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National Science Review May 2024Octopamine (OA), analogous to norepinephrine in vertebrates, is an essential monoamine neurotransmitter in invertebrates that plays a significant role in various...
Octopamine (OA), analogous to norepinephrine in vertebrates, is an essential monoamine neurotransmitter in invertebrates that plays a significant role in various biological functions, including olfactory associative learning. However, the spatial and temporal dynamics of OA remain poorly understood due to limitations associated with the currently available methods used to detect it. To overcome these limitations, we developed a genetically encoded GPCR activation-based (GRAB) OA sensor called GRAB. This sensor is highly selective for OA and exhibits a robust and rapid increase in fluorescence in response to extracellular OA. Using GRAB, we monitored OA release in the mushroom body (MB), the fly's learning center, and found that OA is released in response to both odor and shock stimuli in an aversive learning model. This OA release requires acetylcholine (ACh) released from Kenyon cells, signaling via nicotinic ACh receptors. Finally, we discovered that OA amplifies aversive learning behavior by augmenting dopamine-mediated punishment signals via Octβ1R in dopaminergic neurons, leading to alterations in synaptic plasticity within the MB. Thus, our new GRAB sensor can be used to monitor OA release in real time under physiological conditions, providing valuable insights into the cellular and circuit mechanisms that underlie OA signaling.
PubMed: 38798960
DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae112 -
Insects May 2024Predators are dependent on the capture of prey to meet their energetic and nutritive requirements, which brings the risk of predation to prey. The predation risk is...
Predators are dependent on the capture of prey to meet their energetic and nutritive requirements, which brings the risk of predation to prey. The predation risk is divided into consumptive and non-consumptive effects. Non-consumptive effects may manifest through altered growth and ontogenetic trajectories in prey species, a dynamic modulated by olfactory or other sensory cues from predators. Hendel represents a major invasive threat to global horticulture. While earlier research was primarily centered on the consumptive interactions between and its natural enemies, the potential consequences of non-consumptive interactions on the development of have been overlooked. In this study, we investigated the impact of predation risk effects, induced by both visual exposure to the predatory mantis Serville and its associated odor, on the life history traits of . Female demonstrated a reduced developmental time in the presence of a caged predator ( or predator odors, but showed significantly increased fecundity. Conversely, males displayed no significant change in developmental time. Additionally, neither the female nor male body weight at death was significantly influenced by the predation risk from the caged predator or predator odors. This study investigated the effects of predation risk on the development and reproduction of , emphasizing the potential importance of odor risk in biological and pest control.
PubMed: 38786878
DOI: 10.3390/insects15050322 -
Allergologie Select 2024None.
None.
PubMed: 38756207
DOI: 10.5414/ALX02444E -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Based on a large body of previous research suggesting that smell loss was a predictor of COVID-19, we investigated the ability of SCENTinel®, a newly validated rapid...
INTRODUCTION
Based on a large body of previous research suggesting that smell loss was a predictor of COVID-19, we investigated the ability of SCENTinel®, a newly validated rapid olfactory test that assesses odor detection, intensity, and identification, to predict SARS-CoV-2 infection in a community sample.
METHODS
Between April 5, 2021, and July 5, 2022, 1,979 individuals took one SCENTinel® test, completed at least one physician-ordered SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, and endorsed a list of self-reported symptoms.
RESULTS
Among the of SCENTinel® subtests, the self-rated odor intensity score, especially when dichotomized using a previously established threshold, was the strongest predictor of SARS-CoV-2 infection. SCENTinel® had high specificity and negative predictive value, indicating that those who passed SCENTinel® likely did not have a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Predictability of the SCENTinel® performance was stronger when the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was dominant rather than when the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was dominant. Additionally, SCENTinel® predicted SARS-CoV-2 positivity better than using a self-reported symptom checklist alone.
