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The Eastern Tropical and South-Eastern Pacific region is of global biodiversity importance. At COP26, the governments of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador committed to the expansion of existing MPAs to create a new Mega MPA, safeguarding the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor. It offers a profound step forward in conservation efforts but is not specifically designed to protect against the more diffuse anthropogenic threats, such as plastic pollution. We combine published data with our own unpublished records to assess the abundance and distribution of plastic pollution in the region. Macro- and microplastic concentrations varied markedly and were not significantly different when comparing areas inside and outside existing MPA boundaries. These findings highlight the diffuse and complex nature of plastic pollution and its ubiquitous presence across MPA boundaries. Understanding the sources and drivers of plastic pollution in the region is key to developing effective solutions. • Analysis of 430 sites to assess plastic pollution in ET/SE Pacific. • No significant difference in plastic levels inside/outside of Marine Protected Areas. • New Mega MPA will not protect against ingress by plastic pollution. • Imperative to clearly establish sources and drivers of plastic pollution in region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary tumor of the liver. The incidence and mortality of its intrahepatic form has been increasing over the past 2 decades. Currently, the only available curative treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is surgical resection. There is still no prospective evidence to support neoadjuvant systemic treatments in resectable disease, while adjuvant chemotherapy with Capecitabine is currently the only recommended systemic treatment after liver resection based on the results of randomised trial. Despite the implementation of perioperative treatments and improvements in resective surgery, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains a disease characterized by high incidence of recurrence and poor long-term survival. Lymph node metastases can be found in 45–65% of patients and are one of the most impacting prognostic factors after surgical resection. Preoperative imaging is not always sufficient in assessing lymph node status, thus hepatic pedicle lymphadenectomy can be important to ensure precise staging in surgical patients. An increasing trend in performing lymph node dissection during liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has been observed in the last 20 years, although its actual efficacy compared to the potential complications remains debated. The current evidence on the prognostic role of the lymph node status, its preoperative predictability, the basis for a correct hepatic pedicle lymphadenectomy and its prognostic role in the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise assembly of an integrated network of blood vessels is essential for the survival of vertebrate embryos. However, the processes by which primitive endothelial cells form mature vessels capable of supplying oxygen and nutrients to developing tissues remain incompletely understood. Here, we propose a role for Radar, one of the zebrafish orthologues of gdf6, in establishing integrity of the trunk vasculature in zebrafish embryos. We show that radar expression is appropriately placed, both spatially and temporally, to perform such a role. Transcripts for radar are detected in the hypochord and the primitive gut endoderm. These tissues intimately flank developing axial vessels in the trunk and have been previously implicated in the regulation of vascular development. Morpholino-based targeted gene knock-down has generated a Radar-specific loss-of-function zebrafish model. These embryos display normal initiation of vascular patterning and commencement of circulation. However, by day 2 of development, the integrity of the axial vasculature is compromised with hemorrhages and circulation short-circuits throughout the developing trunk. We show that this aberrant vascular development is specific to a reduction of the radar gene product. These results suggest that Radar is involved in a signaling pathway required for establishing the integrity of the axial vessels during zebrafish development, Key Words: radar; GDF6a; BMP; TGF-[beta]; zebrafish; angiogenesis; hypochord; vasculogenesis; morpholino; microangiography.

Bile leaks occurring after complex liver resection and lasting >1 week (grade B) usually are managed by means of invasive cholangiography either endoscopic or percutaneous, with a substantial risk of procedure-related complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of gadoxetic acid disodium–enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography to detect postoperative biliary leaks and avoid invasive cholangiography in case of peripheral location of the fistula. Patients with grade B biliary leak after complex liver resection from January 2018 to March 2020 underwent magnetic resonance cholangiography to guide the management of the leak (study group). The primary endpoint was the ability of magnetic resonance cholangiography to reduce the need for invasive cholangiography with respect to similar posthepatectomy leaks collected in the previous 2 years and approached with upfront invasive cholangiography (controls). A series of in-hospital outcomes also were compared. Out of 533 liver resections, 11 study patients versus 11 control patients