The effect of ionising radiation on photosynthetic oxygenic microorganisms for survival in space flight revealed by automatic photosystem II-based biosensors

Photosynthetic microorganisms are expected to be useful to maintain an oxygenic atmosphere and to provide biomass for astronauts in the International Space Station as well as in future long-term space flights. However, fluxes of complex ionizing radiation of various intensities and energies make space an extreme environment for the microorganisms, affecting their photosynthetic efficiency. To automatically monitor the photosynthetic Photosystem II (PSII) activity of microorganisms under space conditions an optical biosensor, which utilizes chlorophyll fluorescence as biological transduction system, was built; the PSII activity was monitored by the biosensor during balloon flights at stratospheric altitudes of about 40 km. The effect of space stress on quantum yield of PSII varied among the tested species depending on the growth light conditions at which they were exposed during the flights.     

Children's Reasoning About the Causal Significance of the Temporal Order of Events.

Four experiments examined children's ability to reason about the causal significance of the order in which 2 events occurred (the pressing of buttons on a mechanically operated box). In Study 1, 4-year-olds were unable to make the relevant inferences, whereas 5-year-olds were successful on one version of the task. In Study 2, 3-year-olds were successful on a simplified version of the task in which they were able to observe the events although not their consequences. Study 3 found that older children had difficulties with the original task even when provided with cues to attend to order information. However, 5-year-olds performed successfully in Study 4, in which the causally relevant event was made more salient. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Selection of Strategies for Collision-free Motion in Multi-manipulator Systems

Strategy-based path planning was introduced by the authors as a way to give robotic manipulators some sort of reactive behaviour in dynamic and unpredictable environments. This approach is based on making robots react to moving obstacles using a restricted subset of the configuration space, and on using an off-line pre-planning stage to choose the restricted subset. In this paper, strategy-based path planning is applied and explored, focusing our attention on the off-line stage. It is applied to the joint motion of two and three robots that perform pick and place tasks sharing common working areas.     

Memory Management for Real-Time Java: An Efficient Solution using Hardware Support*

This paper addresses the issue of improving the performance of memory management for real-time Java applications, building upon the real-time specification for Java (RTSJ) from the Real-Time Java Expert Group. In a first step, a collecting dynamic memory solution including both a real-time garbage collector and region-based memory management, is proposed. A thorough analysis of the parameters influencing the performance of write barriers in memory management, together with ways of improvement are then presented. Finally, the implementation of a memory management solution compliant with the RTSJ and integrating the proposed improvements is sketched.     

Fine structure of the male accessory glands of Triatoma rubrofasciata (De Geer, 1773) (Hemiptera, Triatominae)

Male of Triatoma rubrofasciata has four elongated sac-like reproductive mesodermic accessory glands, lined by an inner single layer of secretory cells, with basal plasma membrane infolds and short apical microvilli, and externally enveloped by a thin visceral muscle layer. The secretory cells have a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, mitochondria, and secretory granules. In one day old adult the gland cells are poorly developed, presenting small, electron-transparent secretory granules scattered among the rough endoplasmatic reticulum, whereas in three days old adult these cells have the cisternae of the rough endoplasmatic reticulum varing size degree, filled with granular electrondense content. In five days old males the secretory granules increase in diameter, being released to the gland lumen. Therefore, there is an increase of the secretory activity according to male maturation.     

Molecular Mechanisms of RSV and Air Pollution Interaction: A Scoping Review

RSV is one of the major infectious agents in paediatrics, and its relationship with air pollution is frequently observed. However, the molecular basis of this interaction is sparsely reported. We sought to systematically review the existing body of literature and identify the knowledge gaps to answer the question: which molecular mechanisms are implied in the air pollutants–RSV interaction? Online databases were searched for original studies published before August 2022 focusing on molecular mechanisms of the interaction. The studies were charted and a narrative synthesis was based upon three expected directions of influence: a facilitated viral entry, an altered viral replication, and an inappropriate host reaction. We identified 25 studies published between 1993 and 2020 (without a noticeable increase in the number of studies) that were performed in human (n = 12), animal (n = 10) or mixed (n = 3) models, and analysed mainly cigarette smoke (n = 11), particulate matter (n = 4), nanoparticles (n = 3), and carbon black (n = 2). The data on a damage to the epithelial barrier supports the hypothesis of facilitated viral entry; one study also reported accelerated viral entry upon an RSV conjugation to particulate matter. Air pollution may result in the predominance of necrosis over apoptosis, and, as an effect, an increased viral load was reported. Similarly, air pollution mitigates epithelium function with decreased IFN-γ and Clara cell secretory protein levels and decreased immune response. Immune response might also be diminished due to a decreased viral uptake by alveolar macrophages and a suppressed function of dendritic cells. On the other hand, an exuberant inflammatory response might be triggered by air pollution and provoke airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), prolonged lung infiltration, and tissue remodeling, including a formation of emphysema. AHR is mediated mostly by increased IFN-γ and RANTES concentrations, while the risk of emphysema was related to the activation of the IL-17 → MCP-1 → MMP-9 → MMP-12 axis. There is a significant lack of evidence on the molecular basics of the RSV–air pollution interaction, which may present a serious problem with regards to future actions against air pollution effects. The major knowledge gaps concern air pollutants (mostly the influence of cigarette smoke was investigated), the mechanisms facilitating an acute infection or a worse disease course (since it might help plan short-term, especially non-pharmacological, interventions), and the mechanisms of an inadequate response to the infection (which may lead to a prolonged course of an acute infection and long-term sequelae). Thus far, the evidence is insufficient regarding the broadness and complexity of the interaction, and future studies should focus on common mechanisms stimulated by various air pollutants and a comparison of influence of the different contaminants at various concentrations.     

