Castration Research Articles

New technologies for cultivated meat production

Cultivated meat is defined by growing meat products directly from its building blocks, the cells, rather than from the entire animal. Although often categorized as ‘alternative protein’, cultivated meat is an alternative to the current meat production process. Cultivated meat aims to allow the consumer to maintain the culinary and sensory qualities of the meat they have always loved, eliminating the need to remove meat as a central part of our diets.

The Cyborg’s Plant: Trans-corporeality in Kim Cho-yeop’s The Greenhouse at the End of the Earth

ABSTRACT This paper argues that Kim Cho-yeop’s science-fiction novel The Greenhouse at the End of the Earth (2020) reveals “trans-corporeal” material and ethical entanglement through its representation of a plant and a cyborg. The “mossvana” plant is genetically manufactured by a cyborg to resist and reduce the destructive effects of a human-induced environmental disaster. The plant is able to withstand the devastation of human-caused “dust,” which decimates entire human, animal, and plant populations in the mid-twenty-first century. In this post-apocalyptic novel, the plant emerges not only as the nexus of human and non-human agencies, but also as a figure for human ethical commitments toward non-human others. Through tracing recent trends in the environmental humanities and building on Stacy Alaimo’s thesis of “trans-corporeality,” this paper argues that this post-pandemic novel reveals a new kind of ethics that fosters inter-species awareness and human-nonhuman connection. In the concluding section, I discuss air pollution in Korea and the metaphoric associations with breathing. I argue that breathing is also a “trans-corporeal” act that transports microscopic particles from the external environment into the human lungs and bloodstream. Breathing is a trans-corporeal act in both the material and ethical senses of the term.

Studying on the Internal Quality of Steel at Various Stages of Production: Slab-Rolled Metal

In this work, the characteristics of the cast structure formed under various conditions of slab casting and the micro-structure of hot-rolled sheets made from them are studied by a complex of chemical and metal-graphic analysis methods. This article presents the results on cast structure's dispersion studying of continuously cast slab that depend on the casting speed as well as hot rolled steel's the microstructure and mechanical properties produced from experimental slabs. A comprehensive study shows that continuously cast slab's solidification rate determines the dispersion of the dendritic structure and the microscopic inhomogeneity degree. It is established that the dendritic structure density is the degree indicator of cast steel’s microchemical homogeneity. In all structural zones and in the whole thickness of a continuous slab with a thickness of 105 mm, the dendritic structure density and the micro-chemical homogeneity increases with increasing crystallization rate. Using the methods of quantitative metallography, it is shown that with an increase in the crystallization rate, the resulting cast structure becomes significantly dispersed. The study revealed a pattern between the initial austenitic structure of a continuously cast slab obtained at different crystallization rates and the structure of hot-rolled rolled products obtained by direct rolling, when hot slabs are placed in a heating furnace before phase transformations γ→α in the steel structure.

Effects of systemic androgens on late-stage urethral wound healing: An animal study.

