Role of lipids in the control of autophagy and primary cilium signaling in neurons

The brain is,after the adipose tissue,the organ with the greatest amount of lipids and diversity in their composition in the human body.In neurons,lipids are involved in signaling pathways controlling autophagy,a lysosome-dependent catabolic process essential for the maintenance of neuronal homeostasis and the function of the primary cilium,a cellular antenna that acts as a communication hub that transfers extracellular signals into intracellular responses required for neurogenesis and brain development.A crosstalk between primary cilia and autophagy has been established;however,its role in the control of neuronal activity and homeostasis is barely known.In this review,we briefly discuss the current knowledge regarding the role of autophagy and the primary cilium in neurons.Then we review the recent literature about specific lipid subclasses in the regulation of autophagy,in the control of primary cilium structure and its dependent cellular signaling in physiological and pathological conditions,specifically focusing on neurons,an area of research that could have major implications in neurodevelopment,energy homeostasis,and neurodegeneration.

K^(+) channel-mediated retarded maturation of interneurons and its role in neurodevelopmental disorders

De novo mutations in genes encoding K^(+)channels are implicated in many severe neurodevelopmental disorders.Specifically,mutations in KCNA2,encoding the Shaker-type voltage-gated K^(+)channel Kv1.2,and KCNJ2,encoding the inwardly rectifying K^(+)channel Kir2.1,associate with focal and generalized epilepsies,brain atrophy,autism,ataxia and hereditary spastic paraplegia(Syrbe et al.,2015;Masnada et al.,2017;Cheng et al.,2021).

Vasorelaxant effects of biochemical constituents of various medicinal plants and their benefits in diab

Endothelial function plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular health,and dysfunction in this context diminishes vasorelaxation concomitant with endothelial activity.The nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway,prostacyclin-cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway,inhibition of phosphodiesterase,and the opening of potassium channels,coupled with the reduction of calcium levels in the cell,constitute critical mechanisms governing vasorelaxation.Cardiovascular disease stands as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality among individuals with diabetes,with adults afflicted by diabetes exhibiting a heightened cardiovascular risk compared to their non-diabetic counterparts.A plethora of medicinal plants,characterized by potent pharmacological effects and minimal side effects,holds promise in addressing these concerns.In this review,we delineate various medicinal plants and their respective biochemical constituents,showcasing concurrent vasorelaxant and anti-diabetic activities.

Wood anatomical acclimation in the endemic genus Polylepis in Peruvian Andean forests

Polylepis(Queñua)is a dominant woody plant genus in Andean Puna forests that occurs in a wide range of montane habitats and is ecologically diverse in endemism,which may be particularly threatened by climate change.Wood anatomical traits are essential for understanding how plants adjust their ecophysiological requirements and maximize their resilience,resistance,and recovery to extreme climates.Although the effects of extreme climatic conditions in high altitude ecosystems have been studied extensively,our knowledge is relatively limited to quantitative differences in the main xylem tissues.To address this gap,we assessed the acclimation of wood anatomical traits in six Peruvian Andean Polylepis species with different water availability(semi-dry with high moisture and semiarid with dry winters).We selected hydraulic diameter,vessel density,vessel grouping index,solitary vessel index,vulnerability index,mesomorphy index,vessel element length,fiber length,fiber wall thickness,fiber lumen diameter,and total fiber diameter that can provide relevant eco-wood anatomical acclimation to hydric stress.We performed multivariate analysis to determine the leading dimensions of covariation among Polylepis species and climatic factors.Specific wood anatomical traits(vessel grouping index,vulnerability index,and fiber wall thickness)were dissimilar between xeric-and mesic-Polyelpis species.This study demonstrates that wood anatomical traits in Peruvian Andean Polylepis species provides high-resolution and long-term eco-wood anatomical signals on how climate oscillations drive the acclimation processes of fiber and vessel traits.Our findings underscore the significance of xylem hydraulic adjustment to various hydrological environments in Andean puna forests.By evaluating the effects of drought on wood anatomical characteristics and ecological function,we demonstrate the capacity of tree species to adapt and endure climate-related changes,thereby emphasizing their resilience and adaptability.

