bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution of Severe Atopic Dermatitis after Tacrolimus Withdrawal
Authors: Ponte Gaston M. , Baidal David A. , Romanelli Paolo , Faradji Raquel N. , Poggioli Raffaella , Cure Pablo , Froud Tatiana , Selvaggi Gennaro , Pileggi Antonello , Ricordi Camillo , Alejandro Rodolfo
Published: September 2014

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive agent used in solid organ and islet transplantation. Its topical form has shown benefit in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. Although tacrolimus has a wide spectrum of side effects, dermatological complications related to systemic tacrolimus therapy are limited in the literature. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic cutaneous condition that usually begins in infancy and is characterized by an increased Th2 response. We report the case of a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and history of AD latent for 10 years who developed severe dermatitis and alopecia 5 months after undergoing allogeneic islet transplantation and initiating a steroid-free immunosuppressive regimen with sirolimus and tacrolimus maintenance. After exclusion of other possible causes for the progression and exacerbation of the clinical presentation of AD, discontinuation of tacrolimus and introduction of mycophe-nolate mofetil resulted in full remission of the symptoms. The beneficial effects of tacrolimus withdrawal suggest a cause–effect relationship between this adverse event and the utilization of the drug. Islet graft function remained stable after modification of the therapeutic regimen (stable glycemic control and unchanged C-peptide).
Plasticity of the Central Nervous System and Formation of “Auxiliary Niches” after Stem Cell Grafting: An Essay
Authors: Ourednik Václav , Ourednik Jitka
Published: September 2014

It is hoped that stem cell biology will play a major role in the treatment of a number of so far incurable diseases via transplantation therapy. Today, we know that neural stem cell grafts not only represent a valuable source of missing cells and molecules for the host nervous system, but they also bring with them biological principles and processes assuring tissue plasticity and homeostasis found in early development and in postnatal neurogenic areas. In this review, we discuss the potential of grafted neural stem/progenitor cells to induce plasticity in the adult diseased brain by mimicking the cellular and molecular processes governing the biology of endogenous stem cell niches. If confirmed, such anlagen of “auxiliary niches” could help us to optimize intercellular communication in donor cell-initiated networks of graft–host interactions and to “rejuvenate” the adult nervous system in its response to disease and injury.
Blood–Brain Barrier Pathology in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease: Implications for Drug Therapy
Authors: Desai Brinda S. , Monahan Angela J. , Carvey Paul M. , Hendey Bill
Published: September 2014

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a tightly regulated barrier in the central nervous system. Though the BBB is thought to be intact during neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), recent evidence argues otherwise. Dysfunction of the BBB may be involved in disease progression, eliciting of peripheral immune response, and, most importantly, altered drug efficacy. In this review, we will give a brief overview of the BBB, its components, and their functions. We will critically evaluate the current literature in AD and PD BBB pathology resulting from insult, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Specifically, we will discuss alterations in tight junction, transport and endothelial cell surface proteins, and vascular density changes, all of which result in altered permeability. Finally, we will discuss the implications of BBB dysfunction in current and future therapeutics. Developing a better appreciation of BBB dysfunction in AD and PD may not only provide novel strategies in treatment, but will prove an interesting milestone in understanding neurodegenerative disease etiology and progression.
Heparan Sulfate Mediates Neuroprotection from Degeneration in Experimental Glutaric Aciduria
Authors: Naylor Michelle C. , Negia Mesfin , Noetzel Meredith , Burns Terry C. , Demorest Zach L. , Low Walter C.
Published: September 2014

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is a childhood metabolic disorder associated with crises that lead to striatal necrosis. Although the disorder can be controlled with diet, there is no current treatment to ameliorate the neurodegeneration following a metabolic crisis. We hypothesized that heparan sulfate (HS) administration would stimulate neural stem cell proliferation by dimerizing with FGF-2 and binding to the FGF-2 receptor on neural stem cells, thus enhancing the number of newly generated neurons to repair damage following a metabolic crisis. In addition, FGF-2 is known to exert neuroprotective effects independent of neurogenesis, so HS may also have neuroprotective activities. To test these hypotheses, ibotenic acid was injected into the striatum of adult mice, mimicking the metabolic crisis and damage caused by glutaric aciduria. Daily doses of HS and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) or BrdU alone were administered starting 1 day after the ibotenic acid lesion. BrdU was used to label dividing cells. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was used to quantify the lesion size and evaluate the phenotype of BrdU-positive cells. Intrastriatal administration of ibotenic acid resulted in a substantial striatal lesion that occupied 18.5% of the ipsilateral brain hemisphere. In contrast, animals treated with HS exhibited a lesion volume representing <1% of the ipsilateral brain hemisphere (ANOVA; p < 0.0001). Increased neurogenesis, however, was not observed in this group. These results suggest that HS administration 2 days after a “metabolic crisis” can ameliorate brain injury in an animal model of GA1. The neuroprotective mechanisms of HS, however, remain to be elucidated but may exert their actions indirectly through binding with FGF-2.
Cryopreservation of Human Hepatocytes Alters the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Complex 1
Authors: Stéphenne Xavier , Najimi Mustapha , Ngoc Dung Khuu , Smets Françoise , Hue Louis , Guigas Bruno , Sokal Etienne M.
Published: September 2014