with grade B leaks were compared. Magnetic resonance cholangiography achieved 100% accuracy in detection and location of the leak. Five out of 6 peripheral leaks healed without invasive cholangiography. Overall, 50% reduction in the use of invasive cholangiography was observed in the study versus control patients. Median healing time and hospital stay were 38 and 40 days in patients undergoing invasive cholangiography versus 10 and 11 days in patients treated conservatively (P =.007 and 0.012, respectively). Infection rate and other complications rate were 82% vs 20% (P =.01) and 35% vs 40% (P =.5), respectively. Magnetic resonance cholangiography is a safe, precise, noninvasive tool to detect posthepatectomy bile leaks that can help clinicians in decision-making on conservative versus invasive treatment of fistulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ALECT2 systemic amyloidosis is associated with deposition of the leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 (LECT2) protein in the form of fibrils. In ALECT2 amyloidosis, ALECT2 fibrils deposit in the glomerulus, resulting in renal failure. Patients lack effective treatment options outside of renal transplant or dialysis. The structure of globular LECT2 has been determined but structures of ALECT2 amyloid fibrils remain unknown. Using single-particle cryo-EM, we find that recombinant human LECT2 forms robust twisting fibrils with canonical amyloid features. ALECT2 fibrils contain two mating protofilaments spanning residues 55–75 of the LECT2 sequence. The geometry of the ALECT2 fibril displays features in line with other pathogenic amyloids. Its core is tightly packed and stabilized by both hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen-bonded uncharged polar residues. The robustness of ALECT2 fibril cores is illustrated by their resistance to denaturants and proteases. This ALECT2 fibril structure presents a potential new target for treatments against ALECT2 systemic amyloidosis. [Display omitted] • Determines a high-resolution amyloid structure of the human protein LECT2 by cryo-EM • Identifies key regions of interaction for ALECT2 amyloid stability and aggregation • Gives basis for the rational design of aggregation inhibitors against ALECT2 ALECT2 systemic amyloidosis is an amyloid disease characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in the kidneys, leading to renal failure. Richards et al. use cryo-EM to determine the high-resolution amyloid structure of the human protein LECT2, providing structural insight upon which future treatments for ALECT2 amyloidosis can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Two respiration chambers for cattle were calibrated with high purity methane. • Methane recovery tests were performed in the chambers. • Results show low recovery rates when methane is released in small amounts. • Response times are increased when methane released into the chambers is augmented. • Recovery rates are linearly increased as methane volumes released are increased. Abstract The respiration chamber method is considered to be the most precise approach for measuring enteric methane emissions in cattle. A set of experimental runs was carried out in which increasing volumes of pure methane (168.5, 194.9, 234.9, 264.9, 301.0, 339.8, and 375.7 L per run) were gravimetrically released into open-circuit respiration chambers to simulate the volumes of methane eructated by cattle of different weights. The aim was to assess the effect of the volume of methane released into the chambers on percentage of methane recovered at the exit by the infrared methane analyzer. It was found that as the volume of methane released into the respiration chambers was decreased, methane recovery percentages were concomitantly reduced. The recovery percentages ranged from 103.7% down to 18.3% and from 102.7% down to 31.6% for chambers one and two, respectively. It can be concluded that the slow stabilization of methane inside the large volume chamber, when injected at low rates from the cylinder, led to low recoveries of the gas at an air extraction rate of 300 L/min. As a result, the recovery of methane was constrained, leading to underestimation of the actual volumes released from the pure methane cylinders. Poor mixing of air inside the chambers did also constrain the recovery of methane with the experimental approach employed. The possible implications for methane measurements in respiration chambers under in vivo conditions with cattle are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws upon a wider study on assessment in higher education. It focuses on students’ perceptions of the effectiveness and relevance of feedback in regard to assessment methods and self-regulation of learning. In total, 605 undergraduates participated in the study from five Portuguese public universities. Data were collected through questionnaires with open and closed-ended questions. Results revealed that feedback is perceived as more relevant, effective and in a more positive way by students who are assessed by learner-centred methods than by those assessed by traditional methods. Also, participants who are assessed by learner-centred methods or mixed methods perceived feedback as more effective in all phases of self-regulation learning than students who are assessed by traditional methods. Implications of the findings for feedback and assessment in Higher Education are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is a rare dental abnormality that usually affects a quadrant of both primary and secondary dentition, most