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The Journal of Toxicological Sciences 2024Clothianidin (CLO), a neonicotinoid that is widely used in forests and agricultural areas, was recently reported to cause toxicity in mammals. Although sensitivity to...
Clothianidin (CLO), a neonicotinoid that is widely used in forests and agricultural areas, was recently reported to cause toxicity in mammals. Although sensitivity to chemicals varies between sexes and developmental stages, studies that comprehensively evaluate both males and females are limited. Therefore, in this study we utilized murine models to compare the sex-specific differences in behavioral effects following CLO exposure at different developmental stages. We orally administered CLO to male and female mice as a single high-dose solution (80 mg/kg) during the postnatal period (2-week-old), adolescence (6-week-old), or maturity (10-week-old), and subsequently evaluated higher brain function. The behavioral battery test consisted of open field, light/dark transition, and contextual/cued fear conditioning tests conducted at three and seven months of age. After the behavioral test, the brains were dissected and prepared for immunohistochemical staining. We observed behavioral abnormalities in anxiety, spatial memory, and cued memory only in female mice. Moreover, the immunohistochemical analysis showed a reduction in astrocytes within the hippocampus of female mice with behavioral abnormalities. The behavioral abnormalities observed in female CLO-treated mice were consistent with the typical behavioral abnormalities associated with hippocampal astrocyte dysfunction. It is therefore possible that the CLO-induced behavioral abnormalities are at least in part related to a reduction in astrocyte numbers. The results of this study highlight the differences in behavioral effects following CLO exposure between sexes and developmental stages.
Topics: Animals; Female; Neonicotinoids; Guanidines; Male; Behavior, Animal; Thiazoles; Hippocampus; Sex Characteristics; Fear; Astrocytes; Anxiety; Mice; Sex Factors; Spatial Memory; Administration, Oral; Insecticides
PubMed: 38945841
DOI: 10.2131/jts.49.301 -
Physiologia Plantarum 2024Since prehistoric times, medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have been employed for various therapeutic purposes due to their varied array of pharmaceutically relevant... (Review)
Review
Since prehistoric times, medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have been employed for various therapeutic purposes due to their varied array of pharmaceutically relevant bioactive compounds, i.e. secondary metabolites. However, when secondary metabolites are isolated directly from MAPs, there is occasionally very poor yield and limited synthesis of secondary metabolites from particular tissues and certain developmental stages. Moreover, many MAPs species are in danger of extinction, especially those used in pharmaceuticals, as their natural populations are under pressure from overharvesting due to the excess demand for plant-based herbal remedies. The extensive use of these metabolites in a number of industrial and pharmaceutical industries has prompted a call for more research into increasing the output via optimization of large-scale production using plant tissue culture techniques. The potential of plant cells as sources of secondary metabolites can be exploited through a combination of product recovery technology research, targeted metabolite production, and in vitro culture establishment. The plant tissue culture approach provides low-cost, sustainable, continuous, and viable secondary metabolite production that is not affected by geographic or climatic factors. This study covers recent advancements in the induction of medicinally relevant metabolites, as well as the conservation and propagation of plants by advanced tissue culture technologies.
Topics: Plants, Medicinal; Tissue Culture Techniques; Secondary Metabolism; Biotechnology
PubMed: 38945697
DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14400 -
Neurobiology of Disease Jun 2024The temporal component of episodic memory has been recognized as a sensitive behavioral marker in early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, parallel...
The temporal component of episodic memory has been recognized as a sensitive behavioral marker in early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, parallel studies in AD animals are currently lacking, and the underlying neural circuit mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using a novel App knock-in (APP-KI) rat model, the developmental changes of temporal order memory (TOM) and the relationship with medial prefrontal cortex and perirhinal cortex (mPFC-PRH) circuit were determined through in vivo electrophysiology and microimaging technique. We observed a deficit in TOM performance during the object temporal order memory task (OTOMT) in APP-KI rats at 6 month old, which was not evident at 3 or 4 months of age. Alongside behavioral changes, we identified a gradually extensive and aggravated regional activation and functional alterations in the mPFC and PRH during the performance of OTOMT, which occurred prior to the onset of TOM deficits. Moreover, coherence analysis showed that the functional connectivity between the mPFC and PRH could predict the extent of future behavioral performance. Further analysis revealed that the aberrant mPFC-PRH interaction mainly attributed to the progressive deterioration of synaptic transmission, information flow and network coordination from mPFC to PRH, suggesting the mPFC dysfunction maybe the key area of origin underlying the early changes of TOM. These findings identify a pivotal role of the mPFC-PRH circuit in mediating the TOM deficits in the early stage of AD, which holds promising clinical translational value and offers potential early biological markers for predicting AD memory progression.
PubMed: 38945496
DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106584 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024The rhizosphere microorganisms of blueberry plants have long coexisted with their hosts under distinctively acidic soil conditions, exerting a profound influence on host...
