BackgroundIn human oocytes, as in other mammalian ova, there is a significant variation in the pregnancy potential, with approximately 20% of oocyte-sperm meetings resulting in pregnancies. This frequency of successful fertilization decreases as the oocytes age. This low proportion of fruitful couplings appears to be influenced by changes in mitochondrial structure and function. In this study, we have examined mitochondrial biogenesis in both hamster (Mesocricetus auratus ) and mouse (Mus musculus) ova as models for understanding the effects of aging on mitochondrial structure and energy production within the mammalian oocyte.Methodology/Principal FindingsIndividual metaphase II oocytes from a total of 25 young and old mice and hamsters were collected from ovarian follicles after hormone stimulation and prepared for biochemical or structural analysis. Adenosine triphosphate levels and mitochondrial DNA number were determined within individual oocytes from young and old animals. In aged hamsters, oocyte adenosine triphosphate levels and mitochondrial DNA molecules were reduced 35.4% and 51.8%, respectively. Reductions of 38.4% and 44% in adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial genomes, respectively, were also seen in aged mouse oocytes. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis showed that aged rodent oocytes had significant alterations in mitochondrial and cytoplasmic lamellae structure.Conclusions/SignificanceIn both mice and hamsters, decreased adenosine triphosphate in aged oocytes is correlated with a similar decrease in mtDNA molecules and number of mitochondria. Mitochondria in mice and hamsters undergo significant morphological change with aging including mitochondrial vacuolization, cristae alterations, and changes in cytoplasmic lamellae.

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Long-term potentiation (LTP) of granule cell-Purkinje cell synapses in the mouse cerebellum requires phosphorylation by protein kinase A of the active-zone protein RIM1alpha at Ser413. Here, we show that the adapter protein 14-3-3 readily binds phosphorylated Ser413 in RIM1alpha, and that presynaptic transfection with a dominant-negative 14-3-3eta mutant, or a RIM1alpha mutant with enhanced 14-3-3 binding, inhibits LTP. Thus, RIM1alpha phosphorylation triggers presynaptic LTP in part through recruitment of 14-3-3 to phospho-Ser413-RIM1alpha.

The synapsins, an abundant and highly conserved family of proteins that associate with synaptic vesicles, have been implicated in regulating the synaptic vesicle cycle. However, it has not been determined whether synapsin directly regulates the number of docked vesicles.

Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) is a group treatment for persons with borderline personality disorder (BPD). We describe results from two data sets on outcome in persons who participated in STEPPS with BPD alone or BPD plus antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). In Study 1, we examined the effect of comorbid ASPD on outcome in 65 persons with BPD who participated in a randomized controlled trial at an academic medical center. In Study 2, we examined the effect of comorbid ASPD on outcome in 64 offenders with BPD who participated in STEPPS in correctional settings. All subjects were assessed for the presence of BPD and ASPD. In Study 1, subjects with ASPD experienced greater improvement in BPD symptoms, impulsiveness, and global symptoms. In Study 2, offenders with ASPD experienced greater improvement in positive and negative behaviors and positive affectivity. We conclude that persons with BPD plus ASPD benefit from STEPPS in community and correctional settings. The findings suggest that persons with BPD plus ASPD show greater improvement in some domains than persons with BPD only. People with ASPD should not be automatically excluded from participation in the program. KeywordsBorderline personality disorder; antisocial personality disorder; STEPPS; randomized controlled trials (RCTs) Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of emotional instability, impulsivity, and disturbed relationships (Lieb et al., 2004). Psychotherapy has been the most frequently studied treatment and many programs are now evidence-based including Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) (NICE, 2009). Briefly, STEPPS was developed at the University of Iowa for ambulatory patients with BPD and has been shown to be effective in controlled and uncontrolled studies Bos et al., 2010;Freije et al., 2002;Harvey et al., 2010 HHS Public Access Author ManuscriptAuthor Manuscript Author ManuscriptAuthor Manuscript affectivity. In some studies, STEPPS also appears to reduce suicidality and, in prison, disciplinary infractions Harvey et al., 2010).BPD is common in the general population with a prevalence between 1%-6% (Grant et al., 2008;Lenzenweger et al., 2007), but is also prevalent in prisons with rates as high as 30% of incarcerated offenders (Black et al., 2007; de Ruiter & Treatment, 2006;Jordan et al., 1996; Zlotnick, 1999). Research shows that there is great overlap of BPD with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in these settings. For example, in one study 57% of offenders with BPD also met criteria for ASPD (Black et al., 2007). BPD is problematic in prison settings and contributes to behavioral and management problems (Warren et al., 2002).Despite the high prevalence of BPD in corrections, few formal treatment programs have been developed or implemented in these settings (Berzins & Trestman, 2004;Black et al., 2013;McCann et al., 2000). We have been working with the Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) since 2005...