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Management of perennial weeds has become increasingly complex with the reduction of herbicide use and tillage. Their capacity to store nutrients into vegetative organs and to regenerate to establish new individuals makes them very persistent and hard to control. A key aspect for managing perennial weeds is to minimise storage reserves to reduce vegetative regeneration. For that prospect, better knowledge of the regrowth capacities from storage organs is needed. Our work focused on the mechanistic understanding of belowground regrowth dynamics from fragments of Elymus repens rhizomes by analysing the effect of source and sink factors. The effect of rhizome fragment weight (i.e., source) and the number of regrowing buds and belowground shoots (i.e., sinks) was assessed for four mechanisms: sprouting, belowground shoot elongation, belowground shoot biomass to length conversion and biomass allocation to belowground shoots versus roots. Heavier fragments contributed to faster sprouting, faster belowground shoot elongation and increased the proportion of remobilised biomass allocated to belowground shoots. Higher belowground shoot density increased the proportion of remobilised biomass allocated to belowground shoots but decreased individual elongation rate. In other words, larger reserves resulted in a better regeneration capacity and a higher number of growing belowground shoots increased the competition for reserves among them. The belowground shoot that sprouted first on a fragment grew faster and dominated the other shoots on the same fragment. Dominant belowground shoots were located toward the apical end of the fragment. These findings support the fact that tillage should aim at cutting storage organs into the smallest fragments possible to reduce regeneration capacity. This study also emphasised that belowground regrowth mechanisms are complex, and further studies should investigate other species with different types of storage organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All the procedures before pressing seeds have a great influence on the flavor of cold‐pressed rapeseed oil. However, the studies on the modification of aroma caused by inappropriate storage leading to sprouting are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effects of sprouting on the metabolome and volatilome of rapeseed cold‐pressed oil and press cakes. The presence of 56 and 21 nonvolatile metabolites is detected in seeds/press cakes and oil, respectively. Sprouting significantly affects the total contents of all groups of compounds, except sugars. At the same time, 375 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are detected. The abundance of VOCs in sprouted oil is almost threefold higher compared to control oil, with the biggest contribution of sulfur‐containing compounds (dimethyl sulfide), glucosinolate derivatives (4‐isothiocyanato‐1‐butene), and aldehydes (3‐methylbutanal). A similar tendency is observed in press cake. Moreover, sprouting results in the biggest number of VOCs detected only in this oil (61). The abundance of aroma‐active compounds is much higher in sprouted products compared to corresponding controls, which has a confirmation in sensory analysis. This study shows that simultaneous volatilomics and metabolomics can be used to track the changes in the oil quality caused by the inappropriate storage of seeds. Sprouting leads to metabolic changes in seeds, which intensify the formation of new VOCs and consequently aroma of oils. Practical applications: The results of this study will help to understand the formation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the processing and production of cold‐pressed rapeseed oil. The combination of VOCs with nonvolatile precursors can help to understand the pathways involved in VOCs formation. Moreover, the oil obtained from sprouted seeds is characterized by many VOCs not present in control oil, which can potentially be used to develop tools for quick evaluation if the seeds used for pressing initiated sprouting, which can lead to changes in its sensory quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Vesicular trafficking dictates protein localization, functional activity, and half‐life, providing a critically important regulatory step in tissue development; however, there is little information detailing endothelial‐specific trafficking signatures. This is due, in part, to limitations in visualizing trafficking events in endothelial tissues. Our aim in this investigation was to explore the use of a 3‐dimensional (3D) in vitro sprouting model to image endothelial membrane trafficking events. Methods: Endothelial cells were challenged to grow sprouts in a fibrin bead assay. Thereafter, spouts were transfected with fluorescent proteins and stained for various cell markers. Sprouts were then imaged for trafficking events using live and fixed‐cell