Standard Laboratory Conditions Research Articles

Colorimetric Synchronization of Drosophila Larvae.

The rapid succession of events during development poses an inherent challenge to achieve precise synchronization required for rigorous, quantitative phenotypic and genotypic analyses in multicellular model organisms. Drosophila melanogaster is an indispensable model for studying the development and function of higher order organisms due to extensive genome homology, tractability, and its relatively short lifespan. Presently, nine Nobel prizes serve as a testament to the utility of this elegant model system. Ongoing advancements in genetic and molecular tools allow for the underlying mechanisms of human disease to be investigated in Drosophila. However, the absence of a method to precisely age-match tissues during larval development prevents further capitalization of this powerful model organism. Drosophila spends nearly half of its life cycle progressing through three morphologically distinct larval instar stages, during which the imaginal discs, precursors of mature adult external structures (e.g., eyes, legs, wings), grow and develop distinct cell fates. Other tissues, such as the central nervous system, undergo massive morphological changes during larval development. While these three larval stages and subsequent pupal stages have historically been identified based on the number of hours post egg-laying under standard laboratory conditions, a reproducible, efficient, and inexpensive method is required to accurately age-match larvae within the third instar. The third instar stage is of particular interest, as this developmental stage spans a 48-hr window during which larval tissues switch from proliferative to differentiation programs. Moreover, some genetic manipulations can lead to developmental delays, further compounding the need for precise age-matching between control and experimental samples. This article provides a protocol optimized for synchronous staging of Drosophila third instar larvae by colorimetric characterization and is useful for age-matching a variety of tissues for numerous downstream applications. We also provide a brief discussion of the technical challenges associated with successful application of this protocol. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Synchronization of third instar Drosophila larvae.

An exhaustive multiple knockout approach to understanding cell wall hydrolase function in Bacillus subtilis.

In order to grow, bacterial cells must both create and break down their cell wall. The enzymes that are responsible for these processes are the target of some of our best antibiotics. Our understanding of the proteins that break down the wall- cell wall hydrolases-has been limited by redundancy among the large number of hydrolases many bacteria contain. To solve this problem, we identified 42 cell wall hydrolases in Bacillus subtilis and created a strain lacking 40 of them. We show that cells can survive using only a single cell wall hydrolase; this means that to understand the growth of B. subtilis in standard laboratory conditions, it is only necessary to study a very limited number of proteins, simplifying the problem substantially. We additionally show that the ∆40 strain is a research tool to characterize hydrolases, using it to identify three "helper" hydrolases that act in certain stress conditions.

In Situ Crystallization of SiO Spherical Nanocrystals in Optical Fibers

Extreme synthesis conditions can lead to discover materials and phenomena that are unknown under standard synthesis laboratory conditions. The particularities of the optical fiber fabrication, such as extreme temperatures, quenching heat treatments and the pressure generated during fiber drawing, among others, can be leveraged to explore novel phenomena at the nanoscale when optical fibers are engineered by nanoparticle doping. In this work, we demonstrate that starting from tetragonal cubic-shaped YPO4 nanocrystals contained into a silica-based optical fiber core, with a silica-based glass composition slightly modified with Ge P, and Al, it is possible to nucleate isolated spherical-shaped SiO nanocrystals by controlling fiber drawing temperature. This work demonstrates the existence of crystalline SiO, discussing the possible formation mechanism in detail, which addes new knowledge to silicon oxide family. Moreover, we show the suitability of using SiO nanocrystals for fabricating Rayleigh scattering enhanced optical fibers that can be applied for distributed sensing applications.

Heterogeneous Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction by a Sol-Gel Electrode with Entrapped Na3 [Ru2 (μ-CO3 )4 ]: The Effect of NaHCO3.