There are limited data regarding the effects of systemic androgens on late-stage urethral wound healing. To evaluate the effects of systemic androgens on fibrosis and scar formation in late-stage urethral wound healing. Forty-five male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups. First group consisted of 15 rats that were castrated on 23days of age and were given 5mg/kg testosterone undecanoate with 1/25ml cottonseed oil intraperitoneally at weekly intervals for 3weeks (castrated and replaced with testosterone rats [CAS+T] group). The castrated rats (CAS) group included 15 castrated rats. The remaining 15 rats underwent sham surgery. CAS and sham groups also received 1/25ml cottonseed oil intraperitoneally at weekly intervals for 3weeks. Furthermore, all groups were divided into three subgroups after testosterone/placebo administration (urethroplasty performed after first, second, and third weeks) in accordance with the urethroplasty timing. All animals were sacrificed 6weeks after urethroplasty. Serum testosterone level was measured, tissue samples were investigated using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome. Alpha-SMA, Coll 1 and Coll 3 primary antibodies were applied for immunohistochemical examination. Expression of cytokines and growth factors, such as Bax, Bcl2, IL-10, IP-10, TNF-alpha, TGFb1, MMP9, Col-I, Col-III, TIMP-1, fibronectin, fibroblast growth factor 10, platelet-derived growth factor, alpha-SMA, were also evaluated in the tissues. The blood testosterone levels were significantly higher in CAS+T group at the time of urethroplasty compared with the levels in CAS group; however, this difference was not observed at the time of sacrification (p<0.001 and 0.97, respectively). Histological analysis with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining revealed a significantly higher fibrosis in the sham group compared with the others. Significantly lower fibrosis was detected in the CAS group in the pairwise comparison of the pathological fibrosis area between the CAS and CAS+T groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, tissue collagen-1, collagen-3, and alpha-SMA expression levels were statistically different between CAS and CAS+T groups (p<0.001, <0.05, and <0.001, respectively). The tissue levels of BAX, TIM-1, MMP-9, Coll-I, Coll-III, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 mRNA expressions in the CAS+T group were different than the levels in CAS group (as <0.5-fold and >1.5-fold changes, respectively). The expressions of all these markers were significantly higher in the sham group. The subgroup analysis of CAS+T group (urethroplasty performed after first, second, and third weeks) revealed similar histopathological wound healing findings. Debate continues on the effects and benefits of androgen use regarding urethral healing. There are two main routes for administration as systemic or local. This study focuses on the late-stage histologic and biochemical effects of systemic androgens. Systemic androgens adversely affect wound healing and cause abnormal extracellular matrix as well as scar formation.

Breed and conformational predispositions for prolapsed nictitating membrane gland (PNMG) in dogs in the UK: A VetCompass study.

BackgroundProlapsed nictitating membrane gland (PNMG) is the most common disorder of the third eyelid in dogs. However, the epidemiology of PNMG in the wider dog population remains understudied.MethodsUsing de-identified clinical data from the VetCompass Programme, this cohort study aimed to report the prevalence, demographic and breed-related risk factors of PNMG in dogs attending UK primary care veterinary practices in 2016.ResultsThere were 1,802 PNMG cases identified from 905,543 dogs, yielding an annual prevalence of 0.20% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19–0.21). The median age at first diagnosis was 0.63 years (IQR 0.33–1.98, range 0.11–18.00). Dogs aged under 1 year had 10.82 times the odds (95% CI 9.17–12.76) compared with dogs aged from 2 to under 4 years. Neutered animals had higher odds than entire animals within both sexes. Breeds with the highest odds of PNMG compared with crossbred dogs included Neapolitan Mastiff (odds ratio (OR) 34.26, 95%CI 15.92–73.75), English Bulldog (OR 24.08, 95% CI 20.62–28.13), Cane Corso (OR 14.66, 95% CI 8.18–26.28), Lhasa Apso (OR 12.37, 95% CI 10.26–14.92) and American Cocker Spaniel (OR 11.57, 95% CI 5.59–23.96). Purebred dogs had 1.43 times the odds (95% CI 1.26–1.63) of PNMG compared with crossbreed dogs. Breeds with brachycephalic skull conformation had 6.71 times the odds (95%CI 5.89–7.64) compared with breeds with mesocephalic skull conformation. Insured dogs had 1.89 times the odds (95% CI 1.65–2.16) compared with uninsured dogs.ConclusionsThis study reports the largest cohort of primary-care PNMG cases assembled to date. The results showing young age at diagnosis along with the breed, purebred and brachycephalic skull conformation predispositions suggest a hereditary involvement in PNMG development. These results may help to guide breeding strategies to reduce the prevalence of PNMG and improve welfare in predisposed individuals.

Quantitative Proteomics Revealed the Pharmacodynamic Network of Bugu Shengsui Decoction Promoting Osteoblast Proliferation.

