Dark Cells Research Articles

Resting cells of Skeletonema marinoi assimilate organic compounds and respire by dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in dark, anoxic conditions.

Diatoms can survive long periods in dark, anoxic sediments by forming resting spores or resting cells. These have been considered dormant until recently when resting cells of Skeletonema marinoi were shown to assimilate nitrate and ammonium from the ambient environment in dark, anoxic conditions. Here, we show that resting cells of S. marinoi can also perform dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), in dark, anoxic conditions. Transmission electron microscope analyses showed that chloroplasts were compacted, and few large mitochondria had visible cristae within resting cells. Using secondary ion mass spectrometry and isotope ratio mass spectrometry combined with stable isotopic tracers, we measured assimilatory and dissimilatory processes carried out by resting cells of S. marinoi under dark, anoxic conditions. Nitrate was both respired by DNRA and assimilated into biomass by resting cells. Cells assimilated nitrogen from urea and carbon from acetate, both of which are sources of dissolved organic matter produced in sediments. Carbon and nitrogen assimilation rates corresponded to turnover rates of cellular carbon and nitrogen content ranging between 469 and 10,000 years. Hence, diatom resting cells can sustain their cells in dark, anoxic sediments by slowly assimilating and respiring substrates from the ambient environment.

An Expansion of Polarization Control Using Semiconductor-Liquid Junctions.

This report examines the concept of independent control over current and applied potential in electrocatalysis, as a means of improving control over product selectivity. Previous work, while permitting separate modulation of current and potentiostat bias, precluded independent control over the current flow and applied cell potential. This study seeks to resolve that limitation by exploiting the Schottky diode behavior inherent to semiconductor-electrolyte interfaces. Light is explored as a prospective second degree of freedom for controlling polarization in a suitably designed, photoelectrochemical (PEC) device, enabling the arbitrary selection of current with respect to an applied cell potential. In contrast to metal electrodes, the property of light-dependent carrier concentrations in semiconductors forms the operative means of controlling charge fluxes at some arbitrary applied potential in PEC devices featuring a semiconductor-liquid junction. This functionality enables exploration of polarization states distinct from those accessible with a dark cell, with implications for improved control over electrochemical reactions.

Meckel’s Diverticulum in Adult Geese (Alopochen egyptiacus): A Comprehensive Study of Structure Using Histological, Electron Microscopy, and Immunohistochemical Methods

Introduction: The intestine plays an important role in mediating between the bird and its nutritional environment. The yolk stalk, also known as Meckel’s diverticulum, is a landmark between the jejunum and ileum. This work aimed to investigate the anatomical, histological, and electron microscopical features of cellular components of the Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) in adult geese. Methods: The intestine was dissected from the bird’s body cavity, and Meckel’s diverticulum was exposed and prepared for light and electron microscopical examinations. Results: Our results revealed that the MD mucosa is thrown up into villi and crypts, and the mucosal epithelium is a columnar epithelium with goblet cells as well as intraepithelial lymphocytes. Lymphoid follicles and numerous immune cells were demonstrated within the lamina propria. The mucous glands were also observed within the lamina propria and among the lymphoid follicles. The lining epithelium of MD appeared with different staining affinities: dark cells (electron-dense) and light cells (electron-lucent) contained few mitochondria and more secretory vesicles, while dark cells contained more mitochondria and fewer secretory vesicles. Immunohistochemical analysis of MD revealed positive immunoreactivity for several markers, such as CD117, chromogranin, PLCβ, cytokeratin, MHC II, and S100. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggest that MD is considered an immune organ in adult geese.

PH-Sensitive and Lysosome Targetable Photosensitizers Based on BODIPYs.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for cancer and other diseases. Photosensitizer is one of the three key components that harvest the energy of light at a certain wavelength. Compared to the conventional fluorophores used as photosensitizers, boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives have grown fast in recent years due to their low dark toxicity, versatile tunable sites, and easiness of being paired with other treatments. In this paper, two pH-sensitive BODIPY-based photosensitizers (BDC and BDBrC) were synthesized by adding carbazole moieties onto the BODIPY cores (BD and BDBr) through condensation reactions. BDBrC has two Br atoms at the BODIPY core that promote singlet oxygen generation and further red-shift the absorption maximum peak. Both compounds showed sensitivity toward pH change and generated more singlet oxygen under acidic conditions. The cellular uptake and cell imaging experiments showed that BDBrC can selectively target the lysosome organelle. The further dark cell viability and light cytotoxicity indicate the light triggered PDT treatment can be accomplished with BDBrC.