The Na3 [Ru2 (μ-CO3 )4 ] complex is acting as a water oxidation catalyst in a homogeneous system. Due to the significance of heterogeneous systems and the effect of bicarbonate on the kinetic, we studied the bicarbonate effect on the heterogeneous electrocatalyst by entrapping the Na3 [Ru2 (μ-CO3 )4 ] complex in a sol-gel matrix. We have developed two types of sol-gel electrodes, which differ by the precursor, and are demonstrating their stability over a minimum of 200 electrochemical cycles. The pH increases affected the currents and kcat for both types of electrodes, and their hydrophobicity, which was obtained from the precursor type, influenced the electrocatalytic process rate. The results indicate that NaHCO3 has an important role in the catalytic activity of the presented heterogeneous systems; without NaHCO3 , the diffusing species is probably OH- , which undergoes diffusion via the Grotthuss mechanism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to present a simple and fast one-step entrapment process for the Na3 [Ru2 (μ-CO3 )4 ] complex by the sol-gel method under standard laboratory conditions. The results contribute to optimizing the WSP, ultimately helping expand the usage of hydrogen as a green and more readily available energy source.

In vivo gene expression profile of Haemophilus influenzae during human pneumonia.

Haemophilus influenzae is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia. While studied extensively in various laboratory models, less is known about the cell function while inside the human lung. We present the first analysis of the global gene expression of H. influenzae while the bacteria are in the lung during pneumonia (in vivo conditions) and contrast it with bacterial isolates that have been cultured under standard laboratory conditions (in vitro conditions). Patients with pneumonia were recruited from emergency departments and intensive care units during 2018-2020 (n = 102). Lower respiratory samples were collected for bacterial culture and RNA extraction. Patient samples with H. influenzae (n = 8) and colonies from bacterial cultures (n = 6) underwent RNA sequencing. The reads were then pseudo-aligned to core and pan genomes created from 15 reference strains. While bacteria cultured in vitro clustered tightly by principal component analysis of core genome (n = 1067) gene expression, bacteria in the patient samples had more diverse transcriptomic signatures and did not group with their lab-cultured counterparts. In total, 328 core genes were significantly differentially expressed between in vitro and in vivo conditions. The most highly upregulated genes in vivo included tbpA and fbpA, which are involved in the acquisition of iron from transferrin, and the stress response gene msrAB. The biosynthesis of nucleotides/purines and molybdopterin-scavenging processes were also significantly enriched in vivo. In contrast, major metabolic pathways and iron-sequestering genes were downregulated under this condition. In conclusion, extensive transcriptomic differences were found between bacteria while in the human lung and bacteria that were cultured in vitro. IMPORTANCE The human-specific pathogen Haemophilus influenzae is generally not well suited for studying in animal models, and most laboratory models are unlikely to approximate the diverse environments encountered by bacteria in the human airways accurately. Thus, we have examined the global gene expression of H. influenzae during pneumonia. Extensive differences in the global gene expression profiles were found in H. influenzae while in the human lung compared to bacteria that were grown in the laboratory. In contrast, the gene expression profiles of isolates collected from different patients were found to cluster together when grown under the same laboratory conditions. Interesting observations were made of how H. influenzae acquires and uses iron and molybdate, endures oxidative stress, and regulates central metabolism while in the lung. Our results indicate important processes during infection and can guide future research on genes and pathways that are relevant in the pathogenesis of H. influenzae pneumonia.