often affecting the maxilla. This condition affects the hard tissues of the tooth and the affected teeth are described as "ghost teeth." To compare histopathologic characteristics, immunohistochemical expression, and ultrastructural features of the teeth from a Chilean patient affected by RO. In the present study we included a patient who signed informed consent and agreed to donate exfoliated deciduous teeth. This study analyzed 3 teeth from this patient with RO and 7 normal teeth. These samples were analyzed by a ground sections technique in optical microscopy and polarized light microscopy, immunohistochemistry with anti-amelogenin antibody and anti-dentin sialophosphoprotein antibody, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On histopathologic analysis, RO-affected teeth presented thin enamel with a wavy surface, and dentin presented smaller thickness with abundant interglobular dentin. Immunohistochemical expression showed remanent tooth enamel matrix marked positive for amelogenin, and the control teeth lost the enamel matrix post decalcification. SEM analysis showed dentinal tubules with wide variation of diameters and enamel with disordered prisms, and the control teeth presented ordered tubules and prisms. The histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and SEM study showed alterations in both enamel and dentin of the teeth affected by RO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucosterol, a triterpene derivative encountered in several alga species, provides a wide range of biological activities, such as protection against metabolic syndrome, or against UV-induced skin damage. We describe here the comparison of extraction by supercritical fluid (SFE) and pressurized solvent (PSE) of the brown alga Lessonia vadosa mainly abundant in the coastal water of Patagonia, followed by the isolation of fucosterol, using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), in association with HPLC–UV quantification. After collection, the seaweed was dried, ground and extracted either by PSE or by SFE under various conditions. The yield and the content in fucosterol of each extract were determined by HPLC–UV. Optimization of a biphasic solvent system and K D calculation led to the isolation of pure fucosterol with high recovery rate. Extraction by SFE using CO 2 at 180 bar and 50 °C with 20 to 30 % of cellulose as modifier and CPC purification by cyclohexane/acetone/methanol/water 10/1/10/1 with lower layer as mobile phase led to the best results in terms of yield, purity, time and solvent consumption. Natural and semisynthetic steroid derivatives have been previously shown to be potential drug candidates against parasitic diseases including leishmaniasis. In this context fucosterol was evaluated and demonstrated noticeable antileishmanial activity (IC 50 < 10 μM) against intracellular amastigotes with limited or no cytotoxicity in host cell macrophages. These results make this compound a valuable starting scaffold for pharmacomodulation. Adaptation of the procedure by slight modifications of the extraction and/or isolation conditions could permit the exploitation of other alga species as raw material. Since SFE and CPC are available for pilot and batch production, this work may serve as a model for further scale-up and industrial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Evidence suggests the bactericidal activity of mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (mROS) directly contributes to killing phagocytozed bacteria. Infection-responsive components that regulate this process remain incompletely understood. We describe a role for the mitochondria-localizing enzyme encoded by Immunoresponsive gene 1 (IRG1) during the utilization of fatty acids as a fuel for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and associated mROS production. In a zebrafish infection model, infection-responsive expression of zebrafish irg1 is specific to macrophage-lineage cells and is regulated cooperatively by glucocorticoid and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Irg1-depleted macrophage-lineage cells are impaired in their ability to utilize fatty acids as an energy substrate for OXPHOS-derived mROS production resulting in defective bactericidal activity. Additionally, the requirement for fatty acid β-oxidation during infection-responsive mROS production and bactericidal activity toward intracellular bacteria is conserved in murine macrophages. These results reveal IRG1 as a key component of the immunometabolism axis, connecting infection, cellular metabolism, and macrophage effector function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of residential satisfaction and sense of belonging on loneliness in old age in two different contexts: the community and the residential care facility. We used two surveys of 1106 non-institutionalized and 234 institutionalized older adults, aged 60 years or more in Spain. Results from structural equation modeling and path analysis suggest that residential satisfaction would positively affect sense of belonging and would be negatively associated with loneliness in both residential environments, thus playing a protective role against the experience of loneliness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The zebrafish is increasingly being utilized to study aspects of the conserved innate intestinal immunity of vertebrates. In mammals, some antimicrobial proteins are synthesised by specialised immune cells that appear to have no equivalent in zebrafish. To delineate foci of antimicrobial protein production along the zebrafish intestine, we examined the antero-posterior expression gradients of antimicrobial genes. Quantitative PCR revealed distinct expression gradient profiles, with the mid-intestine exhibiting elevated expression of several genes such as dual oxidase and the defensin beta-like and peptidoglycan recognition protein families. This region also presented with the most numbers of leukocytes and endocytic cells, supporting a specialised immunological role. Conversely, expression of the Dr-RNase family was prominent in the anterior intestine. Expression of the zebrafish β-defensin family was examined in adult zebrafish tissues. Strong expression of defensin beta-like 1 was detected in the swim bladder of zebrafish from the larval stage of development through to adults. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cxcl8 is a pro-inflammatory chemokine, best known for its role in neutrophil chemotaxis. Signalling through its receptors, Cxcr1 and Cxcr2, is induced by inflammatory stimuli evoked by microbial, chemical or environmental stress, and hormonal signals. While it is recognised that Cxcl8 signalling is active in the gut mucosa, this is not as well understood as its role in leukocyte trafficking. Here, we report the characterisation of genes encoding the zebrafish Cxcl8, Cxcr1 and Cxcr2. By a combination of genomic, expression and functional analyses, we show that the Cxcl8 signalling pathway is conserved in zebrafish. As in humans, cxcl8 is expressed in zebrafish leukocytes. Transcripts were also detected in intestinal epithelial cells, and this expression is upregulated under inflammatory conditions caused by bacterial or chemical insult. Expression of cxcr1 and cxcr2 is robust within the developing gut. This work provides a model for the study of Cxcl8 signalling during gut inflammation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims: The ParaHox transcription factor Cdx2 is an essential determinant of intestinal phenotype in mammals throughout development, influencing gut function, homeostasis, and epithelial barrier integrity. Cdx2 expression demarcates the zones of intestinal stem cell proliferation in the adult gut, with deregulated expression implicated in intestinal metaplasia and cancer. However, in vivo analysis of these prospective roles has been limited because inactivation of Cdx2 in mice leads to preimplantation embryonic lethality. We used the zebrafish, a valuable model for studying gut development, to generate a system to further understanding of the role of Cdx2 in normal intestinal function and in disease states. Methods: We isolated and characterized the zebrafish cdx1b ortholog and analyzed its function by antisense morpholino gene knockdown. Results: We showed that zebrafish Cdx1b replaces the role of Cdx2 in gut development. Evolutionary studies have indicated that the zebrafish cdx2 loci were lost following the genome-wide duplication event that occurred in teleosts. Zebrafish Cdx1b is expressed exclusively in the developing intestine during late embryogenesis and regulates intestinal cell proliferation and terminal differentiation. Conclusions: This work established an in vivo system to explore further the activity of Cdx2 in the gut and its impact on processes such as inflammation and cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper presents a study conducted at the authors' institution to evaluate the potential and shortcomings of an inquiry-based practicum model in post-Bologna initial teacher education master programs. Data was collected through survey questionnaires to practicum participants and the analysis of student teachers' practicum reports. Results show that the participants' views (perceived quality) and evidence from practicum reports (inferred quality) are globally aligned with the model's rationale (intended quality). The model promotes inquiry competences, multifaceted professional knowledge, and a transformative vision of education. Shortcomings of and constraints to inquiry are discussed, and future directions for enhancing it are presented. • Teacher inquiry is both necessary and controversial in ITE programmes. • The value and shortcomings of an inquiry-based practicum model are examined. • Participants' perceptions and evidence from practicum reports are consistent with the model's rationale. • Practicum promotes inquiry competences, multifaceted professional knowledge, and a transformative vision of education. • Constraints to inquiry relate to contextual variables but also to prevailing academic and school cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-six samples of Algerian honeys were analyzed to determine their color intensity, content of bioactive compounds using colorimetric methods and phenolic profile using a high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) analysis. The antioxidant activities of the samples were estimated using 6 methods (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid free radicals scavenging, reducing power, chelating ferrous activity, nitric oxide radical scavenging assay and β-carotene bleaching) and the antibacterial power was determined in vitro using agar diffusion tests and measuring minimal inhibitory concentration. The color of honeys ranged from light yellow to dark amber with an intensity ranging from 350 to 1510 mAU. The highest content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C and the best antioxidant activity was obtained from dark honeys. Sixteen phenolic compounds (8 phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids) were