Basal Folds Research Articles

A new subgenus Chrysolina (Latipoda subgen. nov.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae) from Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, China

AbstractA new subgenus of leaf-beetles Chrysolina (Latipoda subgen. nov.) is described from Hengduan Mountains (Sichuan and Yunnan, China). The subgenus consists of 20 species: Chrysolina boccaccioi Daccordi et Yang, Ch. hongyuanensis Daccordi et Ge, Ch. luobinwangi Ge et Daccordi, Ch. nixiana Lopatin, Ch. wangboi Daccordi et Yang, Ch. yunnana Lopatin, Ch. aquamarina sp. nov., Ch. circe sp. nov., Ch. konstantinovi sp. nov., Ch. leda sp. nov., Ch. luluni sp. nov., Ch. margaritifera sp. nov., Ch. pakhomovae sp. nov., Ch. pascolii sp. nov., Ch. patrikeevi sp. nov., Ch. poloi sp. nov., Ch. riccii sp. nov., Ch. rillingi sp. nov., Ch. romantsovi sp. nov., and Ch. selene sp. nov.The new subgenus is characterized by the following main characters: body mostly bronze, rarely violet or green, or black, last maxillary palpomere narrow, never securiform, similar in both sexes; pronotum without setiferous pores at the corners, with shallow to obsolete lateral impression; prothoracic hypomeron without basal fold, elytral punctures arranged in rows more or less regular; hind wings missing; pygidium without furrow; 1st–3rd tarsomeres with entire sole in both sexes.Types of all previously described species were examined. Key to species is compiled. Photographs of habitus and male aedeagi are presented for all species.

Characterization of Ocular Morphology in Col4a3-/- Mice as a Murine Model for Alport Syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ocular morphological characteristics of Col4a3-/- mice as a model of Alport syndrome (AS) and the potential pathogenesis. The expression of collagen IV at 8, 12, and 21 weeks of age was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in wild-type (WT) and Col4a3-/- mice. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and thickness measurements were performed to assess the thickness of anterior lens capsule and retina. Ultrastructure analysis of corneal epithelial basement membrane, anterior lens capsule, internal limiting membrane (ILM), and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) basement membrane was performed using transmission electron microscopy. Finally, Müller cell activation was evaluated by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Collagen IV was downregulated in the corneal epithelial basement membrane and ILM of Col4a3-/- mice. The hemidesmosomes of Col4a3-/- mice corneal epithelium became flat and less electron-dense than those of the WT group. Compared with those of the WT mice, the anterior lens capsules of Col4a3-/- mice were thinner. Abnormal structure was detected at the ILM Col4a3-/- mice, and the basal folds of the RPE basement membrane in Col4a3-/- mice were thicker and shorter. The retinas of Col4a3-/- mice were thinner than those of WT mice, especially within 1000µm away from the optic nerve. GFAP expression enhanced in each age group of Col4a3-/- mice. Our results suggested that Col4a3-/- mice exhibit ocular anomalies similar to patients with AS. Additionally, Müller cells may be involved in AS retinal anomalies. This animal model could provide an opportunity to understand the underlying mechanisms of AS ocular disorders and to investigate potential new treatments.

Topography of the Nasal Conchae of Sahel Goat ‎ ‎(Capra hircus)‎

A total of five heads of adult Sahel goat obtained from slaughterhouse was examined to elucidate the topography of the nasal conchae. The heads were fixed in 10% formalin and mid-sagittal and cross-sections were performed to examine the shape, form, and explore the internal configuration of the conchae. The cylindrical shaped nasal cavity was divided into two equal halves by a median nasal septum and further reduces into sequence of clefts and meatus by the nasal conchae. The dorsal nasal concha was spindle shaped with tapered rostral ends that blends into the straight fold. The cone shaped middle nasal concha was situated caudo-ventral to both the dorsal and ventral nasal conchae and was bounded by the caudal ethmoidal labyrinth. The ventral nasal concha was the largest and extends rostral into dorsal alar fold and ventral basal fold. These conchae are formed by delicate lamellae that presented distinct structural pattern, depending on the levels of cross-sectional planes. The dorsal, middle, and ventral nasal meatuses which defined the nasal conchae, connects with the common meatus that lie parallel to the median nasal septum.

ULTRASTRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE RETINA LAYERS OF THE RAT IN NORM

The use of experimental animals with the aim of studying the dynamics of morphological changes requires deep knowledge of the initial indicators of the structure of the studied object in norm. In scientifi c medical literature, great importance belonges to the study of the retina in norm and the processes of changes in its structure under the infl uence of various nosologies. Considering the complexity of the retina structure and its role in the receiving information from the surrounding environment, it is important to understand the peculiarities of its layered organization in order to create a morphological basis for further comparing the experimental material and comparing it with the initial indicators of the norm with the results obtained at diff erent periods of the experimentally reproduced pathology. The aim of the study was to fi nd out the peculiarities of the layered structure of the cellular elements of the retina on the ultrastructural level in norm. Material and methods. The research material was 10 sexually mature, purebred male rats, weighing 160 g, aged 4.5 months. Before taking the material of the experimental area, the animal was removed from the experiment with the help of diethyl ether. Rat eyeballs were used as material for ultrastructural research. Ultrastructural samples were prepared according to the generally accepted method. As a result of our study of the retina of an intact group of animals, its layers preserved a clear stratifi cation architecture. The layer of the pigment epithelium was localized on Bruch’s membrane, choroidal vessels contained single erythrocytes and blood plasma. The nuclei of the pigment epithelium were preserved, the basal folds of the plasmolemma were clearly contoured. Small phagosomes were located in the cytoplasm of the pigment epithelium in one or two rows. The apical microvilli of the pigment epithelium were preserved, the interphotoreceptor space was hermetic. The membrane discs of the outer segments of the rods were clearly contoured. The cytoplasmic isthmus between the outer and inner segments of photoreceptors was intact. The outer boundary membrane was intensively osmophilic, preserved. Photoreceptor nuclei in the outer nuclear layer, clearly contoured. The synaptic zone of the outer reticular layer contained synaptic membranes and synaptic vesicles. The nuclei of horizontal and bipolar cells, the nuclei of Mьller cells and the nuclei of amacrine cells were located in the inner nuclear layer. The lumens of the vessels of the inner reticular layer were not dilated, they contained single erythrocytes. Nuclei and perikaryons of ganglion cells were arranged in one or two rows. Cytoplasmic structures of large gangloinary cells were preserved.

Laminin-111 mutant studies reveal a hierarchy within laminin-111 genes in their requirement for basal epithelial tissue folding

The process of morphogenesis carefully crafts cells into complex organ structures which allows them to perform their unique functions. During brain development, the neuroepithelial tissue must go through apical and basal folding which is mediated through the instruction of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. While much is known about apical folding, the mechanisms that regulate basal folding are less understood. Using the highly conserved zebrafish midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) as an epithelial tissue model, we have identified the basement membrane protein laminin-111 as a key extrinsic factor in basal tissue folding. Laminin-111 is a highly conserved, heterotrimeric protein that lines the basal surface of the neuroepithelium. Laminin-111 is comprised of one alpha, one beta, and one gamma chain encoded by the genes lama1, lamb1, and lamc1, respectively. Human mutations in individual laminin-111 genes result in disparate disease phenotypes; therefore, we hypothesized that each laminin gene would have a distinctive role in tissue morphogenesis. Using zebrafish mutants for laminin-111 genes, we found that each laminin chain has a unique impact on basal folding. We found that lamc1 is the most critical gene for MHB morphogenesis, followed by lama1, and finally lamb1a. This hierarchy was discovered via three-dimensional single cell shape analysis, localization of myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC), and with analysis of MHB tissue folding later in development. These findings are essential for development of novel techniques in tissue engineering and to elucidate differences in human diseases due to specific chain mutations.

The human FOXM1 homolog promotes basal progenitor cell proliferation and cortical folding in mouse.

Cortical expansion and folding are key processes in human brain development and evolution and are considered to be principal elements of intellectual ability. How cortical folding has evolved and is induced during embryo development is not well understood. Here, we show that the expression of human FOXM1 promotes basal progenitor cell proliferation and induces cortical thickening and folding in mice. Human-specific protein sequences further promote the generation of basal progenitor cells. Human FOXM1 increases the proliferation of neural progenitors by binding to the Lin28a promoter and increasing Lin28a expression. Furthermore, overexpression of LIN28A rescues the proliferation of human FOXM1 knockout neural progenitor cells. Together, our findings demonstrate that a human gene can increase the number of basal progenitor cells in mice, leading to brain size increase and gyrification, and may thus contribute to evolutionary brain development and cortical expansion.

