Development of the Sensory Organs

2002 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippa H. Francis-West ◽  
Raj K. Ladher ◽  
Gary C. Schoenwolf

The sensory organs – the eye, ear, and nose- are formed, in part, from ectodermal thickenings: placodes. Their development is distinct from that of other regions of the developing body and they are essential for the development of other structures. For example, the olfactory placode which gives rise to the nose is essential for the functional development of the reproductive organs and hence fertility. Recently much progress has been made in the understanding of placode development, at both a molecular and embryological level. This is important as abnormal development of placodes occurs in a number of human syndromes. Furthermore, knowledge of placode development will give insight into therapeutic strategies to prevent degenerative change such as deafness. This review highlights the current knowledge of placode development and the future challenges in unravelling the cascades of signalling interactions that control development of these unique structures.

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 297-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mimi Shin ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Jason R. Borgus ◽  
B. Jill Venton

Electrochemical measurements of neurotransmitters provide insight into the dynamics of neurotransmission. In this review, we describe the development of electrochemical measurements of neurotransmitters and how they started with extrasynaptic measurements but now are pushing toward synaptic measurements. Traditionally, biosensors or fast-scan cyclic voltammetry have monitored extrasynaptic levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, adenosine, glutamate, and acetylcholine. Amperometry and electrochemical cytometry techniques have revealed mechanisms of exocytosis, suggesting partial release. Advances in nanoelectrodes now allow spatially resolved, electrochemical measurements in a synapse, which is only 20–100 nm wide. Synaptic measurements of dopamine and acetylcholine have been made. In this article, electrochemical measurements are also compared to optical imaging and mass spectrometry measurements, and while these other techniques provide enhanced spatial or chemical information, electrochemistry is best at monitoring real-time neurotransmission. Future challenges include combining electrochemistry with these other techniques in order to facilitate multisite and multianalyte monitoring.


1997 ◽  
Vol 273 (6) ◽  
pp. G1169-G1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hartmut Jaeschke ◽  
C. Wayne Smith

Leukocytes, i.e., neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, can accumulate in the hepatic vasculature and contribute to the pathophysiology of various liver diseases. Recently, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the basic mechanisms of neutrophil infiltration and cytotoxicity in the liver. However, there are a substantial number of unresolved issues. This article describes the current knowledge and the gaps in our understanding of mechanisms of neutrophil sequestration in sinusoids and venules, adhesion to endothelial cells, and transmigration and adherence to parenchymal cells. From these data, it is clear that assumptions regarding the roles of adhesion molecules in the liver may be misleading if drawn from studies of peripheral vascular beds. Greater insight into these mechanisms is critical for the development of selective therapeutic strategies that attenuate excessive inflammatory responses without compromising the vital host defense.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3766
Author(s):  
Bogdan Obrișcă ◽  
Bogdan Sorohan ◽  
Liliana Tuță ◽  
Gener Ismail

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototype of autoimmune disorders caused by a loss of tolerance to endogenous nuclear antigens triggering an aberrant autoimmune response targeting various tissues. Lupus nephritis (LN), a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with SLE, affects up to 60% of patients. The recent insights into the genetic and molecular basis of SLE and LN paved the way for newer therapies to be developed for these patients. Apart from the traditional B-cell-centered view of this disease pathogenesis, acknowledging that multiple extrarenal and intrarenal pathways contribute to kidney-specific autoimmunity and injury may help refine the individual therapeutic and prognostic characterization of such patients. Accordingly, the formerly induction-maintenance treatment strategy was recently challenged with the exciting results obtained from the trials that evaluated add-on therapy with voclosporin, belimumab, or Obinutuzumab. The scope of this review is to provide an insight into the current knowledge of LN pathogenesis and future therapeutic strategies.


2006 ◽  
Vol 73 ◽  
pp. 109-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Stockdale ◽  
Michael Bruno ◽  
Helder Ferreira ◽  
Elisa Garcia-Wilson ◽  
Nicola Wiechens ◽  
...  

In the 30 years since the discovery of the nucleosome, our picture of it has come into sharp focus. The recent high-resolution structures have provided a wealth of insight into the function of the nucleosome, but they are inherently static. Our current knowledge of how nucleosomes can be reconfigured dynamically is at a much earlier stage. Here, recent advances in the understanding of chromatin structure and dynamics are highlighted. The ways in which different modes of nucleosome reconfiguration are likely to influence each other are discussed, and some of the factors likely to regulate the dynamic properties of nucleosomes are considered.


