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Time plays a fundamental role in abortion regulation. In this article, we compare the regulatory frameworks in England and Wales and the Netherlands as examples of the centrality accorded to viability in the determination of the parameters of non-criminal abortion, demonstrating that the use of viability as a threshold renders the law uncertain. We assess the role played by the concept of viability, analysing its impact upon the continued criminalization of abortion and categorization of abortion as a medical matter, rather than a reproductive choice. We conclude that viability is misconceived in its application to abortion and that neonatal viability (relating to treatment of the premature infant) and fetal viability (related to the capacity to survive birth) must be distinguished to better reflect the social context within which the law and practice of abortion operate. We show how viability thresholds endanger pregnant people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the principal goals of participants in the field of radiation biologists have included defining dose thresholds for cancer and non‐cancer endpoints to be used by regulators, clinicians and industry, as well as informing on best practice radiation utilization and protection applications. Importantly, much of this work has required an intimate relationship between "bench" radiation biology scientists and their target audiences (such as physicists, medical practitioners and epidemiologists) in order to ensure that the requisite gaps in knowledge are adequately addressed. However, despite the growing risk for public exposure to higher‐than‐background levels of radiation, e.g. from long‐distance travel, the increasing use of ionizing radiation during medical procedures, the threat from geopolitical instability, and so forth, there has been a dramatic decline in the number of qualified radiation biologists in the U.S. Contributing factors are thought to include the loss of applicable training programs, loss of jobs, and declining opportunities for advancement. This report was undertaken in order to begin addressing this situation since inaction may threaten the viability of radiation biology as a scientific discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of the geography of abortion regulation in the U.S., the impact of spatial regulations, and the jurisdictional implications of spatial regulations in the right to travel, the private nondelegation doctrine and the concept of viability in abortion doctrine.

Harris hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus) are the raptors with more anthropogenic use, which makes it necessary to improve their reproduction either natural or assisted for sustainable use even though they are not endangered. The aim of this study was to determine fresh and thawed P. unicinctus sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction parameters as indicators of sperm viability in ejaculates of birds with injuries. A total of 30 ejaculates were analyzed as fresh and thawed samples. Basic sperm evaluations as well as in vitroacrosomal reaction capability through the presence and distribution of Ca2+ and N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid using chlortetra cycline and agglutinin-fluoresce in isothiocyanate Triticum vulgaris were performed,respectively. Tagged samples were observed using epifluorescence microscopy. The results indicated 30.00% decrease in sperm viability following freeze-thaw, while rate of capacitated sperms (10.00%) and the percentage of sperm with acrosomal reaction (40.00%) were increased. The results of the experiment demonstrated that the post-thaw viability of the obtained sperm may be an alternative for use in artificial insemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The maximal efficacy of cell therapy depends on the survival of stem cells, as well as on the phenotypic and biologic changes that may occur on these cells after transplantation. It has been hypothesized that the post-ischemic myocardial microenvironment can play a critical role in these changes, potentially affecting the survival and reparative potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Here, we use a dual reporter gene sensor for the in vivo monitoring of the phenotype of MSCs and study their therapeutic effect on cardiac function.Procedures: The mitochondrial sensor was tested in cell culture in response to different mitochondrial stressors. For in vivo testing, MSCs (3 × 105) were delivered in a murine ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model. Bioluminescence imaging was used to assess the mitochondrial biology and the viability of transplanted MSCs, while high-resolution ultrasound provided a non-invasive analysis of cardiac contractility and dyssynchrony.Results: The mitochondrial sensor showed increased activity in response to mitochondrial stressors. Furthermore, when tested in the living subject, it showed a significant increase in mitochondrial dysfunction in MSCs delivered in IR, compared with those delivered under sham conditions. Importantly, MSCs delivered to ischemic hearts, despite their mitochondrial stress and poor survival, were able to induce a significant improvement in cardiac function, through decreased collagen deposition and resynchronization/contractility of left ventricular wall motion.Conclusions: The ischemic myocardium induces changes in the phenotype of transplanted MSCs. Despite their limited survival, MSCs still elicit a certain therapeutic response, as evidenced by improvement in myocardial remodeling and cardiac function. Maximization of the survival and reparative efficacy of stem cells remains a key for the success of stem cell therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common type of lung cancer, characterized by a poor prognosis. In the last several years, more and more studies have demonstrated the significant roles played by circular RNAs (circRNAs) in different human tumors progression including NSCLC. The present study was to explore the mechanism of hsa_circ_101237 in regulating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Totally 303 NSCLC cases were enrolled. A549 and H1299 cells were transfected. Cells viability, migration and invasion were determined by CCK-8 assay and transwell experiment, respectively. Luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed. hsa_circ_101237, miR-490-3p and MAPK1 expression in tissues/cells were detected by qRT-PCR. The study found an elevation in the expression of Hsa_circRNA_101237 in both NSCLC tissues and cell line. High Hsa_circRNA_101237 expression predicted poor survival in NSCLC. Meanwhile, we found that hsa_circRNA_101237 expression sponged miR-490-3p to enhance MAPK1 expression, thus significantly promoting NSCLC cell lines proliferation, migration, and invasion. MAPK1 restoration prevented NSCLC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion to be repressed due to hsa_circRNA_101237 knockdown. To sum up, as revealed by the study, hsa_circRNA_101237 promoted the expression of MAPK1 via miRNA-490-3p sponge, thus affecting the NSCLC as an important onco-circRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the aqueous and alcohol extracts of T. erecta in the daily growth rate, viability and forming the spores of fungus P. lilacinus. The results of this study that we obtained to show that it is possible or impossible to use this fungus with the extract of Al-Jaafari plant in the integrated resistance programs of pathological complexes. The results showed that the extract with both aqueous and alcohol had a negative effect on the growth of the fungus under study and significantly different from the comparison treatment, but did not stop its growth completely even in the highest concentrations that used, where the daily growth rate of the fungus was 0.62 and 0.67 cm when treated with aqueous and alcohol extracts respectively, compared to the