microscopy. Results: Our results demonstrate that fibrin bead sprouts have a strong apicobasal polarity marked by apical localization of proteins moesin and podocalyxin. Comparison of trafficking mediators Rab27a and Rab35 between 3D sprouts and 2D culture showed that vesicular carriers can be imaged at high resolution, exhibiting proper membrane polarity solely in 3D sprouts. Lastly, we imaged exocytic events of von Willebrand Factor and demonstrated a distinct imaging advantage for monitoring secretion events in 3D sprouts as compared with 2D culture. Conclusions: Our results establish that the fibrin bead sprouting assay is well‐suited for imaging of trafficking events during angiogenic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system display an enormous capacity for circuit formation during development but not later in life. In principle, new circuits could be also formed in adult brain, but the absence of the developmental milieu and the presence of growth inhibition and hundreds of working circuits are generally viewed as unsupportive for such a process. Here, we bring together evidence from different areas of neuroscience—such as neurological disorders, adult‐brain neurogenesis, innate behaviours, cell grafting, and in vivo cell reprogramming—which demonstrates robust circuit formation in adult brain. In some cases, adult‐brain rewiring is ongoing and required for certain types of behaviour and memory, while other cases show significant promise for brain repair in disease models. Together, these examples highlight that the adult brain has higher capacity for structural plasticity than previously recognized. Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind this retained plasticity has the potential to advance basic knowledge regarding the molecular organization of synaptic circuits and could herald a new era of neural circuit engineering for therapeutic repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprouting is a traditional processing method which has been used for centuries to improve the nutritional value of cereals and legumes. There has been growing interest in sprouted products in recent years due to a high demand for more natural and healthy foods. Phytate is the primary storage form of phosphorus in plants. It is long recognised to affect human health as it forms insoluble complexes with minerals such as iron and zinc in cereals and legumes, thereby preventing their absorption in the body. Sprouting activates the enzyme phytase, which degrades phytate, thereby improving mineral bioaccessibility and bioavailability. The extent of phytate reduction varies depending on the sprouting conditions, cereal/legume species, cultivar and native phytase activity. Sprouting has been associated with increased iron, zinc and calcium bioaccessibility in many studies, but this appears to differ in cereals and legumes, which possibly is due to the presence of other 'antinutrients'. Protein digestibility also appears to be positively correlated with phytate reduction albeit less than for minerals. It is not possible to accurately predict the influence of sprouting on nutrient bioavailability because so few studies have been conducted. Further research is required to determine whether the commercial production of sprouted cereals and legumes can increase the nutritional value and health benefits of commercial end products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aim to quantitatively characterize the crosstalk between VEGF‐ and FGF‐mediated angiogenic signaling and endothelial sprouting, to gain mechanistic insights and identify novel therapeutic strategies. Methods: We constructed an experimentally validated hybrid agent‐based mathematical model that characterizes endothelial sprouting driven by FGF‐ and VEGF‐mediated signaling. We predicted the total sprout length, number of sprouts, and average length by the mono‐ and co‐stimulation of FGF and VEGF. Results: The experimentally fitted and validated model predicts that FGF induces stronger angiogenic responses in the long‐term compared with VEGF stimulation. Also, FGF plays a dominant role in the combination effects in endothelial sprouting. Moreover, the model suggests that ERK and Akt pathways and cellular responses contribute differently to the sprouting process. Last, the model predicts that the strategies to modulate endothelial sprouting are context‐dependent, and our model can identify potential effective pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic targets under different conditions and study their efficacy. Conclusions: The model provides detailed mechanistic insight into VEGF and FGF interactions in sprouting angiogenesis. More broadly, this model can be utilized to identify targets that influence angiogenic signaling leading to endothelial sprouting and to study the effects of pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific literature is evident that the