Significant Increase In Activity Research Articles

A case study comparing the addition of two different carbon sources in pilot scale RAS with trout with and without biofilters

In this study, water quality and fish performance of traditional RAS with nitrifying biofilters were compared with systems operated under heterotrophic N assimilation (HET-N), a process where bacteria consume ammonium directly for growth and thereby remove dissolved N excreted from the fish, using three different modes of carbon addition. Using twelve identical pilot scale RAS, four treatment groups were established in triplicate: RAS with autotrophic biofilters (Control), RAS with autotrophic biofilters and acetate addition (BF RAS +Acetate), RAS without biofilter with acetate addition (BF RAS -Acetate) and RAS without biofilter and a biopellet reactor (Biopellet RAS). The nine RAS with carbon addition all had lower levels of nitrate and orthophosphate at the end of the trial compared to the three control RAS (approx. 70% less NO3- in the Biopellet RAS and 72% less PO43- in BF RAS -Acetate). Without biofilters installed, both BF RAS -Acetate and Biopellet RAS maintained acceptable water quality parameters during their respective start-up phases and were fully developed in under 3 weeks. The addition of acetate to the water caused an expected formation of bioflocs in the systems, and a significant increase in bacterial activity and turbidity. Substantial feed spill was observed in RAS with acetate addition. The absence of bacterial accumulation and no increase in turbidity in the water in Biopellet RAS suggest that the processes primarily occurred within the reactor. The overall fish mortality was <1%, however, both types of RAS with acetate addition led to reduced fish growth (7.4–20%) compared to the control RAS and the RAS with biopellets. Biopellets were found to reduce dissolved N and P, and had a fast start up time without deteriorating water quality, thereby showing promising traits for use in RAS.

Pinostrobin, a dietary bioflavonoid exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic protective effects against methotrexate-induced ovarian toxicity in rats

This study investigated the protective activities of pinostrobin (PIN) against methotrexate (MTX)-induced ovarian toxicity. Female rats were administered with PIN (50 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, while MTX was administered from weeks 2–4 of PIN treatment. Serum hormonal profiles, ovarian oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers as well as ovarian histomorphometry were evaluated. MTX administration elicited profound deficit in serum progesterone and estrogen (E2) levels, while luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly increased. Additionally, MTX administration was associated with significant increases in ovarian malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, NF-кB, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS and caspase-3 activity, as well as notable reduction in the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase as well as the level of glutathione. Whereas, treatment with PIN significantly decreased serum levels of FSH and LH, as well as ovarian levels of NO, MDA, caspase 3, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and iNOS. PIN also significantly upregulated GSH, GPx, CAT and SOD in the ovarian tissues as well as increased serum E2 and progesterone levels compared to the MTX group. Furthermore, PIN significantly restored altered ovarian histoarchitecture in the treated group. These findings suggests that PIN exerts protective effects against MTX-triggered ovarian damages.

Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Pagrus major by the Dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi.

Karenia mikimotoi is a common species of red tide dinoflagellate that causes the mass mortality of marine fauna in coastal waters of Republic of Korea. Despite continuous studies on the ecophysiology and toxicity of K. mikimotoi, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Red sea bream, Pagrus major, is a high-value aquaculture fish species, and the coastal aquaculture industry of red sea bream has been increasingly affected by red tides. To investigate the potential oxidative effects of K. mikimotoi on P. major and the molecular mechanisms involved, we exposed the fish to varying concentrations of K. mikimotoi and evaluated its toxicity. Our results showed that exposure to K. mikimotoi led to an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative DNA damage in the gill tissue of P. major. Furthermore, we found that K. mikimotoi induced the activation of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, in the gill tissue of P. major, with a significant increase in activity at concentrations above 5000 cells/mL. However, the activity of glutathione S-transferase did not significantly increase at the equivalent concentration. Our study confirms that oxidative stress and DNA damage is induced by acute exposure to K. mikimotoi, as it produces ROS and hypoxic conditions in P. major. In addition, it was confirmed that gill and blood samples can be used as biomarkers to detect the degree of oxidative stress in fish. These findings have important implications for the aquaculture of red sea bream, particularly in the face of red tide disasters.

Physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and comprehensive phenolic profiles of tea-macerated Chardonnay wine and model wine

A new type of flavored wine was produced by macerating either green tea or black tea into Chardonnay wine and model wine respectively, where the physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity, color) were modulated. Significant (p < 0.05) increases of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (assessed by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays) were also observed in the tea macerated wines. A total of 160 phenolic and non-phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, where 55 phenolics were newly found in the tea macerated Chardonnay wine. The interaction between wine and tea phenolics led to additional 29 phenolic compounds and 4 non-phenolic compounds that were not found in either Chardonnay wine or tea. Catechin and epigallocatechin gallate were the most abundant phenolic compounds and contributed to the improved antioxidant activities. This study provided a promising prospect of tea as a novel additive in the production of flavored wine with enhanced functionalities.

Biodegradation of sulfadiazine by ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in a soil system: Analysis of detoxification mechanisms, transcriptome, and bacterial communities

The indiscriminate use of sulfadiazine has caused severe harm to the environment, and biodegradation is a viable method for the removal of sulfadiazine. However, there are few studies that consider sulfadiazine biodegradation mechanisms. To comprehensively investigate the process of sulfadiazine biodegradation by plants in a soil system, a potted system that included ryegrass and soil was constructed in this study. The removal of sulfadiazine from the system was found to be greater than 95% by determining the sulfadiazine residue. During the sulfadiazine removal process, a significant decrease in ryegrass growth and a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity were observed, which indicates the toxic response and detoxification mechanism of sulfadiazine on ryegrass. The ryegrass transcriptome and soil bacterial communities were further investigated. These results revealed that most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in the CYP450 enzyme family and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway after sulfadiazine exposure. The expression of these genes was significantly upregulated. Sulfadiazine significantly increased the abundance of Vicinamibacteraceae, RB41, Ramlibacter, and Microvirga in the soil. These key genes and bacteria play an important role in sulfadiazine biodegradation. Through network analysis of the relationship between the DEGs and soil bacteria, it was found that many soil bacteria promote the expression of plant metabolic genes. This mutual promotion enhanced the sulfadiazine biodegradation in the soil system. This study demonstrated that this pot system could substantially remove sulfadiazine and elucidated the biodegradation mechanism through changes in plants and soil bacteria.

Cardiomyocyte NOX4 regulates resident macrophage-mediated inflammation and diastolic dysfunction in stress cardiomyopathy

In acute sympathetic stress, catecholamine overload can lead to stress cardiomyopathy. We tested the hypothesis that cardiomyocyte NOX4 (NADPH oxidase 4)-dependent mitochondrial oxidative stress mediates inflammation and diastolic dysfunction in stress cardiomyopathy. Isoproterenol (ISO; 5 mg/kg) injection induced sympathetic stress in wild-type and cardiomyocyte (CM)-specific Nox4 knockout (Nox4CM−/−) mice. Wild-type mice treated with ISO showed higher CM NOX4 expression, H2O2 levels, inflammasome activation, and IL18, IL6, CCL2, and TNFα levels than Nox4CM−/− mice. Spectral flow cytometry and t-SNE analysis of cardiac cell suspensions showed significant increases in pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic embryonic-derived resident (CCR2−MHCIIhiCX3CR1hi) macrophages in wild-type mice 3 days after ISO treatment, whereas Nox4CM−/− mice had a higher proportion of embryonic-derived resident tissue-repair (CCR2−MHCIIloCX3CR1lo) macrophages. A significant increase in cardiac fibroblast activation and interstitial collagen deposition and a restrictive pattern of diastolic dysfunction with increased filling pressure was observed in wild-type hearts compared with Nox4CM−/− 7 days post-ISO. A selective NOX4 inhibitor, GKT137831, reduced myocardial mitochondrial ROS, macrophage infiltration, and fibrosis in ISO-injected wild-type mice, and preserved diastolic function. Our data suggest sympathetic overstimulation induces resident macrophage (CCR2−MHCII+) activation and myocardial inflammation, resulting in fibrosis and impaired diastolic function mediated by CM NOX4-dependent ROS.

