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We present necessary and sufficient criteria for a max-algebraic supereigenvector, i.e., a solution of the system A ⊗ x ≥ x with A ∈ R ‾ n × n in max-plus algebra, to be an extremal. We also show that the suggested extremality criteria can be verified in O (n 2) time for any given solution x. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure of Bisphenol A (BPA) is closely associated with an increased prevalence of obesity-related metabolic syndrome. However, the potential mechanism of BPA-induced adipogenesis remains to be fully elucidated. Herein, potential mechanisms of BPA-induced adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were evaluated using RNA-Seq. Then, using an early-life BPA exposure model, we further evaluated the effects of BPA exposure on lipid and glucose homeostasis. The results showed that lipid content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was significantly increased after BPA exposure (p < 0.01) and male C57BL/6 mice with the dose of 500 μg/kg/day BPA by once-a-day oral administration for 8 weeks displayed a NAFLD-like phenotype. RNA-Seq analysis of preadipocytes showed that BPA exposure affected multiple biological processes including glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, PPAR signaling pathway and fatty acid metabolism. The dysregulation in a series of genes of mice was associated to de novo lipogenesis and lipid transport, which was linked to obesity. Importantly, we also found a significant expression increase of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) and a significant decrease of apolipoprotein D (APOD) in both fat (p < 0.01) and livers (p < 0.01) of male mice. Besides, the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α,IL-6 and SAA3) showed that BPA exposure promoted progression of hepatic inflammation. In conclusion, this study elucidated a novel mechanism in which obesity associated with BPA exposure by targeting SCD1. Exposure to BPA should be carefully examined in the chronic liver metabolic diseases. [Display omitted] • BPA-induced adipogenesis was characterized in vitro and in vivo. • SCD1 is a potential gene for the treatment of obesity caused by BPA exposure. • The chronic liver metabolic diseases should be examined after BPA Exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generators of the solution space for a system of inequalities A ⊗ x ≥ x are considered in this paper, where A is a square matrix over R ¯ = R ∪ { − ∞ } , x is a column vector and ⊗ is a max-plus composition. This paper presents some properties of solutions to the system of inequalities and proposes an algorithm to find a set of generators for the solution space of the system of inequalities with A ∈ R ¯ n × n . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic changes in configuration of germinal vesicle (GV) chromatin and their effects on oocyte transcriptional activity and developmental competence were studied in rabbit oocytes. The results indicated that global condensation of GV chromatin, rather than the formation of a perinucleolar ring, would better reflect the global transcriptional repression and developmental competence of oocytes. Gonadotropins, by promoting large-scale chromatin remodeling, regulate oocyte transcriptional activity and developmental competence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Social dominance is a ubiquitous phenomenon among social animals, including humans. To date, individual attributes leading to dominance (after a contest) remain largely elusive. Here, we report that socially dominant rats can be distinguished from subordinates based on their intestinal microbiota. When dysbiosis is induced, rats are predisposed to a subordinate state, while dysbiotic rats reclaim social dominance following microbiota transplantation. Winning hosts are characterized by core microbes, a majority of which are associated with butyrate production, and the sole colonization of Clostridium butyricum is sufficient to restore dominance. Regarding molecular aspects, a histone deacetylase, HDAC2, is responsive to microbial status and mediates competition outcome; however, this occurs only in a restricted population of cells in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Furthermore, HDAC2 acts by modulating synaptic activity in mPFC. Together, these findings uncover a link between commensals and host dominance, providing insight into the gut-brain mechanisms underlying dominance determination. [Display omitted] • Gut microbiota distinguish dominant rats from their subordinate conspecifics • Key butyrate-producing bacteria characterize dominant microbiota upon rebiosis • HDAC2 contributes to dominance determination in a region- and cell-specific way • HDAC2 acts by regulating synapse activity in medial prefrontal cortex Wang et al. find that gut bacteria in rats can predispose hosts to a dominant position in a competitive encounter. A microbiome-gut-brain pathway, characterized by key butyrate-producing strains, butyric