Impaired spermatogenesis and associated endocrine effects of azole fungicides in peripubertal Xenopus tropicalis

Early life exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been suggested to adversely affect reproductive health in humans and wildlife. Here, we characterize endocrine and adverse effects on the reproductive system after juvenile exposure to propiconazole (PROP) or imazalil (IMZ), two common azole fungicides with complex endocrine modes of action. Using the frog Xenopus tropicalis, two short-term (2-weeks) studies were conducted. I: Juveniles (2 weeks post metamorphosis (PM)) were exposed to 0, 17 or 178 µg PROP/L. II: Juveniles (6 weeks PM) were exposed to 0, 1, 12 or 154 µg IMZ/L. Histological analysis of the gonads revealed an increase in the number of dark spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs)/testis area, and in the ratio secondary spermatogonia: dark SSCs were increased in all IMZ groups compared to control. Key genes in gametogenesis, retinoic acid and sex steroid pathways were also analysed in the gonads. Testicular levels of 3β-hsd, ddx4 were increased and cyp19 and id4 levels were decreased in the IMZ groups. In PROP exposed males, increased testicular aldh1a2 levels were detected, but no histological effects observed. Although no effects on ovarian histology were detected, ovarian levels of esr1, rsbn1 were increased in PROP groups, and esr1 levels were decreased in IMZ groups. In conclusion, juvenile azole exposure disrupted testicular expression of key genes in retinoic acid (PROP) and sex steroid pathways and in gametogenesis (IMZ). Our results further show that exposure to environmental concentrations of IMZ disrupted spermatogenesis in the juvenile testis, which is a cause for concern as it may lead to impaired fertility. Testicular levels of id4, ddx4 and the id4:ddx4 ratio were associated with the number of dark SSCs and secondary spermatogonia suggesting that they may serve as a molecular markers for disrupted spermatogenesis.

Prenatal developmental sequences of the esophageal epithelium in the New Zealand white rabbits: Light and electron microscopic analysis.

Several morphogenetic sequences occur during esophageal development and birth defects occur due to defects in foregut morphogenesis. This work aimed to record the cellular events in the morphogenesis of rabbits' esophageal epithelium. On the 16th day of gestation, the esophageal epithelium varied from stratified ciliated columnar to stratified squamous type. The surface epithelium presented mucous cells with mucigen granules of various sizes occupying their supranuclear cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic vacuolation was evident in all layers of the esophageal epithelium at this age. On the 18th gestational day, some light cells could be detected in the middle portion of the epithelium, while others occupied the whole epithelial length. On the 21st day, mucous cells are more frequently observed at the apical esophageal part as well as at the surface epithelium. Numerous elongated dark cells could be distinguished embedded between the basal cells. On the 24th gestational day the number of the mucous cells reached its peak. Reaching the 30th gestational day, several lamellar bodies, a keratinized layer and mitotic divisions could be demonstrated, and the number of both mucous and dark cells was greatly decreased. Collectively, detection of surface mucous and dark cells together with the non-cornified surface in some regions of the rabbit esophageal epithelium at the end of gestation ensure a postnatal development to reach the adult epithelium essential to sustain the passage of the harsh raw food. Future immunohistochemical studies are recommended to investigate the components of secretions in mucous cells and functional studies to highlight the dark cells significance. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Esophageal epithelium of fetal rabbit was analyzed by light and transmission microscopy. Surface epithelium presented mucous cells with mucigen granules of various sizes. They reached their maximum number on 24th day then decreased. On the 16th day, cytoplasmic vacuolation was evident in all epithelial layers. On the 21st day, numerous elongated dark cells could be distinguished embedded between the basal cells. Before birth, several lamellar bodies, a keratinized layer and mitotic divisions could be demonstrated, and the number of both mucous and dark cells was greatly decreased.