The immune system:uncharted pathways between senses and the brain

Humans and animals use the classic five senses-sight,hearing,touch,smell,and taste-to detect and monitor their environment,with the sense of position and movement often referred to as the sixth sense.The perception of external signals through the senses is essential to an organism's survival,transmitting signals to the central nervous system(CNS)and prompting physiological changes in other biological systems.In addition to the direct effects of sense-induced mediators in the brain.

Gut microbiota intervention attenuates thermogenesis in broilers exposed to high temperature through modulation of the hypothalamic 5‑HT pathway

Background Broilers have a robust metabolism and high body temperature,which make them less tolerant to hightemperature(HT)environments and more susceptible to challenges from elevated temperatures.Gut microbes,functioning as symbionts within the host,possess the capacity to significantly regulate the physiological functions and environmental adaptability of the host.This study aims to investigate the effects of gut microbial intervention on the body temperature and thermogenesis of broilers at different ambient temperatures,as well as the underlying mechanism involving the"gut-brain"axis.Methods Broilers were subjected to gut microbiota interference with or without antibiotics(control or ABX)starting at 1 day of age.At 21 day of age,they were divided into 4 groups and exposed to different environments for 7 d:The control and ABX groups at room temperature(RT,24±1℃,60%relative humidity(RH),24 h/d)and the control-HT and ABX-HT groups at high temperature(HT,32±1℃,60%RH,24 h/d).Results The results demonstrated that the antibiotic-induced gut microbiota intervention increased body weight and improved feed conversion in broiler chickens(P<0.05).Under HT conditions,the microbiota intervention reduced the rectal temperature of broiler chickens(P<0.05),inhibited the expression of avUCP and thermogenesisrelated genes in breast muscle and liver(P<0.05),and thus decreased thermogenesis capacity.Furthermore,the gut microbiota intervention blunted the hypothalamic‒pituitary‒adrenal axis and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activation induced by HT conditions.By analyzing the cecal microbiota composition of control and ABX chickens maintained under HT conditions,we found that Alistipes was enriched in control chickens.In contrast,antibioticinduced gut microbiota intervention resulted in a decrease in the relative abundance of Alistipes(P<0.05).Moreover,this difference was accompanied by increased hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)content and TPH2 expression(P<0.05).Conclusions These findings underscore the critical role of the gut microbiota in regulating broiler thermogenesis via the gut-brain axis and suggest that the hypothalamic 5-HT pathway may be a potential mechanism by which the gut microbiota affects thermoregulation in broilers.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome: A Link with Vitamin D, Body Mass Index and Hyperlipidemia

Introduction: Carbai tunnel syndrome [CTS] is compression of the median nerve at the wrist , this causes tingling in the hands, pain, numbness, tingling in the fingers particularly the thumb, index and middle fingers, loss of sensation in the hands and fingers, also weakness in the hands. The aim of the present study was to study a possible association which could be found between electrophysiological data in CTS, BMI, hyperlipidemia, and vitamin D [Vit D] levels. Methods: We used a sample of 40 females of the same age group, who were divided into Group 1 as a control consists of 18 healthy females and Group II consisted of 22 age matched females with clinical and electrophysiological evidence of CTS. We measured atherogenic index [AI] as a marker of hyperlipidemia, body mass index [BMI], Vit D status and electrophysiological tests of CTS. Results: Subjects with CTS had deficient Vit D status, they had significantly high atherogenic index (AI), and significant high BMI all compared to control Group I. Median sensory conduction velocity was significantly correlated negatively with BMI and atherogenic index, and positively correlated significantly with Vit D status. But median sensory and motor action potential latency were significantly correlated positively with BMI and atherogenic index, and negatively correlated significantly with Vit D status The analysis revealed BMI, atherogenic index and Vit D status as predictors of median nerve sensory and motor action potential latency and sensory nerve conduction velocity in CTS. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that obesity and hyperlipidemia are potent CTS risk factors and declared the direct association between Vit D status and CTS occurrence. Our study supports the notion of the compensatory neuroprotective role of Vit D which could have a direct impact on the nerves integrity as it has an anti-inflammatory property which acts in relieving nervous insults and stress. .