DISCUSSION
These results indicate that SCENTinel® is a rapid assessment tool that can be used for population-level screening to monitor abrupt changes in olfactory function, and to evaluate spread of viral infections like SARS-CoV-2 that often have smell loss as a symptom.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Female; SARS-CoV-2; Adult; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Aged; Sensitivity and Specificity; Odorants; Olfaction Disorders; Young Adult
PubMed: 38660364
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1322797 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Canine olfaction is a potential means for detection of respiratory disease in beef cattle. In a prior study, two dogs were trained to discriminate between nasal swabs...
INTRODUCTION
Canine olfaction is a potential means for detection of respiratory disease in beef cattle. In a prior study, two dogs were trained to discriminate between nasal swabs from healthy cattle and cattle that developed Bovine Respiratory Disease. Dogs had some ability to identify samples from BRD-affected cattle, but results were ambiguous. The purpose of this study was to evaluate more dogs using better-controlled training and testing procedures.
METHODS
Nasal and saliva swabs were collected from 96 cattle before and after administering a vaccine to induce an inflammatory immune response. Samples were stored at -80°C for up to 11 months before use, and samples from animals with an elevated body temperature at baseline were omitted. An automated olfactometer apparatus was constructed to improve blinding procedures and reduce opportunities for odor contamination. Four dogs were trained to distinguish between swabs from healthy and sickness-model cattle, including the two dogs from the previous study ("Runnels" and "Cheaps") and two inexperienced dogs ("Molokai" and "Amy"). During a seven-month training period, dogs were exposed to samples from 28 animals. Dogs were tested on 59 sets of unfamiliar samples.
RESULTS
Performance varied among dogs (χ = 10.48, = 0.02). Molokai's performance was above chance (0.73 ± 0.06, = 0.0006), while Amy (0.44 ± 0.06, = 0.43), Cheaps (0.53 ± 0.07, = 0.79), and Runnels (0.56 ± 0.06, = 0.43) did not respond correctly at a rate different from chance. Accuracy did not differ between nasal swabs (0.63 ± 0.08) and saliva swabs (0.53 ± 0.08, χ = 0.81, = 0.37).
DISCUSSION
The results of this study indicate that canine olfaction may be an effective means of detecting illness in beef cattle. However, individual dogs' aptitude for this detection task varies.
PubMed: 38655536
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1393289 -
Journal of Animal Science and Technology Mar 2024Pork quality is determined by several attributes, among which odor and taste are the utmost significant. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the effects of boar...
Pork quality is determined by several attributes, among which odor and taste are the utmost significant. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the effects of boar odor hormone concentration on the quality traits and sensory acceptability of pork. A total twenty-six (26) non-castrated 3-way crossbred (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) pigs were selected with an average body weight (ABW) 115.6 kg before to slaughter. The three treatment groups (low, medium and high) were divided according to the androstenone concentration. In experiment 1, for meat quality traits carcass was selected based on androstenone concentration: low (LC, 0.64-0.69 μg/g, n = 9), medium (MC, 0.70-0.99 μg/g, n = 7) and high (HC, 1.00-1.69 μg/g, n = 10). In experiment 2, for sensory evaluation carcasses were also selected based on the abovementioned conditions. Results revealed that androstenone concentration not effect on proximate components, meat quality traits and fatty acids except palmitoleic acid. Sensory evaluation data showed that boar taint and meat boar taint were significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner from low to high, whereas, gravy and meat flavor preference were significantly increased in LC group than HC group. In addition, correlation analysis showed that boar taint and meat boar taint were positively, and gravy and meat flavor preference were negatively correlated with boar taint hormones. In essence, our findings indicate that androstenone concentration had no effect on meat qualities, but a high concentration of androstenone had a negative effect on the sensory characteristics in uncastrated pigs.
PubMed: 38628681
DOI: 10.5187/jast.2024.e34 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Apr 2024Netherton syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease, lacks effective treatment options. This article presents a novel case of successful Upadacitinib therapy...
