CD146, a novel target of CD44-signaling, suppresses breast tumor cell invasion.

We have previously validated three novel CD44-downstream positively regulated transcriptional targets, including Cortactin, Survivin and TGF-β2, and further characterized the players underlying their separate signaling pathways. In the present study, we identified CD146 as a potential novel target, negatively regulated by CD44. While the exact function of CD146 in breast cancer (BC) is not completely understood, substantial evidence from our work and others support the hypothesis that CD146 is a suppressor of breast tumor progression. Therefore, using molecular and pharmacological approaches both in vitro and in breast tissues of human samples, the present study validated CD146 as a novel target of CD44-signaling suppressed during BC progression. Our results revealed that CD44 activation could cause a substantial decrease of CD146 expression with an equally notable converse effect upon CD44-siRNA inhibition. More interestingly, activation of CD44 decreased cellular CD146 and increased soluble CD146 through CD44-dependent activation of MMP. Here, we provide a possible mechanism by which CD146 suppresses BC progression as a target of CD44-downstream signaling, regulating neovascularization and cancer cell motility

Etude épidémiologique de certaines parasitoses du mouton au Maroc atlantique par utilisation de la méthode des "animaux traceurs"

Une étude qualitative et quantitative du profil parasitaire du mouton a été menée à la station zootechnique de la recherche agronomique d'El Koudia (région de Rabat). Trente agneaux sont utilisés comme révélateurs de parasitisme ("animaux traceurs"). De mai 1979 à mai 1980, 2 ou 3 agneaux par mois sont introduits dans le troupeau évoluant sur pâturage. Ils y restent de 30 à 45 jours puis sont retirés et gardés en bergerie 4 semaines avant d'être sacrifiés. Tous les parasites internes (helminthes et ostres) sont récoltés, comptés et identifiés. Sont rencontrés: - dans la caillette: Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus axei et Haemonchus contortus, - dans l'intestin grêle: Moniezia benedeni, Moniezia expansa, Nematodirus spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Bunostomum trigonocephalum, - dans le gros intestin: Oesophagostomum venulosum, Trichuris spp., - et dans les cavités nasales et les sinus: Oestrus ovis. L'incidence saisonnière des parasites de la caillette montre un maximum d'infestation en hiver et au printemps et une absence de parasites en été; les trichostrongylidés parasites de l'intestin grêle suivent grossièrement la même évolution. La détermination du poids et du nombre de Moniezia spp. fait ressortir une monieziose en hiver et au printemps. Le gros intestin s'avère peu parasité. Enfin l'hiver seul semble être une saison défavorable à l'infestation par Oestrus ovi

Simultaneous free-volume modeling of the self-diffusion coefficient and dynamic viscosity at high pressure

International audienceA free-volume model of the dynamic viscosity and the self-diffusion coefficients was discussed. The temperature-pressure variations of the dynamic viscosity and the self-diffusion coefficients of small molecules were predicted. The compounds, carbon tetrachloride, cyclohexane, benzene, chlorotrifluoromethane, tetramethylsilane and methylcyclohexane were used for the investigation. The relation between microstructure, free volume and different complex thermophysical properties were emphasized by the model

Pathogenicity of Helminthosporium rostrata on rice varieties widely grown in Morocco

The plants of rice varieties (Arco, Thaibonnet and Elio) were inoculated with three isolates of Helminthosporium rostrata (HR1 HR2 and HR3), isolated for the first time in Morocco from the rice seed of Taibonnet variety at the end of the growing season. The results obtained showed that all the isolates are able to induce the disease on rice plants and sporulate on the foliar lesions. HR1, HR2 and HR3 was respectively the most pathogenic on Elio (I.C = 113), Arco (I.C = 212.5), and Taibonnet (130.48). The symptoms induced by the isolates are similar to those induced by Helminthosporium sativum on rice

Ethnobotany Study of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases in the Middle Region of Oum Rbai

The ethnobotanical study carried out in the region of Oum Rbia (Morocco) made it possible to identify the medicinal plants used by the local population and to collect the maximum information on this use. A survey of 1360 people from the region's population noted that 170 people use medicinal plants against respiratory diseases. Women accounted for 55.3% of the workforce versus 44.7% for men; Married people 70% against 28% for singles. The illiteracy rate is high (34.1%). The leaves are the most widely used part of the plant. Infusion and decoction are the most commonly used methods for preparing traditional remedies. The most widely used species in the treatment of respiratory diseases are: Origanun glandulosum, Eucalyptus globulus, Nigella sativa, Mentha pulegium, Lavandula stoechas, Zingiber officinale, Ammodaucus leucotrichus, Ficus carica. In addition, some species have toxicity either because of the ignorance of the necessary dose or because the people treated are affected by other diseases. Thus, the survey made it possible to inventory 66 medicinal species which are divided into 36 plant families; Lamiaceae (21.2%), Myrtaceae (10.6%), Apiaceae (8.8%), Amaryllydaceae (7.7%) and Zingiberaceae (7.1%). These results resulted in a catalog of medicinal plants used in the study area to treat respiratory diseases. It is a local know-how that must be considered as a heritage to be preserved and developed

Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors in Hypertension.

