Volume 19, Issue 10, July - December 2023, Page 1273-1279
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High‐frequency ultrasound: A novel noninvasive tool for evaluation of specific layers of blistering
Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.
Sodium Danshensu ameliorates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting CLIC4/NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated endothelial cell pyroptosis
Mechanism of SDSS in inhibiting endothelial cell pyroptosis. In the priming step, NLRP3, pro-Caspase-1, GSDMD-full, pro-IL-1β, and pro-IL-18 were up-regulated. Furthermore, the translocation of CLIC4 from cytoplasm to the membrane induced chloride outflow, resulting in the assembly of NLRP3, ASC and Pro-Caspase-1 into a platform (activation step). By binding CLIC4 and blocking its membrane localization, SDSS inhibited chloride outflow, thus inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and then the cleavage of pro-Caspase-1 into Caspase-1. This inhibited pyroptosis along with the release of IL-1β and IL-18, resulting from Caspase-1-dependent GSDMD-N cleavage.
Abstract
Endothelial pyroptosis promotes cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). Sodium Danshensu (SDSS) has been shown to attenuate CIRI and have anti-inflammatory properties in endothelial cells. However, the mechanism and effect of SDSS on alleviating endothelial pyroptosis after CIRI remains poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of SDSS in reducing endothelial pyroptosis. It has been shown that SDSS administration inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. As demonstrated by protein microarrays, molecular docking, CETSA and ITDRFCETSA, SDSS bound strongly to CLIC4. Furthermore, SDSS can decrease its expression and inhibit its translocation. Its effectiveness was lowered by CLIC4 overexpression but not by knockdown. Overall The beneficial effect of SDSS against CIRI in this study can be ascribed to blocking endothelial pyroptosis by binding to CLIC4 and then inhibiting chloride efflux-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Species‐level drivers of avian centrality within seed‐dispersal networks across different levels of organisation
In bird–plant seed-dispersal networks, range size drives species centrality at the global meta-network level, whereas body size is more important at the local network level. Bird ecosystem functions at the global scale are determined by species' capacity to occupy various habitats and interact with a large set of plant species. Species traits: E, evolutionary; G, geographical; M, morphological.
Abstract
Bird–plant seed-dispersal networks are structural components of ecosystems. The role of bird species in seed-dispersal networks (from less [peripheral] to more connected [central]), determines the interaction patterns and their ecosystem services. These roles may be driven by morphological and functional traits as well as evolutionary, geographical and environmental properties acting at different spatial extents. It is still unknown if such drivers are equally important in determining species centrality at different network levels, from individual local networks to the global meta-network representing interactions across all local networks. Using 308 networks covering five continents and 11 biogeographical regions, we show that at the global meta-network level species' range size was the most important driver of species centrality, with more central species having larger range sizes, which would facilitate the interaction with a higher number of plants and thus the maintenance of seed-dispersal interactions. At the local network level, body mass was the only driver with a significant effect, implying that local factors related to resource availability are more important at this level of network organisation than those related to broad spatial factors such as range sizes. This could also be related to the mismatch between species-level traits, which do not consider intraspecific variation, and the local networks that can depend on such variation. Taken together, our results show that the drivers determining species centrality are relative to the levels of network organisation, suggesting that prediction of species functional roles in seed-dispersal interactions requires combined local and global approaches.
Resumen
Las redes de dispersión de semillas entre aves y plantas son componentes estructurales de los ecosistemas. El rol de las especies de aves en estas redes de dispersión de semillas (de menos [periféricas] a más conectadas [centrales]), determina los patrones de interacción y sus servicios ecosistémicos. Estos roles pueden ser impulsados por rasgos morfológicos y funcionales, propiedades evolutivas, geográficas y ambientales que actúan en diferentes extensiones espaciales. Todavía se desconoce si dichos impulsores son igualmente importantes para determinar la centralidad de las especies en diferentes niveles de red, desde redes locales individuales hasta la meta-red global que representa todas las interacciones en las redes locales. Usando 308 redes abarcando cinco continentes y once regiones biogeográficas, mostramos que a nivel de meta-red global, el tamaño de la distribución geográfica de las especies fue el factor más determinante de la centralidad de las especies, con especies más centrales siendo aquellas que tienen distribuciones más grandes, lo que les facilitaría la interacción con un mayor número de plantas y por lo tanto el mantenimiento de las interacciones de dispersión de semillas. A nivel de las redes locales, la masa corporal fue el único impulsor con un efecto significativo, lo que implica que los factores locales relacionados con la disponibilidad de recursos son más importantes en este nivel de organización que los relacionados con factores espaciales amplios, como el tamaño de las distribuciones. Esto también podría estar relacionado con el desajuste entre los rasgos a nivel de especie, que no consideran la variación intraespecífica, y las redes locales que pueden depender de dicha variación. En conjunto, nuestros resultados muestran que los impulsores que determinan la centralidad de las especies en las redes de interacción son relativos a los niveles de organización de la red, lo que sugiere que la predicción de los roles funcionales de las especies en las interacciones de dispersión de semillas requiere enfoques locales y globales combinados.
