PC Content Research Articles

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Eccentric Viewing Training Using PC and VR Contents

The purpose of this study is to develop PC Eccentric Viewing Training (EVT) and VR EVT Content, to conduct experiments to verify the validity of contents first through non-disabled people, and to compare and analyze VR and PC contents. Both PC and VR contents were produced with UNITY. This content model assumes that reducing inaccurate saccades by eliminating eye movement helps improve reading accuracy. In addition, the two contents are implemented in the same way as VR and PC versions. The content consists of two steps, both PC and VR. The purpose of the content is to improve reading accuracy by improving the fixation stability of Preferred Retinal Locus (PRL) and reducing inaccurate Saccades. The experiment consisted of 12 persons (within maximum visual acuity less than 0.3), and they were assigned to the PC Content group and VR Content group. The experiment was conducted a total of 5 times, except for two weeks, which is the time to adapt PRL. The experimental results showed that the reading accuracy of the VR content group was higher. In addition, When comparing VR contents with PC contents, the group that conducted the training through PC contents showed a decrease in concentration as it progressed to 1-3 steps, and the score distribution also fell overall. In conclusion, the study compared VR and PC contents, and the effectiveness of contents was verified through experiments.

Soybean-derived phospholipids complexed poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Polymeric scaffolds play a vital role in tissue engineering. Electrospun poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) membranes can be a promising scaffold. However, their applications are restricted due to poor hydrophilicity and single function. In this study, we show for the first time how blending of L-α-phosphatidylcholine (PC) to PLGA to yield hybrid scaffolds alters the physical properties and wettability and consequently affects the biodegradability and biocompatibility. Soybean-derived phospholipids complexed PLGA nanofibrous scaffolds (PLGA-PC) were readily fabricated by electrospinning polymer solutions of PLGA and PC in different ratios. The obtained scaffolds exhibited a dramatic decrease in fibre diameter and a significant increase in porosity and hydrophilicity as the PC component was added. Although the mechanical strength of PLGA scaffolds decreased due to the incorporation of PC, the PLGA-PC groups showed tensile strength above 2.5 MPa in both dry and wet states. Based on in vitro degradation, we found that it was accelerating for PLGA-PC scaffolds with PC content increased. Additionally, these scaffolds presented superior blood compatibility and cytocompatibility. The explored research on phospholipids complexed scaffolds can readily extend to other polymers and provides a feasible strategy to construct optimal microenvironments for seeded cells, indicating promising use in various tissue engineering.

Correlations of Fat Content in Human Milk with Fat Droplet Size and Phospholipid Species

Fat globule size and phospholipid (PL) content in human milk (HM) were investigated. HM was classified into three groups depending on fat content (A < B < C). PL content (mg/100 g HM) was significantly higher in the C group (p < 0.05), indicating its positive relationship with HM fat content. When the PL content was normalized (mg/g fat), that of group A was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and fat droplet size in group C was slightly larger, suggesting that HM fat content is affected by fat droplet numbers to a larger extent than by fat droplet size. A correlation between PC and SM content in HM was observed regardless of fat content, while correlation between PE and either PC or SM increased in the order of C > B > A, hence the composition and content of PL species in HM varied according to its fat content.

Exogenous melatonin and salicylic acid alleviates cadmium toxicity in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seedlings.

The co-application of exogenous 100 µM melatonin (MT) and 100 µM salicylic acid (SA) on 21-day-old safflower seedlings grown in the presence of cadmium (Cd, 100 µM) toxicity was investigated. The application of MT, SA, or MT + SA efficiently improved toxicity symptoms and declined Cd toxicity as shown by a considerable rise in plant biomass production and chlorophyll content accompanied by decreased level of oxidative stress markers. In Cd stressed plants, the simultaneous application of MT and SA led to sharp decreases in MDA and H2O2 amounts (61.04 and 49.11%, respectively), related to plants treated with Cd alone. With respect to the control, a 41 and 48% increment in reduced glutathione (GSH) and ascorbate (ASC) content was recorded in Cd-treated seedlings. Though, with the addition of MT, SA, or MT + SA, the content of GSH and ASC increased more. The application of MT, SA, or MT + SA caused a sharp induction in phytochelatin content of the leaves of Cd-treated seedlings, while in roots, the highest PC content was recorded only in the presence of MT, which was about 1.8-fold greater than in plant treated with Cd alone. The activity of enzymes responsible for the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and glyoxalase system considerably improved by using MT, SA, or the combination of MT and SA. Our findings suggest a possible synergic interaction between MT and SA in tolerating Cd toxicity by reducing Cd uptake, improving chlorophyll biosynthesis and accelerating ascorbate-glutathione cycle as well as the modulation of glyoxalase system.

Carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone induced the imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis in the liver of Megalobrama amblycephala: A dynamic study

Carbonylcyanide-3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) is a protonophore, which causes uncoupling of proton gradient in the inner mitochondrial membrane, thus inhibiting the rate of ATP synthesis. However, this information is manly derived from mammals, while its effects on the mitochondrial homeostasis of aquatic animals are largely unknown. In this study, the mitochondrial homeostasis of a carp fish Megalobrama amblycephala was investigated systematically in a time-course manner by using CCCP. Fish was injected intraperitoneally with CCCP (1.8 mg/kg per body weight) and DMSO (control), respectively. The results showed that CCCP treatment induced hepatic mitochondrial oxidative stress, as was evidenced by the significantly increased MDA and PC contents coupled with the decreased SOD and MnSOD activities. Meanwhile, mitochondrial fission was up-regulated remarkably characterized by the increased transcriptions of Drp-1, Fis-1 and Mff. However, the opposite was true for mitochondrial fusion, as was indicative of the decreased transcriptions of Mfn-1, Mfn-2 and Opa-1. This consequently triggered mitophagy, as was supported by the accumulated mitochondrial autophagosomes and the increased protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II and P62 accompanied by the increased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio. Mitochondrial biogenesis and function both decreased significantly addressed by the decreased activities of CS, SDH and complex I, IV and V, as well as the protein levels of PGC-1β coupled with the decreased transcriptions of TFAM, COX-1, COX-2 and ATP-6. Unlikely, DMSO treatment exerted little influence. Overall, CCCP treatment resulted in the imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis in Megalobrama amblycephala by promoting mitochondrial oxidative stress, fission and mitophagy, but depressing mitochondrial fusion, biogenesis and function.

A novel point cloud quality assessment metric based on perceptual color distance patterns

In recent years, PCs have become very popular for a wide range of applications, such as immersive virtual reality scenarios. As a consequence, in the last couple of years, there has been a great effort to develop novel acquisition, representation, compression, and transmission solutions for PC contents in the research community. In particular, the development of objective quality assessment methods that are able to predict the perceptual quality of PCs. In this paper, we present an effective novel method for assessing the quality of PCs, which is based on descriptors that extract perceptual color distance-based texture information of PC contents, called Perceptual Color Distance Patterns (PCDP). In this framework, the statistics of the extracted information are used to model the PC visual quality. Experimental results show that the proposed framework exhibit good and robust performance when compared with several state-of-the-art point cloud quality assessment (PCQA) methods.

Evaluation of Quality Parameters of Food Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) Varieties as Affected by Blended NPSB Fertilizer Rates in Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the most health benefits among cereal crops which were grown mostly in central highlands of Ethiopia. The three food barley varieties (EH1493, HB1966 and HB-1307) which were released by Holeta Agricultural Research Center (HARC) had experience on barley breeding program (his center of excellence) was evaluated for their grain flour quality content and proximate analysis with respective to five blended NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 100,150, 200 &amp; 250 kg NPSB ha -1 ) and one Recommended NP (60 kg N and 69 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 ) fertilizer rates. To evaluate their proximate analysis and grain flour quality contents of the food barley varieties were determined by using suitable Standard Official procedures. Proximate analysis was determined according to Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) method and TKW, MC, HLW, GS, GE, PC, FC, AC, CHO, SC, FC, and BG contents of food barley flour was analyzed. All quality and proximate analysis result means were statistically significant and in the range of acceptable recommendation according to FAO and other nutritional sources. The quality parameters analysis showed that EH1493 variety has an average moisture content (11.78%), Hectoliter weight (66.26%), and friability (68.43%), while grain size (80.46%) and Bet-glucan (861.81mgL -1 ) were higher with HB1966 variety. Moreover, 200kg NPSB ha -1 gave the maximum protein (10.31%), fat (2.51%), and ash (2.64%), while the highest total carbohydrate (82.88%) content obtained on 250kg NPSB ha -1 .The economic analysis revealed that the highest net benefit (69558.42 birr ha -1 ) with marginal rate of return of 1475.41% was recorded from the application of 200kg NPSB ha -1 with EH1493 variety. Therefore, application of 200 kg NPSB ha -1 with EH1493 variety is recommended to be used by farmers around Walmera district. Keywords: Food barley, NPSB fertilizers, proximate analysis, grain quality content DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/104-01 Publication date: January 31 st 2021

