Phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria improve the growth of Nicotiana benthamiana on lunar regolith simulant by dissociating insoluble inorganic phosphorus.

In-situ utilization of lunar soil resources will effectively improve the self-sufficiency of bioregenerative life support systems for future lunar bases. Therefore, we have explored the microbiological method to transform lunar soil into a substrate for plant cultivation. In this study, five species of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria are used as test strains, and a 21-day bio-improving experiment with another 24-day Nicotiana benthamiana cultivation experiment are carried out on lunar regolith simulant. We have observed that the phosphorus-solublizing bacteria Bacillus mucilaginosus, Bacillus megaterium, and Pseudomonas fluorescens can tolerate the lunar regolith simulant conditions and dissociate the insoluble phosphorus from the regolith simulant. The phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria treatment improves the available phosphorus content of the regolith simulant, promoting the growth of Nicotiana benthamiana. Here we demonstrate that the phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria can effectively improve the fertility of lunar regolith simulant, making it a good cultivation substrate for higher plants. The results can lay a technical foundation for plant cultivation based on lunar regolith resources in future lunar bases.

Investigating the potential link between lunar cycle and multiple sclerosis relapses: a call for further studies.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that causes inflammation of the central nervous system, resulting in myelin damage and axon degeneration. Although the cause of MS remains unknown, various factors such as sex, latitude, sun exposure, serum vitamin D levels, Epstein Barr Virus infection, diet, microbiota and ethnicity are being studied for their potential roles in the development of the disease. While chronobiological factors such as circadian rhythm and seasonality have been explored for their potential influence on the onset, exacerbation, and/or relapses of MS, the potential influence of the lunar cycle on MS has yet to be studied. Therefore, the authors of this letter call for future studies to investigate the possible effects of the lunar cycle on MS activity and course, given evidence suggesting that the lunar cycle may affect sleep, fatigue, melatonin secretion, and mood state in humans. A deeper understanding of the chronobiology of MS could have practical implications for the development of chronotherapeutic strategies and the prevention or mitigation of MS relapses, potentially improving the quality of life of MS patients.

Sex differences in the effects of the moon on ischemic stroke incidence: new findings from Beijing, China.

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in China, and no therapies have proven effective to prevent it. Popular belief holds that the lunar cycle affects human physiology, behavior, and health. The aim of our study is to determine whether the lunar cycle impacts the incidence of stroke subtypes [intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stroke (IS)]. We retrospectively extracted the discharge registry data of all patients with first-ever acute stroke hospitalized in the affiliated hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine during 2002-2015. The onset times of stroke were assigned to four primary lunar phases based on NASA definitions. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the association between the lunar cycle and stroke incidence with adjustment for age, sex and season. A total of 5,965 patients with stroke (4,909 admissions for ischemic stroke IS, 754 admissions for ICH, and 302 admissions for TIA) were evaluated in our study. Subgroup analysis indicated that the admission rates of different sexes for IS tended to have opposite variation during the four moon phases. More female patients were admitted during the new moon than in the first and third quarters, while fewer male patients were admitted during the new moon than in the first and third quarters (χ2 = 15.589, P = .001). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that men were more likely to be admitted for IS in the first quarter than during the new moon (odds ratio [OR] = 1.252, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.076-1.456) (P = .004), and a corresponding trend was also identified for the third quarter (OR = 1.235, 95% CI = 1.062-1.437) (P = .006). No significant gender differences were shown in ICH or TIA. No sex difference is obvious during the full moon. Moon phases seem to affect both genders, but in very different ways. It seems that the new moon is a protective factor for male ischemic stroke patients and a risk factor for female ones. Woman tends to be more vulnerable than ever at the new moon, so deserves more attention and care. The mechanisms underlying this observation are worth studying further.

Does the moon cycle affect the physical endurance, balance, reaction-time, mood state and well-being in trained athletes?

