Marked Changes Research Articles

Climate and atmospheric circulation during the Early and Mid‐Holocene inferred from lake‐carbonate oxygen‐isotope records from western Ireland

ABSTRACTThe Early to Mid‐Holocene experienced marked climate change over the northern hemisphere mid‐latitudes in response to changing insolation and declining ice volume. Oxygen isotopes from lake sediments provide a valuable climate proxy, encoding information regarding temperature, hydroclimate and moisture source. We present oxygen‐isotope records from two lakes in western Ireland that are strongly influenced by the North Atlantic. Excellent replication between the records suggests they reflect regional, not local, influences. Carbonate oxygen‐isotope values peaked at the start of the Holocene, between 11.2 and 11.1 cal ka bp, and then decreased markedly until 6 cal ka bp at both sites. Palaeoecological evidence supports only modest change in temperature or hydroclimate during this interval and we therefore explain the decrease primarily by a reduction in the oxygen‐isotope composition of precipitation (δ18Oppt). We show a similar decrease in δ18O values in a forward model of carbonate isotopes between 12–11 and 6–5 cal ka bp. However, the inferred reduction in δ18Oppt between the Early and Mid‐Holocene in the model is mainly linked to a decrease in the δ18O of the ocean source water from ice sheet melting whereas the lake carbonate isotope records are more consistent with changes in the transport pathway of moisture associated with atmospheric circulation change as the dominant cause.

Helicobacter pylori promotes gastric fibroblast proliferation and migration by expulsing exosomal miR-124-3p

Gastric fibroblasts (GFs) are direct targets of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). GFs infected with H. pylori exhibit marked changes in their morphology and biological behavior. However, the molecular mechanisms by which H. pylori regulates GFs remain unknown. In this study, we cocultured GFs with H. pylori for 48 h. As a result, GFs exhibited an elongated and spindle-shaped morphology. Further, cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) biomarkers were increased, and related behaviors were significantly enhanced in H. pylori-activated GFs. The number of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by H. pylori-activated GFs remarkably increased. The miR-124-3p level was increased in secreted EVs but decreased in the cytoplasm of H. pylori-activated GFs. Overexpression of miRNA-124-3p in the original GFs significantly suppressed their proliferation and migration. In addition, the migration-promoting effects of H. pylori-activated GFs were suppressed by miR-124-3p and GW4869, which blocked EV generation. Finally, pull-down and luciferase assays revealed that SNAI2 is a target of miR-124-3p. The migration-inhibitory effects of GFs treated with miR-124-3p were eliminated by the overexpression of SNAI2, and the upregulation of SNAI2 in H. pylori-activated GFs was partially alleviated by miR-124-3p or GW4869. Overall, H. pylori infection promotes the proliferation and migration of GFs by accelerating the expulsion of EVs carrying miRNA-124-3p, a SNAI2 inhibitor.

FRI492 Malaria In Pregnancy And Lipopolyssacharide Lead To Sex-specific Changes In The Expression Of Genes Involved In The Placental Metabolism Of Thyroid Hormones

