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The process of translocation of endangered species represents a useful conservation tool, but subsequent monitoring of translocated populations is often neglected, although it may supply critical information for conservation work. The EU-protected glacial relic Lycaena helle (Lycaenidae) went extinct in the Czech Republic, where a few lowland populations historically existed, in the 1950s. In 2002, a mountain-dwelling population was established in Šumava Mts., among grasslands and fenlands surrounding the abandoned village of Nové Údolí, from 2/33 ♂♂/♀♀ originating in the Türnitz Alps, Austria. The transferred population was surveyed a decade later and again 21 years after the transfer. During the second (2023) survey, we visited 212 grassland patches to record the species’ presence and relative abundance, and to ascertain its habitat preferences. A third of the surveyed patches were occupied by L. helle, in a total area of occupied grasslands was 66.6 ha scattered over 4.5 km2, with approximately 2,400 adult individuals, recorded up to 4.2 km from the original release point. L. helle typically occupies wet tussocky grasslands with closed edges, minimum management and high cover of its larval host plant, the mid-to late-successional forb Bistorta officinalis. It avoids drier managed grasslands rich in flowering plants. The expansion rate from the release point (0.1 km/year during the first decade, 0.2 km/year over two decades) was slower than in two earlier L. helle transfers, targeting Morvan and Forez Mts., France (≈ 0.5 km/year in both cases). We attribute this to the relief of the release locality, a shallow depression surrounded by higher-elevated forested ridges, but we expect faster expansion once the continuous woodlands are crossed.

The ATTRACT’s European Scientific Research Infrastructures’ Innovation Ecosystem (ERI-IE) is vital to academia-industry cooperation but faces challenges under state aid rules designed to protect market competition. Employing quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including surveys and semi-structured interviews, the ExSACT project investigated how state aid regulations impact the financing of research, research and technology infrastructure (RI/TI) usage, and intellectual property rights (IPR) transfer in the EU. Findings indicate that limited awareness of state aid rules can hinder public investment and complicate RI/TI usage and IPR management. While the organizations recognize IPR's importance, they need more support with licensing and inventor incentives. IP registration processes are most refined for inventions and trade secrets, with less emphasis on industrial design and trademarks. Additionally, researchers expressed frustration with the complexity of state aid regulations. This research highlights the need to simplify state aid rules and improve understanding within state administrations, enabling smoother cooperation and technology transfer between the ERI, industry stakeholders, and society as a whole.

Interspecies mating is rarely observed even in the wild. Such a case in Lycaenidae is reported and photographically documented for the species pairing Phengaris teleius (Bergsträsser, 1779) and P. nausithous (Bergsträsser, 1779), which was observed on 19 July 2016 in northern Bohemia near the village of Hynčice, Czech Republic. Possible causes of this phenomenon are discussed.

Abstract Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating autoimmune disease, characterized by chronic inflammation of the central nervous system. While the significance of the gut microbiome on multiple sclerosis pathogenesis is established, the underlining mechanisms are unknown. We found that serum levels of the microbial postbiotic tryptophan metabolite indole-3-carboxaldehyde (3-IAld) inversely correlated with disease duration in multiple sclerosis patients. Much like the host-derived tryptophan derivative l-Kynurenine, 3-IAld would bind and activate the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), which, in turn, controls endogenous tryptophan catabolic pathways. As a result, in peripheral lymph nodes, microbial 3-IAld, affected mast-cell tryptophan metabolism, forcing mast cells to produce serotonin via Tph1. We thus propose a protective role for AhR–mast-cell activation driven by the microbiome, whereby natural metabolites or postbiotics will have a physiological role in immune homeostasis and may act as therapeutic targets in autoimmune diseases.

Mutations in the splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) gene are frequent in myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS). Because the splicing process is involved in the production of circular RNAs (circRNAs), we investigated the impact of SF3B1 mutations on circRNA processing. Using RNA sequencing, we measured circRNA expression in CD34+ bone marrow MDS cells. We defined circRNAs deregulated in a heterogeneous group of MDS patients and described increased circRNA formation in higher‐risk MDS. We showed that the presence of SF3B1 mutations did not affect the global production of circRNAs; however, deregulation of specific circRNAs was observed. Particularly, we demonstrated that strong upregulation of circRNAs processed from the zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) transcription factor; this upregulation was exclusive to SF3B1‐mutated patients and was not observed in those with mutations in other splicing factors or other recurrently mutated genes, or with other clinical variables. Furthermore, we focused on the most upregulated ZEB1‐circRNA, hsa_circ_0000228, and, by its knockdown, we demonstrated that its expression is related to mitochondrial activity. Using microRNA analyses, we proposed miR‐1248 as a direct target of hsa_circ_0000228. To conclude, we demonstrated that mutated SF3B1 leads to deregulation of ZEB1‐circRNAs, potentially contributing to the defects in mitochondrial metabolism observed in SF3B1‐mutated MDS.

