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This study was conducted to determine the influence of dietary glucosamine sulfate sodium (GSS) on laying performance, blood profiles, eggshell and inner quality of eggs and relative expression of the genes related to eggshell in laying hens at early stage. A total of 640 twenty-weeks-old Lohmann laying hens were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 10 replicates of 16 hens each. The experiment lasted for 8 wk, and dietary treatments were: 1) CON, basal diet; 2) G1, CON + 0.2% GSS; 3) G2, CON + 0.4% GSS; 4) G3, CON + 0.6% GSS. The inclusion of GSS increased average daily feed intake, laying rate, and egg mass (P < 0.05) linearly during wk 21 to 25, 25 to 29, and 21 to 29, egg weight during wk 21 to 25 and 25 to 29, and improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio linearly during wk 21 to 25. The supplementation of GSS increased (P < 0.05) albumen height quadratically, Haugh unit, calcium content, calcium mass, phosphorus content and phosphorus mass linearly at the end of 25th and 29th wk. At the end of 29th wk, the eggshell strength, eggshell weight, eggshell ratio, and eggshell thickness were increased (P < 0.05) linearly in GSS treatments compared with CON. The addition of GSS increased (P < 0.05) serum calcium, estrogen 2, and calcitonin, while decreased (P < 0.05) serum tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), parathormone, IL-6 and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) at the end of 29th wk. The inclusion of GSS increased (P < 0.05) the relative expression of ovocalyxin-32 and ovocalyxin-36 linearly at the end of 29th wk, and ovalbumin, osteopontin, calbindin 1, and ovocleidin-116 linearly at the end of 25th and 29th wk. Quadratic effects were observed (P < 0.05) in the laying rate during wk 21 to 25, serum TRAP and PGE 2 , the relative expression of ovocleidin-116 at the end of 29th wk. In summary, the inclusion of GSS up-regulated relative expression of osteopontin, ovocleidin-116, ovocalyxin-32 and ovocalyxin-36 in uterus, promoted the serum PGE 2 and calcitonin, thus increased the calcium content of eggshell and finally enhanced eggshell quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Screen printing is a useful and simple method for coating layers of several solar materials, but care must be taken in preparing stoichiometric CZTS film due to its instability at a high processing temperature and a small chemical potential domain. This paper reports screen printing prepared CZTS films and the influence of sintering temperature on CZTS properties. The thermostability, structural, electronic and optical properties are studied. The direct optical band gap energies of the films vary from 1.39 to 1.60eV, while the resistivities change from 830 to 6Ωcm after sintering at different temperatures up to 550°C. A high photosensitivity of 14% is achieved for the sample sintered at 450°C. The phenomena observed are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite sleep-loss-induced cognitive deficits, little is known about the cellular adaptations that occur with sleep loss. We used brain slices obtained from mice that were sleep deprived for 8h to examine the electrophysiological effects of sleep deprivation (SD). We employed a modified pedestal (flowerpot) over water method for SD that eliminated rapid eye movement sleep and greatly reduced non-rapid eye movement sleep. In layer V/VI pyramidal cells of the medial prefrontal cortex, miniature excitatory post synaptic current amplitude was slightly reduced, miniature inhibitory post synaptic currents were unaffected, and intrinsic membrane excitability was increased after SD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Homeostatic response is an endowed self-correcting/maintaining property for living units, ranging from subcellular domains, single cells, and organs to the whole organism. Homeostatic responses maintain stable function through the ever-changing internal and external environments. In central neurons, several forms of homeostatic regulation have been identified, all of which tend to stabilize the functional output of neurons toward their prior “set-point.” Medium spiny neurons (MSNs) within the forebrain region the nucleus accumbens (NAc) play a central role in gating/regulating emotional and motivational behaviors including craving and seeking drugs of abuse. Exposure to highly salient stimuli such as cocaine administration not only acutely activates a certain population of NAc MSNs, but also induces long-lasting changes in these neurons. It is these long-lasting cellular alterations that are speculated to mediate the increasingly strong cocaine-craving and cocaine-seeking behaviors. Why do the potentially powerful homeostatic mechanisms fail to correct or compensate for these drug-induced maladaptations in neurons? Based on recent experimental results, this review proposes a hypothesis of homeostatic dysregulation induced by exposure to cocaine. Specifically, we hypothesize that exposure to cocaine generates false molecular signals which misleads the homeostatic regulation process, resulting in maladaptive changes in NAc MSNs. Thus, many molecular and cellular alterations observed in the addicted brain may indeed result from homeostatic dysregulation. This review is among the first to introduce the concept of homeostatic neuroplasticity to understanding the molecular and cellular maladaptations following exposure to drugs of abuse. