Male factor contributes to 50%-60% of overall infertility but is solely responsible in only 20% of couples. Although most male factor infertility is ascertained from an abnormal semen analysis, other male factors can ...Male factor contributes to 50%-60% of overall infertility but is solely responsible in only 20% of couples. Although most male factor infertility is ascertained from an abnormal semen analysis, other male factors can be contributory especially if the sample returns normal. Male infertility can be due to identifiable hormonal or anatomical etiologies that may be reversible or irreversible. This manuscript will highlight existing guidelines and our recommendations for hormone evaluation for male infertility and empiric therapies including multivitamins, estrogen receptor modulators (clomiphene), estrogen conversion blockers (anastrozole), and hormone replacement.展开更多
Deposition of the H2A.Z histone variant by the SWR1 complex (SWRI-C) in regulatory regions of specific loci modulates transcription. Characterization of mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana homologs of yeast SWRI-C has...Deposition of the H2A.Z histone variant by the SWR1 complex (SWRI-C) in regulatory regions of specific loci modulates transcription. Characterization of mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana homologs of yeast SWRI-C has revealed a role for H2A.Z exchange in a variety of developmental processes. Nevertheless, the exact composition of plant SWRI-C and how it is recruited to target genes remains to be established. Here we show that SWC4, the Arabidopsis homolog of yeast SANT domain protein Swc4/Eaf2, is a DNA-binding protein that interacts with SWR1-C subunits. We demonstrate that the swc4-1 knockout mutant is embryo- lethal, while SWC4 RNAi knockdown lines display pleiotropic phenotypic alterations in vegetative and repro- ductive traits, including acceleration of flowering time, indicating that SWC4 controls post-embryonic processes. Transcriptomic analyses and genome-wide profiling of H2A.Z indicate that SWC4 represses tran- scription of a number of genes, including the floral integrator FT and key transcription factors, mainly by modulating H2A.Z deposition. Interestingly, SWC4 silencing does not affect H2A.Z deposition at the FLC locus nor expression of this gene, a master regulator of flowering previously shown to be controlled by SWR1-C. Importantly, we find that SWC4 recognizes specific AT-rich DNA elements in the chromatin regions of target genes and that SWC4 silencing impairs SWRI-C binding at FT. Collectively, our data suggest that SWC4 regulates plant growth and development by aiding SWR1-C recruitment and modulating H2A.Z deposition.展开更多
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that causes monoallelic expression of specific genes dependent on the parent-of-origin. Imprinting of the Arabidopsis gene PHERES1 requires the function of the FERTILIZAT...Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that causes monoallelic expression of specific genes dependent on the parent-of-origin. Imprinting of the Arabidopsis gene PHERES1 requires the function of the FERTILIZATION INDEPENDENT SEED (FIS) Polycomb group complex as well as a distally located methylated region containing a tandem triple repeat sequence. In this study, we investigated the regulation of the close PHERES1 homolog PHERES2. We found that PHERES2 is also a direct target gene of the FIS Polycomb group complex, but, in contrast to PHERES1, PHERES2 is equally expressed from maternal and paternal alleles. Thus, PHERES2 is not regulated by genomic imprinting, correlating with the lack of tandem repeats at PHERES2. Eliminating tandem repeats from the PHERES1 locus abolishes PHERES1 imprinting, demonstrating that tandem repeats are essential forPHERES1 imprinting. Taking these results together, our study shows that the recently duplicated genes PHERES1 and PHERES2 are both target genes of the FIS Polycomb group complex but only PHERES1 is regulated by genomic imprinting, which is likely caused by the presence of repeat sequences in the proximity of the PHERES1 locus.展开更多
Cellular homeostasis requires a tightly controlled balance between protein synthesis, folding and degradation. Especially long-lived, post-mitotic cells such as neurons depend on an efficient proteostasis system to ma...Cellular homeostasis requires a tightly controlled balance between protein synthesis, folding and degradation. Especially long-lived, post-mitotic cells such as neurons depend on an efficient proteostasis system to maintain cellular health over decades. Thus, a functional decline of processes contributing to protein degradation such as autophagy and general lysosomal proteolytic capacity is connected to several age-associated neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. These so called proteinopathies are characterized by the accumulation and misfolding of