This paper presents perhaps the shortest possible algorithm for drafting a turbo block in a standard CAD environment. Though not defining the complete turbo roundabout geometry (the legs are defined by their centerlines only), turbo block construction stays at the very core of its geometrical definition. Relevant national policies elaborate turbo block construction at various levels of detail. Some policies skip certain definitions of spirals’ centers and some even allow for slight discontinuities in spiraling lanes’ geometries. But, as our computer program had to be based on precisely defined geometrical features, no question, be it a location of a particular center or relation between the interconnecting arcs, could be left unanswered. Consequently, while explaining the basics on which the program relies, all the elements of the turbo block are discussed. Even the problems not addressed in renowned national policies (such as alternatively matching marking and curb lines) had to be resolved before being incorporated into the program. After resolving and elaborating turbo block roundabout technics in detail, a new cyclic algorithm for turbo block construction is presented. The program is very short and could be easily understood and modified by the average programmer.

The low-speed turning maneuverability of vehicles is closely related to a well-known offtracking phenomenon which occurs when the rear wheels of a turning vehicle deviate towards the inside of a horizontal curve. Although numerous mathematical models and computer programs for vehicle swept path analysis have been developed in the past, only a few of them can calculate the maximum transient offtracking of a turning vehicle, yet with limited accuracy. The authors were motivated by this fact to find a new mathematical solution for maximum transient offtracking calculation of a single-unit vehicle when negotiating circular curves. In the first stage, a transcendental equation defining vehicle maximum transient offtracking position is derived and numerically solved by Python 3.10.12. In the second stage, the polynomial regression model predicting accurate numerical solutions of the transcendental equation with the desired level of accuracy was developed and tested. The new calculation method is simple enough to simply take the vehicle datum length, circular curve radii, and turn angle, while instantly producing the maximum transient offtracking value, without the need to draw any of the vehicle movement trajectories.

Invasive alien species are a major threat to native insular species. Eradicating invasive mammals from islands is a feasible and proven approach to prevent biodiversity loss. We developed a conceptual framework to identify globally important islands for invasive mammal eradications to prevent imminent extinctions of highly threatened species using biogeographic and technical factors, plus a novel approach to consider socio-political feasibility. We applied this framework using a comprehensive dataset describing the distribution of 1,184 highly threatened native vertebrate species (i.e. those listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered on the IUCN Red List) and 184 non-native mammals on 1,279 islands worldwide. Based on extinction risk, irreplaceability, severity of impact from invasive species, and technical feasibility of eradication, we identified and ranked 292 of the most important islands where eradicating invasive mammals would benefit highly threatened vertebrates. When socio-political feasibility was considered, we identified 169 of these islands where eradication planning or operation could be initiated by 2020 or 2030 and would improve the survival prospects of 9.4% of the Earths most highly threatened terrestrial insular vertebrates (111 of 1,184 species). Of these, 107 islands were in 34 countries and territories and could have eradication projects initiated by 2020. Concentrating efforts to eradicate invasive mammals on these 107 islands would benefit 151 populations of 80 highly threatened vertebrates and make a major contribution towards achieving global conservation targets adopted by the worlds nations.

Purpose: To determine the accuracy of AlignRT surface deformation module in detecting and quantifying oedema in breast cancer radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: A female torso phantom and water-equivalent boluses of different thicknesses (0.5–1.5 cm) were used. The variation of surface displacement and the percentage of surface within tolerance, as a function of bolus thickness and Region of Interest (ROI) size, were investigated. Additionally, a dynamic phantom was used to study the impact of patient breathing on the swelling estimation. Lastly, a flowchart was derived to alert physicians in the case of breast swelling. Results: Average displacement value proved to be inversely correlated with ROI size (R2 > 0.9). As such, for a ROI smaller than the bolus size (2.5x2.5 cm2), the average displacement (1.05 cm) provides an accurate estimate of the oedema thickness (within 5%). In opposition, with a clinical ROI, the 1 cm-thick bolus was largely underestimated with an average displacement value of 0.28 cm only. To limit the impact of patient breathing on surface deformation, dynamic surface captures and the use of the corrected patient position should be privileged. Using AlignRT, a clinical workflow for breast swelling follow-up was developed to help in the decision for repeat simulation and dosimetry. Conclusion: The surface deformation module provides an accurate, simple, and radiation-free approach to detect and quantify breast oedema during the course of radiotherapy.