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Integrated morphological, physiological and omics analyses were performed to uncover the mechanism of oAANAT in switchgrass. • oAANAT plays pivotal roles in plant growth and flowering. • oAANAT is a positive regulator involved in photosynthesis. • Overexpression of oAANAT in switchgrass increases defence capacity. Arylalkylamine N -acetyltransferase (AANAT) catalyses the acetylation of serotonin, a rate-limiting process in melatonin biosynthesis. To obtain better insight into the underlying mechanism of AANAT's actions in switchgrass growth, flowering and defence, we performed integrated morphological, physiological and omics analyses between overexpressed oAANAT transgenic lines in wild-type and transgenic control (expressing only the empty vector) plants. We showed that oAANAT played pivotal roles in modulating plant growth through its regulation of cell elongation, and regulating flowering through photoperiod and GA pathways. In relation to photosynthesis, oAANAT promoted photosynthetic efficiency primarily through regulating leaf anatomical structures, stomatal development and chlorophyll metabolism. Moreover, oAANAT overexpression can trigger a number of defence responses or strategies, including antioxidant enzymatic properties, non-enzymatic capacity, significantly activated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and adaptive morphological characteristics. This study unveils the possible molecular mechanisms underlying oAANAT dependent melatonin functions in switchgrass, providing an important starting point for further analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The d-isomer of aspartate is both a substrate for glutamate transporters and an agonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. To monitor the behavior of these receptors and transporters in intact tissue we synthesized a new photo-labile analogue of d-aspartate, N-[(6-nitrocoumarin-7-yl)methyl]-d-aspartic acid (Ncm-d-aspartate). This compound was photolyzed rapidly (t 1/2 =0.11μs) by UV light with a quantum efficiency of 0.041 at pH 7.4. In acute hippocampal slices, photolysis of Ncm-d-aspartate by brief (1ms) exposure to UV light elicited rapidly activating inward currents in astrocytes that were sensitive to inhibition by the glutamate transporter antagonist dl-threo-β-benzyloxyaspartic acid (TBOA). Neither Ncm-d-aspartate nor the photo-released caging group exhibited agonist or antagonist activity at glutamate transporters, and Ncm-d-aspartate did not induce transporter currents prior to photolysis. Glutamate transporter currents were also elicited in cerebellar Purkinje cells in response to photolysis of Ncm-d-aspartate. Photo-release of d-aspartate from Ncm-d-aspartate did not induce α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA)/kainate receptor or metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) currents, but triggered robust NMDA receptor currents in neurons; Ncm-d-aspartate and the photolzyed caging group were similarly inert at NMDA receptors. These results indicate that Ncm-d-aspartate can be used to study NMDA receptors at excitatory synapses and interactions between transporters and receptors in brain tissue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of oxidized porous silicon (PS) samples plotted against photon energy scale on x-axis would have pure Gaussian form or asymmetric form, depending on the conditions of preparation. At first a pure Gaussian-shape spectrum plotted against photon energy scale on x-axis is analyzed by statistical method on the assumption that the energy of emitted photon would be considered as a random variable simultaneously affected by two independent factors, namely: the statistical spread of wire width and the fluctuation in barrier height of SiO x /Si structures. Comparison of visual plots and statistic characteristic between three spectra plotted against various variables (confinement energy, logarithmic wire width and wire width) scale on x-axis demonstrates the exact description of the spectrum by Gaussian profile using normal distribution of confinement energy. An expression correlating the PL intensity (the number of emitted photons) to the number of wires and quantum efficiency has been developed. Further this expression has been extended to the case of spectrum having asymmetric form, which corresponds to the emission from both wire and dot nano-structures. Thus, our model permits to calculate the structural and spectroscopic parameters such as proportion of wires and dots, integrated intensity, peak energy position, FWHM and standard deviation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glutamate transporters (GluTs) prevent the accumulation of glutamate and influence the occupancy of receptors at synapses. The ability of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors and metabotropic glutamate receptors to participate in signaling is tightly regulated by GluT activity. Astrocytes express the highest density of GluTs and dominate clearance away from these receptors; synapses that are not associated with astrocyte processes experience greater mGluR activation and can be exposed to glutamate released at adjacent synapses. Although less abundant, neuronal transporters residing