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While there is huge demand for regional forecasts, information needed for selection of the most appropriate temporal and spatial scales is not available. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the basis of forecasting monthly mean rainfall over homogeneous regions by analyzing the forecasting skill and source of predictability. Reforecasts generated at the National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) for the period 1993–2015 using the coupled Unified Model are used in this study. Analysis of the forecasting skill over increasingly large lead times, averaging periods and spatial scales, is carried out to compare the skill at different time‐scales and to highlight the effect of spatial averaging over regions of coherent rainfall characteristics. Analysis of probabilistic forecasts is carried out to further demonstrate the usefulness of monthly mean forecasts. The influence of forcings on rainfall is studied both in model and in observations to understand the model's skill in representing interannual variability of monthly mean rainfall. Multiple regression analyses carried out for rainfall using climate indices as independent variables shows that the extent of forcings can largely explain the high variability of rainfall during the onset and withdrawal phase compared to the peak phase of monsoons. ENSO‐related subsidence is found to influence mainly the southern peninsular region, while tropical sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Indian Ocean are found to influence rainfall over northwest and central India by forcing circulation patterns typically associated with circumglobal teleconnections (CGTs) which are strongest during the month of June. Interestingly, the influence of CGTs on rainfall in the northeast is opposite to its influence on other homogeneous regions, which explains the contrast in influence of the North Indian Ocean SSTs on rainfall over the northeast and over All India. The model representation of influence of forcings and strength of teleconnections is better for specific region–month pairs, which is seen to influence the monthly variations in skill of forecasting rainfall over homogeneous regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands are an integral part of our global ecosystems and play crucial roles in ecological functions such as carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, water purification, and recreational activities. The Ramsar Convention is the most significant wetland protection pact and is doing tremendous work in conserving wetlands worldwide. However, the wetlands area is still under threat due to anthropogenic activity.The current study utilized drone images, chlorophyll measurements and machine leaning to discriminate and map vegetation at marsh wetland area—the Ramsar site. The high‐resolution, multispectral imagery is acquired using a drone‐mounted MICAsense sensor.Eight spectral indices such as Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Two‐Band Algorithm (2BDA), Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) Enhanced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (ENDVI), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI), and Normalised Difference RedEdge (NDRE) were calculated on the acquired imagery in order to discriminate the different vegetation covers such as floating aquatic vegetation (FAV), open water, and other vegetations types. These include the following: Eichhornia, Nymphea, Oleracea, Paspalam, and Oryza from agriculture land at the study site.Two models (viz., the Taylor plot and the Lek Profile methods) were employed to assess the sensitivity of the spectral indices for prediction of chlorophyll and vegetation discrimination. It is inferred from both methods that NDCI was most sensitive for chlorophyll prediction of vegetation followed by NGRDI/ ENDVI/ 2BDA and NDVI for chlorophyll prediction in wetland ecosystems. Further, three machine learning algorithms, support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and gradient tree boost (GTB), were utilized for classification, and the performance accuracy of GTB was found to be the highest (0.893), followed by RF (0.851) and SVM (0.723). The GTB algorithm was applied over NDCI for vegetation discrimination.The study revealed that Eichhronia sp. is abundantly present at the study site; hence, strategic management plans should be carried out for the eradication of invasive species and proper management of wetland vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organotrialkoxysilanes enabled the controlled synthesis of mono‐metallic and bimetallic noble metal nanoparticles. 3‐Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3‐APTMS)‐treated gold cations were quickly (1 minute) transformed into gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the presence of 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (3‐GPTMS). As made AuNPs demonstrated exceptional fluorescence properties with 15 % QY, and the blue fluorescence of nanomaterials is supported by CIE coordinates. Fluorescent gold nanoparticles were evaluated using UV‐ Visible spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), zeta potential, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fluorescence spectroscopy (FL), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), mediated by the use of organotrialkoxysilanes, gold nanoparticles with an average particle size of 4–8 nm were produced, which could be helpful for the direct determination of hydrazine via fluorescence spectroscopy. The detection limit for hydrous hydrazine is 0.047 μM, with a linear range of 0.1–1 μM (R2=0.995). In addition, organotrialkoxysilanes were also used as templates for the stabilization and formation of supported TiO2 bimetallic Ag−Ni nanoparticles for use as photo‐nanocatalysts. TiO2‐supported bimetallic Ag−Ni nanocatalyst were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE SEM), EDX, elemental mapping, and the Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) technique. Real‐time hydrazine decomposition was enabled by the as‐built heterogeneous support in the presence of sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paroxysmal dystonia occurs because of genetic or structural lesion in the basal ganglia or thalamus, and there is paucity of reporting in spinal pathology. We report a patient with paroxysmal hemidystonia admitted to a tertiary care hospital, India, and review the literature on spinal dystonia in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). A 19‐year‐old woman presented with recurrent visual loss and quadriparesis. She developed paroxysmal hemidystonia after 18 days of a second episode of quadriplegia, during which her muscle power improved to Grade 3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of her spine showed central T2 hyperintensity extending from C2 to C7 vertebral level, and a cranial MRI was normal. Tibial somatosensory evoked potentials were unrecordable. Aquaporin‐4 antibody was positive in serum, confirming the diagnosis of NMO. Paroxysmal hemidystonia responded to carbamazepine 200 mg thrice daily. Paroxysmal dystonia may occur in a patient with myelitis and may respond to carbamazepine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) has a different immune surveillance system; therefore, fever at admission and timeline of fever response after antitubercular treatment (ATT) may follow a different course in CNS infection. We report the predictors of fever response in tuberculous meningitis (TBM) including the effect of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and its gene expression at mRNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Methods: Fifty‐seven patients with TBM were prospectively evaluated. Their clinical findings and severity of meningitis were recorded. The expression of TNF‐α gene in PBMCs was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and TNF‐α concentration in CSF by cytokine bead array both in the patients and 14 matched controls. Results: All the patients had history of fever for a median duration of 75 days. The admission temperature ranged between 37.2°C and 40°C and correlated with CSF cell counts (p < 0.05). Cranial MRI was abnormal in 54 (94.7%) and revealed exudates in 33(57.9%), hydrocephalus in 27(47.4%), infarction in 27(47.4%) and tuberculoma in 33(57.9%) patients. Fever subsided