8 research outputs found
Stress Hyperglycemia: A Problem that Cannot be Ignored
Stress hyperglycemia is a strong neuroendocrine reaction in thehypothalamic pituitary adrenal cortex under severe infection, trauma, burns,hemorrhage, surgery and other harmful stimulated, resulting in increasedsecretion of counter-regulatory hormones. These hormones promotedthe production of sugar and cause glucose metabolism disorders withcytokines and insulin resistance. In this condition, the production of sugarexceeds the utilization of sugar by the tissues, which eventually leads to anincrease in blood glucose levels in plasma. In the intensive care unit, stresshyperglycemia is very common and can occur in patients with or withoutdiabetes. The incidence is as high as 96%, and it is an independent factorin the death of critically ill patients. Hyperglycemia not only prolongsthe hospitalization time, mechanical ventilation time and increased theincidence of serious infections in critically ill patients, but can also leadto the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is very important tolearn the pathological mechanism of stress hyperglycemia, the harm ofhyperglycemia and blood sugar management
Variations in morphology and PSII photosynthetic capabilities during the early development of tetraspores of Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Ohmi) Papenfuss (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Red algae are primitive photosynthetic eukaryotes, whose spores are ideal subjects for studies of photosynthesis and development. Although the development of red alga spores has received considerable research attention, few studies have focused on the detailed morphological and photosynthetic changes that occur during the early development of tetraspores of <it>Gracilaria vermiculophylla </it>(Ohmi) Papenfuss (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta). Herein, we documented these changes in this species of red algae.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the tetraspores, we observed two types of division, cruciate and zonate, and both could develop into multicellular bodies (disks). During the first 84 hours, tetraspores divided several times, but the diameter of the disks changed very little; thereafter, the diameter increased significantly. Scanning electron microscopy observations and analysis of histological sections revealed that the natural shape of the disk remains tapered over time, and the erect frond grows from the central protrusion of the disk. Cultivation of tissue from excised disks demonstrated that the central protrusion of the disk is essential for initiation of the erect frond. Photosynthetic (i.e., PSII) activities were measured using chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. The results indicated that freshly released tetraspores retained limited PSII photosynthetic capabilities; when the tetraspores attached to a substrate, those capabilities increased significantly. In the disk, the PSII activity of both marginal and central cells was similar, although some degree of morphological polarity was present; the PSII photosynthetic capabilities in young germling exhibited an apico-basal gradient.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Attachment of tetraspores to a substrate significantly enhanced their PSII photosynthetic capabilities, and triggered further development. The central protrusion of the disk is the growth point, may have transfer of nutritive material with the marginal cells. Within the young germling, the hetero-distribution of PSII photosynthetic capabilities might be due to the differences in cell functions.</p
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Convergences of Life Sciences and Engineering in Understanding and Treating Heart Failure.
On March 1 and 2, 2018, the National Institutes of Health 2018 Progenitor Cell Translational Consortium, Cardiovascular Bioengineering Symposium, was held at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Convergence of life sciences and engineering to advance the understanding and treatment of heart failure was the theme of the meeting. Over 150 attendees were present, and >40 scientists presented their latest work on engineering human functional myocardium for disease modeling, drug development, and heart failure research. The scientists, engineers, and physicians in the field of cardiovascular sciences met and discussed the most recent advances in their work and proposed future strategies for overcoming the major roadblocks of cardiovascular bioengineering and therapy. Particular emphasis was given for manipulation and using of stem/progenitor cells, biomaterials, and methods to provide molecular, chemical, and mechanical cues to cells to influence their identity and fate in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these works are profoundly impacting and progressing toward deciphering the mechanisms and developing novel treatments for left ventricular dysfunction of failing hearts. Here, we present some important perspectives that emerged from this meeting