Morphological Characterization of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with the Rhizosphere According to the Age of Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Schott Plants in the Field

The objective of this work was to carry out a morphological characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Schott plants. The plant material used was the white and red cultivars of X. sagittifolium, belonging to age intervals of 3 - 6, 6 - 9, and 9 - 12 months. Three harvest sites were chosen in the Central Region of Cameroon. In each site, soil from the rhizosphere and plant roots was collected in a randomized manner. In the field, the agronomic parameters were evaluated. The physicochemical characteristics of the soils, the mycorrhization index, and the morphological characterization of the mycorrhizal types of each site were carried out. The results obtained show that the agronomic growth parameters varied significantly using the Student Newman and Keuls Test depending on the harvest sites. The soils’ pH in all sites was acidic and ranged between 4.6 and 5.8. The Nkometou site has a loamy texture while the Olembe and Soa sites have loam-clay-sandy and loam-clay textures respectively. The highest mycorrhization frequencies appeared at the Nkometou site, with 75 and 87.33% of the white and red cultivars plant roots at 6 - 9 and 3 - 6 months. The relative abundance of AMF arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores in the rhizosphere of X. sagittifolium plants varied with age and cultivar. There were 673 spores between 9 - 12 months in Nkometou in the red cultivar. Six AMF genera were identified in all the different soils collected: Acaulospora sp., Funneliformis sp., Gigaspora sp., Glomus sp., Scutellospora sp., and Septoglomus sp. The genus Glomus sp. was the most present at all age intervals in both cultivars.

Additional far-red light promotes adventitious rooting of doubleroot-cutting grafted watermelon seedlings

Root regeneration is an important factor influencing the healing rate of graft union and the survival of double-root-cutting grafting.To date,little information is available on how to enhance root regeneration of rootstock in grafted watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)seedlings.In this study,the effects of different light treatments on root regeneration were determined.This revealed that addition of far-red light(Fr)could significantly expedite root formation in the rootstock.Moreover,the results of transcriptome analysis revealed that plant hormone pathway and auxinrelated genes were greatly induced by Fr,especially for auxin-response proteins(including CmIAA11,CmIAA17,and CmAUX28),Small auxinup RNA genes(including CmSAUR20 and CmSAUR50)and the auxin efflux transporter(CmPIN3).In addition,the expression of Phytochrome Interacting Factor(PIFs),such as CmPIF1,CmPIF3 and CmPIF7,was remarkably increased by Fr.These genes may act together to activate auxinrelated pathways under Fr treatment.Based on the results of HPLC-MS/MS analysis,the concentrations of different auxin-types in adventitious root were significantly influenced by Fr.Furthermore,the better growth of rootstock root displayed superior vasculature transport activity of the graft union with Fr treatment,which was determined by the acid magenta dyeing experiment.Therefore,all the results suggested that Fr could induce AR formation in rootstocks,which may be associated with the auxin accumulation by regulating the transcriptional level of auxinrelated and PIF genes.The findings of this study demonstrated a practicable way to shorten the healing period of graftings and improve the quality of grafted watermelon seedlings,which will provide a theoretical basis for the speeding development of industrialized seedlings production.

Effects of Paclobutrazol Seed Priming on Seedlings Quality,Physiological and Bakanae Disease Index Characteristics of Rice(Oryza sativa L.)

Rice(Oryza sativa L.)is one of the most important cereal crops in the world.Bakanae disease is a significant rice disease widely distributed in rice-growing regions worldwide.Therefore,the present investigation aimed to assess the optimal concentrations of paclobutrazol(PBZ)as a treatment for rice grains(cv.Sakha 108)to control bakanae disease,also evaluating its impact on grain germination,seedling growth parameters as well as disease index.Paclobutrazol concentrations had no significant impact on seed germination,regardless of whether the seeds were incubated with Fusarium fujikuroi or not.Application of PBZ,either alone or in combination with fungal pathogens,negatively impacted the rice seedlings’height.Paclobutrazol at 25,50 and 100 mg/L,combined with the fungal pathogen positively impacted root length.Paclobutrazol at 3 and 6 mg/L mitigated the adverse impact on chlorophyll pigments content in infected seedlings.The highest proline contents were achieved by 100 mg/L PBZ alone or in combination with fungal pathogens.It has been observed that the application of PBZ,either alone or in combination with a fungal pathogen,leads to the enhancement of catalase,peroxidase,and polyphenol oxidase activities.The median lethal concentration of PBZ was 0.874 mg/L;applying low concentrations of paclobutrazol effectively increased the percentage of fungal growth suppression.Application of PBZ,at higher concentrations(50 and 100 mg/L),decreased infection percentage and disease severity index(DSI)significantly.These findings suggest that PBZ can be an effective treatment for controlling bakanae disease and enhancing resistance in rice plants.