quantified. The antibacterial tests showed that Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive strain compared to Salmonella typhi. The results allowed establishing a quantitative phenolic profile of Algerian honeys. The bioactive compounds, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities, of honey did not depend on its monofloral or polyfloral nature, but rather on the type of flowers foraged by the bees and its geographical origin. The dark color of honey is a good indicator of a higher antioxidant content and the best biological properties. [Display omitted] • Algerian honeys showed different antioxidants amounts. • All honeys analyzed showed antioxidant activity. • Eight phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids were identified in Algerian honey. • Hydroxycinnamic acids were the most common phenolic acids in honey samples. • Honey samples showed better activity against S. aureus compared to S. typhi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The retinoid-related orphan receptors Rora, b and c are highly conserved transcription factors belonging to the steroid hormone receptor superfamily. Mammalian ROR proteins perform key regulatory roles in a number of processes during embryonic development and in the adult including neurogenesis, bone metabolism and modulation of circadian rhythms. A more recent area of interest has been their roles in the development and function of the immune system. In particular, RORA has been implicated in the regulation of inflammatory cytokine production, and RORC has been shown to be essential in the development of the T lymphocyte repertoire and of secondary lymphoid organs. We cloned the zebrafish orthologs for the Ror gene family. Assignment of orthologies was supported by analysis of the phylogenetic relationships between zebrafish and other vertebrate Ror genes based on sequence similarities, and conserved syntenies with the human Ror gene loci. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are the main glial cell type that populates mammalian olfactory nerves. These cells have a great capacity to promote the regeneration of axons when transplanted into the injured adult mammalian CNS. However, little is still known about the molecular mechanisms they employ in mediating such a task. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was identified as a candidate molecule in a genomic study that compared three functionally different OEC populations: Early passage OECs (OEC Ep), Late passage OECs (OEC Lp) and the OEC cell line TEG3 [Pastrana, E., Moreno-Flores, M.T., Gurzov, E.N., Avila, J., Wandosell, F., Diaz-Nido, J., 2006. Genes associated with adult axon regeneration promoted by olfactory ensheathing cells: a new role for matrix metalloproteinase 2. J. Neurosci. 26, 5347–5359]. We have here set out to determine the role played by BDNF in the stimulation of axon outgrowth by OECs. We compared the extracellular BDNF levels in the three OEC populations and show that it is produced in significant amounts by the OECs that can stimulate axon regeneration in adult retinal neurons (OEC Ep and TEG3) but it is absent from the extracellular medium of OEC Lp cells which lack this capacity. Blocking BDNF signalling impaired axonal regeneration of adult retinal neurons co-cultured with TEG3 cells and adding BDNF increased the proportion of adult neurons that regenerate their axons on OEC Lp monolayers. Combining BDNF with other extracellular proteins such as Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) further augmented this effect. This study shows that BDNF production by OECs plays a direct role in the promotion of axon regeneration of adult CNS neurons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The vertebrate craniofacial skeleton develops via a complex process involving signaling cascades in all three germ layers. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for several steps in pharyngeal arch development. In zebrafish, Fgf3 and Fgf8 in the mesoderm and hindbrain have an early role to pattern the pouch endoderm, influencing craniofacial integrity. Endodermal FGF signaling is required for the differentiation and survival of postmigratory neural crest cells that form the pharyngeal skeleton. We identify a novel role for zebrafish Fgf receptor-like 1a (Fgfrl1a) that is indispensable during gill cartilage development. We show that depletion of Fgfrl1a is sufficient to abolish cartilage derivatives of the ceratobranchials. Using an Fgfrl1a-deficient model, we analyzed expression of genes critical for chondrogenesis in the different compartments of the developing pharyngeal arch. Fgfrl1a-depleted animals demonstrate typical neural crest specification and migration to populate the arch primordia as well as normal pouch segmentation. However, in the absence of Fgfrl1a, larvae fail to express the transcription factor glial cells missing 2 (gcm2), a gene necessary for cartilage and gill filament formation, in the ectodermal lining of the branchial arches. In addition, two transcription factors essential for chondrogenesis, sox9a and runx2b, fail to express within the mesenchymal condensations of the branchial arches. A duplicate zebrafish gene, fgfrl1b, has now been identified. We show that Fgfrl1b is also required for proper formation of all ventral cartilage elements and acts cooperatively with Fgfrl1a during gill cartilage formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the major findings of a longitudinal study of teachers’ professional identities in the early years of teaching. It