Transplantation of human hepatocytes has recently been demonstrated as a safe alternative to partially correct liver inborn errors of metabolism. Cryopreservation remains the most appropriate way of cell banking. However, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis has been reported after cryopreservation and little is known on the involved molecular mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate mitochondrial functions of freshly isolated and cryopreserved/thawed hepatocytes from mice and humans. We report here that cryopreservation induced a dramatic drop of ATP levels in hepatocytes. The oxygen consumption rate of cryopreserved/thawed hepatocytes was significantly lower compared to fresh cells. In addition, the uncoupling effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol was lost, in parallel with a reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, a decrease in mitochondrial respiratory rate was evidenced on permeabilized hepatocytes in the presence of substrate for the respiratory chain complex 1. Interestingly, this effect was less marked with a substrate for complex 2. Electron microscopy examination indicated that mitochondria were swollen and devoid of cristae after cryopreservation. These changes could explain the cytosolic release of the proapoptotic protein cytochrome c in cryopreserved cells. Nevertheless, no caspase 9-3 activation and only few apoptotic and necrotic cells were found, indicating that the subsequent cell death program was not yet evidenced. Our results demonstrate that cryopreservation of hepatocytes induced alteration of the mitochondrial machinery. They also suggest that, in addition to technical progress in the cryopreservation procedure, protection of the respiratory chain complex 1 should be considered to improve the quality of cryopreserved hepatocytes.
Combined Treatment of Neurotrophin-3 Gene and Neural Stem Cells is Propitious to Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhang Luyi , Gu Shuting , Zhao Cuiping , Wen Tieqiao
Published: September 2014

We present an insight of the effects of combination therapy with neurotrophin-3 and neural stem cell on functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Total RNA was extracted from neural stem cell line C17.2 and reversed transcribed into cDNA. Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) gene was amplified by PCR and subcloned into plasmid to construct an expression vector pNT-3. A positive clone containing pNT-3, named SHN2, was obtained and used for transplantation. Thirty adult mice received mechanical injury at the T8 vertebra level. Cell survival, NT-3 gene expression, and functional recovery were observed through X-Gal staining, RT-PCR, and open field locomotion, respectively. The results show that NT-3 gene comprising 777 bp nucleo-tides was cloned and a more than twofold expression was detected when transfected into neural stem cell line C17.2. Quantitative analysis of cellular density revealed a significant increase in SHN2 compared to the control cells (p < 0.01). Thirty days after transplantation, SHN2 showed significant increase near the lesion site. Furthermore, the functional recovery indicated an active effect by detecting Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale (p < 0.01). In conclusion, combined treatment of neural stem cells and NT-3 gene can facilitate functional recovery. It offers an effective approach to treat SCI.
The Effect of Truncated Human α-Synuclein (1–120) on Dopaminergic Cells in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Michell A. W. , Tofaris G. K. , Gossage H. , Tyers P. , Spillantini M. G. , Barker R. A.
Published: September 2014

α-Synuclein is thought to play an important role in the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Truncated forms of this protein can be found in PD brain extracts, and these species aggregate faster and are more susceptible to oxidative stress than the full-length protein. We investigated the effect of truncated α-synuclein on dopaminergic cells using a transgenic mouse expressing α-synuclein (1–120) driven by the rat tyrosine hydroxylase promoter on a mouse α-synuclein null background. We found a selective reduction in the yield of dopaminergic cells from transgenic embryonic ventral mesencephalic cell cultures. However, in vivo the substantia nigra/ventral tegmentum dopaminergic cell counts were not reduced in transgenics, although these mice are known to have reduced striatal dopamine. When transplanted to the striatum in the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned mouse model of PD, dopaminergic cells derived from transgenic embryonic ventral mesencephala were significantly smaller at 6 weeks, and showed a trend towards being less effective at ameliorating rotational asymmetry than those from control α-synuclein null mice. These results suggest that α-synuclein (1–120) renders dopaminergic cells more susceptible to stress, which may have important implications as to how this truncated protein might contribute to dopaminergic cell death in sporadic PD.
Comparison of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Different Tissues to Suppress T-Cell Activation
Authors: Keyser Kirsten A. , Beagles Karen E. , Kiem Hans-Peter
Published: September 2014

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and graft rejection have remained significant complications of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the bone marrow have been shown to suppress T-cell activation in vitro and in vivo, and may be used to reduce GvHD in the recipient or to facilitate engraftment across MHC barriers. MSCs can be derived from a variety of tissues. Thus, we asked whether MSCs from different tissues might have differential effects on T-cell responses. We were particularly interested in MSCs derived from adipose tissue because of its abundance and accessibility. We investigated and compared the immunosuppressive potential of murine MSCs derived from muscle tissue, adipose tissue, omentum, and bone. Cells from the different tissues were enriched for MSCs and cultured for 2–3 weeks to deplete hematopoietic cells. Mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs) including MSCs were performed using concanavalin A or allogeneic T cells as inducers of T-cell activation. MSCs from all tissues differentiated into multiple lineages. Mitogen-induced T-cell activation, as well as allogeneic T-cell responses, was reduced in MLRs mediated by the addition of MSCs. Reduction of T-cell activation was most pronounced for muscle tissue in the mitogen-induced MLR and fat tissue during the allogeneic MLR. These data demonstrate that MSCs from multiple tissues efficiently reduce T-cell activation. The results suggest that MSCs from adipose tissue can serve as an alternative source for MSCs to bone or bone marrow for the modulation of GvHD after allogeneic stem cell transplantation or to enhance engraftment across MHC barriers.
Inhibition of Apoptosis by Expression of Antiapoptotic Proteins in Recombinant Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Choi Claudia Y. U. , Reimers Kerstin , Allmeling Christina , Kall Susanne , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Vogt Peter M.
Published: September 2014

