HGF modulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling and contraction in testicular myoid cells

The presence of the HGF/Met system in the testicular myoid cells was first discovered by our group. However, the physiological role of this pathway remains poorly understood. We previously reported that HGF increases uPA secretion and TGF-β activation in cultured tubular fragments and that HGF is maximally expressed at Stages VII–VIII of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, when myoid cell contraction occurs. It is well known that the HGF/Met pathway is involved in cytoskeletal remodeling; moreover, the interaction of uPA with its receptor, uPAR, as well as the activation of TGF-β have been reported to be related to the actin cytoskeleton contractility of smooth muscle cells. Herein, we report that HGF induces actin cytoskeleton remodeling in vitro in isolated myoid cells and myoid cell contraction in cultured seminiferous tubules. To better understand these phenomena, we evaluated: (1) the regulation of the uPA machinery in isolated myoid cells after HGF administration; and (2) the effect of uPA or Met inhibition on HGF-treated tubular fragments. Because uPA activates latent TGF-β, the secretion of this factor was also evaluated. We found that both uPA and TGF-β activation increase after HGF administration. In testicular tubular fragments, HGF-induced TGF-β activation and myoid cell contraction are abrogated by uPA or Met inhibitor administratio

R-spondin 1/Dickkopf-1/beta-catenin machinery is involved in testicular embryonic angiogenesis

Testicular vasculogenesis is one of the key processes regulating male gonad morphogenesis. The knowledge of the molecular cues underlining this phenomenon is one of today's most challenging issues and could represent a major contribution toward a better understanding of the onset of testicular morphogenetic disorders. R-spondin 1 has been clearly established as a candidate for mammalian ovary determination. Conversely, very little information is available on the expression and role of R-spondin 1 during testicular morphogenesis. This study aims to clarify the distribution pattern of R-spondin 1 and other partners of its machinery during the entire period of testicular morphogenesis and to indicate the role of this system in testicular development. Our whole mount immunofluorescence results clearly demonstrate that R-spondin 1 is always detectable in the testicular coelomic partition, where testicular vasculature is organized, while Dickkopf-1 is never detectable in this area. Moreover, organ culture experiments of embryonic male UGRs demonstrated that Dickkopf-1 acted as an inhibitor of testis vasculature formation. Consistent with this observation, real-time PCR analyses demonstrated that DKK1 is able to slightly but significantly decrease the expression level of the endothelial marker Pecam1. The latter experiments allowed us to observe that DKK1 administration also perturbs the expression level of the Pdgf-b chain, which is consistent with some authors' observations relating this factor with prenatal testicular patterning and angiogenesis. Interestingly, the DKK1 induced inhibition of testicular angiogenesis was rescued by the co-administration of R-spondin 1. In addition, R-spondin 1 alone was sufficient to enhance, in culture, testicular angiogenesis

An Amphiphilic Pyridinoyl-hydrazone Probe for Colorimetric and Fluorescence pH Sensing

A new pH sensor based on a substituted aroylhydrazide with a flexible side chain and a terminal trimethyl ammonium group (PHA+) was designed and synthesized. The terminal quaternary ammonium guarantees excellent solubility in water. At the same time, the probe is very soluble in hydrophobic envirornments. The pyridinoyl-hydrazone moiety acts as the pH-sensitive fluorophore/chromophore probe. Extensive physicochemical characterization has been performed on the bromide salt PHABr. DFT calculations, based on single-crystal X-ray data, permitted to rationalize the optical behavior. Molecular dynamics simulations permitted to clarify the mode of interaction with lipid membrane. The ability of the probe to change color and fluorescence in response to different pH and media of different polarity has been investigated. PHABr shows a remarkable pH-dependent behavior in both absorption and fluorescence spectra with high sensitivity and strong on-off switch effect at neutral pH, perceptible even to the naked eye

TUMOUR CASE IN KOI CARP (Cyprinus carpio)

