Alterations to nuclear architecture and genome behavior in senescent cells.

The organization of the genome within interphase nuclei, and how it interacts with nuclear structures is important for the regulation of nuclear functions. Many of the studies researching the importance of genome organization and nuclear structure are performed in young, proliferating, and often transformed cells. These studies do not reveal anything about the nucleus or genome in nonproliferating cells, which may be relevant for the regulation of both proliferation and replicative senescence. Here, we provide an overview of what is known about the genome and nuclear structure in senescent cells. We review the evidence that nuclear structures, such as the nuclear lamina, nucleoli, the nuclear matrix, nuclear bodies (such as promyelocytic leukemia bodies), and nuclear morphology all become altered within growth-arrested or senescent cells. Specific alterations to the genome in senescent cells, as compared to young proliferating cells, are described, including aneuploidy, chromatin modifications, chromosome positioning, relocation of heterochromatin, and changes to telomeres

Influence of the Sea Surface Microlayer on Oceanic Iodine Emissions

The influence of organic compounds on iodine (I2) emissions from the O3 + I- reaction at the sea surface was investigated in laboratory and modeling studies using artificial solutions, natural subsurface seawater (SSW), and, for the first time, samples of the surface microlayer (SML). Gas-phase I2 was measured directly above the surface of liquid samples using broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy. I2 emissions were consistently lower for artificial seawater (AS) than buffered potassium iodide (KI) solutions. Natural seawater samples showed the strongest reduction of I2 emissions compared to artificial solutions with equivalent [I-], and the reduction was more pronounced over SML than SSW. Emissions of volatile organic iodine (VOI) were highest from SML samples but remained a negligible fraction (<1%) of the total iodine flux. Therefore, reduced iodine emissions from natural seawater cannot be explained by chemical losses of I2 or hypoiodous acid (HOI), leading to VOI. An interfacial model explains this reduction by increased solubility of the I2 product in the organic-rich interfacial layer of seawater. Our results highlight the importance of using environmentally representative concentrations in studies of the O3 + I- reaction and demonstrate the influence the SML exerts on emissions of iodine and potentially other volatile species

Whole genome analysis of a schistosomiasis-transmitting freshwater snail

Biomphalaria snails are instrumental in transmission of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. With the World Health Organization's goal to eliminate schistosomiasis as a global health problem by 2025, there is now renewed emphasis on snail control. Here, we characterize the genome of Biomphalaria glabrata, a lophotrochozoan protostome, and provide timely and important information on snail biology. We describe aspects of phero-perception, stress responses, immune function and regulation of gene expression that support the persistence of B. glabrata in the field and may define this species as a suitable snail host for S. mansoni. We identify several potential targets for developing novel control measures aimed at reducing snail-mediated transmission of schistosomiasis

Epigenetic control of nuclear architecture

The cell nucleus is a highly structured compartment where nuclear components are thought to localize in non-random positions. Correct positioning of large chromatin domains may have a direct impact on the localization of other nuclear components, and can therefore influence the global functionality of the nuclear compartment. DNA methylation of cytosine residues in CpG dinucleotides is a prominent epigenetic modification of the chromatin fiber. DNA methylation, in conjunction with the biochemical modification pattern of histone tails, is known to lock chromatin in a close and transcriptionally inactive conformation. The relationship between DNA methylation and large-scale organization of nuclear architecture, however, is poorly understood. Here we briefly summarize present concepts of nuclear architecture and current data supporting a link between DNA methylation and the maintenance of large-scale nuclear organization

Strandings of NE Atlantic gorgonians

Publisher policy: author can archive post-print on open access repository after an embargo period of 18 months. Publisher's version/PDF cannot be used. Must link to publisher version with DOI. Author's post-print must be released with a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives License. publisher: Elsevier articletitle: Strandings of NE Atlantic gorgonians journaltitle: Biological Conservation articlelink: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2017.03.020 content_type: article copyright: © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Maximal values of sniff nasal inspiratory pressure in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND--Inspiratory muscle strength is often better reflected by oesophageal pressure during a maximal sniff (sniff POES) than by maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax). Sniff POES can be estimated non-invasively by measuring the sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP). The aim was to establish maximal normal values for the SNIP and to compare them with PImax. METHODS--One hundred and sixty healthy subjects (80 men) aged 20-80 years were recruited. All subjects had a forced vital capacity (FVC) of > 80%, a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/FVC of > 85% predicted value, and a body mass index of 18-31 kg/m2. Because PImax is known to be reduced in the supine posture, the SNIP was measured in both the sitting and the supine positions. PImax sustained over one second was measured from functional residual capacity (FRC) in the sitting position with a standard flanged mouthpiece during four manoeuvres. SNIP was measured from FRC in the sitting and supine positions using a catheter through a plug occluding one nostril during 10 maximal sniffs through the contralateral nostril. For each test the largest pressure measured in cm H2O was taken into account. RESULTS--For both men and women maximal SNIP was negatively correlated with age, and was similar in the sitting and the supine positions. In the sitting position maximal SNIP was greater or equal to PImax in 107 of 160 subjects. The mean (SD) ratio SNIP/PImax was 1.08 (0.22) in men and 1.17 (0.29) in women. CONCLUSIONS--Normal values of maximal SNIP can be predicted from age and sex. Maximal SNIP is similar in the sitting and the supine position and is significantly higher than PImax in healthy subjects. The low level of agreement between maximal SNIP and PImax indicates that the two manoeuvres are not interchangeable but complementary