Alpha Beta Research Articles

Diversity and host interaction of the gut microbiota in specific pathogen-free pigs.

Pigs are widely used as animal models in various studies related to humans. The interaction between the gut microbiota and the host has significant effects on the host's health and disease status. However, although there have been many studies investigating the pig gut microbiota, the findings have been inconsistent due to variations in rearing conditions. Interactions between the gut microbiota and host have not been fully explored in pigs. Specific pathogen-free (SPF) pigs are ideal non-primate large animals to study the interactions between the gut microbiota and the host. In this study, we performed high-throughput sequencing analysis of the gut microbiota and the gut tissue transcriptome of six SPF pigs to provide a systematic understanding of the composition, function, and spatial distribution of gut microbiota in SPF pigs. We identified significant differences in microbial diversity and functionality among different gastrointestinal tract sites. Metagenomics data analysis revealed significant differences in alpha diversity and beta diversity of microbiota in different gastrointestinal sites of SPF pigs. Additionally, transcriptomic data indicated significant differences in gene expression as well as KEGG and GO functional enrichment between the small intestine and large intestine. Furthermore, by combining microbial metagenomics and host transcriptomics analyses, specific correlations were found between gut microbiota and host genes. These included a negative correlation between the TCN1 gene and Prevotella dentalis, possibly related to bacterial metabolic pathways involving vitamin B12, and a positive correlation between the BDH1 gene and Roseburia hominis, possibly because both are involved in fatty acid metabolism. These findings lay the groundwork for further exploration of the co-evolution between the microbiota and the host, specifically in relation to nutrition, metabolism, and immunity. In conclusion, we have elucidated the diversity of the gut microbiota in SPF pigs and conducted a detailed investigation into the interactions between the gut microbiota and host gene expression. These results contribute to our understanding of the intricate dynamics between the gut microbiota and the host, offering important references for advancements in life science research, bioproduct production, and sustainable development in animal husbandry.

Bacterial dysbiosis in newly diagnosed treatment naïve pediatric ulcerative colitis in Saudi Arabia.

The role of microbiota in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been increasingly recognized. However, most of the reports are from Western populations. In Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, little is known about the role of microbiota. Therefore, our aim was to describe the bacterial microbiota profile and signature in pediatric UC in Saudi Arabia. Twenty children with UC and 20 healthy controls enrolled in the study gave stool samples. Twenty rectal mucosal samples were taken from UC and 20 from non-UC controls. Inclusion criteria included newly diagnosed and untreated children and lack of antibiotic exposure for at least 6 months before stool collection was required for children with UC and controls. Bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted and sequenced using shotgun metagenomic analysis. Statistical analysis included Shannon alpha diversity metrics, Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, DESeq2, and biomarker discovery. The demographic characteristics were similar in children with UC and controls. There was a significant reduction in alpha diversity (P = 0.037) and beta diversity in samples from children with UC (P = 0.001). Many taxa were identified with log2 abundance analysis, revealing 110 and 102 species significantly depleted and enriched in UC, respectively. Eleven bacterial species' signatures were identified. In Saudi Arabian children with UC, we demonstrate a dysbiosis similar to reports from Western populations, possibly related to changes of lifestyle. Microbial signature discovery in this report is an important contribution to research, leading to the development of adjunctive non-invasive diagnostic options in unusual cases of UC.

Degree of multilingual engagement modulates resting state oscillatory activity across the lifespan

Multilingualism has been demonstrated to lead to a more favorable trajectory of neurocognitive aging, yet our understanding of its effect on neurocognition across the lifespan remains limited. We collected resting state EEG recordings from a sample of multilingual individuals across a wide age range. Additionally, we obtained data on participant multilingual language use patterns alongside other known lifestyle enrichment factors. Language experience was operationalized via a modified multilingual diversity (MLD) score. Generalized additive modeling was employed to examine the effects and interactions of age and MLD on resting state oscillatory power and coherence. The data suggest an independent modulatory effect of individualized multilingual engagement on age-related differences in whole brain resting state power across alpha and theta bands, and an interaction between age and MLD on resting state coherence in alpha, theta, and low beta. These results provide evidence of multilingual engagement as an independent correlational factor related to differences in resting state EEG power, consistent with the claim that multilingualism can serve as a protective factor in neurocognitive aging.