P38α contributes to TNF‐α‐induced IL‐8 production in human gingival cells
When phosphorylated at threonine 180 and tyrosine 182, p38α contributes to the induction of IL-8 by TNF-α in Ca9-22 cells. TNF-α-induced phosphorylation translocates NF-κB into the nucleus and then increases both IL-8 mRNA expression and secretion. Thus, p38α plays an important role in TNF-α-induced IL-8 production, providing a potential therapeutic target to prevent and treat periodontal disease.
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a major inflammatory cytokine that induces interleukin (IL)-8 production. Although some studies have reported the involvement of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in TNF-α-induced IL-8 production, its specific regulatory mechanisms in gingival epithelial cells (GECs) are still poorly understood. In the present study, Ca9-22 cells were used as representative GECs to investigate the effect of p38 signaling on TNF-α-induced IL-8 production. We found that TNF-α enhanced IL-8 production in Ca9-22 cells by activating the p38 signaling pathway, and one of its isoforms, p38α, played a key role. P38α deletion markedly inhibited TNF-α-induced IL-8 expression in Ca9-22 cells, while p38α gene rescue could reverse this effect. Further studies revealed that TNF-α-induced IL-8 production was markedly reduced when the threonine 180 and tyrosine 182 p38α phosphorylation sites were targeted for mutagenesis to alanine and phenylalanine, respectively, suggesting their critical role in the process. In conclusion, p38α plays an important role in TNF-α-induced IL-8 production, providing a potential therapeutic target to prevent and treat periodontal disease.
Generalized pustular psoriasis‐like widespread eruption following COVID‐19 infection in a patient with spondyloarthropathy on adalimumab
Abstract
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a form of pustular psoriasis that is distinguished by recurring or persistent outbreaks of non-acral primary sterile pustules. These eruptions can occur with or without systemic inflammation. Various factors, such as medications, stress and viral infection, have been identified as potential triggers for GPP flares. While several cases have detailed GPP-like eruptions in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, few have explored the interplay between infection and biologic use in the development of GPP. In this case, we detail the history and management of a 45-year-old male patient with a prior history of spondyloarthropathy managed on a tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor and recent COVID-19 infection presenting with a new, spreading pustular rash.
Effect of pony morphology and hay feeding methods on back and neck postures
Abstract
The application of hay feeding devices, such as the use of hay nets or slow feeders, can help with the management of weight in ponies; however, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding their effect on equine posture. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the effect of different feeding devices on the posture of ponies using morphometric analysis. Two different breed types, Shetland type (SH, n = 5) versus Welsh Cob type (WC, n = 4), were fed the same forage in four different ways: on the ground (G), using a fully filled haynet (HF), using a partially filled haynet (HL) and using a slow-feeder hay box (HB). Video recordings were obtained and then geometric morphometric analysis was applied. Breed morphology was confirmed by body morphometric measurements. Data were analysed statistically using one-way ANOVA, canonical variate analysis (CVA), principal component analysis (PCA), partial least-squares (PLS) analysis and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Moreover, a mixed model was performed to study differences in mandibular angle. SH and WC ponies were shown to have significantly different body morphometric measurements. The geometric morphometric analysis results showed that ponies arch their back and modify their neck shape differently according to the feeding method and their morphological group. For the neck, the SH and WC ponies adapted similarly to the use of small-holed hay nets, but their posture varied when feeding from the ground or hay box. The back postures consistently differed according to the breed type and feeding method. The mandibular angle for both breed types was reduced with all the feeding devices compared to feeding from the ground. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of slow-feeding devices on posture and mandibular angle, taking into consideration animals with different morphologies.
Molecular identification of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma palmicola’ associated with coconut lethal yellowing in Equatorial Guinea
A high mortality of coconut palms was observed in the coastal areas of Equatorial Guinea. Molecular analyses on 16S rRNA and secA genes detected ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma palmicola’ subgroup 16SrXXII-A. Strict monitoring and surveillance procedures for early detection of the pathogen are strongly recommended to reduce its impact and further spread in the country.
