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Plant, Cell & Environment Jun 2024Shoot branching from axillary bud (AB) directly determines plant architecture. However, the mechanism through which AB remains dormant or emerges to form branches as...
Shoot branching from axillary bud (AB) directly determines plant architecture. However, the mechanism through which AB remains dormant or emerges to form branches as plants grow remains largely unknown. Here, the auxin-strigolactone (IAA-SL) pathway was first shown to regulate shoot branching in poplar, and we found that PagKNAT2/6b could modulate this pathway. PagKNAT2/6b was expressed mainly in the shoot apical meristem and AB and was induced by shoot apex damage. PagKNAT2/6b overexpressing poplar plants (PagKNAT2/6b OE) exhibited multiple branches that mimicked the branching phenotype of nontransgenic plants after decapitation treatment, while compared with nontransgenic controls, PagKNAT2/6b antisense transgenic poplar and Pagknat2/6b mutant lines exhibited a significantly decreased number of branches after shoot apex damage treatment. In addition, we found that PagKNAT2/6b directly inhibits the expression of the key IAA synthesis gene PagYUC6a, which is specifically expressed in the shoot apex. Moreover, overexpression of PagYUC6a in the PagKNAT2/6b OE background reduced the number of branches after shoot apex damage treatment. Overall, we conclude that PagKNAT2/6b responds to shoot apical injury and regulates shoot branching through the IAA-SL pathway. These findings may provide a theoretical basis and candidate genes for genetic engineering to create new forest tree species with different crown types.
PubMed: 38847345
DOI: 10.1111/pce.14991 -
World Neurosurgery Nov 2023Radiation necrosis (RN) is a long-term side effect of Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery that may require surgical intervention. Pentoxifylline and vitamin E have...
OBJECTIVE
Radiation necrosis (RN) is a long-term side effect of Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery that may require surgical intervention. Pentoxifylline and vitamin E have previously been shown to be effective in the treatment of RN in the published literature, but there are no data on the prophylactic use of these molecules or, more importantly, whether prophylaxis is required.
METHODS
The iatrogenic RN model included 50 Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes. There were 7 treatment subgroups established. Gamma-Plan 8.32 was used to plan after magnetic resonance scans were performed in a specially designed frame. The injection doses used in the treatment groups were vitamin E (30 mg/kg/day in a single dose) and pentoxifylline (50 mg/kg/day in 2 doses). Control magnetic resonance scans were performed at the end of a 16-week treatment, and the subjects were decapitated for pathological evaluations.
RESULTS
The intensity of hypoxia - inducible factor 1α immunoreactivity is statistically significantly lower in the therapeutic vitamin E, prophylactic pentoxifylline and vitamin E, and therapeutic pentoxifylline and vitamin E groups than in the other groups. Similarly, the intensity of vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreactivity was reduced in the therapeutic vitamin E and prophylactic pentoxifylline and vitamin E treatment modality groups. When compared with other groups, the therapeutic pentoxifylline group had significantly fewer vascular endothelial growth factor-immunoreactive cells in the perinecrotic area, with an accompanying decreased contrast enhancement pattern.
CONCLUSIONS
Both vitamin E and pentoxifylline are effective for the treatment and/or restriction of RN, either alone or in combination. The use of these molecules as a preventive measure did not outperform the therapeutic treatment.
Topics: Humans; Rats; Male; Female; Animals; Vitamin E; Pentoxifylline; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Radiation Injuries; Models, Animal; Necrosis
PubMed: 37689362
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.08.135 -
The Science of the Total Environment May 2024Microplastics (MPs) and perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) are widespread in the global ecosystem. MPs have the ability to adsorb organic contaminants such as...
Microplastics (MPs) and perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) are widespread in the global ecosystem. MPs have the ability to adsorb organic contaminants such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), leading to combined effects. The current work aims to explore the individual and combined toxicological effects of polystyrene (PS) and PFOS on the growth and nerves of the freshwater planarian (Dugesia japonica). The results showed that PS particles could adsorb PFOS. PS and PFOS impeded the regeneration of decapitated planarians eyespots, whereas the combined treatment increased the locomotor speed of intact planarians. PS and PFOS caused significant DNA damage, while co-treatment with different PS concentrations aggravated and attenuated DNA damage, respectively. Further studies at the molecular level have shown that PS and PFOS affect the proliferation and differentiation of neoblasts in both intact and regenerating planarians, alter the expression levels of neuronal genes, and impede the development of the nervous system. PS and PFOS not only disrupted the homeostasis of intact planarians, but also inhibited the regeneration of decapitated planarians. This study is the first to assess the multiple toxicity of PS and PFOS to planarians after combined exposure. It provides a basis for the environmental and human health risks of MPs and PFAS.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Planarians; Microplastics; Plastics; Polystyrenes; Ecosystem; Homeostasis; Fluorocarbons; Alkanesulfonic Acids
PubMed: 38485023
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171653 -
Plant Methods Jan 2024The measurement of root dielectric response is a useful non-destructive method to evaluate root growth and function. Previous studies tracked root development throughout...