PSVI-14 Changes in zinc oxide concentration in feed and effects of probiotic addition to weaning to finishing pig diet by microbiome analysis

Abstract To analyze the implications of dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) with probiotic administration on productivity, fecal index, meat quality characteristics, odorous substances, and microbiome analysis in weaning-finishing pigs, 200 weaned piglets (3 barrows and 2 gilts) were radomly assigned (average body weight = 6.65 ± 0.66 kg) into four treatments with ten repetitions per treatment. The treatments consisted of varying ZnO content (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm) and probiotic percentages (0.1% or 0.3%), as follows: TRT1 (75 ppm ZnO), TRT2 (75 ppm ZnO with 0.3% or 0.1% probiotic), TRT3 (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm ZnO), and TRT4 (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm ZnO with 0.3% or 0.1% probiotic). In comparison with the TRT1 treatment group, the TRT2 and TRT4 treatment groups had greater (P < 0.05) body weight at wk 12, 18, and 22 of the trial and greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain at wk 12, 18, 22, and the overall period (P < 0.05). Additionally, pigs fed ZnO with the probiotic included a diet that reduced (P < 0.05) NH3 and H2S at wk 18 and 22, and CO2 at wk 22, in the TRT2 and TRT4 groups compared with the TRT1 group. However, the fecal score and meat quality exhibited no substantial change (P > 0.05). By incorporating probiotics into the pig diet along with ZnO supplementation, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in alpha diversity and beta diversity, as well as a higher relative abundance of phyla and genera of Firmicutes was found. Furthermore, based on taxonomic analysis, the dietary treatment group (TRT 4) showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in beneficial bacteria (Prevotella, Lactobacillus) while simultaneously reducing (P < 0.05) pathogenic bacteria (Clostridium_sunsu_strico_1, Campylobacteria, Olsenella) compared with the TRT1 treatment group. An improvement in diversity and expansion of the identified taxonomic groups has been associated with healthier gut health. The results indicated that the effects of ZnO with probiotics on the improvement of performance and reduced gas emissions in pigs may be associated with the modulatory effect on the gut microbiome. In conclusion, the current study provides insights into using decreased ZnO with probiotic inclusion as a novel feeding strategy to improve pig gut health and overall performance.

Total dose, fraction dose and respiratory motion management impact adrenal SBRT outcome

Purpose/Objective(s)Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective treatment for oligometastatic disease in multiple sites. However, the optimal radiation dose for long-term local control of adrenal metastases has yet to be determined. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes of adrenal SBRT and to evaluate factors that correlate with local control. Materials/MethodsAfter IRB approval, a retrospective data review of patients treated with SBRT for adrenal metastases at a medical center in Israel between 2015 and 2021 was conducted. A biological effective dose was calculated using an alpha beta ratio of 10. Kaplan Meier and Cox regression were calculated using SPSS software to describe the hazard ratio for local control and survival. Results83 cases of adrenal SBRT were identified. The average age was 67 (range 42–92 years old). Non-small cell lung cancer was the primary site in 44 % of patients. A total of 70 % of the patients had oligometastatic disease (less than five lesions), and the rest were polymetastatic, responding to systemic therapy with oligo progression in the adrenal. The average gross tumor volume (GTV) was 42 ml. Respiratory control was applied in 88 % of cases; 49.3 % used 4-D/ITV, and 38.5 % used breath-hold or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with free breathing. On multivariable analysis, Dose above 75 Gy (biological effective Dose) (HR = 0.41, p = 0.031), Dose above 8 Gy per fraction (HR = 0.53p = 0.038), and breath-holds or CPAP (HR = 0.65, p = 0.047) were significant for local control. From multivariable analysis, we computed a predicted nomogram curve using seven clinical parameters to evaluate local control odds. ConclusionIn this single institution series reported to date, we found unilateral adrenal SBRT safe, yet bilateral treatment harbors a risk of adrenal insufficiency. Biological effective Dose > 75 Gy (BED), motion management with breath-hold or CPAP, and Dose per fraction > 8 Gy were the enhanced local controls. We propose a nomogram to help in decision-making regarding total Dose and Dose per fraction when treating adrenal SBRT.

