Experimental Research Model Research Articles

Breast cancer brain metastasis: insight into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in women worldwide. Early-stage breast cancer is considered a curable disease; however, once distant metastasis occurs, the 5-year overall survival rate of patients becomes significantly reduced. There are four distinct metastatic patterns in breast cancer: bone, lung, liver and brain. Among these, breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is the leading cause of death; it is highly associated with impaired quality of life and poor prognosis due to the limited permeability of the blood-brain barrier and consequent lack of effective treatments. Although the sequence of events in BCBM is universally accepted, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, we outline progress surrounding the molecular mechanisms involved in BCBM as well as experimental methods and research models to better understand the process. We further discuss the challenges in the management of brain metastases, as well as providing an overview of current therapies and highlighting innovative research towards developing novel efficacious targeted therapies.

Comparative study of the digastric and the stylohyoid muscles between wild boars (Sus scrofa scrofa) and domestic swine (Sus scrofa domesticus): revisiting the gross anatomy.

Considering Suidae Familie as a perfect and viable experimental biomedical model for research applied to human medicine, it has been sought to describe the comparative anatomy of the digastric and the stylohyoid muscles between boars and domestic swine. Heads of Sus scrofa scrofa and Sus scrofa domesticus were dissected. The digastric muscle presented only one muscle belly as anatomical component of a tendinous origin in the jugular process of the occipital bone, and muscle insertion in the midventral edge of the caudal two thirds of the body of the mandible. Thus, its function is fundamentally associated with the lowering and the retracting of the mandible which, by the way, can deliver greater muscle power at lesser energy expense. For the stylohyoid muscle, the tendinous origin was in the laterocaudal edge of the dorsal third of the stylohyoid bone. The muscle insertion - primarily, was in the lateral and caudal edges from the mid third portion up to the ventral extremity of the thyrohyoid bone, and secondarily as a laterolateral aponeurotic blade which would unite, in a bilateral manner, an insertion that was common to the sternohyoid, the geniohyoid, and the mylohyoid muscles in a median ventral region. This morphology were similar to the two specimens studied expanding the information available, which were completely unknown for the suidae until the moment.

Morphometry of cervical spinal cord in cat using design-based stereology.

The spinal cord harbours nerve fibres that facilitate reflex actions and that transmit impulses to and from the brain. The cervical spinal cord is an area of particular interest in medicine and veterinary due to frequent pathologic alterations in this region. This study describes the morphometric features of the cervical spinal cord in cat using design-unbiased stereological methods. The cervical spinal cords of four male cats were dissected and samples were taken according to systematic uniform random sampling. Each sample was embedded in agar and cut into 60-µm thick sections and stained with cresyl violet 0.1% for stereological estimations. The total cervical spinal cord volume obtained by the Cavalieri estimator was 2,321.21±285.5mm3 . The relative volume of grey matter and white matter was 23.8±1.3% and 76.1±1.3%. The dorsal horn and ventral horn volume were 12.3±1.2% and 11.4±0.7% of the whole cervical spinal cord. The volume of central canal was estimated to 3.8±1mm3 . The total number of neurons was accounted 3,405,366.2±267,469.4 using the optical disector/fractionator method. The number of motoneurons and interneurons was estimated to be 1,120,433.2±174,796.7 and 2,284,932.9±127,261.5, respectively. The average volume of the motoneurons and interneurons was estimated to 1980µm3 and 680µm3 , respectively, using the spatial rotator method. This knowledge of cat spinal cord findings may serve as a foundation as a translational model in spinal cord experimental research and provide basic findings for diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord disorders.

Naive stem cell blastocyst model captures human embryo lineage segregation.

SummaryHuman naive pluripotent cells can differentiate into extraembryonic trophectoderm and hypoblast. Here we describe a human embryo model (blastoid) generated by self-organization. Brief induction of trophectoderm leads to formation of blastocyst-like structures within 3 days. Blastoids are composed of three tissue layers displaying exclusive lineage markers, mimicking the natural blastocyst. Single-cell transcriptome analyses confirm segregation of trophectoderm, hypoblast, and epiblast with high fidelity to the human embryo. This versatile and scalable system provides a robust experimental model for human embryo research.