BACKGROUND
The measurement of root dielectric response is a useful non-destructive method to evaluate root growth and function. Previous studies tracked root development throughout the plant growing cycle by single-time electrical measurements taken repeatedly. However, it is known that root conductivity and uptake activity can change rapidly, coupled with the day/night cycles of photosynthetic and transpiration rate. Therefore, the low-frequency dielectric monitoring of intact root-substrate systems at minute-scale temporal resolution was tested using a customized impedance measurement system in a laboratory environment. Electrical capacitance (C) and conductance (G) and the dissipation factor (D) were detected for 144 h in potted maize, cucumber and pea grown under various light/dark and temperature conditions, or subjected to progressive leaf excision or decapitation. Photosynthetic parameters and stomatal conductance were also measured to evaluate the stress response.
RESULTS
The C and G data series showed significant 24-h seasonality associated with the light/dark and temperature cycles applied. This was attributed to the diurnal patterns in whole-plant transpiration (detected via stomatal conductance), which is strongly linked to the root water uptake rate. C and G decreased during the 6-day dark treatment, and dropped proportionally with increasing defoliation levels, likely due to the loss of canopy transpiration caused by dark-induced senescence or removal of leaves. D showed a decreasing trend for plants exposed to 6-day darkness, whereas it was increased markedly by decapitation, indicating altered root membrane structure and permeability, and a modified ratio of apoplastic to cell-to-cell water and current pathways.
CONCLUSIONS
Dynamic, in situ impedance measurement of the intact root system was an efficient way of following integrated root water uptake, including diurnal cycles, and stress-induced changes. It was also demonstrated that the dielectric response mainly originated from root tissue polarization and current conduction, and was influenced by the actual physiological activity of the root system. Dielectric measurement on fine timescale, as a diagnostic tool for monitoring root physiological status and environmental response, deserves future attention.
PubMed: 38195647
DOI: 10.1186/s13007-023-01133-8 -
Cardiovascular Toxicology Jun 2024NaAsO is known as a harmful pollutant all over the world, and many chronic heart diseases can be attributed to its prolonged exposure in NaAsO-contaminated water....
NaAsO is known as a harmful pollutant all over the world, and many chronic heart diseases can be attributed to its prolonged exposure in NaAsO-contaminated water. Therefore, considering the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of betaine (BET), in this study, our team investigated the cardioprotective effects of this phytochemical agent on sodium arsenite (NaAsO)-induced cardiotoxicity. Forty male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: (I) Control; (II) BET (500 mg/kg); (III) NaAsO (50 ppm); and (IV) NaAsO + BET. NaAsO was given to the animals for 8 weeks, but BET was given in the last two weeks. After decapitation, inflammatory factors and biochemical parameters were measured, and Western blot analyses were performed. BET decrease the activity level of alanine aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase MB, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level, inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α) content, and nuclear factor kappa B expression. Furthermore, BET increased cardiac total thiol and activity levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase and nuclear factor erythroid-2 expression. Hence, the administration of BET ameliorated the deleterious effects stemming from the imbalance of oxidative and antioxidant pathways and histopathological alterations observed in NaAsO-intoxicated mice, thereby attenuating oxidative stress-induced damage and inflammation.
Topics: Animals; Arsenites; Sodium Compounds; Male; Antioxidants; Oxidative Stress; Cardiotoxicity; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Mice; Betaine; Heart Diseases; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation Mediators; Signal Transduction; Biomarkers; Cytoprotection; Myocardium
PubMed: 38703273
DOI: 10.1007/s12012-024-09864-3 -
International Journal of Legal Medicine Jul 2024Fluid-filled paranasal sinuses are suggested to be a valuable tool to distinguish between drowning and non-drowning postmortem, yet the mechanisms governing fluid entry...