Background and ObjectiveWith high morbidity and disability, osteoporosis is a worldwide bone metabolism disease, regulated by complex pathological processes. Insufficient osteogenesis is greatly essential to osteoporosis. Traditional Chinese Medicine, a complex natural herbal medicine system, has increasingly attracted attention all over the world. Bugu Shengsui Decoction, a compound formula for osteoporosis, has significant clinical effects in the treatment of osteoporosis. Yet the detailed mechanisms are unclear. Thus, we investigated the effects and mechanism of Bugu Shengsui Decoction on osteoporotic rats and osteoblasts in vitro.MethodsIn this study, we evaluated the effect of Bugu Shengsui Decoction in an animal model of orchiectomy. Multi-pharmacology indexes revealed that Bugu Shengsui Decoction obviously improved bone metabolism, bone mineral density, bone morphology, and biomechanics in the castrated rats. Then, serum pharmacology was employed to unveil that Bugu Shengsui Decoction promoted the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Moreover, quantitative proteomics combined with RNA interference assay was used to analyze and verify the pathway and key targets in pro-proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.ResultsBugu Shengsui Decoction obviously improved the worse parameters of bone metabolism, bone mineral density, bone morphology, and biomechanics in a castrated rat model. In vitro, Bugu Shengsui Decoction exerted proliferation- and differentiation-promoting effects of osteoblasts induced by serum starvation. Moreover, quantitative proteomics analysis combined with RNA interfere assay illustrated that Bugu Shengsui Decoction promoted osteogenesis via the PI3K-AKT pathway.ConclusionSummarily, our discoveries certify that Bugu Shengsui Decoction is an effective treatment for osteoporosis via PI3K-AKT. This study is not only a beneficial attempt to explore the detailed mechanism of Traditional Chinese formula but also will provide inspiration for the treatment strategy of osteoporosis.

Histopathology of aortic media tunica and plasma oxidative stress assessment during testosterone deficiency in male rats

Sexual hormones are determinant players in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of testosterone deficiency, induced by castration, on oxidative status and the histopathology of the aor-tic media tunica. The experiments were undertaken on a batch of 30 Wistar males’ rats randomised into 3 groups, 10 control (Con), 10 castrated (Cas) and 10 castrated then supplemented with testosterone (Cas-T). Our results showed that testosterone deficiency induced a significant decrease in myeloperoxidase activity (19,95 ± 1, 79 vs 34,86 ± 1,13, p˂0,0001) this was maintained even after testosterone replacement. Furthermore, testosterone deficiency decreased the antioxidant capacity by reducing GSH in plasma (0,118 ± 0,003 vs 0,15 ± 0,011, p˂0,05). Our results also indicate that testos-terone supplementation leads to a significant increase in ceruloplasmin lev-els (62,37 ± 15,89 vs 148,12 ± 27,77, p ˂0.05). The histomorphometric exami-nation of the aortic tunica media in castrated rats showed a significant de-crease of media thickness (274,7 ± 2,96 vs 317,6 ± 5,19, p ˂0.0001) and VSMC count (108,1 ± 6,47 vs 130 ± 6,147, p ˂ 0.05) associated with damaged and broken elastic lamina. Testosterone supplementation restores the media thickness and the count of VSMC. Our findings demonstrate that testos-terone deficiency leads to a decrease in the count of VSMC and a rupture of elastic lamina. Testosterone altered the plasma oxidative status through ac-tions on GSH, MPO and ceruloplasmin.

Colloidal Shaping of Transparent Spinel through Slip Casting Using Contamination Free Spinel Moulds

Shaping transparent ceramics through slip casting on plaster of Paris (PoP) moulds offers improved transparency compared to compacted samples due to better homogeneity in colloidal processing. However, the contamination due to CaSO4 originated from the PoP contact is a primary concern. Therefore, it demands the machining of several layers from the cast surface that results in post-green machining defects. To address this concern, a magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel mould was fabricated with indigenously synthesized spinel powder with optimum porosity of 45-50% and flexural strength of ∼16 MPa. The fabricated spinel mould was used to demonstrate the casting using water-based spinel slurry. The cast spinel blanks were found contamination free as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared studies. Microstructures of spinel moulds revealed the interconnectivity of the pores obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Specimens cast on spinel and on PoP moulds, after post machining, were sintered (1650°C) and hot isostatically pressed (at 1800°C and 1950 bar) under identical conditions. Casting on spinel moulds demonstrated a contamination free surface of the samples. Its properties are at par with the samples cast on PoP moulds, however, with improved casting rate and minimum rejection.