Enterobacter sp. FM-1 inoculation influenced heavy metal-induced oxidative stress in pakchoi (Brassica campestris L. ssp. Chinensis Makino) and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatic F.) cultivated in cadmium and lead co-contaminated soils

The current study investigated the potential influence of Enterobacter sp. FM-1 on plant growth and the accumulation of Cd and Pb in plants growing in highly contaminated soils. Moreover, the potential mechanism by which Enterobacter sp. FM-1 helps vegetable species alleviate heavy metal (HM)-induced oxidative stress was investigated. Each pot experiment involved a full factorial randomized design which included two types of soils, two vegetable species (Brassica campestris L. and Ipomoea aquatic F.) and four bacterium inoculation concentrations (control (0), 6.4 × 106, 1.3 × 107 and 3.8 × 107 CFU g soil− 1). The results indicated that in both soils, while Cd and Pb accumulation caused oxidative stress in both vegetables, inoculation with FM-1 (3.8 × 107 CFU g soil− 1) promoted the height and weight of both plant species. FM-1 inoculation significantly increased the Chla, Chlb, t-Chl and carotenoid contents in both vegetables, which could help to alleviate the intracellular oxidative stress of vegetables caused by Cd and Pb. Additionally, FM-1 (3.8 × 107 CFU g soil− 1) inoculation significantly increased the CAT and POD activities in both vegetables (by 24.0%~88.0% and 17.4%~178.2%, respectively). Moreover, inoculation with FM-1 promoted the conversion of a large amount of GSH into PCs, and the PC content in both vegetables increased by 18.9%~22.1% and 14.3%~22.8%, respectively. Our findings indicated that Enterobacter sp. FM-1 inoculation of soils co-contaminated with Cd and Pb helps activate the scavenging mechanism of these vegetable species to alleviate the oxidative toxicity stress caused by Cd and Pb.

Performance of full-cell Na-ion with NaNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode material and different carbonate-based electrolytes

The battery performance not only depend on the electrodes nature but also depend on the choice of electrolyte consisting of salts and organic solvents. The development of electrolytes compatible with both cathode and anode materials is essential for enhancing the performance of practical full-cell Na-ion batteries. Among electrode with difference Ni/Mn/Co ratio, NaNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC) showed the best stable cycling. Besides, carbonaceous anode materials such as hard carbon (HC) are attracting due to it low cost, high gravity/volumetric capacity. In this work, the electrochemical performance of full-cell Na-ion including NMC as cathode and HC as anode was studied in difference carbonate-based electrolytes with 2wt%FEC as additive. The cathode material was synthesized by sol-gel reaction following a calcination at 900oC for 12 hours. X-ray diffraction result of the synthesized sample indicates a layered structure with mutual O3 and P2 phase intergrowth and the dominant phase is O3. The impurity phase NiO also presents with negligeable content. In half-cell configuration with sodium metal anode, the material exhibited a typical staircase chargedischarge profile in various electrolytes. The highest capacity of 106 mAh/g with stable clycing up to 50 cycles was obtained in the electrolyte NaClO4 1 M/PC+2wt%FEC. However, this electrolyte couldn't enable the cycling the full-cell HC||NMC due to the incompatibility with HC anode. In consequence, the initial capacity of full-cell in this electrolyte was only 30 mAh/g and significantly decreased in consecutive cycles. Meanwhile, the electrolytes without PC or with low PC content tend to improve the charge/discharge capacity and the cycle life as well. Indeed, full-cell HC||NMC using NaClO4 1M/EC-DMC (1:1) + 2wt%FEC electrolyte exhibited the highest capacity of 90 mAh/g and excellent capacity retention (90% of the initial capacity) after 50 cycles. Additionally, the full-cell could deliver capacity of 55 mAh/g at high rate up to 2C.