The rhizosphere microorganisms of blueberry plants have long coexisted with their hosts under distinctively acidic soil conditions, exerting a profound influence on host performance through mutualistic symbiotic interactions. Meanwhile, plants can regulate rhizosphere microorganisms by exerting host effects to meet the functional requirements of plant growth and development. However, it remains unknown how the developmental stages of blueberry plants affect the structure, function, and interactions of the rhizosphere microbial communities. Here, we examined bacterial communities and root metabolites at three developmental stages (flower and leaf bud development stage, fruit growth and development stage, and fruit maturation stage) of blueberry plants. The results revealed that the Shannon and Chao 1 indices as well as community composition varied significantly across all three developmental stages. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria significantly increased by 10 % (p < 0.05) from stage 1 to stage 2, whereas that of Proteobacteria decreased significantly. The co-occurrence network analysis revealed a relatively complex network with 1179 edges and 365 nodes in the stage 2. Niche breadth was highest at stage 2, while niche overlap tended to increase as the plant developed. Furthermore, the untargeted metabolome analysis revealed that the number of differential metabolites of vitamins, nucleic acids, steroids, and lipids increased between stage 1 to stage2 and stage 2 to stage 3, while those for differential metabolites of carbohydrates and peptides decreased. Significant changes in expression levels of levan, L-glutamic acid, indoleacrylic acid, oleoside 11-methyl ester, threo-syringoylglycerol, gingerglycolipid B, and bovinic acid were highly correlated with the bacterial community structure. Collectively, our study reveals that significant alterations in dominant bacterial taxa are strongly correlated with the dynamics of root metabolites. These findings lay the groundwork for developing prebiotic products to enhance the beneficial effects of root microorganisms and boosting blueberry productivity via a sustainable approach.
PubMed: 38945231
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174333 -
Gut Microbes 2024The role of the intratumoral microbiome in gastric cancer (GC) has not been comprehensively assessed. Here, we explored the relationship between the microbial community...
The role of the intratumoral microbiome in gastric cancer (GC) has not been comprehensively assessed. Here, we explored the relationship between the microbial community and GC prognosis and therapy efficacy. Several cancer-associated microbial characteristics were identified, including increased α-diversity, differential β-diversity, and decreased abundance. After adjusting for clinical features, prognostic analysis revealed 2 phyla, 14 genera, and 5 species associated with the overall survival of patients with GC. Additionally, 2 phyla, 14 genera, and 6 species were associated with adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) efficacy in patients with stage II - III GC. Furthermore, we classified GC microbiome structures into three microbial subtypes (MS1, MS2 and MS3) with distinguishing features. The MS1 subtype exhibited high immune activity and enrichment of microbiota related to immunotherapy and butyric acid-producing, as well as potential benefits in immunotherapy. MS2 featured the highest α-diversity and activation of the TFF pathway, MS3 was characterized by epithelial-mesenchymal transition and was associated with poor prognosis and reduced ACT efficacy. Collectively, the results of this study provide valuable insights into the microbial characteristics associated with GC prognosis and therapy efficacy.
Topics: Stomach Neoplasms; Humans; Prognosis; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Bacteria; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Aged; Helicobacter pylori; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38944840
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2369336 -
Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ Jul 2024Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that affects the female reproductive system and is characterized by an underdeveloped or...
Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that affects the female reproductive system and is characterized by an underdeveloped or absent uterus and vagina. A 17-year-old unmarried female was admitted into the Department of Endocrinology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh in November 2023 for evaluation of primary amenorrhea and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. She was the 5th issue of non-consanguineous marriage delivered at term by normal vaginal delivery. Her growth pattern and developmental milestones were normal. She had no history of galactorrhea, chronic or cyclic pelvic pain, thyroid dysfunction, excessive exercise, psychiatric illness, or drug abuse. There was no history of such type of illness in her family. She was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus two years back without classic symptoms, and at that time, her blood glucose was 22 mmol/L. She was prescribed metformin and gliclazide. She had no history of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemic crises, or hospital admission. On examination, her body build and nutritional status were normal. Anemia, jaundice, edema, dehydration, lymphadenopathy, acne, hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans, abdominal striae and vitiligo were absent. Her blood pressure was 110/70 without the postural drop, thyroid gland was not enlarged, anthropometric measurements were normal and BMI was 18.4 kg/m2. Her tanner stage was P5 & B4. Genital examination revealed normal female external genitalia, and a blind vaginal pouch was found. Other systemic examinations revealed no abnormality. On laboratory reports, her blood glucose was uncontrolled (HbA1c-10.2%) with glycosuria. Thyroid function test and gonadal hormones were normal. Ultrasonogram of the abdomen revealed uterus, cervix, and upper part of the vagina are absent, and an ectopic left kidney.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Amenorrhea; 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development; Congenital Abnormalities; Mullerian Ducts; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38944743
DOI: No ID Found -
NPJ Science of Food Jun 2024Inflammation acts as a dual role in disease initiation and progression, while Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) seeds, known for their abundance of anti-inflammatory...