Liver Extracellular Matrix-Based Nanofiber Scaffolds for the Culture of Primary Hepatocytes and Drug Screening.

Immortalized liver cell lines and primary hepatocytes are currently used as in vitro models for hepatotoxic drug screening. However, a decline in the viability and functionality of hepatocytes with time is an important limitation of these culture models. Advancements in tissue engineering techniques have allowed us to overcome this challenge by designing suitable scaffolds for maintaining viable and functional primary hepatocytes for a longer period of time in culture. In the current study, we fabricated liver-specific nanofiber scaffolds with polylactic acid (PLA) along with a decellularized liver extracellular matrix (LEM) by the electrospinning technique. The fabricated hybrid PLA-LEM scaffolds were more hydrophilic and had better swelling properties than the PLA scaffolds. The hybrid scaffolds had a pore size of 38 ± 8 μm and supported primary rat hepatocyte cultures for 10 days. Increased viability (2-fold increase in the number of live cells) and functionality (5-fold increase in albumin secretion) were observed in primary hepatocytes cultured on the PLA-LEM scaffolds as compared to those on conventional collagen-coated plates on day 10 of culture. A significant increase in CYP1A2 enzyme activity was observed in hepatocytes cultured on PLA-LEM hybrid scaffolds in comparison to those on collagen upon induction with phenobarbital. Drugs like acetaminophen and rifampicin showed the highest toxicity in hepatocytes cultured on hybrid scaffolds. Also, the lethal dose of these drugs in rodents was accurately predicted as 1.6 g/kg and 594 mg/kg, respectively, from the corresponding IC50 values obtained from drug-treated hepatocytes on hybrid scaffolds. Thus, the fabricated liver-specific electrospun scaffolds maintained primary hepatocyte viability and functionality for an extended period in culture and served as an effective ex vivo drug screening platform to predict an accurate in vivo drug-induced hepatotoxicity.

Loss of Progranulin Results in Increased Pan-Cathepsin Activity

Mutations in the progranulin (PGRN) encoding gene, GRN, cause familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) and PGRN is also implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD). These mutations result in decreased PGRN expression. PGRN is highly expressed in peripheral immune cells and microglia and regulates cell growth, survival, repair, and inflammation. As well, PGRN is implicated in regulating lysosome function, however, the exact role of PGRN in lysosomal function and how this contributes to inflammation and degeneration is not entirely understood. To better understand the role of PGRN in regulating lysosome function, this study examined how loss of GRN impacts lysosomal and cathepsin activity. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting assays were performed to analyze fluorescent signal from LAMP1 (lysosomal marker) and BMV109 (marker for pan-cathepsin activity). GRN-/- MEFs exhibit increased expression of pan-cathepsin activity relative to GRN+/+ MEFs, and significantly impacts expression of LAMP1. The significant increase in pan-cathepsin activity in the GRN-/- MEFs confirms that PGRN loss does alter cathepsin expression, which may be a result of compensatory mechanisms happening within the cell. Further investigations will include assessing LAMP1 and BMV109 expression in microglia from GRN-/- mice, in the hopes of understanding the role of PGRN in lysosomal function in immune cells of the central nervous system and the diseases in which it is implicated.&#x0D;

Interaction of chromium (Cr) resistant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria with compost to phytostabilize Cr in spinach rhizosphere

