Ultrastructure and Glycoconjugate Pattern ofthe Foot Epithelium of the Abalone Haliotis tuberculata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Gastropoda, Haliotidae)

The foot epithelium of the gastropod Haliotis tuberculata is studied by light and electron microscopy in order to contribute to the understanding of the anatomy and functional morphology of the mollusks integument. Study of the external surface by scanning electron microscopy reveals that the side foot epithelium is characterized by a microvillus border with a very scant presence of small ciliary tufts, but the sole foot epithelium bears a dense field of long cilia. Ultrastructural examination by transmission electron microscopy of the side epithelial cells shows deeply pigmented cells with high electron-dense granular content which are not observed in the epithelial sole cells. Along the pedal epithelium, seven types of secretory cells are present; furthermore, two types of subepithelial glands are located just in the sole foot. The presence and composition of glycoconjugates in the secretory cells and subepithelial glands are analyzed by conventional and lectin histochemistry. Subepithelial glands contain mainly N-glycoproteins rich in fucose and mannose whereas secretory cells present mostly acidic sulphated glycoconjugates such as glycosaminoglycans and mucins, which are rich in galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. No sialic acid is present in the foot epithelium.Versión del edito

Ancient DNA Analysis of 8000 B.C. Near Eastern Farmers Supports an Early Neolithic Pioneer Maritime Colonization of Mainland Europe through Cyprus and the Aegean Islands

The genetic impact associated to the Neolithic spread in Europe has been widely debated over the last 20 years. Within this context, ancient DNA studies have provided a more reliable picture by directly analyzing the protagonist populations at different regions in Europe. However, the lack of available data from the original Near Eastern farmers has limited the achieved conclusions, preventing the formulation of continental models of Neolithic expansion. Here we address this issue by presenting mitochondrial DNA data of the original Near-Eastern Neolithic communities with the aim of providing the adequate background for the interpretation of Neolithic genetic data from European samples. Sixty-three skeletons from the Pre Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) sites of Tell Halula, Tell Ramad and Dja'de El Mughara dating between 8,700–6,600 cal. B.C. were analyzed, and 15 validated mitochondrial DNA profiles were recovered. In order to estimate the demographic contribution of the first farmers to both Central European and Western Mediterranean Neolithic cultures, haplotype and haplogroup diversities in the PPNB sample were compared using phylogeographic and population genetic analyses to available ancient DNA data from human remains belonging to the Linearbandkeramik-Alföldi Vonaldiszes Kerámia and Cardial/Epicardial cultures. We also searched for possible signatures of the original Neolithic expansion over the modern Near Eastern and South European genetic pools, and tried to infer possible routes of expansion by comparing the obtained results to a database of 60 modern populations from both regions. Comparisons performed among the 3 ancient datasets allowed us to identify K and N-derived mitochondrial DNA haplogroups as potential markers of the Neolithic expansion, whose genetic signature would have reached both the Iberian coasts and the Central European plain. Moreover, the observed genetic affinities between the PPNB samples and the modern populations of Cyprus and Crete seem to suggest that the Neolithic was first introduced into Europe through pioneer seafaring colonization

Gonadal atresia during the gametogenic cycle of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 cultured in the ria of Vigo (northwest Iberian Peninsula)