germinated seeds possess a promising potential for essential nutrients, flavors, and textural attributes over nongerminated grain. In recent decades, sprouting has also been investigated as a potential green food engineering technique to boost the nutritive profile of grains. Sprouting grains have multifold applications in different fields such as baking, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. During sprouting, shifting of molecular structures to macroscopic takes place. Sprouting reactivates the grain metabolism which leads to the catabolism and degradation of antinutrient and macronutrient compounds. These modifications have an effect on human health and on the nutritional content of the foodstuffs. Sprouting grains have high bioactivity against diabetes and cancer. Germination is also an outstanding green food development technique to increase the seed nutritive profile in terms of quality. The present review focuses on the sprouting of grains, changes in nutritional profile, and the technological exploration of sprouted grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resumption of blood supply in spinal cord (SC) after injury is a prerequisite of its recovery. To expose the mechanisms of damaged SC revascularization we have used an organotypic SC/aortic fragments (AF) co-culture where, as we showed previously, damaged SC tissue induces AF cell sprouting but repels them away. Supplementation of culture medium with exogenous VEGF-A165 redirects the migrating aortic endothelial cells towards SC tissue. This effect and the pattern of sFlt1 expression (a soluble form of VEGFR1) suggest that the low level of SC-secreted VEGF and the presence of sFlt1 in SC slices together prevent the migration of aortic CD31+ cells to the SC in the absence of exogenous VEGF. VEGF-A165 supplementation sequesters this inhibitory activity of sFlt1 by direct binding thus allowing CD31+ cell migration in to SC tissue. Proteome analysis has shown that migration/proliferation of CD31+ and aSMA+ aortic cells in neuronal culture medium used in our SC/AF model (which obstruct sprouting by itself) was resumed by combined action of several pro- (aFGF, bFGF, Osteopontin, TF, IGFBP2, SDF1) and anti-angiogenic (Endostatin/Collagen18) factors. The mutual influence of AF and SC tissues is a key factor balancing these factors and thus driving endothelial sprouting in SC injury zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal sexual reproduction in relation to fire effects varies in Fabaceae species. Calliandra species have a large investment in reproduction. We investigated the consequences of fire during the fruiting period of Calliandra parviflora Benth., by checking fruit exposure to fire, pre‐dispersal seed predator infestation, and the effect of fruit burning on germination. We conducted this study in a floodable savanna in central Brazil, where we collected burnt and unburnt fruits. We measured the fruit and seed mass, and counted the number of damaged and undamaged seeds and live larvae per fruit. We analyzed the seed germination percentage from burnt and unburnt fruits. The burnt fruits presented greater mass than the unburnt fruits, despite their seed mass being similar. The number of damaged seeds per fruit was only slightly higher in burnt compared to unburnt fruits (p = 0.047). The number of larvae on pre‐dispersal seeds per fruit varied from 0 to 4 and did not differ between burnt and unburnt fruits. The germination percentage of unburnt fruit seeds (mean = 22 ± 17%), was significantly higher than that of burnt fruit (mean = 3.0 ± 2.0%, p < 0.001). Fire during fruiting or pre‐dispersion decreases seed germination from 22 to 3%, but it does not hurt vegetative regeneration or resprout capacity of C. parviflora, which is a facultative seeder. Hence, we suggest that C. parviflora has potential for post‐fire restoration in floodable open grassy savannas, in the ecotone between Cerrado and Pantanal, because this species may sprout quickly after first post‐fire rains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Sprouted grain products meet consumer demands for foods with clean label ingredient statements and plant‐based origins. The purpose of this study was to optimize oat cultivar, sprouting time and temperature, and preservation technique to produce a sprouted oat powder ingredient that could be stored and later added to oat flour to produce a sweetened paste for use in creating cereal bars and other products. Findings: During sprouting at 16°C, Paul cv., GMI 423 cv., Souris cv. and Horsepower cv. oats had higher alpha‐amylase activity than the other 10 cultivars evaluated. During 4‐week ambient storage, Paul decreased in alpha‐amylase activity for both oven‐dried and freeze‐dried samples, whereas Horsepower remained constant, with freeze‐drying being the superior preservation method. Optimal temperature for sugar production in a slurry of sprouted Horsepower oats, oat