Root zone-specific localization of AMTs determines ammonium transport pathways and nitrogen allocation to shoots.

In plants, nutrient provision of shoots depends on the uptake and transport of nutrients across the root tissue to the vascular system. Nutrient delivery to the vasculature is mediated via the apoplastic transport pathway (ATP), which uses the free space in the cell walls and is controlled by apoplastic barriers and nutrient transporters at the endodermis, or via the symplastic transport pathway (STP). However, the relative importance of these transport routes remains elusive. Here, we show that the STP, mediated by the epidermal ammonium transporter 1;3 (AMT1;3), dominates the radial movement of ammonium across the root tissue when external ammonium is low, whereas apoplastic transport controlled by AMT1;2 at the endodermis prevails at high external ammonium. Then, AMT1;2 favors nitrogen (N) allocation to the shoot, revealing a major importance of the ATP for nutrient partitioning to shoots. When an endodermal bypass was introduced by abolishing Casparian strip (CS) formation, apoplastic ammonium transport decreased. By contrast, symplastic transport was increased, indicating synergism between the STP and the endodermal bypass. We further establish that the formation of apoplastic barriers alters the cell type-specific localization of AMTs and determines STP and ATP contributions. These results show how radial transport pathways vary along the longitudinal gradient of the root axis and contribute to nutrient partitioning between roots and shoots

Assessment of accuracy and recognition of three-dimensional computerized forensic craniofacial reconstruction

Facial reconstruction is a technique that aims to reproduce the individual facial characteristics based on interpretation of the skull, with the objective of recognition leading to identification. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the accuracy and recognition level of three-dimensional (3D) computerized forensic craniofacial reconstruction (CCFR) performed in a blind test on open-source software using computed tomography (CT) data from live subjects. Four CCFRs were produced by one of the researchers, who was provided with information concerning the age, sex, and ethnic group of each subject. The CCFRs were produced using Blender® with 3D models obtained from the CT data and templates from the MakeHuman® program. The evaluation of accuracy was carried out in CloudCompare, by geometric comparison of the CCFR to the subject 3D face model (obtained from the CT data). A recognition level was performed using the Picasa® recognition tool with a frontal standardized photography, images of the subject CT face model and the CCFR. Soft-tissue depth and nose, ears and mouth were based on published data, observing Brazilian facial parameters. The results were presented from all the points that form the CCFR model, with an average for each comparison between 63% and 74% with a distance -2.5 ≤ x ≤ 2.5 mm from the skin surface. The average distances were 1.66 to 0.33 mm and greater distances were observed around the eyes, cheeks, mental and zygomatic regions. Two of the four CCFRs were correctly matched by the Picasa® tool. Free software programs are capable of producing 3D CCFRs with plausible levels of accuracy and recognition and therefore indicate their value for use in forensic applications

Recovery following rugby union matches: Effects of cold water immersion on markers of fatigue and damage

© 2019, Canadian Science Publishing. All rights reserved. We investigated the effect of postmatch cold-water immersion (CWI) on markers of muscle damage, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceptual responses within 72 h after a rugby match. Twenty-two professional male rugby players were randomized into CWI (10 °C/10 min; n = 11) or control (CON: 30 min seated; n = 11) groups. Activity profile from Global Positioning Satellite systems and postmatch rating of perceived exertion were measured to determined match load. Biochemical (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6), neuromuscular performance (squat (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ), peak power output (PPO), rate of force development (RFD), stiffness, 10-and 30-m sprint time, and perceptual markers (soreness, perceived recovery) were obtained before and immediately after the match, and then at 30 min, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the match. Magnitude-based inference and Cohen’s effect size (ES) were used to analyze change over time and between groups. Thus, the higher/beneficial, similar/trivial, or lower/harmful differences were evaluated as follows: 99%, almost certainly. Changes were unclear for the match loads, sprint times, and perceptual markers between groups. Higher %ΔSJ at 24 h (very likely (ES = 0.75)) and in %ΔPPO_SJ at 48 h (likely (ES = 0.51)) were observed in CWI than in CON. Values in %ΔRDF_CMJ were higher immediately after (likely (ES = 0.83)), 30 min after (very likely (ES = 0.97)), and 24 h after the match (likely (ES = 0.93)) in CWI than in CON. Furthermore, %Δlog TNF-α were lower in the CWI group than in the CON group immediately after (almost certainly (ES = −0.76)), 24 h after (very likely (ES = −1.09)), and 72 h after the match (likely (ES = −0.51)), and in Δstiffness_SJ at 30 min after (likely (ES = −0.67)) and 48 h after the match (very likely (ES = −0.97)). Also, different within-groups effects throughout postmatch were reported. Implementing postmatch CWI-based strategies improved the recovery of markers of inflammation and fatigue in rugby players, despite no change in markers of speed or perceptual recovery

