IL-9 inhibits oxidative burst and TNF-alpha release in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human monocytes through TGF-beta

IL-9 is a Th2 cytokine that exerts pleiotropic activities on T cells, B cells, mast cells, hematopoietic progenitors, and lung epithelial cells, but no effect of this cytokine has been reported so far on mononuclear phagocytes. Human blood monocytes preincubated with IL-9 for 24 h before LPS or PMA stimulation exhibited a decreased oxidative burst, even in the presence of IFN-gamma. The inhibitory effect of IL-9 was specifically abolished by anti-hIL-9R mAb, and the presence of IL-9 receptors was demonstrated on human blood monocytes by FACS. IL-9 also down-regulated TNF-alpha and IL-10 release by LPS-stimulated monocytes. In addition, IL-9 strongly up-regulated the production of TGF-beta1 by LPS-stimulated monocytes. The suppressive effect of IL-9 on the respiratory burst and TNF-alpha production in LPS-stimulated monocytes was significantly inhibited by anti-TGF-beta1, but not by anti-IL-10Rbeta mAb. Furthermore, IL-9 inhibited LPS-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases in monocytes through a TGF-beta-mediated induction of protein phosphatase activity. In contrast, IL-4, which exerts a similar inhibitory effect on the oxidative burst and TNF-alpha release by monocytes, acts primarily through a down-regulation of LPS receptors. Thus, IL-9 deactivates LPS-stimulated blood mononuclear phagocytes, and the mechanism of inhibition involves the potentiation of TGF-beta1 production and extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibition. These findings highlight a new target cell for IL-9 and may account for the beneficial activity of IL-9 in animal models of exaggerated inflammatory response.     

The compound eye in the opaque-eye phenotype ofDrosophila melanogaster

The compound eye of the opaque-eye mutant ofDrosophila melanogaster was investigated by means of electron microscopy to determine the morphological and physical properties of ommatidial elements. These elements in the mutant were found to differ from those of the wild-type flies in the following ways: (1) The cuticular lens was thinner than that of the control and lacked the typical lamellar construction. (2) The Semper cells were irregular in shape and contained many membranous inclusions similar to those found in degenerating cells; also their nuclei contained virus-like particles. (3) The primary pigment cells contained an abundance of drosopterin-containing granules which were lacking in those of wild-type flies. (4) The superior and inferior central photoreceptor cells were misplaced and their rhabdomeres evidenced some degeneration. (5) The secondary pigment cells had only one type of pigment granules instead of the three types found in the control. These morphological changes in ommatidial elements induced physical abnormalities such as the apparent opaqueness of the eye, the lack of a pseudopupil, the probable disability of the photoreceptor cells to respond to light and the inability of the dioptric system to produce utilizable geometrical images.     

Mechanisms of Enhancing Photosynthetic Gas Exchange in Date Palm Seedlings (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phoenix dactylifera</Emphasis> L.) under Salinity Stress by a 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-based Fertilizer

Photosynthetic gas exchange characteristics, salt uptake, pigment contents, and electrolyte leakage were examined in date palm seedlings (Phoenix dactylifera L.) subject to seawater treatments at 1-, 15-, and 30-mS cm⁻¹ salinity levels in the presence or absence of 0.08% ALA-based (5-aminolevulinic acid-based) functional fertilizer commercially known as Pentakeep-v. Date palm seedlings accumulated significant amounts of Na⁺ in the foliage with increasing salinity, about a threefold increase in the accumulated Na⁺ between the control and 30-mS cm⁻¹salinity treatment. Electrolyte leakage indicated a significant reduction in membrane integrity as salinity increased. A strong linear correlation was observed between the chlorophyll (chl) a/b ratio and assimilation rate throughout salinity treatments. The slope (b) and the correlation coefficient between the chl a/b ratio and assimilation suggested that salinity reduced assimilation predominantly via the reduction in chlorophyll a contents (r ² = 0.885 and b = 1.77, P < 0.05). Plants treated with Pentakeep-v showed a similar response with increasing salinity but at higher levels of both chl a/b ratios and assimilation rates. Mechanistic analysis of A:Ci response curves showed that photosynthetic gas exchange in seedlings of the date palm was significantly reduced with increasing salinity due to gas phase limitation (S _L) as evident by stomatal conductance (g _s) values. Salinity did not induce any change in the carboxylation efficiency of the rubisco enzyme (Vc,max), or in the rate of electrons supplied by the electron transport system for ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration (Jmax). Accelerated carbon loss through respiration has significantly contributed to the described reduction in assimilation and increased CO₂ compensation point (Γ). Only at the 30-mS cm⁻¹ salinity level did treatment with Pentakeep-v reduce Na⁺ accumulation in the leaves, and caused a reduction in K⁺ selective uptake, leading to a concomitant reduction in K⁺/Na⁺ ratios. Pentakeep-v significantly improved chl a contents in all treatments, which was subsequently reflected in total chlorophyll and chl a/b ratios. The non-gas-phase components of the photosynthetic process (biochemical factors limiting gas exchange) were significantly improved by Pentakeep-v applications. Specifically, Pentakeep-v enhanced the biochemical efficiency of carbon fixation (Vc,max) and the rate of electron transport required for RuBP regeneration (Jmax) by 37.4% and 17.8%, respectively, over untreated plants at a salinity level of 15 mS cm^–1. In addition, Pentakeep-v reduced S _L to values similar to those of control plants (9.07%) and lowered CO₂ compensation points by reducing respiratory CO₂ loss, with increasing salinity to 30 mS cm⁻¹. We, therefore, conclude that the ALA-based fertilizer Pentakeep-v improves salt tolerance in date palm seedlings by increasing photosynthetic assimilation. The latter is mediated via boosting light-harvesting capabilities of the treated plants by increasing chl a content and by reducing stomatal limitation to photosynthetic gas exchange.     