Objetivo: Correlacionar as potências máximas (PMáx) obtidas pelos testes Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) e Salto Vertical Contramovimento (CMJ) em atletas adultos do futebol. Materiais e Métodos: Quarenta e sete atletas profissionais de futebol (25.5 ± 4.4 anos, 79.4 ± 7.8 kg e 180.0 ± 6.0 cm) participaram deste estudo. O RAST consistiu em seis corridas com a máxima velocidade e com intervalo de 10 segundos entre elas, sendo que o tempo foi obtido por meio de fotocélulas. O CMJ foi realizado sobre um tapete de contato. Os testes foram aplicados em dois momentos distintos, com intervalo de 48 h entre eles, consequentemente a aquecimento físico de cinco minutos. Foi aplicado o teste de correlação de Pearson para avaliar a associação entre as PMáx obtidas pelos dois testes físicos com índice de significância para p

Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany, one of the African biodiversity hotspots, is defined by a high diversity of its fauna and flora. Despite numerous studies published about the Lepidoptera of this region, our knowledge of diversity and distributional patterns of moths still remains inadequate. Our study evaluates the tussock moth richness and endemism of the wider Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany region. We describe for the first time the variety of the tussock moth fauna of Mozambique, with seven newly recorded genera (Euproctoides Bethune-Baker, 1911; Heteronygmia Holland, 1893; Leucoma Hübner, 1822; Ogoa Walker, 1856; Paraproctis Bethune-Baker, 1911; Polymona Walker, 1855; Tamsita Kiriakoff, 1954).

A phylogeny of Nymphalidae butterflies unveils the origin of the latitudinal diversity gradient. This study showed that the modern pattern of species richness emerged from dynamics of dispersal and diversification that varied through time and across regions, and that global climate change throughout the Cenozoic probably played a major role in generating the biodiversity pattern.

Slip-resistant shear connections with preloaded bolts have traditionally been used in steel structures exposed to cyclic. Hence, shear load is transferred through friction surfaces rather than through contact between the bolt surface and the hole. The main influencing parameters determining slip resistance of the connection are the friction between contact surfaces and the bolt preload level. This paper presents an experimental study of preloaded bolted connections under cyclic load, the main objective being to investigate the influence of cyclic load on the losses of preload force in high strength bolts and lock bolts.

Abstract The bacterium Wolbachia infects many insect species and spreads by diverse vertical and horizontal means. As co-inherited organisms, these bacteria often cause problems in mitochondrial phylogeny inference. The phylogenetic relationships of many closely related Palaearctic blue butterflies (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae) are ambiguous. We considered the patterns of Wolbachia infection and mitochondrial diversity in two systems: Aricia agestis/Aricia artaxerxes and the Pseudophilotes baton species complex. We sampled butterflies across their distribution ranges and sequenced one butterfly mitochondrial gene and two Wolbachia genes. Both butterfly systems had uninfected and infected populations, and harboured several Wolbachia strains. Wolbachia was highly prevalent in A. artaxerxes and the host’s mitochondrial structure was shallow, in contrast to A. agestis. Similar bacterial alleles infected both Aricia species from nearby sites, pointing to a possible horizontal transfer. Mitochondrial history of the P. baton species complex mirrored its Wolbachia infection and not the taxonomical division. Pseudophilotes baton and P. vicrama formed a hybrid zone in Europe. Wolbachia could obscure mitochondrial history, but knowledge on the infection helps us to understand the observed patterns. Testing for Wolbachia should be routine in mitochondrial DNA studies.