The epidermis cells of mandible teeth in the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber: Differentiations for mineralisation with calcium phosphate and carbonate

Generally, the mineralisation of the crustacean cuticle occurs when the cuticle has expanded after moulting. However, in the partes incisivae of Porcellio scaber, cuticle mineralisation with calcium phosphate already occurs before the moult. We investigated the ultrastructure and distribution of organelles within the epidermis cells and searched for calcium-containing organelles using EDX and EFTEM analysis. We found two different cell types. Calcium carbonate-secreting C-cells, which resemble the epithelial cells of the general integument, and the P-cells, which, as an unusual feature, have cell extensions up to 400 μm long. During secretion of the partes incisivae, these extensions end at the unmineralised tip and the phosphate-containing middle region. Their cell bodies contain most of the mitochondria located in basal folds and a high amount of endoplasmic reticulum. The cell extensions contain many microtubules, endoplasmic reticulum, large and small vesicles and densely stained rod-shaped cisternae. The rod-shaped cisternae and the endoplasmic reticulum contain calcium. During cuticle mineralisation, vesicles, which probably belong to the endo-lysosomal system, contain calcium and phosphorus. They occur at some distance and close to the cuticle. The mineral in these vesicles has a similar composition to that within the cuticle, suggesting that they play a role in cuticle mineralisation.

Ultrastructural studies of the pecten oculi of the Garganey (Anas querquedula, Linnaeus 1758) and the Eurasian common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus, Linnaeus 1758).

The present study represents the first attempts to give a full anatomical comparison of the vascular pigmented pectin oculi of the diurnal activity Anas querquedula and Gallinula chloropus chloropus. For achievement of this work, 10 mature birds from each species were examined under stereo- and electron microscope. The pecten oculi of A. querquedula is triangular fan-like, while in Gallinula c. thin like-fold. In both examined birds, the pecten oculi located postero-anteriorly intraocular just adjacent to optic nerve disc and attached to the retina by its base, while the free apex projected into vitreous body. A. querquedula had 14-15 pleats, while Gallinula c. chloropus had 22-24 pleats. In A. querquedula, all pecten pleats connected to each other apically by a connecting bridge. The pecten oculi was plicated type in A. querquedula, but folded type in Gallinula c. chloropus. In A. querquedula, the external surface of the pleats head carried 8-10 transverse ridges, in addition to the external and lateral surface of the pleat body carried numerous round prominences that indicated the presence of numerous afferent and efferent vessels. In both examined birds, there is a retinal elevated fold situated parallel to the slightly elevated basal fold which is clear and thicker in A. querquedula than in Gallinula c. chloropus. In Gallinula c. chloropus, the transverse section shows that the pleats had numerous afferent and efferent vessels capillaries. Statistical analysis comparing the relative measurements of the pecten oculi in the two examined birds showed that there was a significant difference.

The Anatomy of the Nasal Cavity of The Donkey (A Model for Electronic Learning Modules)

Growing number of students, increasing costs of education, demand for quality education and limited facilities (tools are the most common education challenges for the Egyptian higher education). To perform this work, resected heads of five donkeys (3-5 years old) were grossly studied using variable anatomical techniques and the obtained data were used for developing a theoretical and practical interactive and electronic learning (E-Learning) module focusing on the anatomy of the nasal cavity of the donkey. Media, electronic tools, computer programs and authoring apps were usedas aiding tools for development of a web-based module for teaching and learning veterinary anatomy that enables students to learn anywhere and at any time. The present work revealed that, each nostril is divided by the alar cartilage into a dorsal false nostril (leads to a blind diverticulum in the Naso-incisive notch) and a ventral, true nostril (leads to the nasal cavity proper). The nostrils and nasal cavities of the donkey were supported by group of nasal cartilages (nasal septum, alar cartilages, dorsal lateral cartilages, ventral lateral cartilages and medial accessory cartilages). The nasal cavity as a respiratory passage extended from the nostrils rostrally to the cribriform plate caudally. It continued with the nasopharynx caudally through the posterior nares or choanae. Structurally, the nasal cavity possesses nasal conchae (dorsal, middle, ventral and ethmoidal conchae), folds (straight, alar and basal folds) and meatuses (dorsal, middle, ventral and common nasal meatuses). The present study concluded that: The nasal cavities of the donkey are not completely identical to that of the horse. •Although e-learning provides several benefits the online education has not solved the problem of practicing soft skills. •High percentage of the students (80-90%) were satisfied with the various elements of the e-learning evaluation survey, though they agreed about the presence of technical problems regarding the internet connection and facilities.