During the gametogenic cycle of Mytilus, we observed atresic phenomena in gametes at different cycle stages. Gametes are degraded both within the follicle and throughout the gonoduct. This degradation shows two consecutive phases: lysis of cytoplasmatic structures and membranes, more evident in oocytes; and haemocytic digestion of lisated material. Environmental factors clearly influence this phenomenon. Atresia is intense in winter, decreases during spring, and rises again at the end of the gonadal cycle. In winter, it is related to overmaturation of gametes due to unfavourable conditions for stimulating spawning (low temperatures and lack of food availability). In summer, the high temperatures trigger the end of gametogenic cycle, and total degeneration and resorption of gonadal tissue.Durante el desarrollo gametogénico de Mytilus se han observado fenómenos de atresia de gametos en distintos momentos del ciclo. La degradación se produce en los folículos gonadales y a lo largo del gonoducto, e incluye dos etapas consecutivas: lisis de las estructuras y membranas citoplasmáticas, más evidente en ovocitos, y digestión hemocitaria del material lisado. La influencia de factores ambientales en este fenómeno es clara. La atresia es intensa en invierno, disminuye durante la primavera y vuelve a aumentar al final del ciclo gametogénico. En invierno se relaciona con la sobremaduración de gametos debida a condiciones desfavorables para el desove (bajas temperaturas y escasez de alimento). En verano, las altas temperaturas determinan la finalización del ciclo gametogénico y la degeneración y resorción total del tejido gonadal.Instituto Español de Oceanografí

El tram baix de l'Ebre a les èpoques del Neolític i Bronze inicial : aportacions al seu coneixement a partir de l'assentament del Molló (Móra la Nova)

Les diverses actuacions arqueològiques al jaciment del Molló, situat a Móra la Nova (Ribera d'Ebre) han permès recopilar noves dades per al coneixement de les primeres ocupacions humanes assentades a la vall de l'Ebre. A través del seu estudi integral, en el marc d'un projecte de recerca endegat per la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, s'ha pogut treballar de forma extensiva amb les dades resultants. Els treballs preliminars posen de manifest la intensa activitat agrícola i subsistencial de les primeres comunitats prehistòriques del IV al III mil·lenni cal. b.c. en una de les terrasses del tram baix del riu.The archaeological fieldwork carried on Molló site, located in Móra la Nova (Ribera d'Ebre) has allowed to generate new useful data for our knowledge of the first human settlements established in Ebro's valley. Through its comprehensive study as part of a research project undertaken by the Autonomous University of Barcelona, it has been possible to work extensively with this resulting data. The preliminary results highlight the intensive farming and the main economic activities developed by the first prehistoric communities between IV to I millennium cal. b.c. in one of the terraces of the lower stretch of this river

AMPK is a mechano-metabolic sensor linking cell adhesion and mitochondrial dynamics to Myosin-dependent cell migration

Cell migration is crucial for cancer dissemination. We find that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) controls cell migration by acting as an adhesion sensing molecular hub. In 3-dimensional matrices, fast-migrating amoeboid cancer cells exert low adhesion/low traction linked to low ATP/AMP, leading to AMPK activation. In turn, AMPK plays a dual role controlling mitochondrial dynamics and cytoskeletal remodelling. High AMPK activity in low adhering migratory cells, induces mitochondrial fission, resulting in lower oxidative phosphorylation and lower mitochondrial ATP. Concurrently, AMPK inactivates Myosin Phosphatase, increasing Myosin II-dependent amoeboid migration. Reducing adhesion or mitochondrial fusion or activating AMPK induces efficient rounded-amoeboid migration. AMPK inhibition suppresses metastatic potential of amoeboid cancer cells in vivo, while a mitochondrial/AMPK-driven switch is observed in regions of human tumours where amoeboid cells are disseminating. We unveil how mitochondrial dynamics control cell migration and suggest that AMPK is a mechano-metabolic sensor linking energetics and the cytoskeleton

Petrophysical characterization of non-magnetic granites; density and magnetic susceptibility relationships