Examining the Radiological Health Risks Associated with Water Sourced from the Ogwashi-Uku Earth Dam in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria

Given the increased human activities and population growth in Ogwashi-Uku, there is a possibility of potential contamination of the water in the dam with elevated levels of alpha and beta radiation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the radiological health risks associated with water obtained from the Ogwashi-Uku Earth dam by analyzing the concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta activity in the water. The results indicate that the measured activity concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta in the water samples are below the permissible limits of 0.1 Bq/l and 1.0 Bq/l respectively. Additionally, the average annual effective dose equivalent calculated for all the water samples is lower than the recommended dose limit of 0.1 mSv for radionuclides in water. These findings suggest that the assessed life cancer risk associated with the water consumption is low, indicating that the water from the Ogwashi-Uku Earth dam is safe for consumption.

Label-free morphometric characterization of T cells for cell and gene therapy research and development.

Abstract Identification, characterization, and minimally invasive isolation of T cells is critical for developing cellular therapies. Here we used VisionSort, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven cellular analysis and sorting platform, to characterize and isolate human T cell subsets with therapeutically relevant phenotypes, label-free. By capturing single-cell digital phenotypes, we characterized human T-cells and generated ‘ground truth’ functional profiles for 1) glycolysis level, 2) exhaustion state 3) activation or resting profiles and 4) viability. A set of machine-learning derived classifiers was generated to identify these phenotypic classes label-free. The classifiers showed area under the curve (AUC) performance ranges for detecting specific, phenotypically defined T-cell populations between 0.923 and 0.995. Using a combination of supervised and unsupervised machine learning approaches, we also show identification of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells from other CD4+ T cells based on morphology alone. When we analyzed the morphological profiles of T cell subsets by unsupervised machine learning using uniform maniform projection and approximation (UMAP), we found that both gamma delta (γδ) T cells were distinct from alpha beta (αβ) T cells and CD8+ T cells were distinct from CD4+ T cells. Here we report on the use of AI-based cytometry to characterize and isolate phenotypically defined T cell subsets label-free, with applications in basic life science and cell therapy R&D.

Distinct anal microbiome is correlated with anal cancer precursors in MSM with HIV.

Anal cancer risk is elevated in MSM with HIV (MSMWH). Anal high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection is necessary but insufficient to develop high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), the anal cancer precursor, suggesting additional factors. We sought to determine whether the microbiome of the anal canal is distinct by comparing it with the microbiome of stool. We also sought to determine whether changes in the anal microbiome are associated with HSIL among MSMWH. Cross-sectional comparison of the microbiome of the anal canal with the microbiome of stool in MSMWH and cross-sectional comparison of the anal microbiome of MSMWH with anal HSIL with the anal microbiome of MSMWH without anal HSIL. Sterile swabs were used to sample the anus of MSMWH for microbiome and HPV testing, followed by high-resolution anoscopy. Stool samples were mailed from home. 16S sequencing was used for bacterial identification. Measures of alpha diversity, beta diversity, and differential abundance analysis were used to compare samples. One hundred sixty-six anal samples and 103 matching stool samples were sequenced. Beta diversity showed clustering of stool and anal samples. Of hr-HPV-positive MSMWH, 31 had HSIL and 13 had no SIL. Comparison of the microbiome between these revealed 28 different species. The highest-fold enrichment among MSMWH/hr-HPV/HSIL included pro-inflammatory and carcinogenic Prevotella, Parasuterella, Hungatella, Sneathia, and Fusobacterium species. The anti-inflammatory Anaerostipes caccae showed the greatest reduction among MSMWH/hr-HPV/HSIL. The anal microbiome is distinct from stool. A pro-inflammatory and carcinogenic environment may be associated with anal HSIL.