Arabidopsis ITPK1 and ITPK2 Have an Evolutionarily Conserved Phytic Acid Kinase Activity

Diphospho-myo-inositol polyphosphates, also termed inositol pyrophosphates, are molecular messengers containing at least one high-energy phosphoanhydride bond and regulate a wide range of cellular processes in eukaryotes. While inositol pyrophosphates InsP7 and InsP8 are present in different plant species, both the identity of enzymes responsible for InsP7 synthesis and the isomer identity of plant InsP7 remain unknown. This study demonstrates that Arabidopsis ITPK1 and ITPK2 catalyze the phosphorylation of phytic acid (InsP6) to the symmetric InsP7 isomer 5-InsP7 and that the InsP6 kinase activity of ITPK enzymes is evolutionarily conserved from humans to plants. We also show by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance that plant InsP7 is structurally identical to the in vitro InsP6 kinase products of ITPK1 and ITPK2. Our findings lay the biochemical and genetic basis for uncovering physiological processes regulated by 5-InsP7 in plants

Differentially expressed microRNAs in maternal plasma for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome (trisomy 21).

OBJECTIVES: Most developmental processes are under the control of small regulatory RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs). We hypothesize that different fetal developmental processes might be reflected by extracellular miRNAs in maternal plasma and may be utilized as biomarkers for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies. In this proof-of-concept study, we report on the identification of extracellular miRNAs in maternal plasma of Down syndrome (DS) pregnancies. METHODS: Using high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR), 1043 miRNAs were investigated in maternal plasma via comparison of seven DS pregnancies with age and fetal sex matched controls. RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety-five miRNAs were identified. Thirty-six significantly differentially expressed mature miRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers. Hierarchical cluster analysis of these miRNAs resulted in the clear discrimination of DS from euploid pregnancies. Gene targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched in signaling pathways such as mucin type-O-glycans, ECM-receptor interactions, TGF-beta, and endocytosis, which have been previously associated with DS. CONCLUSIONS: miRNAs are promising and stable biomarkers for a broad range of diseases and may allow a reliable, cost-efficient diagnostic tool for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of DS

ITPK1 is an InsP6/ADP phosphotransferase that controls phosphate signaling in Arabidopsis

In plants, phosphate (Pi) homeostasis is regulated by the interaction of PHR transcription factors with stand-alone SPX proteins, which act as sensors for inositol pyrophosphates. Here, we combined different methods to obtain a comprehensive picture of how inositol (pyro)phosphate metabolism is regulated by Pi and dependent on the inositol phosphate kinase ITPK1. We found that inositol pyrophosphates are more responsive to Pi than lower inositol phosphates, a response conserved across kingdoms. With CE-ESI-MS we could separate different InsP7 isomers in Arabidopsis and rice, and identify 4/6-InsP7 and a PP-InsP4 isomer hitherto not reported in plants. We found that the inositol pyrophosphates 1/3-InsP7, 5-InsP7 and InsP8 increase severalfold in shoots after Pi resupply and that tissue-specific accumulation of inositol pyrophosphates relies on ITPK1 activities and MRP5-dependent InsP6 compartmentalization. Notably, ITPK1 is critical for Pi-dependent 5-InsP7 and InsP8 synthesis in planta and its activity regulates Pi starvation responses in a PHR-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ITPK1-mediated conversion of InsP6 to 5-InsP7 requires high ATP concentrations and that Arabidopsis ITPK1 has an ADP phosphotransferase activity to dephosphorylate specifically 5-InsP7 under low ATP. Collectively, our study provides deeper insights into Pi-dependent changes in nutritional and energetic states with the synthesis of regulatory inositol pyrophosphates

Clinical application of a rapid microbiological test based on capillary zone electrophoresis to assess local skin infection

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The basic clinical problem associated with infection treatment is the fact that classic, commonly and routinely used isolation and identification methods are based on long-term processes of a phenotypic analysis of microorganisms. Consequently sometimes, especially in small centres, rapid implementation of antibacterial treatment becomes delayed.</p> <p>The work presents the initial results of rapid microbiological identification based on an original method of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The study involved the analysis of 78 biological samples from post-operative wounds and trophic ulcers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The attempt was made to identify individual bacterial species based on characteristic features of electropherograms achieved. Finally, G(+) cocci type bacteria and different G(-) rods were identified with sensitivity of 88.1% and specificity of 100%.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Based on the clinical trials using an electrophoretic technique in the field of microbiological diagnostics of infected exudate from a post-operative wound it can be concluded that it is a rapid and relatively sensitive method for initial identification of infectious pathogens.</p