Role of cellulose-based composite materials in synergistic reinforcement of environmentally friendly waterborne polyurethane

In this study, a graft modified Octa(aminopropyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OPOSS)/ TEMPO-oxidized cellulose microfibrils (TOCMF) nanocomposite material (named PC) was prepared by a simple peptide-forming reaction to overcome the disadvantages of nanocellulose materials which have limited their application in environmentally friendly waterborne polyurethanes. The modified vegetable oil-based waterborne polyurethane (WPU) was prepared by reacting the excess amino group on the POSS with the -NCO group on the polyurethane matrix in the in-situ polymerization, in which the POSS particles function as a button-like bond between the oxidized cellulose and the polyurethane matrix. And the similar filamentous structure of TOCMF to the linear polyurethane matrix structure could greatly weaken the negative impact of the rigid structure of POSS particles on processability (Elongation at break). The performance test results showed that the mechanical properties, thermal stability and water resistance of the modified WPU composite film are greatly improved by the synergistic effect of the two nano materials. The initial decomposition temperature and water contact angle of the WPU composite film with a PC content of 0.7 wt.% were increased by 41.9 °C and 10°, respectively. Especially, the tensile strength of WPU/PC-0.7 wt.% was twice that of pure WPU.

Transcriptomics- and metabolomics-based integration analyses revealed the potential pharmacological effects and functional pattern of in vivo Radix Paeoniae Alba administration

BackgroundRadix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) and other natural medicines have remarkable curative effects and are widely used in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, due to their multi-component and multi-target characteristics, it is difficult to study the detailed pharmacological mechanisms for those natural medicines in vivo. Therefore, their real effects on organisms is still uncertain.MethodsRPA was selected as research object, the present study was designed to study the complex mechanisms of RPA in vivo by integrating and interpreting the transcriptomic based RNA-seq and metabolomic based NMR spectrum after RPA administration in mice. A variety of dimension-reduction algorithms and classifier models were applied to the processing of high-throughput data.ResultsAmong serum metabolites, the contents of PC and glucose were significantly increased, while the contents of various amino acids, lipids and their metabolites were significantly decreased in mice after RPA administration. Based on the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases, differential analysis showed that the liver was the site where RPA exerted a significant effect, which confirmed the rationality of “meridian tropism” in the theory in TCM. In addition, RPA played a role in lipid metabolism by regulating genes encoding enzymes of the glycerolipid metabolism pathway, such as 1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (Agpat), phosphatidate phosphatase (Lpin), phospholipid phosphatase (Plpp) and endothelial lipase (Lipg). We also found that RPA regulates several substance addiction pathways in the brain, such as the cocaine addiction pathway, and the related targets were predicted based on the sequencing data from pathological model in the GEO database. The overall effective pattern of RPA was intuitively presented with a multidimensional radar map through a self-designed model which found that liver and brain were mainly regulated by RPA compared with the traditional meridian tropism theory.ConclusionsOverall this study expanded the potential application of RPA and provided possible targets and directions for further mechanism study, meanwhile, it also established a multi-dimensional evaluation model to represent the overall effective pattern of TCM for the first time. In the future, such study based on the high-throughput data sets can be used to interpret the theory of TCM and to provide a valuable research model and clinical medication reference for the TCM researchers and doctors.

Development of Thermal Resistant FDM Printed Blends. The Preparation of GPET/PC Blends and Evaluation of Material Performance.