in the postsynaptic membrane can also shield receptors from the glutamate that is released. The diversity in synaptic morphology suggests a correspondingly rich diversity of GluT function in excitatory transmission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phenyl-containing polysiloxanes have better thermal stability, low-temperature flexibility, and room-temperature damping performance than polydimethylsiloxanes. Poly [dimethylsiloxane- co -methyl (phenyl)siloxane] and poly (dimethylsiloxane- co -diphenylsiloxane) were synthesized through a bulk copolymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and methylphenylcyclosiloxane mixture or octaphenylcyclotetrasiloxane, and the structure and properties of the copolysiloxanes were comparatively studied. The phenyl content in poly [dimethylsiloxane- co -methyl (phenyl)siloxane] can be as high as 50 mol%. With the increment of the phenyl content, the thermal stability of the copolysiloxanes is dramatically improved as evaluated by thermal gravimetric analysis. At a given phenyl content, poly [dimethylsiloxane- co -methyl (phenyl)siloxane] has higher thermal stability than poly (dimethylsiloxane- co -diphenylsiloxane). The former is more difficult to crystalline at low temperatures and has lower room temperature viscosity than the latter as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and rotational rheometer. The copolysiloxanes is mixed with hydrogen-containing polysiloxane and silica, and vulcanized at elevated temperature to get copolysiloxane composites with good damping properties, oil resistance, and low-temperature resistance. This study not only enriches the fundamental academic research on functional polysiloxanes, but also provides useful technical references for practical applications of phenyl silicone rubber. [Display omitted] • Poly (dimethylsiloxane- co -methylphenylsiloxane) with a phenyl content of 50 mol% can be obtained by bulk homopolymerization. • Revealing the effects of the −MePhSiO− and −Ph 2 SiO− units on sequence, crystallization, thermal stability and viscosity. • Silicone rubber composites based on poly (dimethylsiloxane- co -methylphenylsiloxane) have superior low temperature resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying biomarkers that predict substance use disorder propensity may better strategize antiaddiction treatment. Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons in the lateral hypothalamus critically mediate interactions between sleep and substance use; however, their activities are largely obscured in surface electroencephalogram (EEG) measures, hindering the development of biomarkers. Surface EEG signals and real-time calcium (Ca2+) activities of lateral hypothalamus MCH neurons (Ca2+ MCH) were simultaneously recorded in male and female adult rats. Mathematical modeling and machine learning were then applied to predict Ca2+ MCH using EEG derivatives. The robustness of the predictions was tested across sex and treatment conditions. Finally, features extracted from the EEG-predicted Ca2+ MCH either before or after cocaine experience were used to predict future drug-seeking behaviors. An EEG waveform derivative—a modified theta-delta-theta peak ratio (EEG TDT ratio)—accurately tracked real-time Ca2+ MCH in rats. The prediction was robust during rapid eye movement sleep (REMS), persisted through vigilance states, sleep manipulations, and circadian phases, and was consistent across sex. Moreover, cocaine self-administration and long-term withdrawal altered EEG TDT ratio, suggesting shortening and circadian redistribution of synchronous MCH neuron activities. In addition, features of EEG TDT ratio indicative of prolonged synchronous MCH neuron activities predicted lower subsequent cocaine seeking. EEG TDT ratio also exhibited advantages over conventional REMS measures for the predictions. The identified EEG TDT ratio may serve as a noninvasive measure for assessing MCH neuron activities in vivo and evaluating REMS; it may also serve as a potential biomarker for predicting drug use propensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral species display varying susceptibilities to biotic or abiotic stress. To address the causes underlying this phenomenon, we profiled the Symbiodiniaceae clade type, bacterial communities and coral transcriptome responses in Pavona decussata and Acropora pruinosa , two species displaying different environmental tolerances in the Weizhou Island. We found that C1 was the most dominant Symbiodiniaceae subclade, with no difference detected between A. pruinosa and P. decussata. Nevertheless, P. decussata exhibited higher microbial diversity and significantly different community structure compared with that of A. pruinosa. Transcriptome analysis revealed that coral genes with significantly high expression in P. decussata were mostly related to immune and stress-resistance responses, whereas, those with significantly low expression were metabolism-related. We postulate that the higher tolerance of P. decussata as compared with that of A. pruinosa is the result of several traits, such as higher microbial diversity, different dominant bacteria, higher immune and stress-resistant response, and lower metabolic rate. • Bleaching-tolerant Pavona is a "winner" in global climate change. • Different tolerance is an outcome of the interdependent responses of the symbiont. • Subclade C1 was the most dominant subclade of Acropora and Pavona in Weizhou Island. • Pavona exhibited higher microbial diversity and different community structure. • Immune defense and metabolic regulation may contribute to higher tolerance of Pavona. