Exercise training and detraining process affects plasma adiponectin level in healthy and spontaneously hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin levels with long-term swimming exercise have been never investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate the effects of exercise and detraining process on the adiponectin plasma levels of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and healthy Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rats in the exercise groups were swimming for 10 weeks, 5 days/week, one hour in a day. The detraining rats were left to be sedentary in their cages for 5 weeks after 10 weeks of exercise period. RESULTS: The plasma adiponectin levels decreased in E and SHRE groups compared to the SC and the SHR groups, respectively. In addition, blood pressure was decreased in the exercise groups vs their controls. The adiponectin level was not found to be significantly different in ED and SHRED groups compared to their controls. The blood pressure did not differ between SDC and ED groups, although in the SHRED group it was found to be lower than in SHRSD group rats. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that exercise reduced plasma levels of adiponectin in healthy and spontaneously hypertensive rats. However, this difference disappeared at the end of the training processes. Our results suggest, that changes in plasma adiponectin levels are not responsible for changes in blood pressure

Sperm is epigenetically programmed to regulate gene transcription in embryos.

For a long time, it has been assumed that the only role of sperm at fertilization is to introduce the male genome into the egg. Recently, ideas have emerged that the epigenetic state of the sperm nucleus could influence transcription in the embryo. However, conflicting reports have challenged the existence of epigenetic marks on sperm genes, and there are no functional tests supporting the role of sperm epigenetic marking on embryonic gene expression. Here, we show that sperm is epigenetically programmed to regulate embryonic gene expression. By comparing the development of sperm- and spermatid-derived frog embryos, we show that the programming of sperm for successful development relates to its ability to regulate transcription of a set of developmentally important genes. During spermatid maturation into sperm, these genes lose H3K4me2/3 and retain H3K27me3 marks. Experimental removal of these epigenetic marks at fertilization de-regulates gene expression in the resulting embryos in a paternal chromatin-dependent manner. This demonstrates that epigenetic instructions delivered by the sperm at fertilization are required for correct regulation of gene expression in the future embryos. The epigenetic mechanisms of developmental programming revealed here are likely to relate to the mechanisms involved in transgenerational transmission of acquired traits. Understanding how parental experience can influence development of the progeny has broad potential for improving human health.We thank: T. Jenuwein and N. Shukeir for anti-H3K27me3 antibody; A. Bannister, J. Ahringer and E. Miska for comments on the manuscript; Gurdon group members for reading the manuscript; The International Xenopus laevis Genome Project Consortium (the Harland, Rokhsar, Taira labs and others) for providing unpublished genome and gene annotation information. M.T. is supported by WT089613 and by MR/K011022/1. V.G. and P.Z. are funded by AICR 10-0908. A.S. is supported by MR/K011022/1. K.M. is a Research Fellow at Wolfson College and is supported by the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship. E.M.M. is supported by National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas, and the Welch Foundation (F1515). J.J. and J.B.G. are supported by WT101050/Z/13/Z. S.E. acknowledges Boehringer Ingelheim Fond fellowship. A.H.F.M.P. is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (31003A_125386) and the Novartis Research Foundation. All members of the Gurdon Institute acknowledge the core support provided by CRUK C6946/A14492 and WT092096.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press via https://doi.org/10.1101/gr.201541.11

Integrating Photogrammetric 3D City Models and CityGML Data into Augmented Reality for Enhanced Urban Planning and Cadastre Management

In an era of rapid urbanization, three-dimensional (3D) city models have emerged as crucial tools for managing infrastructure, planning new developments, and maintaining accurate cadastral records. Recent advances in photogrammetry and geographic information systems (GIS) have allowed us to generate incredibly detailed representations of urban spaces. The General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre has played a pivotal role in creating 3D city models by capturing aerial imagery and converting it into CityGML-based solid and architectural models. Although CityGML offers a standardized framework for storing and sharing city data, its potential can be further magnified by integrating immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR). This paper presents a mobile AR application, developed with Google’s ARCore, that displays CityGML-based building data at street level, allowing for real-time visualization and interaction. Our pipeline simplifies raw CityGML data, ensuring optimal rendering while preserving essential details. Through effective georeferencing and advanced pose estimation, these digital models are accurately overlaid on real-world scenes, enabling government agencies, urban planners, and cadastral managers to analyze and make informed decisions in situated places. Beyond planning and cadastre, this AR system could benefit broader fields such as environmental monitoring and public infrastructure management. We conclude by discussing future steps, including expanded data layers (e.g., utility networks) and performance optimizations for large-scale city models, thus highlighting the transformative role of AR in shaping next-generation urban environments