Insights into the Genetics and Signaling Pathways in Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a complex disease with a significant impact in today’s world. Studies have emphasized the crucial role of genetics in DM, unraveling the distinction of monogenic diabetes from the most common types that have been recognized over the years, such as type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). A literature search was carried out to scrutinize the subtypes of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), as well as the connection between the recognized genetic and molecular mechanisms responsible for such phenotypes. Thus far, 14 subtypes of MODY have been identified. Here, the authors review the pathophysiological and molecular pathways in which monogenic diabetes genes are involved. Despite being estimated to affect approximately 2% of all T2DM patients in Europe, the exact prevalence of MODY is still unknown, enhancing the need for research focused on biomarkers. Due to its impact in personalized medicine, a follow-up of associated complications, and genetic implications for siblings and offspring of affected individuals, it is imperative to diagnose the monogenic forms of DM accurately. Currently, advances in the genetics field has allowed for the recognition of new DM subtypes, which until now were considered to be slight variations of the typical forms. New molecular insights can define therapeutic strategies, aiming for the prevention, correction, or at least delay of β-cell dysfunction. Thus, it is imperative to act in the close interaction between genetics and clinical manifestations to improve diagnosis and individualize treatment.     

Is Melanoma Progression Affected by Thyroid Diseases?

Clinical and epidemiological evidence indicate a relationship between thyroid diseases and melanoma. In particular, the hypothyroidism condition appears to promote melanoma spread, which suggests a protective role of thyroid hormones against disease progression. In addition, experimental data suggest that, in addition to thyroid hormones, other hormonal players of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis, namely the thyrotropin releasing hormone and the thyrotropin, are likely to affect melanoma cells behavior. This information warrants further clinical and experimental studies in order to build a precise pattern of action of the HPT hormones on melanoma cells. An improved knowledge of the involved molecular mechanism(s) could lead to a better and possibly personalized clinical management of these patients.     

The New Microtubule-Targeting Agent SIX2G Induces Immunogenic Cell Death in Multiple Myeloma

Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) are effective drugs for cancer treatment. A novel diaryl [1,2]oxazole class of compounds binding the colchicine site was synthesized as cis-restricted-combretastatin-A-4-analogue and then chemically modified to have improved solubility and a wider therapeutic index as compared to vinca alkaloids and taxanes. On these bases, a new class of tricyclic compounds, containing the [1,2]oxazole ring and an isoindole moiety, has been synthetized, among which SIX2G emerged as improved MTA. Several findings highlighted the ability of some chemotherapeutics to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), which is defined by the cell surface translocation of Calreticulin (CALR) via dissociation of the PP1/GADD34 complex. In this regard, we computationally predicted the ability of SIX2G to induce CALR exposure by interacting with the PP1 RVxF domain. We then assessed both the potential cytotoxic and immunogenic activity of SIX2G on in vitro models of multiple myeloma (MM), which is an incurable hematological malignancy characterized by an immunosuppressive milieu. We found that the treatment with SIX2G inhibited cell viability by inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, we observed the increase of hallmarks of ICD such as CALR exposure, ATP release and phospho-eIF2α protein level. Through co-culture experiments with immune cells, we demonstrated the increase of (i) CD86 maturation marker on dendritic cells, (ii) CD69 activation marker on cytotoxic T cells, and (iii) phagocytosis of tumor cells following treatment with SIX2G, confirming the onset of an immunogenic cascade. In conclusion, our findings provide a framework for further development of SIX2G as a new potential anti-MM agent.     

Scattered Tubular Cells Markers in Macula Densa of Normal Human Adult Kidney

Background: The scattered tubular cells (STCs) are a population of resident progenitor tubular cells with expansion, self-renewal and epithelial differentiation abilities. Although these cells are localized within the proximal (PTs) and distal (DTs) tubules in a normal adult kidney, their presence has never been demonstrated in human macula densa (MD). The purpose of the present study is to describe the presence of STCs in MD using specific markers such as prominin-1 (CD133), cytokeratin 7 (KRT7) and vimentin (VIM). Methods: We analyzed two sets of three consecutive serial sections for each sample. The first sections of each set were immunostained for nNOS to identify MD, the second sections were immune-stained for CD133 (specific STCs marker) while the third sections were analyzed for KRT7 (another STCs specific marker) and VIM (that stains the basal pole of the STCs) in the first and second sets, respectively, in order to study the co-expression of KRT7 and VIM with the CD133 marker. Results: CD133 was localized in some MD cells and in the adjacent DT cells. Moreover, CD133 was detected in the parietal epithelial cells of Bowman’s capsule and in some proximal tubules (PT). KRT7-positive cells were identified in MD and adjacent DT cells, while KRT7 positivity was mostly confined in both DT and collecting ducts (CD) in the other areas of the renal parenchyma. CD133 and KRT7 were co-expressed in some MD and adjacent DT cells. Some of the latter cells were positive both for CD133 and VIM. CD133 was always localized in the apical part of the cells, whereas the VIM expression was evident only in the cellular basal pole. Although some cells of MD expressed VIM or CD133, none of them co-expressed VIM and CD133. Conclusions: The presence of STCs was demonstrated in human adult MD, suggesting that this structure has expansion, self-renewal and epithelial differentiation abilities, similar to all other parts of renal tubules.