Elucidation of the Probable Ovarian-Dependent Mechanism of the Estrogenic Effects of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Buccholzia coriacea&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and Progesterone Effects of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cogniauxia pololeana&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in the Rat

The present study was carried out with the objective of evaluating, in castrated rats, the utero trophic, hormonal and biochemical activities of aqueous extracts of Buchholzia coriacea (BC) and Cogniauxia podolaena (CP) leaves. Each extract administered at the dose of 600 mg/Kg in castrated rats did not cause a significant change in the fresh weight/dry weight ratio of the uterus compared to castrated rats given distilled water. However, those receiving 17-β-estradiol as a reference product showed a significant (p β estradiol. In addition, the extracts did not cause significant changes in estrogen or progesterone levels in treated rats, as observed with 17-β-estradiol. In addition, the determination of protein and total cholesterol in the uterus of castrated rats treated with each extract did not show significant variation from controls. At the time, castrated rats treated with 17-β-estradiol showed a significant increase (p , these plants would not contain phytohormones.

ExCel: Super-Resolution Imaging of C. elegans with Expansion Microscopy.

Studies of C. elegans will benefit from a powerful method for super-resolution imaging of proteins and mRNAs at any 3-D locations throughout the entire animal. Conventional methods of super-resolution imaging in C. elegans, such as STORM, PALM, SR-SIM and STED, are limited by imaging depths that are insufficient to map the entire depth of adult worms, and involve hardware that may not be accessible to all labs. We recently developed expansion of C. elegans (ExCel), a method for physically magnifying fixed whole animals of C. elegans with high isotropy, which provides effective resolutions finer than the diffraction limit, across the entire animal, on conventional confocal microscopes. In this chapter, we present a family of three detailed ExCel protocols. The standard ExCel protocol features simultaneous readout of diverse molecules (fluorescent proteins, RNA, DNA, and general anatomy), all at ~70nm resolution (~3.5× linear expansion). The epitope-preserving ExCel protocol enables imaging of endogenous proteins with off-the-shelf antibodies, at a~100nm resolution (~2.8× linear expansion). The iterative ExCel protocol allows readout of fluorescent proteins at ~25nm resolution (~20× linear expansion). The protocols described here comprise a versatile toolbox for super-resolution imaging of C. elegans.

The Effect of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor on Bone Health in Castrated Hypertensive Rats Is Mediated via the Kinin-Kallikrein System

Background In previous studies, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) use was associated with increased bone loss, while an angiotensin II type I receptor blocker had no effect on bone loss in elder subjects, which suggested that the effect of ACEI on bone loss was not mediated through the classical renin-angiotensin system. In this study, we set to investigate whether the effect of ACEI on bone deterioration was mediated via the kinin-kallikrein system. Methods Six-month-old male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats were used. The effect of captopril on blood pressure, serum Ang II, and bradykinin concentration was measured in intact rats. Ovariectomy and orchidectomy were performed to establish an osteoporosis model in female and male rats, respectively. Captopril and the bradykinin receptor blocker icatibant (HOE140) were administered after operation for 12 weeks. Serum Ang II and bradykinin concentration, bone turnover markers, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone microarchitecture were evaluated. Femur samples were subjected to a mechanical test. Results Captopril decreased blood pressure and serum Ang II concentration and increased serum bradykinin concentration in intact rats (P < 0.05). After castration, captopril decreased serum Ang II concentration (P < 0.05); in female rats, icatibant increased serum Ang II concentration (P < 0.05). Captopril increased serum bradykinin concentration (P < 0.05); in male rats, icatibant decreased serum bradykinin concentration (P < 0.05). Captopril increased the rat urine deoxypyridinoline-creatinine ratio (DPD/Cr) and serum osteocalcin concentration (P < 0.05). Icatibant decreased urine DPD/Cr in male rats (P < 0.05) and increased osteocalcin concentration in female rats (P < 0.05). Captopril increased cancellous BMD in castrated hypertensive rats (P < 0.05), and icatibant further increased cancellous BMD (P < 0.05), which was due to the increased trabecular bone number. In mechanical testing, ACEI increased bone strength (P < 0.05), and icatibant further improved it (P < 0.05). Conclusion ACEI decreased bone deterioration in both male and female hypertensive rats, and the bradykinin receptor blocker further decreased bone deterioration.

