Loss of NOD2 in macrophages improves colitis and tumorigenesis in a lysozyme-dependent manner.

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) is a complex and poorly understood myeloid-mediated disorder. Genetic variants with loss of function in the gene confer an increased susceptibility to ileal CD. While Nod2 in myeloid cells may confer protection against T-cell mediated ileopathy, it remains unclear whether it may promote resolution of the inflamed colon.

The use of existing environmental networks for the post-market monitoring of GM crop cultivation in the EU.

The European Union (EU) Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment requires that both Case-Specific Monitoring (CSM) and General Surveillance (GS) are considered as post-market implementing measures. Whereas CSM is directed to monitor potential adverse effects of GMOs or their use identified in the environmental risk assessment, GS aims to detect un-intended adverse effects of GMOs or their use on human and animal health or the environment. Guidance documents on the monitoring of genetically modified (GM) plants from the Commission and EFSA clarify that, as appropriate, GS can make use of established routine surveillance practices.

Schizophrenia patients with polydipsia and water intoxication are characterized by greater severity of psychotic illness and a more frequent history of alcohol abuse.

Polydipsia and water intoxication (PWI) are relatively frequent among schizophrenic subjects, particularly in institutional settings and may lead to severe complications. However, little is known on their association with other characteristics of psychosis. Hence, we took advantage of a cohort of 114 subjects extensively assessed on natural history and clinical variables to examine the correlates of PWI in chronic schizophrenia.

Reef-coral proteins as visual, non-destructive reporters for plant transformation.

Recently, five novel fluorescent proteins have been isolated from non-bioluminescent species of reef-coral organisms and have been made available through ClonTech. They are AmCyan, AsRed, DsRed, ZsGreen and ZsYellow. These proteins are valuable as reporters for transformation because they do not require a substrate or external co-factor to emit fluorescence and can be tested in vivo without destruction of the tissue under study.

Production of stably transformed cassava plants via particle bombardment.

 A novel protocol, based on biolistics and regeneration via organogenesis, was developed for genetic transformation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). The in vitro performance of cassava cultivars CMC40, MPer183 and MCol22 was evaluated, and the regeneration protocol was modified to improve shoot production from explants for transformation experiments. Somatic cotyledons were used as a target tissue in the transformation experiments using the Particle Inflow Gun and a plasmid containing the uidA gene in transient assays.