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with accumulating evidence implicating dysregulation of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). It remains unclear whether facilitating endogenous ATP production and subsequently increasing extracellular ATP level in the mPFC can exert a prophylactic effect against chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depressive-like behaviors and enhance stress resilience. Here, we found that nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) treatment effectively elevated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis and extracellular ATP levels in the mPFC. Moreover, both the 2-week intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and 3-week oral gavage of NMN prior to exposure to CSDS effectively prevented the development of depressive-like behavior in mice. These protective effects were accompanied with the preservation of both NAD+ biosynthesis and extracellular ATP level in the mPFC. Furthermore, catalyzing ATP hydrolysis by mPFC injection of the ATPase apyrase negated the prophylactic effects of NMN on CSDS-induced depressive-like behaviors. Prophylactic NMN treatment also prevented the reduction in GABAergic inhibition and the increase in excitability in mPFC neurons projecting to the lateral habenula (LHb). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the prophylactic effects of NMN on depressive-like behaviors are mediated by preventing extracellular ATP loss in the mPFC, which highlights the potential of NMN supplementation as a novel approach for protecting and preventing stress-induced depression in susceptible individuals. [Display omitted] • Prophylactic NMN prevents CSDS-induced depressive symptoms. • Prophylactic NMN prevents CSDS-induced extracellular ATP loss in the mPFC. • mPFC ATP mediates NMN's protective effect on CSDS-induced depressive symptoms. • Prophylactic NMN prevents CSDS-induced hyperactivity of LHb projecting mPFC neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal energy has been considered to propagate by wave-like phonons with well-defined wave vectors in crystalline materials. In this work, we demonstrate a completely different thermal conduction scenario in crystalline rare earth niobates, RE 3 NbO 7 (RE=La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd), having ultralow thermal conductivities of 1.0–1.5 Wm-1K-1. Especially, the rare earth niobates exhibit glass-like temperature dependence of thermal conductivity from room temperature to 1273 K, indicating significant suppression of both phonon and radiation heat transfer. According to Cahill model based on amorphous theory, minimum thermal conductivity of rare earth niobate was calculated. It is shown that the glass-like thermal conductivity result from a wide range of amorphous solids due to phonon scattering by multiple lattice imperfections. Furthermore, phonon mean free path of RE 3 NbO 7 is comparable to the atomic spacing of crystal indicating that energy carried by phonons can only transmission between a few atomic spacings leading to the ultralow thermal conductivity. The mechanical properties of rare earth niobates are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent sleep disruptions following withdrawal from abused drugs may hold keys to battle drug relapse. It is posited that there may be sleep signatures that predict relapse propensity, identifying which may open new avenues for treating substance use disorders. We trained male rats (approximately postnatal day 56) to self-administer cocaine. After long-term drug withdrawal (approximately postnatal day 100), we examined the correlations between the intensity of cocaine seeking and key sleep features. To test for causal relationships, we then used behavioral, chemogenetic, or optogenetic methods to selectively increase rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) and measured behavioral and electrophysiological outcomes to probe for cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying REMS-mediated regulation of cocaine seeking. A selective set of REMS features was preferentially associated with the intensity of cue-induced cocaine seeking after drug withdrawal. Moreover, selectively increasing REMS time and continuity by environmental warming attenuated a withdrawal time-dependent intensification of cocaine seeking, or incubation of cocaine craving, suggesting that REMS may benefit withdrawal. Warming increased the activity of lateral hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons selectively during prolonged REMS episodes and counteracted cocaine-induced synaptic accumulation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors in the nucleus accumbens—a critical substrate for incubation. Finally, the warming effects were partly mimicked by chemogenetic or optogenetic stimulations of MCH neurons during sleep, or intra-accumbens infusions of MCH peptide during the rat's inactive phase. REMS may encode individual vulnerability to relapse, and MCH neuron activities can be selectively targeted during REMS to reduce drug relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substance use