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Brachinites are igneous, ultramafic and unbrecciated primitive achondrites mainly composed of olivine and pyroxene, with a partial melt residue or cumulate origin that is still debated. This study presents a petrological and microstructural study of 10 brachinite meteorites to identify igneous and deformation processes responsible for their formation. Detailed microstructural analyses were performed using secondary electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and electron backscatter diffraction. The olivine‐spinel and two‐pyroxene closure temperatures of these brachinites ranged from 814 ± 27 to 909 ± 20°C. Olivine [001] axes coincide with the elongation of olivine grains and the crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO) of clinopyroxene [001] axes, which led us to infer lineation as olivine [001] axes parallel to X for all samples. Olivine CPO displays a strong or medium concentration of [001] axes parallel to X and [010] axes parallel to Z pointing to a B‐type fabric. Limited internal deformation of olivine grains and slip systems identified from low‐angle boundary misorientation analyses are inconsistent with the CPO and grain misorientation distributions are close to those found in untextured rocks. Olivine B‐type fabrics may therefore result not from plastic deformation but rather from rigid crystal rotation or preferential crystal growth during compaction. Olivine subgrain boundary misorientation axes imply limited activation of [001](100) and [100](001) slip systems, which could be due to primary plastic deformation during or after crystal settling. These new results reveal that brachinites developed a cumulate texture and accommodated only weak plastic deformation during early differentiation processes in the parent body. Plain Language Summary: Brachinite meteorites, rich in olivine and pyroxene, are classified as ultramafic and unbrecciated primitive achondrites. However, the precise way in which they formed is still a subject of debate. This study conducted a thorough petrological and microstructural examination of 10 brachinites using scanning electron microscopy, microprobe, and electron backscatter diffraction. The findings reveal that the closure temperatures of the brachinites are between 814 ± 27 and 909 ± 20°C. Olivine crystal preferred orientations (CPO) indicate a B‐type fabric [001](010), characterized by a strong to moderate concentration of [001] axes (slip direction) parallel to the lineation and [010] axes (slip plane) perpendicular to the foliation. Grain misorientation distributions resemble those found in untextured rocks (e.g., undeformed granular peridotite), implying that the B‐type fabrics in olivine were a result of rigid crystal rotation or preferential crystal growth during cumulate formation or melt flow alignment and weak compaction. Olivine subgrain boundary misorientation axes suggest limited activation of [001](100) C‐type and [100](001) E‐type slip systems, which could be the result of compaction and primary plastic deformation during or after crystal settling. These new results indicate that brachinites developed a cumulate texture and accommodated only weak plastic deformation during early differentiation processes in the parent body. Key Points: Petrology and microstructural analyses allow classification of the studied brachinites into two groups suggesting different igneous processesThe brachinites display cumulate textures with magma flow and variable weak compaction intensitiesOlivine underwent early plastic deformation, and moderate to weak intensities of [010] axes normal to compaction point to relative brachinite locations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydration of the oceanic mantle is a fundamental process of the global water cycle promoting chemical and volumetric changes and facilitating mantle exhumation along detachment faults. At which depth these processes occur and how fluids circulate along ductile mantle shear zones are, however, less well constrained. Here we present field, chemical, and microstructural evidence of hydration processes of peridotite mylonites within an upper mantle shear zone from an Alpine ophiolite (Lanzo massif, Italy). Mylonitic and ultramylonitic areas of the anastomosing shear zone are enriched in Cl‐bearing amphibole. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data indicate the activation of the (100)[001] amphibole slip system arguing for synkinematic growth and deformation at temperatures consistent with Mg‐hornblende stability between 800°C and 850°C. High Cl contents in amphibole (0.15–0.61 wt%) as well as oxygen isotope data (δ18Owhole‐rock between 4.4‰ and 4.7‰) indicate accumulation and focusing of seawater‐derived fluid in mylonitic and ultramylonitic domains. Such hydration processes are consistent with strain partitioning between water‐poor (less deformed) and water‐rich (intensely deformed) layers, consistent with changes in olivine and pyroxene crystallographic preferred orientations (CPOs). Our results support recent geophysical data from ultraslow spreading mid‐ocean ridge systems that fluids might penetrate beyond the stability of serpentine to depth between 6 and 15 km. Such peridotite shear zones act as fluid pathways for long‐lived detachment faults or oceanic transform faults, along which upper mantle rocks are exhumed to the seafloor. Fracturing and fluid flow along such peridotite shear zones might be recorded by deep microseismicity along ultraslow spreading ridges. Key Points: Mylonitic and ultramylonitic domains are enriched in Cl‐bearing Mg‐hornblende (Mg‐Hbl)Synkinematic Mg‐hornblende was formed between 800°C and 850°CMg‐Hbl mylonites can be the geological expression of microseismicity in mid‐ocean ridges and act as fluid pathways along detachment faults [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Materialwissenschaft und Werkstoffechnik is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Materialwissenschaft und Werkstoffechnik is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Proper function of the blood-testis barrier is pivotal to spermatogenesis. Synchronised action of matrix metalloproteinases ( MMP) and their inhibitors ( TIMP) is mandatory to maintain dynamic balance of the barrier. Therefore, the association of functional genetic variants of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 and male infertility was studied. A total of 416 infertile males and 421 healthy subjects were genotyped for 7 SNPs within MMP2, MMP9 and TIMP2 genes, along with the assessment of semen parameters (concentration, motility and morphology of spermatozoa). No association was observed between the studied genotypes and male infertility. However, higher sperm concentration was associated with TIMP2 rs8080623 C and rs2277698 T variants among infertile men, and with MMP9 rs17576 A minor allele in controls ( p < .05). TIMP2 rs9900972 T and rs2277698 T allele were associated with higher percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa among controls. MMP2 rs2285053 TT homozygous infertile patients presented higher percentage of spermatozoa displaying nonprogressive motility. Haplotype analysis revealed strong linkage disequilibrium between the studied loci (5 of 8 possible TIMP2 haplotypes, and 3 of 4 possible MMP2 and MMP9 were found). None of the haplotypes showed association with infertility. This study results suggest an association between MMP9 and TIMP2 SNPs with sperm parameters, but not infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ramularia leaf spot (RLS) is a newly important disease of barley across temperate regions worldwide. Despite this recent change in importance, the infection biology of the causal agent Ramularia collo-cygni (Rcc) remains poorly understood. Confocal microscopy of the infection process of two transgenic Rcc isolates, expressing either GFP or DsRed reporter markers, was combined with light microscopy during field infection to track the progression of Rcc in planta. Infection of stomata, including the development of a previously unreported stomatopodium structure, results in symptomless development and intercellular colonization of the mesophyll tissue. Transition to necrotrophy is associated with breakdown of host chloroplasts and the formation of aggregates of conidiophores. In addition to barley, Rcc forms a compatible interaction with winter wheat and a number of perennial grass species. An incompatible reaction was observed with two dicotyledonous species. These results provide further insights into the host interactions of this fungus and suggest that RLS could be a potential threat to other agriculturally important crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 20 years ago, the 'danger theory' was proposed which explains why potent immune responses with no microbial components are elicited against tissue transplants, injuries, tumours and autoimmune diseases. It states that the immune system can distinguish between dangerous and innocuous endogenous signals. In response to trauma or other types of tissue and cell damage, certain molecules that function inside the cell are released or secreted from damaged or dying cells. Such mechanisms initiate an immune response in the absence of infection. These immunostimulatory molecules were named damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In this article, we will review the available data on the influence of select DAMPs on lung cancer cells and tumour microenvironments. We will also summarize the current information regarding the interactions between lung cancer-associated DAMPs and their toll-like receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely accepted that type 1 diabetes mellitus ( T1 DM) is an autoimmune disease resulting from an interaction between immunologic, genetic and environmental factors. However, the exact mechanism leading to the development of T1 DM remains incomplete. There is a