The NRF2 pathway is a metabolic- and redox-sensitive signaling axis in which the transcription factor controls the expression of a multitude of genes that enable cells to survive environmental stressors, such as oxidative stress, mainly by inducing the expression of cytoprotective genes. Basal NRF2 levels are maintained under normal physiological conditions, but when exposed to oxidative stress, cells activate the NRF2 pathway, which is crucial for supporting cell survival. Recently, the NRF2 pathway has been found to have novel functions in metabolic regulation and interplay with other signaling pathways, offering novel insights into the treatment of various diseases. Numerous studies have shown that targeting its pathway can effectively investigate the development and progression of age-related musculoskeletal diseases, such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and intervertebral disc degeneration. Appropriate regulation of the NRF2 pathway flux holds promise as a means to improve musculoskeletal function, thereby providing a new avenue for drug treatment of age-related musculoskeletal diseases in clinical settings. The review summarized an overview of the relationship between NRF2 and cellular processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis, and autophagy, and explores the potential of targeted NRF2 regulation in the treatment of age-related musculoskeletal diseases.
Mirela Džehverović, Amela Pilav, Belma Jusić
et al.
Numerous archaeological sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina represent a historical heritage and testify to the rich cultural, social, and political life of medieval Bosnia. Bobovac, the capital of the Bosnian Kingdom after King Tvrtko I's coronation in 1377, featured a royal complex with a palace, church, and fortification. Recent molecular-genetic research on skeletal remains from Bobovac aims to uncover medieval ancestors' customs and genetic origins. Fifteen well-preserved teeth samples from Bobovac were processed. STR amplification employed PowerPlex® Fusion and Investigator® 24plex QS Kits, with Y-STR profiles generated using the PowerPlex® Y23 System. Fourteen partial autosomal STR profiles were obtained, enabling sex determination and kinship analysis. STR amplification success varied due to ancient DNA degradation, with larger loci showing lower amplification rates. Kinship analysis confirmed appropriate marker selection, demonstrating high reliability for determining close relationships. Integrating aDNA analysis with archaeological research enhances our understanding of historical populations, connecting archaeology and forensic genetics to contribute to the broader narrative of human history.
Liza R. Moscovice, Birgit Sobczak, Taru Niittynen
et al.
Although best known for its established role in mediating parturition and lactation, the highly-conserved neuropeptide hormone oxytocin also mediates a range of social and stress-buffering processes across mammalian species. Measurements of peripheral oxytocin in plasma have long been considered the gold standard, but there is increasing interest in developing methods to detect oxytocin non-invasively in saliva. Here we present an analytical and biological validation of a novel method to measure salivary oxytocin (sOXT) in an under-studied research group: farm animals. Given their similarities with humans in physiology and brain, methods that can identify valued social contexts and social relationships for farm animals and investigate their function have implications for clinical research as well as for animal welfare science. However, current methods to measure sOXT vary greatly in terms of sample collection, pre-measurement processing and measurement and more rigorous standardization and validation of methods is critical to determine the utility of sOXT as a biomarker of salient social events and related emotions. We optimized a method for extracting sOXT in pigs and horses and measured sOXT in extracted samples using a commercially available enzyme-immunoassay. Extracted samples were within acceptable ranges for precision (CVs < 15.2%), parallelism and recovery (94%–99%) in both species. Salivary oxytocin increased in samples collected during birth in pigs (Friedmans, p = 0.02) and horses (Wilcoxon, p = 0.02). Salivary oxytocin tended to decrease in sows after a 90-min separation from their piglets (Wilcoxon, p = 0.08). We conclude that sOXT can be reliably linked to physiological events that are mediated by the oxytocinergic system in farm animals, but that more research is needed to determine whether sOXT is a reliable trait marker for more general oxytocin system activation in response to salient social events. Future research should characterize how individual attributes and salivary parameters influence sOXT measurement and should emphasize reporting of analytical and biological validations to increase acceptance of non-invasive methods.
Carlos Rodriguez-Navarro, Kerstin Elert, Aurelia Ibañez-Velasco
et al.
Abstract Crystallization of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) leads to painful gouty arthritis. Despite extensive research it is still unknown how this pathological biomineralization occurs, which hampers its prevention. Here we show how inflammatory MSU crystals form after a non-inflammatory amorphous precursor (AMSU) that nucleates heterogeneously on collagen fibrils from damaged articular cartilage of gout patients. This non-classical crystallization route imprints a nanogranular structure to biogenic acicular MSU crystals, which have smaller unit cell volume, lower microstrain, and higher crystallinity than synthetic MSU. These distinctive biosignatures are consistent with the template-promoted crystallization of biotic MSU crystals after AMSU at low supersaturation, and their slow growth over long periods of time (possibly years) in hyperuricemic gout patients. Our results help to better understand gout pathophysiology, underline the role of cartilage damage in promoting MSU crystallization, and suggest that there is a time-window to treat potential gouty patients before a critical amount of MSU has slowly formed as to trigger a gout flare.