acid, and prefrontal HDAC2, influences dominance determination, with synaptic activity in mPFC implicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chronic lead-exposure produces long-lasting astroglial morphological and functional changes, which disturb the neuronal functions in the hippocampus. It has been shown that glia-derived d-serine is an essential signal for N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal CA1 region. However, the relationship between d-serine and the chronic lead exposure-induced deficit of synaptic plasticity is not clear. In the present study, the properties of d-serine on the chronic lead exposure-impaired synaptic plasticity in the rat hippocampal CA1 region were investigated with electrophysiological recording techniques in vitro. We found that 50μM d-serine rescued the chronic lead exposure-induced deficit of long-term potentiation (LTP). However, this effect could be abolished by 7-chlorokynurenic acid (7-ClKY), which is a specific antagonist of the glycine-binding site of NMDARs. In contrast, d-serine had no effect on the NMDAR-independent LTP, which was induced in the mossy-CA3 synapses. In addition, we found that d-serine rescued the acute Pb2+-impaired NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) partially. These findings demonstrate that d-serine relieves the chronic lead exposure-induced deficit of synaptic plasticity via NMDAR activation suggesting that administration of d-serine may be a potential therapeutic intervention to treat chronic lead exposure-impaired cognitive functions or affective disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An explicit two-soliton solution for the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation with nonvanishing boundary conditions is derived, demonstrating details of interactions between two bright solitons, two dark solitons, as well as one bright soliton and one dark soliton. Shifts of soliton positions due to collisions are analytically obtained, which are irrespective of the bright or dark characters of the participating solitons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• For small sample sizes, modelling methods have a greater impact on accuracy of DSM. • Large sample sizes have a greater impact than modelling methods on accuracy of DSM. • An optimal combination of modelling method and sample size exists for SOM mapping. Digital soil mapping (DSM) is the most widely used method for producing spatial information of soil organic matter (SOM). Accuracy of the information is generally determined by modelling methods and sample sizes used for DSM. However, different studies present different importance of modelling method and sample size on accuracy of DSM, while they do not explore various combinations of modelling method and sample size. Based on the studies, it is supposed that there exists an optimal combination of modelling method and sample size for producing information of SOM accurately and economically. With SOM data of 1861 soil samples collected in Guangdong, China, the present study first assessed importance of modelling method and sample size and then examined if an optimal combination of modelling method and sample size existed for the area. Six modelling methods were explored, while 12 sample sizes were used, ranging from 100 to 1200 with an interval of 100. For each size, 10 repeated samples were randomly taken from a data of 1311 samples which were randomly selected from all the 1861 soil samples based on the probability distribution of the SOM data. The results showed that, for small sample sizes, the modelling methods have a greater impact on accuracy of DSM. However, for large sample sizes, e.g., more than 1000, the sample sizes have a much greater impact. Due to the varying importance of modelling method and sample size, there exists an optimal combination of modelling method and sample size for spatial prediction of SOM in the area, i.e., the combination of regression kriging and a sample size of 800. Thus, for economically producing detailed and accurate information on spatial distribution of SOM, it is recommended that a series of modelling methods and sample sizes are tried to identify an optimal combination of modelling method and sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Black soybean seed coat extract (BSSCE) protects Drosophila melanogaster against Pb toxicity. • BSSCE relives Pb-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. • BSSCE attenuated Pb-induced iron deficiency in Drosophila melanogaster. • Iron restriction greatly suppressed the protective effects of BSSCE against Pb. Black soybean seed coat extract (BSSCE) is a rich source of anthocyanins. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of BSSCE on Lead (Pb) toxicity. Here using Drosophila melanogaster, we show that defects caused by Pb was significantly ameliorated by BSSCE supplementation. Further studies showed that BSSCE attenuated Pb-induced systemic iron deficiency by modulating genes involved in iron absorption in the midgut. Additionally, BSSCE eliminated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by Pb in the midgut through improving the antioxidant defense system. The protection of BSSCE against Pb was suppressed when dietary iron was restricted. These results suggest that promotion of iron absorption plays a dominant role in protective effects of BSSCE against Pb. The findings indicated that black soybean might be a promising functional food for preventing Pb toxicity or other iron deficiency related diseases, providing novel insight into mechanisms of antioxidants in protecting against heavy metal induced impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Iron metabolism is an essential process that when dysregulated causes disease. Mammalian serum transferrin (TF) plays a primary role in delivering iron to cells. To improve our understanding of the conservation of iron metabolism between species, we investigate here the function of the TF homolog in Drosophila melanogaster , transferrin 1 (Tsf1). Tsf1 knockdown results in iron accumulation in the gut and iron deficiency in the fat body (which is analogous to the mammalian liver). Fat body-derived Tsf1 localizes to the gut surface, suggesting that Tsf1 functions in trafficking iron between the gut and the fat body, similar to TF in mammals. Moreover, Tsf1 knockdown strongly suppresses the phenotypic effects of ferritin (Fer1HCH) RNAi, an established iron trafficker in Drosophila. We propose that Tsf1 and ferritin compete for iron in the Drosophila intestine and demonstrate the value of using Drosophila for investigating iron trafficking and the evolution of systemic iron regulation. Graphical Abstract Highlights • Transferrin 1 (Tsf1) participates in iron trafficking in Drosophila melanogaster • Tsf1 knockdown leads to iron accumulation in the gut but deficiency in the fat body • Fat body-derived Tsf1 is able to localize to the gut surface • Ferritin (Fer1HCH) knockdown could be rescued by Tsf1 knockdown Xiao et al. report that Drosophila melanogaster transferrin 1 (Tsf1), a homolog of mammalian serum transferrin (TF), functions in trafficking iron between the gut and the fat body, similar to TF in mammals. Tsf1 and ferritin, the two iron traffickers, compete for iron in the intestines of Drosophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanisms for oocyte maturation and optimizing the protocols for in vitro maturation (IVM) are greatly important for improving developmental potential of IVM oocytes. The miRNAs expressed in cumulus cells (CCs) play important roles in oocyte maturation and may be used as markers for selection of competent oocytes/embryos. Although a recent study from our group identified several new CCs-expressed miRNAs that regulate cumulus expansion (CE) and CC apoptosis (CCA) in mouse oocytes, validation of these findings and further investigation of mechanisms of action in other model species was essential before wider applications. By using both in vitro and in vivo pig oocyte models with significant differences in CE, CCA and developmental potential, the present study validated that miR-149 and miR-31 improved CE and developmental potential while suppressing CCA of pig oocytes. We demonstrated that miR-149 and miR-31 targeted SMAD family member 6 (SMAD6) and transforming growth factor β2 (TGFB2), respectively, in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. Furthermore, both miR-149 and miR-31 increased CE and decreased CCA via activating SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) and increasing the expression of SMAD2 and SMAD family member 4. In conclusion, the present results show that miR-149 and miR-31 improved CE and developmental potential while suppressing CCA of pig oocytes by activating the TGF-β signaling, suggesting that they might be used as markers for pig oocyte quality. • Both in vitro and in vivo pig oocyte models with significant differences in cumulus cell (CC) expansion (CE), apoptosis (CCA) and developmental potential were used. • The expression levels of miR-149 and miR-31 in pig CCs were significantly higher in good than in poor in vitro or in vivo oocyte models. • Both miR-149 and miR-31 improved CE and developmental potential while suppressing CCA of pig oocytes. • MiR-149 and miR-31 increased CE and decreased CCA via activating SMAD2 and increasing the expression of SMAD2 and SMAD4 in the TGF-β signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis, a new type of cell death accompanied by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, is implicated in the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD), which is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder that primarily occurred in the elderly population. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major polyphenol in green tea with known neuroprotective effects in PD patients. But whether EGCG-mediated neuroprotection against PD involves regulation of ferroptosis has not been elucidated. In this study, we established a PD model using PINK1 mutant Drosophila. Iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation and decreased activity of GPX, were detected in the brains of PD flies. Additionally, phenotypes of PD, including behavioral defects and dopaminergic neurons loss, were ameliorated by ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Notably, the increased iron level, lipid peroxidation and decreased GPX activity in the brains of PD flies were relieved by EGCG. We found that EGCG exerted neuroprotection mainly by restoring iron homeostasis in the PD flies. EGCG inhibited iron influx by suppressing Malvolio (Mvl) expression and simultaneously promoted the upregulation of ferritin, the intracellular iron storage protein, leading to a reduction in free iron ions. Additionally, EGCG downregulated the expression of Duox and Nox , two NADPH oxidases that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased SOD enzyme activity. Finally, modulation of intracellular iron levels or regulation of oxidative stress by genetic means exerted great influence on PD phenotypes. As such, the results demonstrated that ferroptosis has a role in the established PD model. Altogether, EGCG has therapeutic potentials for treating PD by targeting the ferroptosis pathway, providing new strategies for the prevention and treatment of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. [Display omitted] • Ferroptosis contributes to neuronal and behavioral defects in PINK1 mutation-induced PD Drosophila model. • Ferroptosis arises from elevated iron influx, reduced iron chelation, increased NADPH oxidases and inhibited ROS clearance. • EGCG administration alleviates characteristics of ferroptosis and phenotypes of PD. • EGCG protects against ferroptosis by restoring iron homeostasis, inhibition of NADPH oxidases and enhancing ROS clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal human malignancies in China, and the genetic link of hepatocarcinogenesis remains to be defined. Thus, we explored the role of SET and myeloid translocation protein 8, Nervy, and DEAF1 (MYND) domain containing protein 3 ( SMYD3 ) gene polymorphism on risk and prognosis of HCC. Methods A total of 236 patients with HCC who received treatment in Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University for the first time and 230 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. After DNA extraction for all the subjects, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify and sequence variable numbers of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci of SMYD3 gene. SMYD3 gene was genotyped and its frequency distribution was calculated. Age, education level, income, smoking and drinking history, HCC family history, tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging, maximum tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis (LNM) etc. were investigated. Correlation of SMYD3 gene polymorphism and other risk factors with the occurrence and prognosis of HCC was analyzed. Results The family history of HCC, drinking history, cirrhosis, and HBV or/and HCV infection, SMYD3 VNTR 3/3 were more frequently observed in subjects with HCC. Patients with SMYD3 VNTR 3/3 genotype, drinking-history, family history of HCC, cirrhosis and hepatitis B virus (HBV), TNM staging, maximum tumor diameter, LNM were more vulnerable to HCC. Besides, patients with SMYD3 VNTR 3/3 genotype had lower 2- and 3-year survival rate. The COX regression analysis revealed that drinking history, family history of HCC, SMYD3 VNTR 3/3 genotype, TNM staging, and LNM were all related to the prognosis of HCC. Conclusion This study indicates that drinking history, family history of HCC and SMYD3 VNTR 3/3, TNM staging, maximum tumor diameter, LNM might be risk factors for HCC, and SMYD3 VNTR 3/3 might contribute to a lower 2- and 3-year survival rate of patients with HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of layer-by-layer electrostatically self-assembled films consisting of one of three Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POMs) of [BW 12 O 40 ] 5− , [PW 12 O 40 ] 3− and [PMo 12 O 40 ] 3− , and a hemicyanine of ( E )-1,1′-methylenebis(4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)pyridinium)bromide (H 1 Br 2 ) are prepared. The UV–vis absorption spectroscopy showed that the films were uniformly deposited with the visible absorption bands for the hemicyanine being bathochromically shifted with respect to the H 1 Br 2 aqueous solution to different extents depending on POMs. The (POMs/H 1 ) n films exhibited stable photocurrents that were differed by over 7 folds depending on POMs as irradiated with white light. The effects of applied bias voltages, electron acceptor added in the electrolyte, and layer numbers of the films, irradiated light intensities, and the compositions of POMs on photocurrent generation of the films were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble arabinoxylans (AX) is an important dietary fiber in wheat bran that influence the gluten network. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism remains unclear. This study compared the interactions between AX and high/low molecular weights of glutenin (HMW/LMW) and found that AX-HMW developed a more uniformed structure than AX-LMW. The optimized property was found at 8% AX (AX8-HMW) when the disulfide bonds, foaming and emulsifying properties reaches highest, which is better than the optimized AX4-LMW. However, higher AX ratio led to poor properties due to AX self-aggregation. The enhancement property can be associated with the formation of molecular complexes. Both HMW and LMW can capture and encapsulate AX to form stable structures, with the binding strength of AX-HMW being stronger than that of AX-LMW, resulting in macroscopic properties. Our findings clarify the interaction mechanism between AX and different molecular weight of glutenins which contributes to understand the role of AX in the dough mixing process. [Display omitted] • AX developed a more uniform and continuous structure with HMW than LMW. • The number of disulfide bond in AX8-HMW was markedly higher than AX4-LMW. • The looser structure of AX4-LMW lead to better foaming and emulsifying properties. • AX has a stronger binding strength with HMW than LMW at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although frozen dough technology has demonstrated significant benefits, the mechanisms underlying dough deterioration during freezing remain unclear. To overcome this obstacle, the effect of freezing-induced deteriorations of wheat starch granular surface proteins (SGSPs)-high/low molecular weight (HMW/LMW) glutenins complexes were analyzed from the molecular to macroscopic scales. After 7 cycles of freezing/thawing treatment, SGSPs-LMW complex showed a higher antifreeze stability than SGSPs-HMW complex. The freezable water content of SGSPs-HMW increased from 32 % to 39 %, indicating a marked migration and recrystallization of ice. In this situation, the interactions of SGSPs-HMW complex were affected and destabilized, leading to partially denatured and depolymerized molecular structures. Furthermore, the bulk protein aggregation network was also dissociated under the ice tearing and splitting, which irreversibly collapsed to small molecular protein particles. In comparison, the resistance of SGSPs-LMW complex on continued network disruption appear to be the key to maintain the quality of frozen dough. [Display omitted] • Frozen SGSPs-HMW and SGSPs-LMW protein complexes were compared. • Freezing/thawing treatment damaged the network structure of SGSPs-HMW complex. • It showed partial unfolding structure and exposed hydrophobic groups. • Frozen SGSPs-HMW resulted in stronger but less stable emulsification ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion-specific effects have a profound impact on the macroscopic properties of polysaccharides such as the aggregation and solubility in solutions. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms still require exploration. In this study, we investigated the influence of anions on the structure and behavior of chitin via a combination of single-molecule techniques and macroscopic characterizations. Our findings reveal that the hydration of anions functions as bridging center, leading to the formation of water-ion-water bridges between chitin side groups. Remarkably, this structure exhibits a binding affinity to chitin following the Hofmeister series with the order of F− < Cl− < Br− < I−, resulting in an escalating of left-handed helix order of chitin. Subsequent experiments indicate that the bridging structure affects the size of chitin aggregates in the similar manner, implying the impact of anions on the structure and behavior of chitin across length scales. These results provide valuable insights into the understanding of ion-specific effects on polysaccharides and its applications in food science where high salt environments are involved. [Display omitted] • Chitin structure and behavior are sensitive to anions. • Chitin interacts with anions via water-ion-water bridges. • Anions prompt the folding of chitin into a left-handed helical structure. • Anions prompt the aggregation of chitin chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the restorative effects of re-vegetation and vegetation type on soil enzyme activities and microbial functional diversity of eroded red soil. Soil samples were collected by horizon from eroded soils that had been restored for 18years with Cinnamomum camphora, Pinus massoniana or Lespedeza bicolor. Un-eroded soils planted with these vegetation types and an eroded bare soil served as references. Soil microbial functional diversity was assessed by the community-level physiological profiles (CLPP) using BioLog Eco-plates. Re-vegetation improved soil enzyme activities and microbial functional diversity, compared with the eroded bare soil. The soil restored with L. bicolor had the highest cellulase and β-glucosidase activities but the lowest urease activity. The soil restored with P. massoniana and C. camphora had the highest polyphenol oxidase activity and microbial functional diversity, respectively. The microbial functional