AQP4 is an Emerging Regulator of Pathological Pain: A Narrative Review.

Pathological pain presents significant challenges in clinical practice and research. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), which is primarily found in astrocytes, is being considered as a prospective modulator of pathological pain. This review examines the association between AQP4 and pain-related diseases, including cancer pain, neuropathic pain, and inflammatory pain. In cancer pain, upregulated AQP4 expression in tumor cells is linked to increased pain severity, potentially through tumor-induced inflammation and edema. Targeting AQP4 may offer therapeutic strategies for managing cancer pain. AQP4 has also been found to play a role in nerve damage. Changes in AQP4 expression have been detected in pain-related regions of the brain and spinal cord; thus, modulating AQP4 expression or function may provide new avenues for treating neuropathic pain. Of note, AQP4-deficient mice exhibit reduced chronic pain responses, suggesting potential involvement of AQP4 in chronic pain modulation, and AQP4 is involved in pain modulation during inflammation, so understanding AQP4-mediated pain modulation may lead to novel anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapies. Recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques enable assessment of AQP4 expression and localization, contributing to our understanding of its involvement in brain edema and clearance pathways related to pathological pain. Furthermore, targeting AQP4 through gene therapies and small-molecule modulators shows promise as a potential therapeutic intervention. Future research should focus on utilizing advanced MRI techniques to observe glymphatic system changes and the exchange of cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid. Additionally, investigating the regulation of AQP4 by non-coding RNAs and exploring novel small-molecule medicines are important directions for future research. This review shed light on AQP4-based innovative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pathological pain. Dark blue cells represent astrocytes, green cells represent microglia, and red ones represent brain microvasculature.

Characterization of the pancreas of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus): A light and transmission electron microscope study.

The present work was carried out to investigate the structure and ultra structure of the pancreas in the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). Totally, five healthy adult pheasant were used. The pancreas was assessed using histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The pancreas was composed of four lobes: dorsal, ventral, third, and splenic lobes. These lobes emptied into ascending duodenum through three excretory ducts as: ventral duct, splenic duct, and a common duct for dorsal and third lobes. The exocrine pancreas was constituted of pyramidal-shaped acinar cells with aggregation of zymogen granules at their apical cytoplasm. The endocrine pancreas was identified as large islet of Langerhans as α islets and small islets as β ones. No mixed islet was observed. At the level of TEM, two types of acinar cells were distinguished: Dark cells with electron dense cytoplasm, and indented nucleus, Light cells with electron lucent cytoplasm, and regular nucleus. The α islets were mainly constituted by A and D cells, whereas the β islets principally contained B cells and a few A cells. No D cells were identified in β islets. B cells were characterized by their polymorphic granules which were surrounded by a narrow halo zone. The granules of D cells were quite different. These cells contained large spherical granules with lower density as compared to the A or B granules surrounded by a limiting membrane. In conclusion, the pancreas of the common pheasant has a species-specific feature which must be considered in phylogenic studies. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The common pheasant's pancreas was composed of four lobes as dorsal, ventral, third, and splenic lobe. There were three excretory ducts. Ventral duct for ventral lobe, a common duct for both dorsal and third lobes, and a distinct splenic duct for splenic lobe. The exocrine acini were composed of two distinct types of cells: dark cells and light cells. The large alpha islets were composed of alpha cells and a few numbers of delta cells and small beta islets were composed of beta cells and a few numbers of alpha cells.

Seasonal variations of the epididymis in donkeys (Equus asinus) with special reference to blood epididymal barrier.