BACKGROUND: Fascination with the moon has spanned millennia. It has recently been asserted that the moon cycle affects endurance performance in untrained individuals. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of the lunar cycle on intermittent endurance physical performance, balance and reaction-time capabilities, and selected physiological and psychological parameters in trained athletes. METHODS: Twelve male Taekwondo athletes (age, 22.3±0.8 years; height, 178.8±6.5 cm; body mass, 72.75±7.28 kg; %body fat, 13.9±3.6%) performed the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level-1 (YYIRT), the Y-balance test (YBT), and a reaction-time test (RT) during different lunar cycle phases (new moon (NM), full moon (FM), and half-moon). Participants' psychological profiles and well-being indices (i.e. a profile of mood state (POMS) and Hooper Index) were also taken during each moon phase. The testing sessions during the different moon phases were performed in a counterbalanced order. The tests order remained the same (POMS, then Hooper index, RT, YBT, YYIRT and rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE)), and all sessions were performed at noon (11:00 to 13:00 h) during the first day of each evaluated lunar phase. RESULTS: Analysis of variance tests showed that no significant differences were found between the three moon phases in all analyzed variables. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the different lunar cycle phases did not have significant effects on the selected physical performances and psychological indices in trained athletes.

Synchrony Between Bipolar Mood Cycles and Lunar Tidal Cycles Ended After Initiation of Light Treatment and Treatment of Hypothyroidism.

According to a recent report, mood cycles in a group of patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder oscillated in synchrony with lunar gravimetric tides. Mood switches in a 67-year-old woman with rapid cycling bipolar II disorder on lithium maintenance treatment were assessed with a χ periodogram and a χ analysis of the mood switches in relation to the lunar tidal cycle. During a period when she was treated with nortriptyline and her thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were elevated, her mood switches had a significant (P<0.05) 29- to 30-day periodicity, and the χ analysis showed that the switches were distributed nonrandomly in relation to the spring-neap lunar tidal cycle (P<0.0001); 14 of 15 switches occurred within 2 days of the spring tides. After nortriptyline was discontinued, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were normalized with treatment with levothyroxine, and consistent bright light treatment was started, the synchrony between mood cycles and lunar cycles disappeared, and rapid cycling eventually stopped. The possibility that lunar mood cycling is sometimes contingent on antidepressant treatment, decreased thyroid function, and certain types of light-dark cycles needs to be considered in future research on lunar tidal influences on the course of bipolar illness.

Choe Han-gi's Discourse on Singi and His Criticism on Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine: Focusing on the Relationship with Seo Gyeong-deok's Philosophy / 의사학