Triggers affecting crayfish burrowing behaviour

Surface water inhabiting crayfish are well-known for the impact on their surroundings. This impact has been related to loss of biodiversity and deteriorating water quality for invasive crayfish. Crayfish dig burrows for various reasons like lack of natural shelters, avoiding an upcoming drought, or high crayfish density and this may lead to increased sediment transport and accelerated bank instability. All crayfish are considered to have burrowing capability, but not all species have been observed burrowing. Studies comparing this behaviour among different species in standardized ways are scarce. Crayfish burrowing was investigated under standardized laboratory conditions to reveal differences among species and their sex. All studied species occur in the Netherlands and were the native Astacus astacus (Linnaeus, 1758), the Eurasian Pontastacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823) and the invasive North American Faxonius virilis (Hagen, 1870), F. limosus (Rafinesque 1817), Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852), Procambarus acutus (Girard 1852), and P. clarkii (Girard, 1852). As burrowing triggers were evaluated presence of shelter, increased light intensity, increased water temperature, and increased crayfish density. Results showed species-specific and sometimes sex-specific differences in burrowing behaviour among crayfish. The response to burrowing triggers was also species-specific and no two species reacted identical to all triggers. Absence of shelter was a strong driver to burrow for A. astacus, F. limosus and F. virilis, while increased light intensity triggered burrowing behaviour in P. leptodactylus, P. acutus and P. clarkii and lowered activity of F. limosus. Burrowing behaviour of P. clarkii was mostly influenced by increased water temperature. Significant differences between females and males were observed for P. leptodactylus, P. leniusculus and P. acutus in the shelter, increased density and increased water temperature treatment, respectively. Understanding the triggers that invoke burrowing may help managing populations of these invasive species.

Ameliorative Effect of Aqueous Crude Extract of the Aerial Parts of Leonurus Cardiaca on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiovascular Damage in Wistar Rats

This study investigated the ameliorative effect of aqueous crude extract of the aerial parts of Leonurus cardiaca on doxorubicin-induced cardiovascular damage in Wistar rats. Aqueous crude extract of Leonurus cardiaca was prepared based on standard Laboratory condition. A total of 55 male and female rats weighing between 170 ± 15 and 180±15g were used for this study. The rats were grouped into 11 groups of five rats per group. Group 1 and 2 served as normal and negative control rats respectively. Rats in group 3-11 were intraperitoneally administered 18mg/kg of doxorubicin once and were treated with the crude extract at 166, 250, and 500mg/kg for 7, 14, and 21 days. All biochemical, hematological, and histological analyses were carried out based on standard methods. The mean plasma troponin T and I, IL-6 and C-reactive protein concentrations of the negative control were 357.93±0.01 pg/mL, 241.51±0.00 pg/mL, 63.94±0.01 pg/dl, and 41.03±0.01 mg/ml respectively. The plasma troponin T and I, IL-6 and C-reactive protein concentrations treated for 21 days were 270.32±0.01 pg/mL, 217.84±0.01 pg/mL, 42.75±0.01 pg/dl, and 18.03±0.01 mg/ml respectively. The mean MDA, GSH concentrations, GPx, CAT and SOD activities in doxorubicin-induced cardiovascular damage rats, treated with the extract at 500mg/kg were 5.01±0.01mmol/l, 68.46±0.02µg/mg.protein, 70.21±0.01mg/pro.min, 141.62±1.80IU/g, and 19.05±0.02mg/g respectively and were significantly different from those of group 2. Aqueous crude extract of Leonurus cardiaca at 500mg/kg ameliorated the damage induced by doxorubicin on the heart tissues, hence could serve as a novel herbal agent for the treatment of cardiovascular damage.

Expression of Cholera Toxin (CT) and the Toxin Co-Regulated Pilus (TCP) by Variants of ToxT in Vibrio cholerae Strains.

The expression of the two major virulence genes of Vibrio cholerae-tcpA (the major subunit of the toxin co-regulated pilus) and ctxAB (cholera toxin)-is regulated by the ToxR regulon, which is triggered by environmental stimuli during infection within the human small intestine. Special culture methods are required to induce the expression of virulence genes in V. cholerae in the laboratory setting. In the present study, induction of the expression of virulence genes by two point mutations (65th and 139th amino acids) in toxT, which is produced by the ToxR regulon and activates the transcription of the virulence genes in V. cholerae, under laboratory culture conditions has been investigated. Each of the four toxT alleles assessed displayed different transcriptional activator functions in a given V. cholerae strain. Although the ToxR regulon has been known to not be expressed by El Tor biotype V. cholerae strains cultured under standard laboratory conditions, the variant toxT alleles that we assessed in this study enabled the expression virulence genes in El Tor biotype strains grown under simple culture conditions comprising shake culture in LB medium, suggesting that the regulation of virulence gene expression may be regulated more complexly than previously thought and may involve additional factors beyond the production of ToxT by the ToxR regulon.

