The jasmonate biochemical pathway.

Plants possess an interrelated and interacting family of potent fatty acid-derived regulators--the jasmonates. These compounds, which play roles in both defense and development, are derived from tri-unsaturated fatty acids [alpha-linolenic acid (18:3) or 7Z,10Z,13Z-hexadecatrienoic acid (16:3)]. The lipoxygenase-catalyzed addition of molecular oxygen to alpha-linolenic acid initiates jasmonate synthesis by providing a 13-hydroperoxide substrate for the formation of an unstable allene oxide that is then subject to enzyme-guided cyclization to produce 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA). OPDA, a key regulatory lipid in the plant immune system, has several fates, including esterification into plastid lipids or transformation into the 12-carbon co-regulator jasmonic acid (JA). JA, the best-characterized member of the family, regulates both male and female fertility (depending on the plant species), and is an important mediator of defense gene expresssion. JA is itself a substrate for further diverse modifications. Genetic dissection of the pathway is revealing how the different jasmonates modulate different physiological processes. Each new family member that is discovered provides another key to understanding the fine control of gene expression in immune responses, in the initiation and maintenance of long-distance signal transfer in response to wounding, and in the regulation of fertility, among other processes. The Jasmonate Biochemical Pathway provides an overview of the growing jasmonate family, and new members will be included in future versions of the Connections Map. Science Viewpoint R. Liechti, E. E. Farmer, The jasmonate pathway. Science 296, 1649-1650 (2002). [Abstract] [Full Text]

Marbles and stones of Hispania : exhibition catalogue = Marbres i pedres d'Hispania : catàleg de l'exposició = Mármoles y piedras de Hispania : catálogo de la exposición

Primera guia de materials lapidis hispànics explotats en època romana a la península Ibèrica. El treball recull 16 varietats, i té especial interès en la descripció de la geologia dels entorns de les explotacions. Entre els materials lapidis figuren, per exemple, marbres de la zona d’Estremoz (Portugal), broccatello (també anomanat jaspi de la Cinta, procedent de Tortosa), marbres de la zona de Macael (Andalusia) i la pedra de Buixcarró (València). També s'hi estudien amb detall els punts d’explotació (pedreres) i les diverses aplicacions donades a cada tipus de pedra. El llibre és trilingüe (anglès, català i castellà), està molt ben il·lustrat (en color) i s'ha publicat com a catàleg ampliat d'una exposició amb el mateix títol muntada en el marc de la IX Asmosia Internacional Conference (Tarragona, juny del 2009).

Wound-healing gene family expression differences between fetal and foreskin cells used for bioengineered skin substitutes.

For tissue engineering, several cell types and tissues have been proposed as starting material. Allogenic skin products available for therapeutic usage are mostly developed with cell culture and with foreskin tissue of young individuals. Fetal skin cells offer a valuable solution for effective and safe tissue engineering for wounds due to their rapid growth and simple cell culture. By selecting families of genes that have been reported to be implicated in wound repair and particularly for scarless fetal wound healing including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, extracellular matrix, and nerve/angiogenesis growth factors, we have analyzed differences in their expression between fetal skin and foreskin cells, and the same passages. Of the five TGF-beta superfamily genes analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, three were found to be significantly different with sixfold up-regulated for TGF-beta2, and 3.8-fold for BMP-6 in fetal cells, whereas GDF-10 was 11.8-fold down-regulated. For nerve growth factors, midkine was 36-fold down-regulated in fetal cells, and pleiotrophin was 4.76-fold up-regulated. We propose that fetal cells present technical and therapeutic advantages compared to foreskin cells for effective cell-based therapy for wound management, and overall differences in gene expression could contribute to the degree of efficiency seen in clinical use with these cells.