disorders are associated with disruptions in circadian rhythms. Both human and animal work have shown the integral role for circadian clocks in the modulation of reward behaviors. Astrocytes have emerged as key regulators of circadian rhythmicity. However, no studies to date have identified the role of circadian astrocyte function in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a hub for reward regulation, or determined the importance of these rhythms for reward-related behavior. Using astrocyte-specific RNA sequencing across time of day, we first characterized diurnal variation of the NAc astrocyte transcriptome. We then investigated the functional significance of this circadian regulation through viral-mediated disruption of molecular clock function in NAc astrocytes, followed by assessment of reward-related behaviors, metabolic-related molecular assays, and whole-cell electrophysiology in the NAc. Strikingly, approximately 43% of the astrocyte transcriptome has a diurnal rhythm, and key metabolic pathways were enriched among the top rhythmic genes. Moreover, mice with a viral-mediated loss of molecular clock function in NAc astrocytes show a significant increase in locomotor response to novelty, exploratory drive, operant food self-administration, and motivation. At the molecular level, these animals also show disrupted metabolic gene expression, along with significant downregulation of both lactate and glutathione levels in the NAc. Loss of NAc astrocyte clock function also significantly altered glutamatergic signaling onto neighboring medium spiny neurons, alongside upregulated glutamate-related gene expression. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a novel role for astrocyte circadian molecular clock function in the regulation of the NAc and reward-related behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To investigate the effects of crystalline forms of iron (III) oxide and the bound between γ-Fe2O3 and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the thermal oxidative stability of silicone rubber, a series of silicone rubber based composites filled with CNTs, α-Fe2O3, γ-Fe2O3, a mixture of γ-Fe2O3 and CNTs, and γ-Fe2O3 modified CNTs (γ-Fe2O3 −CNTs) were prepared, respectively. Characterizations of the additives and the composites were performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that the presence of CNTs affected the crystalline form of attaching Fe2O3 which was changed from α to γ. γ-Fe2O3 also got a enlarged special surface area in the γ-Fe2O3 −CNTs. γ-Fe2O3 was a more effective thermal resistant additive than α-Fe2O3 due to the changes of crystalline form during the thermal aging. A synergy was found in the γ-Fe2O3 −CNTs and much more changes of valence made γ-Fe2O3 −CNTs as a more effective thermal resistant additive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sleep impacts reward-motivated behaviors partly by retuning the brain reward circuits. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a reward processing hub sensitive to acute sleep deprivation. Glutamatergic transmission carrying reward-associated signals converges in the NAc and regulates various aspects of reward-motivated behaviors. The basolateral amygdala projection (BLAp) innervates broad regions of the NAc and critically regulates reward seeking. Using slice electrophysiology, we measured how acute sleep deprivation alters transmission at BLAp-NAc synapses in male C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, using SSFO (stabilized step function opsin) and DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) (Gi) to amplify and reduce transmission, respectively, we tested behavioral consequences following bidirectional manipulations of BLAp-NAc transmission. Acute sleep deprivation increased sucrose self-administration in mice and altered the BLAp-NAc transmission in a topographically specific manner. It selectively reduced glutamate release at the rostral BLAp (rBLAp) onto ventral and lateral NAc (vlNAc) synapses, but spared caudal BLAp onto medial NAc synapses. Furthermore, experimentally facilitating glutamate release at rBLAp-vlNAc synapses suppressed sucrose reward seeking. Conversely, mimicking sleep deprivation–induced reduction of rBLAp-vlNAc transmission increased sucrose reward seeking. Finally, facilitating rBLAp-vlNAc transmission per se did not promote either approach motivation or aversion. Sleep acts on rBLAp-vINAc transmission gain control to regulate established reward seeking but does not convey approach motivation or aversion on its own. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) is a flavoring additive used worldwide, and Trichoderma species are beneficial fungi that can stimulate growth and disease resistance of these plants. Here the growth conditions and metabolic processes of essential oil (EO) biosynthesis in response to inoculation with Trichoderma viride Tv-1511 were investigated. The results showed that T. viride Tv-1511 was able to colonize roots of peppermint to promote its growth and photosynthetic activity and induce higher levels of glandular trichomes and elevated EO yield and composition. GC-MS analysis showed that T. viride Tv-1511-inoculated peppermint produced higher concentrations of menthone, menthol, and pulegone and lower concentrations of menthofuran than un-inoculated seedlings, and qRT-PCR showed that T. viride Tv-1511 