The paper discusses the preparation of polymer blends based on the polyethylene terephthalate copolymer/polycarbonate (GPET/PC). Materials have been prepared in order to assess their applicability in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing process. The tested key feature was the thermomechanical resistance, measured by head deflection temperature (HDT) and Vicat softening temperature (VST), the mechanical tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were also performed. A clear relationship between the increasing content of PC in the blend properties was observed. DMTA analysis revealed significant changes in the glass transition temperature, which indicates the miscibility of this type of polymer system. The mechanical tests indicate a clear trend of stiffness and strength improvement along with the increasing share of PC phase in the structure. The increase in impact strength is also clear, however, compared to the results for a pure PC, the results obtained for GPET/PC blends are significantly lower. As part of the research, reference samples based on polyethylene terephthalate homopolymer (PET) and composite samples with addition of 10% talc were also prepared. The structure analysis for PET/PC(50/50) samples did not show miscibility. However, due to the formation of the PET crystalline phase, the thermomechanical resistance of these materials was visibly higher. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed a high degree of compatibility of the GPET/PC blend structure as indicated by the lack of visible signs of phase separation. This phenomenon is not observed for PET/PC blends, which confirms the different thermomechanical interactions of both tested polymer systems.

Effects of aerial exposure on oxidative stress, antioxidant and non-specific immune responses of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus under low temperature

Desiccation is a commonly stressful situation experienced by sea cucumber during transportation without/less water. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of aerial exposure on the survival, oxidative damage, antioxidant capacity, immune-related response and gene expression of Apostichopus japonicus at different low temperatures. After acclimation, sea cucumbers were randomly divided into 3 groups, which were exposed to 5 °C, 10 °C and 15 °C in the closed laboratory condition, respectively. Each group has three parallel replicates. During the experiment, coelomic fluid and respiratory tree of A. japonicus were sampled at the time points of 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post-desiccation for further analysis. The results showed that the survival rates of sea cucumber significantly decreased as time prolonged, and those of 5 °C at 6–48 h of desiccation were significantly higher than 15 °C. Most oxidative damage parameters (e.g., O2− production, MDA, LPO and PC contents) significant increased after 6–12 h of desiccation. Antioxidant enzyme activities and T-AOC in coelomic fluid firstly increased and then decreased during aerial exposure, indicating that sea cucumber could adjust antioxidant defense to reduce the concentrations of ROS and MDA as a strategy for protecting organisms from oxidative damage in the early stage (0–6 h) of desiccation. The relative expression levels of Hsp90 and Hsp70 mRNA in respiratory tree of sea cucumber exhibited similar rise-fall trends with antioxidant parameters, while immune enzyme activities of ACP, AKP, LSZ and T-NOS, and gene expression of TLR, Rel and p105 all significantly decreased as time prolonged. Overall, low temperature postponed the process of ROS formation and the depression of antioxidant and non-specific immune responses of sea cucumber within a certain extent, which implied that it might play a positive role in improvement of desiccation tolerance. This study not only contribute to better understand the adaption mechanisms of A. japonicus to desiccation stress, but also provide valuable information for sea cucumber culture and transportation.

The effect of concentration and ratio of ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate plasticizers on characteristics of the electrospun PEO-based electrolytes applicable in lithium-ion batteries

In this study, plasticized electrospun fibers have been designed and fabricated as an electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries using electrospinning method. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and lithium perchlorate were used as polymer matrix and lithium salt, respectively. Ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate were applied to investigate the effects of the plasticizer concentration and various EC:PC ratios on the characteristics of the as-spun electrolytes. In addition, the influence of fiber orientation was examined on the ionic conductivity of the nanofibrous electrolytes. Results illustrated that compared with PC, EC can lead to a greater fraction of free ions, lower activation energy (Ea) and so more ionic conductivity. However, the highest room temperature ion conductivity of 0.171 mS·cm−1 was obtained for the as-spun electrolyte containing EC:PC (3:1) mixture. Moreover, with the increase of PC content, cycle stability of the electrospun electrolytes faded significantly. Furthermore, the ionic conductivity reduced from 0.212 to 0.020 mS·cm−1 with increasing of the fiber alignment. The results implied that the proposed nanostructured fibers can be a great candidate as free-solvent polymer electrolytes applicable in lithium-ion batteries.

Selenite antagonizes the phytotoxicity of Cd in the cattail Typha angustifolia.