Automatic 3-D segmentation and volumetric light fluence correction for photoacoustic tomography based on optimal 3-D graph search.

Preclinical imaging with photoacoustic tomography (PAT) has attracted wide attention in recent years since it is capable of providing molecular contrast with deep imaging depth. The automatic extraction and segmentation of the animal in PAT images is crucial for improving image analysis efficiency and enabling advanced image post-processing, such as light fluence (LF) correction for quantitative PAT imaging. Previous automatic segmentation methods are mostly two-dimensional approaches, which failed to conserve the 3-D surface continuity because the image slices were processed separately. This discontinuity problem further hampers LF correction, which, ideally, should be carried out in 3-D due to spatially diffused illumination. Here, to solve these problems, we propose a volumetric auto-segmentation method for small animal PAT imaging based on the 3-D optimal graph search (3-D GS) algorithm. The 3-D GS algorithm takes into account the relation among image slices by constructing a 3-D node-weighted directed graph, and thus ensures surface continuity. In view of the characteristics of PAT images, we improve the original 3-D GS algorithm on graph construction, solution guidance and cost assignment, such that the accuracy and smoothness of the segmented animal surface were guaranteed. We tested the performance of the proposed method by conducting in vivo nude mice imaging experiments with a commercial preclinical cross-sectional PAT system. The results showed that our method successfully retained the continuous global surface structure of the whole 3-D animal body, as well as smooth local subcutaneous tumor boundaries at different development stages. Moreover, based on the 3-D segmentation result, we were able to simulate volumetric LF distribution of the entire animal body and obtained LF corrected PAT images with enhanced structural visibility and uniform image intensity.

The Refuge of the World and His Animal Kingdom: Rulership,Justice, and Animal Stewardship in Ottoman Accounts of theHunting Expeditions of Sultan Mehmed IV (r. 1648–1687)

This article analyzes the relationship between Ottoman sovereignty and animal actors as presented by members of the Ottoman imperial court (dergāh-ı ʿālī) reporting on Sultan Mehmed IV’s (r. 1648-1687) hunting expeditions. Upon a close reading of accounts penned by the storyteller and world traveler Evliya Çelebi (c. 1611-1683), the historian Abdurrahman Abdi Paşa (d. 1692), and the court chronicler Mustafa Naima Efendi (1655-1716), I argue that their descriptions of Mehmed IV’s participation in the imperial hunt reveal a shared conception of sovereign character based on engagement with animals. In each narrative examined, the emperor and his actions are judged based on his ability to see the workings of God in the animal world, to competently legislate life and death according to the merit of individual animals and entire animal species, or to justly defend the Ottoman realm and its biodiverse inhabitants. By virtue of their references to the slaughter of deer that behave like “rebels”, rabbits deserving of mercy, cows of divine guidance, and birds that require protection because of their harmlessness, I maintain that these authors present Mehmed IV’s interactions with animals as an indication of his quality as ruler.

Microfluidic tools for veterinary and zoonotic disease diagnostics.

Animal disease diagnostics has linked as the cause and cure of any disease. It also plays a vital role in disease management and prevention. A small outbreak of disease can pose a threat to the entire animal community as we realized in corona pandemic. Thus, to ensure the overall welfare of animals and disease spread monitoring, the development of detection tools for veterinary diagnosis becomes essential. Currently, the animal disease diagnosis is relied on laboratory-based testing. There is a parallel necessity for rapid, reliable and low-cost diagnostic tests to be done by intervention of growing area such as microfluidic platform. Therefore, in this chapter, we have discussed about various microfluidic platform and their application for early diagnosis of veterinary disease. Followed by, we also lightened on future perspective of role of microfluidic in animal disease diagnostics.