large body of evidence pointing towards the important role of toll-like receptor ( TLR) activation and vitamin D deficiency in T1 DM pathogenesis. In this article, we review the available data on the influence of TLRs' level of activation and vitamin D status on the risk of the development of T1 DM in humans and rodent models. We also summarize the current information regarding the interactions between TLRs' level of activation, vitamin D status and various environmental factors, such as enteroviral infections, the gut microbiota and breastfeeding substitution, among others. Our results stipulate that vitamin D seems to protect against T1 DM by reducing the TLRs' level of activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium-10 wt % 45S5 Bioglass nanocomposites and their scaffolds were prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) followed by pressing, sintering, or combination of MA and a 'space-holder' sintering process, respectively. An amorphous structure was obtained at 15 h of milling. The crystallization of the amorphous phase upon annealing led to the formation of a nanostructured Ti-10 wt % 45S5 Bioglass composite with a grain size of approximately 7 nm. The in vitro cytocompatibility of these materials was evaluated and compared with a conventional microcrystalline titanium. During the studies, established cell line of human fibroblasts CCD-39Lu was cultured in the presence of tested materials and its survival rate, and proliferation activity were examined. Furthermore, the influence of the Ti-45S5 Bioglass nanocomposites and microcrystalline titanium was tested on the growth of Candida albicans yeast. Biocompatibility tests carried out indicate that the nanocomposite Ti-10 wt % 45S5 Bioglass scaffolds could be a possible candidate for dental implants and other medicinal applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1316-1324, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents To cope with rising demands for increased blood supply during pregnancy, the vasculature of the uterus undergoes several adaptive changes, including increased permeability, angiogenesis and vasodilatation. Although it is clear that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a paramount role in achieving these adaptations, little is known about regulation of VEGF expression in endometrium during pregnancy. Thus, we have investigated whether luteinizing hormone (LH) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) may affect VEGF secretion by stromal cells during early pregnancy in pigs. Real-time reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) of VEGF120 and VEGF164 gene expression revealed significantly higher levels of VEGF164 mRNA in cultured stromal cells (p < 0.0001). The LH-stimulated secretion of VEGF was detected after 24 and 48 h of treatment when doses 50 and 100 ng/ml were used (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The TNFα-induced secretion of VEGF by stromal cells was detected only after 24-h treatment with the highest dose used in the experiment (50 ng/ml; p < 0.05). Although the influence of LH on VEGF secretion was more visible compared with TNFα, both factors may be considered as potential modulators of adaptive changes in uterine vasculature occurring during pregnancy in the pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGFR-2 in nephroblastoma tissue and correlate their presence with the survival rate of children diagnosed with stage III Wilms' tumour. Methods and results: The material included nephroblastoma tissue obtained from 25 children hospitalized in the Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Transplantology between 1997 and 2003. VEGF-C and VEGFR-2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical assay. VEGF-C was expressed in all cells of the blastemal component and in 30% of tumour cells in the stromal part. It was absent from epithelial elements. VEGFR-2 expression was spread over the surface of numerous stromal cells as well as all the epithelial cells forming dysplastic tubules. The blastemal component of Wilms' tumour was VEGFR-2-negative. VEGF-C-immunopositive stromal cells were situated in the closest proximity to VEGF-C-immunonegative but VEGFR-2-immunoreactive tubules. VEGF-C expression was of prognostic value for both clinical progression ( P = 0.0005) and tumour-related death ( P = 0.0365). Conclusions: VEGF-C expression in Wilms' tumour constitutes a potent unfavourable risk factor and may direct future antiangiogenic treatment strategies. The proximity of VEGF-C and VEGFR-2 in the stromal and epithelial components of nephroblastoma could be the neoplastic equivalent of the binary VEGF-C function observed in epithelial and endothelial morphogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Cyclooxygenase (COX) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyses the initial step in prostaglandins (PGs) production. In the present studies, endometrial COX-1 and COX-2 expression throughout