Comparative Assessment of a Novel Photo‐Anthropometric Landmark‐Positioning Approach for the Analysis of Facial Structures on Two‐Dimensional Images

Positioning landmarks in facial photo‐anthropometry (FPA) applications remains today a highly variable procedure, as traditional cephalometric definitions are used as guidelines. Herein, a novel landmark‐positioning approach, specifically adapted for FPA applications, is introduced and, in particular, assessed against the conventional cephalometric definitions for the analysis of 16 landmarks on ten frontal images by two groups of examiners (with and without professional knowledge of anatomy). Results showed that positioning reproducibility was significantly better using the novel method. Indeed, in contrast to the classic approach, very low landmark dispersions were observed for both groups of examiners, which were usually below the strictest clinical standards (i.e., 0.575 mm). Furthermore, the comparison between the two groups of examiners highlighted higher dispersion consistencies, which supported a higher robustness. Thus, the use of an adapted landmark‐positioning approach proved to be highly advantageous in FPA analysis and future work in this field should consider adopting similar methodologies

Learned vocal variation is associated with abrupt cryptic genetic change in a parrot species complex

<div><p>Contact zones between subspecies or closely related species offer valuable insights into speciation processes. A typical feature of such zones is the presence of clinal variation in multiple traits. The nature of these traits and the concordance among clines are expected to influence whether and how quickly speciation will proceed. Learned signals, such as vocalizations in species having vocal learning (e.g. humans, many birds, bats and cetaceans), can exhibit rapid change and may accelerate reproductive isolation between populations. Therefore, particularly strong concordance among clines in learned signals and population genetic structure may be expected, even among continuous populations in the early stages of speciation. However, empirical evidence for this pattern is often limited because differences in vocalisations between populations are driven by habitat differences or have evolved in allopatry. We tested for this pattern in a unique system where we may be able to separate effects of habitat and evolutionary history. We studied geographic variation in the vocalizations of the crimson rosella (<em>Platycercus elegans</em>) parrot species complex. Parrots are well known for their life-long vocal learning and cognitive abilities. We analysed contact calls across a <em>ca</em> 1300 km transect encompassing populations that differed in neutral genetic markers and plumage colour. We found steep clinal changes in two acoustic variables (fundamental frequency and peak frequency position). The positions of the two clines in vocal traits were concordant with a steep cline in microsatellite-based genetic variation, but were discordant with the steep clines in mtDNA, plumage and habitat. Our study provides new evidence that vocal variation, in a species with vocal learning, can coincide with areas of restricted gene flow across geographically continuous populations. Our results suggest that traits that evolve culturally can be strongly associated with reduced gene flow between populations, and therefore may promote speciation, even in the absence of other barriers.</p> </div

Application of botryosphaeran as a carbon black adherent on a glassy carbon electrode for the electrochemical determination of cyclobenzaprine

The present work describes the performance of a new voltammetric sensor based on the modification of glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) with carbon black (CB) and botryosphaeran (BOT) (CB-BOT/GCE) for the electroanalytical determination of cyclobenzaprine. BOT is a fungal exocellular (1→3)(1→6)-β-ᴅ-glucan, which was used to improve the adherence of CB onto the surface of GCE. The electrochemical characterisation was performed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy which showed an improvement in the transfer of electrons on the surface of the sensor developed in relation to the unmodified (bare) GCE. The voltammetric behaviour of cyclobenzaprine was studied using bare GCE, BOT/GCE, CB/GCE, and CB-BOT/GCE. All electrodes presented an oxidation peak (+ 1.0 V) for cyclobenzaprine, while the cyclobenzaprine peak intensity on CB-BOT/GCE was found to be 480% higher than the bare GCE. Through employing square-wave voltammetry, the analytical curve was found to be linear over the concentration range of 2.0 to 20.6 μmol L−1 (in 0.1 mol L−1 NaCl solution) with a detection limit (based on 3-sigma) of 0.63 μmol L−1. The developed electrochemical sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity and was successfully applied for the voltammetric determination of cyclobenzaprine in pharmaceutical, biological, and environmental samples for the first time using the CB-BOT/GCE electrochemical sensing platform