Chromium (Cr) is classified as an ecological toxin, and irrigation of soil with raw industrial effluents causes its concentration in soil and plants to reach fatal levels. Due to reduced metal mobility caused by organic amendment and availability of food for microbial activity, use of Cr-tolerant rhizobacteria in conjunction with compost has proven to be useful in supporting growth and survival of plants. We checked the simultaneous effects of rhizobacteria and compost on spinach (Spinacia oleracea) growth, physiology, biochemistry as well as uptake of Cr. Plants were treated with compost (1 % w/w) and subsequently inoculated with two different PGPR strains under Cr contamination. Among tested inoculants , inoculation of 'JS2′ strain along with compost significantly ameliorated the adverse effects of Cr on spinach, and improved root and shoot lengths (84 and 197 %), as well as their dry (104 and 89 %) and fresh (89 and 167 %) weights , along with chlorophyll content (84 %) as compared to relative control. In addition, combined application led to a significant increase in antioxidant activities, such as SOD (128 %), CAT (40 %), POD (73 %) and APX (57 %) concomitant with decreased MDA contents (68 %). Data regarding Cr movement from soil to roots and aboveground plant parts, as well as the results of translocation and bioconcentration factors, revealed that combined application of PGPR and compost reduced Cr entry to aboveground plant parts and led to its phytostabilization. Hence, compost and Cr-tolerant PGPR can efficiently immobilize Cr in soil, and reduce its harmful effects on spinach growth, physiology and other important attributes.

Transcriptional Activity of Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and Tissue Metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) Genes as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker of Heart Failure Due to Ischemic Heart Disease.

The most common cause of heart failure (HF) is coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the transcriptional activity of the metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) genes in a study group of patients with HF due to CAD and in the control group, as well as assess the transcriptional activity of the examined genes, taking into account the number of affected coronary arteries and the severity of heart failure. The study group consisted of a total of 150 (100%) patients. The material for the study was peripheral blood, and molecular tests were performed using the quantitative QRT-PCR technique. The transcriptional activity of the MMP-9 gene was significantly higher in the group of patients with CAD and HF. It was also significantly higher with the progression of heart failure. TIMP-1 gene transcriptional activity was significantly lower with the advancement of heart failure. The transcriptional activity of the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 genes differentiated the examined patients. The severity of HF, and a significant increase in the QRT-PCR transcriptional activity of the MMP-9 gene with a simultaneous decrease in the activity of the TIMP-1 gene, makes them useful diagnostic and prognostic markers in clinical practice.

Subchronic toxicity of iron-selenium nanoparticles on oxidative stress response, histopathological, and nuclear damage in amphibian larvae Rana saharica.

In this work, we evaluated the subchronic toxicity of FeSe nanoparticles (NPs) in tadpoles of Rana saharica. Tadpoles were exposed for 1-3weeks to FeSe NPs at 5mg/L and 100mg/L rates. Parameters of oxidative stress were measured in whole larvae, and the micronucleus test was performed on circulating blood erythrocytes. We noted a disturbance of the detoxification systems. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic data showed that exposure to FeSe NPs involved a highly significant depletion of GSH, a significant increase in GST activity, and a lipid peroxidation associated with a highly significant increase in MDA. We also noted a neurotoxic effect characterized by a significant inhibition of AChE activity. A micronucleus test showed concentration-dependent DNA damage. This research reveals that these trace elements, in their nanoform, can cause significant neurotoxicity, histopathologic degeneration, cellular and metabolic activity, and genotoxic consequences in Rana larvae.

Computational Insights into the Selecting Mechanism of α-Amylase Immobilized on Cellulose Nanocrystals: Unveiling the Potential of α-Amylases Immobilized for Efficient Poultry Feed Hydrolysis.