SARS-CoV-2: Pathogenesis, Molecular Targets and Experimental Models.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a recent pandemic outbreak threatening human beings worldwide. This novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection causes severe morbidity and mortality and rapidly spreading across the countries. Therefore, there is an urgent need for basic fundamental research to understand the pathogenesis and druggable molecular targets of SARS-CoV-2. Recent sequencing data of the viral genome and X-ray crystallographic data of the viral proteins illustrate potential molecular targets that need to be investigated for structure-based drug design. Further, the SARS-CoV-2 viral pathogen isolated from clinical samples needs to be cultivated and titrated. All of these scenarios demand suitable laboratory experimental models. The experimental models should mimic the viral life cycle as it happens in the human lung epithelial cells. Recently, researchers employing primary human lung epithelial cells, intestinal epithelial cells, experimental cell lines like Vero cells, CaCo-2 cells, HEK-293, H1299, Calu-3 for understanding viral titer values. The human iPSC-derived lung organoids, small intestinal organoids, and blood vessel organoids increase interest among researchers to understand SARS-CoV-2 biology and treatment outcome. The SARS-CoV-2 enters the human lung epithelial cells using viral Spike (S1) protein and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor. The laboratory mouse show poor ACE-2 expression and thereby inefficient SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, there was an urgent need to develop transgenic hACE-2 mouse models to understand antiviral agents’ therapeutic outcomes. This review highlighted the viral pathogenesis, potential druggable molecular targets, and suitable experimental models for basic fundamental research.

Collagen quantification in the ventricular walls of the heart of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

The excellent adaptability of Callithrix jacchus to life in captivity presents advantages in comparison to other nonhuman primates that are used in experimental models for biomedical research, which explains the increasing scientific interest in investigating the anatomical characteristics of this species. Owing to the relative scarcity of publications on the descriptive morphology of the heart of C. jacchus, the aim of this study was to quantify the presence of collagen in the left and right ventricular myocardium using modified picrosirius red and acid fuchsine colorimetric assays. The myocardium of the right ventricle presented a higher percentage of collagen than that of the left ventricle. No sex-related differences were observed between the groups. Interestingly, the absolute values of collagen were different depending on the method used for quantification (modified picrosirius red vs. acid fuchsine). The level of collagen quantification observed in the ventricular myocardium of C. jacchus was similar to that seen in other nonhuman primates traditionally used in experimental models of cardiac diseases.

Problem Based Learning (PBL): Bagaimana penerapannya dalam pembelajaran teknik passing bolavoli?

This study aims to determine the effect of the problem based learning model on the learning outcomes of volleyball passing technique students of class XI IPA 3 and 4 at SMAN 15 Semarang. The research method used is quantitative research methods with the type of Quasi Experimental research model. The sample of this research was students of class XI IPA 3 and 4 of SMAN 15 Semarang using purposive sampling technique. Methods of data analysis using paired sample-t-test with a significant level of 5%. The results of the research of 20 students of class XI IPA 3 (passing under) and 20 students of class XI IPA 4 (passing over) showed that there was an increase in the learning outcomes of over and under passing through the application of the Problem Based Learning model. Increase in upper passing class by 16%. Increase in Underpass Class by 17%. The conclusion of this research is that there is an increase in the results of learning over and under passing through the Problem Based Learning learning model at SMAN 15 Semarang because in the use of this learning model students are given freedom in learning.

The REACT-Based Contextual Learning Model And Mastering The Concept Of Physics In High School Students

This study aims to determine the effect of the REACT-based contextual learning model on the mastery of physics concepts in high school students. This study used a Quasi Experimental research model with a pretest-posttest control group design. The study population was all students of class XI MIA SMA Negeri Samadua, South Aceh Regency which consisted of two classes. Both classes were used as research samples by forming an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group is a class that uses a REACT-based contextual learning model in physics learning, while the control group is a class that uses a conventional learning model through the lecture method. The instruments used were RPP, LKPD and test questions. The pretest and posttest in this study were used to measure the students' initial and final abilities in physics. The data analysis technique used is the t-test with a significance level of 5%. The results of hypothesis testing obtained tcount (2.13) ttable (1.68), meaning that Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted. These results interpreted that there was a significant influence on the REACT-based contextual learning model on the mastery of physics concepts for students of class XI MIA SMA Samadua, South Aceh Regency.