Atefeh Ansarin, Dariush Shanehbandi, Habib Zarredar
et al.
Introduction: Given the well-established association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity, this study elucidates the influences of sleep duration and weight on MetS risk and explores the potential role of miRNAs as underlying mechanisms. Methods: According to sleep logs and biochemistry tests, this study investigated the association between MetS and its components, sleep duration, and weight in four subgroups: A: normal sleepers with normal weight (N = 145), B: normal sleepers with obesity (N = 140), C: short sleepers with normal weight (N = 130), and D: short sleepers with obesity (N = 142). Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis. Furthermore, following total RNA isolation by TRIzol from blood samples, cDNA was synthesized using stem-loop technique. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was then employed to evaluate the expression levels of miR-33a, miR-378a, miR-132-3p, and miR-181d. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Our findings revealed the strongest association between MetS prevalence and individuals in group D (short sleepers with obesity; Cramer's V = 0.649, P < 0.001). This observation underscores the synergistic effect of short sleep and obesity on MetS risk. Furthermore, there was an independent association between short sleep duration and elevated triglyceride levels (P < 0.05). MicroRNA expression analysis revealed downregulation of miR-33a and miR-181d in B, C, and D groups compared to the normal group. Conversely, miR-132-3p expression was upregulated in the B, C, and D groups. Conclusion: Short sleep and obesity synergistically elevate MetS risk, potentially via miR-33a and miR-181d downregulation and miR-132-3p upregulation, impacting triglyceride metabolism.
Mario Galindo-Méndez, Humberto Navarrete-Salazar, Reinaldo Pacheco-Vásquez
et al.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance <i>mcr</i>-1 to <i>mcr</i>-5 genes among colistin and multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli strains isolated from patients in a tertiary hospital in Toluca, Mexico. The presence of <i>mcr</i> genes among the 241 strains collected was assessed by PCR. In the case of <i>mcr</i>-carrying <i>E. coli</i>, further PCR tests were performed to determine the presence of <i>bla</i><sub>CTX-M</sub> and whether the strains belonged to the O25b-ST131 clone. Conjugation experiments were also carried out to assess the horizontal transmission of colistin resistance. A total of twelve strains (5.0%), of which four were <i>E. coli</i>; four were <i>P. aeruginosa</i>; three were <i>K. pneumoniae,</i> and one <i>E. cloacae</i>, were found to be resistant to colistin. Of these strains, two <i>E. coli</i> isolates were found to carry <i>mcr</i>-1, and Southern blot hybridization demonstrated its presence on an approximately 60 kb plasmid. Both <i>mcr</i>-1-carrying <i>E. coli</i> strains were found to co-express <i>bla</i><sub>CTX-M</sub>, belong to the O25b-ST131 clone, and horizontally transmit their colistin resistance. The results of this study confirm the presence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance in hospitalized patients in Mexico and demonstrated that the multi-drug-resistant O25b-ST131 <i>E. coli</i> clone can acquire <i>mcr</i> genes and transmit such resistance traits to other bacteria.
This study measured the time it took to select a target moving along a circular trajectory with a computer mouse. The time was changed according to the speed of the target, the width of target and the distance from the starting point to the target. However, the effect of these independent variables on the dependent variable was different from what was expected. In the previous studies, it was assumed that the faster the moving target speed, the longer the target selection time, because increased target speed had the effect of narrowing the effective target width. However, as a result of the experiment, the target selection time was rather shortened when the moving speed of the target was increased. This may be because the subjects intend to speed up target selection while decreasing the accuracy of target selection in order to adapt to a fast-moving target. The modified Fitts’ model for the moving target selection time proposed in a previous study did not take these user responses into account. A more modified model is required to more accurately describe the selection time of moving target.
James A. Cain, Bertille Montibus, Rebecca J. Oakey
The mammalian genome is depleted in CG dinucleotides, except at protected regions where they cluster as CpG islands (CGIs). CGIs are gene regulatory hubs and serve as transcription initiation sites and are as expected, associated with gene promoters. Advances in genomic annotations demonstrate that a quarter of CGIs are found within genes. Such intragenic regions are repressive environments, so it is surprising that CGIs reside here and even more surprising that some resist repression and are transcriptionally active within a gene. Hence, intragenic CGI positioning within genes is not arbitrary and is instead, selected for. As a wealth of recent studies demonstrate, intragenic CGIs are embedded within genes and consequently, influence ‘host’ gene mRNA isoform length and expand transcriptome diversity.
