Sp1-regulated expression of p11 contributes to motor neuron degeneration by membrane insertion of TASK1

Disruption in membrane excitability contributes to malfunction and differential vulnerability of specific neuronal subpopulations in a number of neurological diseases. The adaptor protein p11, and background potassium channel TASK1, have overlapping distributions in the CNS. Here, we report that the transcription factor Sp1 controls p11 expression, which impacts on excitability by hampering functional expression of TASK1. In the SOD1-G93A mouse model of ALS, Sp1-p11-TASK1 dysregulation contributes to increased excitability and vulnerability of motor neurons. Interference with either Sp1 or p11 is neuroprotective, delaying neuron loss and prolonging lifespan in this model. Nitrosative stress, a potential factor in human neurodegeneration, stimulated Sp1 expression and human p11 promoter activity, at least in part, through a Sp1-binding site. Disruption of Sp1 or p11 also has neuroprotective effects in a traumatic model of motor neuron degeneration. Together our work suggests the Sp1-p11- TASK1 pathway is a potential target for treatment of degeneration of motor neurons

Multilocus Genotyping of Human Giardia Isolates Suggests Limited Zoonotic Transmission and Association between Assemblage B and Flatulence in Children

Giardia intestinalis is a protozoan parasite found world-wide and it is a major cause of diarrhea in humans and other mammals. The genetic variability within G. intestinalis is high with eight distinct genotypes or assemblages (A-H). Here we performed sequence-based multilocus genotyping of around 200 human Giardia isolates. We found evidence of limited zoonotic transmission of certain A subtypes and an association between flatulence and assemblage B infection in children. This shows that it is important to investigate different assemblages and sub-assemblages of G. intestinalis in human infections in order to understand the clinical significance, zoonotic potential, sequence divergence, and transmission pathways of this parasite

Surfing the spectrum - what is on the horizon?

Diagnostic imaging techniques have evolved with technological advancements - but how far? The objective of this article was to explore the electromagnetic spectrum to find imaging techniques which may deliver diagnostic information of equal, or improved, standing to conventional radiographs and to explore any developments within radiography which may yield improved diagnostic data. A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline, Web of Knowledge, Science Direct and PubMed Databases. Boolean Operators were used and key-terms included (not exclusively): terahertz, X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infra-red, magnetic resonance, dental, diagnostic, caries and periodontal. Radiographic techniques are primarily used for diagnostic imaging in dentistry, and continued developments in X-ray imaging include: phase contrast, darkfield and spectral imaging. Other modalities have potential application, for example, terahertz, laser doppler and optical techniques, but require further development. In particular, infra-red imaging has regenerated interest with caries detection in vitro, due to improved quality and accessibility of cameras. Non-ionising imaging techniques, for example, infra-red, are becoming more commensurate with traditional radiographic techniques for caries detection. Nevertheless, X-rays continue to be the leading diagnostic image for dentists, with improved diagnostic potential for lower radiation dose becoming a reality

Regiospecific synthesis of mono-N-substituted indolopyrrolocarbazoles

Two complementary and efficient strategies have been developed for the regiospecific synthesis of unsymmetrical indolopyrrolocarbazoles (IPCs) mono-N-substituted with a pentacycle. A halogen in position 2 of the intermediate bisindolylmaleimides 3a 12e allows a selective Mitsunobu coupling by exploiting the increased acidity of the 2-chloro-substituted indole nitrogen. It also promotes an easier cyclization of bisindolylmaleimides 4a 12e and 7b 12e to IPCs. Alkylation of the 2-unsubstituted indole-3-carboxamides 2a,b and further processing to the corresponding IPCs gives access to the opposite regioisomers

Effect of feed frequency on growth and survival of Oreochromis aureus in experimental cultures [Efecto de la frecuencia de alimentación sobre el crecimiento y supervivencia de Oreochromis aureus en cultivos experimentales]

In semi-intensive systems Tilapia feed represents 50 to 75% of production costs. Knowledge of optimum ration for any species means providing the necessary food to achieve greater efficiency and maximize the growth of organisms and the reduction of overfeeding. The goal of the present study deals with the effect of feeding frequency on growth and survival of tilapia Oreochromis aureus, with the intention of providing information that can be applied in aquaculture. The results obtained show no significant differences in the growth of organisms, or survival, total weight gain, specific growth rate, total feed intake, daily intake, feed conversion rate and protein efficiency ratio. Provide feed in a single dose or divided into portions for up to seven frequencies has not a significant effect on growth and survival of tilapia Oreochromis aureus

Effect of feed frequency on growth and survival of Oreochromis aureus in experimental cultures [Efecto de la frecuencia de alimentación sobre el crecimiento y supervivencia de Oreochromis aureus en cultivos experimentales]

In semi-intensive systems Tilapia feed represents 50 to 75% of production costs. Knowledge of optimum ration for any species means providing the necessary food to achieve greater efficiency and maximize the growth of organisms and the reduction of overfeeding. The goal of the present study deals with the effect of feeding frequency on growth and survival of tilapia Oreochromis aureus, with the intention of providing information that can be applied in aquaculture. The results obtained show no significant differences in the growth of organisms, or survival, total weight gain, specific growth rate, total feed intake, daily intake, feed conversion rate and protein efficiency ratio. Provide feed in a single dose or divided into portions for up to seven frequencies has not a significant effect on growth and survival of tilapia Oreochromis aureus

Visual Communication Analysis (VCA): Implementing self-determination theory and research-based practices in special education classrooms

The number of students with disabilities served under the federal law of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in public schools increased from 6.4 million to 7.0 million students from 2011 to 2017. Current curriculum offered to special needs students is eclectic and inconsistent as they vary across students, classrooms, districts, and throughout the nation. The current study examined the use of Visual Communication Analysis (VCA) within moderate to severe special education classes. Researchers found that through the use of VCA, children with various diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, and/or Speech and Language Impairment were taught to type independently and thereby improved their learning and functional communication skills, while also showing significant decreases in maladaptive behaviors