Microstructure and magnetic properties of Ni50 Mn37 Sn13 Heusler alloy ribbons

The Heusler alloy Ni50 Mn37 Sn13 was successfully produced as ribbon flakes of thickness around 7-10 μm melt spinning. Fracture cross section micrographs in the ribbon show the formation of a microcrystalline columnarlike microstructure, with their longer axes perpendicular to the ribbon plane. Phase transition temperatures of the martensite-austenite transformation were found to be MS =218 K, Mf =207 K, AS =224 K, and Af =232 K; the thermal hysteresis of the transformation is 15 K. Ferromagnetic L 21 bcc austenite phase shows a Curie point of 313 K, with cell parameter a=0.5971 (5) nm at 298 K, transforming into a modulated 7M orthorhombic martensite with a=0.6121 (7) nm, b=0.6058 (8) nm, and c=0.5660 (2) nm, at 150 K

Ferromagnetic shape memory alloys: structural and thermal properties

The most extensively studied Heusler alloys are those based on the Ni-Mn-Ga system. However, to overcome the high cost of Gallium and the usually low martensitic transformation temperature, the search for Ga-free alloys has been recently attempted, particularly, by introducing In, Sn or Sb. In this work, two alloys (Mn50Ni35.5In14.5 and Ni50Mn35In15) have been obtained by melt spinning. We outline their structural and thermal behaviour. Mn50Ni35.5In14.5 alloy has the transformation above room temperature whereas Ni50Mn35In15 does not have this transformation in the temperature range here analyzed

IFN-gamma-dependent transcription of MHC class II IA is impaired in macrophages from aged mice

To determine the effect of aging on IFN-gamma-induced MHC class II antigen expression, we produced bone marrow¿derived macrophages in vitro. In these conditions, we analyzed the effect of aging on the genomic expression of macrophages without the influence of other cell types that may be affected by aging. Although macrophages from young and aged mice showed an identical degree of differentiation, after incubation with IFN-gamma, the expression at the cell surface of the IA complex and the levels of IAbeta protein and mRNA were lower in aged macrophages. Moreover, the transcription of the IAbeta gene was impaired in aged macrophages. The amount of transcription factors that bound to the W and X, but not to the Y, boxes of the IAbeta promoter gene was lower in aged macrophages. Similar levels of CIITA mRNA were found after IFN-gamma treatment of both young and aged macrophages. This shows that neither the initial cascade that starts after the interaction of IFN-gamma with the receptor nor the second signals involved in the expression of CIITA are impaired in aged macrophages. These data indicate that aging is associated with low levels of MHC class II gene induction by IFN-gamma because of impaired transcription.

Nasopalatine duct cyst: report of 22 cases and review of the literature

Objectives: Nasopalatine duct cysts (NPDCs) are the most common developmental, epithelial and non-odontogenic cysts of the maxillae. The present study describes the clinicopathological characteristics of 22 NPDCs and discusses their etiology, incidence, treatment and prognosis, with a review of the literature on the subject. Study design: A retrospective observational study was made comprising a period of 36 years (1970-2006), and yielding a series of 22 patients with histopathological confirmation of NPDC. Surgical treatment was carried out under local anesthesia and comprised the dissection and removal of the cyst adopting a usually palatine approach, with the preparation of an enveloping flap from 1.4 to 2.4. Results: No statistically significant correlation was observed between the size of the lesion and patient age, although the size of the cyst differed according to patient gender, with a mean NPDC diameter of 16 mm in males and 12 mm in females. In no case did we observe root reabsorption or loss of vitality of the upper incisors following surgery. The X-ray image was rounded in 15 cases and heart-shaped in the remaining 7 cases. In the majority of cases panoramic X-rays and periapical and occlusal X-rays sufficed to identify the lesion, though computed tomography was used in cases of doubt. Conclusions: The etiology of NPDC is unclear. Simple surgical resection is recommended, followed by clinical and radiological control to ensure correct resolution of the case.