A case study of tumour in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) was observed in rearing periode. This tumour occurs solitary, large, pale red, fleshy masses under the lips and dental plates on the outside, and by reason of its size, may prevent closure the mouth. Moreover, this tumour goes through into the inside of the mouth. At necropsy, there were two soft, firm, small mass at inside of the mouth and the bigger mass at outside the mouth. Samples of this tumour were fixed in 10% formalin were used for histology analysis. The clinical course of the tumour is one of relatively slow but progressive growth. The proliferative stage of the neoplastic process is preceded and accompanied by a striking vascular reaction. Intensed hyperemia invariably occurs in that region of the mucosal surface which later becomes the site of neoplastic proliferation. Neoplastic cells lied around lamina propria and submucosal. These cells were joined together to make vacuolization and the other cells become pleiomorphism with hyperchromatic nucleus and N/C ratio cells are 1:1. In some area, there were many empty holes, around the holes there were debris cells, inflammation cells, and erythrocytes

Centro de Atencion Residencial Sostenible para el Adulto Mayor en la Molina

El tema de la tesis: “Centro de Atención Residencial Para Adultos Mayores” nace de un interés personal de los autores en la arquitectura de vivienda para adultos mayores como una forma de mejorar su calidad de vida, con este objetivo se revisaron diferentes conceptos, normas legales, enfoques teóricos y experiencias arquitectónicas compatibles con el tema de la tesis. Para la elección del terreno se optó por trabajar dentro del entorno urbano, esta elección se basó inicialmente en una mayor y más variada infraestructura de salud y en la cercanía de las familias, entre los terrenos disponibles se decidió por uno de 12700 m2 en La Molina, en la av. Melgarejo cuyas características, al ser comparadas con la Lista de Control de Aspectos Esenciales de las Ciudades Amigables con los Mayores de la OMS (2008), resultó acertada. Conclusiones de la Monografía - El hábitat del adulto mayor está compuesto por las estructuras físicas que los albergan, pero más aún, por los vínculos familiares, sociales y comunitarios donde interactúan día a día. El hábitat del adulto mayor debe promover y reforzar la integración con el entorno, con la comunidad, con las familias; proveyendo las características físicas adecuadas para estas relaciones - El proceso de envejecimiento es único en cada individuo, este debe enfocarse en la conservación de su independencia. Para medirlas se usan las escalas de valoración de la independencia, estas son indispensables para crear un perfil de usuario que reúna suficientes características en común para ofrecer una infraestructura residencial adecuada para albergarlos. - Así como es importante la relación del adulto mayor con la comunidad es saludable su relación con la naturaleza, debe tomarse en cuenta la iluminación y ventilación además de las áreas verdes dentro del proyecto. Recomendaciones para la Elaboración del Proyecto - Los centros de atención residencial para adultos mayores deben ubicarse preferentemente en las cercanías de los entornos originarios del residente con la finalidad de conservar y reforzar los vínculos sociales y comunitarios del adulto mayor para evitar la soledad y el aislamiento. - El diseño de los centros debe centrarse, a nivel de infraestructura y servicios, en las características de independencia del usuario. Los espacios deben ofrecer suficiente flexibilidad para adaptarse a diferentes estilos de vida. Es recomendable que todos los espacios sean accesibles dentro del proyecto, se deben prever las ayudas ortopédicas y humanas - Los centros residenciales deben proveer confort a través de una relación sencilla y natural con el entorno, la infraestructura debe aprovechar la iluminación y natural y promover el uso de las áreas verdes. Aportes del Proyecto - El proyecto aprovechara las características amigables del entorno urbano, se resolverán las carencias del mismo dentro del programa arquitectónico. Aprovechará el equipamiento urbano existente y aportará servicios que lo complementen. - El proyecto considerara todos los aspectos de accesibilidad y eliminación de barreras físicas, domótica, diseño universal y flexibilidad de usos dentro de la vivienda siendo un antecedente para otros proyectos que requieran las mismas características. - El proyecto usara estrategias pasivas de acondicionamiento ambiental y promoverá la apropiación delas áreas verdes dentro del terreno y los alrededores por parte de los residentes aportando vida a los espacios a través de su uso.Tesi