University of Lleida

About: University of Lleida is a education organization based out in Lleida, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Pregnancy. The organization has 2939 authors who have published 5853 publications receiving 148417 citations. The organization is also known as: Escola Superior Politècnica & Universitat de Lleida.

Increased expression of the PRAD‐1/CCND1 gene in hairy cell leukaemia

Abstract: Summary. The PRAD-1/CCND1 gene encodes Cyclin Dl, a cyclin involved in cell cycle regulation at the Gi-S transition. Over-expression of this gene is a highly specific molecular marker of mantle cell lymphomas (MCLs), but it may also be up-regulated in some chronic lymphoprolifera-tive disorders, mainly chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. We have examined PRAD-1/CCND1 gene expression by Northern blot and Western blot analysis in a series of 18 hairy cell leukaemias (HCLs), nine other splenic malignant lymphoproliferative disorders, and three normal/reactive spleens. Over-expression of the mRNA PRAD-1/CCND1 gene was observed in 16/18 HCLs, including one case of hairy cell leukaemia variant, whereas this molecular alteration was not found in other cases examined. mRNA levels varied from case to case, but they were lower than those observed in MCLs. At the protein level, Western blotting analysis showed Cyclin D1 protein expression in the 11 HCLs analysed. No bcl-1 rearrangements were seen with the MTC, p94PS and PRAD-1 (Δ-P1-4) probes used, and no PRAD-1/CCND1 gene amplification was detected in any case. These findings indicate that PRAD-1/CCND1 is over-expressed at mRNA and protein levels in a high number of HCLs. However, the levels of expression are much lower than in MCLs, and this expression is not associated with bcl-1 rearrangements or PRAD-1/CCND1 gene amplification.

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes and quality traits of fossil cereal grains provide clues on sustainability at the beginnings of Mediterranean agriculture

Abstract: We present a novel approach to study the sustainability of ancient Mediterranean agriculture that combines the measurement of carbon isotope discrimination (Delta(13)C) and nitrogen isotope composition (delta(15)N) along with the assessment of quality traits in fossil cereal grains. Charred grains of naked wheat and barley were recovered in Los Castillejos, an archaeological site in SE Spain, with a continuous occupation of ca. 1500 years starting soon after the origin of agriculture (ca. 4000 BCE) in the region. Crop water status and yield were estimated from Delta(13)C and soil fertility and management practices were assessed from the delta(15)N and N content of grains. The original grain weight was inferred from grain dimensions and grain N content was assessed after correcting N concentration for the effect of carbonisation. Estimated water conditions (i.e. rainfall) during crop growth remained constant for the entire period. However, the grain size and grain yield decreased progressively during the first millennium after the onset of agriculture, regardless of the species, with only a slight recovery afterwards. Minimum delta(15)N values and grain N content were also recorded in the later periods of site occupation. Our results indicate a progressive loss of soil fertility, even when the amount of precipitation remained steady, thereby indicating the unsustainable nature of early agriculture at this site in the Western Mediterranean Basin. In addition, several findings suggest that barley and wheat were cultivated separately, the former being restricted to marginal areas, coinciding with an increased focus on wheat cultivation.