ATS-6 spacecraft: In-flight antenna pattern measurement

Antenna patterns, principally associated with the 9.1 meter parabolic antenna of the ATS-6 spacecraft, were measured while in orbit at quasi-stationary synchronous altitude. Controlling the spacecraft attitude permitted a scanning of the spacecraft antenna pattern over the Rosman ground station, thus achieving the measurement of the antenna pattern contour. Patterns were determined in terms of relative gain referenced in position to the spacecraft body coordinates by means of signal power measurements made using a linear detector. These data were subsequently correlated with the attitude data to define the antenna patterns. Antenna patterns measured are presented and compared with available preflight patterns

An overview of conservative treatment options for diabetic Charcot foot neuroarthropathy

Conservative management of Charcot foot neuroarthropathy remains efficacious for certain clinical scenarios. Treatment of the patient should take into account the stage of the Charcot neuroarthopathy, site(s) of involvement, presence or absence of ulceration, presence or absence of infection, overall medical status, and level of compliance. The authors present an overview of evidence-based non-operative treatment for diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy with an emphasis on the most recent developments in therapy

Zinc uptake promotes myoblast differentiation via Zip7 transporter and activation of Akt signalling transduction pathway

[EN] Myogenic regeneration occurs through a chain of events beginning with the output of satellite cells from quiescent state, formation of competent myoblasts and later fusion and differentiation into myofibres. Traditionally, growth factors are used to stimulate muscle regeneration but this involves serious off-target effects, including alterations in cell homeostasis and cancer. In this work, we have studied the use of zinc to trigger myogenic differentiation. We show that zinc promotes myoblast proliferation, differentiation and maturation of myofibres. We demonstrate that this process occurs through the PI3K/Akt pathway, via zinc stimulation of transporter Zip7. Depletion of zinc transporter Zip7 by RNA interference shows reduction of both PI3K/Akt signalling and a significant reduction of multinucleated myofibres and myotubes development. Moreover, we show that mature myofibres, obtained through stimulation with high concentrations of zinc, accumulate zinc and so we hypothesise their function as zinc reservoirs into the cell.P.R. and R.S. acknowledges support from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) (MAT2015-69315-C3-1-R). P.R. acknowledges the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). CIBER-BBN is an initiative funded by the VI National R&D&I Plan 2008-2011, Iniciativa Ingenio 2010, Consolider Program, CIBER Actions and financed by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund. R.S. acknowledges the support from the Spanish MECD through the PRX16/00208 grant. MSS acknowledges support from the European Research Council (ERC - HealInSynergy 306990) and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC - EP/P001114/1)Mnatsakanyan, H.; Sabater I Serra, R.; Rico Tortosa, PM.; Salmerón Sánchez, M. (2018). 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Expression and function of G-protein-coupled receptorsin the male reproductive tract

This review focuses on the expression and function of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), α1-adrenoceptors and relaxin receptors in the male reproductive tract. The localization and differential expression of mAChR and α1-adrenoceptor subtypes in specific compartments of the efferent ductules, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate of various species indicate a role for these receptors in the modulation of luminal fluid composition and smooth muscle contraction, including effects on male fertility. Furthermore, the activation of mAChRs induces transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the Sertoli cell proliferation. The relaxin receptors are present in the testis, RXFP1 in elongated spermatids and Sertoli cells from rat, and RXFP2 in Leydig and germ cells from rat and human, suggesting a role for these receptors in the spermatogenic process. The localization of both receptors in the apical portion of epithelial cells and smooth muscle layers of the vas deferens suggests an involvement of these receptors in the contraction and regulation of secretion.Esta revisão enfatiza a expressão e a função dos receptores muscarínicos, adrenoceptores α1 e receptores para relaxina no sistema reprodutor masculino. A expressão dos receptores muscarínicos e adrenoceptores α1 em compartimentos específicos de dúctulos eferentes, epidídimo, ductos deferentes, vesícula seminal e próstata de várias espécies indica o envolvimento destes receptores na modulação da composição do fluido luminal e na contração do músculo liso, incluindo efeitos na fertilidade masculina. Além disso, a ativação dos receptores muscarínicos leva à transativação do receptor para o fator crescimento epidermal e proliferação das células de Sertoli. Os receptores para relaxina estão presentes no testículo, RXFP1 nas espermátides alongadas e células de Sertoli de rato e RXFP2 nas células de Leydig e germinativas de ratos e humano, sugerindo o envolvimento destes receptores no processo espermatogênico. A localização de ambos os receptores na porção apical das células epiteliais e no músculo liso dos ductos deferentes de rato sugere um papel na contração e na regulação da secreção.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de FarmacologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de FarmacologiaSciEL

Oncolytic Virus in Gliomas: A Review of Human Clinical Investigations

Gliomas remain one of the more frustrating targets for oncologic therapy. Glioma resistance to conventional therapeutics is a product of their immune-privileged milieu behind the blood-brain barrier, in addition to their suppressive effect on the immune response itself. Taking the lead from the growing success of immunotherapy for systemic cancers, such as lung cancer and melanoma, immunotherapeutics has emerged as a major player in the potential treatment of gliomas, with oncolytic viruses in particular showing significant promise as evidenced by the recent Breakthrough and Fast Tract Designations for PVSRIPO and DNX2401. This review serves as a useful and updated compendium of the completed human clinical investigations for several oncolytic viruses in the treatment of gliomas