New diagnoses of dementia among older patients admitted to postacute care.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dementia and the proportion of undiagnosed dementia in elderly patients admitted to postacute care, and to identify patients' characteristics associated with undiagnosed dementia. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Academic postacute rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland. Participants: Patients (N = 1764) aged 70 years and older. Measurements: Data on socio-demographic, medical, functional, and affective status were collected upon admission. Data on cognitive performance (Mini-Mental State Exam [MMSE]), and cognition-related discharge diagnoses were abstracted through a structured review of discharge summaries. Results: Overall, 24.1% (425/1764) patients had a diagnosis of dementia, most frequently secondary to Alzheimer's disease (260/425, 61.2%). Among dementia cases, 70.8% (301/425) were newly diagnosed during postacute stay. This proportion was lower among patients referred from internal medicine than from orthopedic/surgery services (65.8% versus 74.8%, P = .042). Compared to patients with already diagnosed dementia, those newly diagnosed were older, lived alone more frequently, and had better functional status and MMSE score at admission (all P < .05). In multivariate analysis, previously undetected dementia remained associated with older age (OR = 2.4 for age 85 years and older, 95% CI 1.5-4.0, P = .001) and normal MMSE at admission (OR = 5.9, 95% CI 2.7-12.7, P < .001). Conclusion: Dementia was present in almost a fourth of elderly patients referred to postacute care, but was diagnosed in less than a third before admission. Oldest old patients appear especially at risk for underrecognition. These results emphasize the high diagnostic yield of systematic cognitive assessment in the postacute care setting to improve these patients' management and quality of life.

Note préliminaire sur la structure, la phénologie et le régime alimentaire d'une super-colonie de formica lugubris zett

Formica lugubris apparaît comme une espèce hautement polycalique dans le Jura suisse et forme des super-colonies. La super-colonie étudiée comprend environ 1200 nids répartis sur 70 hectares. L'étude détaillée de 12 hectares permet de définir 4 types de nids:les nids principaux, secondaires, saisonniers etcommençants, ainsi que trois sortes de voies de communication:les routes de liaisons permanentes visibles sur le terrain, les pistes de liaisons non-permanentes non marquées sur le terrain etles chemins d'approvisionnement permanents marqués dans le terrain. L'auteur présente la phénologie deF. lugubris qui est fortement influencée par le climat de cette région avec une période moyenne d'activité de 150 jours. D'autre part, les premières données sur le régime alimentaire (analyse des proies récoltées par les fourmis) diffèrent considérablement des données connues pour les autres espèces du groupe rufa, notamment par le nombre élevé de pucerons, d'où l'idée d'une régulation des populations de pucerons par les fourmis. Enfin l'auteur aborde le problème de la faible densité de l'avifaune en relation avec les fourmis. Il semble que le climat et les ressources alimentaires conduisent les fourmis àune nouvelle stratégie écologique qui s'exprimerait par la création de super-colonies. Formica lugubris appears as a highly polycalic species in the Swiss Jura and creates super-colonies. The super-colony studied possesses about 1200 nests on about 70 hectares. The detailed study of 12 hectares allows the discrimination of 4 types of nests:the main nests, the secondary nests, the seasonal nests andthe starting nests, as well as 3 types of ant tracks:the constant connection routes visible on the soil, thenon-constant connection tracks not marked on the soil andthe constant foraging routes marked on the soil. The author presents the phenology ofF. lugubris who is strongly influenced by the climate of the region with a mean activity period of about 150 days. On the other hand, the first results about diet (analysis of the preys collected by the ants) differ considerably from the wellknown data for the others species of the rufa group, especially by the high number of aphids, which may be inferred the notion of a regulation of aphids population by the ants. Finally the author approaches the problem of the low density of avifauna in relation to the ants. It seems that climate and food resources lead the ants toa new ecological strategy which would express itself by the creation of super-colonies.

Newer antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of status epilepticus: Impact on prognosis.

Newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are increasingly prescribed and seem to have a comparable efficacy as the classical AEDs; however, their impact on status epilepticus (SE) prognosis has received little attention. In our prospective SE database (2006-2010), we assessed the use of older versus newer AEDs (levetiracetam, pregabalin, topiramate, lacosamide) over time and its relationship to outcome (return to clinical baseline conditions, new handicap, or death). Newer AEDs were used more often toward the end of the study period (42% of episodes versus 30%). After adjustment for SE etiology, SE severity score, and number of compounds needed to terminate SE, newer AEDs were independently related to a reduced likelihood of return to baseline (p<0.001) but not to increased mortality. These findings seem in line with recent findings on refractory epilepsy. Also, in view of the higher price of the newer AEDs, well-designed, prospective assessments analyzing the impact of newer AEDs on efficacy and tolerability in patients with SE appear mandatory.

Minor salivary gland tumors: a clinicopathological study of 18 cases

Introduction: Minor salivary gland tumors (MSGTs) are infrequent, representing 10-15% of all salivary neoplasms. Despite this low frequency, MSGTs conform a heterogeneous group of neoplasms characterized by a broad range of histological types. Patients and method: We identified cases of MSGT in a retrospective study of the biopsies made in the period 1997-2007 in the Service of Oral Surgery (Dental Clinic of the University of Barcelona, Spain). The data collected comprised patient age and sex, the clinical characteristics and location of the tumor, the duration of the lesion, its size, the treatment provided, and the histopathological findings. Results: Of the 18 cases of MSGT studied, 12 corresponded to women (66.7%) and 6 to men (33.3%). The great majority (94.4%) were benign tumors. The preferential location was the posterior third of the hard palate (33.2%), followed by the soft palate (16.7%) and the mucosa of the upper lip (16.7%). The histopathological diagnoses of our MSGTs comprised 10 pleomorphic adenomas (55.3%), 2 cystadenomas (11.1%), 1 myoepithelioma (5.6%), 1 sialadenoma papilliferum (5.6%), 1 basal cell adenoma (5.6%), 1 Warthin"s tumor (5.6%), 1 canalicular adenoma (5.6%), and 1 low-grade polymorphic adenocarcinoma (5.6%). Discussion and conclusions: Coinciding with our own results, the literature describes a high recurrence rate for MSGTs (5-30%) when surgical removal is incomplete. Six percent of all benign minor salivary gland tumors are considered to relapse, versus 65% of all malignant lesions. Periodic clinical controls are required, since the possibility of malignant transformation must be taken into account

World of wars : Desarrollo de aplicaciones Android

World of wars es un videojuego de acción para plataformas Android basándose en los estilos shoot 'em up arcade antiguos pero adaptándolos a los nuevos tiempos y nuevas formas de juego. Se ha utilizado la librería Cocos2d-x, así como el lenguaje de programación C++ para su desarrollo.

L'Envelliment en persones amb trastorn mental sever

Són moltes les investigacions que han aprofundit en l’estudi de l’esquizofrènia i algunes aporten resultats de persones que estan a la tercera edat. L’objectiu principal d’aquest estudi és descriure alguns aspectes mèdics i de gestió de casos en població gran afectada de trastorn mental. Un segon objectiu és observar si hi ha un major risc cardiovascular en edat avançada en comparació amb persones de menor edat. Es tracta d’un estudi descriptiu i transversal amb una mostra de 220 subjectes afectats de trastorn mental sever, 33 dels quals sobrepassen els 60 anys. Es van utilitzar els registres sobre les dades mèdiques, clíniques i de funcionament social durant l’any 2011. Entre els resultats principals s’ha trobat una bona adherència al tractament i al seguiment(95,3%-90% respectivament) una bona participació familiar en el tractament(90%), nivells més elevats de dislipèmies(colesterol 70,6%; triglicèrids 64,3%), menor nombre de fumadors(28%). Les valoracions psicopatològiques no mostren significació estadística respecte al grup més jove (p=.468) ni en reingressos ni urgències(p=.181;.420 respectivament). Les dades que es presenten en aquest estudi fan èmfasi en la necessitat de tenir cura dels malalts mentals també a la tercera edat, on la fragilitat física i psicosocial s’accentua a nivell de comorbilitat amb altres malalties mèdiques.