The Fas ligand/Fas interaction plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses. Allografted cells undergo Fas-mediated apoptosis induced by CD8+ T cells. Our objective was to prevent human keratinocytes from immunologically induced apoptosis. We focused on three proteins with inhibitory function on Fas-mediated apoptosis. Human keratinocytes were transfected with either Flip, Faim, or Lifeguard (LFG). The treatment proved to be practicable and efficient. The recombinant keratinocytes with expression of our target proteins were cocultured with CD8+ T cells and the apoptotic activity was then evaluated. Activation of caspase-8 was detectable in control but not in the recombinant cells. Quantitative analysis revealed significant induction of T-cell-induced apoptosis in nontransfected keratinocytes (p = 0.04, n = 12) but not in Flip (p = 0.66), Faim (p = 0.42), or LFG (p = 0.44) expressing cells. Our results suggest that heterotopic expression of antiapoptotic proteins can induce the resistance of keratinocytes to a major mechanism of rejection.
Culture of Keratinocytes for Transplantation without the Need of Feeder Layer Cells
Authors: Coolen Neeltje A. , Verkerk Michelle , Reijnen Linda , Vlig Marcel , Van Den Bogaerdt Antoon J. , Breetveld Melanie , Gibbs Susan , Middelkoop Esther , Ulrich Magda M. W.
Published: September 2014

Patients with large burn wounds have a limited amount of healthy donor skin. An alternative for the autologous skin graft is transplantation with autologous keratinocytes. Conventionally, the keratinocytes are cultured with mouse feeder layer cells in medium containing fetal calf serum (FCS) to obtain sufficient numbers of cells. These xenobiotic materials can be a potential risk for the patient. The aim of the present study was to investigate if keratinocytes could be expanded in culture without the need of a feeder layer and FCS. Keratinocytes were cultured on tissue culture plastic with or without collagen type IV coating in medium containing Ultroser G (serum substitute) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). An in vitro skin equivalent model was used to examine the capacity of these cells to form an epidermis. Keratinocytes in different passages (P2, P4, and P6) and freshly isolated cells were studied. Keratinocytes grown on collagen type IV were able to form an epidermis at higher passage numbers than cells grown in the absence of collagen type IV (P4 and P2, respectively). In both cases the reconstructed epidermis showed an increased expression of Ki-67, SKALP, involucrin, and keratin 17 compared to normal skin. Only 50,000 keratinocytes grown on collagen type IV in P4 were needed to form 1 cm2 epidermis, whereas 150,000 of freshly isolated keratinocytes were necessary. Using this culture technique sufficient numbers of keratinocytes, isolated from 1 cm2 skin, were obtained to cover 400 cm2 of wound surface in 2 weeks. The results show that keratinocytes can be cultured without the need of a fibroblast feeder layer and FCS and that these cells are still able to create a fully differentiated epidermis. This culture technique can be a valuable tool for the treatment of burn wounds and further development of tissue engineered skin.
Improvement of Urethral Sphincter Deficiency in Female Rats following Autologous Skeletal Muscle Myoblasts Grafting
Authors: Praud Christophe , Sebe Philippe , Biérinx Anne-Sophie , Sebille Alain
Published: September 2014

Sphincteric deficiency is the most common cause of urinary incontinence in humans. Various treatments have lead to disappointing results due to a temporary benefit. Recent studies raised the possibility that sphincteric deficiency could be treated by implanting skeletal myoblasts. In the present study, we developed in the female rat a model of chronic sphincteric defect to assess the benefit of myoblast injection. Sphincter deficiency was induced by freezing, longitudinal sphincterotomy, and notexin injection, respectively, to obtain a reproducible and irreversible incontinence. Autologous tibialis anteriors were cultured to be injected in the best model. Functional results were evaluated by measuring the urethral pressure with an open catheter. Histology was performed in the excised urethras. Of the three techniques, only longitudinal sphincterotomy caused definitive incontinence by irreversibly destroying the striated sphincter muscle fibers: a 45% decrease of the closure pressure was observed 21 days after the sphincterotomy. At this time, we injected myoblasts at the sphincterotomy site. In the sham-injected group (n = 18), the closure pressure decrease was not significantly modified 21 days after injection. By comparison, a return to near normal value was observed after cell grafting (n = 21). These results and those obtained by others strongly suggest that the use of myoblasts could be a potential innovative therapy for urethral deficiencies leading to incontinence.
Consistency and Safety of Cell Banks for Research and Clinical Use: Preliminary Analysis of Fetal Skin Banks
Authors: Quintin Aurelie , Hirt-Burri Nathalie , Scaletta Corinne , Schizas Constantin , Pioletti Dominique P. , Applegate Lee Ann
Published: September 2014