Abstract Disclosure: K.N. Fontes: None. V.S. Monteiro: None. C.B. Andrade: None. A.C. Valim: None. V.M. Nascimento: None. D.E. Teixeira: None. A.A. Pinheiro: None. E. Bloise: None. T.M. Ortiga-Carvalho: None. Infection during gestation promotes marked changes in placental physiology, leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm labor (PTL) and neurodevelopmental disorders. Infection in pregnant women or mice may impact thyroid hormones’ (TH) metabolism and the importance of TH for the development of the placenta and conceptus is widely described in the literature. Our main aim was to evaluate changes in the expression of specific genes involved in placental TH metabolism triggered by malaria in pregnancy (MiP) or bacterial lipopolyssacharide (LPS), in the male and female placenta. Female C57BL/6 mice (8-10 weeks of age) were mated. In the MiP model, dams were infected ip with Plasmodium Berghei ANKA-infected erythrocytes (PBA; 5x105 infected-erythrocytes, n=10) or injected with PBS (contro; n=10) at gestational day (GD)13.5 and sacrificed at GD18.5. In the LPS model, dams were injected ip with LPS (150 µg/kg, n=10) or PBS (control; n=10) at GD17.5 and sacrificed at GD18.5. Maternal blood was collected to evaluate PBA parasitemia. Placental disks were collected from dams delivering at term (GD18.5), and qPCR was performed to evaluate the mRNA expression of genes involved in placental TH metabolism. MiP was confirmed by analysis of parasitemia (15.9%), and resulted in increased maternal spleen weight (P<0.05). As expected, MiP induced PTL (at GD17.5) in 23.1% of dams. Fetal weight and fetal/placental weight ratio were reduced in MiP (at term), compared to control (P<0.05). In the LPS model, 33.3% of dams went into PTL (at GD17.5) and fetal weight was reduced in LPS group (at term), compared to control (P<0.05). In both models, mRNA of the Cxcl1 chemokine (P<0.05) was increased in the male and female placenta at term (P<0.05). Male MiP placentas exhibited a reduction in Slc7a8 (P<0.05) and Dio2 (P<0.05) mRNA expression, whereas female MiP placentas exhibited a reduction in Slc7a8 (P<0.05) and an increase in Slco1c1 and Dio1 (P<0.05) at term. LPS increased Dio1 (P<0.05) mRNA in the male term placenta, and increased Ccl2 (P<0.05) mRNA in the term female placenta. In the present study, MiP was associated with sex-specific changes in the placental expression of TH transporters and deiodinases, while LPS injection promoted a limited effect on placental TH metabolism, but increased the expression of placental inflammatory markers at term. We speculate that these changes may result in reduced TH transport from mother to fetus, leading to IUGR among surviving fetuses, especially in pregnancies threatened by MiP. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

SAT376 Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in Hyperandrogenic Girls Taking Spironolactone or Metformin

Abstract Disclosure: C.M. Burt Solorzano: None. M. Gilrain: None. S.H. Kim: None. C.R. McCartney: None. Peri-pubertal hyperandrogenism (HA) typically relates to excess adrenal and/or ovarian androgen production in response to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and/or luteinizing hormone (LH), respectively. Spironolactone and metformin are commonly used medications to treat adolescent androgen excess. We examined how end-organ responsiveness and LH pulse patterns are affected by these medications in adolescents with HA. We studied free testosterone (T) levels (including baseline and peaks after ACTH and recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin [r-hCG] stimulation), oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), and 12-hr overnight LH secretion (sampled q 10 min) in post-menarcheal girls with HA before and after 3-months of either spironolactone (100 mg BID) or metformin (500 mg BID). Free T was calculated using total T (LC-MS/MS) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).To date, 3 girls (aged 12-18) have been studied using spironolactone and 4 girls (aged 14-17) using metformin. (1 girl was studied twice, once with each medication.) After spironolactone treatment, free T changed by -19% (-58 to +37) (median [range]) unstimulated, by -53% (-62 to -15) after ACTH, and by -54% (-66 to +12) after r-hCG. Peak insulin level during OGTT changed by +28% (+16 to +98). Overnight LH pulse frequency changed by -64% (-89 to -10) and LH mean by -74% (-89 to -17). Two subjects in the spironolactone group demonstrated luteal LH patterns despite serum progesterone concentrations < 0.7 ng/mL. In the metformin group, free T changed by +35% (-32 to +125) unstimulated, by 36% (-54 to +66) after ACTH, and by 21% (-41 to +105) after r-hCG. Peak insulin level during OGTT changed by -47% (-74 to +102). LH pulse frequency changed by +10% (-29 to +22) and LH mean by +1% (-2 to +74). To summarize findings to date, mean LH and LH pulse frequency decreased in all three subjects taking spironolactone, including marked reductions in two subjects who demonstrated luteal LH patterns. While free T levels decreased in some of these girls, this seems unlikely to account for such marked changes in LH secretion. And despite similar decreases in T and also decreases in peak insulin in some girls taking metformin, LH pulse frequency did not change markedly. LH pulse patterns in two girls taking spironolactone suggest a progesterone-like effect on LH pulsatility. Spironolactone can cause irregular uterine bleeding, and canrenone (the major metabolite of spironolactone) binds to uterine progesterone receptors competitively (Fernandez MD, Br J Clin Pharm 1983). However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of LH pulse changes in HA girls using spironolactone. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding. Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Experimental evidence of the neurotoxic effect of monosodium glutamate in adult female Sprague Dawley rats: The potential protective role of Zingiber officinale Rosc. rhizomes