Scents and sensibility: Best practice in insect olfactometer bioassays

AbstractOlfactometers have been used for more than 100 years and are integral to experimental chemical ecology. Studies utilising olfactometer bioassays form the foundation for understanding the behavioural responses of invertebrates to chemical stimuli under standardised laboratory conditions. Widely used olfactometry apparatuses include two‐arm olfactometers for binary responses through to four‐ and six‐arm arenas to evaluate more complex behaviours. Despite its prevalence in chemical ecology studies, there has never been a review of experimental best practice in olfactometry. This review critically evaluates both olfactometry methods and applications as well as experimental design and analysis. We aim to outline a standard of good practice to improve experimental design and reporting for studies involving olfactometry, thereby establishing a reference guide to build a robust experimental workflow for olfactometry bioassays.

Microbial Interaction is Among the Key Factors for Isolation of Previous Uncultured Microbes.

Pure cultivation of microbes is still limited by the challenges of microbial uncultivability, with most microbial strains unable to be cultivated under standard laboratory conditions. The experience accumulated from advanced techniques such as in situ cultivation has identified that microbial interactions exist in natural habitats but are absent in laboratory cultures. These microbial interactions are likely one of the key factors in isolating previously uncultured microbes. The need for better knowledge of the mechanisms operating in microbial interactions has led to various experiments that have utilized microbial interactions in different approaches to microbial cultivation. These new attempts to understand microbial interactions not only present a new perspective on microbial uncultivability but also provide an opportunity to access uncultured phylogenetically novel microbes with their potential biotechnology applications. In this review, we focus on studies of the mechanisms of microbial interaction where the growth of other microbes is affected. Additionally, we review some successful applications of microbial interactions in cultivation methods, an approach that can play an important role in the bioprospecting of untapped microbial resources.

Resource allocation accounts for the large variability of rate-yield phenotypes across bacterial strains.

Different strains of a microorganism growing in the same environment display a wide variety of growth rates and growth yields. We developed a coarse-grained model to test the hypothesis that different resource allocation strategies, corresponding to different compositions of the proteome, can account for the observed rate-yield variability. The model predictions were verified by means of a database of hundreds of published rate-yield and uptake-secretion phenotypes of Escherichia coli strains grown in standard laboratory conditions. We found a very good quantitative agreement between the range of predicted and observed growth rates, growth yields, and glucose uptake and acetate secretion rates. These results support the hypothesis that resource allocation is a major explanatory factor of the observed variability of growth rates and growth yields across different bacterial strains. An interesting prediction of our model, supported by the experimental data, is that high growth rates are not necessarily accompanied by low growth yields. The resource allocation strategies enabling high-rate, high-yield growth of E. coli lead to a higher saturation of enzymes and ribosomes, and thus to a more efficient utilization of proteomic resources. Our model thus contributes to a fundamental understanding of the quantitative relationship between rate and yield in E. coli and other microorganisms. It may also be useful for the rapid screening of strains in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.

Prey populations with different predation histories show differences in behavioral and transcriptional effects under acute predation threat

Predator detection induces both behavioral and physiological responses in prey organisms. Our model organism, the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis, shows multiple defensive behaviors in response to predator cues. In this study, we investigated and compared the transcriptional effects induced by the exposure to a predator scent (i.e., crayfish effluent - CE) in a strain of lab-inbred snails (i.e., W snails), which have been raised and maintained under standardized laboratory conditions for generations and a strain of freshly collected snails (i.e., Margo snails), which live in a crayfish-free pond. Neither the W- strain nor the Margo Lake snails used in this study have actually experienced crayfish. However, the W strain innately recognizes crayfish as a threat. We found that, following the exposure to CE, both strains showed significantly higher mRNA levels of serotonin-related genes. This is important, as the serotonergic system modulates predator detection and vigilance behaviors in pond snails. However, the expression levels of CREB1 and HSP70 were only upregulated in CE-exposed W snails but not in Margo ones. As CREB1 plays a key role in learning and memory formation, whereas HSP70 is involved in stress response, we investigated whether these differences in CREB1 and HSP70 mRNA levels would reflect differences in predator-induced learning (e.g., configural learning). We found that only W snails formed configural learning memory, whereas Margo snails did not. Thus, while both the strains molecularly respond to the CE by upregulating the serotoninergic system, only W snails behaviorally recognize CE as a threat and, therefore, form configural learning.