Current opinion on the regulation of small intestinal magnesium absorption

Magnesium(Mg^(2+))has an important role in numerous biological functions,and Mg^(2+)deficiency is associated with several diseases.Therefore,adequate intestinal absorption of Mg^(2+)is vital for health.The small intestine was previously thought to absorb digested Mg^(2+)exclusively through an unregulated paracellular mechanism,which is responsible for approximately 90%of total Mg^(2+)absorption.Recent studies,however,have revealed that the duodenum,jejunum,and ileum absorb Mg^(2+)through both transcellular and paracellular routes.Several regulatory factors of small intestinal Mg^(2+)uptake also have been explored,e.g.,parathyroid hormone,fibroblast growth factor-23,apical acidity,proton pump inhibitor,and pH-sensing channel and receptors.The mechanistic factors underlying proton pump inhibitor suppression of small intestinal Mg^(2+),such as magnesiotropic protein dysfunction,higher mucosal bicarbonate secretion,Paneth cell dysfunction,and intestinal inflammation,are currently being explored.The potential role of small intestinal microbiomes in Mg^(2+)absorption has also been proposed.In this article,we reviewed the current knowledge on the mechanisms and regulatory factors of small intestinal Mg^(2+)absorption.

Olfactory dysfunction as a common biomarker for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders

The sense of smell supports the identification and the safety of food,warns of danger/predators,and plays a key role in mating(Croy and Hummel,2017;Kondo et al.,2020;Tzeng et al.,2021).Via connection to the limbic system,it supports behavioral adaption and emotions and can detect fear,tears,and happiness in the body odor of others(Croy and Hummel,2017;Tzeng et al.,2021).

Heart Rate Variability as an Indicator of Stress in Students’ Athletes

Introduction: The wellbeing of student’s athletes has a paramount importance, a prolonged period of cognitive and physical performance that characterizes the life of student’s athletes often leads to fatigue, and a psychobiological state that increases the risk of injury and accidents. The use of Heart rate variability (HRV) has become increasingly popular as a non-invasive methodology that provides an indirect insight into the autonomic nervous system. HRV can be utilized as a diagnostic tool in detection of autonomic nervous system impairment and sympatho-vagal imbalance. HRV technology is employed to monitor the internal response of athletes to workload and identify athletes’s psychophysical stress to predict and therefore prevent injuries. Objective: The objective of the investigation is to establish whether the use of Polar H10 sensor heart rate monitors worn by athletes in a sitting position (inclination 60 degrees) during periods characterized by stress can provide a valid and non-invasive method to assess the psychophysiological state during sports competition and school exams. Method and Statistics: In the study, the HRV of 12 basketball students athletes and 4 students non-athletes was analyzed as a control group. The autonomic nervous system activity was assessed based on heart variability parameters (HRV): SDNN, rMSSD, LF, HF, and LF/HF. The measurements were made after establishing the baseline at rest, during the training phase (CT), competition phase (CC) and during the acute phase of stressors due to school exams coinciding with the competitive season (CC + E). Results: Compared to the respective values prior to the stress of the competitions and exams, a significant decrease in HRV indices was found: SDNN (P Conclusions: The analysis and examination of the data on the sample of the student population also showed a statistically significant correlation between decreased cardiac variability and injuries or indisposition to physical exertion.