The selection of an appropriate amylase for hydrolysis poultry feed is crucial for achieving improved digestibility and high-quality feed. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), which are known for their high surface area, provide an excellent platform for enzyme immobilization. Immobilization greatly enhances the operational stability of α-amylases and the efficiency of starch bioconversion in poultry feeds. In this study, we immobilized two metagenome-derived α-amylases, PersiAmy2 and PersiAmy3, on CNCs and employed computational methods to characterize and compare the degradation efficiencies of these enzymes for poultry feed hydrolysis. Experimental in vitro bioconversion assessments were performed to validate the computational outcomes. Molecular docking studies revealed the superior hydrolysis performance of PersiAmy3, which displayed stronger electrostatic interactions with CNCs. Experimental characterization demonstrated the improved performance of both α-amylases after immobilization at high temperatures (80 °C). A similar trend was observed under alkaline conditions, with α-amylase activity reaching 88% within a pH range of 8.0 to 9.0. Both immobilized α-amylases exhibited halotolerance at NaCl concentrations up to 3 M and retained over 50% of their initial activity after 13 use cycles. Notably, PersiAmy3 displayed more remarkable improvements than PersiAmy2 following immobilization, including a significant increase in activity from 65 to 80.73% at 80 °C, an increase in activity to 156.48% at a high salinity of 3 M NaCl, and a longer half-life, indicating greater thermal stability within the range of 60 to 80 °C. These findings were substantiated by the in vitro hydrolysis of poultry feed, where PersiAmy3 generated 53.53 g/L reducing sugars. This comprehensive comparison underscores the utility of computational methods as a faster and more efficient approach for selecting optimal enzymes for poultry feed hydrolysis, thereby providing valuable insights into enhancing feed digestibility and quality.

The effect of complex therapy of cows with genital mycoplasmosis on indicators of nonspecific resistance

Animal husbandry on an industrial basis involves the maximum use of the reproductive capabilities of females and obtaining healthy offspring. A significant obstacle to achieving this goal are diseases that negatively affect the reproductive function of females, one of which is genital mycoplasmosis of cattle. The basis of etiotropic therapy of mycoplasmosis is the use of macrolide and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, but at the same time the animals remain immunodeficient. The aim of our research was to assess the dynamics of indicators of nonspecific resistance of the organism of patients with genital mycoplasmosis of cows when the immunomodulator thymalin was included in the treatment regimen. Studies were carried out on three groups of pregnant cows, the first group of animals with mycoplasmosis was treated with tulatromycin, the second group was treated with tulatromycin in combination with thymalin, the third group was clinically healthy cows. The results of the experiment showed that the combined use of tulatromycin and thymalin in genital mycoplasmosis of cattle, compared with monotherapy with tulatromycin, increases therapeutic efficacy by 25%, and also contributes to a significant increase in bactericidal and lysozyme activity of blood serum, phagocytic index, which even slightly exceed similar indicators in clinically healthy animals.

Self-fermented agro-wastes as antioxidant enriched maize grain replacer for sustainable animal feeding

Piles of agro-wastes resulting from quantum agro-industrial growth can be best utilized as animal feed, reducing envionmental impact by 50–95% depending on their nutritive value. However, palatability issues have limited their use, which can be addressed by combining them based on their nutritional value. Thus present three-phase study aimed to utilize these waste materials as animal feed by utilizing a self-fermentation approach. Six combinations of apple pomace (AP), spent mushroom compost (SMC) and wheat straw were self-fermented and analysed for quality in phase-I. Phase-II assessed the best combination obtained from phase-I as an antioxidant-enriched maize replacer (AEMR) by replacing maize (0–32%) in total mixed ration (TMR) under in-vitro ruminal conditions and two best TMR were assessed for nutrient utilization under metabolic trial. In phase-III, the three-month feeding effect of AEMR on the overall growth performance of male Gaddi goat kids was assessed. Findings showed that 85:7.5:7.5 proportion had optimal pH (3.92), significantly higher lactic acid (5.29 g 100−1 g DM), water soluble carbohydrates (2.29 g 100−1 g DM) and oxidative and microbial stability (Lactobacillus: 8.38 log10 cfu g−1). Fermentation also resulted in significant increase in antioxidant activities. AEMR exhibited a significant reduction in CH4 and NH3–N and higher volatile fatty acid production under in-vitro conditions at 32% level with no adverse effects on nutrient utilization. AEMR feeding also exhibited significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and serum lipid and oxidative profiles. In conclusion, AP and SMC in combined form can be utilized as an AEMR through self-fermentation at 32% level in TMR which may serve as a promising and sustainable approach for reducing environmental footprints and boosting eco-friendly livestock production.