Cell population dynamics modulate the rates of tissue growth processes

The development and testing of a discrete model describing the dynamic process of tissue growth in three-dimensional scaffolds is presented. The model considers populations of cells that execute persistent random walks on the computational grid, collide, and proliferate until they reach confluence. To isolate the effect of population dynamics on tissue growth, the model assumes that nutrient and growth factor concentrations remain constant in space and time. Simulations start either by distributing the seed cells uniformly and randomly throughout the scaffold, or from an initial condition designed to simulate the migration and cell proliferation phase of wound healing. Simulations with uniform seeding show that cell migration enhances tissue growth by counterbalancing the adverse effects of contact inhibition. This beneficial effect, however, diminishes and disappears completely for large migration speeds. By contrast, simulations with the "wound" seeding mode show a continual enhancement of tissue regeneration rates with increasing cell migration speeds. We conclude that cell locomotory parameters and the spatial distribution of seed cells can have profound effects on the dynamics of the process and, consequently, on the pattern and rates of tissue growth. These results can guide the design of experiments for testing the effectiveness of biomimetic modifications for stimulating tissue growth.     

Correction to: A New Combination with D-Cateslytin to Eradicate Root Canal Pathogens

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics - The article A New Combination with D?Cateslytin to Eradicate Root Canal Pathogens, written by Claire Ehlinger, Pauline Dartevelle,...     

Switchgrass growth and pine–switchgrass interactions in established intercropping systems

Intercropping switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) has been proposed for producing bioenergy feedstock in the southeastern United States. This study investigated switchgrass growth and pine–switchgrass interactions at two established experimental fields (7‐year‐old Lenoir site and 5‐year‐old Carteret site) located on the coastal plain of eastern United States. Position effects (edge and center of switchgrass alley in intercropping plots) and treatment effects (intercropping vs. grass‐only) on aboveground switchgrass growth were evaluated. Interspecific interactions with respect to capturing resources (light, soil water, and nitrogen) were investigated by measuring photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) above grass canopy, soil moisture, and soil mineral nitrogen contents. Switchgrass growth was significantly (P = 0.001) affected by treatments in Lenoir and by position (P < 0.0001) in both study sites. Relative to the center, PAR above grass canopy at edge in both sites was about 48% less during the growing season. Soil water content during the growing season at the edge of grass alley was significantly (P = 0.0001) lower by 23% than at the center in Lenoir, while no significant (P = 0.42) difference was observed in Carteret, in spite of more grass growth at center at both sites. Soil mineral nitrogen content at the center of intercropping plots in Lenoir (no fertilization during 2015) was significantly (P < 0.07) lower than at the edge during the peak of growing season (June, July, and August), but not during early and late parts of growing season (May, September, and November). Position effects on soil water and mineral nitrogen were less evident under conditions with higher external inputs (rainfall and fertilization) and lower plant uptake during nongrowing seasons. Results from this study contributed to a better understanding of above‐ and belowground pine–switchgrass interactions which is necessary to properly manage this new cultivation system for bioenergy production in the southeastern United States.     

Numerical prediction of freezing fronts in cryosurgery: comparison with experimental results

Recent developments in scientific computing now allow to consider realistic applications of numerical modelling to medicine. In this work, a numerical method is presented for the simulation of phase change occurring in cryosurgery applications. The ultimate goal of these simulations is to accurately predict the freezing front position and the thermal history inside the ice ball which is essential to determine if cancerous cells have been completely destroyed. A semi-phase field formulation including blood flow considerations is employed for the simulations. Numerical results are enhanced by the introduction of an anisotropic remeshing strategy. The numerical procedure is validated by comparing the predictions of the model with experimental results.     