the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy was analysed in pigs using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry. There were no changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression for COX-1 in cyclic pigs. In pregnant animals, mRNA levels of this enzyme increased on days 22–25 (p < 0.001). However, no upregulation of COX-1 protein was detected. Quantification of COX-2 mRNA expression during the oestrous cycle revealed significant increases on days 10–12 and 14 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 vs days 2–4, respectively). Protein levels were also increased on day 14 when compared with days 2–12 and 18–20 after oestrus. In pregnant animals, the patterns of both COX-2 mRNA and protein expression were similar. Messenger RNA levels were higher on days 16 and 22–25 (p < 0.01 vs day 10). Moreover, the protein content tended to increase on days 16 and 22–25. COX-1 and COX-2 were localized in the luminal and glandular epithelium as well as in the uterine stroma. In contrast to COX-1, a positive immunostaining reaction for COX-2 was detected only on days 12–16 after ovulation and on days 14–16 of pregnancy. In conclusion, these results indicate specific patterns of COX-1 and COX-2 expression in the porcine endometrium throughout the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. COX-2 rather than COX-1 seems to be the primary enzyme responsible for modulated PGs production at the time of luteolysis in cyclic and during implantation in pregnant animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are differences in the clinical course of chronic viral hepatitis C between adults and children, but it is generally accepted that the disease has cell-mediated immune background. The aim of this study was to evaluate PBMC subsets in children with chronic hepatitis C before treatment in order to find some predictive factors, useful for patients management. Several PBMC subsets, in particular lymphoid and dendritic cell (DC) ones, were tested by flow cytometry in HCV+ paediatric patients ( n = 46) and in control children matched in terms of age and sex ( n = 20). Data were subjected to extensive statistics. It was found that cells with cytotoxic potential such as CD8+CD28– T cells, NK and NKT cells as well as lineage–HLA-DR+ DC were increased in per cent values, while CD4+ T cells and CD4:CD8 ratio were decreased in hepatitis C group. In HCV+ patients, CD4+ T cells were inversely correlated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and with viraemia. DC subset of myeloid origin (CD11c+) assessed both in per cent values and as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of HLA-DR expression was shown to be downregulated in hepatitis patients, in spite of increased numbers. To conclude, PBMC subsets, and in particular DC, are affected by HCV chronic infection in children, reflected by the correlation with clinical parameters, such as ALT and viraemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are important tools of innate immunity, localized mainly on cells of the immune system, but also have been shown on cells of other origin. In the current study, they have been searched in biopsy specimens of liver from children bearing chronic viral hepatitis of C type (HCV). TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 were traced by means of polyclonal antibodies and avidin-biotin complex (ABC) immunohistochemistry. Besides, mRNA for TLR was looked for using specific primers and polymerase chain reaction. Several controls, including neutralization of primary antibody with respective blocking peptide, confirmed the specificity of the immunohistochemical reaction. All TLR tested could be visualized in a focal distribution in single hepatocytes and some cells of inflammatory infiltrates. There was no reaction whatsoever in liver samples not infected with hepatotropic virus. In molecular studies, mRNA for TLR2 and TLR4 was detected in both noninfected and hepatitis B virus-infected established cell lines of human hepatoma as well as in HCV+ biopsy samples. These data indicate that TLR can be traced in liver cells, both at the protein and at the mRNA level. Their irregular and focal distribution in HCV+, but not in HCV–, liver suggests some role of TLR in the pathogenesis of chronic viral hepatitis, at least in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

