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Cold Spring Harbor Protocols Jul 2023Naive males court both virgin and mated females but learn through experience to discriminate between them, thus minimizing futile investments in nonreceptive female...
Naive males court both virgin and mated females but learn through experience to discriminate between them, thus minimizing futile investments in nonreceptive female flies. In the laboratory, we can exploit the innate courtship enthusiasm of males and manipulate their behavior by placing them with a nonreceptive female (immature virgin females, decapitated mature virgin females, or mature mated females), termed as the courtship suppression/conditioning assay. Early studies showed that male flies that experience failure to mate upon interaction with nonreceptive previously mated females show decreased motivation to court (courtship suppression). Courtship suppression is an important experimental paradigm for studying genes and neuronal circuits that mediate short- and long-term memory. The anti-aphrodisiac male-specific pheromone 11--vaccenyl-acetate plays a key role in this conditioned response, as male flies learn to associate its presence on mated females with the failure to mate.
Topics: Animals; Male; Female; Drosophila; Drosophila melanogaster; Courtship; Sexual Behavior, Animal
PubMed: 36781210
DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot108106 -
International Ophthalmology Aug 2023This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical bevacizumab and motesanib in an experimental corneal neovascularization model, and find the most effective motesanib... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical bevacizumab and motesanib in an experimental corneal neovascularization model, and find the most effective motesanib dose.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In experiments, 42 Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7). Corneal cauterization was applied to all groups except the group 1. Group 1 did not receive any treatment. Topical dimethylsulfoxide was applied to sham group three times a day(tid). Topical bevacizumab drops (5 mg/ml) were applied to Group 3 tid. Topical motesanib drops with a dose of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/ml were respectively applied in Groups 4, 5, and 6 tid. On the 8th day, corneal photographs of all rats were taken under general anesthesia, and the percentage of corneal neovascular area was calculated. VEGF-A mRNA, VEGFR-2 mRNA, miRNA-21, miRNA-27a, miRNA-31, miRNA-126, miRNA-184, and miRNA-204 were evaluated by the qRT-PCR method in corneas taken after decapitation.
RESULTS
The percentage of corneal neovascularization areas and VEGF-A mRNA expression levels were decreased in all treatment groups compared to group 2 (p < 0.05). VEGFR-2 mRNA levels were found to be statistically significantly decreased in groups 4 and 6 compared to group 2 (p < 0.05). Statistically significant changes were detected in the expression levels of only miRNA-126 among all miRNAs.
CONCLUSION
Motesanib with a dose of 7.5 mg/ml statistically significantly suppressed the VEGFR-2 mRNA level compared with other treatment doses and may be more effective than bevacizumab. Further, miRNA-126 can be used as a proangiogenic marker.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Bevacizumab; Corneal Neovascularization; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Rats, Wistar; MicroRNAs; Disease Models, Animal; Administration, Topical
PubMed: 36971928
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02685-3 -
Legal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Jun 2024Suicidal hanging resulting in decapitation is rarely documented. This discussion involves a case of a 35-year-old man found decapitated in his residence's garden. A... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Suicidal hanging resulting in decapitation is rarely documented. This discussion involves a case of a 35-year-old man found decapitated in his residence's garden. A systematic literature review on hanging-induced decapitation was conducted to comprehensively investigate and compare the case to existing literature. The study aims to identify frequently described post-mortem findings in cases of suicidal hanging leading to decapitation.
CASE REPORT
A 35-year-old man was found decapitated in his garden, with a jute strap and chimney debris nearby. The cervical region was completely severed along the dorsoventral and craniocaudal plane, exposing internal structures. A ligature mark was present, along with Amussat's sign and Simon's bleeding.
METHODS
The systematic review of the literature followed PRISMA standards, analyzing 3622 publications from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases up to 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised cases of complete or incomplete decapitation resulting from hanging, available in full-text and written in English.
RESULTS
16 articles on hanging-induced decapitation met the selection criteria; 22 cases were analyzed. Studies, mostly from Europe, showed a mean victim age of 44.3, all male. Fall height ranged from 1 m to 18 m, with various suspension media. Most cases displayed complete decapitation, primarily between cervical vertebrae C1 and C3. Some cases noted collateral findings.
CONCLUSIONS
Complete crime scene investigation and thorough post-mortem examination are crucial for reconstructing events, especially with confounding elements. Precise evidence collection and literature comparison are essential to understand the case and substantiate the forensic pathologist's hypothesis in court.
PubMed: 38838410
DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102464 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Overweight/obesity are metabolic disorder resulting from behavioral, environmental, and heritable causes. WHO estimates that 50% of adults and 30% of children and...
BACKGROUND
Overweight/obesity are metabolic disorder resulting from behavioral, environmental, and heritable causes. WHO estimates that 50% of adults and 30% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, and, in parallel, an ongoing decline in sperm quality and male fertility has been described. Numerous studies demonstrated the intimate association between overweight/obesity and reproductive dysfunction due to a highly intricate network of causes not yet completely understood. This study expands the knowledge on the impact of a short-term high-fat diet (st-HFD) on rat testicular activity, specifically on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, focusing on the involved molecular mechanisms related to mitochondrial dynamics, blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity, and SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs pathways.