Lepiota castanea mushroom growing in Turkiye does not contain phallotoxins and amatoxins

The number of poisoning cases caused by the Lepiota genus is globally increasing. This genus has more poisonous species than the Amanita genus, and many Lepiota species can cause severe toxicity and death if ingested. As recognized in the literature, L. castanea is a toxic species containing amatoxin. Although crude analytical methods have shown that L. castanea contains amatoxins, more recent and sensitive analyses suggest otherwise. Toxin concentrations can vary even among the same fungal species due to geographical and climatic differences. Therefore, this confusion can be resolved by analyzing L. castanea toxins from different geographical regions. This study aimed to demonstrate the toxin levels of L. castanea collected from forests in different regions of Turkiye (Istanbul and Kocaeli) using sensitive methods. The collected mushrooms were analyzed for alpha amanitin, beta amanitin, gamma amanitin, amanin, phallacidin, and phalloidin levels using RP-HPLC-UV and LC-ESI-MS/MS methods. L. castanea mushroom was found to be free of amatoxin and phallotoxin. Our study revealed for the first time that L. castanea mushrooms from different geographical regions of Turkiye do not contain amatoxin and phallotoxin. Supporting these findings with new studies from different parts of the world would be appropriate.

Arising 2D Perovskites for Ionizing Radiation Detection.

2D perovskites have greatly improved moisture stability owing to the large organic cations embedded in the inorganic octahedral structure, which also suppresses the ions migration and reduces the dark current. The suppression of ions migration by 2D perovskites effectively suppresses excessive device noise and baseline drift and shows excellent potential in the direct X-ray detection field. In addition, 2D perovskites have gradually emerged with many unique properties, such as anisotropy, tunable bandgap, high photoluminescence quantum yield, and wide range exciton binding energy, which continuously promote the development of 2D perovskites in ionizing radiation detection. This review aims to systematically summarize the advances and progress of 2D halide perovskite semiconductor and scintillator ionizing radiation detectors, including reported alpha (α) particle, beta (β) particle, neutron, X-ray, and gamma (γ) ray detection. The unique structural features of 2D perovskites and their advantages in X-ray detection are discussed. Development directions are also proposed to overcome the limitations of 2D halide perovskite radiation detectors.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic period on stock market return and volatility. Evidence from the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a significant event of the current century, introducing substantial transformations in economic and social activities worldwide. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between daily COVID-19 cases and Pakistan stock market (PSX) return volatility. To assess the relationship between daily COVID-19 cases and the PSX return volatility, we collected secondary data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the PSX website, specifically focusing on the PSX 100 index, spanning from March 15, 2020, to March 31, 2021. We used the GARCH family models for measuring the volatility and the COVID-19 impact on the stock market performance. Our E-GARCH findings show that there is long-term persistence in the return volatility of the stock market of Pakistan in the period of the COVID-19 timeline because ARCH alpha (ω1) and GARCH beta (ω2) are significant. Moreover, is asymmetrical effect is found in the stock market of Pakistan during the COVID-19 period due to Gamma (ѱ) being significant for PSX. Our DCC-GARCH results show that the COVID-19 active cases have a long-term spillover impact on the Pakistan stock market. Therefore, the need of strong planning and alternative platform should be needed in the distress period to promote the stock market and investor should advised to make diversified international portfolio by investing in high and low volatility stock market to save their income. This study advocated the implications for investors to invest in low volatility stock especially during the period of pandemics to protect their return on investment. Moreover, policy makers and the regulators can make effective policies to maintain financial stability during pandemics that is very important for the country's economic development.

Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Investigation of the Impact of Probiotic Consumption on Gut Microbiota Diversity and the Faecal Metabolome in Seniors.

Aging has been associated with a changed composition and function of the gut microbiota (GM). Here, we investigate the effects of the multi-strain probiotic HOWARU® Restore on GM composition and function in seniors. Ninety-eight healthy adult volunteers aged ≥75 years were enrolled in a randomised, double-blinded intervention (NCT02207140), where they received HOWARU Restore (1010 CFU) or the placebo daily for 24 weeks, with 45 volunteers from each group completing the intervention. Questionnaires monitoring the effects on gastro-intestinal discomfort and bowel movements were collected. Faecal samples for GM characterisation (qPCR, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) and metabolomics (GC-FID, 1H NMR) were collected at the baseline and after 24 weeks. In the probiotic group, self-reported gastro-intestinal discomfort in the form of flatulence was significantly decreased during the intervention. At the baseline, 151 'core species' (present in ≥95% of samples) were identified. Most core species belonged to the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families. Neither alpha diversity nor beta diversity or faecal metabolites was affected by probiotic intake. On the contrary, we observed high intra-individual GM stability, with 'individual' accounting for 72-75% of variation. In conclusion, 24 weeks of HOWARU Restore intake reduced gastro-intestinal discomfort in the form of flatulence in healthy seniors without significantly influencing GM composition or activity.