The Phytotoxicity of and mechanism underlying selenite-mediated tolerance to Cd stress in Typha angustifolia were studied hydroponically with respect to metal uptake and translocation, photosynthesis-related parameters, contents of proline and O2•-, products of lipid peroxidation, cell viability, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, glyoxalases and phytochelatins. T. angustifolia were exposed to 25, 50 and 100μM of Cd alone and in conjunction with 5mgL-1 of selenite in full-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution for 30 days. Results showed that Cd contents in T. angustifolia leaves and roots increased in a dose-dependent manner and were higher in roots, but those of BAC, BCF and TF changed in a contrary pattern. Addition of selenite to Cd-containing treatments further reduced Cd levels in T. angustifolia leaves and roots, as well as BAC, BCF and TF. A diphasic effect was found in T. angustifolia for the contents of total chlorophyll, GSH, PC and GSSG, as well as activities of CAT, POD, SOD and GR, in response to Cd stress alone and in conjunction with selenite supplementation, but the same effect was not observed for Pn, Cond, Tr, Ci, Fv/Fm and ϕPSII. In contrast, exogenous selenite supplementation enhanced the contents of total chlorophyll and the non-enzymatic antioxidants, as well as activities of enzymatic antioxidants, while the values of photosynthetic fluorescence parameters were rescued. Selenite addition decreased Cd-induced cell death. Proline contents and Gly I activities in T. angustifolia leaves kept increasing in a dose-dependent manner of Cd concentrations in the growth media and selenite addition further enhanced both parameters. Addition of selenite could quench Cd-mediated generation of MDA, O2•- and MG in T. angustifolia leaves and reduce Cd-induced Gly II activity. A U-shaped GSH/GSSG ratio in T. angustifolia leaves suggests a possible trade-off between PC synthesis and GR activity since both share the same substrate GSH. Therefore, confined BAC, BCF and TF were a mechanism that confers T. angustifolia tolerance to Cd stress, and that exogenous selenite supplementation could depress Cd-induced stress in T. angustifolia by rescuing the photosynthetic fluorescence, enhancing non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants that scavenge O2•- and MG, and potentiating PC synthesis that chelates Cd.

Short-term heat stress impairs testicular functions in the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica: Molecular mechanisms and induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis in spermatogenic cells.

Global temperature is increasing due to anthropogenic activities. Abnormal temperature has devastating effects on growth, reproduction, and development of aquatic organisms. In this study, we examined the effects of short-term exposure to elevated temperatures (28 and 32°C for 1 week) on testicular functions, heat shock protein-70 (HSP70), dinitrophenyl protein (DNP, a biomarker of reactive oxygen species [ROS]), and nitrotyrosine protein (NTP, an indicator of reactive nitrogen species [RNS]) expressions, protein carbonyl (PC, a measure of ROS) contents, nitrates/nitrites (NOx, a metabolite of nitric oxide) levels, extrapallial fluid (EPF) conditions, and cellular apoptosis in American oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Higher temperatures significantly decreased (~26%) sperm production in oysters compared with controls (24°C). HSP70, NTP, and DNP expressions were increased after heat exposure, consistent with increased EPF pH, and cellular apoptosis. The enhanced apoptosis in spermatogenic cells is associated with increased caspase 3/7 activity, PC contents, and NOx levels in testicular tissues. Together these results suggest that elevated temperature drastically increases oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis which in turn leads to decreased testicular functions in oysters. To the best of our knowledge, this study reports the first findings on the impacts of elevated temperatures on testicular functions in oysters.

Impact of Choline Supplementation on Hepatic Histopathology, Phospholipid Content, and Tocopherol Status in Layer Hens Fed Flaxseed

SUMMARY Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a metabolic disorder in egg laying hens characterized by liver hemorrhages, and increased hepatic lipid accumulation. Based on our previous research on hepatic lipid-lowering effect of dietary flaxseed in egg laying hens, the current study examined the ability of flaxseed-based diets with supplementary choline to attenuate FLHS pathology. In addition, hepatic phospholipid composition, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant status were also assessed. A total of 24 (Lohmann Brown) laying hens (n = 24) (40 wk old) were kept individually in cages and were fed 1 of the 2 corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 15 g/100 g flaxseed (Flax) or Flax +0.15 g/100 g choline chloride (Flax+Cho) for a period of 140 d. Histopathology revealed an increase in hepatocytes vacuolization in Flax+Cho hens. Statistical analysis of total pathological scores in liver indicated that Flax+Cho perpetuated fatty liver pathology (P 0.05). In conclusion, dietary choline enhanced antioxidant status while reducing total lipid and PC content in the hepatic tissue of hens fed flaxseed. Supplementing choline in flaxseed-based diets reduced oxidative stress in hens fed flaxseed. Choline supplementation was not effective in attenuating FLHS pathology in hens fed flaxseed.