analyzes key influences upon the ways in which new teachers’ identities are shaped and reshaped over time. Through their own perceptions, analyses of the school cultures in which they work and their pupils’ views it reveals how the interplay between contextual, cultural and biographical factors affects their teaching practices. Teachers’ personal and professional histories and pre-service training, alongside issues of school culture and leadership, emerge as stronger mediating influences (than previous literature suggests) in determining the kinds and relative stability and instability of professional identities which teachers develop in the early years of teaching and thus the kinds of teachers they become and their effectiveness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The differentiation of cells in the vertebrate skeleton is controlled by a precise genetic program. One crucial regulatory gene in the pathway encodes the transcription factor Runx2, which in mouse is required for differentiation of all osteoblasts and the proper development of a subset of hypertrophic chondrocytes. To explore the differentiation of skeletogenic cells in the model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio), we have identified two orthologues of the mammalian gene, runx2a and runx2b. Both genes share sequence homology and gene structure with the mammalian genes, and map to regions of the zebrafish genome displaying conserved synteny with the region where the human gene is localized. While both genes are expressed in developing skeletal elements, they show evidence of partial divergence in expression pattern, possibly explaining why both orthologues have been retained through teleost evolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cardiac cells generate and amplify force in the context of cardiac load, yet the membranous sheath enclosing the muscle fibers—the sarcolemma—does not experience displacement. That the sarcolemma sustains beat-to-beat pressure changes without experiencing significant distortion is a muscle-contraction paradox. Here, we report that an elastic element—the motor protein prestin (Slc26a5)—serves to amplify actin-myosin force generation in mouse and human cardiac myocytes, accounting partly for the nonlinear capacitance of cardiomyocytes. The functional significance of prestin is underpinned by significant alterations of cardiac contractility in P restin -knockout mice. Prestin was previously considered exclusive to the inner ear's outer hair cells; however, our results show that prestin serves a broader cellular motor function. [Display omitted] • Prestin is considered to be expressed exclusively in outer hair cells of the inner ear • The current study shows that prestin is expressed in cardiomyocytes • Prestin serves to amplify actin-myosin force generation in cardiomyocytes • Prestin serves a broader cellular motor function Zhang et al. show that the motor protein prestin (Slc26a5) is expressed in the heart, serving to amplify actin-myosin force generation in cardiomyocytes. Prestin is considered to be expressed exclusively in outer hair cells of the inner ear. However, this study demonstrates prestin's broader cellular motor function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• J. spicigera and kaempferitrin prevent liver inflammation. • J. spicigera and kaempferitrin negatively regulate the expression of Tnf-α and Tlr4. • J. spicigera and kaempferitrin decrease the expression of Nlrp3, Il-1β and Il-18. • The genetic modulation of Il-1β and Il-18 by kaempferitrin is not through Caspase-1. Justicia spicigera is a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat various diseases such as heart diseases and to improve blood circulation, with little scientific evidence. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of the leaves of the plant and of kaempferitrin (main active ingredient), on biochemical, physiological, and inflammation markers related to obesity induced by a high-fat diet in male Wistar rats for eight weeks. The results indicated that J. spicigera powder has the ability to significantly decrease (p ≤ 0.05) the percentage of accumulated fat, and consequently, weight gain, as well as serum triglyceride concentrations. In addition, both J. spicigera powder and kaempferitrin generated transcriptional adaptations by negatively modulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as Tlr4, Tnf-α, Nlrp3, Caspase-1, Il-18, Il-1β, Srebp-1c, Ppar-γ and Ucp2 and overexpressing Ppar-α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and pro-vitamin properties have been attributed to Capsicum based on the carotenoid and polyphenolic compound content. The aim of this study was to obtain and characterize non-aqueous extracts of Capsicum annuum L. (chilli) using three different oils (corn, sunflower, and safflower) as well as their microencapsulates. Corn extract showed better antioxidant activity and total carotenoid content (as β-carotene) than sunflower and safflower extracts. The extracts were encapsulated by spray-drying with a biopolymers:extract-solution ratio of 4:1 (w/w). The biopolymers were gum Arabic and maltodextrin. In addition, the encapsulation efficiency, mean particle size, morphology, water activity, moisture content, and stability were evaluated for the microcapsules. The retention of antioxidant activity after encapsulation varied from 76% to 80% of its activity in the oily extract, whereas the preservation of carotenoids in microcapsules was between 84% and 86%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]