Abstract Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.
Jan T. Benthien, Martin Riegler, Nick Engehausen
et al.
Replacing greenhouse gas-intensive building materials with wood products from sustainable forestry contributes to the implementation of current climate conventions such as the Paris Agreement. Hardwood products, such as laminated veneer lumber made of beech (e.g., BauBuche), are an alternative to conventional building materials. For the application of wood products in the construction sector, a precise knowledge of the mechanical and physical properties is essential. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the sorption behavior and associated dimensional changes of the product BauBuche. This was done by applying a manual testing procedure (climatic chamber, balance and caliper) as well as a dynamic vapor sorption analyzer equipped with a camera. During initial moistening after production, due to the irreversible spring back (approximately 2 mm at 50 mm; i.e., 4%), Baubuche shows an extremely strong swelling in the radial direction. Once the maximum spring back is reached, Baubuche shows sorption behavior in the radial and tangential direction, which is comparable to that of solid beech wood in the radial direction. Consequently, the dimensional changes caused by moisture changes must be taken into account in the dimensioning of Baubuche components in order to avoid damage to building structures.
Chemicals: Manufacture, use, etc., Textile bleaching, dyeing, printing, etc.
Clare I. M. Adams, Luke A. Hoekstra, Morgan R. Muell
et al.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an increasingly used non-invasive molecular tool for detecting species presence and monitoring populations. In this article, we review the current state of non-avian reptile eDNA work in aquatic systems, and present a field experiment on detecting the presence of painted turtle (<i>Chrysemys picta</i>) eDNA. Thus far, turtle and snake eDNA studies have shown mixed results in detecting the presence of these animals under field conditions. However, some instances of low detection rates and non-detection occur for these non-avian reptiles, especially for squamates. We explored non-avian reptile eDNA quantification by sampling four lentic ponds with different densities (0 kg/ha, 6 kg/ha, 9 kg/ha, and 13 kg/ha) of painted turtles over three months to detect differences in eDNA using a qPCR assay amplifying the <i>COI</i> gene of the mtDNA genome. Only one sample of the highest-density pond amplified eDNA for a positive detection. Yet, estimates of eDNA concentration from pond eDNA were rank-order correlated with turtle density. We present the “shedding hypothesis„—the possibility that animals with hard, keratinized integument do not shed as much DNA as mucus-covered organisms—as a potential challenge for eDNA studies. Despite challenges with eDNA inhibition and availability in water samples, we remain hopeful that eDNA can be used to detect freshwater turtles in the field. We provide key recommendations for biologists wishing to use eDNA methods for detecting non-avian reptiles.
Stephen M. Olson, Eric H. Simonne, William M. Stall
et al.
This document is HS732, Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Published November 2006.
HS732/CV130: Chapter 13. Pepper Production (ufl.edu)
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Liliana Prada Lara, Yenny Correa-Carmona, Alejandra Clavijo Giraldo
et al.
We present an annotated checklist of the species of Bombycidae, Saturniidae and Sphingidae collected in the Utría National Natural Park, Chocó, Colombia. We used mercury light trap for 31 days in four different habitats. We found 35 species: 19 Saturniidae, 15 Sphingidae and 1 Bombycidae. Eighteen species are recorded for the first time in the department of Chocó. These include the Chocó endemic Syssphinx chocoensis, the first specimen of Manduca dalica dalica, in a Colombian collection, and the fifth instar of Isognathus scyron. Our results agree with the lunar phobia hypothesis. This work is the first approach to the diversity of these families in the Utría National Park.
In this study six different Trichoderma species were isolated form rhizosphere soils of paddy, banana, oil palm, rubber, vegetables and grass land soils. The species are T. harziaum, T. viride, T. koningii, T. asperrelum, and T. parareesei. The morphological study as pigmentation, colony growth and anatomical studies such as, conidiation appearances, size of conidia, conidiophores branching pattern, shapes of phialides, absent or present of chlamydiophores were carried out to identify the species of Trichoderma. The Trchoderma harzianum species were abundant in soil while T. viren was the second highest in the soil. All species showed the antagonistic activity against Fusarium oxysporum. While, T. parareesei showed the highest antagonistic 91.10 % activity against F. oxysporum, reported as best antagonism agent for phytopathogen.
Hazimah Haji Mohd Din, Nor Basirah Bakiri, Rahayu Sukmaria Sukri
et al.
