NodeTrix Planarity Testing with Small Clusters

We study the NodeTrix planarity testing problem for flat clustered graphs when the maximum size of each cluster is bounded by a constant $k$. We consider both the case when the sides of the matrices to which the edges are incident are fixed and the case when they can be chosen arbitrarily. We show that NodeTrix planarity testing with fixed sides can be solved in $O(k^{3k+\frac{3}{2}} \cdot n)$ time for every flat clustered graph that can be reduced to a partial 2-tree by collapsing its clusters into single vertices. In the general case, NodeTrix planarity testing with fixed sides can be solved in $O(n)$ time for $k = 2$, but it is NP-complete for any $k > 2$. NodeTrix planarity testing remains NP-complete also in the free sides model when $k > 4$.Comment: Appears in the Proceedings of the 25th International Symposium on Graph Drawing and Network Visualization (GD 2017

Pain and Suffering in Invertebrates: An Insight on Cephalopods

Invertebrates are a broad group of animals that includes more than 90% of the estimated 10 million species in the world. Some species are abundantly used by man in scientific research and for human consumption. However, the current legislation is still very lacking about the protection toward conditions of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm that these animals may suffer as a result of experimental practices, fishing and cooking. The purpose of this paper is to summarize what has already been stated by other Authors regarding the possibility that invertebrates (with a specific emphasis on cephalopods) can experience pain and suffering. The results of studies that show the existence, in these animals, of a number of elements that can be associated with the ability to feel pain and not only nociception are highlighted. Objective indicators (such as changes in physiological parameters) and behavioral attitudes of cephalopods that might be related to pain will be addressed as well

46, XX DSD due to androgen excess in monogenic disorders of steroidogenesis: Genetic, biochemical, and clinical features

The term ‘differences of sex development’ (DSD) refers to a group of congenital conditions that are associated with atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex. Disorders of steroidogenesis comprise autosomal recessive conditions that affect adrenal and gonadal enzymes and are responsible for some conditions of 46, XX DSD where hyperandrogenism interferes with chromosomal and gonadal sex development. Congenital adrenal hyperplasias (CAHs) are disorders of steroidogenesis that mainly involve the adrenals (21-hydroxylase and 11-hydroxylase deficiencies) and sometimes the gonads (3-beta-hydroxysteroidodehydrogenase and P450-oxidoreductase); in contrast, aromatase deficiency mainly involves the steroidogenetic activity of the gonads. This review describes the main genetic, biochemical, and clinical features that apply to the abovementioned conditions. The activities of the steroidogenetic enzymes are modulated by post-translational modifications and cofactors, particularly electron-donating redox partners. The incidences of the rare forms of CAH vary with ethnicity and geography. The elucidation of the precise roles of these enzymes and cofactors has been significantly facilitated by the identification of the genetic bases of rare disorders of steroidogenesis. Understanding steroidogenesis is important to our comprehension of differences in sexual development and other processes that are related to human reproduction and fertility, particularly those that involve androgen excess as consequence of their impairment

Interactions between plant response to environment and fungal microbiome in developing maize silks in relation to mycotoxin risk

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide both in terms of yield and land surface used, which are constantly increasing. One of the most critical stages for maize reproduction and seed establishment is the emergence of silk from cob: silks are particularly susceptible to environmental stresses and represent a preferential entry route for mycotoxin-producing fungi such as Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus (1). Moreover, from elongation to senescence, silks become a sink organ enriched in nutrients (e.g. Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC)), and a crossway for various primary and secondary metabolites. In maize silks, these metabolites are expected to be significantly affected by environmental stress conditions (2) and by the maturation stage of silk tissues themselves, possibly affecting the fungal colonization of the ear tissues. In temperate regions of cultivated maize, also pathogen growth and mycotoxin production are thought to be affected by environmental factors, such as alterations in temperature, rainfall and humidity (3), which are strictly related to climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the environmental conditions on the fungal microbiome in maize developing silks at two different phenological stages. To do so, some eco-physiological parameters have been measured in 5 plots under contrasting climate conditions, and the complete fungal microbiome has been sequenced for each plot, both at the beginning of emergence and at the senescence of silks. In this study we expect to get new insights into the interplay of the environmental conditions, i.e. precipitation and temperature, and phenological stage of silks in determining the fungal microbiome of maize silks. We do believe that climate-induced plant response might be pivotal in shaping the microbiome communities by favouring some fungal groups and disfavouring others during early silk colonization. 1) Thompson, M. E. H. & Raizada M. N. Fungal pathogens of maize gaining free passage along the silk road. Pathogens, 7(4), 81 (2018). 2) Slewinski, T. L. Non-structural carbohydrate partitioning in grass stems: a target to increase yield stability, stress tolerance, and biofuel production. Journal Of Experimental Botany, Vol. 63, No. 13, pp. 4647-4670 (2012). 3) Magan, N. & Medina, A. Integrating gene expression, ecology and mycotoxin production by Fusarium and Aspergillus species in relation to interacting environmental factors. World Mycotoxin J. 9, 673–684 (2016)

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Regulates PPAR’s Levels in Stem Cells-Derived Adipocytes

Hypertrophic obesity inhibits activation of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), considered the key mediator of the fully differentiated and insulin sensitive adipocyte phenotype. We examined the effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (Cape), isolated from propolis, a honeybee hive product, on Adipose Stem Cells (ASCs) differentiation to the adipocyte lineage. Finally we tested the effects of Cape on insulin-resistant adipocytes. Quantification of Oil Red O-stained cells showed that lipid droplets decreased following Cape treatment as well as radical oxygen species formation. Additionally, exposure of ASC to high glucose levels decreased adiponectin and increased proinflammatory cytokines mRNA levels, which were reversed by Cape-mediated increase of insulin sensitivity. Cape treatment resulted in decreased triglycerides synthesis and increased beta-oxidation. Exposure of ASCs to Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced a reduction of PPARγ, an increase of IL-6 levels associated with a well-known stimulation of lipolysis; Cape partially attenuated the LPS-mediated effects. These observations reveal the main role of PPARγ in the adipocyte function and during ASC differentiation. As there is now substantial interest in functional food and nutraceutical products, the observed therapeutic value of Cape in insulin-resistance related diseases should be taken into consideration