distinct proteins, subsequently driving cellular demise. We recently linked efficient lysosomal protein breakdown via the protease cathep- sin D to the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. In a yeast model for Parkinson's disease, functional calcineurin was required for proper trafficking of cathepsin D to the lysosome and for recycling of its endosomal sorting receptor to allow further rounds of shuttling. Here, we discuss these findings in relation to present knowledge about the involvement of cathepsin D in proteinopathies in general and a possible connection between this protease, calcineurin signalling and endosomal sorting in particular. As dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis as well as lysosomal impairment is connected to a plethora of neurode- generative disorders, this novel interplay might very well impact pathologies beyond Parkinson's disease.展开更多
Aim: To analyze the functional interactions of Cyclin with p53 and Atm in spermatogenesis and DNA double- strand break repair. Methods: Two lines of double knockout mice were generated. Spermatogenesis and double st...Aim: To analyze the functional interactions of Cyclin with p53 and Atm in spermatogenesis and DNA double- strand break repair. Methods: Two lines of double knockout mice were generated. Spermatogenesis and double strand break repair mechanisms were analyzed in Cyclin A1 (Ccnal); p53- and Ccnal; Atm-double knockout mice. Results: The block in spermatogenesis observed in Cyclin A1-/- (Ccnal-/-) testes at the mid-diplotene stage is associated with polynucleated giant cells. We found that Ccnal-deficient testes and especially the giant cells accumulate unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks, as detected by immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated H2AX. In addition, the giant cells escape from apoptosis. The development of giant cells occurred in meiotic prophase I, because testes lacking ATM, which are known to develop spermatogenic arrest earlier than prophase I, do not develop giant cells in the absence of cyclin A1. Cyclin A1 interacted with p53 and phosphorylated p53 in complex with CDK2. Interestingly, p53-deficiency significantly increased the number of giant cells in Ccnal-deficient testes. Gene expression analyses of a panel of DNA repair genes in the mutant testes revealed that none of the genes examined were consistently misregulated in the absence of cyclin A1. Conclusion: Ccnal-deficiency in spermatogenesis is associated with defects in DNA double-strand break repair, which is enhanced by loss of p53.展开更多
In patients with history of coronary artery disease angina pectoris is usually attributed to the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. However,in patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft operation(CABG) u...In patients with history of coronary artery disease angina pectoris is usually attributed to the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. However,in patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft operation(CABG) using internal mammary artery grafts,great vessel disease should also be considered. Herein we present two patients with history of CABG whose symptoms were suspicious for coronary ischemia. During cardiac catheterization reverse blood flow was observed from the left artery disease to the left internal mammary artery(LIMA) graft in both cases. After angioplasty and stent implantation of the left subclavian artery antegrade flow was restored in the LIMA grafts and both patients had complete resolution of symptoms.展开更多
Recording neural signals from delicate autonomic nerves is a challenging task that requires the development of a lowinvasive neural interface with highly selective,micrometer-sized electrodes.This paper reports on the...Recording neural signals from delicate autonomic nerves is a challenging task that requires the development of a lowinvasive neural interface with highly selective,micrometer-sized electrodes.This paper reports on the development of a three-dimensional(3D)protruding thin-film microelectrode array(MEA),which is intended to be used for recording low-amplitude neural signals from pelvic nervous structures by penetrating the nerves transversely to reduce the distance to the axons.Cylindrical gold pillars(O 20 or 50μm,~60μm height)were fabricated on a micromachined polyimide substrate in an electroplating process.Their sidewalls were insulated with parylene C,and their tips were optionally modified by wet etching and/or the application of a titanium nitride(TiN)coating.The microelectrodes modified by these combined techniques exhibited low impedances(~7 kΩ at 1 kHz for ∅ 50μm microelectrode with the exposed surface area of~5000μm^(2))and low intrinsic noise levels.Their functionalities were evaluated in an ex vivo pilot study with mouse retinae,in which spontaneous neuronal spikes were recorded with amplitudes of up to 66μV.This novel process strategy for fabricating flexible,3D neural interfaces with low-impedance microelectrodes has the potential to selectively record neural signals from not only delicate structures such as retinal cells but also autonomic nerves with improved signal quality to study neural circuits and develop stimulation strategies in bioelectronic medicine,e.g.,for the control of vital digestive functions.展开更多
