Fc receptors (FcR) play a key role in coordinating responses from both the innate and adaptive immune system. The inhibitory Fc gamma receptor (FcγRIIB/CD32B; referred to as FcγRII in mice) restrains the immune response, specifically through regulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) effector functions. FcγRII-deficient mice demonstrate elevated incidence and severity of autoimmunity and increased responses to immunization and infections.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDaphnia magna are small crustaceans, used commonly in aquatic toxicity due to their sensitivity to pollutants. In vivo NMR provides unique insights into real-time metabolic responses, information needed to understand "why" at the biochemical level, contaminants are toxic. Due to overlap caused by the magnetic susceptibility distortions in 1D H NMR, 2D is required for metabolic fingerprinting in vivo.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: In 2018 the Australian Government launched the world's first National Action Plan for Endometriosis (NAPE). Of its three priorities 'Priority 1' was 'Education and Awareness'. In response, the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia was funded to deliver their Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program (PPEP) Talk to a proportion of Australian schools.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe eukaryote Tree of Life (eToL) depicts the relationships among all eukaryotic organisms; its root represents the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA) from which all extant complex lifeforms are descended. Locating this root is crucial for reconstructing the features of LECA, both as the endpoint of eukaryogenesis and the start point for the evolution of the myriad complex traits underpinning the diversification of living eukaryotes. However, the position of the root remains contentious due to pervasive phylogenetic artefacts stemming from inadequate evolutionary models, poor taxon sampling and limited phylogenetic signal.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Keratinised tissues, such as nails and claws, accumulate hormones over time; the claws' hormone concentrations are being explored as potential biomarkers. Timelines for hormone deposition can be established if claw growth rates are known. Hormone concentration within cat claws has been recently evaluated, yet the growth rates of cat claws remain unknown.
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