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Flooding caused by climate change puts the productivity of sugarcane cultivation at risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of in vitro flooding stress on sugarcane plantlets. Sugarcane plantlets were grown in test tubes containing Murashige and Skoog semi-solid medium without growth regulators as a control treatment and two stress levels using a double layer with sterile distilled water to simulate hypoxia and anoxia. After 15 d of culture, the number of new shoots, plantlet height, number of leaves, number of roots, root length, stomatal density, percentage of closed stomata and percentage of dry matter were evaluated. In addition, biochemical variables such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), Rubisco, total proteins (TP), proline (Pr), glycine-betaine (GB), phenols, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation were determined in all treatments. Results showed a higher number of new shoots, leaves and percentage of closed stomata in the flooded plantlets, while plantlet height, number of roots, stomatal density, and dry matter were higher in the control treatment. Regarding, chlorophyll, carotenoid, PEP and Rubisco contents decreased in the flooded treatments, while TP and phenol contents were higher in the partially submerged treatment. Antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation increased in the fully submerged treatment. Pr and GB contents did not show changes in any of the evaluated treatments. Stress induced by excess water in a double layer in vitro is an alternative method to determining physiological and biochemical mechanisms of tolerance to hypoxia and anoxia caused by flooding for breeding programs in sugarcane. • Flooding caused by climate change affects the productivity of sugarcane crop. • In vitro culture is an alternative for the study of flooding conditions. • Proline and glycine-betaine as sugarcane drought stress osmoprotectant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This "Magnum Opus" accentuates my lifelong belief that the future of science is in the interdisciplinary approach to hypotheses formulation and problem solving. Inspired by the invention of hydrogels and soft contact lenses by my mentors, my six decades of research have continuously proceeded from the synthesis of biocompatible hydrogels to the development of polymer-drug conjugates, then generation of drug-free macromolecular therapeutics (DFMT) and finally to multi-antigen T cell hybridizers (MATCH). This interdisciplinary journey was inspiring; the lifetime feeling that one is a beginner in some aspects of the research is a driving force that keeps the enthusiasm high. Also, I wanted to illustrate that systematic research in one wide area can be a life-time effort without the need to jump to areas that are temporarily en-vogue. In addition to generating general scientific knowledge, hydrogels from my laboratory have been transferred to the clinic, polymer-drug conjugates to clinical trials, and drug-free macromolecular systems have an excellent potential for personalizing patient therapies. There is a limit to life but no limit to imagination. I anticipate that systematic basic research will contribute to the expansion of our knowledge and create a foundation for the design of new paradigms based on the comprehension of mechanisms of physiological processes. The emerging novel platform technologies in biomaterial-based devices and implants as well as in personalized nanomedicines will ultimately impact clinical practice. [Display omitted] • Inspired by the invention of hydrogels and soft contact lenses by my mentors, my six decades of research have continuously proceeded from the synthesis of biocompatible hydrogels to the development of polymer-drug conjugates, then generation of drug-free macromolecular therapeutics (DFMT) and finally to multi-antigen T cell hybridizers (MATCH). • In addition to generating general scientific knowledge, hydrogels from my laboratory have been transferred to the clinic, polymer-drug conjugates to clinical trials, and drug-free macromolecular systems have an excellent potential for personalizing patient therapies. • The emerging novel platform technologies in biomaterial-based devices and implants as well as in personalized nanomedicines will ultimately impact clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human behavior patterns involve mutual interactions among psychology, physiology, and stress, which are all associated with gait at different grades. The study aims to reveal the interrelationship among personality, mental workload, and gait patterns by capturing gait variations using inertial sensors. It also assesses individual personality traits and simulates stress to construct a gait classification model. Sixty participants were instructed to perform regular, low, and high mental workload walking on the corridor to simulate a natural setting walking. Meanwhile inertial measurement units (IMUs) were placed on eight body parts. Mental workload was induced using the auditory n-back task, and their Big Five personality traits were evaluated. Gait data from IMUs were categorized into nine classifications of average, low, and high Big Five Inventory scores with three levels of mental workload walking. Subsequently, the segmentation gait data were used as input features for classifications in deep learning models, employing a sliding window long short-term memory network for nine classifications for different personality dimensions. The results indicated average accuracies of nine classifications were 83.6 % for Openness, 84.4 % for Conscientiousness, 82.0 % for Extraversion, 85.2 % for Agreeableness, and 84.5 % for Neuroticism across all IMU placements. Remarkably, gait data from the lower back IMU achieved the highest model performance, with an average accuracy of 92.7 %, in classifying the different levels of personality and mental workload walking. In contrast, the left wrist and chest showed several misclassifications among regular, low, and high mental workload walking across personality traits. Successful classification can help monitor an individual's mental state in real time and analyze personality dimensions, providing feedback and suggestions. The present study demonstrated that gait characteristics can contribute to more profound and personalized health information. • First one reveals gait variation across personality dimensions and mental workload. • 60 individuals with 8 IMUs completed walking tasks under varied mental workloads. • Over 82 % classification accuracies of five personalities across all IMU placements. • Gait data from the lower back IMU achieved the highest 93 % classification accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of SiO 2 nanoparticles for their potential to control bacterial wilt (BW) disease in tomato plants was studied. Different concentrations of nanoparticles were first evaluated for their in-vitro antibacterial potential against Ralstonia solanacearum , the causal agent of BW disease. The disease suppressive effect of NP was investigated through in-planta experiments in tomato plants. Nanoparticles exhibited maximum toxicity to R. solanacearum at the concentration of 25 µg/ml and showed a 14.2 ± 0.5 mm growth inhibition zone in a lab test. Tomato plants were grown in pathogen-inoculated soil that was amended with NP suspension. The efficacy of NP application was evaluated for their effect on disease suppression, soil pathogen population, and plant growth and defense response. Results showed that NP at 150 ppm significantly reduced the pathogen population in the soil, as indicated by population count through molecular and dilution count analysis. The NP treatment suppresses the disease index and improves plant growth. The activities of plant antioxidant enzymes were increased, and the expression of resistance genes PR1, PR5, PAL , and PDF - 1.2 were enhanced after NP application. Plants grown in NP-treated soil showed improved photosynthesis and reduced oxidative stress as compared to untreated plants under pathogen stress, and the total phenolic and flavonoid content was enhanced significantly. Moreover, DPPH and FRAP content and AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG ratios were enhanced, followed by NP application, implying that the non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity of the plants was improved. This study reveals the molecular and physiological action mechanism of managing BW in tomato plants. It suggests that SiO 2 nanoparticles could be included in the integrated management of BW disease as one of the effective components. [Display omitted] • SiO 2 nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against ralstonia solanacearum. • Soil treatment with SiO 2 NP suppress pathogen population in soil. • Application of SiO 2 NP enhanced plant growth and resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism behind normal swallowing is complex and multifactorial. Due to the close proximity of the pathways of swallowing and respiration, precise coordination between these functions is vital in order to avoid entry of material into the airway and to ensure optimal health and nutrition in general. Swallowing can be divided into three stages: oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal, and although initiation of the swallow is often under voluntary control, swallowing is also triggered frequently throughout the day as a reflex action due to the presence of saliva in the oropharynx. Dysphagia is a symptom frequently encountered by clinicians and its causes are vast and varied. A thorough understanding of the physiology of swallowing remains necessary to conduct a full assessment and instigate appropriate treatment for these patients in whom dysphagia is often debilitating and may significantly affect their quality of life. We present an account of the physiology of swallowing, illustrated with clinical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurocardiac circuit is integral to physiological regulation of threat and trauma-related responses. However, few direct investigations of brain-behavior associations with replicable physiological markers of PTSD have been conducted. The current study probed the neurocardiac circuit by examining associations among its core regions in the brain (e.g., insula, hypothalamus) and the periphery (heart rate [HR], high frequency heart rate variability [HF-HRV], and blood pressure [BP]). We sought to characterize these associations and to determine whether there were differences by PTSD status. Participants were N = 315 (64.1 % female) trauma-exposed adults enrolled from emergency departments as part of the prospective AURORA study. Participants completed a deep phenotyping session (e.g., fear conditioning, magnetic resonance imaging) two weeks after emergency department admission. Voxelwise analyses revealed several significant interactions between PTSD severity 8-weeks posttrauma and psychophysiological recordings on hypothalamic connectivity to the prefrontal cortex (PFC), insula, superior temporal sulcus, and temporoparietaloccipital junction. Among those with