comparison treatment (1 cm) and results showed also the superiority of the alcoholic extract over the aqueous extract in its effect on the viability of spores, when treated with aqueous extract, the average number of colonies of fungi was 28 colonies, while 24.6 colonies with alcohol extract with significant difference between the effect of two extracts and the effect increased with the increased concentration that we used. The results showed also that the effect of Al-Jaafari extract in spore germination and a significant difference from the comparison treatment. The percentage of inhibition was directly proportional to the concentration, where the concentration of 500 ppm recorded an inhibitory rate of 11.4% and 14.3% of the aqueous and alcohol extracts respectively. This percentage increased for both extracts with an increase of concentration it reaches 55.7% and 57% for aqueous and alcohol extracts respectively at 2000 ppm. But did not stop its growth completely even in the highest concentrations that we used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based nanomaterials are being increasingly used, demanding strong information to support their safety in terms of human health. As ingestion is one of the most important exposure routes in humans, we have determined their potential risk by using an in vitro model simulating the human intestinal barrier and evaluated the effects of both graphene oxide (GO) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). A coculture of differentiated Caco-2/HT29 cells presenting inherent intestinal epithelium characteristics (i.e. mucus secretion, brush border, tight junctions, etc.) were treated with GO or GNPs for 24 h. Different endpoints such as viability, membrane integrity, NPs localization, cytokines secretion, and genotoxic damage were evaluated to have a wide view of their potentially harmful effects. No cytotoxic effects were observed in the cells that constitute the barrier model. In the same way, no adverse effects were detected neither in the integrity of the barrier (TEER) nor in its permeability (LY). Nevertheless, a different bio-adhesion and biodistribution behavior was observed for GO and GNPs by confocal microscopy analysis, with a more relevant uptake of GNPs. No oxidative damage induction was detected, either by the DCFH-DA assay or the FPG enzyme in the comet assay. Conversely, both GO and GNPs were able to induce DNA breaks, as observed in the comet assay. Finally, low levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were detected, suggesting a weak anti-inflammatory response. Our results show the moderate/severe risk posed by GO/GNPs exposures, given the observed genotoxic effects, suggesting that more extensive genotoxic evaluations must be done to properly assess the genotoxic hazard of these nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sustainability and agro-economic viability from two croppings of coriander (C) and two of arugula (A) intercropped with beet (B) as a function of roostertree additions to the soil in different population densities. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with treatments arranged in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme with four replications. The treatments resulted from the combination of four amounts of roostertree biomass (6, 19, 32 and 45 t ha-1 on dry basis) with four population densities of coriander, beet and arugula (20C-50B-20A%, 30C-50B-30A%, 40C-50B-40A% and 50C-50B-50A% of the recommended densities in their single crops). The maximum agronomic efficiency of the polyculture of coriander, beet and arugula was obtained with the density of 40C-50B-40A and the amount of 19 t ha-1 roostertree biomass incorporated into the soil. The highest profitability of the polyculture was obtained with the density of 20C-50B-20A (%) and the amount of 45 t ha-1 of this green manure. High agro-economic efficiency can be obtained by cultivating the polyculture of coriander, beet and arugula when well-manageding the factors of production, fertilization with roostertree and population densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new synthetic strategy (contractive annulation) for the synthesis of highly strained cyclophanes has been conceived and its viability has been demonstrated through a nine‐step synthesis of [2](6,1)naphthaleno[1]paracyclophane from [2.2]paracyclophane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, mergers have been widely used in higher education (HE) to achieve a variety of purposes, ranging from problems of institutional fragmentation to the lack of financial and academic viability, and low institutional efficiency and quality. However, despite a large stream of HE literature addressing those issues, there has been little attention to the link between funding-related problems and merger processes. Moreover, there is very little comparative research among different higher education systems experiencing those processes. In this paper, we map and characterize the recent experience of 25 European countries with these processes, aiming at identifying main patterns regarding key drivers and motivations. We also analyze the main difficulties identified, the role of funding and financial incentives and, whenever possible, the main impacts and economic gains associated with those merger processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demodex mites have been suggested to have a role in various cutaneous and ocular disorders pathogenesis, such as rosacea or blepharitis. Evaluation of potential treatments with anti-Demodex effects is difficult because the viability of living mites needs to be evaluated during their exposure to the agent being tested. Mite viability is currently based solely on their observed movement. However, this method of assessing viability has significant limitations as mites may be resting, immobile or paralysed at any given observation point giving the observer a false impression of the organism's death. To overcome this limitation we evaluated a new quantitative method of evaluating the viability of Demodex mites by using scattered light intensity (SLI). We demonstrated that when combined with observation of mite motility, SLI provided increased accuracy of the evaluation of viability of mites being studied. This new viability assay will help address the technical challenges of mite viability experiments. Accurate evaluation of mite viability will enhance mite biology research and allow for more accurate in vitro toxicity assays of proposed anti-mite agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with advanced heart failure and dyssynchrony can benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). To predict the response to CRT, myocardial viability and improved dyssynchrony are suggested to be important. Methods: We retrospectively investigated 93 patients who underwent CRT implantation in Nagoya University Hospital. We assessed QRS narrowing the day after implantation to measure the improvement in dyssynchrony and measured the left ventricular pacing threshold (LVPT) to determine the local myocardial viability in all patients. Responders to CRT were defined as those having a greater than or equal to 15% decrease in left ventricular end‐systolic volume by echocardiography at their 6‐month follow‐up. Results: Sixty‐two patients (67%) were classified as responders. The QRS width before CRT implantation, QRS narrowing after implantation, left atrial diameter, septal‐to‐posterior wall motion delay, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, radial strain, and LVPT were significantly different between the responder and nonresponder groups. On multivariate analysis, QRS narrowing (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01‐1.05; P = 0.005) and LVPT (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22‐0.82; P = 0.011) were independent predictors of a response to CRT. We calculated the cutoff values from the receiver operating characteristic curves