The relevance of α-KLOTHO to the central nervous system: Some key questions

α-Klotho is well described as an anti-aging protein, with critical roles in kidney function as a transmembrane co-receptor for FGF23, and as a soluble factor in serum. α-Klotho is also expressed in the choroid plexus, where it is released into the cerebrospinal fluid. Nonetheless, α-Klotho is also expressed in the brain parenchyma. Accumulating evidence indicates that this pool of α-Klotho, which we define as brain α-Klotho, may play important roles as a neuroprotective factor and in promoting myelination, thereby supporting healthy brain aging. Here we summarize what is known about brain α-Klotho before focusing on the outstanding scientific questions related to its function. We believe there is a need for in vitro studies designed to distinguish between brain α-Klotho and other pools of α-Klotho, and for a greater understanding of the basic function of soluble α-Klotho. The mechanism by which the human KL-VS variant affects cognition also requires further elucidation. To help address these questions we suggest some experimental approaches that other laboratories might consider. In short, we hope to stimulate fresh ideas and encourage new research approaches that will allow the importance of α-Klotho for the aging brain to become clear

Klotho and vitamin D in multiple sclerosis: an Italian study

Introduction Low vitamin D levels have been recognised as an important risk factor for autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a multifactorial disease, the pathogenesis of which contributes both to genetic and environmental factors. Polymorphisms in genes codifying molecules involved in vitamin D homeostasis have been associated with hypovitaminosis D. However, the influence of polymorphisms of Klotho, which codify a protein with a pivotal role in vitamin D metabolism, have never been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association among genetic variants of Klotho, namely rs1207568 and rs9536314, serum 25(OH)D3 levels, and multiple sclerosis (both risk and disease progression). Material and methods 107 patients with MS and 133 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels and genotyping of Klotho SNPs were evaluated in all participants by high-performance liquid chromatography and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results Allelic and genotypic frequencies did not differ between patients and controls. Concerning rs1207568, we found a trend toward lower serum 25(OH)D3 levels in MS patients with A allele (mutant), both in heterozygosis (AG) and in homozygosis (AA), in comparison to MS patients with G allele in homozygosis (GG) (AG + AA 20.5 ±6.3 µg/l; GG 22.5 ±7.5 µg/l, p = 0.07). Conclusions Our findings did not identify a role of Klotho in the genetic susceptibility to MS

Penampilan Ketahanan Enam Varietas Kacang Tanah Terhadap Penggerek Polong (Etiella Zinckenella Trietschke) Di Dataran Tinggi Dan Dataran Rendah Bengkulu

Resistance performance of six groundnut varieties to Soybean Pod Borer (Etiella zinckenella Treitschke) at high and low elevation in Bengkulu. Soybean pod borer (SPB), Etiella zinckenella Treitschke, often caused serious pod damage and reduced pod yield in several groundnut central in Bengkulu. Field trials were conducted in two locations, Air Dingin (Rejang Lebong, 900 m asl.) and Kuro Tidur (Bengkulu Utara, 200 m asl.) to evaluate resistance performance of groundnut varieties to SPB. Six varieties, Jerapah, Kacil, Bison, Pather, Singa dan Singa, were grown in Air Dingin. Five varieties ( as above but minus Sima) were grown in Kuro Tidur. Susceptible local variety was used as control. Varieties were arranged in plots in randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times, in 3 m x 5 m plots and 20 cm x 30 cm planting space. Dolomite was applied at doses of 0.333 ton ha-1 in Air Dingin and 3 ton ha-1 in Kuro Tidur. Plants were fertilized with N (Urea) - P (TSP) - K (KCl) at the nationally recommended doses (70 - 125 - 70 kg ha-1). Damaged pods and larval density were observed three times at 63, 77 and 93 day after sowing (SAW). Undamaged pods was weighted at harvest. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and LSD to separate varietal means. The results revealed that the numbers and percetages of damaged pods incresed with plant age. Four groundnut varieties (Kancil, Panther, Singa and Sima) suffered significantly less pod damage than local variety and the other two (Jerapah and Bison), and therefore they are more resistance than the last three. Regardless of varieties, pod damage was significantly higher in Kuro Tidur than that in Air Dingin. The weight of undamage pods of resistance varieties was significantly higher than that of local, but was not significantly difference from that of Bison and Jerapah, in Air Dingin. In contrast, there was no significant different undamage pod weight between all varieties in Kuro Tidur

Initial teacher education guideline for teacher educators in inquiry‐based science teaching

This guideline comprises a set of arguments in support of Inquiry‐based Science Teaching, supported by a number of references, apposite quotes and exploratory small‐scale research. The intention is that the guideline will serve as a realistic pedagogy for beginning teachers of science in courses of Initial Teacher Education that, with some experience of teaching and support from tutors at school and university, it can help them to develop a disposition that favours opportunities for pupils to engage in inquiry in one way or another. The text of the guideline will also form the basis of a website that will have a range of links to, for example, video examples of inquiry in action, published papers from research, policy and practice and other sources of advice and ideas

Impacts of Tourism and Fiscal Expenditure on Remote Islands in Japan: A Panel Data Analysis

Japan consists of many small inhabited islands in addition to four main islands. We examine the impact of fiscal expenditure and the number of tourists on per capita taxable income in remote islands using panel data analysis. The results show that both fiscal expenditure and population size have significant positive impacts on per capita taxable income, whereas the number of tourists does not have statistically significant impact. They indicate that tourism development would not work as a substitute for financial support from the government. In other words, continuous financial support may be needed to maintain the islandsf economies.Tourism Multiplier, Fiscal Multiplier, Remote Islands, Panel Data Analysis

Research Models for Studying Vascular Calcification

Calcification of the vessel wall contributes to high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vascular calcification (VC) is a systemic disease with multifaceted contributing and inhibiting factors in an actively regulated process. The exact underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated and reliable treatment options are lacking. Due to the complex pathophysiology, various research models exist evaluating different aspects of VC. This review aims to give an overview of the cell and animal models used so far to study the molecular processes of VC. Here, in vitro cell culture models of different origins, ex vivo settings using aortic tissue and various in vivo disease-induced animal models are summarized. They reflect different aspects and depict the (patho)physiologic mechanisms within the VC process