PTSD, diastolic BP was directly correlated with right insula-hypothalamic connectivity, whereas the reverse was found for those without PTSD. PTSD status moderated the association between systolic BP, HR, and HF-HRV and hypothalamic connectivity in the same direction. While preliminary, our findings may suggest that individuals with higher PTSD severity exhibit compensatory neural mechanisms to down-regulate autonomic imbalance. Additional study is warranted to determine how underlying mechanisms (e.g., inflammation) may disrupt the neurocardiac circuit and increase cardiometabolic disease risk in PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charles Bell was famous for the discovery of the separate motor and sensory roots of the spinal and facial nerves, although in recent years his right to priority has been challenged by historians and scientists. But Charles Bell did discover something even if has not been accorded the status of a scientific fact. Between 1821 and 1823 he unveiled the 'respiratory nervous system', a distinct system of nerves that acted as the 'organ of the passions', which he then elaborated upon in his 1824 Essays on the Anatomy and Philosophy of Expression. As Bell and his allies attempted to claim priority in the spinal and facial nerves, the respiratory nerves were pushed to the background, subordinated to the motor and sensory nerves. This essay, therefore, redefines Charles Bell's major discovery as the 'respiratory nerves', providing a detailed description of their anatomy and physiology and the way in which they underwrote Bell's theory of the emotions. It also demonstrates how his aesthetics were intertwined with his research programme. It then connects the respiratory nerves to Thomas Dixon's assertion that Bell was one of the founders of the modern psychological category of the emotions, providing a deeper and more nuanced genealogy of the emotions, including the impact that Bell had upon William James's seminal article 'What is an Emotion?' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that the immune system is dysregulated in schizophrenia, having a state similar to chronic neuroinflammation. The origin of this process is unknown, but it is known that T and B lymphocytes, which are components of the adaptive immune system, play an important role in the pathogenic mechanisms of schizophrenia. We analysed the membrane of PBMCs from patients diagnosed with schizophrenia through proteomic analysis (n = 5 schizophrenia and n = 5 control). We found the presence of the Kv1.3 voltage-gated potassium channel and its auxiliary subunit β1 (KCNAB1) and β2 (KCNAB2). From a sample of 90 participants, we carried out a study on lymphocytes with whole-cell patch-clamp experiments (n = 7 schizophrenia and n = 5 control), western blot (n = 40 schizophrenia and n = 40 control) and confocal microscopy to evaluate the presence and function of different channels. Kv in both cells. We demonstrated the overexpression of Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3, Kv1.6, Kv4.2, Kv4.3 and Kv7.2 channels in PBMCs from patients with schizophrenia. This study represents a groundbreaking exploration, as it involves an electrophysiological analysis performed on T and B lymphocytes from patients diagnosed of schizophrenia compared to healthy participants. We observed that B lymphocytes exhibited an increase in output current along with greater peak current amplitude and voltage conductance curves among patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls. This study showed the importance of the B lymphocyte in schizophrenia. We know that the immune system is altered in schizophrenia, but the physiological mechanisms of this system are not very well known. We suggest that the B lymphocyte may be relevant in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and that it should be investigated in more depth, opening a new field of knowledge and possibilities for new treatments combining antipsychotics and immunomodulators. The limitation is that all participants received antipsychotic medication, which may have influenced the differences observed between patients and controls. This implies that more studies need to be done where the groups can be separated according to the antipsychotic drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic screens still produce novel drug discoveries, even though the emergence of the finer molecular details of cancer favors target-focused approaches. Recent efforts to improve the design and power of phenotypic screens have addressed the persistent shortcomings of target-focused discovery, such as those related to heterogeneity, resistance, or redundancy. Innovations in culturing patient-derived cancer cells in a tumor-relevant microenvironment have improved the disease relevance of findings. Technological advances for high-throughput screening, ranging from imaging to omics, have increased the information content of readouts and strengthened discovery by phenotype-focused approaches. Before molecular pathways in cancer were known to a depth that could predict targets, drug development relied on phenotypic screening, where the effectiveness of candidate chemicals is judged from functional readouts without considering the mechanisms of action. The unraveling of tumor-specific pathways has brought targets for molecularly driven drug discovery, but precedents in the field have shown that awareness of pathways does not necessarily predict therapeutic efficacy, and many cancers still lack druggable targets. Phenotypic screening therefore retains a niche in drug development where a targeted approach is not informative. We analyze the unique advantages of phenotypic screens, and how technological advances have improved their discovery power. Notable advances include the use of larger biological panels and refined protocols that address the disease-relevance and increase data content with imaging and omic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic farming and high-quality fruit production promote human and environmental health. Organic farming has properties that positively affect fruit quality and can be transferred to other agricultural settings. Organic farming is not free of drawbacks that should be considered, such as microbial and heavy metal contamination. Fruit quality is a multifactorial parameter that should be approached by applying a holistic perspective to the underlying physiological mechanisms. Although many challenges remain, there is evidence that the convergence of sustainability, yield, and quality in agriculture is possible. Fruit quality is essential for nutrition and human health and needs urgent attention in current agricultural practices. Organic farming is not as productive as conventional agriculture, but it can provide higher quality in some fruit crops, thanks to the absence of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, enhanced pollination, and the reduction of protection treatments, hence boosting antioxidant compound production. Although organic farming does not always provide healthier food than conventional farming, some lessons from organic farming can be extrapolated to new sustainable production models. Exploiting natural resources and an adequate knowledge transfer will undoubtedly help improve the quality of climacteric and nonclimacteric fruits in new agricultural systems. Fruit quality is essential for nutrition and human health and needs urgent attention in current agricultural practices. Organic farming is not as productive as conventional agriculture, but it can provide higher quality in some fruit crops, thanks to the absence of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, enhanced pollination, and the reduction of protection treatments that boost antioxidant compound production. Although organic farming does not always provide healthier food than conventional farming, some lessons from organic farming can be extrapolated to new sustainable production models. Exploiting natural resources and an adequate knowledge transfer will undoubtedly help improve the quality of climacteric and nonclimacteric fruits in new agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiology of fluid balance in humans should be understood and applied in clinical practice. Fluid balance, when managed accurately and safely, can prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Anaesthesia and critical care patients are often fasted and under physiological stress. Therefore, homeostatic regulation of fluid balance is impaired. A disturbance in normal fluid balance induces a physiological 'stress' response via metabolic, neuroendocrine and immune-mediated systems. Critically unwell patients may suffer morbidity secondary to high-volume fluid losses or oedema. There are three fluid compartments discussed in relation to human fluid balance. The intracellular space is surrounded by extracellular fluid, separated by a water permeable cell membrane. Extracellular fluid (ECF) compartment volume and electrolyte concentration, majorly sodium, must be tightly regulated to avoid osmosis and cell damage. The renal system maintains ECF volume by regulating sodium and osmotic concentration by retaining or excreting water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Memory consolidation occurs primarily through a coordinated communication between hippocampus and neocortex. • Sharp-wave ripples represent the reactivation of neurons associated with recently acquired memories and play a crucial role in memory storage and use. • Abnormalities in neuronal reactivation are a common phenomenon in many kinds of neuropsychiatric diseases. • Impaired neural reactivation underlies the mechanism and symptoms of some neuropsychiatric diseases. Memory consolidation refers to a process by which labile newly formed memory traces are progressively strengthened into long term memories and become more resistant to interference. Recent work has revealed that spontaneous hippocampal activity during rest, commonly referred to as "offline" activity, plays a critical role in the process of memory consolidation. Hippocampal reactivation occurs during sharp-wave ripples (SWRs), which are events associated with highly synchronous neural firing in the hippocampus and modulation of neural activity in distributed brain regions. Memory consolidation occurs primarily through a coordinated communication between hippocampus and neocortex. Cortical slow oscillations drive the repeated reactivation of hippocampal memory representations together with SWRs and thalamo-cortical spindles, inducing long-lasting cellular and network modifications responsible for memory stabilization. In this review, we aim to comprehensively cover the field of "reactivation and memory consolidation" research by detailing the physiological mechanisms of neuronal reactivation and firing patterns during SWRs and providing a discussion of more recent key findings. Several mechanistic explanations of neuropsychiatric diseases propose that impaired neural replay may underlie some of the symptoms of the disorders. Abnormalities in neuronal reactivation are a common phenomenon and cause pathological impairment in several diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), epilepsy and schizophrenia. However, the specific pathological changes and mechanisms of reactivation in each disease are different. Recent work has also enlightened some of the underlying pathological mechanisms of neuronal reactivation in these diseases. In this review, we further describe how SWRs, ripples and slow oscillations are affected in Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. We then compare the differences of neuronal reactivation and discuss how different reactivation abnormalities cause pathological changes in these diseases. Aberrant neural reactivation provides insights into disease pathogenesis and may even serve as biomarkers for early disease progression and treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertility in dairy cattle has declined as an unintended consequence of single-trait selection for high milk yield. The unfavorable genetic correlation between milk yield and fertility is now well documented; however, the underlying physiological mechanisms are still uncertain. To understand the relationship between these traits, we developed a method that clusters variants with similar patterns of effects and, after the integration of gene expression data, identifies the genes through which they are likely to act. Biological processes that are enriched in the genes of each cluster were then identified. We identified several clusters with unique patterns of effects. One of the clusters included variants associated with increased milk yield and decreased fertility, where the "archetypal" variant (i.e., the one with the largest effect) was associated with the GC gene, whereas others were associated with TRIM32 , LRRK2 , and U6-associated snRNA. These genes have been linked to transcription and alternative splicing, suggesting that these processes are likely contributors to the unfavorable relationship between the 2 traits. Another cluster, with archetypal variant near DGAT1 and including variants associated with CDH2 , BTRC , SFRP2 , ZFHX3 , and SLITRK5 , appeared to affect milk yield but have little effect on fertility. These genes have been linked to insulin, adipose tissue, and energy metabolism. A third cluster with archetypal variant near ZNF613 and including variants associated with ROBO1 , EFNA5 , PALLD , GPC6 , and PTPRT were associated with fertility but not milk yield. These genes have been linked to GnRH neuronal migration, embryonic development, or ovarian function. The use of archetypal clustering to group variants with similar patterns of effects may assist in identifying the biological processes underlying correlated traits. The method is hypothesis generating and requires experimental confirmation. However, we have uncovered several novel mechanisms potentially affecting milk production and fertility such as GnRH neuronal migration. We anticipate our method to be a starting point for experimental research into novel pathways, which have been previously unexplored within the context of dairy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomolecular condensates function as signaling hubs in the Hippo signaling pathway to control developmental processes and tumor formation. Multiphase interactions of biomolecular condensates regulate the activity of the Hippo signaling pathway. Yes-associated protein (YAP)- or transcription coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ)-fusion oncoproteins form nuclear condensates to concentrate transcriptional machinery and induce chromatin remodeling to drive oncogenic programs. Targeting the formation of nuclear condensates and their interactions with transcriptional effectors opens new avenues for the treatment of cancers induced by YAP/TAZ-fusion oncoproteins. Biomolecular condensates, the membraneless cellular compartments formed by liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), represent an important mechanism for physiological and tumorigenic processes. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of how these condensates formed in the cytoplasm or nucleus regulate Hippo signaling, a central player in organogenesis and tumorigenesis. Here, we review recent findings on the dynamic formation and function of biomolecular condensates in regulating the Hippo–yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcription coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling pathway under physiological and pathological processes. We further discuss how the nuclear condensates of YAP- or TAZ-fusion oncoproteins compartmentalize crucial transcriptional co-activators and alter chromatin architecture to promote oncogenic programs. Finally, we highlight key questions regarding how these findings may pave the way for novel therapeutics to target cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Visit-to-visit BPV was significantly and independently associated with poorer IC and greater risk of domain impairment over time in a population of community-dwelling older adults. • BPV constitutes a precious indicator of impaired cardiovascular homeostasis, whose dysregulation may concur to alter the physical, mental and functional capacities of an individual over time. • Strategies aimed at counteracting these alterations could be useful in geriatric prevention, to preserve successful aging. The effectiveness of the body physiological regulatory mechanisms declines in late life, and increased Blood Pressure Variability (BPV) may represent an alteration in cardiovascular homeostatic patterns. Intrinsic Capacity (IC) has been proposed by the World Health Organization as a marker of healthy aging, based on individual's functional abilities and intended at preserving successful aging. We aimed to investigate the association of visit-to-visit BPV with IC decline in a population of community-dwelling older adults. The study population consisted of 1407 community-dwelling participants aged ≥70 years from the MAPT study evaluated during the 5-year follow-up. Systolic BPV (SBPV) and diastolic BPV (DBPV) were determined through six indicators. Cognition, psychology, locomotion and vitality constituted the four IC domains assessed. Total IC Z-score resulted from the sum of the four domains Z-scores divided by 4. The incidence of domain impairment over time was also assessed. Higher SBPV was significantly associated with poorer IC Z-scores in all linear mixed models [1-SD increase of CV%: β(SE)=−0.010(0.001), p < 0.01]. Similar results were observed for DBPV [1-SD increase of CV%: β(SE)=−0.003(0.001), p = 0.02]. Incident IC impairment was significantly higher in participants with greater SBPV, [HR=1.16 (95 % CI, 1.01–1.33), p = 0.03], while greater DBPV did not show a higher risk of incident IC impairment. Greater BPV is associated with IC decline over time. Our findings support BP instability as a presumable index of altered cardiovascular homeostatic mechanism, suggesting that BPV might be a clinical marker of aging and addressable risk factor for promoting healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The curriculum for our generalist masters in nursing program required a heavy credit load of science courses shared with the nurse practitioner programs. The bundle of required courses far exceeded the masters in nursing program completion outcomes, increasing tuition costs and prolonging the program of study for students who were not seeking advanced practice credentials. The purpose of this project was to streamline the curriculum and better align course content with MS program expected learning outcomes, student learning needs, and recent accreditation requirements. Course expected learning outcomes were drafted and mapped to program expected learning outcomes and AACN The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021) concepts and sub-competencies. A two-course series totaling 5 credits was developed to integrate the 4Ps (pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical/health assessment, and health promotion) into an online master's level nursing curriculum while decreasing the total number of credits. A total of 67 students successfully completed the online courses during the first semester. Minor revisions based on student feedback were made after the first implementation. Integrating the 4Ps into a series of two courses is a feasible option for streamlining a generalist masters in nursing curriculum. • The 2021 AACN Level 2 Essentials provide a framework for integrating post-licensure nursing knowledge and skills in specific competencies and sub-competencies. • Integrating science courses supports the competencies needed for masters-level nursing practice. • Streamlining a generalist masters in nursing curriculum can support program expected learning outcomes while reducing student tuition costs and shortening the program of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both low vagally-mediated heart rate variability (HRV) and depression have been shown to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We recently identified an HRV cutpoint below which persons have an increased risk for several cardiometabolic disorders. However, no cutpoint exists to identify those at risk for depression. The association between daytime HRV and diagnostically validated depression cutoffs using the five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5) was examined in adults from the Mannheim Industrial Cohort Study (n = 9973; M age = 41.9[10.9]; 20 % women [ n = 1934]). The aim was to identify HRV cutpoints for individuals who may have clinical depression. Regression adjusting for age, sex, and linear trend showed a significant quadratic association between depression, indexed by WHO-5 scores and HRV, indexed by the root mean square successive differences (RMSSD) in milliseconds (ms) (p < 0.001). Logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, and heart period (i.e., inter-beat intervals) compared the clinically depressed (WHO-5 ≤ 28) and those with a screening diagnosis of depression (WHO-5 ≤ 50) to the rest of the population. Significant odds ratios suggested two RMSSD values 25 ± 2 ms (OR = 1.39 [1.17, 1.64]) and 35 ± 2 ms (OR = 1.17 [1.02, 1.34]) that may be used to identify those with an elevated risk for depression. The sample was primarily German men. Fitness and anti-depressant use were not available. As HRV is a brief measure that can be used in clinical settings, our HRV cutpoints have implications for the early detection of those at risk for psychological and cardiometabolic disorders. • Major depressive disorder is among the most globally prevalent illnesses. • Early identification can reduce disease burden. • We found cutpoints for a physiological marker of depression using heart rate variability. • These clinical cutpoints can be used in primary care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful reproductive management of domestic mammals depends primarily upon timely identification of oestrous cycle stages. There is a need to develop an alternative non-invasive, welfare-friendly, accurate and reliable method to identify reproductive cycle stages. This is of particular interest for horse breeders, because horses are high-value farm animals that require