diversity and community structure based on CLPP exhibited different patterns in O, A or B horizons. The varimax rotated component matrix of CLPP further indicated that the polymers, phenolic compounds and carbohydrates largely affected the microbial functional structure in O horizon, while amines, amino acids and carboxylic acids mainly affected the microbial functional structure in B horizon. We suggest that the enzyme activities and microbial functional diversity are determined by the quantity and quality of carbon inputs. Soil enzyme activities and microbial functional diversity as well as soil microbial biomass and physicochemical properties in the restored eroded soil did not completely recover to the levels of the un-eroded reference soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Removing SGSPs/SGAPs resulted in poor bread quality. • It decreased the specific volume and crumb porosity in bread. • Bread without SGSPs modified the water migration and distribution. • More soluble starch leached and promoted relative recrystallinity. The influence of starch granule surface proteins (SGSPs) and starch granule-associated proteins (SGAPs) on bread retrogradation was investigated in a reconstituted dough system. The removal of both SGSPs and SGAPs resulted in poor bread qualities, decreasing specific volume and crumb porosity, leading to more baking loss and compact crumb structure. Particularly, removing SGSPs was effective in promoting the bread retrogradation. After 7 days of storage, the hardness of bread without SGSPs showed an increase of 353.34 g than the bread without SGAPs. Proton population and relaxation times exhibited that the absence of SGSPs significantly decreased the content of bound water from 11.51 % to 7.03 %, indicating lower water-holding capacity due to the loosen gelling structure. Compared to the control group, bread without SGSPs accelerated the starch recrystallinity by a reduction in soluble starch content, thereby increasing the retrogradation enthalpy and relative crystallinity through promoting the molecular reassociation in starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of experiments using technologies of gene mutation and silencing as well as chemical biology have demonstrated that spinal d-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) contributes to the development of central sensitization-mediated chronic pain and might be a potential molecular target for the treatment of chronic pain. DAAO inhibitors are now under clinical investigations for the management of chronic neuropathic pain. This study examined the interactions between morphine and the DAAO inhibitor CBIO (5-chloro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-ol) in pain and analgesia tolerance mainly in the formalin test. Given subcutaneously CBIO acutely interacted with morphine in analgesia in an additive manner both in the acute nociception settings (the formalin acute phase nociception, hot-plate test and tail immersion test) and in formalin-induced tonic pain. Bi-daily exposure of CBIO given subcutaneously for 7 days did not produce self-tolerance to analgesia or cross-tolerance to morphine whereas 7-day subcutaneous morphine induced self-tolerance to analgesia but not cross-tolerance to CBIO. More importantly, subcutaneous co-administrations or even single dose of CBIO completely prevented or reversed morphine tolerance to analgesia (exhibited by a single dose or a dose–response curve of morphine) in both formalin-induced acute phase nociception and tonic phase pain. These results, for the first time, identified DAAO as an efficacious molecule mediating morphine tolerance, in addition to clarifying the complex interactions between morphine and DAAO inhibitors probed by CBIO, and provided a pharmacological basis for DAAO inhibitors in combination with morphine to clinically manage pain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Re-vegetation of eroded soil restores organic carbon concentrations and improves the physical stability of the soil, which may then extend the range of microhabitats and influence soil microbial activity and functional stability through its effects on soil bacterial community structure. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the restorative effect of re-vegetation on soil physical stability, microbial activity and bacterial community structure; (ii) to examine the effects of soil physical microhabitats on bacterial community structure and diversity and on soil microbial functional stability. Soil samples were collected from an 18-year-old eroded bare soil restored with either Cinnamomum camphora (“Eroded Cc”) or Lespedeza bicolour (“Eroded Lb”). An uneroded soil planted with Pinus massoniana (“Uneroded Pm”) and an eroded bare soil served as references. The effect of microhabitats was assessed by physical destruction with a wet shaking treatment. Soil bacterial community structure and diversity were measured using a terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) approach, while soil microbiological