as 22.5 milliseconds of QRS narrowing and 1.55 V of LVPT. The response rates in patients with both predictive factors (QRS narrowing ≥ 22.5 milliseconds and LVPT ≤ 1.55 V), one factor, and no factors were 91%, 61%, and 25%, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Both myocardial viability and improved electrical dyssynchrony may be essential to predict a good response to CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Cellulose nanofibers from banana peel were incorporated in banana starch-based films. • Cellulose nanofibers showed no cytotoxic effect on the Caco-2 until 2000 μg/mL. • CNFs improved the mechanical, optical and water barrier properties of the starch film. • The nanocomposites properties were strongly influenced by CNFs aspect ratio. • Banana peel CNFs are potentially applicable as reinforcement in polymeric matrices. Abstract The potential use of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as a reinforcing agent in banana starch-based nanocomposite films was investigated. CNFs were isolated from banana peel (Musa paradisiaca) by enzymatic hydrolysis. Banana starch-based nanocomposite films were prepared with CNFs using the casting method. CNFs effect on cell viability and on nanocomposite films properties' was investigated. The cytotoxicity of CNFs was assessed on Caco-2 cell line. CNFs were not cytotoxic at 50–2000 μg/mL. However, CNFs above 2000 μg/mL significantly decreased cell viability. Topography analysis showed that the incorporation of CNFs modified the film structure. The nanocomposites exhibited a complex structure due to strong interactions between CNFs and starch matrix, promoting a remarkable improvement on mechanical and water barrier properties, opacity and UV light barrier compared to the control film. CNFs can offer a great potential as reinforcing material for starch-based nanocomposite films, producing a value-added food packaging from a waste material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Enumeration of MAP is essential to conduct and interpret paratuberculosis research. • Enumeration of viable MAP is challenging due to cultivability issues. • The diversity of methods, without guidelines, can confuse readers and researchers. • This state-of-the-art of enumeration methods can be used for guidance. • Methods counting viable MAP versus total numbers are complementary and not comparable. Abstract Enumeration of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) from clinical samples or from inoculum suspensions for challenge studies is an essential pre-requisite for paratuberculosis research. However, MAP organisms are slow and challenging to grow in vitro , with a strong tendency to clump. Standard bacteriological methods are not well suited to enumerate MAP. Enumeration can be achieved by culture-based methods, direct microscopic counts, turbidimetry, pelleted weights and quantitative PCR. There is an unresolvable discrepancy between culture-based methods, enumerating cultivable MAP organisms, and other methods enumerating total MAP organisms irrespective of viability, hence these methods are not directly comparable. However, they are complementary and should be used in parallel when accuracy is required. We review currently available methods, their principles, limitations and equivalence between methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the viability of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts is crucial to establish the public health significance of this environmental transmission stage that can contaminate water and foods. Interest for molecular-based methods to assess viability is growing and the aim of our study was to assess, for the first time, a propidium monoazide (PMA)-qPCR approach to determine the viability of T. gondii oocysts. Untreated and heat-killed (99 °C, 5 min) oocysts were incubated with PMA, a photoreactive DNA binding dye, and analyzed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry to characterize oocysts' dye permeability. Different PMA concentrations (50 to 150 μM), incubation temperatures (22, 37, and 45 °C), amplicon length, selected targeted gene, and dyes (PMA, PMAxx™) were evaluated to define optimal conditions to discriminate specifically viable oocysts by PMA-qPCR. In theory, PMA binding to DNA would inhibit PCR amplification in dead but not in viable oocysts. Incubation at 22 °C with 100 μM PMA coupled to qPCR targeting a 123-bp sequence of the 529-bp repeat element allowed the distinction between viable and heated oocysts. However, the reduction of viability following heating of oocysts at high temperature was slight and, contrarily to reverse transcriptase-qPCR, the qPCR signal was not totally suppressed in heated suspensions. Therefore, PMA-qPCR is able to assess the impact of heating on T. gondii oocysts' viability but underestimates the efficacy of this treatment. The relevance of this technique to evaluate the efficacy of other inactivation processes and assess exposure of humans to this pathogen requires further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wolbachia bacteria inhabit the cells of about half of all arthropod species, an unparalleled success stemming in large part from selfish invasive strategies. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), whereby the symbiont makes itself essential to embryo viability, is the most common of these and constitutes a promising weapon against vector-borne diseases. After decades of theoretical and experimental struggle, major recent advances have been made toward a molecular understanding of this phenomenon. As pieces of the puzzle come together, from yeast and Drosophila fly transgenesis to CI diversity patterns in natural mosquito populations, it becomes clearer than ever that the CI induction and rescue stem from a toxin–antidote (TA) system. Further, the tight association of the CI genes with prophages provides clues to the possible evolutionary origin of this phenomenon and the levels of selection at play. Highlights Wolbachia are maternally inherited intracellular bacteria of many Arthropod species. They can invade populations through various strategies including CI, whereby the symbionts protect eggs from the lethal effect of the sperm of infected males. It has long been proposed that this phenomenon may rely on a toxin deposited by the bacterium before its elimination from maturing sperm, and on an antidote that is provided in an infected egg by the maternal symbiont. Recent research toward the molecular basis of CI has turned the spotlight on two syntenic loci in a prophage region which recapitulate the CI phenotype and are organized in a typical TA fashion. This genetic architecture, that is archetypal of TA systems that promote the spread of selfish mobile elements in free-living bacteria, provides clues to the possible evolutionary origin of CI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lichen Buellia frigida was exposed to space and simulated Mars analog conditions in the Biology and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX) project operated outside the International Space Station (ISS) for 1.5 years. To determine the effects of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) conditions on the lichen symbionts, a LIVE/DEAD staining analysis test was performed. After return from the ISS, the lichen symbionts demonstrated mortality rates of up to 100% for the algal symbiont and up to 97.8% for the fungal symbiont. In contrast, the lichen symbiont controls exhibited mortality rates of 10.3% up to 31.9% for the algal symbiont and 14.5% for the fungal symbiont. The results performed in the BIOMEX Mars simulation experiment on the ISS indicate that the potential for survival and the resistance of the lichen B. frigida to LEO conditions are very low. It is unlikely that Mars could be inhabited by this lichen, even for a limited amount of time, or even not habitable planet for the tested lichen symbionts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metazoans