The compartimentation of fluids in the microliter, nanoliter and picoliter range leads recently to many applications of microfluidics in material development, diagnostics and biological screenings. Droplet-based micro...The compartimentation of fluids in the microliter, nanoliter and picoliter range leads recently to many applications of microfluidics in material development, diagnostics and biological screenings. Droplet-based microfluidics allows the improvement of nanoparticle homogeneity and the tuning of particle properties. It supports combinatorial synthesis of inorganic as well as organic substances and can be applied for the cultivation and screening of bacteria, eucaryotic cells and fish embryos. The well-ordered handling and the addressing of microfluid segments improves the information transfer between chemical, biological and electronic systems. Despite this remarkable technical progress, there is a particular importance of microfluidics for future nanotechnological solutions. The hierarchical spatial organization of liquids, particles and gels in microfluidics represents a fundamental biomimetic principle which overcomes the limits of planar technology and opens the gate for realizing complex structured threedimensional nanoarchitectures. Recent applications of microstructured fluids in chemistry and biology and concepts for future developments will be discussed.展开更多
Lasioderma serricorne is known to be pest of tobacco, besides of attacking other products in storage. Anisopteromalus calandrae is an ectoparasitoid of coleopteran larvae also parasitizing the tobacco beetle. This stu...Lasioderma serricorne is known to be pest of tobacco, besides of attacking other products in storage. Anisopteromalus calandrae is an ectoparasitoid of coleopteran larvae also parasitizing the tobacco beetle. This study was aimed to evaluate the parasitism of A. calandrae on different densities of L. serricorne larvae grown in different diets and photoperiods, and to record the longevity and reproductive potential of A. calandrae. Individuals of L. serricorne were raised in three diets: wheat flour (F);wheat flour and brewer’s yeast (FY) and wheat flour and dried tobacco (FT). Different amounts of host larvae (10, 20, 50 and 100) for each diet were exposed to a couple of parasitoids. The same larval densities from diet F were exposed for 24 h to a couple of adult parasitoids maintained in three photoperiods (0:24, 12:12 and 24:0 - scotophase: photophase). The highest values of apparent parasitism were in the density of 50 larvae in the FY diet (96.34%) and 100 F (92.91%). There was no significant difference in the parameters in each photoperiod in all larval densities. However, the treatment in which hosts and parasitoids always remained in scotophase, was the one that had a significantly higher sex ratio. Females had longer longevity than males surviving for up to 25 days. On the fourth day of larvae exposure occurred, the maximum number of offspring generated. It is inferred that A. calandrae has potential to be used as a control agent for coleopterans that attack stored products.展开更多
Decellularization of xenogeneic heart valves might lead to excellent regenerative implants,from which many patients could benefit.However,this material carries various xenogeneic epitopes and thus bears a considerable...Decellularization of xenogeneic heart valves might lead to excellent regenerative implants,from which many patients could benefit.However,this material carries various xenogeneic epitopes and thus bears a considerable inherent immunological risk.Here,we investigated the regenerative and immunogenic potential of xenogeneic decellularized heart valve implants using pigs deficient for the galactosyltransferase gene(GGTA1-KO)as novel large animal model.Decellularized aortic and pulmonary heart valves obtained from sheep,wild-type pigs or GGTA1-KO pigs were implanted into GGTA1-KO pigs for 3,or 6 months,respectively.Explants were analyzed histologically,immunhistologically(CD3,CD21 and CD172a)and anti-aGal antibody serum titers were determined by ELISA.Xenogeneic sheep derived implants exhibited a strong immune reaction upon implantation into GGTA1-KO pigs,characterized by massive inflammatory cells infiltrates,presence of foreign body giant cells,a dramatic increase of anti-aGal antibody titers and ultimately destruction of the graft,whereas wild-type porcine grafts induced only a mild reaction in GGTA1-KO pigs.Allogeneic implants,wild-type/wild-type and GGTA1-KO/GGTA1-KO valves did not induce a measurable immune reaction.Thus,GGTA1-KO pigs developed a‘human-like’immune response toward decellularized xenogeneic implants showing that immunogenicity of xenogeneic implants is not sufficiently reduced by decellularization,which detracts from their regenerative potential.展开更多
Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most common panniculitis and histologically represents the prototype of a septal panniculitis. However, the histologic findings can be quite variable. We describe four patients with EN who...Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most common panniculitis and histologically represents the prototype of a septal panniculitis. However, the histologic findings can be quite variable. We describe four patients with EN who each underwent two consecutive biopsies. In each case, the first biopsy showed histopathologic features that fall outside the usual spectrum of disease. Two cases showed predominantly neutrophilic infiltrates with focal suppuration as well as vasculitis of medium-sized arteries. The areas of suppuration were more extensive in the first case prompting special stains for microorganisms that were all negative. The third case demonstrated a lobular panniculitis with a predominantly lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. Special stains were negative in this case as well. The fourth case revealed vasculitis of a medium sized artery, small vessel vasculitis, and a mixed septal and lobular panniculitis with a polyclonal population of atypical lymphocytes. In all patients, the clinical course and the subsequent biopsy were classic for EN. We conclude that lobular neutrophilic panniculitis with suppuration, small vessel vasculitis, and even medium vessel arteritis may rarely occur in EN. There are few clues in these unusual cases that allow for a specific diagnosis from the start, and often, a second biopsy is required.展开更多
Dear readers,It is our pleasure to welcome you to a special issue of the Journal of Social Computing.This issue contains articles examining the evolution of collective computation within(pre)historic societies.There i...Dear readers,It is our pleasure to welcome you to a special issue of the Journal of Social Computing.This issue contains articles examining the evolution of collective computation within(pre)historic societies.There is special emphasis on the possibility that the development of writing(together with both the technologies that arise with writing,and the technologies that writing helps enable)constituted a bottleneck in the more or less continuous growth in scale that has long been a hallmark of human societies.展开更多
文摘Male factor contributes to 50%-60% of overall infertility but is solely responsible in only 20% of couples. Although most male factor infertility is ascertained from an abnormal semen analysis, other male factors can be contributory especially if the sample returns normal. Male infertility can be due to identifiable hormonal or anatomical etiologies that may be reversible or irreversible. This manuscript will highlight existing guidelines and our recommendations for hormone evaluation for male infertility and empiric therapies including multivitamins, estrogen receptor modulators (clomiphene), estrogen conversion blockers (anastrozole), and hormone replacement.
文摘Deposition of the H2A.Z histone variant by the SWR1 complex (SWRI-C) in regulatory regions of specific loci modulates transcription. Characterization of mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana homologs of yeast SWRI-C has revealed a role for H2A.Z exchange in a variety of developmental processes. Nevertheless, the exact composition of plant SWRI-C and how it is recruited to target genes remains to be established. Here we show that SWC4, the Arabidopsis homolog of yeast SANT domain protein Swc4/Eaf2, is a DNA-binding protein that interacts with SWR1-C subunits. We demonstrate that the swc4-1 knockout mutant is embryo- lethal, while SWC4 RNAi knockdown lines display pleiotropic phenotypic alterations in vegetative and repro- ductive traits, including acceleration of flowering time, indicating that SWC4 controls post-embryonic processes. Transcriptomic analyses and genome-wide profiling of H2A.Z indicate that SWC4 represses tran- scription of a number of genes, including the floral integrator FT and key transcription factors, mainly by modulating H2A.Z deposition. Interestingly, SWC4 silencing does not affect H2A.Z deposition at the FLC locus nor expression of this gene, a master regulator of flowering previously shown to be controlled by SWR1-C. Importantly, we find that SWC4 recognizes specific AT-rich DNA elements in the chromatin regions of target genes and that SWC4 silencing impairs SWRI-C binding at FT. Collectively, our data suggest that SWC4 regulates plant growth and development by aiding SWR1-C recruitment and modulating H2A.Z deposition.