careful management and individual monitoring. Saliva sampling is non-invasive, painless and welfare-friendly. Thus, we performed a metabolomic analysis of equine saliva during different reproductive stages to identify changes in the salivary metabolome during anoestrus, the oestrous cycle and early gestation. We compared the saliva and plasma metabolomes to investigate the relationship between the two fluids according to the physiological stage. We collected saliva and plasma samples from six mares during seasonal anoestrus, during the follicular phase 3 days, 2 days and 1 day before ovulation and the day when ovulation was detected, during the luteal phase 6 days after ovulation, and during early gestation 18 days after ovulation and insemination. Metabolome analysis was performed by proton-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We identified 58 and 51 metabolites in saliva and plasma, respectively. The levels of four metabolites or groups of metabolites in saliva and five metabolites or groups of metabolites in plasma showed significant modifications during the 4 days until ovulation, ie 3 days prior to and on the day of ovulation. The levels of 11 metabolites or groups of metabolites in saliva and 17 metabolites or groups of metabolites in plasma were significantly different between the seasonal anoestrus and the ovarian cyclicity period. The physiological mechanisms involved in the onset of ovarian cyclicity and in ovulation induced modifications of the metabolome both in plasma and saliva. The metabolites whose salivary levels changed during the reproductive cycle could be potential salivary biomarkers to detect the reproductive stage in a welfare friendly production system. In particular, we propose creatine and alanine as candidate salivary biomarkers of ovulation and of the onset of ovarian cyclicity, respectively. However, extensive validation of their reliability is required. Our study contributes to extend to domestic mammals the use of saliva as a non-invasive alternative diagnostic fluid for reproduction in a welfare-friendly production system. • The metabolites level in mare saliva was analyzed according to the reproductive stage. • The saliva metabolome is modified during transition from anestrus to ovarian cyclicity. • The saliva metabolome is modified during the ovulation process. • Saliva is a non-invasive and welfare-friendly diagnostic fluid for equine reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep water running (DWR) is an exercise model often used for health promotion purposes. This study standardized an aerobic capacity evaluation protocol specific for attached DWR in young healthy adults and monitored a DWR session with normobaric hypoxia exposure addition. In study 1, nine young healthy adults, seven male and two female (22.88 ± 3.14 years old; 72.44 ± 11.38 kg; 174.88 ± 9 cm; 23.58 ± 2.33 kg m−2), were subjected to two DWR incremental tests with a 48-hour interval between them, and in study 2, six healthy males were subjected to three (hypoxia, normoxia, and inter-effort recovery hypoxia) attached DWR exercise sessions involving normobaric hypoxia. Data are expressed as average ± standard deviation. Friedman's test was used to compare the groups with a significance level of P < 0.05. In study 1, no significant statistical differences were observed for the physiological variables analyzed. In study 2, there was no difference in strength and lactate between conditions; values of rates of perceived exertion were higher in the hypoxic session, compared to inter-effort recovery hypoxia, in efforts 1 and 5, respectively, while heart rate was lower in effort 1 in normoxia. In hypoxia, effort 1 was lower than effort 3, with no alteration in recovery hypoxia. This aerobic capacity evaluation protocol is valid, sensitive, and replicable, and there were no important differences in the physiological variables from high-intensity exercise sessions monitoring in hypoxia, normoxia, and inter-effort recovery hypoxia conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged sitting is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal pain, especially in nightshift workers. However, research investigating effects of breaking up sitting on musculoskeletal pain during nightshifts is lacking. This study evaluated effects of prolonged sitting or breaking up sitting with short bouts of light-intensity physical activity on pain in healthy adults during simulated nightshifts. An in-laboratory randomised controlled trial was undertaken with 52 healthy adults completing five simulated nightshifts. Participants were randomised to prolonged sitting (Sit9; n = 26) or breaking up prolonged sitting (Break9; n = 26). Break9 group completed 3-min walking every 30 min during nightshifts, while Sit9 group remained seated. Musculoskeletal pain intensity and sensory/affective pain experiences were assessed. Linear mixed models examined pain within nights (pre-to post-shift) and across nights (pre-shift-night-1 to pre-shift-night-5). Musculoskeletal pain intensity increased within nights for both Sit9 (mean change [95%CI] points: 0.14 [0.05, 0.24]) and Break9 (0.09 [0.001, 0.19], but not across nights (Sit9: −0.13 [-0.33, 0.08]; Break9: 0.07 [-0.14, 0.29]). Sensory-pain experience improved across nights for Sit9 (−3.08 [-4.72, −1.45]), but not within nights (0.77 [-0.004, 1.55]). There was no change in affective-pain experience in either group. Between-group difference was observed favouring Sit9 for improving sensory-pain across nights (β: 3.71 [1.42, 5.99]). No other between-group difference was observed. Both prolonged sitting and breaking up sitting were associated with a within-night increase in musculoskeletal pain intensity. Compared to prolonged sitting, breaking up sitting did not induce benefits on pain in healthy adults working simulated nightshifts. ACTRN12619001516178. • Prolonged sitting during nightshifts associated with increase in musculoskeletal pain. • Breaking up sitting with 3-min walking every 30 min was insufficient to reduce musculoskeletal pain. • Findings would inform appropriate designs of workplace interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holstein cattle carrying a prolactin receptor gene mutation (SLICK) exhibit short and sleek hair coats (short-haired Holstein [SLK]) enhancing thermotolerance and productivity compared with wild type–haired Holstein (WT) under tropical conditions. The objectives were to unravel the physiological and molecular mechanisms that confer an advantage to this slick genotype in Puerto Rico and determine potential correlations between metabolites and physiological variables. At 160 ± 3 DIM we compared vaginal temperatures (VT) and voluntary solar radiation exposure (VSRE) during 48 h between 9 SLK and 9 WT Holsteins, whereas a subsample of 7 SLK and 7 WT were used to assess udder skin temperature, mammary gland hemodynamics and transcriptomics, and blood plasma untargeted metabolomics at a single time point. The SLK cattle showed lower VT throughout the day and greater VSRE at 1000 h and 1100 h compared with their WT counterparts. Total mammary blood flow (MBF) was greater in SLK Holsteins compared with WT. The metabolite 9-nitrooctadecenoic acid was identified as a potential biomarker for MBF; moreover, SLK cattle had greater amounts of this metabolite in their plasma. Prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGS) was upregulated in the slick mammary gland, while plasma prostaglandin D2 was positively correlated with milk yield and increased in SLK Holsteins compared with WT. Interestingly, the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway was enriched in the mammary gland transcriptome and perturbed in the blood metabolome in the SLK Holsteins. In conclusion, SLK Holsteins exhibited lower body temperatures, greater VSRE, enhanced blood supply to the mammary gland, and alterations in genes and metabolites involved in arachidonic acid metabolism at the mammary gland and blood plasma. The usage of the SLK Holstein cattle genetics in dairy operations could be a feasible alternative to mitigate the adverse consequences of heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conceptual framework is proposed for understanding the relationship between temperature and biological N 2 fixation (BNF) across levels of biological organization from enzymes to ecosystems on land and in the ocean. Global compilations of measured N 2 fixation rates reveal a temperature dependence that is broadly similar in marine and terrestrial systems, including a common thermal optimum at ~25°C, suggesting an overarching enzymatic constraint. Rate–temperature relationships also reveal features unique to marine and terrestrial domains, including greater heat tolerance of terrestrial BNF, suggesting the presence of, and adaptation to, distinct thermal and ecological niches. Climate warming is projected to reduce N 2 fixation in the tropics while increasing it in higher latitudes in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, a spatial shift that would impact productivity and N cycling, unless modulated by other environmental factors and physiological adaptations. Biological N 2 fixation sustains the global inventory of nitrogenous nutrients essential for the productivity of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Like most metabolic processes, rates of biological N 2 fixation vary strongly with temperature, making it sensitive to climate change, but a global projection across land and ocean is lacking. Here we use compilations of field and laboratory measurements to reveal a relationship between N 2 fixation rates and temperature that is similar in both domains despite large taxonomic and environmental differences. Rates of N 2 fixation increase gradually to a thermal optimum around ~25°C, and decline more rapidly toward a thermal maximum, which is lower in the ocean than on land. In both realms, the observed temperature sensitivities imply that climate warming this century could decrease N 2 fixation rates by ~50% in the tropics while increasing rates by ~50% in higher latitudes. We propose a conceptual framework for understanding the physiological and ecological mechanisms that underpin and modulate the observed temperature dependence of global N 2 fixation rates, facilitating cross-fertilization of marine and terrestrial research to assess its response to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal research continues to serve a critical role in the testing and development of medical countermeasures. The Göttingen minipig, developed for laboratory research, may provide many benefits for addressing research questions within chemical defense. Targeted development of the Göttingen minipig model could reduce reliance upon non-human primates, and improve study design, statistical power, and throughput to advance medical countermeasures for regulatory approval and fielding. In this vein, we completed foundational pharmacokinetics and physiological safety studies of intramuscularly administered atropine sulfate, pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM), and diazepam across a broad range of doses (1–6 autoinjector equivalent) using adult male