Therapeutic Approaches to Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome

Background: Breast cancer is increasingly common in society and post-mastectomy pain is a striking condition associated with surgery, both intra and postoperatively. The post-mastectomy syndrome is characterized by the persistence of pain for more than 3 months after the procedure. It is mostly of neuropathic origin and is highly refractory to treatments, which vary from clinical to surgical measures and alternative techniques. In this context, it is essential to understand the possible approaches to these patients. Objective: Understand alternatives for pain management in patients undergoing mastectomy, especially in those in whom pain persists for more than 3 months. Methods: Systematic literature review, conducted in the Virtual Health Library databases includes: Lilacs, SciELO, Medline, PubMed and Cochrane between 2018 and 2023, restricted to articles in English with the descriptors: Mastectomy, chronic Pain, Nerve Blocks and Breast Cancer. 317 articles were found involving the descriptors presented, all in English. After reading the abstracts, 28 articles were selected. Results: This review analyzed 28 scientific studies that rigorously met the previously established characteristics in the sample selection. The synthesis included the following aspects: author/year of publication, article title, objective, type of study and database. Conclusion: It was concluded that, according to the analyzed studies, post-mastectomy pain is a problem that has increased its incidence and that needs the attention of health professionals. The use of antineuropathic medications, nerve blocks, fat grafting, lymph node transplantation, therapy, physical activity and acupuncture are some examples of therapeutic approaches for these women. Therefore, the team must assist the patients, seeking to provide a better prognosis, quality of life and comfort.

Primed Expression of Defense-Related Genes by Streptomyces cameroonensis-Based Bioformulation (SCaB) on Cocoa Seedlings in a Nursery Challenged with Phytophthora megakarya

A Streptomyces cameroonensis based bioformulation (SCaB) has been developed and shown to be stable and effective in controlling the early proliferation of P. megakarya and promoting the growth of cocoa seedlings in nursery. This study was carried out to explore the molecular mechanisms associated with the interaction of SCaB, cocoa seedlings, and the pathogen during the early stages of seedling growth in the nursery. For this purpose, seedling treatment with 10% W/W SCaB under greenhouse conditions evaluated SCaB’s capacity to stimulate the defense mechanisms in cocoa. Agronomic growth parameters and the level of induction of defense-associated compounds were analyzed. Real-time (rt) PCR was used to assess the level of expression of defense genes. Here, we showed that the application of SCaB as a seedling treatment enhanced the growth of cocoa seedlings in the nursery by an average of 15.6% after 30 days of growth and led to an average reduction in disease severity of 64% when challenged with P. megakarya. The latter led to an increased synthesis of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, chitinases, peroxidases, and β-1,3-glucanases and an induced up-regulation of TcChiB, TcGlu-1, TcPer-1, and TcMYBPA genes. This research provides a basis for the optimization of beneficial microorganisms as a viable alternative to chemical fungicides used in disease suppression.

Progeny selections of coffee cultivar'Mundo Novo'with potential for the specialty coffee market

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world with a global market worth over$USD 100 billion.In Brazil,the Arabica coffee(Coffea arabica)cultivar'Mundo Novo'is one of the most planted cultivars due to its high yield,growth vigor and stability.However,this traditional cultivar is generally not considered a good production source for specialty coffee.Exploring intra-cultivar variation and selecting'Mundo Novo'progenies with superior sensory quality may provide a viable option for coffee producers targeting the rapidly expanding specialty coffee market.The present study analyzed cup quality attributes,agronomic characteristics and genetic identities of 14 genotypes selected from the putative progenies of'Mundo Novo'and assessed their potential as specialty coffee in Brazil.Beverage quality was assessed using chemical and sensory analysis according to the methodology proposed by the Specialty Coffee Association(SCA)in six selected genotypes.High sensory quality,with sensory scores above 80 points was observed which qualified them in the very good and excellent quality categories.Genetic identities of the 14 selections were verified using 96 SNP markers,based on 57 reference cultivars from the coffee collection of EPAMIG(Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais),Brazil.Multivariant and Bayesian clustering analysis generated consistent results and confirmed that all the 14 selections were progenies of'Mundo Novo'.Among them,the top three genotypes(SGAB 1,SGAB 7 and SGAB 8)were selected as promising genotypes,either for future genetic improvement or for direct use in the production of specialty coffee.