A rapid juvenile murine model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): Chronic intermittent hypoxia exacerbates Western diet-induced NASH

AimsMany dietary NASH models require a long duration to establish (4–6 months). Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a cardinal hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), may accelerate the progression of pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, diet-induced obese (DIO) mice exposed to CIH have not been perceived as a fast or reliable tool in NASH research. This study was designed to establish a rapid juvenile murine NASH model, and determine whether the combination of CIH and a western-style diet (hypercaloric fatty diet plus high fructose) can fully display key pathologic features of NASH. MethodsC57BL/6 N mice (3 weeks old) fed a control diet or western diet (WD) were exposed to CIH (9% nadir of inspired oxygen levels) or room air for 6 and 12 weeks. Key findingsThe Control/CIH group mainly exhibited hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance (IR). In contrast, mice fed a WD developed weight gain after 3 weeks, microvesicular steatosis in 6 weeks, and indices of metabolic disorders at 12 weeks. Furthermore, CIH exposure accelerated WD- induced macromicrovesicular steatosis (liver triglycerides and de novo lipogenesis), liver injury (ballooned hepatocytes and liver enzymes), lobular/portal inflammation (inflammatory cytokines and macrophage recruitment), and fibrogenesis (hydroxyproline content and TGF-β protein). Notably, only the WD/CIH group exhibited elevated hepatic MDA content, protein levels of NOX4, α-SMA and collagen I, as well as reduced Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. SignificanceWD/CIH treatment rapidly mimics the histological characteristics of pediatric NASH with metabolic dysfunction and fibrosis, representing an appropriate experimental model for NASH research.

Repolarizing potassium currents in working myocardium of Japanese quail: a novel translational model for cardiac electrophysiology

Birds developed endothermy and four-chambered high-performance heart independently from mammals. Though avian embryos are extensively studied and widely used as various models for heart research, little is known about cardiac physiology of adult birds. Meanwhile, cardiac electrophysiology is in search for easily accessible and relevant model objects which resemble human myocardium in the pattern of repolarizing currents (IKr, IKs, IKur and Ito). This study focuses on the configuration of electrical activity and electrophysiological phenotype of working myocardium in adult Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). The resting membrane potential and action potential (AP) waveform in quail atrial myocardium were similar to that in working myocardium of rodents. Using whole-cell patch clamp and sharp glass microelectrodes, we demonstrated that the repolarization of quail atrial and ventricular myocardium is determined by voltage-dependent potassium currents IKr, IKs and Ito – the latter was previously considered as an exclusive evolutionary feature of mammals. The specific blockers of these currents, dofetilide (3 μmol l−1), HMR 1556 (30 μmol l−1) and 4-aminopyridine (3 mmol l−1), prolonged AP in both ventricular and atrial myocardial preparations. The expression of the corresponding channels responsible for these currents in quail myocardium was investigated with quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. In conclusion, the described pattern of repolarizing ionic currents and channels in quail myocardium makes this species a novel and suitable experimental model for translational cardiac research and reveals new information related to the evolution of cardiac electrophysiology in vertebrates.

Immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Cyclophosphamide, a common chemotherapeutic and immune suppressor agent, is regularly used in research to weaken the immune system in laboratory animal models. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a widely used experimental fish model for immune-modulatory research; with the lack of knowledge about the immune-compromised tilapia model, an urgent need is to develop and optimise such a model. Sixty healthy Oreochromis niloticus fish, average weight 50 ± 10 g, were divided into four experimental groups. Fish in group I, negative control group, were injected with phosphate-buffered saline only, and fish in groups II, III and IV were injected with cyclophosphamide (CP) at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (BW), respectively, via the intraperitoneal route. Different immune-related parameters were investigated 3 weeks after CP injection. The results have revealed a significant decrease in total red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and thrombocyte counts and reduced haemoglobin and haematocrit values in CP-treated fish, especially those injected with 200 mg/kg BW compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Also, significantly lower levels of serum proteins (total protein, albumin, α1- and γ-globulins) were observed in CP-treated fish, especially those injected with 200 mg/kg BW in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, CP-treated fish showed a reduction in the expression of immune-related genes (interleukin-1, and tumour necrosis factor-α in spleen and tumour necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor β-1 in head-kidney), especially those injected with 200 mg/kg BW compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the Oreochromis niloticus immune-suppressed model can be induced by intraperitoneal CP injection at 200 mg/kg BW.

Steroidogenesis during prenatal testicular development in Spix's cavy Galea spixii.