文摘Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that causes monoallelic expression of specific genes dependent on the parent-of-origin. Imprinting of the Arabidopsis gene PHERES1 requires the function of the FERTILIZATION INDEPENDENT SEED (FIS) Polycomb group complex as well as a distally located methylated region containing a tandem triple repeat sequence. In this study, we investigated the regulation of the close PHERES1 homolog PHERES2. We found that PHERES2 is also a direct target gene of the FIS Polycomb group complex, but, in contrast to PHERES1, PHERES2 is equally expressed from maternal and paternal alleles. Thus, PHERES2 is not regulated by genomic imprinting, correlating with the lack of tandem repeats at PHERES2. Eliminating tandem repeats from the PHERES1 locus abolishes PHERES1 imprinting, demonstrating that tandem repeats are essential forPHERES1 imprinting. Taking these results together, our study shows that the recently duplicated genes PHERES1 and PHERES2 are both target genes of the FIS Polycomb group complex but only PHERES1 is regulated by genomic imprinting, which is likely caused by the presence of repeat sequences in the proximity of the PHERES1 locus.
基金supported by the Austrian Science Fund FWF(No.P27183-B24)the Swedish Research Council Vetenskapsradet(No.2015-05468)+2 种基金Ake Wiberg Stiftelse(No.M16-0130)Carl Trygger Stiftlese(No.CTS16:85)Goljes Stiftelse(No.LA2016-0123)
文摘Cellular homeostasis requires a tightly controlled balance between protein synthesis, folding and degradation. Especially long-lived, post-mitotic cells such as neurons depend on an efficient proteostasis system to maintain cellular health over decades. Thus, a functional decline of processes contributing to protein degradation such as autophagy and general lysosomal proteolytic capacity is connected to several age-associated neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. These so called proteinopathies are characterized by the accumulation and misfolding of distinct proteins, subsequently driving cellular demise. We recently linked efficient lysosomal protein breakdown via the protease cathep- sin D to the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. In a yeast model for Parkinson's disease, functional calcineurin was required for proper trafficking of cathepsin D to the lysosome and for recycling of its endosomal sorting receptor to allow further rounds of shuttling. Here, we discuss these findings in relation to present knowledge about the involvement of cathepsin D in proteinopathies in general and a possible connection between this protease, calcineurin signalling and endosomal sorting in particular. As dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis as well as lysosomal impairment is connected to a plethora of neurode- generative disorders, this novel interplay might very well impact pathologies beyond Parkinson's disease.
文摘Aim: To analyze the functional interactions of Cyclin with p53 and Atm in spermatogenesis and DNA double- strand break repair. Methods: Two lines of double knockout mice were generated. Spermatogenesis and double strand break repair mechanisms were analyzed in Cyclin A1 (Ccnal); p53- and Ccnal; Atm-double knockout mice. Results: The block in spermatogenesis observed in Cyclin A1-/- (Ccnal-/-) testes at the mid-diplotene stage is associated with polynucleated giant cells. We found that Ccnal-deficient testes and especially the giant cells accumulate unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks, as detected by immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated H2AX. In addition, the giant cells escape from apoptosis. The development of giant cells occurred in meiotic prophase I, because testes lacking ATM, which are known to develop spermatogenic arrest earlier than prophase I, do not develop giant cells in the absence of cyclin A1. Cyclin A1 interacted with p53 and phosphorylated p53 in complex with CDK2. Interestingly, p53-deficiency significantly increased the number of giant cells in Ccnal-deficient testes. Gene expression analyses of a panel of DNA repair genes in the mutant testes revealed that none of the genes examined were consistently misregulated in the absence of cyclin A1. Conclusion: Ccnal-deficiency in spermatogenesis is associated with defects in DNA double-strand break repair, which is enhanced by loss of p53.