Elevated temperature attenuates ovarian functions and induces apoptosis and oxidative stress in the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica: potential mechanisms and signaling pathways.

Global climate change is predicted to intensify thermal stress in marine and coastal organisms, affecting their development, growth, and reproductive functions. In this study, we performed histological observations on ovarian development, immunohistochemical analyses of ovarian heat shock protein-70 (HSP70), nitrotyrosine protein (NTP, an indicator of reactive nitrogen species (RNS)), and dinitrophenyl protein (DNP, an indicator of protein oxidation) expressions, in situ TUNEL assay for cellular apoptosis, biochemical analyses of ovarian caspase-3/7 activity and protein carbonyl (PC, a measure of reactive oxygen species (ROS)) contents, nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels, and extrapallial fluid (EPF, an important body fluid) pH in the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Oysters were exposed to medium (28 °C) and high (32 °C) temperatures under controlled laboratory conditions for 1 week. Oysters exposed to higher temperatures significantly decreased the number and diameter of eggs, and EPF protein concentrations compared with controls (24 °C). In contrast, EPF pH, ovarian HSP70 mRNA levels, and protein expression were increased after heat exposure, consistent with increased ovarian apoptosis. The enhanced apoptosis in ovaries was associated with increased ovarian caspase-3/7 activity, PC contents, NOx levels, and NTP and DNP expressions in heat-exposed oysters. Collectively, these results suggest that higher temperatures drastically increase RNS and ROS levels, increasing incidence of apoptosis and subsequently reducing ovarian functions in oysters.

Biochemical and molecular impacts of glyphosate-based herbicide on the gills of common carp

Glyphosate (GLY)-based herbicide, one of the most widely used herbicides, might cause a series of environmental problems and pose a toxicological risk to aquatic organisms. However, data on the potential hazard and toxicity mechanism of GLY to fish gills are relatively scarce. In this study, a subacute toxicity test of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) treated with commercial GLY at 52.08 and 104.15 mg L−1 for 7 d was conducted. The results revealed that GLY exposure significantly inhibited Na+/K+-ATPase and increased AST and ALT activities in the fish gills. The biochemical assays results revealed that GLY treatment remarkably altered the transcriptional levels of HSP70 and HSP90; inhibited the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and T-AOC; reduced the contents of GSH, but remarkably promoted MDA and PC contents, suggesting that GLY exposure induced oxidative stress and lipids and proteins damage in the carp gills. Further research revealed that GLY exposure also promoted expression of NF-κB, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α; altered the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β, indicating that GLY exposure induced inflammatory response in the fish gills. Additionally, we found that GLY exposure activated apaf-1 and bax and inhibited bcl-2, induced caspase-9 and caspase-3 expression and caused remarkable histological damage in the fish gills. These results may further enriches the toxicity mechanistic theory of GLY to fish gills, which may be useful for the risk assessment of GLY and aquatic organism protection.

Effects of elevated temperature on gonadal functions, cellular apoptosis, and oxidative stress in Atlantic sea urchin Arbacia punculata

Increasing seawater temperature affects growth, reproduction and development in marine organisms. In this study, we examined the effects of elevated temperatures on reproductive functions, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and nitrotyrosine protein (NTP, an indicator of reactive nitrogen species) expressions, protein carbonyl (PC, an indicator of oxidative stress) contents, cellular apoptosis, and coelomic fluid (CF) conditions in Atlantic sea urchin. Sea urchins were housed in six aquaria with control (24 °C) and elevated temperatures (28 °C and 32 °C) for a 7-day period. After exposure, sea urchins exhibited decreased percentages of gametes (eggs/sperm), as well as increased HSP70 and NTP expressions in eggs and spermatogenic cells, increased gonadal apoptosis, and decreased CF pH compared to controls. PC contents were also significantly increased in gonadal tissues at higher temperatures. These results suggest that elevated temperature acidifies CF, increases oxidative stress and gonadal apoptosis, and results in impairment of reproductive functions in sea urchins.