BACKGROUND
Netherton syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease, lacks effective treatment options. This article presents a novel case of successful Upadacitinib therapy in a 14-year-old boy with Netherton syndrome.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 14-year-old male with a lifelong history of dry skin, erythema, scaling, itching, and notable body odor was evaluated. These symptoms, accompanied by irregular hair growth and delayed development, prompted an initial diagnosis of atopic dermatitis at a local hospital. Treatment with antihistamines, moisturizers, and topical corticosteroids failed to alleviate systemic manifestations of red patches and persistent itching. Seeking further evaluation, the patient was presented to our center. Upon examination, the characteristics of "bamboo hair" and "golf tee sign" were observed microscopically in the patient's hair. Whole exome sequencing identified a paternally inherited mutation in the SPINK5 gene, confirming Netherton syndrome. No mutations were found in the mother. Despite initial positive responses to Secukinumab and Dupilumab, therapeutic efficacy waned over time.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Initiation of Upadacitinib at a daily dose of 15 mg yielded significant therapeutic benefits within a short timeframe. This study marks the first documented use of Upadacitinib in pediatric Netherton syndrome treatment. This case highlights the efficacy of Upadacitinib in treating Netherton syndrome, particularly in pediatric patients. Further studies are warranted to elucidate its long-term effects and optimal dosing regimens.
PubMed: 38607195
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024The mosquito is an important vector of diseases including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Olfaction is a critical modality for mosquitoes enabling them to...
The mosquito is an important vector of diseases including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Olfaction is a critical modality for mosquitoes enabling them to locate hosts, sources of nectar, and sites for oviposition. GABA is an essential neurotransmitter in olfactory processing in the insect brain, including the primary olfactory center, the antennal lobe. Previous work with has suggested that antennal lobe inhibition via GABA may be involved in the processing of odors. However, little is known about GABA receptor expression in the mosquito brain, or how they may be involved in odor attraction. In this context, generating mutants that target the mosquito's olfactory responses, and particularly the GABAergic system, is essential to achieve a better understanding of these diverse processes and olfactory coding in these disease vectors. Here we demonstrate the potential of a transgenic line using the QF2 transcription factor, GABA-B1, as a new neurogenetic tool to investigate the neural basis of olfaction in Our results show that the gene insertion has a moderate impact on mosquito fitness. Moreover, the line presented here was crossed with a QUAS reporter line expressing the green fluorescent protein and used to determine the location of the metabotropic GABA-B1 receptor expression. We find high receptor expression in the antennal lobes, especially the cell bodies surrounding the antennal lobes. In the mushroom bodies, receptor expression was high in the Kenyon cells, but had low expression in the mushroom body lobes. Behavioral experiments testing the fruit odor attractants showed that the mutants lost their behavioral attraction. Together, these results show that the GABA-B1 line provides a new tool to characterize GABAergic systems in the mosquito nervous system.
PubMed: 38606012
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1381164 -
Journal of Neuroscience Methods Jun 2024Olfactory perceptions elicited by odors originating from within the body (retronasal olfaction) play a crucial role in well-being and are often disrupted in various...
BACKGROUND
Olfactory perceptions elicited by odors originating from within the body (retronasal olfaction) play a crucial role in well-being and are often disrupted in various medical conditions. However, the assessment of retronasal olfaction in research and the clinical practice is impeded by the lack of commercially available tests and limited standardization of existing testing materials.
NEW METHOD
The novel ThreeT retronasal odor identification test employs 20 flavored tablets that deliver a standardized amount of odorous stimuli. The items represent common food- and non-food-related odors.
RESULTS
The ThreeT test effectively distinguishes patients with olfactory dysfunction from healthy controls, achieving a specificity of 86% and sensitivity of 73%. Its scores remain stable for up to 3 months (r=.79).
COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD
ThreeT test exhibits a strong correlation with "Tasteless powders" measure of retronasal olfaction (r=.78) and classifies people into healthy and patient groups with similar accuracy. Test-retest stability of ThreeT is slightly higher than the stability of "Tasteless powders" (r=.79 vs r=.74).
CONCLUSIONS
ThreeT is suitable for integration into scientific research and clinical practice to monitor retronasal odor identification abilities.
Topics: Humans; Odorants; Female; Male; Olfaction Disorders; Middle Aged; Adult; Smell; Tablets; Aged; Olfactory Perception; Young Adult; Sensitivity and Specificity; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 38583589
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110135