Strategies to prevent the health abnormalities associated with the extensive use of MSG (monosodium glutamate) as a flavoring booster are badly needed. The current study was conducted to investigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal lipid profile as the main risk factors of neurotoxicity in MSG-exposed female albino rats. Besides, the effect of concurrent consumption of Zingiber officinale rhizomes powder was studied at low doses. Twenty rats (total) were split into 4 separate groups. The 1st group was a negative control group (without any treatment), while the others received 6 mg MSG/kg. The 2nd group was left untreated, whereas the 3rd and 4th groups were given a regular laboratory diet that included ginger rhizome powder supplements (GRP, 0.5 & 1%, respectively) for six weeks. In brain tissue homogenates, exposure to MSG caused a significant depletion of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and total protein levels, while triglycerides and cholesterol contents were significantly elevated. Moreover, a noteworthy upsurge in oxidative load and inflammation markers was also noticed associated with a marked reduction of antioxidant levels, which histopathological staining verified further. The rat diet formulated with GRP, with a dose-dependent effect, resulted in increased GABA and total protein contents and attenuated inflammation, oxidative stress, abnormal lipid profile, and marked histological changes in cerebral cortical neurons of MSG-administered animals. Therefore, this study reveals that GRP shields rats against the neurotoxicity that MSG causes. The anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant, and lipid-normalizing properties of rhizomes of ginger may be accountable for their observed neuroprotective action.

CRB1-Associated Retinal Dystrophy Patients Have Expanded Lewis Glycoantigen-Positive T Cells.

Eye inflammation may occur in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) and is seen frequently in IRDs associated with mutations in the CRB1 gene. The purpose of this study was to determine the types of inflammatory cells involved in IRDs, by deep profiling the composition of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with a CRB1-associated IRD. This study included 33 patients with an IRD with confirmed CRB1 mutations and 32 healthy controls. A 43-parameter flow cytometry analysis was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from venous blood. FlowSOM and manual Boolean combination gating were used to identify and quantify immune cell subsets. Comparing patients with controls revealed a significant increase in patients in the abundance of circulating CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells that express sialyl Lewis X antigen. Furthermore, we detected a decrease in plasmacytoid dendritic cells and an IgA+CD24+CD38+ transitional B-cell subset in patients with an IRD. Patients with a CRB1-associated IRD show marked changes in blood leukocyte composition, affecting lymphocyte and dendritic cell populations. These results implicate inflammatory pathways in the disease manifestations of IRDs.

The mountain-viewing trend in private gardens of the Song dynasty

This study analyses Song dynasty garden documents and paintings and identifies three methods to create mountain-viewing experiences in private gardens. The landscaping techniques, aesthetic sensibilities, and cultural implications of each method are discussed, and the evolution of the mountain-viewing tradition is examined. Due to changes in natural conditions and the influence of royalty, mountains and stones as garden design elements held greater significance under the Southern Song dynasty than the Northern Song dynasty, with marked changes in mountain-building techniques, appreciation of stones, aesthetic preferences, and the professional esteem of designing gardens. Mountain-viewing pavilions became more prevalent during the Southern Song dynasty because the Song people deeply revered scholar Tao Yuanming. This paper contributes to Chinese landscaping history literature by showing how and why the mountain-viewing trend grew and how the Song dynasty influenced garden landscaping in China.

Immunomodulatory properties of CD38 antibodies and their effect on anticancer efficacy in multiple myeloma.

CD38 has been established as an important therapeutic target for multiple myeloma (MM), for which two CD38 antibodies are currently approved-daratumumab and isatuximab. CD38 is an ectoenzyme that degrades NAD and its precursors and is involved in the production of adenosine and other metabolites. Among the various mechanisms by which CD38 antibodies can induce MM cell death is immunomodulation, including multiple pathways for CD38-mediated T-cell activation. Patients who respond to anti-CD38 targeting treatment experience more marked changes in T-cell expansion, activity, and clonality than nonresponders. Resistance mechanisms that undermine the immunomodulatory effects of CD38-targeting therapies can be tumor intrinsic, such as the downregulation of CD38 surface expression and expression of complement inhibitor proteins, and immune microenvironment-related, such as changes to the natural killer (NK) cell numbers and function in the bone marrow niche. There are numerous strategies to overcome this resistance, which include identifying and targeting other therapeutic targets involved in, for example, adenosine production, the activation of NK cells or monocytes through immunomodulatory drugs and their combination with elotuzumab, or with bispecific T-cell engagers.