Morphology and composition of the midgut bacterial community of Scaptocoris castanea Perty, 1830 (Hemiptera: Cydnidae).

The burrower bug Scaptocoris castanea is an important soybean and pasture pest in Brazil, with an underground habit feeding directly on the sap of the roots. Underground habit hinders control and knowledge of the biology and physiology of this pest. This study describes the anatomy, histology, ultrastructure and symbionts of the midgut of S. castanea. The midgut of S. castanea is anatomically divided into five regions (ventricles). Ventricles 1-3 are similar between males and females, with cells specialized in digestion and absorption of nutrients, water transport and homeostasis. Ventricle 4 has squamous epithelium forming crypts and harboring bacteria in the lumen. Ventricle 5 of males is small with cells containing apical microvilli and broad basal folds with many openings for hemocoel, while in females, this region of the midgut is well developed and colonized by intracellular bacteria, characterizing bacteriocytes. The main bacteria are Gammaproteobacteria. The results show sexual dimorphism in ventricle 5 of the midgut of S. castanea, with formation of bacteriocytes in the females, while the other regions are involved in digestive processes in both sexes.

Abstract PR13: Development of chimeric forms of IFN-alpha for “on demand” in vivo cancer gene therapy

Abstract The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is a major hurdle for cancer therapy. Our lab previously developed a cell and gene therapy strategy for the tumor-targeted delivery of IFN-alpha based on the transduction of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) with lentiviral vectors (LV) expressing the IFN-alpha gene under the control of the TIE2 enhancer/promoter. The specificity of this strategy is ensured by the restricted expression of IFN-alpha in a population of HSPC-derived tumor-infiltrating macrophages expressing the TIE2 receptor (TEM), which are recruited at the tumor site. TEM-mediated delivery of IFN-alpha has shown efficacy in different tumor models of both solid and hematopoietic origin, including a model of human glioma in immunodeficient mice. New data obtained in a more relevant immunocompetent mouse model of orthotopic glioma closely reproducing several features of the human disease show dramatic tumor inhibition in mice treated with IFN-alpha gene therapy. We are currently characterizing the contribution of IFN-induced antiangiogenic and modulatory activity on the innate and adaptive immune system underlying such response. To further improve the therapeutic index of our strategy, we are developing inducible strategies to superimpose a timer and a rheostatic switch on the amount of IFN-alpha secreted in the tumor microenvironment. Indeed, whereas a sustained cytokine output could ensure efficacy and long-term protection from tumor recurrence, it may raise concerns for long-term effects, especially in case of cancer eradication. By fusing a destabilizing domain (DD) to a protein of interest (POI), the former can confer its instability to the latter. This destabilization can be rescued in a reversible and dose-dependent manner with the addition of a small molecule specifically binding to the DD. To apply this technology to our strategy, we have designed and in vitro tested different fusion proteins of IFN-alpha (DD-IFN-alpha) with or without the addition of flexible or cleavable linkers and selected them for their capacity to be stabilized in presence of their specific ligand in vitro. Through this approach, we have identified fusion proteins with low basal activity and high fold induction upon ligand treatment. These novel regulated forms of IFN-alpha are functional and their specific activities are comparable to the wild type. Based on preliminary evidence of in vivo ligand-regulated IFN release, we are now testing the safety and efficacy of our new platforms in inducing antitumor responses in melanoma, colon, and glioma models of cancer. This abstract is also being presented as Poster B31. Citation Format: Filippo Birocchi, Melania Cusimano, Anna Ranghetti, Tiziano Di Tomaso, Barbara Costa, Peter Angel, Nadia Coltella, Luigi Naldini. Development of chimeric forms of IFN-alpha for “on demand” in vivo cancer gene therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PR13.

Revision of the sixgill sawsharks, genus Pliotrema (Chondrichthyes, Pristiophoriformes), with descriptions of two new species and a redescription of P. warreni Regan.