. The article focuses on the effects of the pandemic and the current economic crisis on the living conditions of Czech families with children. Its aim was to identify different groups of families according to the degree of application of austerity measures. As latent profile analysis shows more than two-fifths of families have not been yet greatly affected by recent economic changes. Another two fifths of families have adopted austerity measures, most of them felt more significant effects of the energy crisis. Other families remain in economic trouble for a long time. The ability to respond to sudden crises is reduced especially by low income and indebtedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here the first molecular evidence for the occurrence of Aricia artaxerxes (Fabricius, 1793) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in the Czech Republic. In Central Europe, this species may co-occur with its more common sibling, Aricia agestis (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775). We sequenced the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 of darkly-coloured, putative A. artaxerxes specimens in the Czech Republic. We confirmed A. artaxerxes only from a limestone area in South Bohemia (Vyšenské kopce National Nature Reserve), which is probably the only locality of the species in the Czech Republic. This area is located at ca. 550 m A.S.L., showing that the elevation overlap with A. agestis could be high in Central Europe. Other surveyed individuals were confirmed as A. agestis, with a minimum p-distance of 1.98% between the two species. The South Bohemian area of occurrence is probably highly isolated (approx. 190 km) from localities of the species in neighbouring countries, highlighting the conservation importance of the A. artaxerxes population and of the insular calcareous areas in the Šumava Mountains foothills. We used database sequences of A. artaxerxes to place the Czech population into a wider phylogeographic context. The Czech population is monomorphic, consisting of a single haplotype, which is present from Scandinavia through Germany to Central Asia.

The outbreak of the worrisome coronavirus disease in 2019 has caused great concern among the global public, especially regarding the need for personal protective equipment with applied antiviral agents to reduce the spread and transmission of the virus. Thus, in our research, chitosan-based bioactive polymers as potential antiviral agents were first evaluated as colloidal macromolecular solutions by elemental analysis and charge. Three different types of low and high molecular weight chitosan (LMW Ch, HMW Ch) and a LMW Ch derivative, i.e., quaternary chitosan (quart-LMW Ch), were used. To explore their antiviral activity for subsequent use in the form of coatings, the macromolecular Chs dispersions were incubated with the model virus phi6 (surrogate for SARS-CoV-2), and the success of virus inactivation was determined. Inactivation of phi6 with some chitosan-based compounds was very successful (>6 log), and the mechanisms behind this were explored. The changes in viral morphology after incubation were observed and the changes in infrared bands position were determined. In addition, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering studies were performed to better understand the interaction between Chs and phi6. The results allowed us to better understand the antiviral mode of action of Chs agents as a function of their physicochemical properties.

This paper presents an updated checklist of the butterflies of Europe, together with their original name combinations, and their occurrence status in each European country. According to this checklist, 496 species of the superfamily Papilionoidea occur in Europe. Changes in comparison with the last version (2.6.2) of Fauna Europaea are discussed. Compared to that version, 16 species are new additions, either due to cryptic species most of which have been discovered by molecular methods (13 cases) or due to discoveries of Asian species on the eastern border of the European territory in the Ural mountains (three cases). On the other hand, nine species had to be removed from the list, because they either do not occur in Europe or lost their species status due to new evidence. In addition, three species names had to be changed and 30 species changed their combination due to new evidence on phylogenetic relationships. Furthermore, minor corrections were applied to some authors’ names and years of publication. Finally, the name Polyommatus ottomanus Lefèbvre, 1831, which is threatened by its senior synonym Lycaena legeri Freyer, 1830, is declared a nomen protectum, thereby conserving its name in the current combination Lycaena ottomana.

Treg cells can maintain intestinal homeostasis and limit intestinal bowel disease. Here the authors use a mouse model of spontaneous colitis to show that calcineurin-NFAT-induced IL-2 production by dendritic cells regulates the balance between Treg and effector T cells in the gut lamina propria.

Mutations in the splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) gene are frequent in myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS). Because the splicing process is involved in the production of circular RNAs (circRNAs), we investigated the impact of SF3B1 mutations on circRNA processing. Using RNA sequencing, we measured circRNA expression in CD34+ bone marrow MDS cells. We defined circRNAs deregulated in a heterogeneous group of MDS patients and described increased circRNA formation in higher‐risk MDS. We showed that the presence of SF3B1 mutations did not affect the global production of circRNAs; however, deregulation of specific circRNAs was observed. Particularly, we demonstrated that strong upregulation of circRNAs processed from the zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) transcription factor; this upregulation was exclusive to SF3B1‐mutated patients and was not observed in those with mutations in other splicing factors or other recurrently mutated genes, or with other clinical variables. Furthermore, we focused on the most upregulated ZEB1‐circRNA, hsa_circ_0000228, and, by its knockdown, we demonstrated that its expression is related to mitochondrial activity. Using microRNA analyses, we proposed miR‐1248 as a direct target of hsa_circ_0000228. To conclude, we demonstrated that mutated SF3B1 leads to deregulation of ZEB1‐circRNAs, potentially contributing to the defects in mitochondrial metabolism observed in SF3B1‐mutated MDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interleukin 17 (IL-17) cytokine and receptor family is central to antimicrobial resistance and inflammation in the lung. Mice lacking IL-17A, IL-17F, or the IL-17RA subunit were compared with wild-type mice for susceptibility to airway inflammation in models of infection and allergy. Signaling through IL-17RA was required for efficient microbial clearance and prevention of allergy; in the absence of IL-17RA, signaling through IL-17RC on epithelial cells, predominantly by IL-17F, significantly exacerbated lower airway Aspergillus or Pseudomonas infection and allergic airway inflammation. In contrast, following infection with the upper respiratory pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, the IL-17F/IL-17RC axis mediated protection. Thus, IL-17A and IL-17F exert distinct biological effects during pulmonary infection; the IL-17F/IL-17RC signaling axis has the potential to significantly worsen pathogen-associated inflammation of the lower respiratory tract in particular, and should be investigated further as a therapeutic target for treating pathological inflammation in the lung.

