Mathematical Modeling of Myosin Induced Bistability of Lamellipodial Fragments

For various cell types and for lamellipodial fragments on flat surfaces, externally induced and spontaneous transitions between symmetric nonmoving states and polarized migration have been observed. This behavior is indicative of bistability of the cytoskeleton dynamics. In this work, the Filament Based Lamellipodium Model (FBLM), a two-dimensional, anisotropic, two-phase continuum model for the dynamics of the actin filament network in lamellipodia, is extended by a new description of actin-myosin interaction. For appropriately chosen parameter values, the resulting model has bistable dynamics with stable states showing the qualitative features observed in experiments. This is demonstrated by numerical simulations and by an analysis of a strongly simplified version of the FBLM with rigid filaments and planar lamellipodia at the cell front and rear

Validation and application of a standardized procedure for evaluating freshness of Citrus juices based on pectin methylesterase activity quantitation

A method developed for freshness authentication of freshly squeezed Citrus juices (FSCJ) was evaluated for routine application. It involved titrimetric assessment of pectin methylesterase (PE) activity after enzyme extraction from pulp-standardized juice samples. Standard test conditions enabled reliable discrimination between FSCJ and chilled Citrus juices that had comparative advantages due to extended shelf life. Unlike the latter, FSCJ always displayed PE activities in the linear range between the limit of identification (LOI, 0.42 units g-1 of juice) and the maximum activity found for FSCJ (1.94 units -1), equivalent to 0.0035-0.016 units during titration. However, for model samples having activities < LOI due to production by respective dilution of FSCJ, the responses abruptly fell to unspecific levels below the limit of detection (LOD, 0.21 units g-1). Accuracy was substantiated by 100 -106 % recovery for model juices with PE activities of 0.87 -1.22 units g-1 resulting from FSCJ dilution or PE standard addition, but it was lower (76 - 80 %) near LOI. The average of the mean activities, which were detected by 3 analysts with intraassay precision ≤ 8.4 %, varied with relative standard deviations of 8.2 % for FSCJ and 3.9 % for a sample of the same juice diluted to 60 % (w/w), thus proving reproducibility. FSCJ batches were unambiguously distinguished from four commercial chilled juices, because the activities detected for the latter were by far ≤ LOD and thus confirmed labeled mild preservation

Relationship between Age-Dependent Body Constitution and Temporomandibular Joint Sounds in Adolescents

To date, risk factors for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds are still not completely understood, and anatomical factors are suspected to influence their occurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of body constitution on temporomandibular joint sounds of adolescents. 10- to 18-year-old participants of the LIFE Child Study were examined for TMJ sounds, and physical parameters such as body height, body weight, and general laxity of joints were measured. Odds ratios (OR) for associations of TMJ sounds and standard deviation scores (SDS) of body height and body weight were calculated by using binary logistic regression, including cofactors such as age and number of hypermobile joints. The OR for TMJ sounds and SDS of body height was 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06; 1.56) in females when the age-adjusted height value was above 0. SDS of body weight indicated significant ORs for TMJ sounds in males with values of 0.81 (95% CI 0.70; 0.94). No correlation was detected for SDS values and TMJ crepitus. Tall female adolescents seem to be more prone to TMJ clicking sounds, while their occurrence seems less likely in male adolescents with higher body weight

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Multiple System Atrophy: Immunomodulation and Neuroprotection