Investigation of the impact of environmental conditions on the vibration mitigation performance of typical commercial under ballast mat materials

The performance of under ballast mats (UBMs) in mitigating vibrations caused by regular rail traffic has been the subject of numerous studies. However, most of these studies have focused on the impact of design and material properties on the vibration attenuation characteristics of UBMs, with little attention paid to the influence of environmental factors such as temperature, freeze/thaw cycling, and weathering. In this paper, we present the results of an investigation into the effect of environmental conditions on the vibration mitigation performance of typical commercial UBM materials including rubber and closed cell polyurethane elastomer. We conducted controlled laboratory experiments in which we exposed UBM samples to a range of simulated environmental conditions. The results of these experiments were compared to the results of tests conducted under standard laboratory conditions to evaluate the impact of the environmental conditions on the vibration attenuation performance of the UBMs. The results of this investigation have important implications for the design and selection of UBMs for use in railway systems, particularly in regions with extreme environmental conditions.

A triplet stibinidene

•Free stibinidene has a one-coordinate Sb atom with a Sb–C single bond •Free stibinidene features a triplet ground state and high thermal stability •Free stibinidene exhibits versatile reactivities Pnictinidenes (R-E, where E = P, As, Sb, or Bi) are long-sought-after reactive species. They feature either a singlet or triplet ground state depending on the electronic property of the substituents. Because of their highly reactive nature, the isolation of triplet pnictinidenes under standard laboratory conditions remains a challenge task. Herein, we report the isolation, characterization, and reactivity studies of a free stibinidene supported by a hydrindacene ligand. X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that it contains a one-coordinate antimony atom featuring a Sb–C single bond. Magnetometric investigations, in conjunction with highly correlated wavefunction-based ab initio calculations, unequivocally demonstrate that the stibinidene features a triplet electronic ground state. Pnictinidenes (R-E, where E = P, As, Sb, or Bi) are long-sought-after reactive species. They feature either a singlet or triplet ground state depending on the electronic property of the substituents. Because of their highly reactive nature, the isolation of triplet pnictinidenes under standard laboratory conditions remains a challenge task. Herein, we report the isolation, characterization, and reactivity studies of a free stibinidene supported by a hydrindacene ligand. X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that it contains a one-coordinate antimony atom featuring a Sb–C single bond. Magnetometric investigations, in conjunction with highly correlated wavefunction-based ab initio calculations, unequivocally demonstrate that the stibinidene features a triplet electronic ground state.

Hydrogen Peroxide Stress Induced in the Marine Cyanobacterium Synechococcus aeruginosus and Phormidium valdarianum.

Biochemical markers against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress were developed in marine cyanobacteria under standard laboratory conditions. To find out the ability to cope with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, two species of marine cyanobacteria including unicellular and filamentous forms were exposed for shorter duration. Synechococcus aeruginosus and Phormidium valderianum tolerated hydrogen peroxide by showing the highest growth of Superoxide dismutase in Synechococcus aeruginosus and Phormidium valderianum, catalase in Synechococcus aeruginosus, peroxidase in Synechococcus aeruginosus and Phormidium valderianum, Glutathione S-transferase in Synechococcus aeruginosus and Phormidium valderianum which were identified as biochemical markers of oxidative stress against H2O2 in marine cyanobacteria. Synechococcus aeruginosus showed new isoforms for Superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, Glutathione peroxidase, and Glutathione S-transferase and Phormidium valderianum for Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and Glutathione S-transferase. Synechococcus aeruginosus is suggested as the indicator species for biochemical markers against hydrogen peroxide in marine cyanobacteria. Peroxidase is suggested as biochemical enzyme marker. The present investigated on these new isoenzymes were identified as biochemical markers for oxidative stress.