Chronic hypertension remains a major cause of global mortality and morbidity. It is a complex disease that is the clinical manifestation of multiple genetic, environmental, nutritional, hormonal, and aging-related disorders. Evidence supports a role for vascular aging in the development of hypertension involving an impairment in endothelial function together with an alteration in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) calcium homeostasis leading to increased myogenic tone. Changes in free intracellular calcium levels ([Ca] ) are mediated either by the influx of Ca from the extracellular space or release of Ca from intracellular stores, mainly the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The influx of extracellular Ca occurs primarily through voltage-gated Ca channels (VGCCs), store-operated Ca channels (SOC), and Ca release-activated channels (CRAC), whereas SR-Ca release occurs through inositol trisphosphate receptor (IPR) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs). IPR-mediated SR-Ca release, in the form of Ca waves, not only contributes to VSMC contraction and regulates VGCC function but is also intimately involved in structural remodeling of resistance arteries in hypertension. This involves a phenotypic switch of VSMCs as well as an alteration of cytoplasmic Ca signaling machinery, a phenomena tightly related to the aging process. Several lines of evidence implicate changes in expression/function levels of IPR isoforms in the development of hypertension, VSMC phenotypic switch, and vascular aging. The present review discusses the current knowledge of these mechanisms in an integrative approach and further suggests potential new targets for hypertension management and treatment.This publication was made possible by an MPP fund (#320133) from the American University of Beirut to AE

Never Mind the Gap: Formative Assessment Confronted with Dewey’s and Gadamer’s Concept of Experience

The notion of “closing the learning gap” is widely used in the conceptualisation of formative assessment. It builds on an unarticulated assumption that students' learning can and should be controlled towards predefined outcomes. This article discusses this control assumption in the light of the concept of the American philosopher John Dewey and the German philosopher Hans‐Georg Gadamer. Their conceptualisation challenges the idea of learning as a linear and controllable process that results in stable and predictable outcomes. Using the concept of experience, we argue that learning follows a continuous circular movement where previous experiences condition future interpretations and that every experience changes the subject. This process of change is both unpredictable and diverse and requires that attention is paid to the uniqueness of each situation and to students as subjects. Following the discussion, we propose a model for considering the extensiveness and rigidity of formative assessment practices and that authors pay attention to whether they conceptualise formative assessment in a way that promotes student and teacher “gap closing” and control.publishedVersio

Design and Realization of a Refuse Sorting System for Educational Perspective

Our project focused on developing a waste sorting machine for metal, plastic, and glass for educational purposes. We divided it into several parts, including waste types, sorting methods, and recycling processes. All processes were done highlighting the use of the Arduino Uno controller. Additionally, we outlined the tools required for an automated sorting system and go beyond simulations by creating a prototype. Our goal is to establish a waste sorting machine that promotes recycling and environmental protection, providing both financial returns and sustainability by diverting waste from burial or incineration, thus mitigating pollution

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus using a shrinking field radiotherapy technique without a boost

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is now widely accepted as the primary treatment modality for squamous cell cancer of the anus. While randomised trials have clearly shown CRT to be more effective than radiotherapy alone, there remains uncertainty over the optimal integration of chemotherapy and radiation. We describe a series of 50 patients treated by a site specialist gastrointestinal nonsurgical oncologist with CRT at a single UK centre. Chemotherapy comprised mitomycin C (MMC) (day 1) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (days 1–4, and 29–32), concurrent with 50 Gy in 25 fractions radiation, using a two-phase shrinking field technique. A radiation boost was not planned. At a median follow-up of 48 months, 11 (22%) of the patients have failed locally, of which three have been surgically salvaged. Nine (18%) have died of anal cancer. These results are comparable with those from large randomised studies, and suggest that a two-phase shrinking field radiotherapy technique with no boost, concurrent with MMC/5-FU chemotherapy, is an effective regimen for this disease. The CRT regimen described here provides the basis for the ‘control arm’ of the current UK-randomised CRT trial in anal cancer (ACT2)