after a median duration of 18 (2 60) days of treatment. Twelve (21.8%) patients only became afebrile within 10 days. The expression of TNF‐α gene correlated with CSF concentration of TNF‐α (p = 0.02) and independently predicted duration of defervescence [adjusted hazard ratio 1.02 (95% CI 1.00–1.04; p = 0.01). Conclusion: In the patients with TBM, defervescence takes longer time, and TNF‐α gene expression predicts the duration of defervescence. Future studies are needed to evaluate the role of TNF‐α‐modifying drugs in TBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 infections have posed an unprecedented global health emergency, with nearly three million deaths to date, and have caused substantial economic loss globally. Hence, an urgent exploration of effective and safe diagnostic/therapeutic approaches for minimizing the threat of this highly pathogenic coronavirus infection is needed. As an alternative to conventional diagnosis and antiviral agents, nanomaterials have a great potential to cope with the current or even future health emergency situation with a wide range of applications. Fundamentally, nanomaterials are physically and chemically tunable and can be employed for the next generation nanomaterial‐based detection of viral antigens and host antibodies in body fluids as antiviral agents, nanovaccine, suppressant of cytokine storm, nanocarrier for efficient delivery of antiviral drugs at infection site or inside the host cells, and can also be a significant tool for better understanding of the gut microbiome and SARS‐CoV‐2 interaction. The applicability of nanomaterial‐based therapeutic options to cope with the current and possible future pandemic is discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol intoxication produces ataxia by affecting the cerebellum, which coordinates movements. Fragile X mental retardation (FMR) protein is a complex regulator of RNA and synaptic plasticity implicated in fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, which features ataxia and increased Fmr1 mRNA expression resulting from epigenetic dysregulation of FMRP. We recently demonstrated that acute ethanol‐induced ataxia is associated with increased cerebellar Fmr1 gene expression via histone modifications in rats, but it is unknown whether similar behavioral and molecular changes occur following chronic ethanol exposure. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on ataxia and epigenetically regulated changes in Fmr1 expression in the cerebellum. Methods: Male adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were trained on the accelerating rotarod and then fed with chronic ethanol or a control Lieber–DeCarli diet while undergoing periodic behavioral testing for ataxia during ethanol exposure and withdrawal. Cerebellar tissues were analyzed for expression of the Fmr1 gene and its targets using a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The epigenetic regulation of Fmr1 was also investigated using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Results: Ataxic behavior measured by the accelerating rotarod behavioral test developed during chronic ethanol treatment and persisted at both the 8‐h and 24‐h withdrawal time points compared to control diet‐fed rats. In addition, chronic ethanol treatment resulted in up‐regulated expression of Fmr1 mRNA and increased activating epigenetic marks H3K27 acetylation and H3K4 trimethylation at 2 sites within the Fmr1 promoter. Finally, measurement of the expression of relevant FMRP mRNA targets in the cerebellum showed that chronic ethanol up‐regulated cAMP response element binding (CREB) Creb1, Psd95, Grm5, and Grin2b mRNA expression without altering Grin2a, Eaa1, or histone acetyltransferases CREB binding protein (Cbp) or p300 mRNA transcripts. Conclusions: These results suggest that epigenetic regulation of Fmr1 and subsequent FMRP regulation of target mRNA transcripts constitute neuroadaptations in the cerebellum that may underlie the persistence of ataxic behavior during chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substrate specificity of an enzyme is an important characteristic of its mechanism of action. Investigation of the nucleotide specificity of Plasmodium falciparum succinyl‐CoA synthetase (SCS; PfSCS) would provide crucial insights of its substrate recognition. Charged gatekeeper residues have been shown to alter the substrate specificity via electrostatic interactions with approaching substrates. The enzyme kinetics of recombinant PfSCS (wild‐type), generated by refolding of the individual P. falciparum SCSβ and Blastocystis SCSα subunits, demonstrated ADP‐forming activity (KmATP = 48 µm). Further, the introduction of charged gatekeeper residues, either positive (Lys and Lys) or negative (Glu and Asp), resulted in significant reductions in the ATP affinity of PfSCS. It is interesting to note that the recombinant PfSCSβ subunit can be refolded to a functional enzyme conformation using Blastocystis SCSα, indicating the possibility of subunits swapping among different organisms. These results concluded that electrostatic interactions at the gatekeeper region alone are insufficient to alter the substrate specificity of PfSCS, and further structural analysis with a particular focus on binding site architecture is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the fabrication of a microneedle‐based electrochemical biosensor for use in transdermal biosensing, which includes a screen‐printed electrode containing a Prussian blue‐gold nanohybrid as the working electrode. The Prussian blue gold nanohybrid is made from polyethylenime (PEI)‐ mediated simultaneous synthesis of Prussian blue (PBNP) and gold nanoparticles (AuNP), which forms a PBNP‐AuNP nanohybrid with a remarkable change in the Prussian blue character. PEI‐protected polycrystalline PBNPs can be synthesized in acidic media from the single precursor potassium ferricyanide [K3Fe(CN)6] at 60°C. Since PEI also enables the controlled formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the presence of formaldehyde, nanohybrids containing PBNPs and AuNPs may be prepared. Two different methods of PEI mediated synthesis of AuNP in the presence of PBNP were considered. In Method 1, AuNP and PBNP were made independently and mixed together in an appropriate ratio. In Method 2, PBNPs were made first, followed by PEI‐ and formaldehyde‐mediated reduction of gold cations in the presence of PBNP. PBNP‐AuNPs display a remarkable change in Prussian blue behavior such that the absorption maxima of PBNP‐AuNPs made through Method 1 tend to increase at 670 nm as a function of gold concentration as compared with the control; the reverse was observed when PBNP‐AuNPs were made through Method 2. As made PBNPs and PBNP‐AuNPs made through Method 1 display excellent catalytic activity toward both reduction and oxidation of hydrogen peroxide based on peroxidase mimetic activity. In addition, the as‐synthesized PBNPs displayed superparamagnetic behavior that can be manipulated in the presence of AuNPs. The results from peroxidase mimetic activity, chemiluminescence, cyclic voltammetry, and amperometry showed suitable analytical performance of the as‐made PBNP‐AuNP nanohybrid for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune blood cells "hemocytes" of mosquitoes impart a highly selective immune response against various microorganisms/pathogens. Among several immune effectors, fibrinogen‐related proteins (FREPs) have been recognized as key modulators of cellular immune responses; however, their physiological relevance has not been investigated in detail. Our ongoing comparative RNA‐sequencing analysis identified a total of 13 FREPs originating from naïve sugar‐fed, blood‐fed, bacterial challenged and Plasmodium vivax–infected hemocytes in Anopheles stephensi. Transcriptional profiling of the selected seven FREP transcripts showed distinct responses against different pathophysiological conditions, where an exclusive induction of FREP12 after 10 days of P. vivax infection was observed. This represents a possible role of FREP12 in immunity against free circulating sporozoites and needs to be explored in the future. When challenged with live bacterial injection in the thorax, we observed a higher affinity of FREP13 and FREP65 toward Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria in the mosquito hemocytes, respectively. Furthermore, we observed increased bacterial