inoculation induced upregulation of Pr (pulegone reductase encoding gene) and Mr (menthone reductase encoding gene), whereas it led to the downregulation of Mfs (menthofuran synthase encoding gene). Furthermore, a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in peppermint, which was determined to be an analog of Arabidopsis MPK6 protein, was found to be responsible for the modulation of EO metabolism at the transcriptional level and for enzymatic activation in the T. viride Tv-1511-inoculated peppermint. Notably, NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production played vital roles in the root colonization of T. viride Tv-1511 and was also involved in the induction of MAPK activation. These data showed the beneficial effects of T. viride Tv-1511 on the seedling growth and EO yield of peppermint, and they elucidated that T. viride Tv-1511 improved the quantity and quality of EOs by regulating the genes that encode the enzymes involved in EO metabolism through a potential MAPK-mediated signaling pathways. • Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) is a well-known cash crop, and it is important to maintain and improve the yield and quality of essential oils (EOs). • Trichoderma viride Tv-1511 colonized in peppermint roots, promoted EOs yield and quality by regulating the transcriptional and protein levels. • A peppermint MAPK, analogous of Arabidopsis MPK6, was involved in the modulation of growth and EOs metabolism of peppermint induced by Tv-1511. • NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production was vital for the root colonization of Tv1511 and the MAPK activation induced by Tv-1511 in peppermint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rabbitfish Siganus canaliculatus was the first marine teleost reported to possess long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) biosynthetic ability, and the related molecular mechanisms have been well clarified. Here, we investigated the LC-PUFA biosynthesis capability of the congeneric rabbitfish S. guttatus. First, cDNAs of genes for four key enzymes related to LC-PUFA biosynthesis, namely Δ6Δ5 fatty acyl desaturase (fads 2) (1335 bp; 445 aa), Δ4 fads 2 (1335 bp; 445 aa), and elongation of very long chain fatty acid proteins (elovl 5) (873 bp; 291 aa) and elovl 4 (906 bp; 302 aa) were cloned from the liver of S. guttatus. The Δ6Δ5 fads 2, Δ4 fads 2 and elovl 5 genes showed high expression in brain, liver, spleen, gallbladder, and intestine but relatively low expression in eye, whereas the elovl 4 gene showed specific and high expression in eye. During embryogenesis, mRNA expression of Δ4 fads 2 and elovl 4 was detected from 8 h post-fertilization (hpf) and then maintained a high level to 24 hpf, while mRNA expression of Δ6Δ5 fads 2 and elovl 5 reached a peak at 14 hpf but then declined. In addition, ambient salinity (32 ppt and 20 ppt) exerted some regulatory influence on the expression of the four genes during embryogenesis. The levels of C18 PUFA precursors and, especially, PUFA and DHA of the embryos, decreased from 17 hpf to 24 hpf. These results suggested that S. guttatus , similar to the congeneric S. canaliculatus , would have capability for LC-PUFA biosynthesis, which is still not activated at the fertilized egg stage. [Display omitted] • The mRNA sequences of four key enzymatic genes (Δ6Δ5 fads 2, Δ4 fads 2, elovl 5 and elovl 4) were cloned and characterized in herbivorous marine teleost Siganus guttatus. • The rabbitfish S. guttatus may biosynthesize LC-PUFA from C 18 PUFA precursors, similar to its congeneric S. canaliculatus. • The capacity of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in S. guttatus is still not activated at the fertilized egg stage. • Ambient salinity exerts some regulatory influence on the mRNA expression of the key enzymatic genes involved in LC-PUFA biosynthesis at the fertilized eggs stages in S. guttatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional requirements of breeding pigeons depend on their physiological period, breeding pattern, and environmental conditions. Despite works on reduced litter size in winter production to combat high mortality and the poor welfare of squabs, there are few studies on the related nutritional requirements of these pigeons. A total of 432 pairs of European Mimas pigeons were randomly divided into 9 groups in which 3 crude protein (CP) levels (15, 16.5, and 18%) and 3 metabolizable energy (ME) levels (12.2 MJ/kg, 12.4 MJ/kg, and 12.6 MJ/kg) were tested to determine the optimal energy and protein requirements of breeding pigeons in the winter "2 + 3" breeding pattern. The results showed that ME and CP levels had little effect on the body weight, feed intake, and egg quality of breeding pigeons during the lactation period. An 18% CP diet significantly increased the laying rate and hatchability (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in the laying rate with 18% CP and 16.5% CP during the whole reproductive cycle (P > 0.05). There was a significant interaction between ME and CP levels, and the laying interval of breeding pigeons in group 9 (18% CP; 12.6 MJ/kg) was significantly shortened (P < 0.05). For squabs, the ME level had no effect on growth performance, slaughter performance, or meat quality. The body weight of 21-day-old squabs in the 18% CP group increased by 3.16% compared with that of the 15% CP group, but