The epididymis, a key component of the male reproductive system, controls spermatozoa's maturation, fertility, and storage. The objective of this study is to evaluate the histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical variations in the epididymis of donkeys that occur throughout the year. During the breeding season (spring) and nonbreeding seasons (summer, autumn, and winter), 20 epididymis were collected from adult, clinically healthy donkeys. Compared to non-breeding seasons, the epididymal duct displayed a more active lining epithelium and more sperm in the lumen during the breeding season. The epithelial height is the lowest and the lumen is the widest during the breeding season. Furthermore, the epididymal epithelium in the tail region exhibits undulations with polyps-like projections. The epididymal epithelium is composed mainly of the principal, basal, and dark cells. Tight junction between adjacent principal cells is more obvious in the breeding season as compared to the non-breeding seasons. However, intraepithelial lymphocytes, phagocytic, and other immune cells are more frequent in non-breeding seasons. β-catenin, which is a component of the adherent junctions between adjacent PCs, exhibits more immunoreactivity during the spring. On the other hand, iNOS, an indicator of oxidative stress, reacts positively during the summer. Additionally, during non-breeding seasons, autophagy was detected within the epididymal epithelium which may be linked to stress adaptation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the histological and ultrastructural characteristics of the epididymal epithelium are more active during spring compared to other seasons of the year. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study aimed to evaluate the histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical variations in the blood epididymal barrier (BEB) and epididymal epithelium of donkeys that occur throughout the year. In comparison to non-breeding seasons, the epididymal duct displayed a more active lining epithelium and more sperm in the lumen during the breeding season. The epithelial height is the lowest and the lumen is the widest during the breeding season. The epididymal epithelium in the tail region exhibits undulations with polyps-like projections that increase the surface area. β-catenin, which is a component of the adherent junctions between adjacent PCs, exhibits more immunoreactivity during the spring. On the other hand, iNOS, an indicator of oxidative stress, reacts positively during the summer.

Ultraviolet-light–dark cycle analysis of degradation in perovskite solar cells

The stability of perovskite solar cells must be evaluated under realistic outdoor conditions, such as light–dark cycles, because their reversible performance changes under such conditions. Therefore, in this study, we performed light–dark cycle analysis of lead halide perovskite solar cells under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation to evaluate their metastability and UV degradation. The power drop under UV irradiation was recovered after storing the cells in dark because of ion-migration effects. Furthermore, the energy yield during 6 h of UV irradiation reduced slightly during the light–dark cycles, similar to the reduction in energy yield observed under a white-light-light-emitting diode. This change in energy yield indicates that the power drop observed after 6 h of UV irradiation cannot be attributed to UV-induced degradation of the perovskite used in this study. Our findings show that light–dark cycle analyses are effective for distinguishing between metastability and UV-induced material degradation.

Schottky junction based solar cell behavior of trichome hierarchical SnO2 nano-structures

Hydrothermally grown SnO2 hierarchical trichome nano-flowers (T-NFLs) have been examined for their device performance compared to nano-flakes (NFs), in part to meet the growing need for metal-oxide based solar cells. The structural analyses reveal superior lattice strain and free energy in the tetragonal phase of the T-NFLs over NFs. The band gap widening and oxygen defect-dominated luminescence in the visible range are observed from photoluminescence measurements. Compared to NFs, the Schottky current-voltage characteristics of the T-NFLs show improved Schottky barrier height (0.82 eV) with an ideality factor of 3.52 under dark and better solar cell properties with a conversion efficiency of 1.78 ± 0.03% under 1 sun illumination. The observed high open-circuit voltage of 1.56 V resulted from the decrement rate of carrier recombination, making the transparent metal oxide nano-material SnO2 T-NFLs suitable for solar cells and fast electronic applications.

Electroacupuncture improves limb motor function by down-regulating cytosolic phospholi-pase A2 and reducing apoptosis of nerve cells in rats with spinal cord injury

