their response to the current climatic conditions. Keywords: olive, autochthonous Slovenian olive varieties, olive oil, bioactive compounds, chemistry, characterisation Published in DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Views: 134; Downloads: 65
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510. A simple in silico approach to generate gene-expression profiles from subsets of cancer genomics dataMohammed Khurshed, Remco J. Molenaar, Cornelis J. F. van Noorden, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: In biomedical research, large-scale profiling of gene expression has become routine and offers a valuable means to evaluate changes in onset and progression of diseases, in particular cancer. An overwhelming amount of cancer genomics data has become publicly available, and the complexity of these data makes it a challenge to perform in silico data exploration, integration and analysis, in particular for scientists lacking a background in computational programming or informatics. Many web interface tools make these large datasets accessible but are limited to process large datasets. To accelerate the translation of genomic data into new insights, we provide a simple method to explore and select data from cancer genomic datasets to generate gene-expression profiles of subsets that are of specific genetic, biological or clinical interest. Keywords: cancer genomics, cBioPortal, data mining, epigenetics, gene expression, in silico Published in DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Views: 255; Downloads: 465
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