there was no difference between the 18% CP and 16.5% CP groups. Compared with other experimental groups, group 7 (18% CP; 12.2 MJ/kg) had the fastest growth rate in squabs (P < 0.05), and the corresponding slaughter weight was also the heaviest (P < 0.05). We further found that the height of the squab intestinal epithelium was significantly increased in both the 16.5% CP and 18% CP groups of squabs (P < 0.01), but male breeding pigeons showed a certain degree of oxidative stress with an increase in CP level. In conclusion, the effects of 15 to 18% CP levels and 12.2 to 12.6 MJ/kg ME levels on the reproductive metabolism of breeding pigeons and the growth and development of squabs in the "2 + 3" breeding pattern during winter are small. For economic efficiency, we suggest that the CP level can be reduced to 16.5% while the ME level should not be less than 12.2 MJ/kg in practical production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep homeostasis and circadian function are important maintaining factors for optimal health and well-being. Conversely, sleep and circadian disruptions are implicated in a variety of adverse health outcomes, including substance use disorders. These risks are particularly salient during adolescence. Adolescents require 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, although few consistently achieve these durations. A mismatch between developmental changes and social/environmental demands contributes to inadequate sleep. Homeostatic sleep drive takes longer to build, circadian rhythms naturally become delayed, and sensitivity to the phase-shifting effects of light increases, all of which lead to an evening preference (i.e., chronotype) during adolescence. In addition, school start times are often earlier in adolescence and the use of electronic devices at night increases, leading to disrupted sleep and circadian misalignment (i.e., social jet lag). Social factors (e.g., peer influence) and school demands further impact sleep and circadian rhythms. To cope with sleepiness, many teens regularly consume highly caffeinated energy drinks and other stimulants, creating further disruptions in sleep. Chronic sleep loss and circadian misalignment enhance developmental tendencies toward increased reward sensitivity and impulsivity, increasing the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors and exacerbating the vulnerability to substance use and substance use disorders. We review the neurobiology of brain reward systems and the impact of sleep and circadian rhythms changes on addiction vulnerability in adolescence and suggest areas that warrant additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale pigeon farming in China is gradually increasing. However, studies on the basic nutritional requirements of breeding pigeons during lactation, which greatly influence the productivity and economic benefits of pigeon breeding, remain scanty. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal dietary energy/protein ratio requirements for lactating pigeons in summer. A total of 576 pairs of Mimas breeding pigeons were randomly divided into 12 groups (n = 48 per treatment), and each pair bred 4 squabs. A two-way ANOVA design with different protein levels (15%, 16%, 17%, and 18%) for factor A and different energy levels (12.6 MJ/kg, 12.8 MJ/kg, and 13.0 MJ/kg) for factor B was used to design 12 groups of experimental diets for feeding. The experiment lasted for 28 d. We found that ME level had little effect on breeding pigeons, but the CP level and dietary energy/protein ratio significantly affected the reproductive and growth performance of the pigeons. The lowest total weight loss (P < 0.01), and the highest egg production (P < 0.01) were observed in group 11 (18% CP, 12.8 MJ/kg). It had no effect on egg quality. Both ME and CP levels significantly affected the growth performance, slaughter performance and meat quality of squabs, and there was a strong interaction between CP and ME. The fastest growth rate (P < 0.01) was observed in group 11 (18% CP, 12.8 MJ/kg). The best CP and ME combination for the eviscerated weight, pectoral muscle weight, organ weight, 45 min meat color (L⁎, a⁎, b⁎), pH, and muscle fiber characteristics were also group 11. Finally, the regression model revealed that the best dietary energy/protein ratio was 17.92 to 19.02 kcal/g for squabs and 16.72 kcal/g for the breeding pigeons. There was a strong interaction between energy and protein levels in breeding pigeons during the lactation period, and the best production performance was at 18% CP 12.8 MJ/kg. And this is recommended to be applied as the energy/protein ratio dietary requirement for breeding pigeons during lactation in the summer "2 + 4" pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the large-scale and intensive development of pigeon breeding industry and the improvement of production level, stress factors have an important impact on the immune, antioxidant capacity, and productivity of pigeons. In this study, the extenuating effect of Astragalus, Epimedium, and Ligustrum lucidum (AEF) on the antioxidant, production performance, and immune mechanism was investigated in breeding pigeons. Eighty pairs of 11-month-old healthy breeding pigeons with the same egg production batch were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (C group), treated with AEF (AEF group), in restraint stress (S