In silico analysis of intestinal microbial instability and symptomatic markers in mice during the acute phase of severe burns

BackgroundSevere burns may alter the stability of the intestinal flora and affect the patient’s recovery process. Understanding the characteristics of the gut microbiota in the acute phase of burns and their association with phenotype can help to accurately assess the progression of the disease and identify potential microbiota markers.MethodsWe established mouse models of partial thickness deep III degree burns and collected faecal samples for 16 S rRNA amplification and high throughput sequencing at two time points in the acute phase for independent bioinformatic analysis.ResultsWe analysed the sequencing results using alpha diversity, beta diversity and machine learning methods. At both time points, 4 and 6 h after burning, the Firmicutes phylum content decreased and the content of the Bacteroidetes phylum content increased, showing a significant decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared to the control group. Nine bacterial genera changed significantly during the acute phase and occupied the top six positions in the Random Forest significance ranking. Clustering results also clearly showed that there was a clear boundary between the communities of burned and control mice. Functional analyses showed that during the acute phase of burn, gut bacteria increased lipoic acid metabolism, seleno-compound metabolism, TCA cycling, and carbon fixation, while decreasing galactose metabolism and triglyceride metabolism. Based on the abundance characteristics of the six significantly different bacterial genera, both the XGboost and Random Forest models were able to discriminate between the burn and control groups with 100% accuracy, while both the Random Forest and Support Vector Machine models were able to classify samples from the 4-hour and 6-hour burn groups with 86.7% accuracy.ConclusionsOur study shows an increase in gut microbiota diversity in the acute phase of deep burn injury, rather than a decrease as is commonly believed. Severe burns result in a severe imbalance of the gut flora, with a decrease in probiotics and an increase in microorganisms that trigger inflammation and cognitive deficits, and multiple pathways of metabolism and substance synthesis are affected. Simple machine learning model testing suggests several bacterial genera as potential biomarkers of severe burn phenotypes.

Characteristics of the oral microbiota in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology that is considered to be related to environmental and genetic factors. The aim of this study was to clarify the oral microflora characteristics of pSS patients and to reveal the connection between oral bacterial composition and dental caries using a high-throughput sequencing technique. Thirty-five pSS patients and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. We collected saliva and plaque samples from pSS patients and saliva samples from healthy controls. We used 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) high-throughput sequencing targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable region to determine the composition and structure of the microbiota in the three sample sets. Finally, bioinformatics analyses, including the diversity of the microbiota, species differences, and functional prediction were performed. In the alpha diversity and beta diversity analysis, the Chao1 (P < 0.01), observed species (P < 0.01), and PD whole tree indices (P < 0.01) were significantly lower in the saliva and plaque samples of pSS patients than in the saliva samples of healthy controls, but the Shannon (P < 0.01) and Simpson indices (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the healthy controls, and their total diversity significantly differed. In the main flora composition at the genus level (top 10), we identified Prevotella and Veillonella as more enriched in the saliva of pSS patients and Fusobacterium, Actinomyces, and Leptotrichia as more enriched in the plaque of pSS patients. Predictive functional analysis showed that the oral microbiota of pSS patients was related to translation, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, and nucleotide metabolism. The oral microbial ecology of patients with pSS is dysregulated, resulting in a decrease in overall diversity. Prevotella and Veillonella may be related to pSS, while Fusobacterium, Actinomyces, and Leptotrichia may be related to dental caries in pSS patients. Key Points • This study revealed differences in the oral microbial composition of patients with pSS compared to healthy controls. • We included a plaque group of pSS patients to identify the microbiota related to pSS and dental caries. • Prevotella and Veillonella may contribute to pSS, and Fusobacterium, Actinomyces, and Leptotrichia are associated with dental caries in pSS patients.