Current restrictions for human cell-based therapies have been related to technological limitations with regards to cellular proliferation capacity, maintenance of differentiated phenotype for primary human cell culture, and transmission of communicable diseases. We have seen that cultured primary fetal cells from one organ donation could possibly meet the exigent and stringent technical aspects for development of therapeutic products. We could develop a master cell bank (MCB) of 50 homogenous ampoules of 4–5 million cells each from one fetal organ donation (skin) in short periods of time compared to other primary cell types. Safety tests were performed at all stages of the cell banking. MCB ampoules could create a working cell bank to be used for clinical or research use. Monolayer culture of fetal skin cells had a life span of 12–17 passages, and independent cultures obtained from the same organ donation were consistent for protein concentration (with 1.4-fold maximal difference between cultures) as well as gene expression of MMP-14, MMP-3, TIMP-3, and VEGF (1.4-, 1.9-, 2.1-, and 1.4-fold maximal difference between cultures, respectively). Cell cultures derived from four independent fetal skin donations were consistent for cell growth, protein concentration, and gene expression of MDK, PTN, TGF-β1, and OPG. As it is the intention that banked primary fetal cells can profit from the potential treatment of hundreds of thousands of patients with only one organ donation, it is imperative to show consistency, tracability, and safety of the process, including donor tissue selection, cell banking, cell testing, and growth of cells in upscaling for the preparation of cell transplantation.
Adult-Derived Human Liver Mesenchymal-Like Cells as a Potential Progenitor Reservoir of Hepatocytes?
Authors: Najimi Mustapha , Khuu Dung Ngoc , Lysy Philippe Antoine , Jazouli Nawal , Abarca Jorge , Sempoux Christine , Sokal Etienne Marc
Published: September 2014

It is currently accepted that adult tissues may develop and maintain their own stem cell pools. Because of their higher safety profile, adult stem cells may represent an ideal candidate cell source to be used for liver cell therapies. We therefore evaluated the differentiation potential of mesenchymal-like cells isolated from adult human livers. Mesenchymal-like cells were isolated from enzymatically digested adult human liver and expanded in vitro. Cell characterization was performed using flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence, whereas the differentiation potential was evaluated both in vitro after incubation with specific media and in vivo after intrasplenic transplantation of uPA+/+-SCID and SCID mice. Adult-derived human liver mesenchymal-like cells expressed both hepatic and mesenchymal markers among which albumin, CYP3A4, vimentin, and α-smooth muscle actin. In vitro differentiation studies demonstrated that these mesenchymal-like cells are preferentially determined to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. Ten weeks following intrasplenic transplantation into uPA+/+-SCID mice, recipient livers showed the presence of human hepatocytic cell nodules positive for human albumin, prealbumin, and α-fetoprotein. In SCID transplanted liver mice, human hepatocyte-like cells were mostly found near vascular structures 56 days posttransplantation. In conclusion, the ability of isolated adult-derived liver mesenchymal stem-like cells to proliferate and differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells both in vitro and in vivo leads to propose them as an attractive expandable cell source for stem cell therapy in human liver diseases.
Subcultured Odontogenic Epithelial Cells in Combination with Dental Mesenchymal Cells Produce Enamel–Dentin-Like Complex Structures
Authors: Honda M. J. , Shinohara Y. , Hata K. I. , Ueda M.
Published: September 2014

We showed in a previous study that odontogenic epithelial cells can be selectively cultured from the enamel organ in serum-free medium and expanded using feeder layers of 3T3-J2 cells. The subcultured odontogenic epithelial cells retain the capacity for ameloblast-related gene expression, as shown by semiquantitative RT-PCR. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential of subcultured odontogenic epithelial cells to form tooth structures in cell–polymer constructs maintained in vivo. Enamel organs from 6-month-old porcine third molars were dissociated into single odontogenic epithelial cells and subcultured on feeder layers of 3T3-J2 cells. Amelogenin expression was detected in the subcultured odontogenic epithelial cells by immunostaining and Western blotting. The subcultured odontogenic epithelial cells were seeded onto collagen sponge scaffolds in combination with fresh dental mesenchymal cells, and transplanted into athymic rats. After 4 weeks, enamel–dentin-like complex structures were present in the implanted constructs. These results show that our culture system produced differentiating ameloblast-like cells that were able to secrete amelogenin proteins and form enamel-like tissues in vivo. This application of the subculturing technique provides a foundation for further tooth-tissue engineering and for improving our understanding of ameloblast biology.
Nerve Regeneration Promoted in a Tube with Vascularity Containing Bone Marrow-Derived Cells
Authors: Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Kakinoki Ryosuke , Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Nakayama Ken , Morimoto Yoshihide , Nakamura Takashi
Published: September 2014

Bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) are multipotent cells that have the potential to differentiate into bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or neuronal lineages such as neurons and glial cells. A silicone tube model containing reverse-pedicled sural vessels was created in the sciatic nerves of Lewis rats. About 1 × 107 BMCs, removed from the bone marrow of synergetic rat femurs and cultured in vitro, were transplanted into the 15-mm-long chambers of the silicone tubes. Nerve regeneration in vessel-containing tubes that had received BMCs was significantly greater at 12 and 24 weeks after surgery than in tubes that did not receive cells. Transplantation of fibroblasts instead of BMCs into the vessel-containing tube resulted in reduced axonal regeneration, which was inferior to regeneration in the vessel-containing tube that did not receive cells. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies revealed that in vessel-containing tubes containing transplanted BMCs, about 29% of cells in the regenerated nerve originated from BMCs. Cells identified by in situ hybridization and PKH26 prelabeling as being of BMC origin stained positively for S100 and GFAP. Transplanted BMCs differentiated into cells with phenotypes similar to those of Schwann cells under the influence of neurochemical factors and survived by obtaining nutrients from vessels that had been preinserted into the tube. They thus functioned similarly to Schwann cells, promoting nerve regeneration.
Isolation of Mouse Hepatocytes for Transplantation: A Comparison between Antegrade and Retrograde Liver Perfusion
Authors: Yin Zhaohui , Ellis Ewa C. S. , Nowak Greg
Published: September 2014

We compared antegrade with retrograde liver perfusion when isolating mouse hepatocytes for hepatocyte transplantation. Male mouse hepatocytes were isolated by different perfusion methods and transplanted into the spleen of congeneic female mice. Retrograde perfusion yielded a larger number of cells (4.90 × 107) than antegrade (4.09 × 107, p < 0.05), but hepatocytes obtained by antegrade perfusion gave higher engraftment efficiency (p < 0.05). More of the transplanted hepatocytes could be recovered from recipient liver with antegrade perfusion than with retrograde perfusion (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that hepatocytes isolated by antegrade perfusion gave a higher engraftment efficiency.
Neural Progenitor Cells Derived from the Adult Rat Subventricular Zone: Characterization and Transplantation
Authors: Chen Kevin , Hughes Stephanie M. , Connor Bronwen
Published: September 2014

In order to fully characterize and determine the therapeutic potential of adult neural progenitor cells (NPCs), it is important to be able to isolate and study NPCs from animals such as rats, in which there are existing models of brain injury and disease. The focus of this study was to characterize the cultivation, differentiation, and transplantation of adult rat NPCs isolated from the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles. We examined strategies for cell purification using a Percoll density gradient, and cell expansion using a range of maintenance medium and plating densities. Purification by Percoll gradient enriched a population of cells expressing nestin and SOX2, but resulted in a significant reduction in neurosphere generation. Culturing adult rat NPCs in Neurobasal-A media and plating at 200,000 cell/ml resulted in a higher percentage of cells surviving to generate neurospheres compared to culture in DMEM/F12 or NS-A media. On induction of differentiation, adult rat NPCs were capable of generating neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in vitro that survived for up to 8 weeks, demonstrating multipotentiality of these cells. In addition, a population of cells continued to proliferate during the initial phase of differentiation, suggesting the presence of two populations of NPCs during differentiation. Cultured adult rat NPCs also survived and differentiated into astrocytes 6 weeks after transplantation into the striatum of the normal adult rat brain. In conclusion, we have optimized techniques that allow for the routine isolation, culture, and transplantation of multipotent NPCs derived from the adult rat SVZ.
Coordination and plasticity in leaf anatomical traits of invasive and native vine species
Authors: Osunkoya Olusegun O. , Boyne Richard , Scharaschkin Tanya
Published: September 2014

•Premise of the study:Plant invasiveness can be promoted by higher values of adaptive traits (e.g., photosynthetic capacity, biomass accumulation), greater plasticity and coordination of these traits, and by higher and positive relative influence of these functionalities on fitness, such as increasing reproductive output. However, the data set for this premise rarely includes linkages between epidermal–stomatal traits, leaf internal anatomy, and physiological performance.

•Methods:Three ecological pairs of invasive vs. noninvasive (native) woody vine species of South‐East Queensland, Australia were investigated for trait differences in leaf morphology and anatomy under varying light intensity. The linkages of these traits with physiological performance (e.g., water‐use efficiency, photosynthesis, and leaf construction cost) and plant adaptive traits of specific leaf area, biomass, and relative growth rates were also explored.

•Key results:Except for stomatal size, mean leaf anatomical traits differed significantly between the two groups. Plasticity of traits and, to a very limited extent, their phenotypic integration were higher in the invasive relative to the native species. ANOVA, ordination, and analysis of similarity suggest that for leaf morphology and anatomy, the three functional strategies contribute to the differences between the two groups in the order phenotypic plasticity > trait means > phenotypic integration.