group) and treated with AEF and in restraint stress (S+AEF group). Results showed that AEF reduces weight loss during lactation and increases spleen weight, increased IgA, IgG, T4, GSH-Px, and SOD in serum and decreased T3 and MDA (P < 0.05). Furthermore, treatment with AEF declined HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, GR levels in liver and cFOS, GR mRNA levels in the Hypothalamus, GR mRNA levels in the pituitary (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the results of the intestine studies showed that AEF promoted relative abundances of Firmicutes and relieve intestinal injury in the colon of pigeons. These results indicated AEF enhanced stress resistance, immunity, production performance and antioxidant capacity of pigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A parameter K was defined to describe the ultrasonic effects of the abrasive. [•] Periodic variation of the abrasive effective work angle affected the surface formation process. [•] Tortuous cracks were distinguished on RUM grooves produced in ductile material removal stage. [•] We developed a fresh model of surface formation mechanisms. [•] The propagations of the incipient cracks led to significantly reduction of the cutting force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary sodium butyrate (SB) on serum metabolic parameters, intestinal antioxidant status, immune response and resistance to ammonia stress in Pelteobagrus fulvidraco were investigated. The fish were fed with diets containing 0, 250, 500, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg SB for 56 days followed by a 72-h ammonia challenge (2.65 mg/L unionized ammonia-N). The results showed that 500 and 1000 mg/kg SB groups showed significantly higher weight gain rate than control. Dietary SB significantly decreased cumulative mortality after 72 h ammonia nitrogen stress (P < 0.05). Ammonia challenge significantly increased serum total protein, cortisol, glucose, BUN, ALT and AST and decreased serum triglyceride. SB, especially at 1000 mg/kg, significantly decreased serum cortisol, glucose and BUN, ALT, AST and increased serum total protein lactate and triglyceride. Ammonia had no effects on ALP activity but SB at 1000 mg/kg significantly increased the enzyme activity. Fish fed the diet containing 500 or 1000 mg/kg SB supplementation had higher activities of intestinal SOD, CAT and GPx than that fed the control diet (P < 0.05). The highest MDA was occurred at the fish fed the control diet among all groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the relative expressions of cu/Zn-SOD, CAT and GPx were significantly increased and the relative expressions of IL-1, IL-8, TNF-α, p53 and Bax were significantly decreased in fish fed with 1000 mg/kg SB group after ammonia stress (P < 0.05). Dietary SB improved the resistance to ammonia stress in juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) though influencing serum metabolite, intestinal antioxidant status and immune response • Sodium butyrate (SB) supplement significantly reduced the mortality caused by ammonia stress. • SB can modulate serum metabolic parameters under ammonia stress. • SB supplement significantly improved the antioxidant status and immune response of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus agalactiae is the main pathogen of tilapia, causing huge economic losses to the tilapia aquaculture industry in China. To elucidate the role of the EII complexes of the cellobiose-phosphotransferase system (cel-PTS) in the regulation of S. agalactiae virulence, the △ cel-EII mutants of a high virulence strain (THN0901) and a low virulence strain (TFJ0901) were constructed using homologous recombination. The results showed that after the deletion of cel-EII complexes, the biological characteristics of THN0901 and TFJ0901 were consistent, including their cellobiose metabolism. Their biofilm formation abilities were significantly reduced (P < 0.01), and their ability to adhere to tilapia brain cells and compete when mixed in vitro and in vivo were enhanced. The virulence and histopathological lesions caused by △ cel-EII -TFJ0901 were significantly enhanced relative to those of TFJ0901, while △ cel-EII -THN0901 showed no significant differences relative to THN0901. The histopathological lesions caused by △ cel-EII -TFJ0901 tend to be serious, especially in the liver, spleen, and heart. The expression levels of manA and ascA/C of PTS, ciaR and dltR of two-component signal transduction systems (TCS), and pavA , bca and spb1 of virulence genes of △ cel-EII -TFJ0901 were significantly upregulated compared with TFJ0901 (P < 0.01), whereas those of △ cel-EII -THN0901 were significantly downregulated (P < 0.01), or somewhat downregulated, compared with THN0901. Taken together, cel-EII complexes may have a negative effect on the virulence of TFJ0901 by regulating the expression of virulence-related genes, but the negative regulation mechanism of the cel-EII complex has no obvious effect on the virulence of THN0901. • Cel-EII improves the biofilm formation ability in S. agalactiae. • Cel-EII negatively regulates the ability of adhesion and mixed competition ability. • Cel-EII involves in regulating some genes of PTS, TCS and virulence proteins. • Cel-EII-mediated virulence regulation is different in low- and high-virulence strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]