Spix's cavy is a potentially good experimental model for research on reproductive biology and sexual development. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ontogeny of the steroidogenic enzymes involved in testicular androgen synthesis during prenatal development. Testes were investigated on Days 25, 30, 40 and >50 of gestation. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were used to establish the site and relative amount of androgenic enzymes, including 5α-reductase, cytosolic 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSDI) and mitochondrial microsomal 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSDII), throughout prenatal development. The testicular parenchyma began to organise on Day 25 of gestation, with the development of recognisable testicular cords. The mesonephros was established after Day 25 of gestation and the ducts differentiated to form the epididymis, as testicular cords were beginning to proliferate and the interstitium to organise by Day 30 of gestation, continuing thereafter. The androgen-synthesising enzymes 5α-reductase, 17β-HSDI and 3β-HSDII were evident in Leydig cells as they differentiated at all subsequent gestational ages studied. In addition, immunoblotting showed an increase in immunoreactivity for the enzymes at Days 30 and 40 of gestation (P<0.05) and a decrease at Day 50 of gestation (P<0.05). It is concluded that the increase in androgenic enzymes in Leydig cells coincides with the functional differentiation of the testes, and with the stabilisation and differentiation of mesonephric ducts forming the epididymis.

Collection, preservation and distribution of &lt;i&gt;Oryza&lt;/i&gt; genetic resources by the National Bioresource Project RICE (NBRP-RICE)

Biological resources are the basic infrastructure of bioscience research. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a good experimental model for research in cereal crops and monocots and includes important genetic materials used in breeding. The availability of genetic materials, including mutants, is important for rice research. In addition, Oryza species are attractive to researchers for both finding useful genes for breeding and for understanding the mechanism of genome evolution that enables wild plants to adapt to their own habitats. NBRP-RICE contributes to rice research by promoting the usage of genetic materials, especially wild Oryza accessions and mutant lines. Our activity includes collection, preservation and distribution of those materials and the provision of basic information on them, such as morphological and physiological traits and genomic information. In this review paper, we introduce the activities of NBRP-RICE and our database, Oryzabase, which facilitates the access to NBRP-RICE resources and their genomic sequences as well as the current situation of wild Oryza genome sequencing efforts by NBRP-RICE and other institutes.

Directed differentiation and direct reprogramming: Applying stem cell technologies to hearing research.

Hearing loss is the most widely spread sensory disorder in our society. In the majority of cases, it is caused by the loss or malfunctioning of cells in the cochlea: the mechanosensory hair cells, which act as primary sound receptors, and the connecting auditory neurons of the spiral ganglion, which relay the signal to upper brain centers. In contrast to other vertebrates, where damage to the hearing organ can be repaired through the activity of resident cells, acting as tissue progenitors, in mammals, sensory cell damage or loss is irreversible. The understanding of gene and cellular functions, through analysis of different animal models, has helped to identify causes of disease and possible targets for hearing restoration. Translation of these findings to novel therapeutics is, however, hindered by the lack of cellular assays, based on human sensory cells, to evaluate the conservation of molecular pathways across species and the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies. In the last decade, stem cell technologies enabled to generate human sensory cell types in vitro, providing novel tools to study human inner ear biology, model disease, and validate therapeutics. This review focuses specifically on two technologies: directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming of somatic cell types to sensory hair cells and neurons. Recent development in the field are discussed as well as how these tools could be implemented to become routinely adopted experimental models for hearing research.

The Effect of Regularly Applied Dynamic and Static Stretching Exercise Program on Flexibility of Individuals with Low Physical Activity Level