Recent sampling efforts in Madagascar and Zanzibar, as well as examinations of six-gilled sawsharks in several museum collections provided evidence for a complex of species within Pliotrema warreni Regan. The present manuscript contains a redescription of P. warreni involving the syntypes and additional material, as well as formal descriptions of two new species of Pliotrema Regan. All specimens of both new species were found in the western Indian Ocean. Individuals of the first new species, hereafter referred to as P. kajae sp. nov., were identified originating from Madagascar and the Mascarene Ridge. Specimens of the second new species, hereafter referred to as P. annae sp. nov., were only found off Zanzibar. Pliotrema kajae sp. nov. appears to inhabit upper insular slopes and submarine ridges at depths of 214–320 m, P. annae sp. nov. so far is only known from shallow waters (20–35 m). Both new species differ from P. warreni in a number of characteristics including the known distribution range and fresh coloration. Taxonomical differences include barbels that are situated approximately half way from rostral tip to mouth, with prebarbel length equidistant from barbel origin to symphysis of the upper jaw in P. kajae sp. nov. and P. annae sp. nov. (vs. about two thirds way from rostral tip to mouth, with prebarbel length about twice the distance from barbel origin to symphysis of upper jaw in P. warreni) and rostra that are clearly and slightly constricted between barbel origin and nostrils, respectively (vs. rostrum not constricted). Pliotrema kajae sp. nov. differs from P. annae sp. nov. in a longer snout, more numerous large lateral rostral teeth and upper jaw tooth rows, jaw teeth with (vs. without) sharp basal folds, and coloration, particularly pale to light brown (vs. medium to dark brown) dorsal coloration with (vs. without) two indistinct yellowish stripes. A revised diagnosis of Pliotrema and a key to the species are provided.

Taxonomy and distribution of species of Gastrocopta Wollaston 1878 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Gastrocoptidae) from the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)

ABSTRACTA revision of Gastrocopta from the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) is made. Four new species from Pinzón, Santa Cruz and Floreana Islands are described; species previously known are redescribed and new locations are added. Gastrocopta (Gastrocopta) reibischi is revalidated through new records from Floreana, Isabela and San Bartolomé Islands. Shell shape and the number, morphology and disposition of the apertural barriers support the discrimination of the taxa. The species have cylindrical to pupoid shells; the number of apertural barriers – differentiated as lamellae, folds and nodulae – varies between 4 and 11, almost completely occluding the aperture in the more complex cases. These structures are: angular-parietal, infraparietal, supracolumellar, columellar, subcolumellar lamellae, and supernumerary, basal, infrapalatal, lower-palatal, interpalatal, upper-palatal and suprapalatal folds. In addition to this classic scheme, a supernumerary fold and a nodule are added. Calcareous concretions – pustulae – are found in several species, mainly located in the peristome. The aulacognathous jaw and radular dentition formulae of Gastrocopta (Gastrocopta) clausa and Gastrocopta (Gastrocopta) munita, are described and photographed for the first time.

Diaphorocleidus machacae n. sp. (Monogenea) Infecting the Gill Lamellae of Brycon guatemalensis (Characiformes: Bryconidae) from the Rio Lacantún Basin in Chiapas, Mexico.

There are currently nine known gill monogenean species of Diaphorocleidus Jogunoori et al. (Systematic Parasitology 58:115-124, 2004) (Dactylogyridae) which are dispersed within and/or among five fish families in the Neotropical Characiformes: Bryconidae, Acestrorhynchidae, Characidae, Iguanodectidae, and Hemiodontidae. During a fish parasitological study carried out in the Rio Lacantún from Chiapas, Mexico, a new species of Diaphorocleidus on the gill lamellae of Brycon guatemalensis Regan, 1908, was discovered. Our objective was to morphologically describe the new parasite species by comparing it with previously described species of Diaphorocleidus and other known dactylogyrids on Characiformes. Worms were fixed with 4-5% formalin solution, observed and measured as temporary or permanent mounts stained with Gomori's trichrome, and mounted in Canada balsam. In addition, some specimens were mounted on slides using a mixture of lactic acid (LA) and glycerin-ammonium picrate (GAP) and then remounted in Canada balsam to obtain measurements of the haptoral structures and copulatory complex. Drawings were made with the aid of a drawing tube using a Leica microscope DM2500 with Nomarski interference contrast. The new species differs from previously described congeneric species in having comparatively biggest body size [i.e., 800-1200 µm vs. 222-340 µm in Diaphorocleidus armillatus Jogunoori et al. (Systematic Parasitology 58:115-124, 2004) (type species of the genus)]; two prostatic reservoirs; rod-shaped accessory piece; a sucker-like structure associated with the genital pore; vaginal duct looping left intestinal cecum and opening on the dextro-dorsal margin of body; anchors with conspicuous basal folds on the deep roots weakly developed. Consistently with the previous phylogenetic hypotheses about the origin of bryconids (20 mya late Oligocene-early Miocene) in Central America, that morphological differentiation in D. machacae n. sp. in Mexico may somewhat reflect the insights of an early dispersal of a common ancestor of Diaphorocleidus to the area in comparison with that of a late invasion of their congeners [i.e., according to the origin of B. petrosus (10 mya) 10 mya] in Central America. The present finding brings to ten, the number of known species of Diaphorocleidus, and represents the second described species of this genus occurring in a freshwater native host in Mexico.