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are currently strong candidates for cell-based therapies. They are well known for their differentiation potential and immunoregulatory properties and have been proven to be potentially effective in the treatment of a large variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Currently there is no treatment that provides consistent long-term benefits for patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), a fatal late onset α-synucleinopathy. Principally neuroprotective or regenerative strategies, including cell-based therapies, represent a powerful approach for treating MSA. In this study we investigated the efficacy of intravenously applied MSCs in terms of behavioural improvement, neuroprotection and modulation of neuroinflammation in the (PLP)-αsynuclein (αSYN) MSA model.MSCs were intravenously applied in aged (PLP)-αSYN transgenic mice. Behavioural analyses, defining fine motor coordination and balance capabilities as well as stride length analysis, were performed to measure behavioural outcome. Neuroprotection was assessed by quantifying TH neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). MSC treatment on neuroinflammation was analysed by cytokine measurements (IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, GM-CSF, INFγ, MCP-1, TGF-β1, TNF-α) in brain lysates together with immunohistochemistry for T-cells and microglia. Four weeks post MSC treatment we observed neuroprotection in the SNc, as well as downregulation of cytokines involved in neuroinflammation. However, there was no behavioural improvement after MSC application.To our knowledge this is the first experimental approach of MSC treatment in a transgenic MSA mouse model. Our data suggest that intravenously infused MSCs have a potent effect on immunomodulation and neuroprotection. Our data warrant further studies to elucidate the efficacy of systemically administered MSCs in transgenic MSA models

Relationship between Age-Dependent Body Constitution and Temporomandibular Joint Sounds in Adolescents

To date, risk factors for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds are still not completely understood, and anatomical factors are suspected to influence their occurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of body constitution on temporomandibular joint sounds of adolescents. 10- to 18-year-old participants of the LIFE Child Study were examined for TMJ sounds, and physical parameters such as body height, body weight, and general laxity of joints were measured. Odds ratios (OR) for associations of TMJ sounds and standard deviation scores (SDS) of body height and body weight were calculated by using binary logistic regression, including cofactors such as age and number of hypermobile joints. The OR for TMJ sounds and SDS of body height was 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06; 1.56) in females when the age-adjusted height value was above 0. SDS of body weight indicated significant ORs for TMJ sounds in males with values of 0.81 (95% CI 0.70; 0.94). No correlation was detected for SDS values and TMJ crepitus. Tall female adolescents seem to be more prone to TMJ clicking sounds, while their occurrence seems less likely in male adolescents with higher body weight

Relationship between Age-Dependent Body Constitution and Temporomandibular Joint Sounds in Adolescents

To date, risk factors for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds are still not completely understood, and anatomical factors are suspected to influence their occurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of body constitution on temporomandibular joint sounds of adolescents. 10- to 18-year-old participants of the LIFE Child Study were examined for TMJ sounds, and physical parameters such as body height, body weight, and general laxity of joints were measured. Odds ratios (OR) for associations of TMJ sounds and standard deviation scores (SDS) of body height and body weight were calculated by using binary logistic regression, including cofactors such as age and number of hypermobile joints. The OR for TMJ sounds and SDS of body height was 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06; 1.56) in females when the age-adjusted height value was above 0. SDS of body weight indicated significant ORs for TMJ sounds in males with values of 0.81 (95% CI 0.70; 0.94). No correlation was detected for SDS values and TMJ crepitus. Tall female adolescents seem to be more prone to TMJ clicking sounds, while their occurrence seems less likely in male adolescents with higher body weight

Relationship between Age-Dependent Body Constitution and Temporomandibular Joint Sounds in Adolescents

To date, risk factors for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds are still not completely understood, and anatomical factors are suspected to influence their occurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of body constitution on temporomandibular joint sounds of adolescents. 10- to 18-year-old participants of the LIFE Child Study were examined for TMJ sounds, and physical parameters such as body height, body weight, and general laxity of joints were measured. Odds ratios (OR) for associations of TMJ sounds and standard deviation scores (SDS) of body height and body weight were calculated by using binary logistic regression, including cofactors such as age and number of hypermobile joints. The OR for TMJ sounds and SDS of body height was 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06; 1.56) in females when the age-adjusted height value was above 0. SDS of body weight indicated significant ORs for TMJ sounds in males with values of 0.81 (95% CI 0.70; 0.94). No correlation was detected for SDS values and TMJ crepitus. Tall female adolescents seem to be more prone to TMJ clicking sounds, while their occurrence seems less likely in male adolescents with higher body weight