•Conclusions:The linkages demonstrated in the study between stomatal complex/gross anatomy and physiology are scarce in the ecological literature of plant invasiveness, but the findings suggest that leaf anatomical traits need to be considered routinely as part of weed species assessment and in the worldwide leaf economic spectrum.
Fragaria: A genus with deep historical roots and ripe for evolutionary and ecological insights
Authors: Liston Aaron , Cronn Richard , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: September 2014

The cultivated strawberry, Fragaria ×ananassa, is one of the youngest domesticated plants. Its 18th century origin via hybridization in Europe between the North American F. virginiana and the South American F. chiloensis was documented by the botanist Antoine Nicolas Duchesne. His 1766 “Natural History of Strawberries” is an extraordinary work that integrates fundamental discoveries on the biology, ecology, and phylogeny of Fragaria with applied information on cultivation and ethnobotanical uses, serving as an inspiration for current research in the genus. Fragaria species exhibit the full range of sexual systems in the gynodioecy pathway from hermaphroditism to dioecy (and back again), as well as variation in self‐compatibility, and evidence of sex chromosomes with female heterogamety. The genus is also characterized by interspecific hybridization and polyploidy, with a natural range of ploidy levels from diploids to decaploids. This biological diversity, combined with the availability of genomic resources and the ease of growing and experimenting with the plants, makes Fragaria a very attractive system for ecological and evolutionary genomics. The goal of this review is to introduce Fragaria as a model genus and to provide a roadmap for future integrative research. These research directions will deepen our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary context that shaped the ancestors of the cultivated strawberry, not only providing information that can be applied to efforts to shape the future of this important fruit crop but also our understanding of key transitions in plant evolution.
Evidence for reciprocal origins in Polypodium hesperium (Polypodiaceae): A fern model system for investigating how multiple origins shape allopolyploid genomes
Authors: Sigel Erin M. , Windham Michael D. , Pryer Kathleen M.
Published: September 2014

• Premise of the study: Many polyploid species are composed of distinct lineages originating from multiple, independent polyploidization events. In the case of allopolyploids, reciprocal crosses between the same progenitor species can yield lineages with different uniparentally inherited plastid genomes. While likely common, there are few well‐documented examples of such reciprocal origins. Here we examine a case of reciprocal allopolyploid origins in the fern Polypodium hesperium and present it as a natural model system for investigating the evolutionary potential of duplicated genomes.

• Methods: Using a combination of uniparentally inherited plastid and biparentally inherited nuclear sequence data, we investigated the distributions and relative ages of reciprocally formed lineages in Polypodium hesperium, an allotetraploid fern that is broadly distributed in western North America.

• Key results: The reciprocally derived plastid haplotypes of Polypodium hesperium are allopatric, with populations north and south of 42°N latitude having different plastid genomes. Incorporating biogeographic information and previously estimated ages for the diversification of its diploid progenitors, we estimate middle to late Pleistocene origins of P. hesperium.

• Conclusions: Several features of Polypodium hesperium make it a particularly promising system for investigating the evolutionary consequences of allopolyploidy. These include reciprocally derived lineages with disjunct geographic distributions, recent time of origin, and extant diploid progenitors.
A molecular framework for understanding the phylogeny of Spiranthes (Orchidaceae), a cosmopolitan genus with a North American center of diversity
Authors: Dueck Lucy A. , Aygoren Deniz , Cameron Kenneth M.
Published: September 2014

• Premise of the study: Spiranthes is a genus of small terrestrial orchids that are most diverse in North America, yet unusually cosmopolitan, including many of conservation concern. Taxonomy based on morphology alone is problematic, but molecular evidence could help resolve evolutionary relationships within the genus. The phylogeny of Spiranthes was reconstructed to evaluate these patterns, particularly among North American and Old World lineages, determine the systematic value of chromosome numbers and phenology, consider aspects of historical biogeography, and provide evidence for the taxonomic status of vulnerable species.

• Methods: DNA sequences were produced from 219 samples representing 30 Spiranthes taxa plus one outgroup. Both parsimony and Bayesian inference analyses were applied to individual and combined data matrices generated for nuclear (nrITS) and plastid (trnL, trnS‐G, matK) regions.

• Key results: Two major clades were recovered. One contains primarily summer‐blooming species from western North America with haploid chromosome number of n = 22. The other clade (largely n = 15) contains midwestern and eastern North American species varying in phenology, although most autumn‐flowering taxa within it are monophyletic. Whereas an Old World subclade is embedded within the tree, derived from New World ancestors, no genetic differentiation was found between trans‐Atlantic specimens of S. romanzoffiana. Most species for which multiple individuals were sampled reflect monophyly in the combined gene tree (including S. lucida positioned on an unusually long branch), but some demonstrate dubious taxonomic status.

• Conclusions: This is the most complete phylogenetic reconstruction of Spiranthes published to date and is likely to influence future taxonomic decisions, with important implications for conservation of several threatened orchids. Our discoveries about species distributed outside North America offer important evidence for repeated long‐distance dispersal, often coupled with subsequent speciation—an uncommon phenomenon in Orchidaceae.
ENHANCING ASSET MANAGEMENT THROUGH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Authors: Griffin James S. , Thal, Jr. Alfred E. , Leach Sonia E.
Published: September 2014

Asset management is a systems approach to managing an organization's portfolio of real property assets. Although a range of activities exist to help manage these assets, understanding facility energy consumption is a critical component from a life-cycle decision-making perspective. Since energy consumption is a national concern for most countries, this has resulted in various initiatives regarding energy conservation measures. To better understand the factors affecting energy consumption in facilities, energy and meteorological data covering 22 years were collected for 74 sites located throughout the world. A regression model with an adjusted R2 value of 81% was subsequently developed to predict energy consumption for each site. Additionally, using trend analysis, we found that the amount of energy used to meet heating load requirements was much greater than the amount used to meet cooling load requirements. The insight gained through the research can help facility managers develop energy initiatives as part of their overall asset management strategy.
MODELLING DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES IN BIDDING PROCEDURES WITH THE USE OF THE FUZZY SETS THEORY
Authors: Plebankiewicz Edyta
Published: September 2014