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture（EA） on the expression of cytosolic phospholipase A2 （cPLA2） and apoptosis of nerve cells in rats with spinal cord injury （SCI）, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of SCI. Seventy-two female SD rats were randomly divided into model, EA, antagonist and EA+antagonist groups, with 18 rats in each group and other 18 rats were used as the sham operation （sham） group. The SCI model was established by referring to modified Allen's method with a weight impactor. The hindlimb motor function was assessed by using Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan （BBB） score. Rats of the EA group were subjected to EA stimulation at "Dazhui"（GV14）, "Yaoyangguan"（GV3）, bilateral "Ciliao"（BL32） and "Zusanli"（ST36） for 20 min, once a day for 14 days. Rats of the antagonist group received intravenous injection followed by intraperitoneal injection of arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone （AACOCF3, antagonist of cPLA2）, once every other day. Rats of the EA+antagonist group received EA treatment combined with antagonist injection. After the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and the spinal cord tissue was collected for detecting the protein expression of cPLA2, p-cPLA2, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 by Western blot, and the mRNA expression of cPLA2, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 using qRT-PCR. The morphological changes of the spinal cord were detected by Nissl staining. In comparison with the sham group, the BBB score, expression of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were significantly down-regulated （P<0.01）, whereas the expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 and p-cPLA2 proteins and mRNAs were considerably up-regulated in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group, the BBB score, expression levels of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were significantly up-regulated （P<0.01, P<0.05）, while the expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 and p-cPLA2 proteins in the EA, antagonist and EA+antagonist groups, Bax and cPLA2 mRNAs in both antagonist and EA+antagonist groups, and Caspase-3 mRNA in the EA+antagonist group were obviously down-regulated （P<0.01, P<0.05）. The effect of EA+antagonist was significantly superior to EA in increasing BBB score and in lowering expression of Bax and cPLA2 mRNAs （P<0.01, P<0.05）. Nissl staining showed reduced number of nerve cells and Nissl bodies, and striped dark blue cells in the model group, which was milder in the EA and antagonist groups, particularly in the EA+antagonist group. EA may improve the limb motor function of SCI rats, which may be related to its functions in down-regulating the expression of p-cPLA2, Bax and Caspase-3 and up-regulating Bcl-2 to reduce the apoptosis of nerve cells in the regional spinal cord.

Electroacupuncture improves limb motor function by down-regulating cytosolic phospholi-pase A2 and reducing apoptosis of nerve cells in rats with spinal cord injury

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture（EA） on the expression of cytosolic phospholipase A2 （cPLA2） and apoptosis of nerve cells in rats with spinal cord injury （SCI）, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of SCI. Seventy-two female SD rats were randomly divided into model, EA, antagonist and EA+antagonist groups, with 18 rats in each group and other 18 rats were used as the sham operation （sham） group. The SCI model was established by referring to modified Allen's method with a weight impactor. The hindlimb motor function was assessed by using Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan （BBB） score. Rats of the EA group were subjected to EA stimulation at "Dazhui"（GV14）, "Yaoyangguan"（GV3）, bilateral "Ciliao"（BL32） and "Zusanli"（ST36） for 20 min, once a day for 14 days. Rats of the antagonist group received intravenous injection followed by intraperitoneal injection of arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone （AACOCF3, antagonist of cPLA2）, once every other day. Rats of the EA+antagonist group received EA treatment combined with antagonist injection. After the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and the spinal cord tissue was collected for detecting the protein expression of cPLA2, p-cPLA2, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 by Western blot, and the mRNA expression of cPLA2, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 using qRT-PCR. The morphological changes of the spinal cord were detected by Nissl staining. In comparison with the sham group, the BBB score, expression of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were significantly down-regulated （P<0.01）, whereas the expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 and p-cPLA2 proteins and mRNAs were considerably up-regulated in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group, the BBB score, expression levels of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were significantly up-regulated （P<0.01, P<0.05）, while the expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 and p-cPLA2 proteins in the EA, antagonist and EA+antagonist groups, Bax and cPLA2 mRNAs in both antagonist and EA+antagonist groups, and Caspase-3 mRNA in the EA+antagonist group were obviously down-regulated （P<0.01, P<0.05）. The effect of EA+antagonist was significantly superior to EA in increasing BBB score and in lowering expression of Bax and cPLA2 mRNAs （P<0.01, P<0.05）. Nissl staining showed reduced number of nerve cells and Nissl bodies, and striped dark blue cells in the model group, which was milder in the EA and antagonist groups, particularly in the EA+antagonist group. EA may improve the limb motor function of SCI rats, which may be related to its functions in down-regulating the expression of p-cPLA2, Bax and Caspase-3 and up-regulating Bcl-2 to reduce the apoptosis of nerve cells in the regional spinal cord.

IL-21 shapes germinal center polarization via light zone B cell selection and cyclin D3 upregulation.