Basal epithelial tissue folding is mediated by differential regulation of microtubules

ABSTRACTThe folding of epithelial tissues is crucial for development of three-dimensional structure and function. Understanding this process can assist in determining the etiology of developmental disease and engineering of tissues for the future of regenerative medicine. Folding of epithelial tissues towards the apical surface has long been studied, but the molecular mechanisms that mediate epithelial folding towards the basal surface are just emerging. Here, we utilize zebrafish neuroepithelium to identify mechanisms that mediate basal tissue folding to form the highly conserved embryonic midbrain-hindbrain boundary. Live imaging revealed Wnt5b as a mediator of anisotropic epithelial cell shape, both apically and basally. In addition, we uncovered a Wnt5b-mediated mechanism for specific regulation of basal anisotropic cell shape that is microtubule dependent and likely to involve JNK signaling. We propose a model in which a single morphogen can differentially regulate apical versus basal cell shape during tissue morphogenesis.

The thoracic anatomy of the male and female winter moth Nyssiodes lefuarius (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) and evolutionary changes in the thorax of moths and butterflies

The thoraces of males and flightless females of the geometrid winter moth Nyssiodes lefuarius are described, documented in detail, and compared. Morphological, functional, and evolutionary aspects of the female phenotype are discussed. The flightlessness of female N. lefuarius is linked not only with complex modifications of the skeletomuscular structure, especially elements of the flight apparatus, but also with greatly enlarged ovaries and a reduced gut. Compared with other flightless female lepidopterans, females of N. lefuarius display a specific thoracic skeletomuscular configuration, which strongly suggests independent evolution, in agreement with the phylogenetic pattern. The evolutionary scenario of flight ability enhancement in Lepidoptera is demonstrated using a combined phylogeny from recent studies based on molecular data. Thoracic skeletomuscular characters are compiled and mapped, mainly using extensive information from the literature, but also including the new morphological data obtained from the male N. lefuarius. Important changes in the thoracic character system are linked with the rise of Coelolepida, Heteroneura, and Ditrysia. Only minor changes take place in the character system in more advanced groups of Lepidoptera. A highly unusual feature is the secondarily stiff wing type in some groups of Ditrysia without the neopteran basal folding mechanism. The morphological background of the secondarily evolved “palaeopteran” condition is a complex of different character changes. Major problems in the reconstruction of the phylogeny are a high degree of homoplasy and missing detailed data for several crucial taxa emerging close to the root of the order.

The elevation of intraocular pressure is associated with apoptosis and increased immunoreactivity for nitric oxide synthase in rat retina whereas the effectiveness of retina derived relaxing factor is unaffected

