Desert locusts () feed with self-sharpening, scissor-like mandibles.

The mandibles of the desert locust (Forsskål, 1775) are digger-shovel-shaped mouthparts that are part of the locust's exoskeleton formed by the insect cuticle. The cuticle is a polymer-fibre composite, which supports, encases and protects the entire body. Mandibles experience heavy loading and wear due to direct contact with hard and abrasive food, just like teeth, their mineralized analogues in vertebrates.

RAB7 GTPases as coordinators of plant endomembrane traffic.

The ras gene from rat brain (RAB) family of small GTPases is highly conserved among eukaryotes and regulates endomembrane trafficking pathways. RAB7, in particular, has been linked to various processes involved in regulating endocytic and autophagic pathways. Plants have several copies of RAB7 proteins that reflect the intricacy of their endomembrane transport systems.

Terebra steering in chalcidoid wasps.

Various chalcidoid wasps can actively steer their terebra (= ovipositor shaft) in diverse directions, despite the lack of terebral intrinsic musculature. To investigate the mechanisms of these bending and rotational movements, we combined microscopical and microtomographical techniques, together with videography, to analyse the musculoskeletal ovipositor system of the ectoparasitoid pteromalid wasp Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster, 1841) and the employment of its terebra during oviposition. The ovipositor consists of three pairs of valvulae, two pairs of valvifers and the female T9 (9th abdominal tergum).

Morphology of the abdominal segmental glands and spinning behaviour of Stenus larvae (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae).

We focus on the morphology of the "segmental glands" and their openings in third instar Stenus larvae. The location of the openings was similar in both studied species, with paired rosette-like structures present on the head, all thoracic segments and abdominal segments 1-9. No such openings could be found on the antennae, the maxillary palps, the urogomphi, and the legs as suggested in some older publications.

Mouthpart Ecomorphology and Predatory Behaviour in Selected Rove Beetles of the "Staphylinine Group" (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae, Paederinae).

The representatives of the megadiverse rove beetle subfamilies Paederinae and Staphylininae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) are considered generalist predators, although their exact prey-capture behaviour and performance and possible links to mouthpart morphology have rarely been described. Here, we examine these relationships for selected species by SEM analyses of mouthparts and front legs and highspeed videography of prey-capture behaviour. We describe the observed behaviours and structural properties and quantify relationships between prey type, mouthpart morphology, and predatory performance based on morphometric measurements of both the shape and lever properties of the mandible.

Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Seeded on a Biomimetic Spongiosa-like Scaffold: Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Delivery by Overexpressing Fascia.

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) have the capacity for osteogenic differentiation and, in combination with suitable biomaterials and growth factors, the regeneration of bone defects. In order to differentiate hADSCs into the osteogenic lineage, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been proven to be highly effective, especially when expressed locally by route of gene transfer, providing a constant stimulus over an extended period of time. However, the creation of genetically modified hADSCs is laborious and time-consuming, which hinders clinical translation of the approach.

Root vacuolar sequestration and suberization are prominent responses of spp. rootstocks during salinity stress.

Understanding the mechanisms of stress tolerance in diverse species is needed to enhance crop performance under conditions such as high salinity. Plant roots, in particular in grafted agricultural crops, can function as a boundary against external stresses in order to maintain plant fitness. However, limited information exists for salinity stress responses of woody species and their rootstocks.

Osteoinduction within adipose tissue fragments by heterodimeric bone morphogenetic Proteins-2/6 and -2/7 versus homodimeric bone morphogenetic protein-2: Therapeutic implications for bone regeneration.

Background: Fragments of subcutaneous adipose tissue that have been genetically modified to express bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) regenerate large segmental osseous lesions in rodents. Gene-activated adipose tissue can be implanted into osseous defects without prior cell extraction and cell culture. The present study aimed to explore whether the heterodimers BMP-2/6 or BMP-2/7 exceed the osteoinductive effect of BMP-2 on adipose tissue.

Investigation of Salt Tolerance Mechanisms Across a Root Developmental Gradient in Almond Rootstocks.