Amaç: Bu araştırma düşük fiziksel aktivite seviyesine sahip bireylere 6 hafta süre ile uygulanan dinamik ve statik germe egzersizlerinin, bireylerin sırt ve bacak bölgesi esneklik yetileri üzerindeki etkisini karşılaştırmak amacıyla yapıldı. Materyal ve Metot: Araştırmanın örneklem grubunu, Dünya Sağlık Örgütünün (WHO) yetişkinler için tavsiye ettiği en düşük fiziksel aktivite miktarını son 6 aydır karşılamayan 18-30 yaş aralığındaki kişiler (n=19 erkek, n=16 kadın) oluşturdu. Araştırmada ön-test, ara-test, son-test desenli, randomize deneysel araştırma modeli kullanıldı. Araştırma öncesinde gerekli örneklem sayısını belirlemek için G-Power güç analizi programı ile piriori güç analizi yapıldı. Blok randomizasyon tekniği kullanılarak dinamik germe (DG) (n=19) ve statik germe (SG) (n=16) grubu olmak üzere iki grup oluşturuldu. DG grubuna 6 hafta boyunca haftada 3 gün, 20 dk. süre ile dinamik germe egzersiz programı uygulandı. SG grubuna ise aynı koşullarda SG programı uygulandı. Araştırma grubunun esneklik değerleri Takei marka dijital Fleksiyon Metre cihazı ile araştırmanın başında, 3. haftada ve araştırmanın sonunda olmak üzere 3 kez tekrarlandı. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde Tekrarlı Ölçümlerde İki Yönlü Varyans Analizi ve Bonferroni düzeltmeli eşleştirilmiş gruplarda karşılaştırma testi kullanıldı. Bulgular: DG ve SG grubunda yer alan katılımcıların esneklik puan ortalamaları arasında zaman ve grup*zaman etkileşimi açısından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark görüldü (p<0.05). Diğer taraftan DG grubunun ölçümleri arasında yapılan tüm ikili kombinasyonlarda istatistiksel açıdan anlamlı fark görüldü (p<0.05). Sonuç: Sonuç olarak düşük fiziksel aktivite düzeyine sahip bireyler ile düzenli olarak uygulanan DG egzersizlerinin, SG egzersizlerine kıyasla sırt ve bacak bölgesi esneklik yetileri üzerinde daha yüksek bir etkiye sahip olduğu söylenebilir.

Anthocyanin Bioactivity in Obesity and Diabetes: The Essential Role of Glucose Transporters in the Gut and Periphery.

Obesity and type-2 diabetes trends continue to worsen in the United States. Dietary anthocyanins (typically provided by berries and other fruits) are reported to have protective effects against both conditions using a variety of experimental research models including animal and human feeding studies. This review highlights studies that explore the biochemical pathways in both tissue and rodent models which could explain clinical improvements noted with anthocyanin consumption. First, the primary mode of intestinal absorption of anthocyanins is through both sGLT1 and GLUT2 glucose transporters. Stronger binding affinities may allow anthocyanins to be more inhibitive to glucose absorption compared to the reverse, where GLUT2 expression may also be affected. Genetic or chemical inhibition of sGLT1 or GLUT2 demonstrate their essential function in anthocyanin absorption across the enterocyte, where the former interacts with a greater variety of anthocyanins but the latter is the major transporter for specific anthocyanin-glycosides. Once absorbed, anthocyanins positively modulate GLUT4 density and function in both skeletal muscle and adipose tissues via the upregulation of AMPK and restoration of insulin sensitivity. Antioxidant properties and phosphodiesterase inhibition by anthocyanins promote both mitochondrial function and density which could be novel targets for dietary management of obesity and its complications.

5E öğretim modeline göre geliştirilen oyunların Almanca hazırlık sınıflarında dil becerilerinin gelişimine etkisi

Bu araştırmanın amacı, yapılandırmacı yaklaşım 5E öğretim modeline göre geliştirilen oyunların Almanca hazırlık sınıfı öğrencilerinin dil becerileri üzerindeki etkilerini belirlemektir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda araştırmada kontrol gruplu ön test- son test deneysel araştırma modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırma 2017-2018 eğitim öğretim yılının ikinci döneminde, Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Almanca Hazırlık Sınıfı’ndaki 34 öğrenci ile yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada araştırma yaklaşımı olarak karma araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Uygulama öncesinde öğrencilerin dil becerilerine yönelik seviyelerini ölçmek için öğrenci kazanımlarına uygun başarı testi uygulanmıştır. Deney grubunda yer alan öğrencilerle 8 hafta boyunca ders, araştırmacı tarafından 5E öğretim modeline göre oluşturulan oyunlarla yürütülmüştür. Kontrol grubunda dersler ders kitabına dayalı biçimde işlenmiştir. Uygulama sonrasında başarı testi her iki gruba tekrar uygulanmıştır. Deney grubu öğrencilerinin 5E öğretim modeli ile oluşturulan oyunlara yönelik görüşlerini belirlemek için yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Araştırmadaki nicel veriler, Sosyal Bilimler için İstatistik Programı (SPSS) 11.0 kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmada nitel verilerin analizinde ise betimsel analiz yönteminden yararlanılmıştır. Öğrenci görüşmelerinden elde edilen verilerin analizi ve yorumlanması, alan yazın taraması sonucunda oluşturulan kodlar bağlamında yapılmıştır. Araştırma bulgularına göre 5E modeli ile oluşturulan oyunların uygulandığı deney grubundaki öğrencilerle geleneksel yöntemin uygulandığı kontrol grubu öğrencilerinin dinleme, konuşma, yazma ve okuma becerilerine yönelik başarı testi ortalamaları arasında istatiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde fark ortaya çıkmıştır. Ancak öğrenciler en çok konuşma becerisinde ilerleme kaydetmişlerdir. Araştırmada oyunların dil becerilerinin gelişimine sağladığı katkının yanında, öğrencilerin motivasyonlarını da olumlu yönde etkilediği tespit edilmiştir.