Glaucoma is a progressive ocular disease that stands in the upper rank for the cause of blindness in worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the possible disturbances occurred in the layers of retina due to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) and to verify the effectiveness of retina derived relaxing factor, i.e., RRF in this pathologic condition. The increase in IOP was induced by cauterization of the three of episcleral veins simultaneously in rats. After 8 weeks period, the retinas excised from the vein cauterized eyes were evaluated for the possible histopathological and ultrastructural alterations as well as for the relaxing effects on isolated bovine retinal and rat mesenteric arteries, in comparison with the retinas obtained from contralateral sham-operated eyes. In the retinas of IOP-elevated eyes, profound morphological deteriorations were determined in the ganglion and outer nuclear cell layers which were associated with an increased number of TUNEL positive cells in the ganglion and inner nuclear cell layers. Increased immunohistochemical stainings for three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were defined in almost all layers of the retinas of IOP-elevated eyes, in which eNOS was abundant particularly in the inner plexiform and ganglion cell layers. An irregular basal folding of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and an increased inter lamellar space of photoreceptor cell layer furtherly characterized the prominent degeneration of those layers in the retinas of IOP-elevated eyes. On the other hand, the relaxing effects of the retina obtained from IOP-elevated eyes were determined to be unchanged on the retinal and mesenteric arteries precontracted either with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α, 30 μM) or potassium chloride (K+, 100 mM), when compared with the relaxations of control retina obtained from contralateral sham-operated eyes. Overall, these findings suggested that the elevation of IOP induces prominent structural changes in rat retina particularly in the ganglion and inner layers that is associated with marked apoptosis and increased immunoreactivity for NOS, while the functional effectiveness of retina derived relaxing factor, i.e., RRF is unaffected.

Динамика ультраструктурных изменений хориоретинального комплекса глаз крыс, вызванных большой дозой метанола

The structure of chorioretinal complex (CRC) of rat eyes was studied by electron microscopy: choriocapillaris, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal photoreceptor cells after 40 minutes, 1 hour and 10 minutes, on the first 1 st , 3 rd , 7 th and 14 th days after a single intraperitoneal injection of methanol in a dose of 7.0 g/kg of body weight. It was shown that the primary and significant destructive changes in the structures of the studied complex were observed in the RPE cells, which are characterized by alteration of mitochondria and tubules of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, equation of basal folds and local destruction of the apical microvilli. The destructive processes in the cells were growing in the dynamics of CRC structures research. In parallel, the features of compensatory-regenerative processes in these cells were detected.

Analysis of The Association Between Hand Preference Incidence in Young Healthy Individuals and Gender, Dominant Eye, 2D:4D Ratio and Hand Grip Strength

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the association between hand preference in young healthy individuals and handgrip strength (HGS), (which is accepted to be an objective measurement in the assessment of gender), 2D:4D ratio (ratio of the length of index finger to that of ring finger), eye dominance and upper limb performance. Methods: A total of 198 individuals, 111 males and 87 females, participated in our study. Oldfield Inventory was used to find out hand preference. Baseline hand dynamometer was used to find out HGS. The test developed by Rosenbach was used for determination of the dominant eye. For assessment of 2D:4D ratio, measurement was made starting from the basal fold of the finger to the fingertip. Results: According to the results of the statistical analysis, no significant difference was found between hand preference and 2D:4D (p>0.05). Statistically significant difference was found between eye dominance and hand preference (p

Structural Motifs in the Extracellular Domain of the Prolactin Receptor Govern Fold and Functionality

The prolactin receptor (PRLR) is an archetype cytokine receptor. It is a single-pass transmembrane receptor with limited complexity that is devoid of enzyme activity. Intracellular signaling involves various receptor-associated kinases including Jak2, Erk1/2, Src and Akt. As the PRLR is emerging as a relevant target in Oncology the understanding of the molecular basis of its activation is crucial. In the frame of an inter-disciplinary consortium involving biophysicists, structural biologists and cell biologists, we have successfully combined complementary approaches such as optical and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analyses, X-ray crystallography, surface plasmon resonance and cell-based assays to start elucidate the structural features of ligand-receptor interaction. However, the features of the PRLR extracellular domain (ECD) that participate in the transmission of the hormonal message across the cell membrane and/or in selective activation of intracellular signaling cascades remained uncharacterized. In two recently published studies, we identified residues 146 and 170 as two key residues of the PRLR-ECD that control critical receptor properties including basal signaling activity, ligand sensitivity, species specificity, folding, stability and receptor turnover. These two residues are in close proximity of each other in the membrane proximal domain of the PRLR-ECD and participate in a network of interactions with other residues, in particular within a specific residue quartet. Strikingly, these residues are involved in, or close to, the receptor dimerization interface, suggesting that their mechanism of action may involve structural reorientation of the receptor chains that are necessary to (selectively) disseminate the signal from the ECD to the intracellular domain. The identification of such residues in this and other cytokine receptors should affect future structure-directed drug development strategies aimed at providing pathway-selective treatment strategies.