Abstract Myeloid leucocytes mediate host protection against infection and critically regulate inflammatory responses in body tissues. Pattern recognition receptor signalling is crucial for myeloid cell responses to pathogens, but growing evidence suggests an equally potent role for Calcineurin–NFAT signalling in control of myeloid cell function. All major subsets of myeloid leucocytes employ Calcineurin–NFAT signalling during immune responses to pathogens and/or tissue damage, but the influence this pathway exerts on pathogen clearance and host susceptibility to infection is not fully understood. Recent data from experimental models indicate that Calcineurin‐NFAT signalling is essential for infection control, and calcineurin inhibitors used in transplantation medicine (including cyclosporine A and tacrolimus) are now being tested for efficacy in a diverse range of inflammatory conditions and autoimmune pathologies. Efforts to repurpose calcineurin inhibitor drugs for new therapeutic applications may yield rapid improvements in clinical outcomes, but the potential impact of these compounds on myeloid cell function in treated patients is largely unknown. Here we discuss Calcineurin–NFAT control of myeloid leucocyte function in the context of recent therapeutic developments and ongoing clinical studies.

Dennis R.L.H. 2020: BUTTERFLY BIOLOGY SYSTEMS. CONNECTIONS AND INTERACTIONS IN LIFE HISTORY AND BEHAVIOUR. CAB International, Wallingford, 504 pp. ISBN 9781789243574. Price GBP 150.00, EUR 180.00, USD 210.00.

Koramius charltonius (Gray, 1853) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) is distributed in the mountains of Central Asia. We analysed genetic and phylogeographic patterns throughout the western part of its range using a mitochondrial marker (COI). We also analysed the wing pattern using multivariate statistics. We found that the species contains several unique haplotypes in the west and shared haplotypes in the east. The haplotype groups do not correspond to the wing pattern and also the described subspecies do not correspond to either the haplotypes or the groups circumscribed by the wing pattern. Currently, there are more than ten subspecies of K. charltonius in Central Asia; based on our analyses we suggest a reduction to only five of them. The following nomenclatural changes are applied: (1) K. charltonius aenigma Dubatolov & Milko, 2003, syn. n., K. charltonius sochivkoi Churkin, 2009, syn.n., and K. charltonius alrashid Churkin & Pletnev, 2012, syn. n. are new synonyms of K. charltonius romanovi (Grum-Grshimailo, 1885); (2) K. charltonius marusya Churkin & Pletnev, 2012, syn. n., K. charltonius eugenia Churkin, 2009, syn. n., K. charltonius anjuta Stshetkin & Kaabak, 1985, syn. n., and K. charltonius mistericus Kaabak, Sotchivko & Titov, 1996, syn. n. are new synonyms of K. charltonius vaporosus (Avinov, 1913); and (3) K. charltonius safronovi Korb, Shaposhnikov, Zatakovoy & Nikolaev, 2013, syn. n. is a new synonym of K. charltonius voigti (Bang-Haas, 1927).

Observations on the distribution of Nymphalid butterfly, Sordid Emperor (Chitoria sordida sordida (Moore, 1866) in southern Bhutan are presented in this paper. The confirmation is based on four years of observation of species in the warm broadleaf forest of Tsirang during July to October. The species is legally protected under Schedule II of the Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act, 1997.