Fluid-filled paranasal sinuses are suggested to be a valuable tool to distinguish between drowning and non-drowning postmortem, yet the mechanisms governing fluid entry remains unknown. We investigate if fluid-filled paranasal sinuses are caused by a passive influx from submersion or an active aspiration mechanism during drowning. The ovine nasal cavity and maxillary sinuses are remarkably similar anatomically to humans, and have been used for endoscopic surgical training in recent decades. We submerged 15 decapitated ovine heads from agricultural waste at a depth of 2 m in flowing water for 1, 8, and 24 h and 7 days. Paranasal sinuses were CT imaged and compared pre- and post-submersion to non-submerged controls. Furthermore, we examined the paranasal sinuses of a single homicide case of a non-drowned submerged subject. Results demonstrate that fluid passively enters the maxillary sinus postmortem in the non-drowned ovine heads following 1 h of submersion. Fluid volume was independent of submersion time and influenced by time out of water as well as handling, since volume was reduced between consecutive CT scans. In contrast to our hypothesis, the filling of the paranasal sinuses is due to passive influx of fluid from submersion rather than an active aspiration during drowning. The observation that paranasal sinuses were fluid-filled in a single medico-legal case of postmortem submersion supports the finding of passive influx. Consequently, careful interpretation of fluid-filled paranasal sinuses is required when bodies are found in water, as the finding cannot distinguish between postmortem submersion and drowning.
Topics: Animals; Drowning; Sheep; Paranasal Sinuses; Models, Animal; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Immersion; Forensic Pathology; Humans; Postmortem Changes; Maxillary Sinus; Postmortem Imaging
PubMed: 38351206
DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03173-8 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Sep 2023Refinement is one of the principles aiming to promote welfare in research animals. The techniques used during an experimental protocol, including euthanasia selection,...
Refinement is one of the principles aiming to promote welfare in research animals. The techniques used during an experimental protocol, including euthanasia selection, must prevent and minimize suffering. Although the current euthanasia methods applied to laboratory rodents are accepted, the controversial findings regarding the potential stress/distress they can cause is a field of research. The objective was to assess the thermal response of Wistar rats during various euthanasia methods using infrared thermography (IRT) to determine the method that prevents or diminishes the stress response and prolonged suffering. Pentobarbital (G), CO (G), decapitation (G), isoflurane (G), ketamine + xylazine (G), and ketamine + CO (G) were evaluated at five evaluation times with IRT to identify changes in the surface temperature of four anatomical regions: ocular (T°), auricular (T°), interscapular (T°), and caudal (T°). Significant differences ( < 0.05) were found in G and G, registering temperature increases from the administration of the drug to the cessation of respiratory rate and heart rate. Particularly, isoflurane showed a marked thermal response in T°, T°, T°, and T°, suggesting that, in general, inhalant euthanasia methods induce stress in rats and that isoflurane might potentially cause distress, an effect that must be considered when deciding humane euthanasia methods in laboratory rodents.
PubMed: 37760220
DOI: 10.3390/ani13182820 -
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy Mar 2024The nose can be damaged by environmental pollutants and foreign bodies, as well as a result of trauma, infection or surgical interventions. Proper healing of the damaged...
BACKGROUND
The nose can be damaged by environmental pollutants and foreign bodies, as well as a result of trauma, infection or surgical interventions. Proper healing of the damaged nasal mucosa is important for health.
OBJECTIVE
There is no study in the literature investigating the effects of rosmarinic acid on mucosal healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rosmarinic acid on nasal mucosal healing.
METHODS
21 male, adult Spraque Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups as the control group, the local treatment group in which rosmarinic acid was applied locally to the nasal mucosa, and the systemic treatment group in which rosmarinic acid was injected intraperitoneally. The wound area was obtained by creating a trauma area by inserting a 10 mm interdental brush through the right nasal nostril into the right nasal cavities of all animals. For the following 15 days, the treatment agent was applied as indicated once a day and on the 15th day the animals were decapitated and tissue samples taken from the nasal mucosa were prepared for histopathological examination. The preparations were examined in terms of cellular hyperplasia, goblet cell hypertrophy and degeneration, leukocyte infiltration, cilia loss and degeneration, edema and vascular dilatation, and they have been classified into four categories as mild (+), moderate (++), severe (+++) and very severe (++++).
