Indispensable role of Mdm2/p53 interaction during the embryonic and postnatal inner ear development

p53 is a key component of a signaling network that protects cells against various stresses. As excess p53 is detrimental to cells, its levels are tightly controlled by several mechanisms. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Mdm2 is a major negative regulator of p53. The significance of balanced p53 levels in normal tissues, at different stages of lifetime, is poorly understood. We have studied in vivo how the disruption of Mdm2/p53 interaction affects the early-embryonic otic progenitor cells and their descendants, the auditory supporting cells and hair cells. We found that p53 accumulation, as a consequence of Mdm2 abrogation, is lethal to both proliferative progenitors and non-proliferating, differentiating cells. The sensitivity of postmitotic supporting cells to excess p53 decreases along maturation, suggesting that maturation-related mechanisms limit p53's transcriptional activity towards pro-apoptotic factors. We have also investigated in vitro whether p53 restricts supporting cell's regenerative capacity. Unlike in several other regenerative cellular models, p53 inactivation did not alter supporting cell's proliferative quiescence nor transdifferentiation capacity. Altogether, the postmitotic status of developing hair cells and supporting cells does not confer protection against the detrimental effects of p53 upregulation. These findings might be linked to auditory disturbances observed in developmental syndromes with inappropriate p53 upregulation.Peer reviewe

RNAi targets in Agricultural Pest Insects: Advancements, knowledge gaps, and IPM

The unprecedented target-specificity of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), due to its sequence-specific mode of action, puts dsRNA at the forefront of biosafe insecticide technology. Since 2007, sensitive target genes have been identified in numerous crop pest insects, with an end goal of applying RNA interference (RNAi) in pest management. Key RNAi targets identified include genes involved in (1) feeding and digestion, (2) production of dsRNases, (3) resistance to insecticides and plant allelochemicals, (4) reproductive fitness, and (5) transmission of plant viruses. Despite the advances, there remain critical knowledge gaps in each of these areas. Particular emphasis must be placed on ensuring RNAi’s compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM), via further identification of molecular targets that reduce crop damage while sustaining pest (host) populations for highly specialized biocontrol agents, the latter representing a core pillar of IPM

Quantitative EEG findings in patients with acute, brief depression combined with other fluctuating psychiatric symptoms: a controlled study from an acute psychiatric department

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Patients with brief depressive episodes and concurrent rapidly fluctuating psychiatric symptoms do not fit current diagnostic criteria and they can be difficult to diagnose and treat in an acute psychiatric setting. We wanted to study whether these patients had signs of more epileptic or organic brain dysfunction than patients with depression without additional symptomatology.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixteen acutely admitted patients diagnosed with a brief depressive episode as well as another concurrent psychiatric diagnosis were included. Sixteen patients with major depression served as controls. Three electroencephalographic studies (EEG) were visually interpreted and the background activity was also analysed with quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The group with brief depression and concurrent symptoms had multiple abnormal features in their standard EEG compared to patients with major depression, but they did not show significantly more epileptiform activity. They also had significantly higher temporal QEEG delta amplitude and interhemispheric temporal delta asymmetry.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Organic brain dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of patients with brief depressive episodes mixed with rapidly fluctuating psychiatric symptoms. This subgroup of depressed patients should be investigated further in order to clarify the pathophysiology and to establish the optimal evaluation scheme and treatment in an acute psychiatric setting.</p

Tartu Ülikooli Õppe- ja Katsemetskonna Kastre Peravalla metsandike plaanid (kvartalid nr 1-160)

PlaanidTartu Ülikooli Õppe- ja Katsemetskonna Kastre Peravalla metsandike takseerkirjeldused aastatest 1930, 1931, 1932, 1935, 1937, 1943, 1945. Kvartalite nr 1-160 käsikirjalised originaalplaanid on mõõtkavas 1:2000, 1:2500, 1:4000. Koloreeritud plaanid sisaldavad kvartalite numbreid, leppemärkide seletusi, ilmakaari, graafilist mõõtkava, autorite nimesid. Autorite nimedes võib esineda eksimusi. Loetamatud nimed puuduvad autorite loendis