survival and proliferation, which is likely compromised by the downregulation of TEP1, in FREP13 messenger RNA–depleted mosquito hemolymph. In contrast, after blood‐feeding, we also noticed a significant delay of 24 h in the enrichment of gut endosymbionts in the FREP13‐silenced mosquitoes. Taken together, we conclude that hemocyte‐specific FREP13 carries the unique ability of tissue‐specific regulation, having an antagonistic antibacterial role in the hemolymph, and an agonistic role against gut endosymbionts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood (NADIA) Consortium has focused on the impact of adolescent binge drinking on brain development, particularly on effects that persist into adulthood. Adolescent binge drinking is common, and while many factors contribute to human brain development and alcohol use during adolescence, animal models are critical for understanding the specific consequences of alcohol exposure during this developmental period and the underlying mechanisms. Using adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure models, NADIA investigators identified long‐lasting AIE‐induced changes in adult behavior that are consistent with observations in humans, such as increased alcohol drinking, increased anxiety (particularly social anxiety), increased impulsivity, reduced behavioral flexibility, impaired memory, disrupted sleep, and altered responses to alcohol. These behavioral changes are associated with multiple molecular, cellular, and physiological alterations in the brain that persist long after AIE exposure. At the molecular level, AIE results in long‐lasting changes in neuroimmune/trophic factor balance and epigenetic–microRNA (miRNA) signaling across glia and neurons. At the cellular level, AIE history is associated in adulthood with reduced expression of cholinergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic neuron markers, attenuated cortical thickness, decreased neurogenesis, and altered dendritic spine and glial morphology. This constellation of molecular and cellular adaptations to AIE likely contributes to observed alterations in neurophysiology, measured by synaptic physiology, EEG patterns, and functional connectivity. Many of these AIE‐induced brain changes replicate findings seen in postmortem brains of humans with alcohol use disorder (AUD). NADIA researchers are now elucidating mechanisms of these adaptations. Emerging data demonstrate that exercise, antiinflammatory drugs, anticholinesterases, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and other pharmacological compounds are able to prevent (administered during AIE) and/or reverse (given after AIE) AIE‐induced pathology in adulthood. These studies support hypotheses that adolescent binge drinking increases risk of adult hazardous drinking and influences brain development, and may provide insight into novel therapeutic targets for AIE‐induced neuropathology and AUDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cerebellum is fundamental for motor coordination and therefore crucial in ethanol (EtOH)‐induced ataxia. EtOH contributes to cerebellar pathophysiology. Fragile‐X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is a complex regulator of RNA and synaptic plasticity implicated in fragile‐X tremor and ataxia syndrome, a phenotype featuring increased Fmr1 mRNA expression. Recent studies have implicated glutamatergic targets of FMRP in hereditary cerebellar ataxias including the main cerebellar excitatory amino acid (Eaa1) transporter and a subtype of metabotropic glutamate receptor (Grm5). However, EtOH‐induced changes in cerebellar Fmr1 expression and its epigenetic regulation have not been investigated. Here, we examined the effects of acute EtOH exposure on ataxic behavior, gene expression, and epigenetic regulation of the Fmr1 gene and its glutamatergic targets in the rat cerebellum. Methods: Male adult Sprague Dawley rats received acute EtOH (2 g/kg) intraperitoneally 1 hour prior to ataxic behavioral testing on the accelerating rotarod and were sacrificed immediately thereafter. Cerebellar tissues were analyzed for gene expression and epigenetic regulation of the Fmr1 gene and its glutamatergic targets in the rat cerebellum using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Results: Acute EtOH exposure caused marked ataxia on the accelerating rotarod test compared with saline‐treated controls. This ataxic response was associated with increases in mRNA levels of Fmr1, postsynaptic density 95 (Psd95), Eaa1, and Grm5 in the cerebellum. In addition, we found increased H3K27 acetylation both at the promoter region of Fmr1 and at a proposed cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response‐element binding (CREB) site downstream of the Fmr1 transcription start site. Furthermore, acute EtOH exposure significantly increased Creb1 and the histone acetyltransferases (HAT) CREB binding protein (Cbp), and p300 mRNA transcripts. Conclusions: Overall, EtOH regulates cerebellar Fmr1 expression most likely via HAT‐mediated increase in histone acetylation. We propose that FMRP regulation of glutamatergic transcripts plays an important role in disrupting the excitatory–inhibitory balance in the cerebellum underlying EtOH‐induced ataxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is important for alcohol‐related reward and reinforcement. Mouse VTA neurons are hyposensitive to γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) during ethanol (EtOH) withdrawal, and GABA responsiveness is normalized by in vitro treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). The present study examined the effect of a systemically administered HDACi, suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) on GABA sensitivity, and related molecular changes in VTA neurons during withdrawal after chronic EtOH intake in rats. Methods: Sprague Dawley male adult rats were fed with Lieber‐DeCarli diet (9% EtOH or control diet) for 16 days. Experimental groups included control diet‐fed and EtOH diet‐fed (0‐ or 24‐hour withdrawal) rats treated with either SAHA or vehicle injection. Single‐unit recordings were used to measure the response of VTA neurons to GABA. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine levels of HDAC2, acetylated histone H3 lysine 9 (acH3K9), and GABAA receptor α1 and α5 subunits in the VTA; quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the mRNA levels of HDAC2 and GABAA receptor subunits. Results: VTA neurons from the withdrawal group exhibited GABA hyposensitivity. In vivo SAHA treatment 2 hours before sacrifice normalized the sensitivity of VTA neurons to GABA. EtOH withdrawal was associated with increased HDAC2 and decreased acH3K9 protein levels; SAHA treatment normalized acH3K9 levels. Interestingly, no significant change was observed in the mRNA levels of HDAC2. The mRNA levels, but not protein levels, of GABAA receptor α1 and α5 subunits were increased during withdrawal. Conclusions: Withdrawal from chronic EtOH exposure results in a decrease in GABA‐mediated inhibition, and this GABA hyposensitivity is normalized by in vivo SAHA treatment. Disruption of signaling in the VTA produced by alteration of GABA neurotransmission could be 1 neuroadaptive physiological process leading to craving and relapse. These results suggest that HDACi pharmacotherapy with agents like SAHA might be an effective treatment for alcoholism. In brain slice electrophysiological recordings, GABA (γ‐aminobutyric acid) inhibits VTA neurons. During withdrawal, GABA sensitivity of VTA neurons is reduced. The histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA normalizes GABA inhibition during withdrawal without altering control GABA responses. Acetylated H3K9 histone protein is decreased in the VTA during withdrawal and also is normalized by SAHA. Disruption of GABA neurotransmission in the VTA may be related to increased alcohol craving during withdrawal. If so, HDAC inhibitor pharmacotherapy might be an effective treatment for alcoholism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corroborating evidence indicate that the downregulation of GABAA receptor subunit expression may underlie tolerance to the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic actions of benzodiazepine (BZ) ligands that act as full allosteric modulators (FAMs) of GABA actions at a variety of GABAA receptor subtypes. We and others have shown that 10-14 days treatment with