METHODS
Ten adult Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of five and treated with a standard diet or an HFD for five weeks. At the end of the treatment, rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by decapitation. Blood was collected for serum sex hormone assay; one testis was stored at -80ÅãC for western blot analysis, and the other, was fixed for histological and immunofluorescence analysis.
RESULTS
Five weeks of HFD results in reduced steroidogenesis, increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and altered spermatogenesis, as highlighted by reduced protein levels ofmeiotic and post-meiotic markers. Further, we evidenced the compromission of the BTB integrity, as revealed by the downregulation of structural proteins (N-Cadherin, ZO-1, occludin, connexin 43, and VANGL2) other than the phosphorylation of regulative kinases (Src and FAK). At the molecular level, the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics (fission, fusion, andbiogenesis), and the dysregulation of the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways, were evidenced. Interestingly, no change was observed in the levels of pro-inflammatory markers (TNFα, NF-kB, and IL-6).
CONCLUSIONS
The combined data led us to confirm that overweight is a less severe state than obesity. Furthermore, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the association between metabolic disorders and male fertility could improve the possibility of identifying novel targets to prevent and treat fertility disorders related to overweight/obesity.
Topics: Humans; Child; Adolescent; Male; Rats; Animals; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Diet, High-Fat; Overweight; Blood-Testis Barrier; Sirtuin 1; Rats, Wistar; Semen; Obesity; MAP Kinase Signaling System
PubMed: 38027181
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1274035 -
Radiography (London, England : 1995) Oct 2023The porcine model shows structural features comparable to that of humans and are routinely used within research, due to the ethical, legal, and practical use of...
INTRODUCTION
The porcine model shows structural features comparable to that of humans and are routinely used within research, due to the ethical, legal, and practical use of post-mortem human samples. Methods for obtaining high quality and comparable reference data using standardised acquisition protocols are essential.
METHODS
The decapitated heads of three adult white sows were subjected to radiographic imaging before and after cranial trauma (9 mm, Heckler and Koch MP5). Digital radiographs were generated using a Siemens MULTIX TOP system with an Agfa digital detector, with foam blocks and sandbags as ancillary equipment. An iterative approach was adopted by the authors to generate reproducible radiographic views from two perpendicular angles. Specimens were kept at 5 °C and wrapped in polythene bags to reduce the impact of putrefaction.
RESULTS
Standardised head radiography technique was developed for superior-inferior and lateral views demonstrating porcine anatomy. Key parameters included: automatic exposure control for tube current (∼4 mAs), tube voltage of 73 kVp, 100 cm source to image receptor distance, and an anti-scatter grid. Slight variances in specimen morphology, developmental status, and soft tissue changes did not affect imaging outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The technique and positioning proposed in this study allows for the acquisition of high quality and reproducible radiographic images for comparable ballistic research datasets. Specimen positioning and centring of the primary beam may be applied across porcine breeds, although individual radiographic parameters may differ according to equipment specifications and specimen size.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Development of a reproducible radiographic technique of porcine heads in forensic and veterinary research.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Swine; Animals; Female; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Phantoms, Imaging; Radiography
PubMed: 37595528
DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.08.001 -
International Immunopharmacology Nov 2023The therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 versus non-liposomal IL-22 on liver fibrosis was investigated. IL-22 (5 µg/ml) was incorporated into negative charged...
The therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 versus non-liposomal IL-22 on liver fibrosis was investigated. IL-22 (5 µg/ml) was incorporated into negative charged liposomes. Schistosoma mansoni infected mice were treated with liposomal IL-22 for either 7 or 14 days before decapitation. Liver and spleen were removed and splenocytes were isolated for in vitro investigations. TNF-α, IL-17, IL-22 and IgE levels were assessed. Hepatic granulomas were counted, granuloma index and its developmental stages were calculated. Hepatic expressions of STAT3, β-catenin and let-7a miRNA were evaluated. Liposomal IL-22 size was clustered around 425.9 ± 58.0 nm with negative zeta potential (-18.8 ± 1.3 mV). After 14 days, 65.5% of IL-22 was released from liposomal IL-22 as was gradually observed in vitro. Liposomal IL-22 significantly (p < 0.05) decreased IL-17 level (-33.1%) of healthy splenocytes compared to non-liposomal IL-22. In vivo therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in hepatic granuloma index (-22.1%) and levels of TNF-α (-49.2%) and IL-17 (-57.3%), but a marked increase in IL-22 (64.2%) and IgE (196.1%) levels comparing to non-liposomal IL-22. Three developmental stages of hepatic granuloma (NE, EP, and P) were observed in liposomal and non-liposomal IL-22 groups (79.6 ± 1.7 and 81.8 ± 8.7, respectively, P < 0.05), with higher relative frequency of EP stage. Additionally, liposomal IL-22 treatment increased hepatic expression of STAT3 (21.7 fold change) and let-7a (3.6 fold change) and reduced β-catenin expression (0.6 fold change) compared to healthy mice. Conclusively, liposomal IL-22 seems more effective in the treatment of liver fibrosis resulting from S. mansoni infection than non-liposomal IL-22.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Interleukin-17; beta Catenin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Liposomes; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver; MicroRNAs; Granuloma; Immunoglobulin E; Interleukin-22
PubMed: 37827055
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111015 -
The International Journal of... Dec 2023Formaldehyde is a chemical that lies behind the various systemical failures in organism. Many products that people use contain formaldehyde. Owing to its tissue fixative...