stability (resistance and resilience) was determined by measuring short-term (28 days) decomposition rate of added barley (Hordeum vulgare) powder following copper and heat perturbations. The results demonstrated that re-vegetation treatment affected the recovery of physical and biological stability, microbial decomposition and the bacterial community structure. Although the restored soils overshot the Uneroded Pm sample in physical stability, they had lower microbial decomposition and less resilience to copper and heat perturbations than the Uneroded Pm samples. Soil physical destruction by shaking had the same effect on soil physical stability, but different effects on soil microbial functional stability. There were significant effects of vegetation treatment and perturbation type, and interactive effects among vegetation treatment, shaking and perturbation type on bacterial community structure. The destruction of aggregate structure increased resilience of the Eroded Lb sample and also altered its bacterial community structure. Both copper and heat perturbations resulted in significantly different community structure from the unperturbed controls, with a larger effect of copper than heat perturbation. Bacterial diversity (Shannon index) increased following the perturbations, with a more profound effect in the Uneroded Pm sample than in the restored soils. The interactive effects of vegetation treatment and shaking on microbial community and stability suggest that soil aggregation may contribute to the generation of bacterial community structure and mediation of biological stability via the protection afforded by soil organic carbon. Differential effects of re-vegetation treatment suggest that the long-term effects are mediated through changes in the quality and quantity of C inputs to soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To study the effect of cumulus denudation on in vitro maturation of rabbit oocytes. Design: Experimental animal study. Setting: Academic institution. Animal(s): Rabbits and mice. Intervention(s): Rabbit oocytes were observed compared with mouse oocytes. Main Outcome Measure(s): Developmental competence, membrane integrity, and apoptotic status of oocytes after cumulus denudation. Result(s): Although in vitro maturation of mouse cumulus-denuded oocytes was unaffected, rabbit cumulus-denuded oocytes could not mature. However, 50% of rabbit cumulus-intact oocytes matured normally when their gap junctions were sealed with 1-heptanol. Coculture with cumulus cells did not improve maturation of rabbit cumulus-denuded oocytes unless with an intact corona radiata. Staining with Hoechst 33258, Bcl-2 antibodies, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling showed membrane breaches or apoptosis of rabbit cumulus-denuded oocytes, contrary to the mouse cumulus-denuded oocytes. Ultrastructurally, rabbit oocytes showed no perivitelline space but numerous long cell junctions projecting into the egg cortex, contrary to the mouse oocytes. However, the damaging effect of cumulus denudation was much relieved after preincubation of rabbit cumulus-intact oocytes with phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and some cumulus-denuded oocytes prepared after preincubation matured and developed into blastocysts. Conclusion(s): [1] Cumulus denudation severely damaged rabbit oocytes leading to their apoptosis or degeneration, possibly because of the deep-set junctional complexes anchoring the oocyte and corona cells; and [2] preincubation with phosphodiesterase inhibitor may provide a method to avoid the damaging effect of cumulus denudation on rabbit oocytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cadmium (Cd2+) is a common pollutant that causes a wide variety of toxic effects on the central nervous system. However, the mechanism of Cd2+ neurotoxicity remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined the effects of Cd2+ on AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission and short-term synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA1 area, using whole-cell patch clamp technique. Cd2+ significantly inhibited the peak amplitude of evoked EPSCs (eEPSCs) in a concentration-dependent manner and enhanced the short-term synaptic plasticity including paired-pulse facilitation and frequency facilitation. Cd2+ also decreased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) but had no effect on those of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs). These effects of Cd2+ may involve a presynaptic mechanism of blockade of action potential-sensitive, calcium-dependent release of glutamate. In addition, Cd2+ prolonged the decay time of both sEPSCs and mEPSCs, which suggested a postsynaptic action site of Cd2+. This study demonstrates that Cd2+ impairs the Schaffer collateral-commissural-CA1 glutamatergic synaptic transmission and short-term plasticity in rat hippocampal slices, which may be a possible contributing mechanism for the Cd2+-induced neurotoxic effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]