increasing doses of diazepam (a FAM) resulted in anticonvulsant tolerance and decreased the expression of the α1 GABAA receptor subunit mRNA and protein in frontal cortex. In addition, we have also shown that longterm treatment with imidazenil, a partial allosteric modulator of GABA action at selective GABAA receptor subtypes, fail to change the expression of the α1 subunit mRNA or induce tolerance to its anticonvulsant or anxiolytic action. However, little is known regarding the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms on long-term BZinduced downregulation of GABAA receptor subunit. Therefore, we examined the role of histone acetylation and DNA methylation mechanisms on long-term diazepam- induced downregulation of the α1 subunit mRNA expression in rat frontal cortex. We found that 10 days treatment with increasing doses of diazepam but not imidazenil decreased the expression of the α1 GABAA receptor subunit mRNA and promoter acetylation in frontal cortex. In addition, we also found that 10 days treatment with diazepam but not imidazenil increased the expression of histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 and 2 in frontal cortex. Thus, the increased expression of HDAC1 and HDAC2 (class 1 HDACs) and consequently increased histone deacetylation mechanism of this class 1 HDACs, may underlie long-term diazepam-induced decreased expression of the α1 GABAA receptor subunit mRNA in frontal cortex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure produces persistent impairments in cholinergic and epigenetic signaling and alters markers of synapses in the hippocampal formation, effects that are thought to drive hippocampal dysfunction in adult rodents. Donepezil (Aricept), a cholinesterase inhibitor, is used clinically to ameliorate memory‐related cognitive deficits. Given that donepezil also prevents morphological impairment in preclinical models of neuropsychiatric disorders, we investigated the ability of donepezil to reverse morphological and epigenetic adaptations in the hippocampus of adult rats exposed to AIE. Because of the known relationship between dendritic spine density and morphology with the fragile X mental retardation 1 (Fmr1) gene, we also assessed Fmr1 expression and its epigenetic regulation in hippocampus after AIE and donepezil pretreatment. Methods: Adolescent rats were administered intermittent ethanol for 16 days starting on postnatal day 30. Rats were treated with donepezil (2.5 mg/kg) once a day for 4 days starting 20 days after the completion of AIE exposure. Brains were dissected out after the fourth donepezil dose, and spine analysis was completed in dentate gyrus granule neurons. A separate cohort of rats, treated identically, was used for molecular studies. Results: AIE exposure significantly reduced dendritic spine density and altered morphological characteristics of subclasses of dendritic spines. AIE exposure also increased mRNA levels and H3‐K27 acetylation occupancy of the Fmr1 gene in hippocampus. Treatment of AIE‐exposed adult rats with donepezil reversed both the dendritic spine adaptations and epigenetic modifications and expression of Fmr1. Conclusions: These findings indicate that AIE produces long‐lasting decreases in dendritic spine density and changes in Fmr1 gene expression in the hippocampal formation, suggesting morphological and epigenetic mechanisms underlying previously reported behavioral deficits after AIE. The reversal of these effects by subchronic, post‐AIE donepezil treatment indicates that these AIE effects can be reversed by up‐regulating cholinergic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diabetic wounds are susceptible to microbial infection. The treatment of these wounds requires a higher payload of growth factors. With this in mind, the strategy for this study was to utilize a novel payload comprising of Eudragit RL/RS 100 nanofibers carrying the bacterial inhibitor gentamicin sulfate (GS) in concert with recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF); an accelerator of wound healing. GS containing Eudragit was electrospun to yield nanofiber scaffolds, which were further modified by covalent immobilization of rhEGF to their surface. This novel fabricated nanoscaffold was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The thermal behavior of the nanoscaffold was determined using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. In the in vitro antibacterial assays, the nanoscaffolds exhibited comparable antibacterial activity to pure gentemicin powder. In vivo work using female C57/BL6 mice, the nanoscaffolds induced faster wound healing activity in dorsal wounds compared to the control. The paradigm in this study presents a robust in vivo model to enhance the applicability of drug delivery systems in wound healing applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 641–651, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol exposure in adolescence is an important risk factor for the development of alcoholism in adulthood. Epigenetic processes are implicated in the persistence of adolescent alcohol exposure-related changes, specifically in the amygdala. We investigated the role of histone methylation mechanisms in the persistent effects of adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure in adulthood. Adolescent rats were exposed to 2 g/kg ethanol (2 days on/off) or intermittent n-saline (AIS) during postnatal days (PND) 28-41 and used for behavioral and epigenetic studies. We found that AIE exposure caused a long-lasting decrease in mRNA and protein levels of lysine demethylase 1(Lsd1) and mRNA levels of Lsd1 + 8a (a neuron-specific splice variant) in specific amygdaloid structures compared with AIS-exposed rats when measured at adulthood. Interestingly, AIE increased histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) levels in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and medial nucleus of the amygdala (MeA) in adulthood without producing any change in H3K4me2 protein levels. Acute ethanol challenge (2 g/kg) in adulthood attenuated anxiety-like behaviors and the decrease in Lsd1 + 8a mRNA levels in the amygdala induced by AIE. AIE caused an increase in H3K9me2 occupancy at the brain-derived neurotrophic factor exon IV promoter in the amygdala that returned to baseline after acute ethanol challenge in adulthood. These results indicate that AIE specifically modulates epizymes involved in H3K9 dimethylation in the amygdala in adulthood, which are possibly responsible for AIE-induced chromatin remodeling and adult psychopathology such as anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is the first country to legislatively require certain organizations to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. Although some firms, such as the telecom Bharti Airtel, had previously embarked on various sustainability and social outreach initiatives, the legislative mandate has forced some other firms to invest in CSR for the first time. Meanwhile, reaction from business leaders, both inside and outside the country, regarding the effectiveness of the law has been mixed. A pioneer in employing CSR interventions among all stakeholders in every stage of the value chain, Bharti Airtel, a multinational operating in 20 countries, still faces challenges in ensuring the effectiveness of its CSR outreach from both a business and a social responsibility perspective. Questions that remain to be addressed include the need for monitoring of outcomes and the potential for greater industry-wide collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of functional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) justifying selectivity in biochemical interaction along with biocompatibility suited for in vivo biomedical applications has been a challenging issue. We report herein the role of polyethylenimine (PEI) in controlled synthesis of AuNPs under ambient conditions which has potentiality for sensing glutathione and selective interaction with DNA binding proteins facilitating endosomal escape for the nucleotide delivery. The choice of organic reducing agents like formaldehyde/acetaldehyde/acetyl acetone/tetrahydrofuran hydroperoxide and other similar compounds allow rapid conversion of PEI capped gold cations into AuNPs at room temperature thus controlling the functional ability of nanoparticles as a function of organic reducing agents. Both small and higher molecular