Effects of orchiectomy and testosterone replacement therapy on redox balance and salivary gland function in Wistar rats

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of orchiectomy (ORX) and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on redox balance and function of salivary glands. Forty-five young adult male Wistar rats (3 months old) were either castrated bilaterally or underwent fictitious surgery (SHAM) and were subsequently distributed into 3 groups: SHAM, ORX, and TRT (castrated rats that received an intramuscular injection of testosterone cypionate 10 mg/kg/weekly). All treatments started 4 weeks after castration (4 months old) and lasted 4 weeks (5 months old). At the end of treatment, pilocarpine-induced salivary secretion was collected to analyze salivary flow rate and biochemistry composition, and the parotid (PG) and submandibular (SMG) glands were sampled for redox balance markers and histomorphometric analyses. ORX increased salivary flow rate, calcium, phosphate, and chloride, and decreased total protein and amylase, while not changing the salivary buffer capacity, pH, sodium, and potassium compared to SHAM. TRT restored all salivary parameters to SHAM values. ORX increased oxidative lipid and protein damage, total antioxidant capacity, and uric acid in both salivary glands compared to SHAM. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were greater only in the SMG of the ORX group in relation to SHAM. ORX decreased duct and acini area, while increasing connective tissue in the PG. On the other hand, ORX reduced duct area and increased acini area in the SMG compared to SHAM. TRT restored the redox balance and histomorphometric parameters to close to SHAM values in both salivary glands. Orchiectomy-induced salivary gland dysfunction was characterized by an increase in the salivary flow rate and changes in the secretion of total protein, amylase, and electrolytes, which are key factors, considered important for maintaining oral health status. To sum up, orchiectomy impaired the redox balance of the salivary glands. Our results also showed that TRT reversed the oxidative damage, morphological alterations, and salivary gland dysfunction induced by orchiectomy. Therefore, these results suggest an important action of testosterone on the redox balance and secretory ability of salivary glands.

Evaluation of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) Cv. African Tall and its Response to Different Rates of FYM and Biofertilizers under Cold arid Conditions of Kargil

Fodder availability in cold arid regions is from 40 to 50 percent of real need, but in some areas it exceeds 50 percent [1]. Alfalfa, which is the sole fodder accessible to farmers and is dried and given to animals throughout the winter, is insufficient to meet the winter fodder shortfall. The region has a 73 percent fodder deficiency, according to reports [1]. The region's large fodder shortfall explains why the fodder development initiative is so important. Ladakh's freezing desert terrain has a lengthy, harsh winter that lasts 7-8 months and is devoid of any vegetation. During the winter, the entire animal rearing depends on the stored feed. Keeping these facts in view a field experiment entitled “Evaluation of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) Cv. African tall and its response to different rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and Biofertilizers under cold arid conditions of Kargil” was carried out at the research farm of Mountain Agriculture Research and Extension Station Kargil for the years 2015-16 and 2016-17 on silty clay loam soil low in available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorus and potassium with neutral pH. The experiment comprised of two factors viz., Bio fertilizers (B1: Azotobactor, B2: Phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB), B3: Azospirillium, B4: Azotobactor + PSB, B5: Azospirillium + PSB) and three FYM rates (R₁= 10 t ha⁻¹, R₂ =20 t ha⁻¹ and R₃ = 30 t ha⁻¹) was laid out in a Randomized block design replicated thrice, given nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as per recommended package. The results revealed that highest plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and fodder yield were realized from the treatment comprising of FYM @30 t ha⁻¹ + Azotobactor + PSB treatment among all the treatments. Also crude protein and crude fibre were recorded to be higher with the treatment of FYM @30 t ha⁻¹ + Azotobactor + PSB.

Venoms for all occasions: The functional toxin profiles of different anatomical regions in sea anemones are related to their ecological function.