Germinal center (GC) dysregulation has been widely reported in the context of autoimmunity. Here, we show that interleukin 21 (IL-21), the archetypal follicular helper T cell (Tfh) cytokine, shapes the scale and polarization of spontaneous chronic autoimmune as well as transient immunization-induced GC. We find that IL-21 receptor deficiency results in smaller GC that are profoundly skewed toward a light zone GC B cell phenotype and that IL-21 plays a key role in selection of light zone GC B cells for entry to the dark zone. Light zone skewing has been previously reported in mice lacking the cell cycle regulator cyclin D3. We demonstrate that IL-21 triggers cyclin D3 upregulation in GC B cells, thereby tuning dark zone inertial cell cycling. Lastly, we identify Foxo1 regulation as a link between IL-21 signaling and GC dark zone formation. These findings reveal new biological roles for IL-21 within GC and have implications for autoimmune settings where IL-21 is overproduced.

Pubertal sexual development and endpoints for disrupted spermatogenesis in the model Xenopus tropicalis

Peripubertal models to determine effects of anti-androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals are needed. Using the toxicological model species Xenopus tropicalis, the aims of the study were to 1) provide data on sexual maturation and 2) characterise effects of short-term exposure to an anti-androgenic model substance. Juvenile (2.5 weeks post metamorphosis old) X. tropicalis were exposed to 0, 250, 500 or 1000 µg flutamide/L (nominal) for 2.5 weeks. Upon exposure termination, histology of gonads and Müllerian ducts was characterised in detail. New sperm stages were identified: pale and dark spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The testes of control males contained spermatozoa, indicating pubertal onset. The ovaries were immature, and composed of non-follicular and pre-vitellogenic follicular oocytes. The Müllerian ducts were more mature in females than males indicating development/regression in the females and males, respectively. In the 500 µg/L group, the number of dark SSCs per testis area was decreased and the number of secondary spermatogonia was increased. No treatment effects on ovaries or Müllerian ducts were detected. To conclude, our present data provide new knowledge on spermatogenesis, and pubertal onset in X. tropicalis. New endpoints for evaluating spermatogenesis are suggested to be added to existing assays used in endocrine and reproductive toxicology.

The Human Rights of the Under Trial Prisoners in India

Abstract: The main important purpose of Criminal Justice is that victims, prisoners and also those prisoners who are Under Trial, they can not deny their Human Rights. Those days has gone where prisoners do any offence then they were lodged to pass their days in dark cells. Now a day’s prisons just like a reformative centre where they live, earn and changing their behavior and after come out prison they can collaborate with society. Here prison knows that it is a rehabilitation centre, it is a punishment not that place where there human right are violated and where extra punishment will be held. The open prison has come as a modern and effective system of closed imprisonment. This is helping in changing the traditional outlook of the Indian prison system and helps the prison to become more responsible, creative citizen. A basic and main factor that is necessary to understand high imprisonment rates is the way in which the system is liable to breaches of order like parole, probation or other sentences. In many countries parole is the contribution to overcrowding in prison

Нейротоксическое действие этанола и других психоактивных веществ как общепатологическое основание токсической энцефалопатии

The purpose of the paper was to establish pathomorphological changes in human brain structures in chronic alcohol and combined (alcohol consumed with surrogates, psychoactive, and medicinal substances) intoxication and the possibility of their differential diagnosis. Materials and methods. The following were studied in detail: sensorimotor cortex, medulla oblongata, cerebellum, thalamus, substantia nigra, as well as pericellular and perivascular oedemata in persons who had died from chronic alcohol or combined intoxication, according to 140 forensic medical examination reports and medical history with histological and pathomorphological data. In the cortex, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum, severe pathological forms of neurons (anucleated cells, shadow cells, and dark cells) were selectively studied and counted. Homeostasis parameters in the microcirculatory bed were examined. As controls, we used data of people who had died as a result of various injuries that caused shock or blood loss. Staining was performed with haematoxylin and eosin, according to Nissl and according to Spielmeyer. The results of the research showed that in combined intoxication, the lungs are involved in the pathological process. The number of affected neurons in the brainstem, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum in combined intoxication was statistically significantly higher than that in the control samples. This pathology was also observed in chronic alcohol intoxication; however, the difference from the control samples was insignificant. In chronic alcohol intoxication, the cardiac type of thanatogenesis in the form of alcoholic cardiomyopathy prevails, while in combined intoxication, the pulmonary-cerebral and cerebral types of thanatogenesis are more common. Changes in the brain in combined intoxication are mainly the result of impaired haemodynamics of the microcirculatory bed in the alveoli, as well as of a direct neurotoxic effect of ethanol on the brain; thanatogenesis in this case is pulmonary-cerebral.