RESULTS
There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of all parameters evaluated, and there is a decrease in the intensity of the parameters with transition from the control group to the local group and from there to the systemic group.
CONCLUSION
Systemic rosmarinic acid administration showed an enhancing effect on the healing of experimentally induced nasal mucosal injury due to its possible anti-inflammatory effect.
Topics: Rats; Male; Animals; Rosmarinic Acid; Nasal Mucosa; Wound Healing; Nasal Cavity
PubMed: 37994027
DOI: 10.1177/19458924231216656 -
The Eurasian Journal of Medicine Oct 2023Onuf's nucleus is an anatomical structure essential in the regulation of urogenital functions. Lumbosacral pathologies may cause changes in urogenital circulation due to...
OBJECTIVE
Onuf's nucleus is an anatomical structure essential in the regulation of urogenital functions. Lumbosacral pathologies may cause changes in urogenital circulation due to Onuf's nucleus injury; however, there is limited evidence corroborating the relationship between spinal cord injury and urethral artery changes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We used 23 sexually mature male rabbits-5 rabbits in the control group (GI), 5 rabbits in the sham group (GII), and 13 rabbits in the experimental group (GIII; received autologous blood transfusion into the T12-L1 subarachnoid space to induce subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The GIII underwent a S1-3 laminectomy after 2 weeks and was decapitated. Histologic specimens were prepared to examine changes in Onuf's nucleus, pudendal ganglion, and urethral arteries. The density of damaged neurons and vasospasm index (VSI) in the urethral artery were evaluated.
RESULTS
The mean density of damaged neurons (n/mm3 ) in Onuf's nucleus and pudendal ganglia (S3) and the mean VSI of the 3 groups were as follows-GI: 6 ± 2 per mm3 , 12 ± 4 per mm3 , and 1.63 ± 0.25, respectively; GII: 27 ± 6 per mm3 , 221 ± 62 per mm3 , and 1.97 ± 0.36, respectively; GIII: 154 ± 41 per mm3 , 1890 ± 541 per mm3 , and 3.04 ± 0.95 (P < .05 each for GI/GII, GI/GIII, and GII/GIII). Neuronal damage criteria, such as cytoplasmic condensation and cytoplasmic halo formation, were more prominent in GIII.
CONCLUSION
SAH can lead to ischemia of the Onuf's nucleus-pudendal nerve structures due to urethral artery spasm, resulting in urogenital complications.
PubMed: 37909197
DOI: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.xxx -
Journal of Biochemical and Molecular... Jan 2024Arsenic (As) toxicity can generate reactive free radicals, which play an important role in the evolution of cardiomyopathy. The aim of this research is to see if...
Arsenic (As) toxicity can generate reactive free radicals, which play an important role in the evolution of cardiomyopathy. The aim of this research is to see if sulforaphane (SFN) protects against As-induced heart damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial complex dysfunction via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway. The rats were placed into four groups, each with eight rats. Group 1: Normal rats (control group); Group 2: Treatment group (5 mg/kg body weight); Group 3: SFN+As-treatment group (80 mg/kg body weight + 5 mg/kg body weight); Group 4: SFN group only (80 mg/kg body weight). The swot will last 4 weeks. At the end of the intermission (28 days), all of the rats starved overnight and killed with cervical decapitation. As administration considerably (p < 0.05) inflated the extent of free radicals (O2-, OH-), lipoid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal), lipoid profile (low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipids), cardiac Troponin (cTnT&I), and Mitochondrial complex III. A noteworthy (p < 0.05) diminish the level of HDL-C, Mitochondrial complex I and II, enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and nonenzymatic antioxidant (glutathione and total sulfhydryl groups) and PI3k, Akt, and Nrf2 sequence in As treated rats. The western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, flowcytometric, and histology studies all corroborated the biochemical findings which revealed significant heart damage in rats. Pretreatment with SFN significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the invitro free radicals, lipid oxidative indicators, mitochondrial complex, lipid profiles, and increased phase II antioxidants in the heart. This result shows that dietary supplementation of SFN protects against As-induced cardiotoxicity via PI3k/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in rats.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Arsenic; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Cardiotoxicity; Oxidative Stress; Isothiocyanates; Antioxidants; Signal Transduction; Free Radicals; Body Weight; Lipoproteins, LDL; Cholesterol; Lipids; Sulfoxides
PubMed: 37906532
DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23576