Couroupita guianensis bark decoction: From Amazonian medicine to the UHPLC-HRMS chemical profile and its role in inflammation processes and re-epithelialization

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn the Amazon rainforest, the shamans of the Mayantuyacu site use the healing virtues of decoctions and teas from different parts of the Couroupita guianensis Aubl. (Lecythidaceae) trees as remedies in Ashaninka medicine. However, composition of the remedy and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Aim of the studyThis study was designed to compare the metabolite profile of Couroupita guianensis bark decoction produced by Amazonian shamans with that obtained under standardised laboratory conditions and to investigate biological properties of both decoction and isolated constituents in skin wound healing process and inflammation. Materials and methodsThe chemical analyses were carried out by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with UV and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry detectors (UHPLC-UV-HRMS). 1D and 2D-NMR experiments were performed to identify the main decoction constituents. The decoction and pure compound effect on keratinocyte migration was determined by the in vitro wound healing model; the mechanism of action was elucidated by western blot analysis. ResultsUHPLC-UV-HRMS analysis revealed the occurrence of polyphenolic compounds as catechins, ellagitannins and, notably, of unusual sulphated derivatives of ellagic acid isolated for the first time from Couroupita guianensis bark. A new natural sulphated molecule [4-(2″-O-sulphate- β-D-glucuronopyranosyl) ellagic acid] was identified as the potential active compound responsible for the efficacy of bark decoction stimulating wound healing in human HaCaT keratinocytes. The molecular mechanism involved the induction of pro-migratory pathways mediated by ERK and AKT phosphorylation and the increase of MMP2 expression in HaCaT cells. At the same time, the treatment inhibited inflammation interfering with NFkB activation. ConclusionBeyond identifying a new bioactive compound, the overall results scientifically validate the traditional use of Couroupita guianensis bark decoction as an anti-inflammatory remedy. Moreover, the beneficial effects on keratinocytes suggest promising therapeutic applications in skin diseases.

Measuring the photostability of agrochemicals on leaves: understanding the balance between loss processes and foliar uptake.

Photostability is an important property in agrochemicals, impacting their biological efficacy, environmental fate and registrability. As such, it is a property that is routinely measured during the development of new active ingredients and their formulations. To make these measurements, compounds are typically exposed to simulated sunlight after application to a glass substrate. While useful, these measurements neglect key factors that influence photostability under true field conditions. Most importantly, they neglect the fact that compounds are applied to living plant tissue, and that uptake and movement within this tissue provides a mechanism to protect compounds from photodegradation. In this work, we introduce a new photostability assay incorporating leaf tissue as a substrate, designed to run at medium throughput under standardized laboratory conditions. Using three test cases, we demonstrate that our leaf-disc-based assays provides quantitatively different photochemical loss profiles to an assay employing a glass substrate. And we also demonstrate that these different loss profiles are intimately linked to the physical properties of the compounds, the effect that those properties have on foliar uptake and, thereby, the availability of the active ingredient on the leaf surface. The method presented provides a quick and simple measure of the interplay between abiotic loss processes and foliar uptake, supplying additional information to facilitate the interpretation of biological efficacy data. The comparison of loss between glass slides and leaves also provides a better understanding of when intrinsic photodegradation is likely to be a good model for a compound's behaviour under field conditions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Pomegranate, Myrtle, Quercus Fruit, and Rhus coriaria L Extracts on Bleeding Control in Rat