Profiles, Distribution, and Functions of Gamma Delta T Cells in Ocular Surface Homeostasis and Diseases.

The ocular surface microenvironment, containing the cornea, conjunctiva, and lacrimal gland, constitutes the mucosal frontline of the eye and houses a myriad of immune cells. As a part of unconventional T cells, gamma delta (γδ) T cells differ in the development and functions from canonical alpha beta (αβ) T cells. They are predominantly situated in mucosal sites throughout the body, including ocular surface tissues. Recent research has elucidated that γδ T cells serve as the primary interleukin-17A (IL-17A) source in the conjunctiva. They play a pivotal role in preserving ocular surface homeostasis and exhibit both protective and pathogenic roles in ocular surface diseases. This review delves into the general profiles of γδ T cells, their distribution in ocular surface tissues, and consolidates current insights into their functions in different conditions including dry eye disease, infectious keratitis, corneal wound healing, anterior chamber-associated immune deviation, allergic conjunctival disease, and diabetic ocular surface disease. The aim is to provide a systemic perspective on γδ T cells in the ocular surface microenvironment and outline potential directions for future studies.

Estrogen receptors alpha and beta expression in different canine cancer types with an emphasis on hematopoietic malignancies.

Estrogen receptors (ERs) are located in both healthy and neoplastic tissues. The type of estrogen receptor expressed varies depending on its location, tumor type, and species. Estrogen action is mediated by binding to ER and activating the transcriptional and signaling processes that result in the control of gene expression. There are two main types of estrogen receptors: ER alpha (ERα) and ER beta (ERβ). Both receptors are functionally different, they may act antagonistically and are distributed in different tissues but their structure is similar - as they are composed of 5 different domains: A/B, C, D, E, and F. The signaling pathway and hence regulation of the gene expression by ERs is a complex and multifactorial process that involves both genomic and nongenomic actions. In the human reproductive tract, both ERα and β are present, with predominant expression of ERβ, while there are no satisfactory data distinguishing the type of ERs expressed in the canine reproductive tract. In mammary gland neoplasia, a decreased or lacking ERα expression in humans is associated with a poorer prognosis. This is similar to dogs, where higher ERα expression intensity was noted in benign tumors than in carcinomas. In human hematopoietic malignancies, ERβ is a predominant receptor. Selective and non-selective ERβ agonists have an antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effect on human lymphoma cell lines and may be effective in the therapy of ERβ positive lymphomas and leukemias. In canine lymphoma tissues, none or only marginal expression of ERs was detected over the decades. Considering available data, we conducted preliminary studies proving that, in contrast to humans, the dominant ER expressed in canine hematopoietic tumors is ERα.

Silver ciprofloxacin (CIPAG): a multitargeted metallodrug in the development of breast cancer therapy.

The anti-proliferative activity of the known metalloantibiotic {[Ag(CIPH)2]NO3∙0.75MeOH∙1.2H2O} (CIPAG) (CIPH = ciprofloxacin) against the human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cells MCF-7 (hormone dependent (HD)) and MDA-MB-231 (hormone independent (HI)) is evaluated. The in vitro toxicity and genotoxicity of the metalloantibiotic were estimated toward fetal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells. The molecular mechanism of the CIPAG activity against MCF-7 cells was clarified by the (i) cell morphology, (ii) cell cycle arrest, (iii) mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and (iv) by the assessment of the possible differential effect of CIPAG on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) transcriptional activation, applying luciferase reporter gene assay. Moreover, the ex vivo mechanism of CIPAG was clarified by its binding affinity toward calf thymus (CT-DNA).

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Hydroethanolic Extract from Ehretia asperula on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW264.7 Macrophages.