Inflammation acts as a dual role in disease initiation and progression, while Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) seeds, known for their abundance of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, present a promising food source. Additionally, fermentation may optimize the food matrix, thereby augmenting its developmental prospects. This study explores the anti-inflammatory potential of hemp seeds fermented with 10 different probiotic strains. Among these, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermented hemp seeds (FHS) demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory ability, accompanied by a reduction in the expression of critical inflammatory markers such as TLR4, NF-κBp65, and iNOS. Moreover, there is a noteworthy dose-dependent inhibition of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and NO within a concentration range of 50 to 500 µg/mL. Subsequently, metabolomics analysis using UHPLC-QTOF-MS highlighted significant metabolic alterations in FHS compared to raw hemp seeds (RHS). Through multivariate, univariate, and correlation analyses, indolelactic acid (IA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) emerged as the main anti-inflammatory metabolites in FHS. Validation via HPLC confirmed the concentration of IA and HVA in RHS and FHS and both organic acids demonstrated lower IC values for TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and NO inhibition, showcasing their potent anti-inflammatory abilities. Furthermore, in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion coupled with the Caco-2 cell monolayer model validates the uptake and bioaccessibility of FHS, further affirming IA and HVA as major anti-inflammatory compounds. Overall, this research sets the stage for the development of novel hemp seed-based products targeting inflammation-associated disorders.
PubMed: 38944646
DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00285-8 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024Cotesia ruficrus presents a promising local natural enemy for controlling the invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda in China. However, the mechanisms underlying...
Cotesia ruficrus presents a promising local natural enemy for controlling the invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda in China. However, the mechanisms underlying how C. ruficrus locates its target pest remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed the expression patterns of 18 CrufOBPs across different developmental stages of C. ruficrus, and found that CrufOBP1 exhibited consistent and high expression levels in female adults. CrufOBP1 transcript was predominantly localized in sensilla placodea and sensilla trichodea on the antennae. Additionally, we confirmed the binding properties of CrufOBP1 protein to various cuticular compounds of S. frugiperda larvae. Subsequent electroantennogram and behavioral assays revealed that 1-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-ethanone attracted female C. ruficrus, consequently increased the parasitism rate. However, upon silencing CrufOBP1, females exhibited reduced attraction towards 1-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-ethanone, indicating the crucial role of CrufOBP1 in the chemoreception of C. ruficrus. These findings shed light on the kairomone-based mechanism employed by C. ruficrus to locate S. frugiperda larvae and hold a promise for the development of environmentally friendly pest management strategies.
PubMed: 38944096
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133491 -
Molekuliarnaia Biologiia 2024Regulation of retrotransposon activity in somatic tissues is a complex mechanism that has still not been studied in detail. It is strongly believed that siRNA...
Regulation of retrotransposon activity in somatic tissues is a complex mechanism that has still not been studied in detail. It is strongly believed that siRNA interference is main mechanism of retrotransposon activity regulation outside the gonads, but recently was demonstrated that piRNA interference participates in retrotransposon repression during somatic tissue development. In this work, using RT-PCR, we demonstrated that during ontogenesis piRNA interference determinates retrotransposon expression level on imago stage and retrotransposons demonstrate tissue-specific expression. The major factor of retrotransposon tissue-specific expression is presence of transcription factor binding sites in their regulatory regions.
Topics: Animals; Drosophila melanogaster; Retroelements; RNA, Small Interfering; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Transcription Factors; Drosophila Proteins; Organ Specificity; Binding Sites; RNA Interference
PubMed: 38943583
DOI: No ID Found -
Pest Management Science Jun 2024Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp., are one of the most destructive polyphagous plant-parasitic nematodes. They pose a serious threat to global food security...
BACKGROUND
Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp., are one of the most destructive polyphagous plant-parasitic nematodes. They pose a serious threat to global food security and are difficult to control. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) show promise in controlling RKNs. However, it remains unclear whether the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from EPN-infected cadavers can control RKNs.
RESULTS
We investigated the fumigation activity of VOCs released from cadavers infected by five different species of EPNs on RKNs in Petri dishes, and found that VOCs released from Steinernema feltiae (SN strain) and S. carpocapsae (All strain) infected cadavers had a significant lethal effect on second-stage juveniles (J2s) of Meloidogyne incognita. The VOCs released from the cadavers infected with S. feltiae were analyzed using SPME-GC/MS. Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), tetradecane, pentadecane, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), were selected for a validation experiment with pure compounds. The DMDS compound had significant nematicidal activity and repelled J2s. DMDS also inhibited egg hatching and the invasion of tomato roots by J2s. In a pot experiment, the addition of S. feltiae-infected cadavers and cadavers wrapped with a 400-mesh nylon net also significantly reduced the population of RKNs in tomato roots after 7 days. The number of root knots and eggs was reduced by 58% and 74.34%, respectively, compared to the control.
CONCLUSION
These results suggested that the VOCs emitted by the EPN-infected cadavers affected various developmental stages of M. incognita and thus have the potential to be used in controlling RKNs through multiple methods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
PubMed: 38943354
DOI: 10.1002/ps.8268