Aberrant cytokine and VCAM-1 expression in patients with viral and non-viral related liver cirrhosis

The study aim was to compare the alterations in the expression levels of proinflammatory and chemotactic cytokines as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-8, the down regulatory cytokine IL-10, in addition to the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) gene in different groups of patients with cirrhosis due to various etiologies. This case-control study included 84 patients suffering from cirrhosis of viral and non-viral etiologies and 20 sex and age-matched healthy controls. All patients were subjected to detailed history taking, clinical examination, and liver function assessment. The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-8, IL-10, and VCAM-1 were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by real-time PCR. Patients with cirrhosis showed marked changes in the tested gene expression levels relative to the control group. Higher expression levels of all genes except IL-10 were seen in patients of the viral than in the non-viral groups. Most of the significant correlations of liver function parameters were observed with TNF-α in both the viral and non-viral groups, followed by IL-17A. Increased TNF-α and IL-17A presented potential risk factors for disease progression to cirrhosis of Child class C.

Does the fertile island effect in tamarisk nebkhas enhance in the northern Tarim Basin in the context of global warming?

AbstractWith the intensification of global warming, uncertainty regarding ecosystem evolution trends in drylands has increased. The objective of this article was to test whether the desertification process of tamarisk shrubland was intensified by comparing fertile island effects and soil ecological stoichiometry characteristics at different time periods. The tamarisk shrubland in the “shrubland” and “shrub duneland” stages in the northern Tarim Basin was selected, and soil samples were collected from the tamarisk nabkhas and from the interspaces between tamarisk nebkhas at the 0‐ to 30‐cm soil layers in 2009 and 2018. Soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorous (P) were analyzed, and the C/N, C/P, and N/P ratios were calculated. In comparison with 2009, fertile island effects were completely collapsed in the shrub duneland stage, with no obvious changes in the shrubland stage in 2018. The average soil C/N ratio decreased from a value greater than 25 in both stages. The average value of soil C/P ratio was below 200 in the shrubland and shrub duneland stages, with almost no marked change after nine years. The soil N/P ratio in our study significantly increased in 2018 than in 2009, but the soil N/P ratio was still much less than 11.9. Significantly positive correlations were observed between the relative interaction index (RII) of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (TN) and the soil C/P and N/P ratios in the tamarisk nebkhas. These results suggested that (1) fertile island effects were positive in relation to soil stoichiometry in tamarisk nebkhas in most cases; (2) the desertification process was accelerated in the shrub duneland stage, with no obvious progress during the shrubland stage; and (3) the loss of soil C from the collapsed fertile islands could therefore accelerate global warming.

A Discussion of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a triphasic hematological malignancy characterized by the presence of the abnormal Philadelphia chromosome, linked to causing uncontrolled myeloid cell proliferation in the bone marrow and marked changes in the peripheral blood and bone marrow microenvironments. The discovery of the BCR-ABL1 fusion oncogene from the balanced translocation of chromosomes 9 and 22, creating the Philadelphia chromosome, and its encoded tyrosine kinase protein has been linked to causing uncontrolled cell proliferation, leading to a subsequent development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). TKIs, along with traditional chemotherapy drugs and interferon treatment, have revolutionized CML treatment, enabling deep remissions and prolonging of the disease’s chronic phase. This review will introduce CML and comprehensively explore the epidemiology, molecular basis, pathology, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for CML, including their mechanisms of action and challenges, such as TKI resistance, with a focus on TKIs as the workhorses of CML therapy. By reviewing the current known literature, this paper aims to contribute to and guide the pursuit of new knowledge and research.

Temporal trends in percutaneous coronary intervention in Australia: A retrospective analysis from 2000–2021