Integrating Photogrammetric 3D City Models into Virtual Reality: A Methodological Approach Using Unreal Engine

Three-dimensional (3D) city models have become indispensable in urban planning, disaster management, and various geospatial analyses. Advances in photogrammetric techniques and virtual reality (VR) platforms now enable highly detailed, immersive representations of urban environments for more effective decision-making. This paper presents a methodological framework for integrating produced photogrammetric 3D building models into Unreal Engine, with the goal of creating a VR environment. The workflow covers the capture of nadir and oblique aerial imagery, the organization of photogrammetric blocks, triangulation, and stereo compilation to derive accurate roof and facade geometries. Texture mapping is then applied using nadir and oblique photographs to ensure visual realism. Models in OBJ format are imported into Blender for scaling and preparation, and subsequently exported to FBX for compatibility with Unreal Engine. The paper also discusses incorporating georeferenced data via the Cesium for Unreal plugin. Despite a currently unresolved alignment issue that prevents proper placement of the models within Cesium’s global coordinate system, the outlined workflow provides a foundation for future research. Future improvements could include using pixel streaming for group VR sessions, adding GIS features to look up detailed information, and using real-time data for live updates. This method can help create interactive city simulations, making it easier for stakeholders to plan and analyze

Incisional hernia treatment with polypropylene graft: results of 10 years

Purpose: To report herein our results of tension-free repair of large incisional hernia with polypropylene mesh using a modification of the method that was described by Usher. Method: Two hundred ninety-one patients who were operated on between January 1994 and December 2004 were studied. Two hundred thirty-two patients were female (79.7%), and 59 were male (20.3%). The average follow-up period was 55 months. The patients were evaluated for infection, recurrences, hematoma and seroma formation, sinuses and enterocutaneous fistula formation. Results: Infection was observed in eight patients (2.7%). Graft removal due to infection was encountered only in two patients (0.6%). Recurrence was observed in six patients (2.1%). Two patients (0.6%) developed hematoma while another two developed seroma. No patient developed enterocutaneous fistula. Conclusion: By using our modified technique wecan decrease the expected complications after tension-free repair of large incisional hernias. © Springer-Verlag 2006

The sperm factor: paternal impact beyond genes

The fact that sperm carry more than the paternal DNA has only been discovered just over a decade ago. With this discovery, the idea that the paternal condition may have direct implications for the fitness of the offspring had to be revisited. While this idea is still highly debated, empirical evidence for paternal effects is accumulating. Male condition not only affects male fertility but also offspring early development and performance later in life. Several factors have been identified as possible carriers of non-genetic information, but we still know little about their origin and function and even less about their causation. I consider four possible non-mutually exclusive adaptive and non-adaptive explanations for the existence of paternal effects in an evolutionary context. In addition, I provide a brief overview of the main non-genetic components found in sperm including DNA methylation, chromatin modifications, RNAs and proteins. I discuss their putative functions and present currently available examples for their role in transferring non-genetic information from the father to the offspring. Finally, I identify some of the most important open questions and present possible future research avenues

Metadata GeoPortal: Advancing Map Data Management and Collaboration Across Sectors

In Turkiye, a diverse range of organizations, including public institutions and private sector entities, are actively engaged in the production and management of geospatial information. To enhance coordination, minimize duplication of efforts, and optimize resource use, the Metadata GeoPortal (Map Information Bank) was developed. This web-based platform acts as a central hub for both public and private users to enter, update, and share metadata connected to their mapping activities. It offers quick access to essential map data, supports decision-making processes, and underpins various e-government initiatives. Operating in accordance with the Large-Scale Map and Map Information Production Regulation, the Metadata GeoPortal aims to prevent redundant map production and ensure efficient utilization of national resources. Designed to comply with the ISO 19115 Metadata Standard, the platform allows users to register mapping projects, assign unique project numbers, and generate endpoint numbers (SNN) for coordinate data. The GeoPortal improves data sharing and coordination across different sectors. For instance, data entered by entities such as the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (TKGM) and the General Directorate of Mapping (HGM) can be shared with other stakeholders through web services following established protocols. This facilitates seamless access to critical geospatial data, including control points, aerial photographs, orthophotos, elevation models, and topographic maps. Since its launch in July 2008, the Metadata GeoPortal has undergone continuous improvements. It is now widely used by ministries, public institutions, municipalities, and private entities, extending its impact in mapping, cadastral work, and geographic information systems. The February 2022 update introduced a new user interface, allowing TKGM units to download map data directly without formal correspondence. Additional features, such as direct access through the Parcel Inquiry System, have further increased the platform’s usability. Looking ahead, the upcoming “Phase 4” updates will expand the platform’s functionalities, enhancing geospatial data management and collaboration across sectors. The Metadata GeoPortal is a pivotal tool in Turkiye’s efforts to modernize and centralize geospatial data management, reduce redundancy, and maximize resource efficiency