文摘In patients with history of coronary artery disease angina pectoris is usually attributed to the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. However,in patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft operation(CABG) using internal mammary artery grafts,great vessel disease should also be considered. Herein we present two patients with history of CABG whose symptoms were suspicious for coronary ischemia. During cardiac catheterization reverse blood flow was observed from the left artery disease to the left internal mammary artery(LIMA) graft in both cases. After angioplasty and stent implantation of the left subclavian artery antegrade flow was restored in the LIMA grafts and both patients had complete resolution of symptoms.
基金financed by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research(BMBF)within the funding program"Individualisierte Medizintechnik"under grant 13GW0271C(NEPTUN)received financial support from the State Ministry of Baden-Wuerttemberg for Economic Affairs,Labor and Tourism+1 种基金Thomas Stieglitz was partly supported by the BrainLinks-BrainTools Cluster of Excellence funded by the German Research Foundation-DFG(EXC 1086)funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics,Science and Arts of Baden-Württemberg within the sustainability program for projects of excellence initiative II.
文摘Recording neural signals from delicate autonomic nerves is a challenging task that requires the development of a lowinvasive neural interface with highly selective,micrometer-sized electrodes.This paper reports on the development of a three-dimensional(3D)protruding thin-film microelectrode array(MEA),which is intended to be used for recording low-amplitude neural signals from pelvic nervous structures by penetrating the nerves transversely to reduce the distance to the axons.Cylindrical gold pillars(O 20 or 50μm,~60μm height)were fabricated on a micromachined polyimide substrate in an electroplating process.Their sidewalls were insulated with parylene C,and their tips were optionally modified by wet etching and/or the application of a titanium nitride(TiN)coating.The microelectrodes modified by these combined techniques exhibited low impedances(~7 kΩ at 1 kHz for ∅ 50μm microelectrode with the exposed surface area of~5000μm^(2))and low intrinsic noise levels.Their functionalities were evaluated in an ex vivo pilot study with mouse retinae,in which spontaneous neuronal spikes were recorded with amplitudes of up to 66μV.This novel process strategy for fabricating flexible,3D neural interfaces with low-impedance microelectrodes has the potential to selectively record neural signals from not only delicate structures such as retinal cells but also autonomic nerves with improved signal quality to study neural circuits and develop stimulation strategies in bioelectronic medicine,e.g.,for the control of vital digestive functions.
文摘The compartimentation of fluids in the microliter, nanoliter and picoliter range leads recently to many applications of microfluidics in material development, diagnostics and biological screenings. Droplet-based microfluidics allows the improvement of nanoparticle homogeneity and the tuning of particle properties. It supports combinatorial synthesis of inorganic as well as organic substances and can be applied for the cultivation and screening of bacteria, eucaryotic cells and fish embryos. The well-ordered handling and the addressing of microfluid segments improves the information transfer between chemical, biological and electronic systems. Despite this remarkable technical progress, there is a particular importance of microfluidics for future nanotechnological solutions. The hierarchical spatial organization of liquids, particles and gels in microfluidics represents a fundamental biomimetic principle which overcomes the limits of planar technology and opens the gate for realizing complex structured threedimensional nanoarchitectures. Recent applications of microstructured fluids in chemistry and biology and concepts for future developments will be discussed.