In this work we establish reliable correlations between density and magnetic susceptibility in three paramagnetic granites from the Pyrenees. In total, 128 sites (310 density measurements and >2600 susceptibility ones) were studied in the Mont Louis-Andorra, Maladeta and Marimanha granitic plutons covering the main range of variability of magnetic susceptibility. Regressions were calculated for every granitic body and an integrated linear function was obtained for the entire dataset: ρ (kg/m3) = 2566 (kg/m3) + 0.541κ (10−6 S.I.) (R:0.97). This relationship is only valid in the paramagnetic domain, where iron is mostly fractioned in iron-bearing phyllosilicates and the occurrence of magnetite is negligible (or at least its contribution to the bulk susceptibility). This relationship, likely different in other bodies, allows for transforming magnetic susceptibility data into density data, helping to constrain gravity modelling when density data from rock samples are scarce. Given the large amount of AMS studies worldwide, together with the quickness and cost-effectiveness of susceptibility measurements with portable devices, this methodology allows for densifying and homogenizing the petrophysical data when modelling granite rock volumes based on both magnetic and gravimetric signals.This work was financed by the projects GeoPiri3D (CGL2017-84901-C2-2-P), UKRIA4D (PID2019-104693GB-I00/CTA) and IMAGYN (PID2020-114273GB-C22) from the Spanish Ministry of Science (funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ERDF A way of making Europe”). This work is methodologically related also with the 3DGeoEU project financed by the European Commission under the ERANET Cofound action GeoERA (Grant No.: 731166). The GeoAp Research group from the Aragonian Government is also acknowledged. We are also in debt to the staff of the Petrophysical Laboratory (IGME, Tres Cantos) and to the Geophysics technicians (José Mª Llorente and Agustín González). The help of the Rock Magnetism Laboratory of the Centre Européen de Recherche et d’Enseignement de Géosciences de l’Environnement (CEREGE) in Aix en ProvenceMarseille is also acknowledged. P.C. acknowledges funding from PTA2017-14779-I and FJC2019- 041058-I (AEI-Spain) contracts. E.B. thanks the Geomodels Research Institute of the University of Barcelona and GGAC-2017SGR596 (Generalitat de Catalunya).Peer reviewe

An HDAC9-MALAT1-BRG1 complex mediates smooth muscle dysfunction in thoracic aortic aneurysm

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) has been associated with mutations affecting members of the TGF-β signaling pathway, or components and regulators of the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) actomyosin cytoskeleton. Although both clinical groups present similar phenotypes, the existence of potential common mechanisms of pathogenesis remain obscure. Here we show that mutations affecting TGF-β signaling and VSMC cytoskeleton both lead to the formation of a ternary complex comprising the histone deacetylase HDAC9, the chromatin-remodeling enzyme BRG1, and the long noncoding RNA MALAT1. The HDAC9–MALAT1–BRG1 complex binds chromatin and represses contractile protein gene expression in association with gain of histone H3-lysine 27 trimethylation modifications. Disruption of Malat1 or Hdac9 restores contractile protein expression, improves aortic mural architecture, and inhibits experimental aneurysm growth. Thus, we highlight a shared epigenetic pathway responsible for VSMC dysfunction in both forms of TAA, with potential therapeutic implication for other known HDAC9-associated vascular diseases

Dietary supplementation with hydrolyzed yeast and its effect on the performance, intestinal microbiota, and immune response of weaned piglets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of autolyzed yeast on performance, cecal microbiota, and leukogram of weaned piglets. A total of 96 piglets of commercial line weaned at 21-day-old were used. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four treatments (diets containing 0.0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, and 0.9% autolyzed yeast), eight replicates, and three animals per pen in order to evaluate daily weight gain, daily feed intake, and feed conversion in periods of 0 to 15, 0 to 26, and 0 to 36 days. Quadratic effects of autolyzed yeast inclusion were observed on the feed conversion from 0 to 15 days, on daily weight gain from 0 to 15 days, 0 to 26 days and, 0 to 36 days, indicating an autolyzed yeast optimal inclusion level between 0.4% and 0.5%. No effect from autolyzed yeast addition was observed on piglet daily feed intake, cecal microbiota, and leukogram; however, i.m. application of E. coli lipopolysaccharide reduced the values of total leukocytes and their fractions (neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and rods). Therefore, autolyzed yeast when provided at levels between 0.4% and 0.5% improved weaned piglets’ performance.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Estudio de las rocas paleozoicas y los macizos graníticos que afloran en el Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu y zonas colindantes mediante datos geológicos, geofísicos y petrofísicos

The Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu is located between the La Maladeta and Andorra- Mount Louis granites. The characterization of the Parc’s geology at depth can help to know the emplacement mechanism of these granites, their relationships with the plutonic and volcanic rocks outcropping to the North and South of the Parc, respectively, and if all these rocks belong to the same magmatic system. To achieve these objectives, in the frame of the present research project, we have compiled and homogenezed previous gravimetric and magnetic data, and acquired new geophysical data, in particular, gravity data. We have also constructed new geological cross-sections oriented NE-SW from previous and new acquired geological data and characterized the petrophysical properties of the geological units in order to obtain the density and magnetic susceptibility of all different rocks outcropping in the study area. The geological cross-sections together with the petrophysical data will be used in the 2,5 and 3D gravimetric modelling to improve our understanding of the subsurface geology of this part of the Central Pyrenees and of the Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu.El Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu se encuentra en la zona situada entre el granito de La Maladeta y el granito de Andorra-Mount Louis. Conocer y entender la geología del subsuelo del Parc nos ayudará a saber cómo se produjo el emplazamiento de ambos macizos graníticos, su relación con las rocas plutónicas y volcánicas que afloran en la parte norte y sur del Parc, respectivamente, y si forman parte de un mismo sistema magmático. Para alcanzar estos objetivos, se está realizando una recopilación y homogeneización de datos gravimétricos y magnéticos ya existentes, así como la adquisición de nuevos datos geofísicos, en particular de gravimetría. Además, partiendo de estudios geológicos previos y datos propios, se está llevando a cabo la realización de cortes geológicos de dirección NE-SO y el estudio petrofísico de las unidades geológicas para obtener los valores de densidad y susceptibilidad magnética de todos los tipos de rocas que afloran en el área de estudio. Los cortes geológicos junto con los datos de petrofísica se utilizarán en la modelización gravimétrica 2,5D y 3D para mejorar la interpretación de la geología del subsuelo en este sector de II Jornades de Recerca del Parc Natural de l‘Alt Pirineu 87 los Pirineos Centrales y del Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu.Este trabajo se está llevando a cabo en el marco de los subproyectos CGL2017-84901-C2-1 y CGL2017-84901-C2-2-P del Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades. Los desarrollos metodológicos en exploración con técnicas geofísicas se encuentran alineados con el proyecto europeo 3DGeoEU- GeoERA (ERANET Cofund action 731166 [H2020], Project code GeoE.171.005). Los autores agradecen al Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu las facilidades prestadas y la organización de las jornadas de investigación para mostrar los trabajos realizados

Ligand-dependent Hedgehog pathway activation in Rhabdomyosarcoma : the oncogenic role of the ligands

Altres ajuts: This work was supported by grants from Institut Català d'Oncologia (ICO), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (RTICC-RD12/0036/0016, /0020, /0035, /0057; and PI14/00647), Fundació A BOSCH, Fundació Amics Joan Petit, ajuts predoctorals del VHIR and RIS3CAT grants COMRDI15-1-0014 (ACCIÓ and FEDER).Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children. The Hedgehog (HH) pathway is known to develop an oncogenic role in RMS. However, the molecular mechanism that drives activation of the pathway in RMS is not well understood. The expression of HH ligands was studied by qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. Functional and animal model studies were carried out with cells transduced with shRNAs against HH ligands or treated with HH-specific inhibitors (Vismodegib and MEDI-5304). Finally, the molecular characterisation of an off-target effect of Vismodegib was also made. The results showed a prominent expression of HH ligands supporting an autocrine ligand-dependent activation of the pathway. A comparison of pharmacologic Smoothened inhibition (Vismodegib) and HH ligand blocking (MEDI-5304) is also provided. Interestingly, a first description of pernicious off-target effect of Vismodegib is also reported. The clarification of the HH pathway activation mechanism in RMS opens a door for targeted therapies against HH ligands as a possible alternative in the future development of better treatment protocols. Moreover, the description of a pernicious off-target effect of Vismodegib, via unfolded protein response activation, may mechanistically explain its previously reported inefficiency in several ligand-dependent cancers