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the trend in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with insertion of a stent in Australia from 2000/01 to 2020/21 and investigate trends in same-day versus non-same-day discharge following PCI. A secondary aim was to compare the rate of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with PCI procedures, while a third aim was to compare marked PCI trend changes with the PCI guidelines during the study period. BackgroundPCI with stent deployment is the most common form of interventional treatment for coronary artery disease, and its use has been expanding since 2000. However, there is a lack of descriptive studies of the national trend in Australia. MethodsAll procedures for PCI and CABG were extracted across 21 years (2000/01 to 2020/21) from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data. Age-standardized rates were calculated using the Australian standard population as of June 2001. The ratio of PCI to CABG procedures was also calculated. Trends for PCI were stratified by age, gender, and same-day or overnight discharge episodes. Linear regression analysis was done to compare the age-standardized rates across different age categories. Segmented regression analysis was performed to ascertain the change in the age-standardized rates of PCI during the study period. Whether the changepoints in the trend were matched with guideline updates was also assessed. ResultsThere were 751 728 PCI procedures in persons aged 30 years and above between 2000/01 and 2020/21. The age-standardized rate for the study period showed that persons aged 60-74 years had a higher rate of procedures (102.7) compared to persons aged 30-59 years (81.3) and 75 years and older (61.8) (P < 0.001). There were two statistically significant changepoints in the overall trend; 2005/06 and 2013/14, matched with the change in PCI guidelines. Despite the lower number of procedures for same-day discharge episodes, there has been an increasing trend since 2014/15. More than two-thirds of all stenting procedures were the insertion of a single stent. PCI to CABG procedure ratio increased from 0.6 in 2000/01 to 1.8 in 2020/21. ConclusionsThere was a varying trend in the age-standardized rate of PCI with a peak in 2005/06. The trend appears to be stabilizing in the later part of the study period, but the rate for same-day discharge episodes showed an increasing trend after 2014/15. There is consistency with changepoints in the trend and updated PCI guideline recommendations. The ratio of PCI with insertion of a stent to CABG procedure increased substantially across the study period.

Rapid and reversible humidity-dependent colour change by water film formation in a scaled springtail.

Colour is often not a static trait but can change over time either through biotic or abiotic factors. Humidity-dependent colour change can occur through either morphological change (e.g. to feather barbules in birds) or by the replacement of air by water causing a shift in refractive index, as seen in arthropod multi-layer cuticles or scales. The scaled springtail Lepidocyrtus cyaneus has scales that produce colour largely via thin film interference from their lamina. We observed a marked colour change from golden to violet/purple coloration in humid conditions. Light microscopy, micro-spectrophotometry, contact angle goniometry and optical modelling indicate that the formation of a thin film of water on top of the hydrophilic scales increases their laminar thin film thickness, causing a shift towards violet/purple colour. Evaporation of the water film causes the metallic golden colour to return. This constitutes a remarkably rapid colour change (in the order of seconds), only limited by the speed of water film condensation and evaporation, that may serve as inspiration for new dynamically coloured materials and sensors.

Coagulation Abnormalities in Pediatric Patients with β-Thalassemia, An experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Life expectancy in thalassemia has markedly improved due to consistent blood transfer and amenability with iron chelation therapy, therefore this improvement is conditioned with various thromboembolic problems of this prolonged disorder including thromboembolic complaints. Objective: To determine coagulation abnormalities in beta (β) thalassemia major patients who have been multi transfused. Methods: This observational study was conducted at Department of Haematology &amp; Transfusion Medicine, Children hospital &amp; University of Child Health Sciences (CH&amp;UCHS), Lahore, from October 2022 to January 2023. The study included 60 β-thalassemic patient, age less than 16 years whose samples were compared with upper and lower normal value as regards to Prothrombin Time (PT), Active Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), Protein S, Protein C, liver enzymes (Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: When values were compared, natural clotting inhibitors (Protein S, Protein C) were remarkably reduced in β-thalassemic paeds patients (p&lt;0.001).PT and APTT were prolonged in thalassemic children (p&gt;0.05 and p&lt;0.05 correspondingly). There was substantial increase in concentrations of ALT and AST in β-thalassemic patients (p &lt; 0.001 and p &lt; 0.001 respectively) due to iron over load by multiple transfusions. Conclusions: Marked changes in coagulation inhibition supporting thrombotic tendency was observed in thalassemic children. There were reduced levels of protein C and protein S, independent of slightly prolonged PT and APTT and elevated levels of ALT, AST with normal GGT in thalassemic children.