flour, and water heated for up to 6 hr was 55°C. Conclusions: Horsepower cv. oats, sprouted for 120 hr at 24°C, can be freeze‐dried and stored up to 4 weeks without a decrease in alpha‐amylase activity. Subsequent addition of this enhanced amylase powder to oat flour increased sugar production. Significance and novelty: Oat products containing sprouted oat powder have the market advantage of a simpler ingredient list, being sweetened with sugars hydrolyzed from oat starch using endogenous oat enzymes. The potential for using endogenous enzymes in oats to produce a clean label oat sweetener has not been reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of domestic storage conditions on total reducing sugars and free asparagine in fresh potatoes to understand the implications for acrylamide‐forming potential. Current advice to consumers is that potatoes should be stored in a dark cool place, but not in the refrigerator based on an expectation that home storage in the refrigerator will result in "cold sweetening" and increased acrylamide‐forming potential. Potato tubers of two common varieties (King Edward and Nectar) were obtained from four independent sources and were sampled from commercial store conditions on three occasions between November 2018 and May 2019. Tuber reducing sugar contents were assessed under conditions that mimicked home storage, at either 18 or 5°C during a 15‐day treatment period. There was a similar pattern of reducing sugar content in tubers from all four sources. For tubers stored at 5°C, reducing sugar levels showed little or no variation over the 15‐day time‐course. Differences in reducing sugar contents between varieties and between the source of tubers of the same variety were far higher than those observed dependent on cold storage. For tubers stored at 18°C, total reducing sugar levels remained the same or decreased over 15 days of storage. Decreases in sugar content were not consistent between samples, varying by sampling point, source and cultivar. Tuber asparagine content was independent of storage temperature with no significant differences in asparagine observed between tuber samples stored at 5 or 18°C for 15 days. In some tuber samples, storage at 5°C significantly retarded sprouting compared with samples stored at 18°C, indicating the potential for refrigerator storage to extend shelf life and reduce waste. The premise that home storing potato tubers at 5°C postpurchase increases levels of reducing sugars and therefore acrylamide‐forming potential is not supported by these data. Much larger sources of variation were from other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare form of breast cancer associated with increased angiogenesis and metastasis, is largely driven by tumor‐stromal interactions with the vasculature and the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, there is currently a lack of understanding of the role these interactions play in initiation and progression of the disease. In this study, we developed the first three‐dimensional, in vitro, vascularized, microfluidic IBC platform to quantify the spatial and temporal dynamics of tumor‐vasculature and tumor‐ECM interactions specific to IBC. Platforms consisting of collagen type 1 ECM with an endothelialized blood vessel were cultured with IBC cells, MDA‐IBC3 (HER2+) or SUM149 (triple negative), and for comparison to non‐IBC cells, MDA‐MB‐231 (triple negative). Acellular collagen platforms with endothelialized blood vessels served as controls. SUM149 and MDA‐MB‐231 platforms exhibited a significantly (p <.05) higher vessel permeability and decreased endothelial coverage of the vessel lumen compared to the control. Both IBC platforms, MDA‐IBC3 and SUM149, expressed higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (p <.05) and increased collagen ECM porosity compared to non‐IBCMDA‐MB‐231 (p <.05) and control (p <.01) platforms. Additionally, unique to the MDA‐IBC3 platform, we observed progressive sprouting of the endothelium over time resulting in viable vessels with lumen. The newly sprouted vessels encircled clusters of MDA‐IBC3 cells replicating a key feature of in vivo IBC. The IBC in vitro vascularized platforms introduced in this study model well‐described in vivo and clinical IBC phenotypes and provide an adaptable, high throughput tool for systematically and quantitatively investigating tumor‐stromal mechanisms and dynamics of tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live tissues require vascular networks for cell nourishing. Mimicking the complex structure of native vascular networks in vitro requires understanding the governing factors of early tubulogenesis. Current vascularization protocols allow for spontaneous formation of vascular networks; however, there is still a need to provide control over the defined network structure. Moreover, there is little understanding on sprouting decision and migration, especially