The phylum Cnidaria is the oldest extant venomous group and is defined by the presence of nematocysts, specialized organelles responsible for venom production and delivery. Although toxin peptides and the cells housing nematocysts are distributed across the entire animal, nematocyte and venom profiles have been shown to differ across morphological structures in actiniarians. In this study, we explore the relationship between patterns of toxin expression and the ecological roles of discrete anatomical structures in Telmatactis stephensoni. Specifically, using a combination of proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, we examined whether there is a direct correlation between the functional similarity of regions and the similarity of their associated toxin expression profiles. We report that the regionalization of toxin production is consistent with the partitioning of the ecological roles of venom across envenomating structures, and that three major functional regions are present in T.stephensoni: tentacles, epidermis and gastrodermis. Additionally, we find that most structures that serve similar functions not only have comparable putative toxin profiles but also similar nematocyst types. There was no overlap in the putative toxins identified using proteomics and transcriptomics, but the expression patterns of specific milked venom peptides were conserved across RNA-sequencing and mass spectrometry imaging data sets. Furthermore, based on our data, it appears that acontia of T.stephensoni may be transcriptionally inactive and only mature nematocysts are present in the distal portions of the threads. Overall, we find that the venom profile of different anatomical regions in sea anemones varies according to its ecological functions.

Effect of castration and testosterone administration on the analgesic efficacies of methanolic extract of Annona Senegalensis and Piroxicam in Wistar rats

Introduction: Analgesic potency of Annona senegalensis (crude stem-bark methanolic extract) and piroxicam on castrated and testosterone-treated male Wistar rats were evaluated. Methods: Twenty-five (25) mature male Wistar rats with average body weight of 184 ± 4.1 g were randomly allocated into five groups of five (n = 5) rats each. Groups I and II were non-castrated (NC) and treated as follows: group I (NC + Annona senegalensis {AS; 910mg/kg}), while group II (NC + piroxicam {PRX; 10mg//kg}). Rats in groups III, IV and V were castrated and treated as follows: castrated (CS) + distilled water {DW; 0.5ml/rat}); (CS + Annona senegalensis {AS; 910mg/kg}); (CS + AS + Testosterone 400µg/rat) respectively. The latent period of pain sensation (analgesic time) was determined using hot plate thermal method, and recorded in seconds. Results: Latent period of analgesia in rats was recorded at 0, 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-mins post treatment with A. Senegalensis and piroxicam. The serum concentration of testosterone post experiment showed higher levels in group II rats (NC+PRX; {4.3ng/ml}) while group III and V rats had the lowest concentration (CS+DW; CS+AS+TES {2.9ng/ml}) and group IV rats all died after the experiment (CS+AS). The findings of the study indicated that the analgesia effect of A. senegalensis is higher than the piroxicam-induced analgesia (3.8±1.2 vs 1.0±0.0sec, 2.0±1.4 vs 1.0±0.0sec) at 30mins and 60mins in groups I and II respectively. Significance: Castration and testosterone replacement did not affect the Analgesic effect of Annona senegalensis while castration enhanced the latent period of thermal pain sensation.

Efficacy of Panax ginseng supplementation on androgen deficiency rats via metabolomics and gut microbiota

• Metabolomics and gut microbiota were integrated to investigate the antagonistic action on androgen deficiency of Panax ginseng. • 22 possible endogenous biomarkers of androgen deficiency were identified. • 16 endogenous biomarkers related to Panax ginseng regulation were identified. • 7 gut microbiota markers with significant changes related to Panax ginseng regulation were identified. Panax ginseng could promote testosterone production and ensure the normal function of androgens in some clinical cases as a medicine and nutritional supplement. The purpose of this work was to investigate the efficacy and way of action of Panax ginseng in the treatment of androgen deficiency rats. The male castrated rats were gavaged with Panax ginseng decoction for 10 weeks. Urine samples were analyzed for metabolites by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and feces were analyzed for changes in intestinal flora by 16sRNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that Panax ginseng could significantly antagonize the symptoms of weight gain, target tissue atrophy and serum hormone level decline caused by androgen deficiency. A total of 16 potential biomarkers were significantly altered after treatment in the metabolomics, which related to tryptophan metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Based on the changes of intestinal flora, a total of 7 species with significant changes were found to be involved in the regulation of intestinal flora of androgen deficient rats by Panax ginseng. To conclude, our study verified the effect of Panax ginseng on androgen deficient rats, and explored its biological mechanism by metabolomics and gut microbiota metagenomics methods.

Introduction to the Special Issue Catholicism and Gender in Modern Spain†

Introduction to the Special Issue <i>Catholicism and Gender in Modern Spain</i>^†