This study examines how Choe Han-gi (崔漢綺, 1803–1879) developed his medical discourse which integrated the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine with modern Western anatomy, based on the philosophy of Seo Gyeong-deok (徐敬德, 1489–1546), a scholar of the Neo-Confucianism of Joseon (1392–1910). Seo emphasized gi (氣, C. qi, vital, material force) rather than yi (理, C. li, the principle of things) as a way of understanding the world. Since Choe's early academic interests pertained to Neo-Confucianism, it is reasonable to examine his philosophy in this context. Similar to Seo, Choe assumed that the most essential component of the world was the intrinsic and mysterious gi. Although Seo spoke of gi as a damil cheongheo ji gi (湛一淸虛之氣, the gi which is profound, uniform, clear, invisible, and empty), Choe preferred to use the word singi (神氣, C. shenqi, the intrinsic, invisible, and mysterious gi). He believed that the earth, moon, and stars operated through the action of singi and that all creatures could only exist by relying on it. Singi was the most important premise in Choe's medical discourse, a fact demonstrating that although he could be very critical of traditional Chinese medicine, his perspective was part of that tradition. He believed that singi integrated and operated the entire human body and that it perceived external objects. He also emphasized the role of hyeongjil (形質, C. xingzhi, a visible object with a form and quality; here it means all human bodies). This was the medium through which singi could appear in reality. Choe thought that singi could not reveal itself in reality without hyeongjil, and that hyeongjil became a dead thing without singi. His perception of the role of hyeongjil was expressed in his interest in modern Western anatomy, an interest that complemented his focus on singi. In light of his understanding of the singi-hyeongjil relationship, Choe criticized both modern Western anatomy and traditional Chinese medicine. He thought that modern Western anatomy lacked awareness of singi and that traditional Chinese medicine lacked accurate knowledge of human anatomy. Although he was not completely sympathetic toward any forms of medicine, he was open to ideas from both Western and Chinese medicine. Choe could not accept Western anatomy as fully as Japanese intellectuals did. The study of anatomy in Japan had developed in relation to the idea of Ancient Learning (古學, C. guxue), which denied such theories of systematic correspondence as Yin and Yang and the Five Elements (陰陽 五行, C. yinyang wuxing) and tended to focus on the action of hyeongjil itself. Because Choe accepted modern Western anatomy without accepting Ancient Learning, his perspective was unique in the history of East Asian anatomy. From a medical history perspective, how does Choi Han-gi's medical discourse distinguish itself from other medical discourses, and what are its characteristics? In addition to other explanations, focusing on the political imagination associated with medicine can help illuminate the differences between the medical discourse of Choe and those of others. Discussion of medicine and the human body was tied to political thought, manifesting the political imagination of the society in which that discussion took place. The development of Western and Japanese anatomy reflected a vertical and hierarchical political order, exemplified by the belief that the brain was the center of the body. However, Choe doubted that organs like the brain or heart dominated the body. In his view, the singi ruled the body; it was not a specific organ, and it was equally inherent in all people. His political thought also emphasized the horizontal and equal order among people. His view of singi simultaneously influenced both his perspective on medicine and his perspective on society. Choe Han-gi's belief in this horizontal and equal political order was inherent in his singi-centered medical discourse.

Effects of lunar phases on short-term, explosive physical performance among young trained athletes.

Beliefs that lunar phases affect human physiology started in ancient times. Research has recently revealed that a physical fitness index increased in sedentary students at the new moon (NM) and full moon (FM) compared to other moon phases. However, the effect of lunar cycle (moon illumination and gravitational pull) on physical performance in athletes was not examined. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether short-term explosive performance can be influenced by the different phases of the lunar cycle. Fourteen young male Taekwondo athletes (age: 16.9 ± 0.7 years, height: 159.7 ± 50.6 cm, body mass: 62.85 ± 7.84 kg) performed the following tests to assess the explosive physical performance during the different phases of the lunar cycle (NM, FQ (first quarter), FM, and LQ (last quarter)): maximal isometric manual contraction (dominant hand (MIMCD) and non-dominant hand (MIMCND)), maximal back isometric contraction (MBIC), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 10-m sprint (10 m). The testing sessions during the different moon phases were performed in a counterbalanced order. The order of tests remained the same (MIMCD, MIMCND, MBIC, SJ, CMJ, and 10 m), and all sessions were performed in the evening (6:00 to 8:00 p.m.) on the first day of each evaluated lunar phase. Each parameter was measured over two consecutive lunar months in the calendar. Analysis of variance tests showed that there was no significant effect of lunar cycle on all explosive test measures, p > 0.05. Our results failed to identify any effect of lunar phase on evening explosive performance (mainly involving phosphagen pathway-based efforts) among young trained athletes. Therefore, it appears that moon phase/illumination does not affect short-term physical performance in young trained adolescents.