Coiled-Coil Domain Containing Protein 124 Is a Novel Centrosome and Midbody Protein That Interacts with the Ras-Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor 1B and Is Involved in Cytokinesis

Cytokinetic abscission is the cellular process leading to physical separation of two postmitotic sister cells by severing the intercellular bridge. The most noticeable structural component of the intercellular bridge is a transient organelle termed as midbody, localized at a central region marking the site of abscission. Despite its major role in completion of cytokinesis, our understanding of spatiotemporal regulation of midbody assembly is limited. Here, we report the first characterization of coiled-coil domain-containing protein-124 (Ccdc124), a eukaryotic protein conserved from fungi-to-man, which we identified as a novel centrosomal and midbody protein. Knockdown of Ccdc124 in human HeLa cells leads to accumulation of enlarged and multinucleated cells; however, centrosome maturation was not affected. We found that Ccdc124 interacts with the Ras-guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1B (RasGEF1B), establishing a functional link between cytokinesis and activation of localized Rap2 signaling at the midbody. Our data indicate that Ccdc124 is a novel factor operating both for proper progression of late cytokinetic stages in eukaryotes, and for establishment of Rap2 signaling dependent cellular functions proximal to the abscission site. © 2013 Telkoparan et al

Extensive psoriasis induced by pegylated interferon: a case report

This paper describes the clinical course of a patient with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 2a/2c, previously treated with Interferon α2b and subsequently with Lymphoblastoid Interferon without any response, and also without any cutaneous side effects. The patient, a 50 year-old woman, was re-treated with Pegylated α2b Interferon plus Ribavirin for 24 weeks, at standard doses; during the third month of therapy she developed a mild form of psoriasis. However, encouraged by the progressive improvement of her transaminase levels and viral load decrease, the patient asked to continue the treatment; she normalized the transaminase levels during the fourth month and showed HCV-RNA negativity during the fifth month of therapy. Nevertheless, the psoriasis become worse, extending to over 75% of her body. Therapy was completed after sixth months. A month after the therapy was ceased, the patient's psoriasis receded spontaneously and completely. During the subsequent four years the patient did not experience any recurrence of either the hepatic disease or the psoriasis

Na+/I- symporter and type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase gene expression in amniotic membrane and placenta and its relationship to maternal thyroid hormones

Placental type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase (D3) potentially protects the fetus from the elevated maternal thyroid hormones. Na+/I- symporter (NIS) is a plasma membrane glycoprotein, which mediates active iodide uptake. Our objectives were to establish the distribution of NIS and D3 gene expressions in the placenta and the amniotic membrane and to investigate the relationship between placental D3 and NIS gene expressions and maternal iodine, selenium, and thyroid hormone status. Thyroid hormones, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and selenium levels were measured in 49 healthy term pregnant women. NIS and D3 gene expressions were studied with the total mRNA RT-PCR method in tissues from maternal placenta (n = 49), fetal placenta (n = 9), and amniotic membrane (n = 9). NIS and D3 gene expressions were shown in the fetal and maternal sides of the placenta and amniotic membrane. Mean blood selenium level was 66 ± 26.5 μg/l, and median UIC was 143 μg/l. We could not demonstrate any statistically significant relationship of spot UIC and blood selenium with NIS and D3 expression (p > 0.05). Positive correlations were found between NIS and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) (r = 0.3, p = 0.042) and between D3 and preoperative glucose levels (r = 0.4, p = 0.006). D3 and NIS genes are expressed in term placenta and amniotic membrane; thus, in addition to placenta, amniotic membrane contributes to regulation of maternofetal iodine and thyroid hormone transmission. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between maternal glucose levels and placental D3 expression and between TBG and placental NIS expression. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York