Göttingen minipigs (n=11; n=4–8/study) surgically implanted with vascular access ports and telemetric devices to monitor cardiovascular, respiratory, arterial pressure, and temperature signals. Pharmacokinetic data were orderly and the concentration maximum mirrored available human data at comparably scaled doses clearly for atropine, moderately for 2-PAM, and poorly for diazepam. Time to peak concentration approximated 2, 7, and 20 min for atropine, 2-PAM, and diazepam, respectively, and the elimination half-life of these drugs approximated 2 hr (atropine), 3 hr (2-PAM), and 8 hr (diazepam). Atropine sulfate dose-dependently increased the magnitude and duration of tachycardia and decreased the PR and ST intervals (consistent with findings obtained from other species). Mild hypothermia was observed at the highest diazepam dose. Göttingen minipigs appear to provide a ready and appropriate large animal alternative to non-human primates, and further development and evaluation of novel nerve agent medical countermeasures and treatment strategies in this model are justified. • Pharmacokinetics were evaluated in conscious, unrestrained adult male minipigs. • Doctrinal nerve agent countermeasures were studied across a large range of doses. • Physiological measures were also recorded for general safety assessment. • Orderly pharmacokinetic data and expected/minor physiological changes were observed. • The Göttingen minipig may provide a suitable large animal model for pharmacology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A theoretical model of the impact of autonomic imbalance on depression. • Mutual brain regions, such as the Insula, potentially mediate this relationship. • The immune system and inflammation processes also seem to play a role. • Biofeedback HRV modification suggests the relation to depression might be causal. • HRV changes should be tested as a predictive physiological marker for depression. Heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the fluctuations in the intervals between consecutive heartbeats, is an indicator of changes in the autonomic nervous system. A chronic reduction in HRV has been repeatedly linked to clinical depression. However, the chronological and mechanistic aspects of this relationship, between the neural, physiological, and psychopathological levels, remain unclear. In this review we present evidence by which changes in HRV might precede the onset of depression. We describe several pathways that can facilitate this relationship. First, we examine a theoretical model of the impact of autonomic imbalance on HRV and its role in contributing to mood dysregulation and depression. We then highlight brain regions that are regulating both HRV and emotion, suggesting these neural regions, and the Insula in particular, as potential mediators of this relationship. We also present additional possible mediating mechanisms involving the immune system and inflammation processes. Lastly, we support this model by showing evidence that modification of HRV with biofeedback leads to an improvement in some symptoms of depression. The possibility that changes in HRV precede the onset of depression is critical to put to the test, not only because it could provide insights into the mechanisms of the illness but also because it may offer a predictive and diagnostic physiological marker for depression. Importantly, it could also help to develop new effective clinical interventions for treating depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectopic liver regeneration in the spleen is a promising alternative to organ transplantation for treating liver failure. To accommodate transplanted liver cells, the splenic tissue must undergo structural changes to increase extracellular matrix content, demanding a safe and efficient approach for tissue remodelling. We synthesised sulphated hyaluronic acid (sHA) with an affinity for the latent complex of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and cross-linked it into a gel network (sHA-X) via click chemistry. We injected this glycan into the spleens of mice to induce splenic tissue remodelling via supraphysiological activation of endogenous TGF-β. sHA-X efficiently bound to the abundant latent TGF-β in the spleen. It provided the molecular force to liberate the active TGF-β dimers from their latent complex, mimicking the 'bind-and-pull' mechanism required for physiological activation of TGF-β and reshaping the splenic tissue to support liver cell growth. Hepatocytes transplanted into the remodelled spleen developed into liver tissue with sufficient volume to rescue animals with a metabolic liver disorder (Fah -/- transgenic model) or following 90% hepatectomy, with no adverse effects observed and no additional drugs required. Our findings highlight the efficacy and translational potential of using sHA-X to remodel a specific organ by mechanically activating one single cytokine, representing a novel strategy for the design of biomaterials-based therapies for organ regeneration. Cell transplantation may provide a lifeline to millions of patients with end-stage liver diseases, but their severely damaged livers being unable to accommodate the transplanted cells is a crucial hurdle. Herein, we report an approach to restore liver functions in another organ – the spleen – by activating one single growth factor in situ. This approach, based on a chemically designed polysaccharide that can mechanically liberate the active transforming growth factor-β to an unusually high level, promotes the function of abundant allogenic liver cells in the spleen, rescuing animals from lethal models of liver diseases and showing a high potential for clinical translation. [Display omitted] • A spleen possesses desirable features for growing a liver, except for the requirement for an ECM-rich matrix. • The spleen has abundant TGF-β stored in an inactive form that can be activated to remodel the tissue matrix in situ. • sHA-X mechanically liberates TGF-β from the latent complex in the spleen, stimulating collagen production and matrix remodelling. • The remodelled spleen supports the growth and functions of transplanted liver cells in the spleen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cilia are critical for detecting chemo-, photo-, and mechanosensory stimuli in the sensory systems. Most neurons in the central nervous system harbor cilia enriched in neuromodulatory receptors. Neuronal cilia are structurally and molecularly diverse, and play various roles in the central nervous system. The functionality of cilia is determined by their structure, the presence of receptors and ion channels, and their specific context. Neuronal cilia are found adjacent to chemical synapses and axonal segments, and can form axociliary synapses. Cilia are fascinating organelles that act as cellular antennae, sensing the cellular environment. Cilia gained significant attention in the late 1990s after their dysfunction was linked to genetic diseases known as ciliopathies. Since then, several breakthrough discoveries have uncovered the mechanisms underlying cilia biogenesis and function. Like most cells in the animal kingdom, neurons also harbor cilia, which are enriched in neuromodulatory receptors. Yet, how neuronal cilia modulate neuronal physiology and animal behavior remains poorly understood. By comparing ciliary biology between the sensory and central nervous systems (CNS), we provide new perspectives on the functions of cilia in brain physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aortic lumen in healthy animals is characterized by a smooth, whitish surface, but sheep have macroscopic corrugation of the intimal surface in the thoracic aorta (TA). Our aim was to determine if this finding was pathological or physiological. Thirteen sheep aortas were included in this work together with aortas from cattle (n = 3), a goat (n = 1), horses (n = 4), dogs (n = 2), rabbits (n = 2) and a pig (n = 1). A corrugated intimal surface in the TA was seen in all the sheep and the goat but was less evident in the cattle. Histologically, in sheep the TA intimal surface was seen to have multifocal bulging areas that protruded into the lumen. The outer half of the tunica media had numerous, randomly distributed muscle islands that disrupted the arrangement of the elastic lamella, displacing them towards the lumen. We conclude that the intimal corrugation of the TA in sheep is physiological and must not be misinterpreted as pathological. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gastrointestinal microbial consortium in dairy cattle is critical to determining the energetic status of the dairy cow from birth through her final lactation. The ruminant's microbial community can degrade a wide variety of feedstuffs, which can affect growth, as well as production rate and efficiency on the farm, but can also affect food safety, animal health, and environmental impacts of dairy production. Gut microbial diversity and density are powerful tools that can be harnessed to benefit both producers and consumers. The incentives in the United States to develop Alternatives to Antibiotics for use in food-animal production have been largely driven by the Veterinary Feed Directive and have led to an increased use of probiotic approaches to alter the gastrointestinal microbial community composition, resulting in improved heifer growth, milk production and efficiency, and animal health. However, the efficacy of direct-fed microbials or probiotics in dairy cattle has been highly variable due to specific microbial ecological factors within the host gut and its native microflora. Interactions (both synergistic and antagonistic) between the microbial ecosystem and the host animal physiology (including epithelial cells, immune system, hormones, enzyme activities, and epigenetics) are critical to understanding why some probiotics work but others do not. Increasing availability of next-generation sequencing approaches provides novel insights into how probiotic approaches change the microbial community composition in the gut that can potentially affect animal health (e.g., diarrhea or scours, gut integrity, foodborne pathogens), as well as animal performance (e.g., growth, reproduction, productivity) and fermentation parameters (e.g., pH, short-chain fatty acids, methane production, and microbial profiles) of cattle. However, it remains clear that all direct-fed microbials are not created equal and their efficacy remains highly variable and dependent on stage of production and farm environment. Collectively, data have demonstrated that probiotic effects are not limited to the simple mechanisms that have been traditionally hypothesized, but instead are part of a complex cascade of microbial ecological and host animal physiological effects that ultimately impact dairy production and profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human kidney organoids and tubuloids are emerging models with the promise to overcome the limitations of conventional in vitro research models and to better recapitulate human kidney (dys)function. Recent developments have shown that organoids and tubuloids can be applied in various applications which depends on their