Evagination of metacestodes of the WFU strain of Taenia crassiceps and evaluation of the impact of immune suppression of hamsters during tapeworm development.

Taeniosis-cysticercosis caused by Taenia crassiceps (Zeder, 1800) is a useful experimental model for biomedical research, in substitution of Taenia solium Linnaeus, 1758, studied during decades to develop effective vaccination, novel anti-helminthic drugs and diagnostic tools. Cysticercosis in mouse (Mus musculus Linnaeus) is achieved by the larval subculturing of the Wake Forest University (WFU) strain of T. crassiceps. Golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus (Waterhouse), has been shown to be the most suitable host for adult forms of parasite in experimental taeniosis. Metacestodes of T. crassiceps WFU multiply by budding without restrictions once inoculated into the mouse, while the number of tapeworms developed from these larvae in hamsters remains highly variable. Three objectives have been proposed to improve the infection of T. crassiceps WFU in hamsters: (1) to re-evaluate the need of immune suppression; (2) to investigate the advantage of infecting hamsters with metacestodes with in vitro protruded scolices; and (3) to compare a number of tapeworms developed from metacestodes subcultured in hamsters against those proliferated in mice. Our results demonstrated that when the evagination of murine metacestodes was high, the number of T. crassiceps WFU adults obtained from hamsters was also high. Immunosuppressive treatment remains relevant for this experimental rodent model. The hamster-to-hamster cysticercosis-taeniosis by T. crassiceps overcame the mouse-to-hamster model in the yield of adult specimens. In vitro scolex evagination and metacestode asexual proliferation in hamsters place this rodent model by T. crassiceps WFU as the most affordable experimental models with taeniids.

Implications of NADPH oxidase 5 in vascular diseases.

Oxidative stress is one of the main mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases. Among others, oxidative stress promotes endothelial dysfunction, and accelerated ageing and remodelling of vasculature. Lately, NADPH oxidases have been demonstrated to be involved in cardiovascular diseases. NADPH oxidase 5 has emerged as a new player in oxidative stress-mediated endothelial alterations, involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke. This oxidase seems to mediate its detrimental effects by promoting inflammation. NADPH oxidase 5 has been studied in a lesser extent compared with the other members of the NADPH oxidase family due to its loss in the rodent genome, the main experimental research model. In addition, its potential as a therapeutic target remains unexplored given the lack of specific inhibitors. In this review the latest findings on NADPH oxidase 5 regulation, implications in vascular pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches will be updated.

Microbiome and Longevity: High Abundance of Longevity-Linked Muribaculaceae in the Gut of the Long-Living Rodent Spalax leucodon.

With a world population living longer as well as marked disparities in life expectancy, understanding the determinants of longevity is one of the priority research agendas in 21st century life sciences. To this end, the blind mole-rat (Spalax leucodon), a subterranean mammalian, has emerged as an exceptional model organism due to its astonishing features such as remarkable longevity, hypoxia and hypercapnia tolerance, and cancer resistance. The microbiome has been found to be a vital parameter for cellular physiology and it is safe to assume that it has an impact on life expectancy. Although the unique characteristics of Spalax make it an ideal experimental model for longevity research, there is limited knowledge of the bacterial composition of Spalax microbiome, which limits its in-depth utilization. In this study, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we report the gut and skin bacterial structure of Spalax for the first time. The diversity between fecal and skin samples was manifested in the distant clustering, as revealed by beta diversity analysis. Importantly, the longevity-linked Muribaculaceae bacterial family was found to be the dominating bacterial taxa in Spalax fecal samples. These new findings contribute toward further development of Spalax as a model for longevity research and potential linkages between microbiome composition and longevity.