Simulating soil C dynamics under intensive agricultural systems and climate change scenarios in the Matopiba region, Brazil

The recent agricultural expansion in the Matopiba region, Brazil's new agricultural frontier, has raised questions about the risk of increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) loss as large areas of native vegetation (NV; i.e., Cerrado biome) have been replaced by large-scale mechanized agriculture. Although sustainable managements, such as integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems, are considered strategic to counterbalance the SOC loss associated with land-use change (LUC) while keeping food production, little is known about their long-term effects on SOC stocks in the Matopiba region. To this end, we used the DayCent model to simulate the effects of converting the management commonly used in this region, i.e., soybean-cotton rotation under no-tillage (NT), into ICL systems with distinct levels of intensification (e.g., crop rotations: soybean-pasture and soybean-pasture-cotton; soil and crop management: grass irrigation, scarification/harrowing, and length of grass cultivation) on long term SOC dynamics. Additionally, data from two projected climate scenarios: SSP2-4.5 [greenhouse gases emissions (GHG) will not change markedly over time and global temperature will increase by 2.0 °C by 2060] and SSP5-8.5 (marked changes in GHG emissions are expected to occur resulting in an increase of 2.4 and 4.4 °C in global temperature in the middle and at the end of the century) were included in our simulations to evaluate climate change effects on SOC dynamics in this region. Based on a 50-yr-time frame simulation, we observed that SOC stocks under ICL systems were, on average, 23% and 47% higher than in the NV (36.9 Mg ha−1) and soybean-cotton rotation under NT (30.9 Mg ha−1), respectively. Growing grasses interlaid with crops was crucial to increase SOC stocks even when disruptive soil practices were followed. Although the irrigation of grass resulted in an early increase of SOC stocks and a higher pasture stoking rate, it did not increase SOC stocks in the long term compared to non-irrigated treatments. The SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios had little effects on SOC dynamics in the simulated ICL systems. However, additional SOC loss (∼0.065 Mg ha−1 yr−1) is predicted to occur if the current management is not improved. These findings can help guide management decisions for the Matopiba region, Brazil, to alleviate the anthropogenic pressure associated with agriculture development. More broadly, they confirm that crop-livestock integration in croplands is a successful strategy to regenerate SOC.

Formulation and Comparative Evaluation of Physical Characteristics of different Essential Polyherbal Hair Oils

Objective: To prepare essential hair oil from Eucalyptus, Poduthalai, Vettiver, Bhringraj, Alovera, Neem, Hibiscus, Henna and Fenugreek extracts in different combinations. Methods: Five different formulations (F1-F7) were prepared and subjected to general evaluation like color and odor, density and physical characteristics like specific gravity, pH, acid value, saponification value, ester value, sensitivity test, irritation test, grittiness and biological evaluation of anti dandruff activity. Results: The general evaluation of the essential oil preparations showed a different characteristic in each preparation. The Sensitivity test reveals no irritation, redness or marked skin changes and grittiness revealed the smooth texture of the oil. All formulations exhibited a good anti dandruff activity against Malassezia furfur. The maximum zone of inhibition was observed in F5 (Phyla nodiflora, Chrysopogon zizanioides and Eucalyptus in coconut oil) against M.furfur. Conclusion: The study showed that the formulation of F5 consisting Phyla nodiflora, Chrysopogon zizanioides and Eucalyptus globulus in coconut oil base was best suitable to control dandruff in scalp in human beings.

Potential for host-symbiont communication via neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in an aneural animal, the marine sponge Amphimedon queenslandica.

Interkingdom signalling within a holobiont allows host and symbionts to communicate and to regulate each other's physiological and developmental states. Here we show that a suite of signalling molecules that function as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in most animals with nervous systems, specifically dopamine and trace amines, are produced exclusively by the bacterial symbionts of the demosponge Amphimedon queenslandica. Although sponges do not possess a nervous system, A. queenslandica expresses rhodopsin class G-protein-coupled receptors that are structurally similar to dopamine and trace amine receptors. When sponge larvae, which express these receptors, are exposed to agonists and antagonists of bilaterian dopamine and trace amine receptors, we observe marked changes in larval phototactic swimming behaviour, consistent with the sponge being competent to recognise and respond to symbiont-derived trace amine signals. These results indicate that monoamines synthesised by bacterial symbionts may be able to influence the physiology of the host sponge.

