University of Plymouth

About: University of Plymouth is a education organization based out in Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 7301 authors who have published 20396 publications receiving 679758 citations.

Interleukin-10 inhibits osteoclastogenesis by reducing NFATc1 expression and preventing its translocation to the nucleus.

Abstract: IL-10 has a potent inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis. In vitro and in vivo studies confirm the importance of this cytokine in bone metabolism, for instance IL-10-deficient mice develop the hallmarks of osteoporosis. Although it is known that IL-10 directly inhibits osteoclastogenesis at an early stage, preventing differentiation of osteoclast progenitors to preosteoclasts, the precise mechanism of its action is not yet clear. Several major pathways regulate osteoclastogenesis, with key signalling genes such as p38, TRAF6, NF-κB and NFATc1 well established as playing vital roles. We have looked at gene expression in eleven of these genes using real-time quantitative PCR on RNA extracted from RANKL-treated RAW264.7 monocytes. There was no downregulation by IL-10 of DAP12, FcγRIIB, c-jun, RANK, TRAF6, p38, NF-κB, Gab2, Pim-1, or c-Fos at the mRNA level. However, we found that IL-10 significantly reduces RANKL-induced NFATc1 expression. NFATc1 is transcribed from two alternative promoters in Mus musculus and, interestingly, only the variant transcribed from promoter P1 and beginning with exon 1 was downregulated by IL-10 (isoform 1). In addition, immunofluorescence studies showed that IL-10 reduces NFATc1 levels in RANKL-treated precursors and suppresses nuclear translocation. The inhibitory effect of IL-10 on tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cell number and NFATc1 mRNA expression was reversed by the protein kinase C agonist phorbol myristate acetate, providing evidence that interleukin-10 disrupts NFATc1 activity through its effect on Ca2+ mobilisation. IL-10 acts directly on mononuclear precursors to inhibit NFATc1 expression and nuclear translocation, and we provide evidence that the mechanism may involve disruption of Ca2+ mobilisation. We detected downregulation only of the NFATc1 isoform 1 transcribed from promoter P1. This is the first report indicating that one of the ways in which IL-10 directly inhibits osteoclastogenesis is by suppressing NFATc1 activity.

Microfluidic paper-based analytical device for the determination of nitrite and nitrate.

Abstract: A low-cost disposable colorimetric microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was developed for the determination of nitrite and nitrate. Nitrite is determined directly by the Griess reaction while nitrate is first reduced to nitrite in a hydrophilic channel of the μPAD with immobilized zinc microparticles. This μPAD is fabricated by a simple and inexpensive inkjet printing method. Under optimal conditions, the limits of detection and quantification for nitrite are 1.0 and 7.8 μM, respectively, while the corresponding values for nitrate are 19 and 48 μM, respectively. The repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), is less than 2.9% and 5.6% (n ≤ 8) for the determination of nitrite and nitrate, respectively. This μPAD was successfully applied to the determination of nitrate and nitrite in both synthetic and natural water samples. It is user and environmentally friendly and suitable for on-site measurement of the analytes mentioned above in environmental and drinking waters.

Long-term thermal sensitivity of Earth’s tropical forests

Abstract: The sensitivity of tropical forest carbon to climate is a key uncertainty in predicting global climate change. Although short-term drying and warming are known to affect forests, it is unknown if such effects translate into long-term responses. Here, we analyze 590 permanent plots measured across the tropics to derive the equilibrium climate controls on forest carbon. Maximum temperature is the most important predictor of aboveground biomass (−9.1 megagrams of carbon per hectare per degree Celsius), primarily by reducing woody productivity, and has a greater impact per °C in the hottest forests (>32.2°C). Our results nevertheless reveal greater thermal resilience than observations of short-term variation imply. To realize the long-term climate adaptation potential of tropical forests requires both protecting them and stabilizing Earth’s climate.