1,622 research outputs found
Cell death and degeneration in the symbiotic dinoflagellates of the coral Stylophora pistillata during bleaching
Rising sea temperatures are increasing the incidences of mass coral bleaching (the dissociation
of the coralâalgal symbiosis) and coral mortality. In this study, the effects of bleaching
(induced by elevated light and temperature) on the condition of symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium
sp.) within the tissue of the hard coral Stylophora pistillata (Esper) were assessed using a suite
of techniques. Bleaching of S. pistillata was accompanied by declines in the maximum potential
quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm, measured using pulse amplitude modulated [PAM] fluorometry),
an increase in the number of Sytox-green-stained algae (indicating compromised algal membrane
integrity and cell death), an increase in 2â,7â-dichlorodihydrofluroscein diacetate (H2DCFDA)-
stained algae (indicating increased oxidative stress), as well as ultrastructural changes (vacuolisation,
losses of chlorophyll, and an increase in accumulation bodies). Algae expelled from S. pistillata
exhibited a complete disorganisation of cellular contents; expelled cells contained only amorphous
material. In situ samples taken during a natural mass coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef
in February 2002 also revealed a high number of Sytox-labelled algae cells in symbio. Dinoflagellate\ud
degeneration during bleaching seems to be similar to the changes resulting from senescence-phase
cell death in cultured algae. These data support a role for oxidative stress in the mechanism of coral
bleaching and highlight the importance of algal degeneration during the bleaching of a reef coral
Improved predictions of coral bleaching using seasonal baselines and higher spatial resolution
Coral bleaching spread across the southern Great Barrier Reef in January 2006, after sea temperatures reached climatological summer maxima 2 months before normal. Current satellite-derived warning systems were unable to detect severe bleaching conditions in the region because of their use of a constant thermal threshold (summer maximum monthly mean) and low spatial resolution (50 km). Here it is shown that such problems can be ameliorated if the thermal threshold is adjusted for seasonal variation and a 4-km spatial resolution is used. We develop a seasonally and spatially improved thermal threshold for coral bleaching on the basis of a weekly climatology of sea surface temperatures extending from austral spring to late summer, and apply the method to two case-study sites. At both sites, and in particular at the nearshore site that was undetected by the 50-km satellite product, the seasonally adjusted thermal threshold produced a greatly improved consistency between accumulated heating and bleaching severity. The application of thermal stress algorithms that reflect the long-term mean pattern in seasonal variation allows coral bleaching to be forecast with higher precision
Translating musculoskeletal bioengineering into tissue regeneration therapies.
Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders are the leading cause of physical disability worldwide and a considerable socioeconomic burden. The lack of effective therapies has driven the development of novel bioengineering approaches that have recently started to gain clinical approvals. In this review, we first discuss the self-repair capacity of the musculoskeletal tissues and describe causes of musculoskeletal dysfunction. We then review the development of novel biomaterial, immunomodulatory, cellular, and gene therapies to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Last, we consider the recent regulatory changes and future areas of technological progress that can accelerate translation of these therapies to clinical practice
The Nondeterministic Waiting Time Algorithm: A Review
We present briefly the Nondeterministic Waiting Time algorithm. Our technique
for the simulation of biochemical reaction networks has the ability to mimic
the Gillespie Algorithm for some networks and solutions to ordinary
differential equations for other networks, depending on the rules of the
system, the kinetic rates and numbers of molecules. We provide a full
description of the algorithm as well as specifics on its implementation. Some
results for two well-known models are reported. We have used the algorithm to
explore Fas-mediated apoptosis models in cancerous and HIV-1 infected T cells
Lie families: theory and applications
We analyze families of non-autonomous systems of first-order ordinary
differential equations admitting a common time-dependent superposition rule,
i.e., a time-dependent map expressing any solution of each of these systems in
terms of a generic set of particular solutions of the system and some
constants. We next study relations of these families, called Lie families, with
the theory of Lie and quasi-Lie systems and apply our theory to provide common
time-dependent superposition rules for certain Lie families.Comment: 23 pages, revised version to appear in J. Phys. A: Math. Theo
Present Limits to Heat-Adaptability in Corals and Population-Level Responses to Climate Extremes
Climate change scenarios suggest an increase in tropical ocean temperature by 1â3°C by 2099, potentially killing many coral reefs. But Arabian/Persian Gulf corals already exist in this future thermal environment predicted for most tropical reefs and survived severe bleaching in 2010, one of the hottest years on record. Exposure to 33â35°C was on average twice as long as in non-bleaching years. Gulf corals bleached after exposure to temperatures above 34°C for a total of 8 weeks of which 3 weeks were above 35°C. This is more heat than any other corals can survive, providing an insight into the present limits of holobiont adaptation. We show that average temperatures as well as heat-waves in the Gulf have been increasing, that coral population levels will fluctuate strongly, and reef-building capability will be compromised. This, in combination with ocean acidification and significant local threats posed by rampant coastal development puts even these most heat-adapted corals at risk. WWF considers the Gulf ecoregion as âcritically endangeredâ. We argue here that Gulf corals should be considered for assisted migration to the tropical Indo-Pacific. This would have the double benefit of avoiding local extinction of the world's most heat-adapted holobionts while at the same time introducing their genetic information to populations naĂŻve to such extremes, potentially assisting their survival. Thus, the heat-adaptation acquired by Gulf corals over 6 k, could benefit tropical Indo-Pacific corals who have <100 y until they will experience a similarly harsh climate. Population models suggest that the heat-adapted corals could become dominant on tropical reefs within âŒ20 years