contain two homologs of the Gcn5-binding protein Ada2, Ada2a and Ada2b, which nucleate formation of the ATAC and SAGA complexes, respectively. In Drosophila melanogaster, there are two splice isoforms of Ada2b: Ada2b-PA and Ada2b-PB. Here, we show that only the Ada2b-PB isoform is in SAGA; in contrast, Ada2b-PA associates with Gcn5, Ada3, Sgf29 and Chiffon, forming the Chiffon histone acetyltransferase (CHAT) complex. Chiffon is the Drosophila ortholog of Dbf4, which binds and activates the cell cycle kinase Cdc7 to initiate DNA replication. In flies, Chiffon and Cdc7 are required in ovary follicle cells for gene amplification, a specialized form of DNA re-replication. Although chiffon was previously reported to be dispensable for viability, here, we find that Chiffon is required for both histone acetylation and viability in flies. Surprisingly, we show that chiffon is a dicistronic gene that encodes distinct Cdc7- and CHAT-binding polypeptides. Although the Cdc7-binding domain of Chiffon is not required for viability in flies, the CHAT-binding domain is essential for viability, but is not required for gene amplification, arguing against a role in DNA replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophobic bioactives can be more easily incorporated into food and have their bioavailability enhanced if nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are used as carriers. In the present study, beta-carotene-loaded NLC were produced by low emulsification using murumuru butter and a mixture of Span 80 and Cremophor RH40 as surfactants. Their average diameter was 35 nm and alpha-tocopherol was required to protect the encapsulated β-carotene. Besides the evaluation of their physicochemical stability, NLC were submitted to dynamic in vitro digestion and cell viability assays with Caco-2 and HEPG cells. The bioaccessibility of beta-carotene in the dynamic system was about 42%. Regarding cell viability, results indicated NLC were toxic to the cell cultures tested. Such high toxicity is probably related to the type of surfactant used and to the extremely reduced particle size, which may have led to an intense and fast permeation of the NLC through the cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Methionine deprivation of cancer cells, which are deficient in methionine biosynthesis, has been envisioned as a therapeutic strategy to reduce cancer cell viability. Methionine γ-lyase (MGL), an enzyme that degrades methionine, has been exploited to selectively remove the amino acid from cancer cell environment. In order to increase MGL catalytic activity, we performed sequence and structure conservation analysis of MGLs from various microorganisms. Whereas most of the residues in the active site and at the dimer interface were found to be conserved, residues located in the C-terminal flexible loop, forming a wall of the active site entry channel, were found to be variable. Therefore, we carried out site-saturation mutagenesis at four independent positions of the C-terminal flexible loop, P357, V358, P360 and A366 of MGL from Citrobacter freundii , generating libraries that were screened for activity. Among the active variants, V358Y exhibits a 1.9-fold increase in the catalytic rate and a 3-fold increase in K M , resulting in a catalytic efficiency similar to wild type MGL. V358Y cytotoxic activity was assessed towards a panel of cancer and nonmalignant cell lines and found to exhibit IC 50 lower than the wild type. The comparison of the 3D-structure of V358Y MGL with other MGL available structures indicates that the C-terminal loop is either in an open or closed conformation that does not depend on the amino acid at position 358. Nevertheless, mutations at this position allosterically affects catalysis. Highlights • The C-terminal loop of C. freundii MGL is highly variant. • Most mutations at positions P357, V358, P360 and A366 cause enzyme inactivation. • Variant V358Y showed two-fold increase in catalytic rate and K M. • Comparison of X-ray structures of MGLs and V358Y suggests a conformational adaptation to mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose Quantifying multiple NMR properties of sodium could be of benefit to assess changes in cellular viability in biological tissues. A proof of concept of Quantitative Imaging using Configuration States (QuICS) based on a SSFP sequence with multiple contrasts was implemented to extract simultaneously 3D maps of applied flip angle (FA), total sodium concentration, T 1 , T 2 , and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC). Methods A 3D Cartesian Gradient Recalled Echo (GRE) sequence was used to acquire 11 non-balanced SSFP contrasts at a 6 × 6 × 6 mm3 isotropic resolution with carefully-chosen gradient spoiling area, RF amplitude and phase cycling, with TR/TE = 20/3.2 ms and 25 averages, leading to a total acquisition time of 1 h 18 min. A least-squares fit between the measured and the analytical complex signals was performed to extract quantitative maps from a mono-exponential model. Multiple sodium phantoms with different compositions were studied to validate the ability of the method to measure sodium NMR properties in various conditions. Results Flip angle maps were retrieved. Relaxation times, ADC and sodium concentrations were estimated with controlled precision below 15%, and were in accordance with measurements from established methods and literature. Conclusion The results illustrate the ability to retrieve sodium NMR properties maps, which is a first step toward the estimation of FA, T 1 , T 2 , concentration and ADC of 23Na for clinical research. With further optimization of the acquired QuICS contrasts, scan time could be reduced to be suitable with in vivo applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apatinib, a small-molecule multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is widely used to treat various types of solid tumors. In the present study, it was investigated whether apatinib has therapeutic potential for glioma. Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays were utilized to determine the cell viability of p53- and EGFR-mutated U251MG glioma cells, and wild-type U-87MG ATCC glioma cells. Furthermore, apoptosis, and the invasion and migration abilities of glioma cells were investigated by flow cytometry, invasion assays and wound-healing assays. The potential of the combination of apatinib with temozolomide (TMZ) for glioma therapy was also investigated. The results demonstrate that apatinib significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation through promoting cell apoptosis in p53- and EGFR-mutated and wild-type glioma cells. Cell invasion and migration abilities were notably decreased following treatment with apatinib. Overall, the present study indicates a synergistic antitumor effect of apatinib and TMZ in glioma, and presents a basis for the use of apatinib in glioma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Synthesis of angiopep-2 capped PEGylated 2ME2 conjugates. • Preparation and characterization of ANG-PEG-2ME2/2ME2 micelles. • ANG-PEG-2ME2/2ME2 micelles could effectively alleviate the injury of PC12 cells. Abstract 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2), as a microtubule and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) inhibitor, can be used to treat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, its poor water solubility compromises its efficacy as a neuroprotectant. Herein, we synthesized PEGylated 2ME2 and angiopep-2 capped PEGylated 2ME2 and fabricated angiopep-2 modified PEGylated 2ME2 micelles containing free 2ME2 (ANG-PEG-2ME2/2ME2) via emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The effect of the micelles on ischemia-reoxygenation injury was evaluated by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) models with different degrees of PC12 cell damage. In comparison with free 2ME2, the micelles significantly increased the cell viability, inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis for PC12 cells with 0.5 and 4 h OGD followed by 24 h reoxygenation. Taken together, the angiopep-2 modified 2ME2-loaded micelles could effectively reduce the injury of PC12 cells induced by OGD/R. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a severe complication of diabetes, which seriously affects the life quality of patients. Because of the damage caused by DR, there is an urgent need to develop effective drugs. Folic acid, a water-soluble vitamin, is one of the vitamin B complexes. Folic acid is widely found in the meat and vegetables. In the clinic, low folic acid levels in the body may have a certain correlation with DR. However, there is no relevant basic research proving a relationship between folic acid levels and DR. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate whether folic acid has a protective effect on the retinal vascular endothelial cells against high glucose levels. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of action of folic acid was further explored. The results showed that folic acid significantly suppressed the cell viability, tube length, migrated cells and the percentage of BrdU+ cells compared with the high glucose group. Moreover, folic acid decreased the mRNA expression of TEAD1 and the protein expression of TEAD1 and YAP1. These findings indicate that folic acid can protect retinal vascular endothelial cells from high glucose-induced injury by regulating the proteins in the Hippo signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S100 calcium-binding protein A6 (S100A6) is up-regulated in many malignancies and overexpression of S100A6 has been identified associated with proliferation, migration and invasion phenotype in several cancer cells. In the present study, we explored whether S100A6 plays a role in the development of endometriosis. Significantly higher levels of mRNA and protein expression of S100A6 were observed in ectopic endometrial tissues compared to eutopic and normal endometrial tissues. Silencing of S100A6 in ectopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) significantly inhibited cell viability, migration and invasion. Moreover, knockdown of S100A6 suppressed p38/MAPK activity in ectopic ESCs, which can be partially attenuated by CacyBP/SIP phosphorylation inhibitor. In conclusion, our results suggest that the abnormal expression of S100A6 may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis and the S100A6/CacyBP/p38 signaling may provide as a promising treatment target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of functional specialization is a core problem in biology. In this work we focus on the emergence of reproductive (germ) and vegetative viability-enhancing (soma) cell functions (or germ-soma specialization). We consider a group of cells and assume that they contribute to two different evolutionary tasks, fecundity and viability. The potential of cells to contribute to fitness components is traded off. As embodied in current models, the curvature of the trade-off between fecundity and viability is concave in small-sized organisms and convex in large-sized multicellular organisms. We present a general mathematical model that explores how the division of labor in a cell colony depends on the trade-off curvatures, a resource constraint and different fecundity and viability rates. Moreover, we consider the case of different trade-off functions for different cells. We describe the set of all possible solutions of the formulated mathematical programming problem and show some interesting examples of optimal specialization strategies found for our objective fitness function. Our results suggest that the transition to specialized organisms can be achieved in several ways. The evolution of Volvocalean green algae is considered to illustrate the application of our model. The proposed model can be generalized to address a number of important biological issues, including the evolution of specialized enzymes and the emergence of complex organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel sampling method was established to study changes in the activity of lactic acid bacteria during spray drying. Before spray drying, a sampling device with a refrigerant and a magnet was pre-cooled and positioned in a spray-drying tower. Carbonyl iron powder (CIP) was added to the drying media to increase the sampling mass by the magnetic effect. During drying, a temperature sensor measured the particle contact temperature. After drying, the sample in the sampling device was taken out to analyze the characteristics, including the mass, water content, and bacteria livability in the sample. The sampling device and method were optimized with a sampling cup with a depth of 3.5 cm (for contact temperatures below 79.1°C) or 5 cm (for contact temperatures below 89.1°C). The ratio of CIP to reconstituted skim milk (RSM) was 1:10, and RSM concentration was not lower than 20% (w/w). This method was then applied to spray drying of Lactobacillus bulgaricus sp1.1. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that 2 mL of sterile water placed in the sampling cup prior to drying resulted in a more accurate measurement of cell viability. This sampling method can be used in practical spray drying applications for biological materials without using a special instrument or drying tower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest decay of fruits, vegetables, and grains by fungal pathogens causes significant economic losses. Infected produce presents a potential health risk since some decay fungi produce mycotoxins that are hazardous to human health. Infections are the result of the interplay between host resistance and pathogen virulence. Both of these processes, however, are significantly impacted by environmental factors, such as temperature, UV, oxidative stress, and water activity. In the present review, the impact of various physical postharvest treatments (e.g., heat and UV) on the viability and virulence of postharvest pathogens is reviewed and discussed. Oxidative injury, protein impairment, and cell wall degradation have all been proposed as the mechanisms by which these abiotic stresses reduce fungal viability and pathogenicity. The response of decay fungi to pH and the ability of pathogens to modulate the pH of the host environment also affect pathogenicity. The effects of the manipulation of the postharvest environment by ethylene, natural edible coatings, and controlled atmosphere storage on fungal viability are also discussed. Lastly, avenues of future research are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Gallic acid (GA) and boron are found in many plants. Our previous studies showed 6 ng/ml boric acid (BA) had positive effect on biochemistry of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, we investigate the effect of different doses of GA alone and in the presence of BA on MSCs. Materials and methods the viability of MSCs was assayed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and trypan blue at 12, 24 and 36 h in presence of different concentration of GA. Then 30 and 120 μM of GA as well as 6 ng/ml of BA in 36 h were selected for further study. The proliferation, Morphology, sodium and potassium level, concentration of calcium, activity of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were estimated. Result Results showed GA alone reduced viability, proliferation, nuclear diameter and cytoplasm area. In addition, GA showed anaerobic metabolic shift but no change in MDA and scavenging enzymes. Both concentration of GA caused elevation of FRAP, whereas only at 120 μM increased the sodium-potassium and reduced calcium. The co-treatment of GA and BA improves the viability, proliferation and morphology of the cells. In addition, co-treatment compensated the metabolic shift caused by GA and could balance the potassium level and FRAP as it was raised by GA. Conclusion Although GA content of tea is harmful