Septate-like junctions between cells of the immune system in vivo.

Septate-like junctions between lymphocytes, lymphocytes and macrophages, and macrophages were observed in cellular capsules surrounding larvae of the tapeworm Taenia crassiceps after intraperitoneal inoculation into immunized mice. The morphology of the junctions found in vivo is similar to that reported for septate-like junctions between cells of the immune system in vitro. These findings support the possibility that septate-like junctions may be involved in functional interactions between cells of the immune system both in vivo and in vitro.     

Analysis of purine receptor expression and functionality in alveolar epithelial cells

Despite its fundamental role in providing an extensive surface for gas exchange, the alveolar epithelium (AE) serves as an immunological barrier through, e.g., the release of proinflammatory cytokines and secretion of surfactant to prevent alveolar collapse. Thus, AE is important for sustaining lung homeostasis. Extracellular ATP secreted by alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) is involved in physiological and pathological conditions and acts mainly through the activation of purine receptors (P2Rs). When studying P2R-mediated processes, primary isolated type II AECs (piAECs) still represent the gold standard in in vitro research, although their preparation is time-consuming and requires the sacrifice of many animals. Hence, cultivated immortalized and tumor-derived AEC lines may constitute a valuable alternative. In this work, we examined P2R expression and functionality in piAECs, in immortalized and tumor-derived AEC lines with the purpose of gaining a better understanding of purinergic signaling in different cell systems and assisting researchers in the choice of a suitable cell line with a certain P2R in demand. We combined mRNA and protein analysis to evaluate the expression of P2R. For pharmacological testing, we conducted calcium ([Ca²⁺]) measurements and siRNA receptor knockdown. Interestingly, the mRNA and protein levels of P2Y₂, P2Y_6, and P2X₄ were detected on all cell lines. Concerning functionality, P2XR could be narrowed to L2 and piAECs while P2YR were active in all cell lines.

     

Early vigour in wheat: Could it lead to more severe terminal drought stress under elevated atmospheric [CO2] and semi‐arid conditions?

Early vigour in wheat is a trait that has received attention for its benefits reducing evaporation from the soil surface early in the season. However, with the growth enhancement common to crops grown under elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations (e[CO₂]), there is a risk that too much early growth might deplete soil water and lead to more severe terminal drought stress in environments where production relies on stored soil water content. If this is the case, the incorporation of such a trait in wheat breeding programmes might have unintended negative consequences in the future, especially in dry years. We used selected data from cultivars with proven expression of high and low early vigour from the Australian Grains Free Air CO₂ Enrichment (AGFACE) facility, and complemented this analysis with simulation results from two crop growth models which differ in the modelling of leaf area development and crop water use. Grain yield responses to e[CO₂] were lower in the high early vigour group compared to the low early vigour group, and although these differences were not significant, they were corroborated by simulation model results. However, the simulated lower response with high early vigour lines was not caused by an earlier or greater depletion of soil water under e[CO₂] and the mechanisms responsible appear to be related to an earlier saturation of the radiation intercepted. Whether this is the case in the field needs to be further investigated. In addition, there was some evidence that the timing of the drought stress during crop growth influenced the effect of e[CO₂] regardless of the early vigour trait. There is a need for FACE investigations of the value of traits for drought adaptation to be conducted under more severe drought conditions and variable timing of drought stress, a risky but necessary endeavour.     

The future of ecolabels

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment -     

Assessment of exploited fish species in the Lake Edward System,East Africa

The unknown status of inland fish stocks hinders their sustainable management. Therefore, increasing stock status information is important for sustainable inland fisheries. Fisheries reference points were estimated for five exploited fish species (11 stocks) in the Lake Edward system, East Africa, which is one of the most productive inland water systems. The aim was to ascertain the status of the fisheries and establish reference points for effective management. The reference points were based on four linked stock assessment approaches for data-limited fisheries. Estimates showed poor stock status with the stocks defined as either collapsed, recruitment impaired or overfished. However, higher catches could be obtained under sustainable management. Estimates of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and supporting biomass (B_msy) are provided for 10 of the stocks as targets for rebuilding plans. The immediate target of management should be rebuilding biomass to B_msy. Applicable measures include shifting length at first capture to the length that maximizes catch without endangering size structure and biomass, and livelihood diversification out of fisheries.     

Quercetin and hydroxytyrosol as modulators of hepatic steatosis: A NAFLD‐on‐a‐chip study

Organs‐on‐chip (OoCs) are catching on as a promising and valuable alternative to animal models, in line with the 3Rs initiative. OoCs enable the creation of three‐dimensional (3D) tissue microenvironments with physiological and pathological relevance at unparalleled precision and complexity, offering new opportunities to model human diseases and to test the potential therapeutic effect of drugs, while overcoming the limited predictive accuracy of conventional 2D culture systems. Here, we present a liver‐on‐a‐chip model to investigate the effects of two naturally occurring polyphenols, namely quercetin and hydroxytyrosol, on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using a high‐content analysis readout methodology. NAFLD is currently the most common form of chronic liver disease; however, its complex pathogenesis is still far from being elucidated, and no definitive treatment has been established so far. In our experiments, we observed that both polyphenols seem to restrain the progression of the free fatty acid‐induced hepatocellular steatosis, showing a cytoprotective effect due to their antioxidant and lipid‐lowering properties. In conclusion, the findings of the present work could guide novel strategies to contrast the onset and progression of NAFLD.     

The impact of metamorphosis on the cranial osteology of giant salamanders of the genus Dicamptodon

Pacific giant salamanders (Dicamptodon) rank among the largest terrestrial caudates. Their ontogeny produces two distinct morphs—larval‐neotenic and metamorphosed—which differ in many morphological traits. We identified changes that are initiated by metamorphosis (distinguishing transformed from neotenic specimens) and also recognized age‐related changes occurring irrespective of transformation. During metamorphosis, specimens remodel the palate, rearrange the vomerine dentition, expand the maxilla, broaden the cheek, foreshorten the posterior skull table and develop specific serrated suture patterns in the dermal bones. Instead, large larvae grow a robust pterygoid sutured with a fully ossified trapezoidal vomer and a short maxilla. Small larvae are readily distinguished by tooth count, morphology and arrangement from more advanced larvae. Age‐related features, irrespective of metamorphosis, include pedicellate teeth, morphological differentiation of parasphenoid, enlargement of the orbitosphenoid, distal expansion of columella, and loss of coronoid teeth.