Swimming exercise and clove oil can improve memory by molecular responses modification and reduce dark cells in rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by reduced acetylcholine receptor (AChR) density and an increase in nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors NLR family, pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1). We examined the effect of swimming and consumption of clove supplements on memory, dark cells, and α7nAChR and NLRP1 mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus of the rat model of AD. Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups: sham (sh), healthy-control (HC), Alzheimer (-control (AC), -training (AT), -training-supplement (ATS), and -supplement (AS)). Alzheimer was induced by injection of amyloid β1–42 (Aβ1–42). Swimming exercise protocol (30 min) and gavaging clove supplement (0.1 mg/kg) were administered daily for three weeks. The results indicated that in response to AD, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) mRNA and protein rate (p = 0.001) and memory (p = 0.003) were significantly decreased. In contrast, NLRP1 mRNA and protein rate (p = 0.001) and dark cells (p = 0.001) were significantly increased. This is while exercise and clove supplementation improved Alzheimer-induced changes in α7nAChR, NLRP1, memory, and dark cells (p < 0/05). The present study indicated that exercising and consuming clove supplementation could improve memory by increasing α7nAChR and decreasing NLRP1 and dark cells.

Biological Hydrogen Energy Production by Novel Strains Bacillus paramycoides and Cereibacter azotoformans through Dark and Photo Fermentation

In daily life, energy plays a critical role. Hydrogen energy is widely recognized as one of the cleanest energy carriers available today. However, hydrogen must be produced as it does not exist freely in nature. Various methods are available for hydrogen production, including electrolysis, thermochemical technology, and biological methods. This study explores the production of biological hydrogen through the degradation of organic substrates by anaerobic microorganisms. Bacillus paramycoides and Cereibacter azotoformans strains were selected as they have not yet been studied for biological hydrogen fermentation. This study investigates the ability of these microorganisms to produce biological hydrogen. Initially, the cells were identified using cell morphology study, gram staining procedure, and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene polymerase chain reaction. The cells were revealed as Bacillus paramycoides (MCCC 1A04098) and Cereibacter azotoformans (JCM 9340). Moreover, the growth behaviour and biological hydrogen production of the dark and photo fermentative cells were studied. The inoculum concentrations experimented with were 1% and 10% inoculum size. This study found that Bacillus paramycoides and Cereibacter azotoformans are promising strains for hydrogen production, but further optimization processes should be performed to obtain the highest hydrogen yield.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium dysregulation in COQ8A-ataxia Purkinje neurons are rescued by CoQ10 treatment.

COQ8A-ataxia is a rare form of neurodegenerative disorder due to mutations in the COQ8A gene. The encoded mitochondrial protein is involved in the regulation of coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis. Previous studies on the constitutive Coq8a-/- mice indicated specific alterations of cerebellar Purkinje neurons involving altered electrophysiological function and dark cell degeneration. In the present manuscript, we extend our understanding of the contribution of Purkinje neuron dysfunction to the pathology. By generating a Purkinje-specific conditional COQ8A knockout, we demonstrate that loss of COQ8A in Purkinje neurons is the main cause of cerebellar ataxia. Furthermore, through in vivo and in vitro approaches, we show that COQ8A-depleted Purkinje neurons have abnormal dendritic arborizations, altered mitochondria function and intracellular calcium dysregulation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that oxidative phosphorylation, in particular Complex IV, is primarily altered at presymptomatic stages of the disease. Finally, the morphology of primary Purkinje neurons as well as the mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium dysregulation could be rescued by CoQ10 treatment, suggesting that CoQ10 could be a beneficial treatment for COQ8A-ataxia.