三裂叶野葛毛状根的诱导及其固体培养和液体培养

发根农杆菌 (Agrobacteriumrhizogenes)ATCC15 834感染三裂叶野葛 (Puerariaphaseoloides)叶片外植体 2 0d后产生毛状根 ,毛状根可直接从叶片外植体叶脉处或从叶脉处产生的愈伤组织上产生。感染 35d后 ,约 85 %的叶片外植体产生毛状根。毛状根能在无外源生长调节剂的MS固体和液体培养基上自主生长。PCR扩增结果表明 ,发根农杆菌Ri质粒的rolB和rolC基因已在三裂叶野葛毛状根基因组中整合并得到表达。与固体培养的毛状根相比 ,在液体培养基中培养的毛状根不仅生长迅速 ,也不会形成愈伤组织。在无外源生长调节剂的液体MS培养基中培养 15d的三裂叶野葛毛状根的鲜重、干重、可溶性总糖含量及细胞内活性氧 (ROS)含量分别为固体培养毛状根的1.5 9倍、1.18倍、5 .2 5倍和 1.16倍。

三裂叶野葛毛状根的培养及其葛根素的产生

发根农杆菌ATCC15834感染三裂叶野葛叶片外植体20天后,从其切口叶脉处产生的愈伤组织上产生毛状根。感染35天后约85%的叶片外植体产生毛状根。毛状根能在无外源生长调节剂的MS固体和液体培养基上自主生长,但在液体培养基中培养的毛状根生长更迅速,也不会形成愈伤组织。毛状根线粒体膜电势的荧光染色结果表明,液体培养的毛状根细胞线粒体的膜电势比固体培养的毛状根高11.8倍。PCR结果证实,发根农杆菌Ri质粒的rolB和rolC基因已在三裂叶野葛毛状根基因组中整合并得到表达。HPLC测定结果表明,三裂叶野葛毛状根中的葛根素含量约为对照根(种子萌发产生的幼苗根)的2.5倍,达1.190 mg/g.dry.wt;并比多年生葛根生药片的葛根素含量高6.7%。

早期胚胎心肌细胞兴奋收缩耦联模式

目的研究胚胎心肌细胞兴奋收缩耦联的机理;方法使用膜片钳与钙离子浓度分析系统测量酶消化法得到的小鼠胚胎心肌细胞的膜电位与细胞内钙离子浓度;结果细胚胎心肌细胞存在两种兴奋收缩耦联模式,一种与正常成熟心肌细胞的兴奋收缩耦联模式类似,与细胞膜上的钠通道、L-钙离子通道相关;另一种由细胞内钙振荡诱发,这种钙振荡通过细胞膜上的钠钙交换蛋白引起了细胞膜电位的小幅度变化,该模式是一种更基本的兴奋收缩模式。近似熵分析表明,与后一种模式相比较,前一种模式的规律性更强。结论胚胎心肌细胞存在两种兴奋收缩耦联模式。

Insulin and leptin enhance human sperm motility, acrosome reaction and nitric oxide production

Aim： To investigate the in vitro effects of insulin and leptin on human sperm motility, viability, acrosome reaction and nitric oxide （NO） production. Methods： Washed human spermatozoa from normozoospermic donors were treated with insulin （10 μIU） and leptin （10 nmol）. Insulin and leptin effects were blocked by inhibition of their intracellular effector, phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）, by wortmannin （10 μmol） 30 min prior to insulin and leptin being given. Computer-assisted semen analysis was used to assess motility after 1, 2 and 3 h of incubation. Viability was assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting using propidium iodide as a fluorescent probe. Acrosome-reacted cells were observed under a fluorescent microscope using fluorescein-isothiocyanate-Pisum sativum agglutinin as a probe. NO was measured after treating the sperm with 4,5-diaminofluorescein-2/diacetate （DAF-2/DA） and analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Results： Insulin and leptin significantly increased total motility, progressive motility and acrosome reaction, as well as NO production. Conclusion： This study showed the in vitro beneficial effects of insulin and leptin on human sperm function. These hormones could play a role in enhancing the fertilization capacity of human spermatozoa.