weight PEI facilitates fast synthesis of AuNPs controlling cytotoxicity during in vivo biomedical applications. The AuNPs have been characterized by UV-Vis and transmission electron microscopy revealing excellent polycrystallinity and controlled nanogeometry. The cationic polymer coating enhances the electrocatalytic performances of nanoparticles. The typical biomedical application on glutathione (GSH) sensing based on peroxidase mimetic ability of as made AuNPs is studied. The as synthesized AuNPs are extreme salt and pH resistant and have potentiality for both homogeneous and heterogeneous biocatalysis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1191-1199, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation play an important role in regulating the pathophysiology of alcoholism. Chronic alcohol exposure leads to behavioral changes as well as decreased expression of genes associated with synaptic plasticity. In the liver, it has been documented that chronic alcohol exposure impairs methionine synthase ( Ms) activity leading to a decrease in S-adenosyl methionine/S-adenosyl homocysteine ( SAM/ SAH) ratio which results in DNA hypomethylation; however, it is not known whether similar alterations of SAM and SAH levels are also produced in brain. Methods Male adult Sprague Dawley rats were fed chronically with Lieber-DeCarli ethanol (EtOH) (9% v/v) or control diet. The EtOH-diet-fed rats were withdrawn for 0 and 24 hours. The cerebellum and liver tissues were dissected and used to investigate changes in one-carbon metabolism, SAM, and SAH levels. Results We found that chronic EtOH exposure decreased SAM levels, SAM/ SAH ratio, Ms, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, and betaine homocysteine methyltransferase ( Bhmt) expression and increased methionine adenosyltransferase-2b ( Mat2b) but not Mat2a expression in the liver. In contrast, chronic EtOH exposure decreased SAH levels, increased SAM/ SAH ratio and the expression of Mat2a and S-adenosyl homocysteine hydrolase, while the levels of SAM or Bhmt expression in cerebellum remained unaltered. However, in both liver and cerebellum, chronic EtOH exposure decreased the expression of Ms and increased Mat2b expression. All chronic EtOH-induced changes of one-carbon metabolism in cerebellum, but not liver, returned to near-normal levels during EtOH withdrawal. Conclusions These results indicate a decreased 'methylation index' in liver and an increased 'methylation index' in cerebellum. The opposing changes of the 'methylation index' suggest altered DNA methylation in liver and cerebellum, thus implicating one-carbon metabolism in the pathophysiology of alcoholism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorder ( AUD) is a complex brain disorder with an array of persistent behavioral and neurochemical manifestations. Both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to the development of AUD, and recent studies on alcohol exposure and subsequent changes in gene expression suggest the importance of epigenetic mechanisms. In particular, histone modifications and DNA methylation have emerged as important regulators of gene expression and associated phenotypes of AUD. Given the therapeutic potential of epigenetic targets, this review aims to summarize the role of epigenetic regulation in our current understanding of AUD by evaluating known epigenetic signatures of brain regions critical to addictive behaviors in both animal and human studies throughout various stages of AUD. More specifically, the effects of acute and chronic alcohol exposure, tolerance, and postexposure withdrawal on epigenetically induced changes to gene expression and synaptic plasticity within key brain regions and the associated behavioral phenotypes have been discussed. Understanding the contribution of epigenetic regulation to crucial signaling pathways may prove vital for future development of novel biomarkers and treatment agents in ameliorating or preventing AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap is one of the most commonly used donor sites in head and neck reconstruction, however, it is not typically considered when an osseous component is needed. Methods Soft tissue harvests, cadaveric study, and retrospective analysis of a series of 10 patients undergoing angiography were performed to assess vascular supply to the femoral cortex. In 6 patients, corticocancellous split-femur was incorporated into the ALT to reconstruct bony defects of the head and neck. Results There is a consistent blood supply to the femur from the lateral femoral circumflex artery both intraoperatively and on angiography. No fractures or orthopedic injuries have been seen to date. None of the patients had complications of bone harvest, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Conclusion The ALT osteomyocutaneous (ALTO) flap has consistent vascular anatomy to the femoral cortex. This flap provides additional corticocancellous bone and overlying vastus intermedius muscle for the reconstruction of complex craniofacial defects. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1788-1793, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The contribution of epigenetic factors, such as histone acetylation and DNA methylation, to the regulation of alcohol-drinking behavior has been increasingly recognized over the last several years. GADD45b is a protein demonstrated to be involved in DNA demethylation at neurotrophic factor gene promoters, including at brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( Bdnf) which has been highly implicated in alcohol-drinking behavior. Methods DNA methyltransferase-1 ( Dnmt1), 3a, and 3b, and Gadd45a, b, and g mRNA were measured in the nucleus accumbens ( NAc) and ventral tegmental areas of high ethanol ( Et OH) consuming C57 BL/6J (C57) and low alcohol consuming DBA/2J ( DBA) mice using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the NAc, GADD45b protein was measured via immunohistochemistry and Bdnf9a mRNA using in situ PCR. Bdnf9a promoter histone H3 acetylated at lysines 9 and 14 (H3K9,K14ac) was measured using chromatin immunoprecipitation, and 5-methylcytosine (5 MC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5 HMC) using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation. Alcohol-drinking behavior was evaluated in Gadd45b haplodeficient (+/−) and null mice (−/−) utilizing drinking-in-the-dark ( DID) and 2-bottle free-choice paradigms. Results C57 mice had lower levels of Gadd45b and g mRNA and GADD45b protein in the NAc relative to the DBA strain. C57 mice had lower NAc shell Bdnf9a mRNA levels, Bdnf9a promoter H3K9,K14ac, and higher Bdnf9a promoter 5 HMC and 5 MC. Acute Et OH increased GADD45b protein, Bdnf9a mRNA, and histone acetylation and decreased 5 HMC in C57 mice. Gadd45b +/− mice displayed higher drinking behavior relative to wild-type littermates in both DID and 2-bottle free-choice paradigms. Conclusions These data indicate the importance of the DNA demethylation pathway and its interactions with histone posttranslational modifications in alcohol-drinking behavior. Further, we suggest that lower DNA demethylation protein GADD45b levels may affect Bdnf expression possibly leading to altered alcohol-drinking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A polypyrrole (PPy) conductive polymer was electrochemically synthesized from pyrrole-cupric chloride (CuCl2)-H2O (system A) and pyrrole-CuCl2-sodium dodecyl sulfate-H2O (system B). Their morphologies and growth behavior were studied, and their aggregates were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and Fourier transform infrared studies. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern showed only one peak characteristic of PPy. In system B, the dimensions of the fractal patterns were calculated and found to be very close to the theoretical value of diffusion-limited aggregation. Various morphological transitions were observed at different field intensities and CuCl2 concentrations. Transmission electron spectroscopy studies revealed the formation of nanosized spherical particles 5-10 nm in size. For system B, a potassium-ion-selective electrode was constructed on the basis of a dibenzo-18-crown-6 impregnated poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membrane over a synthesized polymer-modified electrode. The electrode showed Nernstian behavior with a slope of 57 mV; this revealed the potential application of the as-synthesized material in the design of a solid-state ion-selective electrode. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42729. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The long-term consequences of adolescent alcohol abuse that persist into adulthood are poorly understood and have not been widely investigated. We have shown that intermittent exposure to alcohol during adolescence decreased the amplitude of GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-mediated tonic currents in hippocampal dentate granule cells in adulthood. The aim of this study was to investigate the enduring effects of chronic intermittent alcohol exposure during adolescence or adulthood on the expression of hippocampal GABAARs. Methods We used a previously characterized tissue fractionation method to isolate detergent resistant membranes and soluble fractions, followed by Western blots to measure GABAAR protein expression. We also measured mRNA levels of GABAAR subunits using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Although the protein levels of α1-, α4-, and δ-GABAAR subunits remained stable between postnatal day (PD) 30 (early adolescence) and PD71 (adulthood), the α5-GABAAR subunit was reduced across that period. In rats that were subjected to adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure between PD30 and PD46, there was a significant reduction in the protein levels of the δ-GABAAR, in the absence of any changes in mRNA levels, at 48 hours and 26 days after the last ethanol (EtOH) exposure. Protein levels of the α4-GABAAR subunit were significantly reduced, but mRNA levels were increased, 26 days (but not 48 hours) after the last AIE exposure. Protein levels of α5-GABAAR were not changed by AIE, but mRNA levels were reduced at 48 hours but normalized 26 days after AIE. In contrast to the effects of AIE, chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure during adulthood had no effect on expression of any of the GABAAR subunits examined. Conclusions AIE produced both short- and long-term alterations of GABAAR subunits mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus, whereas CIE produced no long-lasting effects on those measures. The observed reduction of protein levels of the δ-GABAAR, specifically, is consistent with previously reported altered hippocampal GABAAR-mediated electrophysiological responses after AIE. The absence of effects of CIE underscores the emerging view of adolescence as a time of distinctive vulnerability to the enduring effects of repeated EtOH exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol exposure affects neuronal plasticity in the adult and developing brain. Astrocytes play a major role in modulating neuronal plasticity and are a target of ethanol. Tissue plasminogen activator ( tPA) is involved in modulating neuronal plasticity by degrading the extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin and laminin and is up-regulated by ethanol in vivo. In this study we explored the hypothesis that ethanol affects DNA methylation in astrocytes thereby increasing expression and release of tPA. It was found that ethanol increased tPA mRNA levels, an effect mimicked by an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity. Ethanol also increased tPA protein expression and release, and inhibited DNMT activity with a corresponding decrease in DNA methylation levels of the tPA promoter. Furthermore, it was observed that protein levels of DNMT3A, but not DNMT1, were reduced in astrocytes after ethanol exposure. These novel studies show that ethanol inhibits DNA methylation in astrocytes leading to increased tPA expression and release; this effect may be involved in astrocyte-mediated inhibition of neuronal plasticity by alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface morphologies of CaF2 thin films prepared by electron beam evaporation technique were measured by atomic force microscopy. The films were bombarded by energetic ion beams of different fluences, which modified the surface morphology predominantly via the process of erosion. The dependence of the surface morphology on ion fluence was explored using multifractal analysis. It was found that the roughness of the film first decreased with ion fluence but increased at higher fluences. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The satellite datasets, namely, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission ( TRMM) MultiSatellite Precipitation Analysis ( TMPA) product, 3B42 version 6 and Global Precipitation Climatology Project ( GPCP) one-degree-daily ( 1DD) from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, have been validated against the 'ground truth' rain-gauge data from the India Meteorological Department for all-India during the period 1998-2007. The comparisons reveal that both the satellite datasets are good enough in representing the spatial rainfall distribution over India. The categorical statistics provides an insight in evaluating the satellite's ability and its accuracy in estimating the precipitation. The average bias along the heavy-rainfall regions (e.g. Western coast, Arunachal Pradesh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and east Uttaranchal) for the TMPA ( GPCP 1DD) is −8.03 (−8.29) mm d−1, whereas the mean is 7.47 (6.97) mm d−1, which signifies that the satellite datasets underestimate the Indian summer monsoon rainfall in sharp rainfall regions. Albeit, the TMPA excels over GPCP 1DD where the rainfall is mainly attributed to orography, yet both fail in capturing the extreme rainfall year, 2005. The satellite datasets do capture the intraseasonal oscillations as is evident from spectral analysis, whereas the empirical orthogonal function analysis of standardized daily and seasonal anomalies exemplifies that the satellite datasets also capture the dominant modes. Additionally, the active and the break spells calculated for the months of July and August for the satellite datasets are in agreement with the ones obtained for the rain-gauge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The function of nanometer-size quantum dots (QDs) of ternary compound semiconductors, such as InxGa1−xAs and ZnSe1−xTex, used in the fabrication of optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices can be optimized by precise tuning of their electronic band gap through control of the QD composition (x) and diameter. Results on compositional distributions in ternary QDs and how they affect the QDs' electronic band gap are reported. A hierarchical modeling approach is followed that combines first-principles density functional theory calculations and classical Monte Carlo simulations with a continuum model of species transport in spherical nanocrystals. In certain cases, the model predicts the formation of core/shell-like structures with shell regions rich in the surface segregating species. A systematic parametric analysis generates a database of transport properties, which can be used to design post-growth thermal annealing processes that enable the development of thermodynamically stable QDs with optimal electronic properties grown through simple one-step colloidal synthesis techniques. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3223-3236, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The linkages between the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the sea ice extent (SIE) in the Weddell Sea (South Atlantic) and the Bellingshausen-Amundsen Sea (South-Eastern Pacific) sectors of the Southern Ocean have been studied for the period 1979-2005 using crosswavelet analysis. The analysis showed that the relationship between the tropical expression of ENSO and the SIE in these two areas are different before and after 1992. Further, we investigated the structure and strength of the regional Ferrel cell (RFC) during El Niño and La Niña episodes using composite latitude-pressure cross-sections of wind anomalies for these two periods. Contrasting features were observed in the structure and strength of the RFC before and after 1992 in both, the South Atlantic and the South-Eastern Pacific. These modulations in the RFC control the heat transport from the tropics to high latitudes and hence the extent of sea ice in both the regions. We propose that the modulation of the RFC is responsible for the phase shift in the tropical-polar teleconnection. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent studies suggest that protracted and excessive alcohol use induces an epigenetic dysregulation in human and rodent brains. We recently reported that DNA methylation dynamics are altered in brains of psychotic ( PS) patients, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients. Because PS patients are often comorbid with chronic alcohol abuse, we examined whether the altered expression of multiple members of the DNA methylation/demethylation network observed in postmortem brains of PS patients was modified in PS patients with a history of chronic alcohol abuse. Methods DNA-methyltransferase-1 ( DNMT1) m RNA-positive neurons were counted in situ in prefrontal cortex samples obtained from the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center, Belmont, MA. 10-11-translocation ( TETs 1, 2, 3), apolipoprotein B editing complex enzyme ( APOBEC-3 C), growth and DNA-damage-inducible protein 45β ( GADD45β), and methyl-binding domain protein-4 ( MBD4) m RNAs were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in inferior parietal cortical lobule samples obtained from the Stanley Foundation Neuropathology Consortium, Bethesda, MD. Results We observed an increase in DNMT1 m RNA-positive neurons in PS patients compared with non-PS subjects. In addition, there was a pronounced decrease in APOBEC-3 C and a pronounced increase in GADD45β and TET1 m RNAs in PS patients with no history of alcohol abuse. In PS patients with a history of chronic alcohol abuse, the numbers of DNMT1-positive neurons were not increased significantly. Furthermore, the decrease in APOBEC-3C m RNA was less pronounced, while the increase in TET1 m RNA had a tendency to be potentiated in those PS patients that were chronic alcohol abusers. GADD45β and MBD4 m RNAs were not influenced by alcohol abuse. The effect of chronic alcohol abuse on DNA methylation/demethylation network enzymes cannot be attributed to confounding demographic variables or to the type and dose of medication used. Conclusions Based on these results, we hypothesize that PS patients may abuse alcohol as a potential attempt at self-medication to normalize altered DNA methylation/demethylation network pathways. However, before accepting this conclusion, we need to study alterations in the DNA methylation/demethylation pathways and the DNA methylation dynamics in a substantial number of alcoholic PS and non- PS patients. Additional investigation may also be necessary to determine whether the altered DNA methylation dynamics are direct or the consequence of an indirect interaction of alcohol with the neuropathogenetic mechanisms underlying psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon retention is a critical issue in arable farming of the Indian Himalayas. This study, conducted from 2001 through 2010 on a sandy clay loam soil, evaluated the effect of tillage alterations (conventional tillage [CT] and zero tillage [ZT]) and selected irrigation treatments (I1: pre‐sowing, I2: pre‐sowing + active tillering or crown root initiation, I3: pre‐sowing + active tillering or crown root initiation + panicle initiation or flowering, and I4: pre‐sowing + active tillering or crown root initiation + panicle initiation or flowering + grain filling), applied at the critical growth stages to rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on soil organic C (SOC) retention and its pools, soil aggregation, and aggregate‐associated C contents in the 0‐ to 30‐cm soil layer. Results indicate that the plots under ZT had nearly 17 and 14% higher total SOC and particulate organic C contents compared with CT (∼9.8 and 3.6 g kg−1 soil) in the 0‐ to 5‐cm soil layer after 9 yr of cropping, despite similar mean aboveground biomass yields of both crops on both CT and ZT plots. Tillage had no effect on C pools in the subsurface layers. Irrigation had positive impact on SOC content in the 0‐ to 5‐ and 5‐ to 15‐cm layers. Although the labile pools of SOC were positively affected by ZT, the recalcitrant pool was not. Plots under ZT and I4 also had higher large and small macroaggregates and macroaggregate‐associated SOC. Thus, adoption of ZT is the better management option for soil C improvement than CT, and irrigation generally enhances the positive impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hereby report a new conducting polymer-based calcium ion exchanger, namely polyindole-camphorsulfonic acid (PIn-CSA) composite, and its application in the development of calcium ion-selective electrode. The processable PIn-CSA composite is developed by homogenizing equimolar ratio of chemically synthesized PIn and CSA in tetrahydrofuran. The homogenized PIn-CSA composite is cast over the Pt disc electrode under ambient conditions. The ion-sensor exhibits near Nernstian response for Ca2+ over a concentration range of 2 × 10−5 to 1 × 10−2 M with a response time of 8 s. The sensor can be used for a period of over 3 months without any major drift in its baseline potential. The useful pH range of the ion-sensor was found out to be 4.0−8.0. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid tolerance to the anxiolytic effects of ethanol appears to be an important factor in the development of alcoholism. Here, we investigated the involvement of amygdaloid histone deacetylases (HDAC)-induced epigenetic changes in rapid ethanol tolerance (RET). Methods: RET in rats was induced by 2 ethanol injections administered 24 hours apart. Both ethanol-tolerant and control rats were treated with the HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), and anxiety-like behaviors were measured. HDAC activity, histone (H3 and H4) acetylation, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression in the amygdala of these rats were also measured. Results: A single ethanol exposure was able to produce an anxiolytic response, inhibit amygdaloid HDAC activity, and increase both histone acetylation and NPY expression (mRNA and protein levels) in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) and medial nucleus of amygdala (MeA) of rats. In contrast, 2 exposures of the same dose of ethanol (24 hours apart) neither elicited a similar anxiolytic response nor modulated HDAC activity, histone acetylation, or NPY expression in the amygdala. However, exposure to a higher dose of ethanol on the second day was able to produce an anxiolytic response and also inhibit amygdaloid HDAC activity. TSA treatment caused the reversal of RET by inhibiting HDAC activity, thereby increasing histone acetylation and NPY expression in the CeA and MeA. Conclusions: Cellular tolerance to the initial acute ethanol-induced inhibition of HDAC activity and the subsequent upregulation of histone acetylation and NPY expression in the amygdala may be involved in the mechanisms underlying rapid tolerance to the anxiolytic effects of ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innate anxiety appears to be a robust factor in the promotion of alcohol intake, possibly due to the anxiolytic effects of self-medication with alcohol. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its downstream target, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated (Arc) protein, play a role in the regulation of synaptic function and structure. In order to examine the role of the BDNF-Arc system and associated dendritic spines in the anxiolytic effects of ethanol, we investigated the effects of acute ethanol exposure on anxiety-like behaviors of alcohol-preferring (P) and -nonpreferring (NP) rats. We also examined changes in the expression of BDNF and Arc, and dendritic spine density (DSD), in amygdaloid brain regions of P and NP rats with or without ethanol exposure. It was found that in comparison with NP rats, P rats displayed innate anxiety-like behaviors, and had lower mRNA and protein levels of both BDNF and Arc, and also had lower DSD in the central amygdala (CeA) and medial amygdala (MeA), but not in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Acute ethanol treatment had an anxiolytic effect in P, but not in NP rats, and was associated with an increase in mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and Arc, and in DSD in the CeA and MeA, but not BLA. These results suggest that innate deficits in BDNF-Arc levels, and DSD, in the CeA and MeA may be involved in the anxiety-like and excessive alcohol-drinking behaviors of P rats, as ethanol increased these amygdaloid synaptic markers and produced anxiolytic