Neurovascular coupling dysfunction in high myopia patients: Evidence from a multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging analysis

Background and purposeTo investigate neurovascular coupling dysfunction in high myopia (HM) patients. Materials and methodsA total of 37 HM patients and 36 healthy controls were included in this study. Degree centrality (DC), regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), and fractional ALFF (fALFF) maps were employed to represent neuronal activity. Cerebral blood perfusion was characterized by cerebral blood flow (CBF). The correlation coefficient was calculated to reflect the relationship between neuronal activity and cerebral blood perfusion. Pearson partial correlation analysis was utilized to evaluate the association between HM dysfunction and clinical indicators. ResultsHM patients exhibited significant alterations in neurovascular coupling across 37 brain regions compared to healthy controls. The brain regions with marked changes varied among the four neurovascular coupling patterns, including the middle frontal gyrus, superior occipital gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, and fusiform gyrus. Additionally, the superior frontal gyrus orbital part, medial superior frontal gyrus, inferior occipital gyrus, and dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus displayed significant changes in three coupling patterns. In HM patients, the ReHo-CBF changes in the inferior frontal gyrus orbital part were positively correlated with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive diopter changes. Similarly, the ALFF-CBF changes in the inferior frontal gyrus orbital part showed a positive correlation with refractive diopter changes. ReHo-CBF and ALFF-CBF alterations in the paracentral lobule were positively correlated with BCVA and refractive diopter changes. ConclusionOur findings underscore the abnormal alterations in neurovascular coupling across multiple brain regions in HM patients. These results suggest that neurovascular dysfunction in HM patients may be associated with an aberrant visual regulation mechanism.

The use of preferred footwear versus barefoot conditions in gait analysis: A methodological investigation

Laboratory-based gait analyses traditionally analyze baseline characteristics in individuals while they are barefoot. However, there is limited evidence on whether individuals’ preferred walking shoes alter lower extremity kinematics during over-ground walking. We present novel evidence regarding the effects of shoes on lower extremity kinematics in healthy, young adults. Fifteen volunteers participated in this study which obtained lower extremity kinematic data on two over-ground walking conditions (barefoot and preferred shoes). Gait velocity, stance width, and stride length, along with sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle angular positions were computed; hip, knee, and ankle positions were normalized to 100% of the stride. Dependent t-tests were used to compare baseline and shoe conditions for gait velocity and stance width; a two-way analysis of variance was used for stride length. A point-by-point Model Statistic analysis was used to identify significant differences in angular joint positions between conditions. Our results indicate that shoes affected the ankle angular joint position for more than half of the gait cycle, and affected the knee angular joint position, but only for approximately 20% of the cycle. The hip was unaffected by shoes. Gait velocity and stance width were statistically significant, with gait velocity being greater for shoes, and stance width being greater while barefoot. Stride length was not statistically significant between conditions. These outcomes suggest that researchers should use caution if they are considering a barefoot condition as a ‘baseline’ for healthy, young adults, as there are marked changes in the ankle, and in traditional gait metrics.

Clinical diagnosis and outcome of cervicofacial cellulitis in pyrexic rabbits: six cases (2014-2021).

To assess the signalment, history, exam findings, diagnostics, treatment and outcome of rabbits diagnosed with pyrexia and concurrent cervicofacial cellulitis. Retrospective evaluation of medical records of rabbits diagnosed with cervicofacial cellulitis and pyrexia based on physical exam, contrast-enhanced CT, clinicopathology and microbiology findings. Six out of 1588 rabbits met the study inclusion criteria. Rabbits presented with a median age of 6 years (range, 8 months to 8 years) with a presenting complaint of anorexia or hyporexia. All rabbits had a rectal temperature >40.2°C (104.4°F). Physical exam and contrast-enhanced CT revealed unilateral submandibular and ipsilateral cervical diffuse soft tissue swelling in five of six rabbits. No antemortem evidence of periodontal or dental disease was found on physical exam or CT. Leucopenia was present in five of six rabbits. A left shift with marked toxic changes was present in all four rabbits, for which blood smears were reviewed. Bacterial cultures of the aspirated subcutaneous soft tissue swelling cultured Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, Granulicatella adiacens, Streptococcus species, Haemophilus species and Bacteroides species. Treatment was pursued in five rabbits, where all rabbits received supportive care and four of five rabbits received systemic antibiotics. One rabbit was euthanased following a diagnosis of cervicofacial cellulitis. Three out of five rabbits continued to decline clinically despite medical management, and thus, euthanasia was pursued within 24 hours of starting treatment. Two rabbits responded to initial treatment and developed subsequent multi-focal abscessation. One rabbit was euthanased due to client cost constraints, and one rabbit died shortly after achieving clinical resolution of cervicofacial cellulitis. Cervicofacial cellulitis should be considered a differential diagnosis in pyrexic rabbits with facial or cervical swelling with medical and surgical management pursued for therapy.