Topography of Thalamic Projections Requires Attractive and Repulsive Functions of Netrin-1 in the Ventral Telencephalon

Recent studies have demonstrated that the topography of thalamocortical (TC) axon projections is initiated before they reach the cortex, in the ventral telencephalon (VTel). However, at this point, the molecular mechanisms patterning the topography of TC projections in the VTel remains poorly understood. Here, we show that a long-range, high-rostral to low-caudal gradient of Netrin-1 in the VTel is required in vivo for the topographic sorting of TC axons to distinct cortical domains. We demonstrate that Netrin-1 is a chemoattractant for rostral thalamic axons but functions as a chemorepulsive cue for caudal thalamic axons. In accordance with this model, DCC is expressed in a high-rostromedial to low-caudolateral gradient in the dorsal thalamus (DTh), whereas three Unc5 receptors (Unc5A–C) show graded expression in the reverse orientation. Finally, we show that DCC is required for the attraction of rostromedial thalamic axons to the Netrin-1–rich, anterior part of the VTel, whereas DCC and Unc5A/C receptors are required for the repulsion of caudolateral TC axons from the same Netrin-1–rich region of the VTel. Our results demonstrate that a long-range gradient of Netrin-1 acts as a counteracting force from ephrin-A5 to control the topography of TC projections before they enter the cortex

Serotonin 2B receptor signaling is required for craniofacial morphogenesis and jaw joint formation in Xenopus

Serotonin (5-HT) is a neuromodulator that plays many different roles in adult and embryonic life. Among the 5-HT receptors, 5-HT2B is one of the key mediators of 5-HT functions during development. We used Xenopus laevis as a model system to further investigate the role of 5-HT2B in embryogenesis, focusing on craniofacial development. By means of gene gain- and loss-of-function approaches and tissue transplantation assays, we demonstrated that 5-HT2B modulates, in a cell-autonomous manner, postmigratory skeletogenic cranial neural crest cell (NCC) behavior without altering early steps of cranial NCC development and migration. 5-HT2B overexpression induced the formation of an ectopic visceral skeletal element and altered the dorsoventral patterning of the branchial arches. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that 5-HT2B signaling is necessary for jaw joint formation and for shaping the mandibular arch skeletal elements. In particular, 5-HT2B signaling is required to define and sustain the Xbap expression necessary for jaw joint formation. To shed light on the molecular identity of the transduction pathway acting downstream of 5-HT2B, we analyzed the function of phospholipase C beta 3 (PLC) in Xenopus development and showed that PLC is the effector of 5-HT2B during craniofacial development. Our results unveiled an unsuspected role of 5-HT2B in craniofacial development and contribute to our understanding of the interactive network of patterning signals that is involved in the development and evolution of the vertebrate mandibular arch

Stakeholder’s Perceptions of Needs, Abilities, & Quality of Life of Individuals with Severe & Persistent Mental Illness

Introduction: Approximately 1 in 5 adults (44.7 million individuals) were living with any kind of mental illness in the United States in 2016 (SAMHSA, 2016), but only 19.2 million of those individuals received mental health treatment during that period. Of those, 10.4 million adults (4.2 % of the general adult population), were estimated to have a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI), but only 6.7 million of those individuals (64%) received mental health treatment in that same year (SAMHSA, 2016). In Florida, the prevalence of mental illness is estimated to be 660,000 (H.R. 8029, 2018). Yet, in terms of services for individuals with mental illness, and compared to other states, Florida’s ranking slid from 49th to 50th place in the past two years with a per capita expenditure of $39.55. SPMI affects individuals’ ability to function and to participate in valued roles and occupations, but recovery is attainable with appropriate interventions and services. This study aimed to understand factors that facilitate and those that hinder the recovery process through the perceptions of individuals with SMPI and of staff members providing services to them. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of qualitative data collected through individual and focus group interviews by two research teams between 2016 and 2017. A clubhouse model drop-in center and residential facilities of a mental health center in central Florida provided the sampling frame. Sample size: There were 44 participants in the final sample (31 clients, 13 staff). Results: Results reflected findings from the literature, indicating the personal nature of recovery, the importance of occupation (doing), identity (being), and kinship (belonging) in recovery, and how these have been impacted by cuts in funding and resources

Aplicación de las formulaciones de cálculo de las protecciones frente a la socavación en cimentaciones tipo monopilote de aerogeneradores marinos

La investigación se centra en una aplicación práctica que permite calcular el peso de los elementos de escollera de protección frente a la socavación, presente en cimentaciones de aerogeneradores marinos con tipología monopilote. Este estudio fue motivado por varias razones. Una de ellas es que la industria eólica marina viene creciendo exponencialmente en los últimos años. Aunque han transcurrido 25 años desde la construcción del primer parque eólico marino, todavía quedan muchas incertidumbres por resolver en este campo, siendo una de ellas el dimensionamiento de las cimentaciones (Negro et al., 2014)