A computational modeling for real ecosystems based on P systems

In this paper, a P systems based general framework for modeling ecosystems dynamics is presented. Particularly, ecosystems are specified by means of multienvironment P systems composed of a finite number of environments, each of them having an extended P system with active membranes. The semantics is of a probabilistic type and it is implemented by assigning each rule of the system a probabilistic constant which depends on the environment and the run time. As a case study, two real ecosystems are described: scavenger birds in the Catalan Pyrenees and the zebra mussel (Dreissena Polymorpha) in Ribarroja reservoir (Spain).     

Fatty acid profile,physiochemical properties and oxidative stability of ewe’s sausage as affected by distillated myrtle (Myrtus communis) leaves’ intake

The effects of distilled myrtle leaves (DML) intake on physiochemical traits, fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation of ewe’s sausage (Merguez) were investigated. Twenty-seven ewes were divided into three homogenous groups. Ewes were fed hay and concentrate for control group (C). They received concentrate and M-Hay pellets, containing 87% DML, as substitute to hay in MH group; for MC group, ewes received hay, concentrate and M-Conc pellets having 30% DML in partial substitution to concentrate. They were slaughtered at the end of trial (90 days) with an average body weight of 42 kg. DML did not affect the physicochemical and sensory properties (P > 0.05) of Merguez; whereas, it increased lipid oxidative stability (P < 0.05). MH group showed the highest values of α-tocopherol content, C18:2-n6 fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids. DML could be used in animal feeding to obtain higher meat product quality with better fatty acids content and antioxidant potential.     

High Concentrations of Genistein Decrease Cell Viability Depending on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Colon Cancer Cell Lines

Genistein could play a crucial role in modulating three closely linked physiological processes altered during cancer: oxidative stress, mitochondrial biogenesis, and inflammation. However, genistein’s role in colorectal cancer remains unclear. We aimed to determine genistein’s effects in two colon cancer cells: HT29 and SW620, primary and metastatic cancer cells, respectively. After genistein treatment for 48 h, cell viability and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production were studied. The cell cycle was studied by flow cytometry, mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively, and finally, cytoskeleton remodeling and NF-κB translocation were determined by confocal microscopy. Genistein 100 µM decreased cell viability and produced G₂/M arrest, increased H₂O₂, and produced filopodia in SW620 cells. In HT29 cells, genistein produced an increase of cell death, H₂O₂ production, and in the number of stress fibers. In HT29 cells, mitochondrial biogenesis was increased, however, in SW620 cells, it was decreased. Finally, the expression of inflammation-related genes increased in both cell lines, being greater in SW620 cells, where NF-κB translocation to the nucleus was higher. These results indicate that high concentrations of genistein could increase oxidative stress and inflammation in colon cancer cells and, ultimately, decrease cell viability.     

Organoids: An Emerging Tool to Study Aging Signature across Human Tissues. Modeling Aging with Patient-Derived Organoids

The biology of aging is focused on the identification of novel pathways that regulate the underlying processes of aging to develop interventions aimed at delaying the onset and progression of chronic diseases to extend lifespan. However, the research on the aging field has been conducted mainly in animal models, yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, and cell cultures. Thus, it is unclear to what extent this knowledge is transferable to humans since they might not reflect the complexity of aging in people. An organoid culture is an in vitro 3D cell-culture technology that reproduces the physiological and cellular composition of the tissues and/or organs. This technology is being used in the cancer field to predict the response of a patient-derived tumor to a certain drug or treatment serving as patient stratification and drug-guidance approaches. Modeling aging with patient-derived organoids has a tremendous potential as a preclinical model tool to discover new biomarkers of aging, to predict adverse outcomes during aging, and to design personalized approaches for the prevention and treatment of aging-related diseases and geriatric syndromes. This could represent a novel approach to study chronological and/or biological aging, paving the way to personalized interventions targeting the biology of aging.     

Effects of posttraining damage to the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus on conditioned stimulus transfer in two-way active avoidance in rats.

The effects of posttraining excitotoxic lesions of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) on two-way active avoidance after changing the conditioned stimulus (CS) used during prelesion training were examined. Prelesion training was carried out with either a tone or a light as the CS, and this CS was changed during postlesion training. Replacing the tone with a light reduced the performance of control and lesioned rats, but the degree of reduction was higher in the latter. Replacing the light with a tone had slight detrimental effects in lesioned rats but not in controls. Thus, posttraining PPTg lesions slowed down the reacquisition of shuttle-box avoidance under conditions of CS transfer, an effect that may be attributable to disruption of attention and/or gating of sensory stimuli. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)