The intensive use of groundwater in agriculture under the current climate conditions leads to acceleration of soil salinization. Given that almond is a salt-sensitive crop, selection of salt-tolerant rootstocks can help maintain productivity under salinity stress. Selection for tolerant rootstocks at an early growth stage can reduce the investment of time and resources.

Structure and function of the stylets of hematophagous Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), with special reference to Dipetalogaster maxima.

Kissing bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) are able to bend their rod-like maxillae while searching for blood vessels in the tissue of their vertebrate hosts. Little is known about the working mechanisms of these bending movements and the distal opening of the food channel. We compared the morphological structure of the stylets (mandibles and maxillae) of four triatomine species and analyzed the feeding process of Dipetalogaster maxima (Uhler, 1894).

A comparison of tarsal morphology and traction force in the two burying beetles and (Coleoptera, Silphidae).

Our aim was to compare friction and traction forces between two burying beetle species of the genus exhibiting different attachment abilities during climbing. Specifically, the interaction of adhesive hairs and claws during attachment with respect to various surface properties was investigated by using a 2 × 3 experimental design. Traction force was measured for two different surface energies (hydrophilic vs hydrophobic) varying in roughness from smooth to micro-rough to rough.

Gene activated adipose tissue fragments as advanced autologous biomaterials for bone regeneration: osteogenic differentiation within the tissue and implications for clinical translation.

Cost-effective, expedited approaches for bone regeneration are urgently needed in an ageing population. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) stimulate osteogenesis but their efficacy is impeded by their short half-life. Delivery by genetically modified cells can overcome this problem.

Osteoinduction within BMP-2 transduced muscle tissue fragments with and without a fascia layer: implications for bone tissue engineering.

Bone can be engineered in vivo by implantation of gene-activated muscle tissue fragments. This expedited approach may be further improved by use of muscle tissue with attached fascia. The aim of this in vitro study was to provide an in depth comparison of the osteogenic differentiation capacity of muscle alone and muscle with fascia after BMP-2 transduction.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 is a stronger inducer of osteogenesis within muscle tissue than heterodimeric bone morphogenetic protein-2/6 and -2/7: Implications for expedited gene-enhanced bone repair.

Background: Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 gene-activated muscle tissue fragments can regenerate large bone defects in preclinical animal models. The use of tissue fragments instead of isolated cells expedites gene-enhanced tissue engineering and may increase the possibility of clinical translation. The present in vitro study investigated whether the osteoinductive effect of BMP-2 on muscle tissue fragments can be enhanced using the heterodimers BMP-2/6 or BMP-2/7.

Morphology of hindwing veins in the shield bug Graphosoma italicum (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae).

Light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy were applied to cross sections and -breakage and whole-mount preparations of the anterior hindwing vein of the shield bug Graphosoma italicum. These analyses were complemented by investigations of the basal part of the forewing Corium and Clavus. The integration of structural, histological, and fluorescence data revealed a complex arrangement of both rigid and elastic structures in the wall of wing veins and provided insights into the constitution of transition zones between rigid and elastic regions.

Migration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Bursal Tissue after Rotator Cuff Repair in Rats.

 The purpose of this study is to verify migration of mesenchymal stem cells of bursal tissue into the healing site after rotator cuff repair in rats.  Fischer rats and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgenic rats were used. Bursal tissue from GFP rats was isolated and transplanted into tendon repair sites in Fischer rats.

Recent advances in gene-enhanced bone tissue engineering.

The loss of bone tissue represents a critical clinical condition that is frequently faced by surgeons. Substantial progress has been made in the area of bone research, providing insight into the biology of bone under physiological and pathological conditions, as well as tools for the stimulation of bone regeneration. The present review discusses recent advances in the field of gene-enhanced bone tissue engineering.

Macro-SICM: A Scanning Ion Conductance Microscope for Large-Range Imaging.

The scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM) is a versatile, high-resolution imaging technique that uses an electrolyte-filled nanopipet as a probe. Its noncontact imaging principle makes the SICM uniquely suited for the investigation of soft and delicate surface structures in a liquid environment. The SICM has found an ever-increasing number of applications in chemistry, physics, and biology.

Jumping mechanisms and performance in beetles. II. Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Rhamphini).

We describe the kinematics and performance of the natural jump in the weevil Orchestes fagi (Fabricius, 1801) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its jumping apparatus with underlying anatomy and functional morphology. In weevils, jumping is performed by the hind legs and involves the extension of the hind tibia. The principal structural elements of the jumping apparatus are (1) the femoro-tibial joint, (2) the metafemoral extensor tendon, (3) the extensor ligament, (4) the flexor ligament, (5) the tibial flexor sclerite and (6) the extensor and flexor muscles.

Gene-activated tissue grafts for sustained bone morphogenetic protein-2 delivery and bone engineering: Is muscle with fascia superior to muscle and fat?

Previously, we have presented an expedited strategy for sustained delivery of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) to bone lesions based on the implantation of gene-activated fat and muscle fragments. The aim of the present in vitro experiments was to evaluate the potential of muscle with fascia as a BMP-2 delivering osteo-regenerative implant in comparison to fat tissue and muscle alone. Subcutaneous fat, muscle, and muscle with fascia were harvested from Fischer 344 rats.

Morphology and ultrastructure of the tarsal adhesive organs of the Madagascar hissing cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa.

The present transmission and scanning electron microscopic study of the ultramorphology of the pliable attachment pads (arolium, euplantulae) of the Madagascar hissing cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa reveals structural evidence for their function in producing, storing, and secreting an adhesion-mediating secretion and releasing it to the exterior. The exocrine epidermal tissue of both the arolium and the euplantula is significantly enlarged by numerous invaginations stretching into the hemolymph cavity. Its cells show large nuclei, numerous mitochondria, Golgi complexes, and a prominent rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum integrated within an electron-dense cytoplasm that contains numerous vesicles of diverse electron density and size.

BMP-2 gene activated muscle tissue fragments for osteochondral defect regeneration in the rabbit knee.

Background: Previously published data indicate that BMP-2 gene activated muscle tissue grafts can repair large bone defects in rats. This innovative abbreviated ex vivo gene therapy is appealing because it does not require elaborative and time-consuming extraction and expansion of cells. Hence, in the present study, we evaluated the potential of this expedited tissue engineering approach for regenerating osteochondral defects in rabbits.

Adhesion and friction of the smooth attachment system of the cockroach and the influence of the application of fluid adhesives.

Two different measurement techniques were applied to study the attachment of the smooth foot pads of the Madagascar hissing cockroach The attachment of the non-manipulated adhesive organs was compared with that of manipulated ones (depletion or substitution by artificial secretions). From measurements of the friction on a centrifuge, it can be concluded that on nanorough surfaces, the insect appears to benefit from employing emulsions instead of pure oils to avoid excessive friction. Measurements performed with a nanotribometer on single attachment organs showed that, in the non-manipulated euplantulae, friction was clearly increased in the push direction, whereas the arolium of the fore tarsus showed higher friction in the pull direction.

Structural and tribometric characterization of biomimetically inspired synthetic "insect adhesives".

Based on previous chemical analyses of insect tarsal adhesives, we prepared 12 heterogeneous synthetic emulsions mimicking the polar/non-polar principle, analysed their microscopical structure and tested their adhesive, frictional, and rheological properties. The prepared emulsions varied in their consistency from solid rubber-like, over soft elastic, to fluid (watery or oily). With droplet sizes >100 nm, all the emulsions belonged to the common type of macroemulsions.

Osseous differentiation of human fat tissue grafts: From tissue engineering to tissue differentiation.

Conventional bone tissue engineering approaches require isolation and in vitro propagation of autologous cells, followed by seeding on a variety of scaffolds. Those protracted procedures impede the clinical applications. Here we report the transdifferentiation of human fat tissue fragments retrieved from subcutaneous fat into tissue with bone characteristics in vitro without prior cell isolation and propagation.