The Golgi-associated long coiled-coil protein NECC1 participates in the control of the regulated secretory pathway in PC12 cells

Golgi-associated long coiled-coil proteins, often referred to as golgins, are involved in the maintenance of the structural organization of the Golgi apparatus and the regulation of membrane traffic events occurring in this organelle. Little information is available on the contribution of golgins to Golgi function in cells specialized in secretion such as endocrine cells or neurons. In the present study, we characterize the intracellular distribution as well as the biochemical and functional properties of a novel long coiled-coil protein present in neuroendocrine tissues, NECC1 (neuroendocrine long coiled-coil protein 1). The present study shows that NECC1 is a peripheral membrane protein displaying high stability to detergent extraction, which distributes across the Golgi apparatus in neuroendocrine cells. In addition, NECC1 partially localizes to post-Golgi carriers containing secretory cargo in PC12 cells. Overexpression of NECC1 resulted in the formation of juxtanuclear aggregates together with a slight fragmentation of the Golgi and a decrease in K+-stimulated hormone release. In contrast, NECC1 silencing did not alter Golgi architecture, but enhanced K+-stimulated hormone secretion in PC12 cells. In all, the results of the present study identify NECC1 as a novel component of the Golgi matrix and support a role for this protein as a negative modulator of the regulated trafficking of secretory cargo in neuroendocrine cells.     

A comparative assessment of phenotypic and molecular diversity in Doum (Hyphaene thebaica L.)

Doum palm (Hyphaene thebaica L.) has been reported as one of the most beneficial species worldwide. Its fruits are a good source of fibers, antioxidants, B-complex vitamins, essential minerals, monosaccharides, essential oil and flavonoids. Fruit extract shows anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and pharmacological potential. However, there is a lack of investigations dealing with its genetic diversity. Therefore, a collection of twelve mature female palm landraces grown in the botanical garden of Aswan, “Egypt” were used for genetic diversity assessment based on phenotypic and molecular levels. 18 vegetal and chemical traits were evaluated. Fifteen of them showed highly significant variation among the tested landraces. Euclidian-based-dendrogram discriminated the tested landraces based on their phenotypic similarities to three main clusters showing a high level of variability. Molecular analysis using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) vis-à-vis start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism markers displayed the relationships among the tested landraces molecularly. Both markers showed a reasonable degree of polymorphism, however SCoT was more effective than the ISSR by showing a higher percentage of polymorphism, polymorphism information content, resolving power and diversity index. Cluster analysis based on molecular data showed a clear relationship among the doum landraces. However, ISSR- and SCoT-based dendrograms were slightly different, and completely unlike that based on phenotypic data. Nevertheless, phenotypic and molecular evaluations might complement each other, and by data of both an excellent overview was obtained from principle coordinate analysis. The information herein is valuable and considered as a keystone for further proximate studies on doum genetic diversity to help in improvement and breeding approaches.

     

The Progeroid Phenotype of Ku80 Deficiency Is Dominant over DNA-PKCS Deficiency

Ku80 and DNA-PK_CS are both involved in the repair of double strand DNA breaks via the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. While ku80^−/− mice exhibit a severely reduced lifespan and size, this phenotype is less pronounced in dna-pk_cs^−/− mice. However, these observations are based on independent studies with varying genetic backgrounds. Here, we generated ku80^−/−, dna-pk_cs^−/− and double knock out mice in a C57Bl6/J*FVB F1 hybrid background and compared their lifespan, end of life pathology and mutation frequency in liver and spleen using a lacZ reporter. Our data confirm that inactivation of Ku80 and DNA-PK_CS causes reduced lifespan and bodyweights, which is most severe in ku80^−/− mice. All mutant mice exhibited a strong increase in lymphoma incidence as well as other aging-related pathology (skin epidermal and adnexal atrophy, trabacular bone reduction, kidney tubular anisokaryosis, and cortical and medullar atrophy) and severe lymphoid depletion. LacZ mutation frequency analysis did not show strong differences in mutation frequencies between knock out and wild type mice. The ku80^−/− mice had the most severe phenotype and the Ku80-mutation was dominant over the DNA-PK_CS-mutation. Presumably, the more severe degenerative effect of Ku80 inactivation on lifespan compared to DNA-PK_CS inactivation is caused by additional functions of Ku80 or activity of free Ku70 since both Ku80 and DNA-PK_CS are essential for NHEJ.