effects in P rats, but not NP rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innate immunity is a pivotal defence system of higher organisms. Based on a limited number of receptors, it is capable of recognizing pathogens and to initiate immune responses. Major components of these innate immunity pathogen recognition receptors are the toll-like receptors (TLRs), a family of 11 in humans. They are all membrane bound and through dimerization and complex downstream signaling, TLRs elicit a variety of specific and profound effects. In recent years, the role of TLRs signaling was not only investigated in infection and inflammation but also in allergy. Fuelled by the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that allergies develop because of a change in microbial exposure and associated immune signals early in life, it had been speculated that alterations in TLRs signaling could influence allergy development. Thus, TLR genes, genetic variations of these genes, and their association with asthma and other atopic diseases were investigated in recent years. This review provides an overview of TLR genetics in allergic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel chitosan-anthraldehyde derivative film was prepared by the reaction of 79% deacetylated chitosan with 9-anthraldehyde with a hydrogel by a solution casting method. The prepared chitosan derivative film was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy of the absorption peak at 266 nm due to the presence of an anthracene ring. The crosslinking reaction showed significant changes in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum of the chitosan derivative film. The characteristic peak of CH&dbond;N stretching bands at 1610 cm-1 confirmed the formation of a Schiff base after the reaction of chitosan with 9-anthraldehyde. The film was evaluated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and second harmonic generation (SHG). The nature of the crystallinity of the chitosan derivative from X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the film may have had nonlinear optical properties. The chitosan derivative showed a redshifted emission maximum because of the electron-rich polymer main chain. No reabsorption of the second harmonic signal and no resonance enhancements were noticed during the SHG study; this indicated that the chitosan derivative possessed SHG ability. Overall, the chitosan derivative film opens new perspectives for optical material for biomedical applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The neuropeptide Y (NPY) system of the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) has been shown to be involved in anxiety and alcoholism. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which NPY in the CeA regulates anxiety and alcohol drinking behaviors using alcohol-preferring (P) rats as an animal model. Methods: Alcohol-preferring rats were bilaterally cannulated targeting the CeA and infused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) or NPY. Alcohol drinking and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by the 2-bottle free-choice paradigm and light/dark box (LDB) exploration test, respectively. The levels of NPY and related signaling proteins were determined by the gold immunolabeling procedure. The mRNA levels of NPY were measured by in situ RT-PCR. Double-immunofluorescence labeling was performed to observe the colocalization of NPY and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMK IV). Results: We found that NPY infusion into the CeA produced anxiolytic effects, as measured by the LDB exploration test, and also decreased alcohol intake in P rats. NPY infusion into the CeA significantly increased levels of CaMK IV and phosphorylated cAMP responsive element-binding (pCREB) protein and increased mRNA and protein levels of NPY, but produced no changes in protein levels of CREB or the catalytic α-subunit of protein kinase A (PKA-Cα) in the CeA. We also observed that alcohol intake produced anxiolytic effects in P rats in the LDB test and also increased NPY expression and protein levels of pCREB and PKA-Cα without modulating protein levels of CREB or CaMK IV, in both the CeA and medial nucleus of amygdala. In addition, we found that CaMK IV-positive cells were co-localized with NPY in amygdaloid structures of P rats. Conclusions: These results suggest that NPY infusion may increase the expression of endogenous NPY in the CeA, which is most likely attributable to an increase in CaMK IV-dependent CREB phosphorylation and this molecular mechanism may be involved in regulating anxiety and alcohol drinking behaviors of P rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which describes the methodology on the reconstruction of temperature (T) and salinity (S) fields in the Indian Ocean using array for real-time geostrophic oceanography (ARGO) data that result on a new comprehensive ocean atlas for Indian Ocean. It develops a new ocean climatology model through utilizing Delaunay Tessellation with QHull algorithm delivering three-dimensional T and S fields. The proposed approach improves ocean atlas with the addition of ARGO data.

The article presents a study on the development of ormosil-modified electrodes for opto-electrochemical applications. It demonstrates the link between the size of nano-structured domains or micro-porous geometry with electro-catalysis efficiency. The spectro-electrochemistry of organic redox materials, such as tetracyanoquinodimethane, tetrathiafulvalene, and ferrocene including hexacyanoferrate systems is examined. Also included is the application of ormosil materials in electrocatalysis of hydrogen peroxide and dopamine detection.

Background: Animal lines such as alcohol-preferring (P) and nonpreferring (NP) rats appear to be suitable animal models to investigate the biological basis of alcohol-drinking behaviors. The extended amygdala serves as a neuroanatomical substrate for alcohol-drinking behaviors. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the amygdala has been implicated in alcohol-drinking behaviors; however, its expression in the extended amygdala of P and NP rats is unknown. Therefore, we examined the basal expression of BDNF in the extended amygdala of alcohol naïve P and NP rats. Methods: We determined the basal mRNA and protein levels of BDNF by in situ RT-PCR and immuno-histochemical procedure, respectively, in the amygdaloid [central nucleus of amygdala (CeA), medial nucleus of amygdala (MeA), and basolateral amygdala (BLA)], nucleus accumbal (NAc shell and core), and bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) [lateral BNST (lBNST), medial BNST (mBNST), and ventral BNST (vBNST)] brain structures of P and NP rats. In addition, we examined the localization of BDNF in neurons using double-immunofluorescence labeling of BDNF with neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) and also determined the number of NeuN-positive neurons in the amygdaloid structures of P and NP rats. Results: The mRNA and protein levels of BDNF were found to be significantly lower in both the CeA and MeA, but not in the BLA, of P compared with NP rats. We also found that BDNF was expressed in neurons in the amygdaloid structures of P and NP rats. In addition, we found that the number of NeuN-positive neurons was similar in the amygdaloid structures of P and NP rats. Interestingly, the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF were also significantly lower in the lBNST, mBNST, and vBNST of P compared with NP rats. On the other hand, mRNA and protein levels of BDNF were similar in the NAc shell and core structures of P and NP rats. Conclusions: P and NP rats are selectively bred for higher and lower alcohol preference, respectively; therefore it is possible that lower BDNF levels in the amygdaloid and BNST structures may be associated with the excessive alcohol-drinking behaviors of P rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study on the sensitivity of the polypyrrole (PPY)-modified electrode made through electropolymerization of pyrrole monomer to different cations depending on the dopants present within microstructure of polymeric domain. This study also examined the electro-polymerization of p-toluenesulfonate (PTS)-doped PPY-modified electrode, made under both potentiodynamic and potentiostatic conditions.The results on pH sensing together stability of PPY-based pH sensor are cited.