CounterText ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-235
Author(s):  
Gordon Calleja

This paper gives an insight into the design process of a game adaptation of Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart (1980). It outlines the challenges faced in attempting to reconcile the diverging qualities of lyrical poetry and digital games. In so doing, the paper examines the design decisions made in every segment of the game with a particular focus on the tension between the core concerns of the lyrical work being adapted and established tenets of game design.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1448
Author(s):  
Jessica Aijia Liu ◽  
Jing Yu ◽  
Chi Wai Cheung

Pain can be induced by tissue injuries, diseases and infections. The interactions between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and immune system are primary actions in pain sensitizations. In response to stimuli, nociceptors release various mediators from their terminals that potently activate and recruit immune cells, whereas infiltrated immune cells further promote sensitization of nociceptors and the transition from acute to chronic pain by producing cytokines, chemokines, lipid mediators and growth factors. Immune cells not only play roles in pain production but also contribute to PNS repair and pain resolution by secreting anti-inflammatory or analgesic effectors. Here, we discuss the distinct roles of four major types of immune cells (monocyte/macrophage, neutrophil, mast cell, and T cell) acting on the PNS during pain process. Integration of this current knowledge will enhance our understanding of cellular changes and molecular mechanisms underlying pain pathogenies, providing insights for developing new therapeutic strategies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Hilderink

Abstract The four-year Public Health Foresight Study (VTV) provides insight into the most important societal challenges for public health and health care in the Netherlands. The seventh edition of the Dutch Public Health Foresight study was published in 2018, with an update in 2020. In this update a business-as-usual or Trend Scenario was developed using 2018 as a base year. In the trend scenario demographic and epidemiological projections have been used to depict the future trends regarding ageing, health, disease, health behaviors, health expenditures and health inequalities. Next, these trends are used to identify the most important future challenges and opportunities for public health. In the 2020 update, special attentions is given to climate change and the local living environment and their impacts and interaction with public health outcomes. Trends in lifestyle-related lifestyle show both positive (smoking prevalence) and negative (overweight prevalence) future developments. Dementia will be the leading cause of mortality and disease burden in 2040 by far. Health care expenditures will double by 2040, with cancers showing the most rapid growth of all disease groups. The insights of this study are directly used as input for the National Health Policy Memorandum and for the National Prevention Accord.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1046
Author(s):  
Yinghan Chan ◽  
Xun Hui Wu ◽  
Buong Woei Chieng ◽  
Nor Azowa Ibrahim ◽  
Yoon Yee Then

Biofilm formation represents a significant cause of concern as it has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, thereby imposing a huge burden on public healthcare system throughout the world. As biofilms are usually resistant to various conventional antimicrobial interventions, they may result in severe and persistent infections, which necessitates the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat biofilm-based infections. Physicochemical modification of the biomaterials utilized in medical devices to mitigate initial microbial attachment has been proposed as a promising strategy in combating polymicrobial infections, as the adhesion of microorganisms is typically the first step for the formation of biofilms. For instance, superhydrophobic surfaces have been shown to possess substantial anti-biofilm properties attributed to the presence of nanostructures. In this article, we provide an insight into the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation and their composition, as well as the applications of nanomaterials as superhydrophobic nanocoatings for the development of novel anti-biofilm therapies.


Genes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Luigi Carbone ◽  
Federica Cariati ◽  
Laura Sarno ◽  
Alessandro Conforti ◽  
Francesca Bagnulo ◽  
...  

Fetal aneuploidies are among the most common causes of miscarriages, perinatal mortality and neurodevelopmental impairment. During the last 70 years, many efforts have been made in order to improve prenatal diagnosis and prenatal screening of these conditions. Recently, the use of cell-free fetal DNA (cff-DNA) testing has been increasingly used in different countries, representing an opportunity for non-invasive prenatal screening of pregnant women. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the state of the art and the main strengths and limitations of this test for prenatal screening of fetal aneuploidies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 539
Author(s):  
Tamás Plaszkó ◽  
Zsolt Szűcs ◽  
Gábor Vasas ◽  
Sándor Gonda

Plants heavily rely on chemical defense systems against a variety of stressors. The glucosinolates in the Brassicaceae and some allies are the core molecules of one of the most researched such pathways. These natural products are enzymatically converted into isothiocyanates (ITCs) and occasionally other defensive volatile organic constituents (VOCs) upon fungal challenge or tissue disruption to protect the host against the stressor. The current review provides a comprehensive insight on the effects of the isothiocyanates on fungi, including, but not limited to mycorrhizal fungi and pathogens of Brassicaceae. In the review, our current knowledge on the following topics are summarized: direct antifungal activity and the proposed mechanisms of antifungal action, QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationships), synergistic activity of ITCs with other agents, effects of ITCs on soil microbial composition and allelopathic activity. A detailed insight into the possible applications is also provided: the literature of biofumigation studies, inhibition of post-harvest pathogenesis and protection of various products including grains and fruits is also reviewed herein.


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