Systems biology approaches are extensively used to model and reverse-engineer gene regulatory networks from experimental data. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenases (IDOs)—belonging in the heme dioxygenase family—degrade l-tryptophan to kynurenines. These enzymes are also responsible for the de novo synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). As such, they are expressed by a variety of species, including fungi. Interestingly, Aspergillus may degrade l-tryptophan not only via IDO but also via alternative pathways. Deciphering the molecular interactions regulating tryptophan metabolism is particularly critical for novel drug target discovery designed to control pathogen determinants in invasive infections. Using continuous time Bayesian networks over a time-course gene expression dataset, we inferred the global regulatory network controlling l-tryptophan metabolism. The method unravels a possible novel approach to target fungal virulence factors during infection. Furthermore, this study represents the first application of continuous-time Bayesian networks as a gene network reconstruction method in Aspergillus metabolism. The experiment showed that the applied computational approach may improve the understanding of metabolic networks over traditional pathways.

Telomeropathies are rare disorders associated with impaired telomere length control mechanisms that frequently result from genetic mutations in the telomerase complex. Dyskeratosis congenita is a congenital progressive telomeropathy in which mutation in the telomerase RNA component (TERC) impairs telomere maintenance leading to accelerated cellular senescence and clinical outcomes resembling premature aging. The most severe clinical feature is perturbed hematopoiesis and bone-marrow failure, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we developed a model of telomerase function imbalance using shRNA to knockdown TERC expression in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We then promoted in vitro hematopoiesis in these cells to analyze the effects of TERC impairment. Reduced TERC expression impaired hematopoietic stem-cell (HSC) differentiation and increased the expression of cellular senescence markers and production of reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, telomere length was unaffected in shTERC knockdown iPSCs, leading to conclusion that the phenotype is controlled by non-telomeric functions of telomerase. We then assessed the effects of TERC-depletion in THP-1 myeloid cells and again observed reduced hematopoietic and myelopoietic differentiative potential. However, these cells exhibited impaired telomerase activity as verified by accelerated telomere shortening. shTERC-depleted iPSC-derived and THP-1-derived myeloid precursors had lower phagocytic capacity and increased ROS production, indicative of senescence. These findings were confirmed using a BIBR1532 TERT inhibitor, suggesting that these phenotypes are dependent on telomerase function but not directly linked to telomere length. These data provide a better understanding of the molecular processes driving the clinical signs of telomeropathies and identify novel roles of the telomerase complex other than regulating telomere length.

The Parkinson’s disease-associated protein, Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), a known negative regulator of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), is expressed in myeloid cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) and is involved in the host immune response against pathogens. Since, the Ca2+/NFAT/IL-2 axis has been previously found to regulate DC response to the fungus Aspergillus, we have investigated the role played by the kinase LRRK2 during fungal infection. Mechanistically, we found that in the early stages of the non-canonical autophagic response of DCs to the germinated spores of Aspergillus, LRRK2 undergoes progressive degradation and regulates NFAT translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Our results shed new light on the complexity of the Ca2+/NFAT/IL-2 pathway, where LRRK2 plays a role in controlling the immune response of DCs to Aspergillus.

Th17 cells express diverse functional programs while retaining their Th17 identity, in some cases exhibiting a stem-cell-like phenotype. Whereas the importance of Th17 cell regulation in autoimmune and infectious diseases is firmly established, the signaling pathways controlling their plasticity are undefined. Using a mouse model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, we found that lung CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) would produce IL-2, dependent on NFAT signaling, leading to an optimally protective Th17 response. The absence of IL-2 in DCs caused unrestrained production of IL-23 and fatal hyperinflammation, which was characterized by strong Th17 polarization and the emergence of a Th17 stem-cell-like population. Although several cell types may be affected by deficient IL-2 production in DCs, our findings identify the balance between IL-2 and IL-23 productions by lung DCs as an important regulator of the local inflammatory response to infection.

During children's symbolic play many cognitive, emotional and social processes take place. A child develops her potential through symbolic play, and creativity is one such potential. Our research focused on investigating the relationship between creativity in early childhood and physical representation of play material in the context of symbolic play. 59 children were included in the study, aged from five to six years. We assessed their creativity before and after ten play-sessions using the Test for Creative Thinking TCT-DP. Each child played individually with one of six types of play material that varied with respect to three characteristics: structure, realism, and complexity. We hypothesized that creativity would increase for all types of play material but that it would not increase evenly across play materials. Due to statistically insignificant differences in creativity measures over time, we could not validate these hypotheses. We did however find a small increase in creativity for a group that played with low-structured, low-realism and low-complexity play material. This result is consistent with other similar research in the field.