Changing Efficacy of Wet Cupping Therapy in Migraine with Lunar Phase: A Self-Controlled Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blood-letting with wet cupping therapy (WCT) in migraine treatment and to determine whether there was any difference according to the phase of the moon when the treatment was applied. MATERIAL AND METHODS This self-controlled study was conducted in Karabuk between 2014 and 2016. Patients who were diagnosed with migraine were enrolled in the study. Migraine disability assessment questionnaire (MIDAS), demographic characteristics, migraine attack frequency and duration, and family history was used to assess the severity of headache. WCT was applied in 3 sessions and the questionnaire was administered before and 3 months after the final WCT session. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used in pre-and posttreatment measurements, and the Chi-square test was used to check independence in two-way categorical tables. RESULTS A total of 85 patients were included. The reduction in MIDAS scores and number of migraine attacks was significantly greater in the WCT applications made in the first half of the month compared to those in the second half of the month. Although the reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) scores was greater in the second half of the month, it was also significant in the applications made in the first half of the month. CONCLUSIONS WCT was found to be an effective treatment of migraine. The effect on MIDAS, VAS, and the number of attacks was significantly better when the application was made in the second half of the month compared to those made in the first half.

Moon phases and moon signs do not influence morbidity, mortality and long-term survival, after living donor kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 11% of the German population are convinced that certain moon phases and moon signs may impact their health and the onset and clinical course of diseases. Before elective surgery, a considerable number of patients look to optimize the timing of the procedure based on the lunar cycle. Especially patients awaiting living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) commonly look for an adjustment of the date of transplantation according to the moon calendar. This study therefore investigated the perioperative and long-term outcome of LDKT dependent on moon phases and zodiac signs. METHODS: Patient data were prospectively collected in a continuously updated kidney transplant database. Two hundred and seventy-eight consecutive patients who underwent LDKT between 1994 and December 2009 were selected for the study and retrospectively assigned to the four moon phases (new-moon, waxing-moon, full-moon, and waning-moon) and the corresponding zodiac sign (moon sign Libra), based on the date of transplantation. Preexisting comorbidities, perioperative mortality, surgical outcome, and long-term survival data were analyzed. RESULTS: Of all LDKT procedures, 11.9, 39.9, 11.5, and 36.5% were performed during the new, waxing, full, and waning moon, respectively, and 6.2% during the moon sign Libra, which is believed to interfere with renal surgery. Survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years after transplantation were 98.9, 92, and 88.7% (patient survival) and 97.4, 91.6, and 80.6% (graft survival) without any differences between all groups of lunar phases and moon signs. Overall perioperative complications and early graft loss occurred in 21.2 and 1.4%, without statistical difference (p > 0.05) between groups. CONCLUSION: Moon phases and the moon sign Libra had no impact on early and long-term outcome measures following LDKT in our study. Thus, concerns of patients awaiting LDKT regarding the ideal time of surgery can be allayed, and surgery may be scheduled independently of the lunar phases.

Psychiatric Presentations During All 4 Phases of the Lunar Cycle.

Context • Anecdotal evidence concerning a relationship between human illnesses and a full moon is frequently claimed by as many as 81% of mental health workers. Previous scientific investigations have studied only the full-moon phase and its possible effect on psychiatric presentations. However, information is limited about all 4 phases of the lunar cycle and their effects on different types of psychiatric disorders. Objective • This study primarily intended to evaluate the number of psychiatric presentations to a hospital's emergency department across all 4 phases of the lunar cycle. The secondary objective was to investigate the statistical differences among 5 categories of common mental disorders in relation to the 4 lunar phases. Design • This study was an observational analytic cohort study. Setting • The study took place in the emergency department of a 140-bed, community-teaching hospital. Participants • Participants were 1857 patients who were aged >17 y and who had had a psychiatric component to a visit to the emergency department. Outcome Measures • Data from electronic medical records were collected for 41 consecutive months. The participants were divided into 5 diagnostic groups based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed (DSM-5). The study measured the number of psychiatric presentations for each group during the 4 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-defined phases of the lunar cycle, and the study was statistically powered to detect small effects. Results • The following psychiatric presentations occurred: (1) 464 during the new moon; (2) 483 during the first quarter; (3) 449 during the full moon; and (4) 461 during the third quarter (4-group overall χ2, P = .89). Differences between the 5 diagnostic categories across the 4 lunar phases were not statistically significant (4-group overall χ2, P = .85 for the 5 diagnostic categories). Conclusions • Although many traditional and nontraditional providers believe in effects caused by the full moon based on casual observation or anecdotal evidence, this perception was not supported in the current study. Furthermore, no evidence demonstrated increased psychiatric presentations during the other 3 phases of the lunar cycle. The study found that the lunar cycle did not have an effect on the incidence of psychiatric presentations or on the DSM-5 categories. If lunar effects exist, they are probably small or infrequent, making them difficult to validate statistically. The current study's results, in concert with those of most other studies on the subject, provide evidence that should help dismiss misconceptions about the magnitude or frequency of lunar effects on psychiatric illnesses.