Abstract
During the past two decades, a high mortality of coconut palms was observed in the coastal areas of Equatorial Guinea. Reportedly, the palm population has been reduced by 60%–70%, and coconut production has decreased accordingly. To identify the cause of the mortality, a survey was carried out in April 2021 in various localities of the coconut belt. Molecular analyses carried out on 16S rRNA and secA genes detected phytoplasma presence in the majority of the samples. Sequencing and BLAST search of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed >99% identity of the detected phytoplasmas to ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma palmicola’. The RFLP analyses of 16S ribosomal gene using Tru1I and TaqI enzymes led to assign these phytoplasmas to subgroup 16SrXXII-A. In all samples that tested positive, including one from a hybrid coconut palm and two from oil palm the same phytoplasma was identified. The phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA and secA genes confirmed respectively 99.98%–100% and 97.94%–100% identity to ‘Ca. P. palmicola’. RFLP analyses using MboII enzyme on the secA gene amplicon differentiated the phytoplasma found in Equatorial Guinea from those present in Ghana and Ivory Coast. The Equatorial Guinean phytoplasma strain resulted to be identical to the strains from Mozambique, confirming the presence of a geographic differentiation among phytoplasma strains in the coastal areas of Western and Central Africa. The identified phytoplasma is different from the ‘Ca. P. palmicola’ strains found in Ghana and Ivory Coast and represents the first identification a 16SrXXII-A strain in Equatorial Guinea and in Central Africa. Strict monitoring and surveillance procedures for early detection of the pathogen are strongly recommended to reduce its impact and further spread in the country and permit the recovery of coconut plantations.
Silicon dioxide in the defence induction of soybean against Spodoptera frugiperda
Silicon dioxide applied via foliar on soybean plants increases larval and pupal phase of Spodoptera frugiperda. The increase in the concentration of silicon dioxide applied increases the wear of the mandible of the caterpillar making it difficult to feed.
Abstract
Silicon can increase the natural defence of plants against stresses including herbivorous insects. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is one of the forms of silicon, and despite its wide use in the industrial sector, its use in agriculture is still poorly adopted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of foliar application of SiO2 in inducing defence against Spodoptera frugiperda in soybean. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomised design with four treatments (0%, 1%, 2.5%, and 5% of SiO2). The effect on cannibalism, biological parameters (mortality, duration of the larval stage, duration of the pupal stage and pupal weight) and wear on the mandible of S. frugiperda were evaluated. The foliar silicon content was also determined. The supply of SiO2 prolonged the duration of the larval and pupal stages of the S. frugiperda by 0.56 and 0.17 days for each 1% of SiO2 applied, respectively. The use of SiO2 at 5% increased the mortality rate of caterpillars in the larval stage by approximately 25%. There was no effect of SiO2 application on cannibalism and weight of S. frugiperda pupae. There was wear on the caterpillars' jaws in the third and fourth instar at the highest SiO2 concentration. The application of SiO2 promoted greater accumulation of silicon in soybean leaves. It is concluded that the foliar application of SiO2 affects the biological performance of S. frugiperda through the induction of defence in the soybean crop and presents itself as a promising strategy in integrated pest management programmes.
Brush border enzyme hydrolysis and glycaemic effects of isomaltulose compared to other saccharides in dogs
Abstract
Digestible carbohydrates differ in glycaemic response, therewith having the potential to influence metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Isomaltulose has been proven to lower the glycaemic response in humans, which to date has not been studied in dogs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to characterise the digestibility, as well as the physiological effects of isomaltulose in dogs, in comparison to other saccharides. To this end, three studies were performed. Study 1 was an in vitro study, evaluating the small intestinal hydrolysis of isomaltulose compared to other relevant carbohydrate sources. Three of these saccharides, having close and low-moderate degrees of hydrolysis by brush border enzymes, were also evaluated in vivo for their glycaemic effects by measuring plasma levels of glucose, insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) 0-180 min after administration of a single dosage after an overnight fast (i.e., isomaltulose, sucrose and maltodextrin in a 3 × 3 Latin-square design, in 9 dogs, Study 2). To understand if digestive enzymes, underlying glycaemic responses for isomaltulose and sucrose can be upregulated, we exposed dogs to these saccharides for 2 weeks and repeated the measurements after an overnight fast in 18 dogs (Study 3). Isomaltulose was hydrolysed by intestinal enzyme preparation from all three dogs, but the degrading activity was low (e.g., 3.95 ± 1.03 times lower vs. sucrose), indicating a slower rate of hydrolysis. Isomaltulose had a low glycaemic response, in line with in vitro data. In vitro hydrolysis of sucrose was comparable or even higher than maltodextrin in contrast to the more pronounced glycaemic response to maltodextrin observed in vivo. The numerically higher blood glucose response to sucrose after continuous consumption, might indicate an adaptive response. In conclusion, the current work provides valuable insights into the digestion physiology of various saccharides in dogs. Further investigations on related benefits are thus warranted.