to the cells but simultaneous consumption of fruits and vegetables as a rich source of boron might compensate the damaging effect of GA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Males of some eusocial hymenopterans live in sheltered hives where they are raised by sister workers until they are ready to mate. Large amounts of colony resources are invested in the care and nurturing of males, as they provide no contributions to colony maintenance apart from reproduction. Colonies of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L., have one queen, thousands of female workers, and a few thousand seasonal males (drones) that are reared only during the reproductive season when colony resources are plentiful. We examined the viability of spermatozoa in sexually mature drones from eight apiaries in three counties in Central Texas during the summers of 2013 and 2014. We sampled 1,622 drones from two counties in 2013, and 556 drones from three counties in 2014. Using dual fluorescent flow cytometry, viability of drone spermatozoa was measured as the proportion of total spermatozoa that was viable. The average spermatozoa viability was 46.2% in 2013 and 67.0% in 2014. We found significant variation in spermatozoa viability across apiaries, with viability in Apiary 5 significantly lower and viability in Apiary 11 significantly greater than viability in the other apiaries sampled in 2013. Likewise, males in apiaries 6 and 7 had significantly lower average viability of spermatozoa compared with other apiaries analyzed in 2014. However, the changes were not consistent across apiaries during the 2 years sampled. Our results suggested that other factors such as exposure to insecticides or seasonal availability of forage might be more important than inter-colonial genetic differences in fertility of honey bee drones during the reproductive season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparison of two storage techniques (Castellani's method and freezing) was carried out for 16 isolates of four Fusarium head blight species and 54 isolates of Cochliobolus sativus causing spot blotch and common root rot. The viability, purity and morphological stability of cultures were verified for a one year period. Duplicate isolates were stored as a fungal suspension in sterile distilled water at 4 °C, and fungal cultures by freezing at –16 °C. The viability of 70 isolates was 100% for the two storage methods. Morphological alternations and pathogenic contaminations were not detected. All isolates were able to retain viability, purity and morphological stability by the two tested storage methods for over 12 months. Castellani's method and freezing were found to be safe, easy, inexpensive and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ewe age on conception rates, prolificacy, productivity, and viability using 1,408 Akkaraman ewes from the Yarma neighborhood in Konya City, Turkey. The least-squares means for these parameters of all flocks were 91.27 ± 0.11, 135 ± 0.30, 86.38 ± 0.01, and 94.63 ± 0.01%, respectively. In addition, the effects of the sex of the offspring and the birth type (i.e., single, twin) on viability were included in the study. Except for viability, the effect of ewe age on these parameters was statistically significant (P < .01). Two-year-old ewes exhibited the maximum productivity. The year factor (i.e., time of year, weather, etc.) had a significant effect on all parameters (P < .01 and P < .05). Sex and birth type effects on viability were not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utility of microalgal biomass and bioproducts depends on long-term maintenance of certain physiological or biochemical features of the species. While unique characteristics may not be durably maintained with general subculture, cryopreservation methods better prevent alterations from desired characteristics. Post-thaw viability is critical to establishing microalgal cultures, and there is a critical need to effectively and rapidly evaluate microalgal viability after the post-thawing process. In the present study, we developed a rapid assay based on the change of fluorescence ratio to determine microalgal viability post-thaw. It was shown that the assessment of microalgal viability by the fluorescence ratio method correlated well with that of the FDA-staining (R 2  = 0.978) and regrowth method (R 2  = 0.976), demonstrating that the present method could be applied in the high-throughput detection of viability of microalgal strains. Subsequent to establishing this method, we aimed to find out optimal cryopreservation protocol for each strain from a group of 125 microalgal strains. The viability of these strains under different treatments was quickly evaluated by the fluorescence ratio method. Of these strains, 95 attained post-thaw viability over 60%. DMSO was a suitable cryoprotectant for most strains at a concentration ≤10%. Based on the dataset, the relative contribution of 3 variables-genus, cryoprotectants and concentration to post-viability was analyzed with the Random Forest (RF) classification method. All variables together could explain 97.8% of the viability, and type and concentration of cryoprotectant could explain 59.1% in Chlorophyta. This study provided a new approach for viability assay and demonstrated that this method can facilitate to find out the optimal protocols for cryopreservation of microalgal strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response surface methodology (RSM) is a commonly used system to optimize cryoprotectants of biocontrol strains when they are subjected to preparations. Various kinds of cryoprotectants and centrifugal conditions were tested to improve the survival of biocontrol agents after freeze-drying. To determine the optimum levels of incorporation of three cryoprotectants (glucose, trehalose and xylitol) in the freeze-drying process of strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B1408, a range of experiments based on Box-Behnken Design (BBD) were conducted. The results indicated that the suitable centrifugation conditions were 5000 r/min,10 min and the optimum concentrations of cryoprotectants were glucose 1.00%, trehalose 4.74% and xylitol 1.45%. The proven survival rate of cells after freeze-drying was 91.24%. These results convincingly demonstrated that freeze-drying could be used to preparation of biocontrol strain B1408. This study provides a theoretical basis for commercial possibilities and formulation development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life and other dissipative structures involve nonlinear dynamics that are not amenable to conventional analysis. Advances are being made in theory, modeling, and simulation techniques, but we do not have general principles for designing, controlling, stabilizing, or eliminating these systems. There is thus a need for tools that can transform high-level descriptions of these systems into useful guidance for their modification and design. In this article we introduce new methods for quantifying the viability of dissipative structures. We then present an information-theoretical approach for evaluating the quality of viability indicators, measurable quantities that covary with, and thus can be used to predict or influence, a system's viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether serum concentrations of Ang-1, Ang-2, Flt-1, IL-15 and/or TRAIL can be used to predict outcome in women with pregnancies of uncertain viability (PUVs). Women presenting to the Early Pregnancy Unit at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham between 17.06.14 and 01.09.15 were prospectively recruited. Serum concentrations of Ang-1, Ang-2, Flt-1, IL-15 and TRAIL were measured in women with PUVs. Women were followed-up according to departmental protocols until viability was determined. Biomarker concentrations were correlated with pregnancy outcome. Ninety-four PUVs were studied, of which 61 (64.9%) were subsequently proven to be viable. There were statistically significant (p < .01), linear (p-valuetrend <.01) associations between Ang-2 and Flt-1 concentrations and pregnancy viability such that women with lower concentrations were significantly more likely to have viable pregnancies than women with higher concentrations. In conclusion, Ang-2 and Flt-1 may be useful in predicting outcome in women with PUVs. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: Predicting outcome in women with pregnancies of uncertain viability (PUVs) is challenging. There is currently no accurate and reliable method. All PUVs need to be followed-up until a definitive diagnosis of either a viable or non-viable pregnancy can be made. This takes time, utilises limited resources and generates significant anxiety. Recent studies have demonstrated serum concentrations of Ang-1, Ang-2, Flt-1, IL-15 and TRAIL in viable pregnancies are significantly different to those in non-viable or ectopic pregnancies. What the results of this study add: The results from this prospective study of 94 women with PUVs suggest that serum concentrations of Ang-2 and Flt-1 may be able to predict pregnancy viability in cases of uncertainty. Women with PUVs and low concentrations of Ang-2 or Flt-1 are significantly more likely to have viable pregnancies than women with high concentrations. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: Evidence from multiple studies is necessary to appreciate the discriminating ability of these prognostic factors. Rapid clinical adoption in the absence of such evidence may lead to wasted resources. If our findings are confirmed, however, these biomarkers, either alone or as part of a prognostic model, may be capable of accurately predicting pregnancy outcome in cases of uncertainty. This would reduce the strain on limited resources and alleviate anxiety for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: Development of new semen cryopreservation techniques improving sperm survival and ensuring availability of viable spermatozoa for a prolonged time‐period after AI is promising tools to reduce sensitivity of timing of AI and enhance overall fertility. The SpermVital® technology utilizes immobilization of bull spermatozoa in a solid network of alginate gel prior to freezing, which will provide a gradual release of spermatozoa after AI. The objective of this study was to compare post‐thaw sperm quality and in vitro sperm survival over time of Norwegian Red bull semen processed by the SpermVital® (SV) technology, the first commercialized production line of SpermVital® (C) and by conventional procedure applying Biladyl® extender (B). Post‐thaw sperm motility was not significantly different between SV, C and B semen (p > .05). However, sperm viability and acrosome intactness were higher for SV than C and B semen (p < .05). Small differences in DNA quality were observed (p < .05). Sperm viability after storage in uterus ex vivo was higher for SV than for C semen (p < .05). Furthermore, sperm survival in vitro over time at physiological temperature was significantly higher for SV semen than C semen as well as B semen during the incubation period of 48 hr (p < .05). In conclusion, the SpermVital® technology is improved and is more efficient in conserving post‐thaw sperm quality and results in higher sperm viability over time in vitro for SV than for C and B semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The first tissue-engineered clinical tracheal transplant prepared using the detergent-enzymatic method resulted in graft stenosis, possibly from detergent-enzymatic method-induced graft non-viability. We reported on the transplantation of de-epithelialized tracheal allografts while maintaining cartilage viability in dogs. No lethal stenosis occurred in allografts. Herein, on the basis of previous experimentation, we assessed cartilage viability in detergent-treated cartilages. METHODS: Six canine tracheal grafts were treated with detergent [1% t-octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (Triton X-100)] before transplantation. The histoarchitecture was evaluated, and the viable chondrocytes ratio was calculated. Glycosaminoglycan was detected using safranin-O staining. Collagen II was tested using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The epithelium was completely removed in 5 grafts. Compared with fresh tracheas, the viable chondrocyte ratio was significantly reduced in the de-epithelialized grafts (100 vs 54.70 ± 8.56%; P < 0.001). Image analysis revealed that the mean optical density of glycosaminoglycan (0.363 ± 0.027 vs 0.307 ± 0.012; P = 0.007) and collagen II (0.115 ± 0.013 vs 0.092 ± 0.011; P = 0.028) was decreased. The observation period ranged from 91 to 792 days. No stenosis occurred in 5 allografts; moderate stenosis developed in 1 allograft during the 4th week after surgery. The chondrocyte nuclei almost completely disappeared. Both glycosaminoglycan (0.307 ± 0.012 vs 0.164 ± 0.104; P = 0.044) and collagen II (0.092 ± 0.011 vs 0.068 ± 0.022; P = 0.022) were significantly degraded. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated successful tracheal transplantation; about 50% of the viable chondrocytes were retained in the cartilage that could prevent development of a lethal stenosis in tracheal grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strategies of crossing B. napus with parental species play important role in broadening and improving the genetic basis of B. napus by the introgression of genetic resources from parental species. With these strategies, it is easy to select new types of B. napus, but difficult to select new types of B. rapa or B. oleracea by self-pollination. This characteristic may be a consequence of high competition with B. napus gametes. To verify the role of gamete viability in producing new B. napus individuals, the meiotic chromosome behavior of the interspecific hybrid between B. napus (Zhongshuang 9) and B. oleracea (6m08) was studied, and microspore-derived (MD) individuals were analyzed. The highest fitness of the 9:19 (1.10%) pattern was observed with a 5.49-fold higher than theoretical expectation among the six chromosome segregation patterns in the hybrid. A total of 43 MD lines with more than 14 chromosomes were developed from the hybrid, and 8 (18.6%) of them were B. napus-like (n = 19) type gametes, having the potential to broaden the genetic basis of natural B. napus (GD = 0.43 ± 0.04). It is easy to produce B. napus-like gametes with 19 chromosomes, and these gametes showed high fitness and competition in the microspore-derived lines, suggesting it might be easy to select new types of B. napus from the interspecific hybrid between B. napus and B. oleracea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally determined minimal media requirements for Gemmata obscuriglobus , a Gram-negative Planctomycete bacteria with several unusual physiological features. We find that supplementing media with the usual vitamins solution does not improve viability, but does result in an increased growth rate in liquid cultures and a larger colony size on agar plates. By systematically including individual vitamins, or omitting individual vitamins, from media we find that the addition of only two vitamins, biotin and cyanocobalamin, are sufficient to restore colony growth to comparable rates as other commonly used media. Overall, our findings define minimal media requirements for the culturing of this low-nutrient organism. One of G. obscuriglobus unusual physiological features is the ability to internalize fully-folded proteins. Using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometery we show that this physiological behavior is dependent on media state and composition. The percentage of cells exhibiting internalization of GFP when grown on a particular, solid minimal medium is far greater than cells grown in liquid medium of similar composition or other solid media with different compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit pulps from Navel (N) and Cara Cara (CC) oranges, and Clementine mandarin freshly harvested (M) and refrigerated stored (M12) were used to evaluate the cytoprotective effect of their bioaccessible fractions (BF) against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells. BF of samples preserved viability vs. H 2 O 2 treated cells, reaching values similar to controls. Lipid peroxidation was reduced to levels of control cells, but M did not reach control values. ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential changes (Δψ m ) values were reduced compared with H 2 O 2 treated cells, but without achieving control levels. A significant reduction in cell proportions in G1 phase and a significant increase in sub-G1 phase (apoptosis) of cell cycle was shown in H 2 O 2 treated cells, and BF allowed a recovery close to control levels. Thus, BF of samples protect the cells from oxidative stress by preserving cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential and correct cell cycle progression, and diminishing lipid peroxidation and ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at examining possible impact of the body condition of breeding bulls on the motility and viability of the sperm following freezing-thawing. The breeding bulls (n = 16) of Holstein and Czech Fleckvieh breeds were classified to the body condition score (BCS) grade according to a five-point scale with an accuracy of 0.25 points. The sperm samples of the bulls estimated as BCS grades 2, 3 or 4 were frozen in a programmable freezing device and stored in a liquid nitrogen for approximately one year. Following thawing the motility parameters (total motility - TM; progressive movement - PM) were analysed using the CASA Sperm VisionTM system at the intervals of 0, 0.5 or 2 h post-thaw. Viability parameters of sperm - plasma membrane integrity (peanut agglutinin, PNA-FITC), apoptotic rate (Yo-Pro-1) and dead/necrotic cell (propidium iodide/DAPI) rates were analysed at the same day using fluorescent microscope. Only minor non-significant difference was observed between BCS2 and BCS3 bull sperm in all studied parameters. However, significant differences in the sperm parameters were noted between bulls with BCS2 and BCS4. In particular, the BCS4 bulls showed significantly lower (p = 0.5) TM and PM than the BCS2 bulls. Moreover, significantly higher proportion (p = 0.5) of sperm with damaged plasma membrane and dead/necrotic sperm was revealed in the BCS4 bulls compared to the bulls of BCS2. These observations indicate that higher score of the body condition may negatively affect the quality of bull ejaculates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spermatheca is an organ that stores and maintains viability of sperm until fertilization. It has an important role in copulation and oviposition, and it is highly informative in species delimitation. Here, we present a comparative study of the spermathecal morphology in the coleopteran family Megalopodidae. The spermathecae of 34 species, representing 13 genera and all three subfamilies, were studied. Illustrations are newly provided for all species, except in 14 cases in which illustrations were reproduced from previously published literature. Our results show that each subfamily of Megalopodidae can be effectively differentiated based on the particular spermathecal anatomy. In addition, the spermathecal anatomy presents a range of variation within each subfamily, useful for diagnosing species and, in some cases, identifying groups of genera. For instance, the "American group" is thus recognized in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial quality control is important for maintaining cellular and oocyte viability. In addition, aging affects mitochondrial quality in many cell types. In the present study, we examined how aging affects oocyte mitochondrial biogenesis and degeneration in response to induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Cumulus oocyte complexes were harvested from the ovaries of young (21‒45 months) and aged (≥120 months) cows and treated for 2 hours with 10 μM carbonyl cyanide-m- chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), or a vehicle control, after which cumulus oocyte complexes were subjected to in vitro fertilization and culture. CCCP treatment reduced ATP content and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the oocytes of both young and aged cows. When CCCP-treated cumulus oocyte complexes were subsequently cultured for 19 hours and/or subjected to fertilization, high ROS levels in oocytes and a low rate of blastocyst development was observed in oocytes derived from aged cows. In addition, we observed differential responses in mitochondrial biogenesis to CCCP treatment between young and aged cows. CCCP treatment enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis concomitant with upregulation of SIRT1 expression in oocytes of young, but not aged, cows. In conclusion, aging affects mitochondrial quality control and recuperation of oocytes following CCCP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Weaning stress affects the small intestine of piglets. MiR-146b is differentially expressed in suckling and weaned piglets. In this study, we evaluated the effects of miR-146b on cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis in IPEC-J2 cells. Results: Transfection with miR-146b mimics successfully increased miR-146b levels by 1000x (P < 0.001). The overexpression of miR-146b significantly promoted the apoptosis (P < 0.01) of IPEC-J2 cells, with no significant effects on cell viability or proliferation. MiR-146b suppressed the luciferase activity of the miR-TLR4-wt by 57% compared with the negative control, while mutation of the miR-146b binding site significantly blocked the suppressive effect (P < 0.05). Western blot results showed that TLR4 levels decreased in IPEC-J2 cells transfected with miR-146b mimics (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The over-expression of miR-146b promotes IPEC-J2 cell apoptosis. TLR4 is a direct target of miR-146b in IPEC-J2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phototrophic microorganisms are very abundant in extreme environments, where are subjected to frequent and strong changes in environmental parameters. Nevertheless, little is known about the physiological effects of these changing environmental conditions on viability of these microorganisms, which are difficult to grow in solid media and have the tendency to form aggregates. For that reason, it is essential to develop methodologies that provide data in short time consuming, in vivo and with minimal manipulating the samples, in response to distinct stress conditions. In this paper, we present a novel method using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and a Dual Laser (CLSM-DL) for determining the cell viability of phototrophic microorganisms without the need of either staining or additional use of image treating software. In order to differentiate viable and nonviable Scenedesmus sp. DE2009 cells, a sequential scan in two different channels was carried out from each same xyz optical section. On the one hand, photosynthetic pigments fluorescence signal (living cells) was recorded at the red channel (625- to 785-nm fluorescence emission) exciting the samples with a 561-nm laser diode, and an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) of 20%. On the other hand, nonphotosynthetic autofluorescence signal (dead cells) was recorded at the green channel (500- to 585-nm fluorescence emission) using a 405-nm UV laser, an AOTF of 15%. Both types of fluorescence signatures were captured with a hybrid detector. The validation of the CLSM-DL method was performed with SYTOX green fluorochrome and electron microscopic techniques, and it was also applied for studying the response of distinct light intensities, salinity doses and exposure times on a consortium of Scenedesmus sp. DE2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]