lt is commonly accepted that, in modelling of the mechanical behavior of biological tissues (e.g. cortical and trabecular bones) and porous bone implants 'working' in their natural environment, one should take into account the fact that such biomaterials have a multiphase nature and they are composed of solid porous matrix filled with interstitial fluid. Spatial arrangement of matrix structure strongly influences mechanical properties, transport phenomena, and acoustic waves propagating in saturated biomaterials. The well known two-phase model of dynamics of saturated porous materials developed by Biot, [1], and extended by other authors includes three pore structure macro-parameters (porosity, permeability, and tortuosity). The attenuation and dispersion of wave velocity predicted by the model results mainly from relative motion of phases. On the other hand, a disease like osteoporosis is identified in both cortical and trabecular bone by an increase of pore space and related changes in the microscopic pore characteristic that does not appear in Biot's model. Such micro-quantity (characteristic pore or grain size) plays an important role for scattering phenomena at microinhomogeneities in the two-phase porous materials when the ratio of waves length and average size of pores / grain is not too large. Taking these facts into account, and using the model which incorporates the relative motion of phases and scattering effects, both the micro- and macro-structure parameters an be determined from wave propagation analysis using the ultrasonic technique and applying wide band spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimizations of static nanoelectrospray parameters to determine peptide or mimetic sequences released from resin were explored. Several different manufacturers of probe tips were utilized and a method was developed for the direct analysis of bead-bound peptides by nanoelectrospray. The method involved minimum sample handling to assure maximum recovery from individual beads. Parameters that were explored included an inside and outside wash of the probe tip, the distance from the probe housing to the probe tip, source temperature, drying gas flow, individual tips and presence of beads. The same soluble synthetic peptide was used in all comparisons, which had a molecular weight of 717 amu. The discovery of the sequence of a bead-bound peptide was achieved. The parameters that were found to effect signal were outside wash, presence of bead and distance. There was the need for pneumatic assist to initiate electrospray on some occasions, although this generally resulted in unsatisfactory performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess time intervals between the age at menarche (AM) and age at sexual initiation (ASI) in Polish women born before and after the political transformation period in Poland., Methods: Participants were 518 women born between 1959 and 2001 in Poland. AM and ASI were based on self-report. Three birth cohorts were distinguished based on the year of birth: I (1959-1979), II (1980-1989), III (1990-2001). Three categories of AM were distinguished: early maturing (<12.0 years), average (12.0-13.0 years), and late maturing (≥14.0 years). Temporal intervals between AM and ASI were calculated., Results: Both AM and ASI decreased in subsequent birth cohorts, with the greatest changes observed in the women born after 1989. No significant differences in the time interval between AM and ASI were observed between birth cohorts. However, the time interval between AM and ASI differed by AM category (H = 74.16; P < .001). The longest time period between AM and ASI occurred in early maturing girls (7.13 years) and the shortest in late maturing girls (3.25 years)., Conclusions: Despite the transformation and decline in both AM and ASI, the time interval between these two characteristics remained stable. Significant differences in the time interval were found among women stratified by AM. The time interval between AM and ASI was longer in girls who matured early in comparison to those maturing late or at the average time., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The crystal structure of the title compound, C(4)H(7)N(5)·CH(4)O, is determined by an extensive network of hydrogen bonding. A sequence of centrosymmetric dimeric associations, formed by two different N-H(amino)⋯N(ring) hydrogen bonds, connects the triazine rings into a planar mol-ecular tape. The methanol solvent mol-ecules act as di-acceptors and mono-donors of hydrogen bonds and inter-link, almost perpendicularly, the hydrogen-bonded tapes into a three-dimensional structure.

Several genes involved in the determination of Listeria monocytogenes pathogenesis have been identified. Among them, plcA gene encodes phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), plcB gene encodes a broad-range phospholipase C (PC-PLC), and actA encodes a protein contributing to actin assembly in infected cells. The interaction of L. monocytogenes wild type (LO 28) strain and two derivative mutants, plcA- (BUG 206) and actA-/plcB- (LUT 12), with macrophages and T lymphocytes was investigated in a mouse model of listeriosis. Both mutants showed evidence of attenuation. The plcA- mutant, but not the plcB- mutant, expressed an increase in susceptibility to the anti-listerial activity of macrophages. Both mutants showed a decreased ability to induce IL-12 production by bone marrow macrophages when co-stimulated with E. coli LPS or IFN-gamma. In vivo, L. monocytogenes plcA- mutant was found to be a more effective stimulator of T cells than the wild LO 28 strain.