Antimicrobial activity of extracts from macroalgae Ulva lactuca against clinically important Staphylococci is impacted by lunar phase of macroalgae harvest.

UNLABELLED: Staphylococcus aureus is a common human bacterial pathogen that causes skin and soft tissue infections. Methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA) are increasingly drug-resistant, and thus there is great need for new therapeutics to treat Staph. aureus infections. Attention has focused on potential utility of natural products, such as extracts of marine macroalgae, as a source of novel antimicrobial compounds. The green macroalgae Ulva lactuca produces compounds inhibitory to human pathogens, although the effectiveness of U. lactuca extracts against clinically relevant strains of Staph. aureus is poorly understood. In addition, macroalgae produce secondary metabolites that may be influenced by exogenous factors including lunar phase, but whether lunar phase affects U. lactuca antimicrobial capacity is unknown. We sought to evaluate the antibacterial properties of U. lactuca extracts against medically important Staphylococci, and to determine the effect of lunar phase on antimicrobial activity. We report that U. lactuca methanolic extracts inhibit a range of Staphylococci, and that lunar phase of macrolagae harvest significantly impacts antimicrobial activity, suggesting that antimicrobial properties can be maximized by manipulating time of algal harvest. These findings provide useful parameters for future studies aimed at isolating and characterizing U. lactuca anti-Staphylococcal agents. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant human pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has intensified efforts towards discovery and development of novel therapeutics. Marine macroalgae like Ulva lactuca are increasingly recognized as potential sources of antimicrobials, but the efficacy of U. lactuca extracts against common, virulent strains of Staph. aureus is poorly understood. We demonstrate that U. lactuca methanolic extracts inhibit a variety of clinically relevant Staphylococcus strains, and that the antimicrobial activity can be maximized by optimizing time of algal harvest. These findings provide potentially useful parameters for future work of isolating and identifying novel antimicrobial agents from macroalgae.

Plantas, metais e planetas: o caso do Bryophyllum / Plants, metals and planets: the case of Bryophyllum

Neste presente trabalho, os autores realizam um estudo fenomenológico da relação entre ritmos cósmicos e terrestres, e sua influência na organização vital humana. A partir disto, aprofundam-se no conhecimento de um ritmo cósmico arquetípico (o da Lua) e sua relação direta com as qualidades do metal que reflete estas forças na natureza: a prata (Argentum). O conhecimento da ação dinâmica das forças lunares no organismo humano, assim como a observação de uma planta tipicamente lunar, o Bryophyllum calycinum, permite a compreensão efetiva de suas indicações terapêuticas.(AU)

In this paper, the authors perform a phenomenological study on the relationship between cosmic and terrestrial rhythms, and its influence over the human vita lorganization. From this, they deepen in the knowledge of an archetypal cosmic rhythm (of the Moon) and its direct relationship with the qualities of the metal which reflects these forces in the nature: the silver (Argentum). The knowledge about the dynamic action of lunar forces over the human organism, as well as the observation of a typically lunar plant, Bryophyllum calycinum, allows an effective understanding of its therapeutic indications.(AU)

Free-radical chemistry as a means to evaluate lunar dust health hazard in view of future missions to the moon.