Laser-Induced photothermal activation of multilayer MoS2 with spatially controlled catalytic activity

This study investigates the effects of high-power laser irradiation on multilayer MoS2, a promising material for catalysis, optoelectronics, and energy applications. In addition to previously reported sculpting of MoS2 layers, we discovered a novel effect of laser-induced photothermal heating that drives the chemical activation of MoS2. The photothermal effect was confirmed by temperature-dependent experiments, in situ temperature measurements with nanolocalized probes, and simulations. Remarkably, we observed the reduction of Ag+ ions on laser-irradiated MoS2 layers, forming plasmonic nanostructures without external stimuli such as photons or chemical reducing agents. We attribute this phenomenon to the significant defect density within the laser-carved region and the surrounding area induced by photothermal effects. Further functionalization of the laser-modified MoS2 with 4-nitrobenzenethiol self-assembled monolayers demonstrated a significant increase in photocatalytic activity, close to 100% yield compared to the negligible activity of pristine material. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the light-induced modification of MoS2 properties and introduce a novel method for spatially controlling the chemical activation of MoS2. This advancement holds significant potential in developing high-performance 2D semiconductors as nano-engineered catalytic materials.

Effects of freeze-thaw cycles on in-vitro digestive properties of myofibrillar protein in mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), based on protein degradation, oxidation, and structural properties

The in-vitro digestive properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) in mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) after freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles were analyzed in terms of the relationship between protein degradation, oxidation, and structural properties. The F-T samples exhibited a significant increase in glucosidase activity, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosidase activity, total protease activity, and non-protein nitrogen content. α-aminoadipate semialdehyde and γ-glutamate semialdehyde contents increased by 23.17% and 123.12%, respectively. Furthermore, 53.97% decrease in the total nitrogen content and changes in the content of different soluble proteins were observed. X-ray diffraction intensity, thermal stability, free amine content, hydrolysis degree, and digestibility of the MP samples decreased, and the 2θ angle and zeta potential were reversed. Besides, changes in the amide band wavenumbers were also detected. Therefore, the protein structure was unfolded and aggregates were formed through degradation and oxidation induced by the F-T cycles, ultimately making the in-vitro digestion of MP difficult.

Investigating the growth characteristics, oxidative stress, and metal absorption of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under cadmium stress and in silico features of HMAs proteins

Heavy metal contamination can have a strong effect on the morphological and physiological characteristics of plants. In the present study, Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea) was exposed to different concentrations of cadmium (control, 2, 4, 8 μg Cd g-1 perlite) and the effect on plant growth and antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. The observed morphological changes in chickpea plant included stunted growth, reduced root system development and plant color change. A significant increase in enzyme activity of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase was observed at 4 μg Cd g-1 perlite, with a subsequent decrease when concentration was increased to 8 μg Cd g-1 perlite in the leaves of the plants. The highest cadmium levels were determined at a concentration of 8 μg Cd g-1 perlite. With the addition of 2 μg Cd g-1 perlite, manganese uptake in the aboveground part of the plant increased significantly, but then decrease at higher cadmium concentrations. In addition, zinc and copper levels decrease in the presence of cadmium. These results indicate that chickpea has a relatively high adsorption capacity for cadmium in aboveground tissues and special precautions should be taken when growing chickpea. In silico analysis led to the identification of 13 heavy metal ATPases (HMAs) in chickpea. These proteins contain 130 to 1032 amino acids with 3 to 18 exons. They are involved in the transfer of cadmium and zinc and help in heavy metal detoxification of plants. Bioinformatics studies have been conducted to better understand the mechanism by which the plant is able to combat heavy metal stress.

Race and sex differences in ROS production and SOD activity in HUVECs.