AIM
Formaldehyde is a chemical that lies behind the various systemical failures in organism. Many products that people use contain formaldehyde. Owing to its tissue fixative properties, scientists who work in life sciences are exposed to this substance more than others. Several studies have shown that formaldehyde affects the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, which play crucial roles in memory consolidation. In this study, we aimed to investigate anxiety levels and indicate the short and long term effects of formaldehyde and sex-related differences by exposing formaldehyde to male and female rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Formaldehyde (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 7 days for acute exposure and 30 days for chronic exposure. Cognitive assessment was performed using fear conditioning, elevated plus maze, and Morris water maze tests. TUNEL staining was used to identify apoptosis in the brains obtained after decapitation.
RESULTS
Exposure to intraperitoneal formaldehyde does not impair learning and memory in acute and chronic periods and has no effect on depression or anxiety. After acute exposure, apoptosis was observed in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions in males. When the cognitive test results were examined, no differences were found between the experimental and control groups. There was also no significant difference between males and females.
PubMed: 38152865
DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2300728 -
Molecular Neurobiology Dec 2023Depressive disorder is a severe and complex mental illness. There are a few anti-depressive medications that can reduce depressive symptoms, but with adverse or side...
Depressive disorder is a severe and complex mental illness. There are a few anti-depressive medications that can reduce depressive symptoms, but with adverse or side effects. GaoYou-13 (GY-13), commonly known as Areca Thirteen Pill, is a traditional medicine for depression treatment with significant clinical impact. However, the molecular mechanism of GY-13 has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore and explain the action and mechanism of GY-13 in treatment for depression. SD male rats were stimulated differently daily for 42 days to construct a depression rat model and divided into six groups: the control, CUMS model, GY-13L, GY-13 M, GY-13H, and FLUO. The body weight of was measured on day 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 or different days, and the behavioral tests (Open-field test, Sucrose preference test, Morris water maze) were made alongside. After the rats were decapitated, the rat brains were stained with Nissl or H&E dyes. The serums of TNF-α and IL-1β were tested. The protein of p-IKKα, p-IкBα, and p-NFкBp65 was traced. Then nano-LC-MS/MS analysis was made to detect the mechanism of GY-13. The active ingredients, drug targets, and key pathways of GY-13 in treating depression were analyzed through network pharmacology and molecular docking. With immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR, and western-blot techniques, the therapeutic mechanism of GY-13 was traced and analyzed. This study revealed that GY-13 significantly enhances autonomous and exploratory behavior, sucrose consumption, learning and memory ability, and hippocampal neuronal degeneration, which inhibits inflammation. In addition, omics analysis showed several proteins were altered in the hippocampus of rats following CUMS and GY-13 treatment. Bioinformatics analysis and network pharmacology revealed the antidepressant effects of GY-13 are related to the chemokine/chemokine receptor axis. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting and RT-PCR assay further support the findings of omics analysis. We highlighted the importance of the chemokine/chemokine receptor axis in the treatment of depression, as well as showed GY-13 can be used as a novel targeted therapy for depression treatment.
PubMed: 38110645
DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03855-1 -
PeerJ 2023The chrysanthemum gene, homologous with tomato , is one of the earliest expressed genes controlling axillary meristem initiation. In this study, the wild-type...
The chrysanthemum gene, homologous with tomato , is one of the earliest expressed genes controlling axillary meristem initiation. In this study, the wild-type chrysanthemum (CW) and -overexpressed line 15 (C15) were used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of axillary bud development in chrysanthemum. Transcriptome sequencing was carried out to detect the differentially expressed genes of the axillary buds 0 h, 24 h and 48 h after decapitation. The phenotypic results showed that the number of axillary buds of C15 was significantly higher than CW. A total of 9,224 DEGs were identified in C15-0 CW-0, 10,622 DEGs in C15-24 CW-24, and 8,929 DEGs in C15-48 CW-48.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that the genes of the flavonoid, phenylpropanoids and plant hormone pathways appeared to be differentially expressed, indicating their important roles in axillary bud germination. reduces GA content in axillary buds by promoting GA2ox expression.These results confirmed previous studies on axillary bud germination and growth, and revealed the important roles of genes involved in plant hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction, aiding in the study of the gene patterns involved in axillary bud germination and growth.
Topics: Plant Growth Regulators; Chrysanthemum; Gene Expression Profiling; Cell Division
PubMed: 38111658
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16436