ability to mimic kidney specific (dys)function. To date, segment specific drug transport, response to extracellular microenvironment, endocrine functions, and functional electrolyte and water transport have been described. Novel technological tools including multiomics, machine learning, automated high-throughput culture systems, and organ-on-a-chip can further advance kidney organoids and tubuloids to better understand these models and improve maturation for future applications of personalized disease modeling and reliable preclinical research models. The rising prevalence of kidney diseases urges the need for novel therapies. Kidney organoids and tubuloids are advanced in vitro models and have recently been described as promising tools to study kidney (patho)physiology. Recent developments have shown their application in disease modeling, drug screening, and nephrotoxicity. These applications rely on their ability to mimic (dys)function in vitro including endocrine activity and drug, electrolyte, and water transport. This review provides an overview of these emerging kidney models and focuses on the most recent developments that utilize their functional capabilities. In addition, we cover current limitations and provide future perspectives for this rapidly evolving field, including what these functional properties mean for translational and personalized medicine now and in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae is identified as a potentially valuable species for tropical aquaculture, however, information on the physiological mechanisms of reproduction under laboratory conditions for this species is limited. This study investigated the effects of salinity at different concentrations (15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 g/L) on the induction of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) of oocytes obtained through stripping, the release of polar bodies (PB1 and PB2), and the larval development of the mangrove oyster. The results revealed a relationship between salinity and the percentage of GVBD, with the most effective range being 30–40 g/L within the hydration time frame between 70 and 120 min. The release of 50 % of PB1 was detected within this salinity range, while for the release of 50 % of PB2, the saline treatments of 35 and 40 g/L showed the best results. Overall, the salinity range of 30–40 g/L is suggested as the most suitable of polyploidy induction methodologies through the retention of PB1 or PB2. Regarding larval hatching, while salinities between 25 and 40 g/L presented similar percentages, at 15 g/L no hatching was observed. This study demonstrated that salinity is a key factor in early pre- and post-fertilization stages for the successful reproduction of mangrove oyster in hatcheries and that the percentages of oocyte maturation and artificial fertilization can be optimized by adjusting salinity. • Salinity significantly influenced the timing of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). • Salinity influences the process of polar bodies (PB1 and PB2) release synchronization. • Hydrated oocytes at 35 and 40 g L exhibited higher percentages of GVBD, PB1 and PB2. • Higher salinities are crucial for the early pre- and post-fertilization stages, but not at later stages (larval hatching). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Review of the history of the blink reflex (BR) and its modulation. • Review of current and new developments in BR modulation. • Understanding the principles of BR modulation may serve for future clinical applications. The blink reflex (BR) is a protective eye-closure reflex mediated by brainstem circuits. The BR is usually evoked by electrical supraorbital nerve stimulation but can be elicited by a variety of sensory modalities. It has a long history in clinical neurophysiology practice. Less is known, however, about the many ways to modulate the BR. Various neurophysiological techniques can be applied to examine different aspects of afferent and efferent BR modulation. In this line, classical conditioning, prepulse and paired-pulse stimulation, and BR elicitation by self-stimulation may serve to investigate various aspects of brainstem connectivity. The BR may be used as a tool to quantify top-down modulation based on implicit assessment of the value of blinking in a given situation, e.g., depending on changes in stimulus location and probability of occurrence. Understanding the role of non-nociceptive and nociceptive fibers in eliciting a BR is important to get insight into the underlying neural circuitry. Finally, the use of BRs and other brainstem reflexes under general anesthesia may help to advance our knowledge of the brainstem in areas not amenable in awake intact humans. This review summarizes talks held by the Brainstem Special Interest Group of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology at the International Congress of Clinical Neurophysiology 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland, and provides a state-of-the-art overview of the physiology of BR modulation. Understanding the principles of BR modulation is fundamental for a valid and thoughtful clinical application (reviewed in part 2) (Gunduz et al., submitted). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Desert is one of the harshest places on the earth due to low precipitation and soil nutrients. • Global desertification is a continuous process; almost 60% of the land surface is now desertified. • The plants in these desert ecosystems have developed several novel phenotypic characteristics that overcome the harsh environment. • Genome sequencing of the desert plant can enable us to identify the novel trait responsible for overcoming the xerophytic condition. • Transfer of novel genetic traits can be done to the crop plants. So that plants can withstand the harsh environment and overcome crop loss due to drought and other extreme conditions. Despite the exposure to arid environmental conditions across the globe ultimately hampering the sustainability of the living organism, few plant species are equipped with several unique genotypic, biochemical, and physiological features to counter such harsh conditions. Physiologically, they have evolved with reduced leaf size, spines, waxy cuticles, thick leaves, succulent hydrenchyma, sclerophyll, chloroembryo, and photosynthesis in nonfoliar and other parts. At the biochemical level, they are evolved to perform efficient photosynthesis through Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) and C4 pathways with the formation of oxaloacetic acid (Hatch-Slack pathway) instead of the C3 pathway. Additionally, comparative genomics with existing data provides ample evidence of the xerophytic plants' positive selection to adapt to the arid environment. However, adding more high-throughput sequencing of xerophyte plant species is further required for a comparative genomic study toward trait discovery related to survival. Learning from the mechanism to survive in harsh conditions could pave the way to engineer crops for future sustainable agriculture. The distinct physiology of desert plants allows them to survive in harsh environments. However, the genomic composition also contributes significantly to this and requires great attention. This review emphasizes the physiological and genomic adaptation of desert plants. Other important parameters, such as desert biodiversity and photosynthetic strategy, are also discussed with recent progress in the field. Overall, this review discusses the different features of desert plants, which prepares them for harsh conditions intending to translate knowledge to engineer plant species for sustainable agriculture. This review comprehensively presents the physiology, molecular mechanism, and genomics of desert plants aimed towards engineering a sustainable crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although tyrosol is a quorum-sensing molecule of Candida species, it has antifungal activity at supraphysiological concentrations. Here, we studied the effect of tyrosol on the physiology and genome-wide transcription of Aspergillus nidulans to gain insight into the background of the antifungal activity of this compound. Tyrosol efficiently reduced germination of conidia and the growth on various carbon sources at a concentration of 35 mM. The growth inhibition was fungistatic rather than fungicide on glucose and was accompanied with downregulation of 2199 genes related to e.g. mitotic cell cycle, glycolysis, nitrate and sulphate assimilation, chitin biosynthesis, and upregulation of 2250 genes involved in e.g. lipid catabolism, amino acid degradation and lactose utilization. Tyrosol treatment also upregulated genes encoding glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), increased specific GST activities and the glutathione (GSH) content of the cells, suggesting that A. nidulans can detoxify tyrosol in a GSH-dependent manner even though this process was weak. Tyrosol did not induce oxidative stress in this species, but upregulated "response to nutrient levels", "regulation of nitrogen utilization", "carbon catabolite activation of transcription" and "autophagy" genes. Tyrosol may have disturbed the regulation and orchestration of cellular metabolism, leading to impaired use of nutrients, which resulted in growth reduction. • Tyrosol had strong growth inhibitory effect against Aspergillus nidulans. • Tyrosol upregulated glutathione dependent detoxification processes. • Tyrosol treatment did not cause oxidative stress but upregulated autophagy genes. • According to RNAseq data tyrosol disturbed nutrient sensing and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrinology is the study of hormones, endocrine glands and related diseases. Understanding basic hormonal physiology is essential for surgeons to manage patients with endocrine disorders. In this article we present the fundamental physiological mechanisms related to pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal hormonal production, secretion and action. Moreover the methods used in the investigation for hormonal disturbances associated with these glands, resulting in excess or deficient secretion, are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) is involved in various biochemical reactions in plant growth, so it is beneficial to plants growing in soils contaminated by metals, including cadmium (Cd). However, few studies have reported on the mechanistic roles of P in mitigating Cd toxicity to ryegrass root, and especially in alleviating the disruption of the mitochondrial function of living cells. In this study, the physiological and biochemical mechanisms associated with ryegrass growth under various Cd and P treatments were investigated using leaching and pot systems. The concentration of Cd in soil leachates showed a significantly positive relationship with redox potential (P < 0.05), but negative relationship (P < 0.05) with leachate pH values and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), indicating that exogenous P addition (as H 2 PO 4 −) may decrease Cd leaching from contaminated soil. Compared to the control (without P addition), the cumulative Cd content was reduced by 53.3% and 64.5% in the soil leachate with exogenous P application (20 mg/L and 80 mg/L), respectively. Notably, application of P decreased the Cd concentrations in the symplastic fractions and increased the Cd concentrations in the apoplastic fractions in root tips, which may help to alleviate Cd stress to the protoplast. Moreover, exogenous P was found to play a positive role in mitochondrial function and Ca2+ variation in root cells under Cd stress, which provides novel insights into the mechanisms of exogenous P in alleviating plant Cd injury. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum Entanglement has been hypothesized to mediate non-local consciousness, underlying which, empirically, is the force of gravity. Upon further reflection, the case can be made for 'the breath' as the physiologic trait that binds all of these properties together, offering further opportunity for hypothesis testing experimentation. Humans have inexplicably made extraordinary intellectual and technical advances within a relatively very short period of time, referred to as the 'great leap forward'. It would be of great value if we could identify how and why we have evolved so rapidly. There is a holotropism that begins with the Big Bang that is centered on the homeostatic control of energy, perpetually referencing the First Principles of Physiology. "The Breath" is how and why our physiology has managed to perpetuate our species, and perhaps why the lung has been 'over-engineered' in order to facilitate the role of breathing in consciousness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trans-radial approach for cardiac catheterization led to an increasing adoption of 5 French (F) catheters. We aim to evaluate reliability and reproducibility of coronary physiology assessment performed with 5F guiding catheter (GC). Physiological measurements were performed in a coronary flow simulator, which provides two pulsatile flows, the baseline and hyperaemic flows. Two screws, positioned proximally and distally to the distal sensor of a pressure-temperature guidewire, were used to determine various combinations of stenoses and distal obstructions, simulating different pathophysiological conditions. For each setting, 5 measurements of fractional flow reserve (FFR), coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microvascular resistance (IMR) were performed with 6F and 5F GCs. A total amount of 190 measurements were performed, 95 with 6F GC and 95 with 5F GC. Minimal differences between 6F and 5F GCs were detected for FFR [0.91 (IQR: 0.87–0.94) and 0.87 (IQR: 0.82–0.92) respectively, p < 0.001] and IMR (16.5 ± 8.8 and 15.4 ± 8.3 respectively, p = 0.001). Mean CFR was comparable between 6F and 5F GCs (3.6 ± 1.1 and 3.5 ± 0.7 respectively, p = 0.38). Misclassification rates were 1.0 %, 1.0 % and 0 % for FFR, CFR and IMR, respectively. According to Passing-Bablok analysis, an excellent agreement between 6F and 5F GCs was demonstrated for FFR and IMR, and a modest agreement for CFR. All measurements with 5F GC showed high reproducibility. In our in-vitro model, a complete physiological assessment including FFR, CFR and IMR resulted substantially comparable between 6F and 5F GCs. Further in-vivo analysis is required to support these findings. • Trans-radial access has increased the use of 5F guiding catheters (GC) for invasive physiology assessment • Complete assessment of invasive physiology with 5F GC has not been proven comparable to 6F yet • According to our findings, 5F GC allows for a reliable full physiology assessment with bolus thermodilution techniques [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new nomenclature 'RNAkine' is proposed to designate extracellular noncoding RNA in light of its tightly regulated secretion, signalling properties, and significance in physiology and diseases. RNAkines are dynamically secreted in response to specific stimuli, ensuring that they are released to function contextually. RNAkines facilitate intercellular communication among multiple organs, orchestrating whole-body homeostasis. RNAkines induced by pathological conditions promote disease development through signalling to both local tissue and distant organs. Extracellular noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have crucial roles in intercellular communications. The process of ncRNA secretion is highly regulated, with specific ncRNA profiles produced under different physiological and pathological circumstances. These ncRNAs are transported primarily via extracellular vesicles (EVs) from their origin cells to target cells, utilising both endocrine and paracrine pathways. The intercellular impacts of extracellular ncRNAs are essential for maintaining homeostasis and the pathogenesis of various diseases. Given the unique aspects of extracellular ncRNAs, here we propose the term 'RNAkine' to describe these recently identified secreted factors. We explore their roles as intercellular modulators, particularly in their ability to regulate metabolism and influence tumorigenesis, highlighting their definition and importance as a distinct class of secreted factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiology of different Escherichia coli stains was analyzed for growth with glycolate as a potentially promising sustainable sole source of carbon and energy. Different E. coli strains showed large differences regarding lag phases after provision of glycolate. Whereas E. coli W showed fast adaptation, E. coli BW25113, JM101, and BL21 (DE3) needed extensive time for adaption (up to 30 generations) until the attainable µ max was reached, which, at 30 °C, amounted to 0.20–0.25 h−1 for all strains. The overexpression of genes encoding glycolate degradation did neither overcome the need for adaptation of E. coli BL21 (DE3) nor improve growth of E. coli W. Rather, high level expression of proteins involved in uptake and initial degradation steps had an adverse effect on growth. Overall, the results show a promising capacity of E. coli strains for growth on glycolate. [Display omitted] • E. coli strains differ regarding adaptation duration for growth on glycolate • Adapted E. coli strains showed efficient growth on glycolate • Overexpression of early degradation genes impairs growth on glycolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 16 species of grasses were found in the savanna studied area; almost all C4 species. • Nitrogen supplementation was used to simulate anthropic nitrogen deposition. • Photosynthetic pigments in C3 and C4 species were differently affected. • Nitrogen supplementation was not enough to affect the grass's photosynthetic yield. • N supplementation has not yet severely changed the grass community in the area. Anthropogenic activities increase nitrogen deposition, which can have major consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem function. We experimentally investigated how a community of grass species would respond to three levels of nitrogen enrichment, considering their biomass and efficiency of photosynthesis. The experiments were conducted in an open savanna area with sparse trees (cerrado sensu stricto). Fifteen plots were divided considering high nitrogen supplementation, low nitrogen supplementation, and control (without nitrogen application) as treatments. The nitrogen dosages applied in each treatment were based on deposition estimates for 2050 in the Cerrado biome. Three native species had their photosynthetic metabolism evaluated 45 days after the last supplementation. Except for Echinolaena inflexa , all the 16 species found in the area expressed C 4 metabolism. Echinolaena inflexa and Loudetiopsis chrysothrix showed an increase in leaf nitrogen with supplementation, with differences in chloroplastidic pigment contents. Differently from L. chrysothrix which increased its chlorophyll content, E. inflexa showed a decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents under N supplementation. E. inflexa is a small species and its leaf expansion under higher contents of nitrogen suggests that this species was affected by shading caused by other community species that increased their biomass. Supplemental nitrogen did not affect the efficiency of photosynthesis of these species or severely change the grass community biomass. However, we noted only a tendency for higher biomass and biomass per tiller for Urochloa decumbens , which suggests a concern about exotic species' performance under conditions of greater availability of nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria can rapidly adapt to changes in their environment thanks to the innate flexibility of their genetic expression. The high turnover rate of RNAs, in particular messenger and regulatory RNAs, provides an important contribution to this dynamic adjustment. Recycling of RNAs is ensured by ribonucleases, among which RNase III is the focus of this review. RNase III enzymes are highly conserved from prokaryotes to eukaryotes and have the specific ability to cleave double-stranded RNAs. The role of RNase III in bacterial physiology has remained poorly explored for a long time. However, transcriptomic approaches recently uncovered a large impact of RNase III in gene expression in a wide range of bacteria, generating renewed interest in the physiological role of RNase III. In this review, we first describe the RNase III targets identified from global approaches in 8 bacterial species within 4 Phyla. We then present the conserved and unique functions of bacterial RNase III focusing on growth, resistance to stress, biofilm formation, motility and virulence. Altogether, this review highlights the underestimated impact of RNase III in bacterial adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cerebellar theta (θ)-tACS reduced movement regularity in a tapping task and prolonged the movement duration of a pointing task. • Cerebellar θ-tACS enhanced the effectiveness of CBI and the effect of θ-tACS on movement rhythm was correlated with changes in CBI. • tACS effects potentially involve the modulation of cerebellar neurons resonating with θ rhythm. To evaluate the effects of cerebellar transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) delivered at cerebellar-resonant frequencies, i.e., theta (θ) and gamma (γ), on upper limb motor performance and cerebellum-primary motor cortex (M1) connectivity, as assessed by cerebellar-brain inhibition (CBI), in healthy subjects. Participants underwent cerebellar-tACS while performing three cerebellar-dependent motor tasks: (i) rhythmic finger-tapping, (ii) arm reaching-to-grasp ('grasping') and (iii) arm reaching-to-point ('pointing') an object. Also, we evaluated possible changes in CBI during cerebellar-tACS. θ-tACS decreased movement regularity during the tapping task and increased the duration of the pointing task compared to sham- and γ-tACS. Additionally, θ-tACS increased the CBI effectiveness (greater inhibition). The effect of θ-tACS on movement rhythm correlated with CBI changes and less tapping regularity corresponded to greater CBI. Cerebellar-tACS delivered at the θ frequency modulates cerebellar-related motor behavior and this effect is, at least in part, mediated by changes in the cerebellar inhibitory output onto M1. The effects of θ-tACS may be due to the modulation of cerebellar neurons that resonate to the θ rhythm. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms of motor control and provide new evidence on cerebellar non-invasive brain stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) within human proteins play critical roles in cellular information processing, including signaling, transcription, stress response, DNA repair, genome organization, and RNA processing. Here, we summarize current challenges in the field and propose cutting-edge approaches to address them in physiology and disease processes, with a focus on cancer. Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) within human proteins play critical roles in cellular information processing, including signaling, transcription, stress response, DNA repair, genome organization, and RNA processing. Here, we summarize current challenges in the field and propose cutting-edge approaches to address them in normal physiology and disease, with a focus on cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography with fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) is increasingly common in assessing coronary artery disease. We report five cases of discrepancies that led to changes in treatment. This report highlights discordant findings between modalities, which should be considered during the diagnostic assessment of chest pain. • CT-FFR is increasingly common in assessing coronary artery disease. • We report 5 cases of discrepancies that led to changes in treatment. • This report highlights discordant findings between physiology modalities. • These should be considered during the diagnostic assessment of chest pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to assess the available evidence on the biophysics of the tennis serve, mapping the populations, interventions, contexts and other relevant information to highlight what is already known and to identify gaps in the literature. Systematic scoping review with evidence gap map. The protocol was designed according to PRISMA 2020, Prisma-ScR guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook. The searches were conducted on July 20, 2022 and updated on April 1, 2023, in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (core collection). The risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochranes method for nonrandomized studies (RoBANS) and a narrative synthesis of the main findings was performed and supplemented with an evidence gap map. Most trials were found on serve kinematics and kinetics (95 %), analyzing only flat serves (84 and 72 %, respectively). Few trials focused on physiology (20 %; e.g. biomarkers), under-19, left or both-handed, female and intermediate beginner or starter players (29, 17, 8 and 7 %, respectively). We found a preponderance of low and unclear risk of bias (63 and 31 %, respectively) and only 7 % high, particularly, on the assessment of confounding variables. The current scoping review reveals a few trials on physiological rather than biomechanical variables, as well as the absence of the kick and slice serve, foot-back and foot-up serve, and left-handed, female, and young player analyses. We did not find systematic mistakes or limitations in the design, conduct, or analysis that would distort the results, since only 7 % presented a high risk of bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mRNAs traffic between plant cells/tissues/organs via plasmodesmata (PDs) and the phloem to act as noncell-autonomous signals controlling diverse biological processes. Some RNA features and RNA-binding proteins important for long-distance mRNA phloem transport have been identified. Transcription factor mRNAs and proteins selectively traffic from cell-to-cell via PDs to regulate cell fates and tissue patterning. Although their transport mechanisms are less well understood, integration of the available information allows the prediction of possible mechanisms. The endomembrane system, cytoskeleton, motor proteins, RNA helicases, and RNA-processing proteins all participate in the cell-to-cell transport of mRNAs. Cell-to-cell transport of mRNAs contributes to the propagation of mobile transcription factor signals. Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in multicellular organisms can act as signals transported cell-to-cell and over long distances. In plants, mRNAs traffic cell-to-cell via plasmodesmata (PDs) and over long distances via the phloem vascular system to control diverse biological processes – such as cell fate and tissue patterning – in destination organs. Research on long-distance transport of mRNAs in plants has made remarkable progress, including the cataloguing of many mobile mRNAs, characterization of mRNA features important for transport, identification of mRNA-binding proteins involved in their transport, and understanding of the physiological roles of mRNA transport. However, information on short-range mRNA cell-to-cell transport is still limited. This review discusses the regulatory mechanisms and physiological functions of mRNA transport at the cellular and whole plant levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CXCR2 plays diverse and novel roles in cancer, physiology, and viral infection (COVID-19) beyond its widely accepted role in bacterial infections. The pro- or antitumoral action of CXCR2 remains under debate because this varies depending on the cells expressing the receptor. Multiple cell types express CXCR2, including neutrophils and endothelial, immune, stromal, and epithelial cells, but expression validation at the protein and RNA levels is needed. Tissue-specific heterogeneity of CXCR2 expression and function in neutrophils has been clarified with respect to maturation, aging, and the circadian rhythm. The recent availability of structures of CXCR2 bound to ligands or antagonists and the analysis of downstream effectors of CXCR2 should facilitate the design of more potent drugs and a better understanding of CXCR2 signaling function in pathophysiology. Recent findings have modified our understanding of the roles of chemokine receptor CXCR2 and its ligands in cancer, inflammation, and immunity. Studies in Cxcr2 tissue-specific knockout mice show that this receptor is involved in, among other things, cancer, central nervous system (CNS) function, metabolism, reproduction, COVID-19, and the response to circadian cycles. Moreover, CXCR2 involvement in neutrophil function has been revisited not only in physiology but also for its major contribution to cancers. The recent unfolding of the role of CXCR2 in numerous cancers has led to extensive evaluation of multiple CXCR2 antagonists in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review we discuss the potential of targeting CXCR2 for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical exercise has positive impacts on hippocampal memory decline with aging. One of the postulated neurobiological mechanisms of the decline is reduced catecholaminergic projections from the locus coeruleus to the hippocampus. Recent human studies revealed that very light exercise rapidly enhances memory and pupil diameter, which suggests that light exercise may improve memory via neural circuits involved in the ascending arousal system, including the locus coeruleus, even in older adults. Thus, we aimed to clarify the effects of a single bout of light-intensity exercise (60% ventilatory threshold) on mnemonic discrimination performance, an index of hippocampal memory function, in healthy older adults using a randomized crossover design. Pupil diameter was measured during exercise as a physiological marker of the ascending arousal system. Discrimination of highly similar stimuli to the targets improved after exercise when compared to the resting control performance. Importantly, causal mediation analysis showed that pupil dilation during exercise mediated the memory improvement. These results suggest that brief light exercise rapidly enhances memory, possibly by upregulating the ascending arousal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the effects of oxygen toxicity on brain activity and functional connectivity (FC) in divers using a closed-circuit oxygen breathing apparatus. We acquired and analyzed electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from a group of normal professional divers (PD) and a group that developed oxygen intolerance, i.e., oxygen-intolerant professional divers (OPD), to evaluate the potential risk of a dive and understand the physiological mechanisms involved. The results highlighted a significant difference in the baseline levels of α rhythm between PD and OPD, with PD exhibiting a lower level to counteract the effects of increased O 2 inhalation, while OPD showed a higher level that resulted in a pathological state. Connectivity analysis revealed a strong correlation between cognitive and motor regions, and high levels of α synchronization at rest in OPDs. Our findings suggest that a pathological condition may underlie the higher α levels observed in these individuals when facing the stress of high O 2 inhalation. These findings support the hypothesis that oxygen modulates brain networks, and have important implications for understanding the neural mechanisms involved in oxygen toxicity. The study also provides a unique opportunity to investigate the impact of neurophysiological activity in simulated critical scenarios, and opens up new perspectives in the screening and monitoring of divers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether peak estradiol (E 2) levels above the usual physiologic range (300–500 pg/mL) will impact programmed frozen embryo transfer (FET) outcomes in an ideal study population of those using good-quality single euploid blastocysts. Retrospective cohort study. University-based clinic. Single euploid-programmed FET done at a single academic institution from January 2016 to December 2019. The population was divided into three groups on the basis of peak serum E 2 levels during endometrial preparation: group A (E 2 <300 pg/mL), group B (300–500 pg/mL), and group C (>500 pg/mL). Group B was used as the reference range for statistical analysis. Frozen embryo transfer cycles. The primary outcome was the live birth rate (LBR). Secondary outcomes included implantation, biochemical, ectopic, and miscarriage rates. A total of 750 FET cycles were included in this study. Poisson regression analysis showed a negative impact of higher peak E 2 on the LBR. A decrease in LBR was noted between group C and referent group B (50.2% vs. 63.4%, risk ratio 0.79 [0.68–0.91]) and group A and referent group B (42.5% vs. 63.4%, risk ratio 0.67 [0.46–0.98]). Secondary outcomes were notable for a lower implantation rate when groups A and C were compared with group B and a higher biochemical rate between group C and group B. There was no notable difference between groups in ectopic or miscarriage rates. Limiting peak serum E 2 levels to 300–500 pg/mL during programmed FET cycles is associated with improved LBRs compared with cycles with peak E 2 levels of <300 pg/mL or >500 pg/mL in an ideal study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]