Black individuals and men are predisposed to an earlier onset and higher prevalence of hypertension, compared with White individuals and women, respectively. Therefore, the influence of race and sex on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity following induced inflammation was evaluated in female and male human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from Black and White individuals. It was hypothesized that HUVECs from Black individuals and male HUVECs would exhibit greater ROS production and impaired SOD activity. Inflammation was induced in HUVEC cell lines (n = 4/group) using tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, 50ng/ml). There were no between group differences in ROS production or SOD activity in HUVECs from Black and White individuals, and HUVECs from Black individuals exhibited similar SOD activity at 24hr compared with 4hr of TNF-α treatment (p>0.05). However, HUVECs from White individuals exhibited significantly greater SOD Activity (p<0.05) at 24hr as compared to 4hr in the control condition but not with TNF-α treatment (p>0.05). Female HUVECs exhibited significantly lower ROS production than male HUVECs in the control condition and following TNF-α induced inflammation (p<0.05). Only female HUVECs exhibited significant increases in SOD activity with increased exposure time to TNF-α induced inflammation (p<0.05). HUVECs from White individuals alone exhibit blunted SOD activity when comparing control and TNF-α conditions. Further, compared to female HUVECs, male HUVECs exhibit a pro-inflammatory state.

Arginase is upregulated in healthy women infected by oncogenic HPV types

IntroductionThe implication of arginase enzyme in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections has not been clearly elucidated. The present study investigates whether HPV infection is correlated with changes in plasmatic arginase activity and cervical ARG1 and ARG2 mRNA expression among infected women negative for intraepithelial lesions (NIL).Materiel and methodsThe present study included 300 women. The plasmatic arginase activity was evaluated by a colorimetric assay. Cervical HPV was detected by real-time PCR. The circulating viral load and ARG1 and ARG2 mRNA expression quantification were performed by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsA significant increase in plasma arginase activity and ARG1 and ARG2 mRNA expression levels in cervical cells was observed among HPV-positive women compared to the HPV-negative group. The highest levels were significantly associated with oncogenic HPV, and increased arginase activity was associated with a high HPV circulating viral load. Moreover, the highest levels of arginase activity were observed in oncogenic HPV-positive inflammatory smears.DiscussionThese data suggest that HPV could modulate arginase activity and expression, which may restrict arginine bioavailability and inhibit this amino acid’s antiviral properties.ConclusionOur findings revealed that arginase activity and isoform gene expression were upregulated in women with HPV infection, particularly the oncogenic HPV types.

Distinct patterns of spatial attentional modulation of steady-state visual evoked magnetic fields (SSVEFs) in subdivisions of the human early visual cortex.

In recent years, steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) became an increasingly valuable tool to investigate neural dynamics of competitive attentional interactions and brain-computer interfaces. This is due to their good signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for single-trial analysis, and their ongoing oscillating nature that enables to analyze temporal dynamics of facilitation and suppression. Given the popularity of SSVEPs, it is surprising that only a few studies looked at the cortical sources of these responses. This is in particular the case when searching for studies that assessed the cortical sources of attentional SSVEP amplitude modulations. To address this issue, we used a typical spatial attention task and recorded neuromagnetic fields (MEG) while presenting frequency-tagged stimuli in the left and right visual fields, respectively. Importantly, we controlled for attentional deployment in a baseline period before the shifting cue. Subjects either attended to a central fixation cross or to two peripheral stimuli simultaneously. Results clearly showed that signal sources and attention effects were restricted to the early visual cortex: V1, V2, hMT+, precuneus, occipital-parietal, and inferior-temporal cortex. When subjects attended to central fixation first, shifting attention to one of the peripheral stimuli resulted in a significant activation increase for the to-be-attended stimulus with no activation decrease for the to-be-ignored stimulus in hMT+ and inferio-temporal cortex, but significant SSVEF decreases from V1 to occipito-parietal cortex. When attention was first deployed to both rings, shifting attention away from one ring basically resulted in a significant activation decrease in all areas for the then-to-be-ignored stimulus.