Altered bone microarchitecture in a type 1 diabetes mouse model Ins2Akita

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been associated to several cartilage and bone alterations including growth retardation, increased fracture risk, and bone loss. To determine the effect of long term diabetes on bone we used adult and aging Ins2 ^Akita mice that developed T1DM around 3–4 weeks after birth. Both Ins2 ^Akita and wild-type (WT) mice were analyzed at 4, 6, and 12 months to assess bone parameters such as femur length, growth plate thickness and number of mature and preapoptotic chondrocytes. In addition, bone microarchitecture of the cortical and trabecular regions was measured by microcomputed tomography and gene expression of Adamst-5, Col2, Igf1, Runx2, Acp5, and Oc was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Ins2 ^Akita mice showed a decreased longitudinal growth of the femur that was related to decreased growth plate thickness, lower number of chondrocytes and to a higher number of preapoptotic cells. These changes were associated with higher expression of Adamst-5, suggesting higher cartilage degradation, and with low expression levels of Igf1 and Col2 that reflect the decreased growth ability of diabetic mice. Ins2 ^Akita bone morphology was characterized by low cortical bone area (Ct.Ar) but higher trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and expression analysis showed a downregulation of bone markers Acp5, Oc, and Runx2. Serum levels of insulin and leptin were found to be reduced at all-time points Ins2 ^Akita. We suggest that Ins2 ^Akita mice bone phenotype is caused by lower bone formation and even lower bone resorption due to insulin deficiency and to a possible relation with low leptin signaling.     

Typification of four species names of Bellis (Compositae)

There are six species of Bellis inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula, four of their accepted names are typified here. Bellis microcephala Lange, B. perennis L., and B. cordifolia (Kunze) Willk. are lectotypified, while an epitype is designated for B. sylvestris Cirillo. Some diagnostic characters are discussed in order to provide a proper identification of the specimens designated as types.     

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for the endangered anchialine squat lobster Munidopsis polymorpha

Species of the genus Munidopsis are typically distributed in bathyal and abyssal zones, but the anchialine species Munidopsis polymorpha is an exception. It inhabits a volcanic tube on Lanzarote Island (Canary Islands, NE Atlantic) and is currently listed as endangered due to its highly restricted distribution and degree of endemism. Microsatellite loci were isolated from partial genomic libraries that had been enriched for AC, ACAG, GATA, AAAC and AAG repeat sequences. Eight loci were polymorphic in a sample of 24 individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 4 with observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.083 to 0.875 and from 0.080 to 0.681, respectively. These markers will be used to evaluate levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding, providing essential information for the development of a management and conservation strategy for this species.     

Loss of LUC7L2 and U1 snRNP subunits shifts energy metabolism from glycolysis to OXPHOS

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Influence of the Mechanical Properties of Third-Generation Artificial Turf Systems on Soccer Players’ Physiological and Physical Performance and Their Perceptions

The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of the mechanical properties of artificial turf systems on soccer players’ performance. A battery of perceptive physiological and physical tests were developed on four different structural systems of artificial turf (System 1: Compacted gravel sub-base without elastic layer; System 2: Compacted gravel sub-base with elastic layer; System 3: Asphalt sub-base without elastic layer; System 4: Asphalt sub-base with elastic layer). The sample was composed of 18 soccer players (22.44±1.72 years) who typically train and compete on artificial turf. The artificial turf system with less rotational traction (S3) showed higher total time in the Repeated Sprint Ability test in comparison to the systems with intermediate values (49.46±1.75 s vs 47.55±1.82 s (S1) and 47.85±1.59 s (S2); p<0.001). The performance in jumping tests (countermovement jump and squat jump) and ball kicking to goal decreased after the RSA test in all surfaces assessed (p<0.05), since the artificial turf system did not affect performance deterioration (p>0.05). The physiological load was similar in all four artificial turf systems. However, players felt more comfortable on the harder and more rigid system (S4; visual analogue scale = 70.83±14.28) than on the softer artificial turf system (S2; visual analogue scale = 54.24±19.63). The lineal regression analysis revealed a significant influence of the mechanical properties of the surface of 16.5%, 15.8% and 7.1% on the mean time of the sprint, the best sprint time and the maximum mean speed in the RSA test respectively. Results suggest a mechanical heterogeneity between the systems of artificial turf which generate differences in the physical performance and in the soccer players’ perceptions.