Ehretia asperula is a medicinal plant of the Ehretiaceae family used to treat inflammatory disorders, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. The anti-inflammatory potential was determined based on enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, which showed that the 95% ethanol extract (95ECH) was most effective with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 34.09 μg/mL. The effects of 95ECH on phagocytosis, NO production, gene, and protein expression of the cyclooxygenase 2/prostaglandin E2 (COX-2/PGE2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (iNOS/NO) pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells were examined using the neutral red uptake and Griess assays, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reactions (RTPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The results showed that 95ECH suppressed phagocytosis and the NO production in activated macrophage cells (p < 0.01). Conversely, 95ECH regulated the expression levels of mRNAs for cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) as well as the corresponding proteins. In addition, PGE2 production was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by 95ECH, and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 mRNAs was decreased in activated macrophage cells, as expected. Therefore, 95ECH from E. asperula leaves contains potentially valuable compounds for use in inflammation management.

Increases in pre-stimulus theta and alpha oscillations precede successful encoding of crossmodal associations

A central aspect of episodic memory is the formation of associations between stimuli from different modalities. Current theoretical approaches assume a functional role of ongoing oscillatory power and phase in the theta band (3–7 Hz) for the encoding of crossmodal associations. Furthermore, ongoing activity in the theta range as well as alpha (8–12 Hz) and low beta activity (13–20 Hz) before the presentation of a stimulus is thought to modulate subsequent cognitive processing, including processes that are related to memory. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that pre-stimulus characteristics of low frequency activity are relevant for the successful formation of crossmodal memory. The experimental design that was used specifically allowed for the investigation of associative memory independent from individual item memory. Participants (n = 51) were required to memorize associations between audiovisual stimulus pairs and distinguish them from newly arranged ones consisting of the same single stimuli in the subsequent recognition task. Our results show significant differences in the state of pre-stimulus theta and alpha power between remembered and not remembered crossmodal associations, clearly relating increased power to successful recognition. These differences were positively correlated with memory performance, suggesting functional relevance for behavioral measures of associative memory. Further analysis revealed similar effects in the low beta frequency ranges, indicating the involvement of different pre-stimulus-related cognitive processes. Phase-based connectivity measures in the theta band did not differ between remembered and not remembered stimulus pairs. The findings support the assumed functional relevance of theta band oscillations for the formation of associative memory and demonstrate that an increase of theta as well as alpha band oscillations in the pre-stimulus period is beneficial for the establishment of crossmodal memory.

Evaluation of the Risk Associated with Drinkable Water Sources Through Analysis of Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivity Levels in Chosen Locations, Mubi – North

Ionizing radiation refers to a form of radiation with sufficient energy to dislodge tightly bound electrons from atoms, resulting in the formation of ions. It encompasses alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Exposure to ionizing radiation, especially through ingestion, can have detrimental effects on living organisms, including humans. The primary goal of this research is to measure and analyze the levels of alpha and beta radiation in water samples, using the obtained results to evaluate radiation concentrations. Water samples were collected from five different locations within Mubi-North Metropolis and analyzed using a desktop Alpha/Beta counting machine or detector (MPC 2000B-DP). The analysis results present the alpha and beta radiation activities in each sample location. For example, alpha activities ranged from 0.009844 Bq/L to 0.1821 Bq/L, and beta activities ranged from 0.04922 Bq/L to 10.21 Bq/L across different locations. Sample D recorded the highest alpha effective equivalent dose of 0.037mSv/y, while the lowest dose of 0.002mSv/y was recorded from sample D. Sample C had the highest beta effective equivalent dose of 5.143mSv/y, and the lowest dose of 0.329mSv/y was recorded from sample E. Sample C also recorded the highest total effective dose of 516mSv/y, while the lowest dose of 0.34mSv/y was from sample E. Only sample D exceeded the recommended screening level of 0.1mSv/y for Alpha, and only sample E recorded the lowest effective dose of 0.329mSv/y below the screening limit of 1.0mSv/y, indicating potential cancer risk for all samples except sample E. In summary, the study concludes that alpha activities in all collected samples are below the recommended screening levels for drinking water radioactivity set by organizations such as EPA, WHO, and GEG-FAO. However, beta activities in the samples, except for the one from Federal Polytechnic Reservoir, surpass the recommended screening levels, suggesting a potential health risk for individuals consuming water from those sources. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into alpha and beta radiation levels in water samples from various locations in Mubi-North Metropolis, highlighting the safety of alpha levels but indicating potential hazards in beta radiation levels.