Analysis of electrical phenomena accompanying the growth of Neurospora crassa hyphae: theory and experiment

To describe electrical phenomena observed in growth of Neurospora crassa hyphae, a theoretical model was developed considering the hypha as a one-dimensional electric cable with non-uniform longitudinal distribution of current sources reflecting the activity of proton pumps. A profile of the density of the pump current along the hypha is proposed, at which the results of simulation quantitatively coincide with the results of physiological experiments. The model values of energy coupling in the growth zones were estimated. The experimental dependence of the elongation rate of regenerating apical hypha fragments on their lengths was determined. Based on the comparison of these experimental results with the results of analysis of the model, the contribution of the axial metabolite transport, from the distal parts of the hypha to the apical part, to the dynamics of the apical cell growth was estimated. The possibility of evaluating the intensity of high-molecular-weight syntheses and/or accumulation of substances in granules was demonstrated. The growth rate of the regenerating hypha fragments was shown to correlate with the electric current flowing into the apical fragment 0.2-mm in length.     

Endometrial Epithelial ARID1A Is Required for Uterine Immune Homeostasis during Early Pregnancy

A growing body of work suggests epigenetic dysregulation contributes to endometriosis pathophysiology and female infertility. The chromatin remodeling complex subunit AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) must be properly expressed to maintain normal uterine function. Endometrial epithelial ARID1A is indispensable for pregnancy establishment in mice through regulation of endometrial gland function; however, ARID1A expression is decreased in infertile women with endometriosis. We hypothesized that ARID1A performs critical operations in the endometrial epithelium necessary for fertility besides maintaining gland function. To identify alterations in uterine gene expression resulting from loss of epithelial ARID1A, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis on pre-implantation uteri from Ltf^iCre/+Arid1a^f/f and control mice. Differential expression analysis identified 4181 differentially expressed genes enriched for immune-related ingenuity canonical pathways including agranulocyte adhesion and diapedesis and natural killer cell signaling. RT-qPCR confirmed an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine and macrophage-related gene expression but a decrease in natural killer cell signaling. Immunostaining confirmed a uterus-specific increase in macrophage infiltration. Flow cytometry delineated an increase in inflammatory macrophages and a decrease in uterine dendritic cells in Ltf^iCre/+Arid1a^f/f uteri. These findings demonstrate a role for endometrial epithelial ARID1A in suppressing inflammation and maintaining uterine immune homeostasis, which are required for successful pregnancy and gynecological health.     

Effect of limbic structure and striatum damage caused by kainic acid on seizure reactions in animals after intracranial injury

It has been established that hippocampus, enthorhinal cortex, amygdala and substantia nigra (pars reticulata) lesions before head injury lead to a decrease of kainic acid-induced behavioral and electrographic seizure expressions. It can be concluded that after head injury the activation of limbic structures excitability due to excitation of "inputs" to these formations takes place. The obtained data indicate the significant role of nucleus caudatus in activation of posttraumatic brain excitatory mechanisms.     

Beta-lactamase inhibitors: agents to overcome bacterial resistance

Parental illness can have a profound impact on family relationships and children's behaviour. The amount and nature of communication between parents and children about the illness can play an important role, both positively and negatively, in mediating the outcomes. When children have a disability, families can be reluctant to communicate with them about family difficulties. They are often concerned about the impact that parental unavailability may have on their child's life. This paper reports on three families in which the mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and one child in the family had a disability. The extent and specific characteristics of their communication about the maternal illness with their children, behavioural changes in the children, explanations of communication strategies and attributions of behavioural changes are described. Family coping strategies are examined with reference to Lazarus's process model of stress and coping and the use of either problem-focused or emotion-focused strategies. Implications for possible clinical interventions are proposed. In particular it is suggested that families be offered consultation about: what children might understand; ways in which to communicate effectively; and strategies for coping with the long-term implications of serious parental illness.     

Atomic force microscopy examination of tobacco mosaic virus and virion RNA

The majority of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is associated with mutations in the presenilin-1 (PS1) gene. We describe a novel Polish PS1 mutation of Pro117Leu, associated with the earliest average age of onset and death so far reported in a PS-linked, FAD kindred. Human kidney 293 and mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells were stably transfected with wild-type and PS1 P117L. There was a significant increase in the amyloid beta42/40 ratio in the N2a P117L PS1 transfected cells compared with N2a transfected with wild-type PS1. What role PS has in the pathogenesis of AD remains to be determined, however, the severity of the clinical picture associated with this PS1 mutation stresses the importance of presenilin.     

Evaluation of the cellulolytic capacity of Ascobolus furfuraceus (Fungi, Ascomycotina)

Growth kinetic variables (dry weight, mycelial protein, extracellular protein and pH evolution) were measured in Ascobolus furfuraceus cultures either with soluble cellulose (CMC) or crystalline cellulose as only carbon sources. When growing on CMC the mycelial protein production reached a maximum at 14 days, while the extracellular protein was maximal at 17 days. On crystalline cellulose more delay was observed (4 and 14 days, respectively). Straight lineal correspondence (r = 0.9883) was observed between the extracellular protein production and enzymatic activity kinetics, showing parallel behavior of these variables. When the biomass and extracellular protein production rates were analysed, the maxima were observed at diverse growth stages. For CMC, the dry weight production rythm precedes the cellulolytic system liberation rythm (maxima at 9 and 14 days, respectively). When crystalline cellulose was the substrate, the maximal rates were inverse, 16th day for biomass production rythm and 12th day for enzyme release rythm. On the basis of such tests and analyses, a model to explain cellulose degration by A. furfuraceus, is proposed.