In the bidding procedure not only the contractor but also the construction owner make a number of vital decisions, the consequences of which are significant. The contractor has to decide whether to take part in a given bid and, having been accepted, he/she has to prepare a bidding offer. Its essential element is the mark-up introduced to the calculation of the bidding price. On the other hand, the investing construction owner has to decide which contractors are the closest to his/her requirements. The article presents mathematical models concerning the decisions made by the contractor and construction owner in the bidding procedure. All the models are based on the same simple mathematical apparatus using fuzzy sets.
Two new emerald geometrid species of Telotheta Warren from Ecuador and Bolivia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Geometrinae, Lophochoristini)
Authors: Lindt Aare , Viidalepp Jaan
Published: September 2014

Two new species of the lophochoristine genus Telotheta Warren found in Ecuador and Bolivia are described. The paper focuses on the morphological description and illustration of the wing pattern and genitalia structures of the typus generis Telotheta muscipunctata Dognin and the newly identified species T. unoi and T. fresei. The distinguishing characters of the genera Telotheta and Paromphacodes are also briefly discussed.
De la « question homosexuelle » au pluralisme familial. Le point de vue des spécialistes de la famille
Authors: Chiari Cristina , Fruggeri Laura
Published: September 2014

Les auteures décrivent comment une approche systémique de type constructiviste peut répondre aux problématiques et aux défis posés par les familles et les couples gays et lesbiens. Elles relèvent l’importance de se dégager des préjugés idéologiques et abordent les contextes où des enfants sont conçus et élevés dans le cadre des familles gays et lesbiennes.
La transition vers la parentalité des familles homoparentales : recherche et implications cliniques
Authors: D’Amore Salvatore , Baiocco Roberto
Published: September 2014

L’ensemble de la littérature du secteur s’accorde à dire que les personnes gays et lesbiennes possèdent des compétences parentales adéquates et que les enfants élevés en leur sein ont une bonne adaptation psychologique. Le présent travail enquête sur le comportement d’un groupe de parents lesbiennes élevant des enfants face à leur parentalité homosexuelle. Les résultats obtenus montrent que les réactions les plus favorables à leur décision de devenir parents proviennent de leurs amis, notamment de leurs amis gays et lesbiennes, plus que de leur famille. Du côté des familles, on remarque une attitude plus positive vis-à-vis de la parenté des lesbiennes que vis-à-vis de la parenté des gays. L’étude fait ressortir qu’il existe un lien fort entre le soutien donné par les amis, notamment par les amis homosexuels, un bas niveau d’homophobie intériorisée et une perception élevée de leur efficacité en tant que parents. Les conclusions exposent les implications théoriques et cliniques de cette recherche.
Accompagner en thérapie le désir d'enfants et l'évolution familiale des femmes en couple
Authors: Decleire Luc , Jeunejean Laura
Published: September 2014

Au cours des dernières décennies, le recours aux nouvelles techniques d’assistance médicale à la procréation a permis aux homosexuels de conjuguer homosexualité et parentalité. Les mères lesbiennes, dès leur désir d’enfants, sont souvent confrontées à l’absence de modèles et de références de par la domination de la norme hétérosexuelle de constitution du couple et de la famille. Dans ce contexte parfois difficile où les repères sont à créer, cet article met en avant une pratique d’accompagnement des femmes en couple désirant ou ayant des enfants, qui renvoie à l’approche structurale de Salvador Minuchin. Le thérapeute fait appel à son ingéniosité et à celle du système familial pour saisir la logique interne et la structure de la famille dans ce qu’elle a d’unique et d’inhabituel.
Logiques conjugales et liens de parenté dans les familles homoparentales
Authors: Gross Martine , Courduriès Jérôme
Published: September 2014

Sur la base d’une enquête par questionnaire menée en 2012 auprès de 676 parents homosexuels, cet article explore l’articulation entre l’organisation matérielle adoptée par le couple de même sexe et les relations du foyer homoparental avec la famille élargie. Les résultats indiquent que l’intrication des ressources matérielles, la solidarité conjugale y compris pour des enfants vis-à-vis desquels on n’est pas parent statutaire, va de pair avec une plus grande proximité à l’égard de la parenté de chacun dans le couple. À l’inverse, une organisation matérielle autonome dans laquelle la gestion des ressources est plus individualisée est associée à une moindre fréquentation familiale. Se dessinent donc des liens entre la logique conjugale adoptée et la manière dont se construisent les relations du couple avec la famille élargie. À l’aune des travaux en sciences sociales sur les couples hétérosexuels, nos analyses éclairent la manière dont les homosexuels se situent par rapport aux changements intervenus dans les représentations de la conjugalité pour nos contemporains.
Éléments pour une psychothérapie adaptée à la diversité trans*
Authors: Medico Denise
Published: September 2014