Background: Management of bleeding is among the major issues in medicine, particularly during surgery. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of Pomegranate peel and flower, Myrtle, Quercus fruit, and Rhus coriaria L extracts on bleeding control in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats (weighing 200 - 250 g, 8-10-month-old) with free access to sufficient water and food, were randomly divided into four groups: (a) the topical application of the extracts on tail wounds (bleeding time (B.T.) measurement); (b) intraperitoneal injection of the extracts (measurement of prothrombin time (P.T.) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) in the blood taken from the heart); (c) control group 1 (B.T. measurement on tail wounds without the topical application of the extracts); and (d) control group 2 (no intraperitoneal injection of the extracts, P.T. and PTT measurement in blood drawn from the heart). The animals in all groups received the same care and were kept under standard laboratory conditions, 12:12 h light/dark cycles, and a temperature of 23 ± 2.0°C. The data were analyzed by the one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests. Results: The mean of B.T. in the control group, 3.57 ± 0.20 s, was significantly higher than that in the intervention group (1.56 ± 0.13 s) (P < 0.001). The mean of P.T. in the control group was not significantly different from that in the intervention group (P = 0.499). The mean of PTT in the control group (18.2 ± 24.82 s) was significantly shorter than that in the intervention group (38.00 ± 14.49 s) (P = 0.006). Conclusions: Considering the acceptable coagulant effects of the extracts of Pomegranate peel & flower, Myrtle, Quercus fruit, and Rhus coriaria L. compared to the control group, it can be concluded that these extracts can be suitable adjuvant drugs for controlling bleeding. Although the coagulant effects of these extracts have been mentioned in many traditional medicine texts, human tests are required to reject or confirm their clinical effects.

Geroprotective Effect of Levilactobacillus brevis and Weizmannia coagulans in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The prophylactic use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to maintain human health is one of the most important research areas in recent times. LAB supplementation confers a wide range of health benefits to the host, but few studies have focused on their possible role in delaying the aging process. This study explored the health and life-promoting properties of two LAB, Levilactobacillus brevis and Weizmannia coagulans, using the Caenorhabditis elegans model. We found that L. brevis and W. coagulans enhanced the intestinal integrity and intestinal barrier functions without affecting the overall physiological functions of C. elegans. Wild-type worms preconditioned with LAB strains increased their survival under oxidative and thermal stress conditions by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen levels. Live L. brevis and W. coagulans significantly extended the lifespan of C. elegans under standard laboratory conditions independently of dietary restrictions. Genetic and reporter gene expression analysis revealed that L. brevis and W. coagulans extend lifespan via insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling and the p38 MAPK signaling axis. Furthermore, sirtuin, JNK MAPK, and mitochondrial respiratory complexes were found to be partially involved in W. coagulans-mediated lifespan extension and stress resilience. Preconditioning with LAB ameliorated age-related functional decline in C. elegans and reduced ectopic fat deposition in an NHR-49-dependent manner. Together, our findings indicated that L. brevis and W. coagulans are worth exploring further as "gerobiotic" candidates to delay aging and improve the healthspan of the host.

Reconstruction of incomplete X-ray diffraction pole figures of oligocrystalline materials using deep learning

X-ray diffraction crystallography allows non-destructive examination of crystal structures. Furthermore, it has low requirements regarding surface preparation, especially compared to electron backscatter diffraction. However, up to now, X-ray diffraction has been highly time-consuming in standard laboratory conditions since intensities on multiple lattice planes have to be recorded by rotating and tilting. Furthermore, examining oligocrystalline materials is challenging due to the limited number of diffraction spots. Moreover, commonly used evaluation methods for crystallographic orientation analysis need multiple lattice planes for a reliable pole figure reconstruction. In this article, we propose a deep-learning-based method for oligocrystalline specimens, i.e., specimens with up to three grains of arbitrary crystal orientations. Our approach allows faster experimentation due to accurate reconstructions of pole figure regions, which we did not probe experimentally. In contrast to other methods, the pole figure is reconstructed based on only a single incomplete pole figure. To speed up the development of our proposed method and for usage in other machine learning algorithms, we introduce a GPU-based simulation for data generation. Furthermore, we present a pole widths standardization technique using a custom deep learning architecture that makes algorithms more robust against influences from the experiment setup and material.