Lunar dust toxicity has to be evaluated in view of future manned missions to the Moon. Previous studies on lunar specimens and simulated dusts have revealed an oxidant activity assigned to HO· release. However, the mechanisms behind the reactivity of lunar dust are still quite unclear at the molecular level. In the present study, a complementary set of tests--including terephthalate (TA) hydroxylation, free radical release as measured by means of the spin-trapping/electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique, and cell-free lipoperoxidation--is proposed to investigate the reactions induced by the fine fraction of a lunar dust analogue (JSC-1A-vf) in biologically relevant experimental environments. Our study proved that JSC-1A-vf is able to hydroxylate TA also in anaerobic conditions, which indicates that molecular oxygen is not involved in such a reaction. Spin-trapping/EPR measures showed that the HO· radical is not the reactive intermediate involved in the oxidative potential of JSC-1A-vf. A surface reactivity implying a redox cycle of phosphate-complexed iron via a Fe(IV) state is proposed. The role of this iron species was investigated by assessing the reactivity of JSC-1A-vf toward hydrogen peroxide (Fenton-like activity), formate ions (homolytic rupture of C-H bond), and linoleic acid (cell-free lipoperoxidation). JSC-1A-vf was active in all tests, confirming that redox centers of transition metal ions on the surface of the dust may be responsible for dust reactivity and that the TA assay may be a useful field probe to monitor the surface oxidative potential of lunar dust.

Hypothalamic expression and moonlight-independent changes of Cry3 and Per4 implicate their roles in lunar clock oscillators of the lunar-responsive Goldlined spinefoot.

Lunar cycle-associated physiology has been found in a wide variety of organisms. Studies suggest the presence of a circalunar clock in some animals, but the location of the lunar clock is unclear. We previously found lunar-associated expression of transcripts for Cryptochrome3 gene (SgCry3) in the brain of a lunar phase-responsive fish, the Goldlined spinefoot (Siganus guttatus). Then we proposed a photoperiodic model for the lunar phase response, in which SgCry3 might function as a phase-specific light response gene and/or an oscillatory factor in unidentified circalunar clock. In this study, we have developed an anti-SgCRY3 antibody to identify SgCRY3-immunoreactive cells in the brain. We found immunoreactions in the subependymal cells located in the mediobasal region of the diencephalon, a crucial site for photoperiodic seasonal responses in birds. For further assessment of the lunar-responding mechanism and the circalunar clock, we investigated mRNA levels of Cry3 as well as those of the other clock(-related) genes, Period (Per2 and Per4), in S. guttatus reared under nocturnal moonlight interruption or natural conditions. Not only SgCry3 but SgPer4 mRNA levels showed lunar phase-dependent variations in the diencephalon without depending on light condition during the night. These results suggest that the expressions of SgCry3 and SgPer4 are not directly regulated by moonlight stimulation but endogenously mediated in the brain, and implicate that circadian clock(-related) genes may be involved in the circalunar clock locating within the mediobasal region of the diencephalon.

[Possibility of exacerbation of allergy by lunar regolith].

Japan, U.S.A. and other foreign space agencies have plans for the construction of a lunar base and long-term stay of astronauts on the moon. The surface of the moon is covered by a thick layer of soil that includes fine particles called "lunar regolith", which is formed by meteorite impact and space weathering. Risk assessment of particulate matter on the moon is important for astronauts working in microgravity on the moon. However, there are few investigations about the biological influences of lunar regolith. Especially, there is no investigation about allergic activity to lunar regolith. The main chemical components of lunar regolith are SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, FeO, etc. Of particular interest, approximately 50% of lunar regolith consists of SiO2. There is a report that the astronauts felt hay fever-like symptoms from the inhalation of the lunar regolith. Yellow sand, whose chemical components are similar to lunar regolith, enhances allergenic reactions, suggesting the possibility that lunar regolith has an adjuvant-like activity. Although intraperitoneal administration of lunar regolith with ovalbumin to mouse did not show enhancement of allergenic reactions, further evaluation of lunar regolith's potential to exacerbate the effects of allergies is essential for development of the moon.