Dryobalanops rappa Becc. and Shorea albida Sym. are Bornean endemics of high conservation value and increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. In-situ study of seedling abundance and growth performance of these Dipterocarp species was conducted in two selected peat swamp forests of Brunei Darussalam, following a mast fruiting event in March–May 2014. Within six 6 x 6 m plots at each forest site, D. rappa seedlings at the Anduki peat swamp forest and S. albida seedlings at the Badas peat swamp forest were measured for abundance at the initial census in September 2014, as well as survival and relative growth rates (RGR) after a period of 5 months, with the final census in February 2015. We found significantly higher seedling abundance for D. rappa (1885 ± 208) than S. albida (160 ± 71). Significantly higher percentage survival was recorded for D. rappa seedlings (90.8 ± 2.2%) in comparison to S. albida seedlings (81.7 ± 2.2%). S. albida seedlings (0.24 ± 0.02 mm mm-1 month-1) showed significantly greater RGR in stem diameter than D. rappa seedlings (0.18 ± 0.02 mm mm-1 month-1), however, there were no significant differences in the RGRs based on seedling height, leaf number and biomass between D. rappa and S. albida seedlings. In terms of seedling abundance and percentage survival, D. rappa seedlings appeared to be more successful in regeneration and may potentially be used for rehabilitation of degraded tropical peat swamps and other forest types. Our results suggested that greater conservation efforts of peat swamps must be made to protect the Bornean endemic plant species, in particular S. albida.
Elijah K. Lowe, Anders L. Garm, Esther Ullrich-Lüter
et al.
Abstract Background Opsins are G protein-coupled receptors used for both visual and non-visual photoreception, and these proteins evolutionarily date back to the base of the bilaterians. In the current sequencing age, phylogenomic analysis has proven to be a powerful tool, facilitating the increase in knowledge about diversity within the opsin subclasses and, so far, at least nine types of opsins have been identified. Within echinoderms, opsins have been studied in Echinoidea and Ophiuroidea, which do not possess proper image forming eyes, but rather widely dispersed dermal photoreceptors. However, most species of Asteroidea, the starfish, possess true eyes and studying them will shed light on the diversity of opsin usage within echinoderms and help resolve the evolutionary history of opsins. Results Using high-throughput RNA sequencing, we have sequenced and analyzed the transcriptomes of different Acanthaster planci tissue samples: eyes, radial nerve, tube feet and a mixture of tissues from other organs. At least ten opsins were identified, and eight of them were found significantly differentially expressed in both eyes and radial nerve, with R-opsin being the most highly expressed in the eye. Conclusion This study provides new important insight into the involvement of opsins in visual and nonvisual photoreception. Of relevance, we found the first indication of an r-opsin photopigment expressed in a well-developed visual eye in a deuterostome animal. Additionally, we provided tissue specific A. planci transcriptomes that will aid in future Evo Devo studies.
BackgroundExperiments in silico using stochastic reaction-diffusion models have emerged as an important tool in molecular systems biology. Designing computational software for such applications poses several challenges. Firstly, realistic lattice-based modeling for biological applications requires a consistent way of handling complex geometries, including curved inner- and outer boundaries. Secondly, spatiotemporal stochastic simulations are computationally expensive due to the fast time scales of individual reaction- and diffusion events when compared to the biological phenomena of actual interest. We therefore argue that simulation software needs to be both computationally efficient, employing sophisticated algorithms, yet in the same time flexible in order to meet present and future needs of increasingly complex biological modeling.ResultsWe have developed URDME, a flexible software framework for general stochastic reaction-transport modeling and simulation. URDME uses U nstructured triangular and tetrahedral meshes to resolve general geometries, and relies on the R eaction-D iffusion M aster E quation formalism to model the processes under study. An interface to a mature geometry and mesh handling external software (Comsol Multiphysics) provides for a stable and interactive environment for model construction. The core simulation routines are logically separated from the model building interface and written in a low-level language for computational efficiency. The connection to the geometry handling software is realized via a Matlab interface which facilitates script computing, data management, and post-processing. For practitioners, the software therefore behaves much as an interactive Matlab toolbox. At the same time, it is possible to modify and extend URDME with newly developed simulation routines. Since the overall design effectively hides the complexity of managing the geometry and meshes, this means that newly developed methods may be tested in a realistic setting already at an early stage of development.ConclusionsIn this paper we demonstrate, in a series of examples with high relevance to the molecular systems biology community, that the proposed software framework is a useful tool for both practitioners and developers of spatial stochastic simulation algorithms. Through the combined efforts of algorithm development and improved modeling accuracy, increasingly complex biological models become feasible to study through computational methods. URDME is freely available at http://www.urdme.org.