基金the Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa—CNPq for financial support in DTI-C scholarships and masters scholarship
文摘Lasioderma serricorne is known to be pest of tobacco, besides of attacking other products in storage. Anisopteromalus calandrae is an ectoparasitoid of coleopteran larvae also parasitizing the tobacco beetle. This study was aimed to evaluate the parasitism of A. calandrae on different densities of L. serricorne larvae grown in different diets and photoperiods, and to record the longevity and reproductive potential of A. calandrae. Individuals of L. serricorne were raised in three diets: wheat flour (F);wheat flour and brewer’s yeast (FY) and wheat flour and dried tobacco (FT). Different amounts of host larvae (10, 20, 50 and 100) for each diet were exposed to a couple of parasitoids. The same larval densities from diet F were exposed for 24 h to a couple of adult parasitoids maintained in three photoperiods (0:24, 12:12 and 24:0 - scotophase: photophase). The highest values of apparent parasitism were in the density of 50 larvae in the FY diet (96.34%) and 100 F (92.91%). There was no significant difference in the parameters in each photoperiod in all larval densities. However, the treatment in which hosts and parasitoids always remained in scotophase, was the one that had a significantly higher sex ratio. Females had longer longevity than males surviving for up to 25 days. On the fourth day of larvae exposure occurred, the maximum number of offspring generated. It is inferred that A. calandrae has potential to be used as a control agent for coleopterans that attack stored products.
基金the Fordergemeinschaft Deutsche Kinderherzzentren e.V.,the Deutsche Herzstiftung e.V.,and the German Research Foundation DFG via the Cluster of Excellence‘From regenerative biology to reconstructive therapy’(REBIRTH)and via projects B1 and C7 of TRR127(Biology of xenogeneic cell and organ transplantation-from bench to bedside).
文摘Decellularization of xenogeneic heart valves might lead to excellent regenerative implants,from which many patients could benefit.However,this material carries various xenogeneic epitopes and thus bears a considerable inherent immunological risk.Here,we investigated the regenerative and immunogenic potential of xenogeneic decellularized heart valve implants using pigs deficient for the galactosyltransferase gene(GGTA1-KO)as novel large animal model.Decellularized aortic and pulmonary heart valves obtained from sheep,wild-type pigs or GGTA1-KO pigs were implanted into GGTA1-KO pigs for 3,or 6 months,respectively.Explants were analyzed histologically,immunhistologically(CD3,CD21 and CD172a)and anti-aGal antibody serum titers were determined by ELISA.Xenogeneic sheep derived implants exhibited a strong immune reaction upon implantation into GGTA1-KO pigs,characterized by massive inflammatory cells infiltrates,presence of foreign body giant cells,a dramatic increase of anti-aGal antibody titers and ultimately destruction of the graft,whereas wild-type porcine grafts induced only a mild reaction in GGTA1-KO pigs.Allogeneic implants,wild-type/wild-type and GGTA1-KO/GGTA1-KO valves did not induce a measurable immune reaction.Thus,GGTA1-KO pigs developed a‘human-like’immune response toward decellularized xenogeneic implants showing that immunogenicity of xenogeneic implants is not sufficiently reduced by decellularization,which detracts from their regenerative potential.
文摘Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most common panniculitis and histologically represents the prototype of a septal panniculitis. However, the histologic findings can be quite variable. We describe four patients with EN who each underwent two consecutive biopsies. In each case, the first biopsy showed histopathologic features that fall outside the usual spectrum of disease. Two cases showed predominantly neutrophilic infiltrates with focal suppuration as well as vasculitis of medium-sized arteries. The areas of suppuration were more extensive in the first case prompting special stains for microorganisms that were all negative. The third case demonstrated a lobular panniculitis with a predominantly lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. Special stains were negative in this case as well. The fourth case revealed vasculitis of a medium sized artery, small vessel vasculitis, and a mixed septal and lobular panniculitis with a polyclonal population of atypical lymphocytes. In all patients, the clinical course and the subsequent biopsy were classic for EN. We conclude that lobular neutrophilic panniculitis with suppuration, small vessel vasculitis, and even medium vessel arteritis may rarely occur in EN. There are few clues in these unusual cases that allow for a specific diagnosis from the start, and often, a second biopsy is required.
文摘Dear readers,It is our pleasure to welcome you to a special issue of the Journal of Social Computing.This issue contains articles examining the evolution of collective computation within(pre)historic societies.There is special emphasis on the possibility that the development of writing(together with both the technologies that arise with writing,and the technologies that writing helps enable)constituted a bottleneck in the more or less continuous growth in scale that has long been a hallmark of human societies.