The disease of the moon: the linguistic and pathological evolution of the English term "lunatic".

The public opinion and the scientific community incorrectly believe that the English term "lunatic" was originally related only to insanity, but it also referred to epileptic people. The aim of this article is to clarify the original meaning of the English word "lunatic" by analyzing the evolution of the relationship between psychiatric and neurological diseases and by pointing out the influence of the moon in the history of medicine, in popular traditions, and in English literature. The article also contains a detailed and accurate review of the modern scientific literature on the relationship between moon and epilepsy/psychiatric disorders.

Assessing the in vitro toxicity of the lunar dust environment using respiratory cells exposed to Al(2)O(3) or SiO(2) fine dust particles.

Prior chemical and physical analysis of lunar soil suggests a composition of dust particles that may contribute to the development of acute and chronic respiratory disorders. In this study, fine Al(2)O(3) (0.7 µm) and fine SiO(2) (mean 1.6 µm) were used to assess the cellular uptake and cellular toxicity of lunar dust particle analogs. Respiratory cells, murine alveolar macrophages (RAW 264.7) and human type II epithelial (A549), were cultured as the in vitro model system. The phagocytic activity of both cell types using ultrafine (0.1 µm) and fine (0.5 µm) fluorescent polystyrene beads was determined. Following a 6-h exposure, RAW 264.7 cells had extended pseudopods with beads localized in the cytoplasmic region of cells. After 24 h, the macrophage cells were rounded and clumped and lacked pseudopods, which suggest impairment of phagocytosis. A549 cells did not contain beads, and after 24 h, the majority of the beads appeared to primarily coat the surface of the cells. Next, we investigated the cellular response to fine SiO(2) and Al(2)O(3) (up to 5 mg/ml). RAW 264.7 cells exposed to 1.0 mg/ml of fine SiO(2) for 6 h demonstrated pseudopods, cellular damage, apoptosis, and necrosis. A549 cells showed slight toxicity when exposed to fine SiO(2) for the same time and dose. A549 cells had particles clustered on the surface of the cells. Only a higher dose (5.0 mg/ml) of fine SiO(2) resulted in a significant cytotoxicity to A549 cells. Most importantly, both cell types showed minimal cytotoxicity following exposure to fine Al(2)O(3). Overall, this study suggests differential cellular toxicity associated with exposure to fine mineral dust particles.

Hypothesis: lifespan is regulated by chronomere DNA of the hypothalamus.

As the basis for the lifelong clock and as a primary cause of aging, a process of shortening of hypothetical perichromosomal DNA structures termed chronomeres is proposed in the CNS. The lifelong clock is regulated by the shortening of chronomere DNA in postmitotic neurons of the hypothalamus. Shortening of these DNA sequences occurs in humans on a monthly basis through a lunasensory system and is controlled by release of growth hormone discharged from the anterior pituitary directly into the hypothalamus via local blood vessels. In adults, this process is under control of the pineal gland. It is further proposed that different forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are caused by somatic and inherited deletions of chronomeres followed by a further abnormally accelerated decrease in their activity, resulting in failures of neurotrophic and neuroendocrinal activities and in various cellular imbalances. In this model, AD is considered as a segmental progeria caused by shortening of anomalous chronomeres that are partially deleted in early development. It is proposed that a calorie-restricted diet retards chronomere shortening due to a local deficit of growth hormone in the surroundings of hypothalamic cells, thus slowing the lifelong clock and delaying aging. Calorie restriction increases lifespan by preserving mitochondrial and other organismal functions owing to the decreased chronomere shortening.