The dynamic mass spectrometry probe (DMSP) - Advanced process analytics for therapeutic cell manufacturing, health monitoring and biomarker discovery
Spatially and temporally resolved in situ monitoring of biochemical cell culture environments, e.g., in application to therapeutic cell bioreactors, is of critical importance for facilitating the development of new and reliable quality control methodologies for cell therapies. Identifying and monitoring secreted biomolecular critical quality attributes (CQAs) to enable online feedback control will enable large scale, cost-effective manufacturing of therapeutic cells. These CQA biomarkers have varying concentrations within a bioreactor, both in time and space. Current methods for monitoring these diverse biomolecules are generally ex-situ, time consuming, destructive, provide bulk measurements, or lack the ability to reveal the complete secretome/metabolome composition. The Dynamic Mass Spectrometry Probe (DMSP) synergistically incorporates a sampling interface for localized intake of a small fluid volume of the cellular content, a micro-fabricated mass exchanger for sample conditioning and inline separation, and an integrated electrospray ionization (ESI) emitter for softly ionizing (i.e. preserved biochemical structure) extracted biomolecules for mass spectrometry (MS). ESI-MS via DMSP treatment enables both biomarker discovery and transient (~1 min) analysis of biochemical information indicative of cell health and potency. DMSP is manufactured using advanced batch microfabrication techniques, which minimize dead volume (~20 nL) and ensure repeatable operation and precise geometry of each device. DMSP treatment removes 99% of compounds that interfere with mass spectrometry analysis, such as inorganic salts, while retaining biomolecules of interest within the sample for ESI-MS analysis. DMSP has demonstrated the ability to substantially increase signal to noise ratio in MS detection of biomolecules, and to further enhance sensitivity for probing lower biomarker concentrations via introduction of ESI-MS enhancing molecules (i.e. proton donating chemicals, protein denaturing solvents, and supercharging agents) into the sample within the integrated mass exchanger. To exemplify the DMSPâs unique capabilities, Fig. 1 demonstrates detection of multiple low-concentration protein biomarkers sampled from a biochemically-complex cell media solution serving as a proxy to samples taken directly from cell growth bioreactors [1].
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Low Intensity, High Frequency Vibration Training to Improve Musculoskeletal Function in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
The objective of the study was to determine if low intensity, high frequency vibration training impacted the musculoskeletal system in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, relative to healthy mice. Three-week old wildtype (nâ=â26) and mdx mice (nâ=â22) were randomized to non-vibrated or vibrated (45 Hz and 0.6 g, 15 min/d, 5 d/wk) groups. In vivo and ex vivo contractile function of the anterior crural and extensor digitorum longus muscles, respectively, were assessed following 8 wks of vibration. Mdx mice were injected 5 and 1 days prior to sacrifice with Calcein and Xylenol, respectively. Muscles were prepared for histological and triglyceride analyses and subcutaneous and visceral fat pads were excised and weighed. Tibial bones were dissected and analyzed by micro-computed tomography for trabecular morphometry at the metaphysis, and cortical geometry and density at the mid-diaphysis. Three-point bending tests were used to assess cortical bone mechanical properties and a subset of tibiae was processed for dynamic histomorphometry. Vibration training for 8 wks did not alter trabecular morphometry, dynamic histomorphometry, cortical geometry, or mechanical properties (Pâ„0.34). Vibration did not alter any measure of muscle contractile function (Pâ„0.12); however the preservation of muscle function and morphology in mdx mice indicates vibration is not deleterious to muscle lacking dystrophin. Vibrated mice had smaller subcutaneous fat pads (Pâ=â0.03) and higher intramuscular triglyceride concentrations (Pâ=â0.03). These data suggest that vibration training at 45 Hz and 0.6 g did not significantly impact the tibial bone and the surrounding musculature, but may influence fat distribution in mice
The impact of ocean acidification on the functional morphology of foraminifera
This work was supported by the NERC UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme grant NE/H017445/1. WENA acknowledges NERC support (NE/G018502/1). DMP received funding from the MASTS pooling initiative (The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland). MASTS is funded by the Scottish Funding Council (grant reference HR09011) and contributing institutions.Culturing experiments were performed on sediment samples from the Ythan Estuary, N. E. Scotland, to assess the impacts of ocean acidification on test surface ornamentation in the benthic foraminifer Haynesina germanica. Specimens were cultured for 36 weeks at either 380, 750 or 1000 ppm atmospheric CO2. Analysis of the test surface using SEM imaging reveals sensitivity of functionally important ornamentation associated with feeding to changing seawater CO2 levels. Specimens incubated at high CO2 levels displayed evidence of shell dissolution, a significant reduction and deformation of ornamentation. It is clear that these calcifying organisms are likely to be vulnerable to ocean acidification. A reduction in functionally important ornamentation could lead to a reduction in feeding efficiency with consequent impacts on this organismâs survival and fitness.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe
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