Le modèle de la transsexualité ne représente pas la diversité des expériences transgenres et la psychothérapie doit s’adapter, dans ses pratiques, mais aussi dans ses théories de référence, à la diversité des subjectivités contemporaines. Elle doit penser en termes de « devenir du genre » et travailler dans cette optique de la diversité et de la non pathologisation des genres différents. Dans cet article nous présenterons des éléments du devenir trans* ainsi que des pistes de travail et des métaphores alternatives pour penser et accompagner les personnes trans* dans une construction positive de soi. Nos réflexions se basent sur notre expérience thérapeutique auprès des personnes trans* ainsi que de travaux de recherches sur la subjectivité trans* et de la littérature actuelle sur cette question.
L'enfant en non-conformité de genre et sa famille : une approche systémique
Authors: Malpas Jean , Bosman Samantha
Published: September 2014

Cet article analyse les réactions parentales face aux développements non conformes du genre de leur enfant et avance que les mandats parentaux de protection et d’acceptation deviennent problématiques du fait des différences qui existent entre les normes de genre de l’enfant et celles de sa famille, aussi bien qu’entre celles de l’enfant et celles de son environnement. Au travers de multiples modalités thérapeutiques – éducation et accompagnement parental, groupes de soutien de parents, thérapie de l’enfant et thérapie familiale – l’auteur illustre des interventions soutenant à la fois les parents et les enfants pré-pubères dans leur façon de négocier les liens familiaux et la fluidité du genre.
L'idéal participatif ébranlé par l'accueil de l'étranger. L'hospitalité et l'appartenance en tension dans une communauté militante
Authors: Stavo-Debauge Joan
Published: September 2014

Dans ce papier, on tentera d’apporter un nouvel éclairage aux études sur la participation, en concentrant l’enquête sur les tensions de l’hospitalité et de l’appartenance. Le terrain d’enquête est constitué par une communauté de militants vivant ensemble dans une vielle maison collective, formellement gérée par une coopérative de logement étudiants, qui héritent ses principes du mouvement squat. Afin de montrer la productivité des tensions de l’hospitalité et de l’appartenance, l’article suit le chemin d’épreuves emprunté par les nouveaux venus à cette communauté hautement multiculturelle. Il montre également à quelle occasion les cohabitants ont été amenés à redécouvrir les vertus de la grammaire du libéralisme politique, afin d’aménager leur vie commune dans une situation où la collision des convictions était sur le point de mettre en péril la communauté.
De la personne au sujet politique. Une ethnographie des prises de parole populaires dans les assemblées de barrio au Venezuela
Authors: Tarragoni Federico
Published: September 2014

Traditionnellement exclus des procédures de participation politique (hormis le vote), les habitants des barrios vénézuéliens intègrent aujourd’hui le cycle des politiques publiques par l’entremise de comités locaux de planification, les Conseils communaux . Leur participation se manifestant aussi sous la forme d’une prise de parole publique à l’Assemblée du quartier, les enjeux politiques de cette prise de parole dépassent pourtant la simple délibération, la confrontation rationnelle d’arguments. Dans ces comités populaires, en plus de participer en tant que bénéficiaires à l’élaboration des politiques publiques, les habitants se découvrent sujets politiques à travers une dialectique de singularité et universalité. Cette subjectivation s’avère propédeutique à un processus d’émancipation, pour lequel cet article propose quelques pistes interprétatives.
Ce corps qui manque à la représentation. Entre démocratie participative et critique artistique, les nouvelles scènes de l'expérience politique
Authors: de Nanteuil-Miribel Matthieu
Published: September 2014

Depuis les débuts de la modernité, le gouvernement représentatif a été conçu comme l’institution centrale de la démocratie, à condition néanmoins d’être complété par la métaphore du « corps politique », ciment de l’intégration nationale. Depuis plusieurs décennies, cette métaphore s’est épuisée et, avec elle, la représentation du corps comme unité d’action et support de l’émancipation. Entre les enjeux mémoriels de l’extermination, la perpétuation du racisme et la reproduction des stéréotypes sexués, le corps apparaît plutôt comme l’indice matériel d’une ambivalence, voire d’une fragmentation – un champ d’expériences que la représentation parlementaire ne parvient pas à constituer en objet politique. La participation peut au contraire y contribuer, à condition de retravailler ses bases normatives et de s’associer à d’autres initiatives, comme la critique artistique de la politique.
L'innovation dans le champ juridique ou le passé recomposé
Authors: Goyard-Fabre Simone
Published: September 2014

Le droit, depuis des siècles, n'existe en sa vie mouvante que sur le mode du changement. Il y a toutefois en lui des îlots de permanence. Dans cette ambivalence, l'innovation consiste à remodeler et à recomposer, pour les lendemains à venir, un passé qui ne peut s'effacer. Aussi bien la vie du droit ressemble-t?elle à un vaste palimpseste en quoi se croisent de manière complexe l'anticipation et la tradition, croisement qui traduit dans le champ juridique la dialectique du futur et du passé. Cette dialectique sans fin trouve dans « l'empire du droit » une expression spécifique : en lui, l'innovation n'a rien d'une création ex nihilo  ; elle est le mouvement par lequel le passé est sans cesse recomposé.