within 3D environments. Here, tessellated polymer scaffolds with various compartment geometries and a novel two‐step seeding protocol are used to study vessel sprouting decisions. Endothelial cells first organize into hollow vessels tracing the shape contour with high fidelity. Subsequent sprouts emerge in specific directions, responding to compartment geometry. Time‐lapse imaging is used to track vessel migration, evidencing that sprouts frequently emerge from the side centers, mainly migrating toward opposing corners, where the density of support cells (SCs) is the highest, providing the highest levels of angiogenic factors. SCs distribution is quantified by smooth muscle actin expression, confirming the cells preference for curved compartment surfaces and corners. Displacements within the hydrogel correlate with SCs distribution during the initial tubulogenesis phase. This work provides new insight regarding vessel sprouting decisions that should be considered when designing scaffolds for vascularized engineered tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: Quantifying tree species persistence through recurrent disturbances is of crucial importance for understanding forest dynamics in typhoon‐prone regions. We ask the following: (a) What are the major determinants of dominant tree survival in frequently typhoon‐disturbed forests? (b) Are survival determinants different between small and large trees? Location: A subtropical old‐growth forest located in Fushan, Taiwan (24°45′34″N, 121°33′58″E), with frequent typhoon disturbances. Methods: Data were from three consecutive censuses of a 25‐ha permanent forest plot that censused trees ≥1 cm in diameter every five years. The survival of three dominant tree species was modeled using generalized additive model and boosted trees with abiotic and biotic predictors. We evaluated model performance using validation data obtained from the two available census intervals. Results: Model validations showed that multi‐stemming and tree size enhanced the survival of large and small trees, respectively. For the most dominant species, multi‐stemming had a consistently positive effect on survival irrespective of diameter classes. Abiotic factors and conspecific density had little effect on tree survival. Furthermore, evaluating model performance based on the data used in the model construction (i.e., training data) overestimated the predictive ability of survival models. Conclusions: We showed that the survival determinants for the three most dominant species at Fushan changed from tree size for small trees to multi‐stemming for large trees. The results suggest that the dominant species in this frequently typhoon‐disturbed forest have the stature and architectural traits to persist, and thereby maintain their dominance and shape the forest physiognomy. Our approach illustrates how datasets from different census periods can be used in model validation to better assess model performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Pre‐harvest sprouting of wheat is viewed negatively because of the high level of enzymatic activity, which leads to a deterioration in the bread‐making performance of the related flours. On the other hand, improvements in bread properties (i.e. volume and crumb softness) are reported when sprouted wheat under controlled conditions is used in mixtures with a conventional unsprouted flour. However, knowledge about the effects of sprouting on gluten functionality and its relationship with bread features is still limited, especially in the case of whole wheat flour. RESULTS: Under the conditions applied in this study (48 h, 20 °C and 90% relative humidity), proteins of sprouted wheat were still able to aggregate, even if changes in gluten aggregation kinetics suggested gluten weakening. On the other hand, sprouting led to an increase in gluten stretching ability, suggesting an increase in dough extensibility. In the dough system, sprouting was responsible for a decrease in water absorption, development time, and stability during mixing. However, when the values for development time and water absorption indicated by the Farinograph® were followed carefully, sprouting improved bread height (~20%), specific volume (~15%), and crumb softness (~200% after 24 h of storage), even when whole wheat flour was used. CONCLUSION: It is possible to produce bread with improved volume and crumb softness using whole wheat flour from sprouted kernels. Thus, sprouting can be exploited as a pre‐treatment to improve the bread‐making performance of fiber‐enriched systems. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than half of spinal cord injury (SCI) cases occur in the cervical region, leading to respiratory dysfunction due to damaged neural circuitry that controls critically important muscles such as the diaphragm. The C3-C5 spinal cord is the location of phrenic motor neurons (PhMNs) that are responsible for diaphragm activation; PhMNs receive bulbospinal excitatory drive predominately from supraspinal neurons of the rostral ventral respiratory group (rVRG). Cervical SCI results in rVRG axon damage, PhMN denervation, and consequent partial-to-complete paralysis of hemidiaphragm. In a rat model of C2 hemisection SCI, we expressed the axon guidance molecule, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), selectively at the location of PhMNs (ipsilateral to lesion) to promote directed growth of rVRG axons toward PhMN targets by performing intraspinal injections of adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2)-BDNF vector. AAV2-BDNF promoted significant functional diaphragm recovery, as assessed by in vivo electromyography. Within the PhMN pool ipsilateral to injury, AAV2-BDNF robustly increased sprouting of both spared contralateral-originating rVRG axons and serotonergic fibers. Furthermore, AAV2-BDNF significantly increased numbers of putative monosynaptic connections between PhMNs and these sprouting rVRG and serotonergic axons. These findings show that targeting circuit plasticity mechanisms involving the enhancement of synaptic inputs from spared axon populations is a powerful strategy for restoring respiratory function post-SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: The aim of this research was to gain a deeper insight into the effect caused by the addition of sprouted oat to food products. The effect of temperature and duration of the sprouting process was systematically studied by sprouting oat grains between 10 and 30°C for up to 3 days. Findings: Overall, it was found that temperatures between 20 and 25°C yield the most dramatic changes in the properties of sprouted oats. Based on the data, a simple system to characterize the sprouting progress by a visual inspection of the lengths of the coleoptile and radicles was developed. This degree of sprouting (DoS) was correlated with further grain properties. Conclusions: It was found that an exponential relationship between the DoS and grain properties existed. Furthermore, the observed increase in the reducing sugar content (up to 14.6 g/100 g) with increasing DoS was closely related to the increase in α‐amylase activity (up to 25 U/g). Significance and novelty: The good predictive power found indicates that the application of the concept degree of sprouting could develop into a reliable characterization method for sprouted grains usable for product development and specification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This research investigated the evolution of functional, pasting and thermal properties of durum wheat (Triticum durum) with sprouting time. Particle size, flour and flour gel hydration properties (Water Holding Capacity (WHC), Swelling Volume (SV), Water Absorption Index (WAI), Water Solubility Index (WSI), Swelling Power (SP)), Oil Absorption Capacity (OAC), Pasting and thermal properties were evaluated on different sprouting time: 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h. Results showed that more than 12 h decreased significantly particle size, WHC(−14.8%), SV (−19%), SP (−14%) and WAI (−36.5%) while WSI (+383%) and OAC (+7.3%) increased. Pasting properties drastically decreased with sprouting time. DSC results showed a significant increase in onset temperature (T0) (from 55.2 to 58.2 °C), peak temperature (Tp) (from 62.4 to 63.8 °C) while conclusion temperature Tc decreased (from 76 to 72.6 °C). Despite these changes, sprouted whole wheat flour could be suggested as an improver of some cereal products' functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Intentional sprouting of grain to modify grain products nutritional composition and flavor has been in practice for thousands of years. However, few studies have tested the impact of controlled sprouting on wheat flour functionality and flavor. In this study, grain of nine hard red spring (HRS) wheat (Triticum aestivum L) cultivars was sprouted with the goal of attaining a falling number (FN) value of 200 from a starting FN of 350 s. Paired samples of sprouted and sound HRS grain were then assayed for nutritional composition, functionality in bread baking, and in bread taste tests. Findings: Sprouting reduced grain hardness and test weight while increasing grain color brightness, yellowness, and redness. Whole‐sprouted grain flour had twice the alpha amylase activity and a large decrease in flour swelling power relative to sound grain flour. Sprouted flour also contained increased free amino acids and monosaccharides while having decreased sugar alcohol content. Total dietary fiber trended down in the sprouted grain flour while starch content remained unchanged. Whole‐grain flour color parameters were relatively unaltered by sprouting. Sprouting reduced dough mix times while increasing loaf volume. Sensory panel evaluations demonstrated that testers preferred bread prepared from sprouted grain flour to bread prepared from sound grain while also finding that sprouted grain bread tasted less bitter and grainy while also being perceived as sweeter and moister. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that controlled sprouting of wheat grain could be used to increase whole‐grain flour functionality in bread baking and consumer acceptability of whole‐grain foods. Significance and novelty: Sprouting of wheat to a FN of ~200 increases loaf volume and consumer preference of whole‐grain bread. Greater consumer acceptability could lead to increased consumption of whole‐grain bread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sprouting is known to improve cereal and pulse nutritional properties. However, several outbreaks of illness have been reported after raw sprout consumption. This research aimed to improve wheat sprout hygienic properties through the use of zinc diacetate. Sprouting conditions (sprouting temperature, soaking time and zinc diacetate solution concentration) were optimized to decrease total plate count, coliforms, and molds and yeasts using a factorial design approach and a desirability function. Results: Based on the responses, the effects of variables were calculated and the interactions between them were determined. Optimal conditions were defined as follows: sprouting temperature 18 °C, soaking time 0.66 h and zinc diacetate concentration 400 mg L−1. These conditions led to the elimination of coliforms and a decrease in total flora count by 2 log. Interestingly, zinc sprouting increased the zinc content of sprouts and improved their nutritional properties. Conclusion: Results showed that the use of zinc solution is a useful tool to improve sprout hygienic and nutritional properties. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprouting induces activation and de novo synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes that make nutrients available for plant growth and development. Consumption of sprouted grains is suggested to be beneficial for human health. Positive consumer perceptions about sprouted cereals have resulted in new food and beverage product launches. However, because there is no generally accepted definition of "sprouting," it is unclear when grains are to be called sprouted. Moreover, guidelines about how much sprouted grain material food products should contain to exert health benefits are currently lacking. Accordingly, there is no regulatory base to develop appropriate food labeling for "sprouted foods." This review describes the nutritional and technological properties of sprouted grains in relation to processing conditions and provides guidelines to optimize sprouting practices in order to maximize nutritive value. Relatively long sprouting times (3 to 5 days) and/or high processing temperatures (25 to 35 °C) are needed to maximize the de novo synthesis and/or release of plant bioactive compounds. Nutrient compositional changes resulting from sprouting are often associated with health benefits. However, supportive data from clinical studies are very scarce, and at present it is impossible to draw any conclusion on health benefits of sprouted cereals. Finally, grains sprouted under the above‐mentioned conditions are generally unfit for use in traditional food processing and it is challenging to use sprouted grains as ingredients without compromising their nutrient content. The present review provides a basis for better defining what "sprouting" is, and to help further research and development efforts in this field as well as future food regulations development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoglin, a TGF-β coreceptor predominantly expressed in endothelial cells, plays an important role in vascular development and tumor-associated angiogenesis. However, the mechanism by which endoglin regulates angiogenesis, especially during tip cell formation, remains largely unknown. In this study, we report that endoglin promoted VEGF-induced tip cell formation. Mechanistically, endoglin interacted with VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2 in a VEGF-dependent manner, which sustained VEGFR2 on the cell surface and prevented its degradation. Endoglin mutants deficient in the ability to interact with VEGFR2 failed to sustain VEGFR2 on the cell surface and to promote VEGF-induced tip cell formation. Further, an endoglin-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb), TRC105, cooperated with a VEGF-A targeting mAb, bevacizumab, to inhibit VEGF signaling and tip cell formation in vitro and to inhibit tumor growth, metastasis, and tumor-associated angiogenesis in a murine tumor model. This study demonstrate a novel mechanism by which endoglin initiates and regulates VEGF-driven angiogenesis while providing a rationale for combining anti-VEGF and anti-endoglin therapy in patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fermentation and sprouting have been shown to increase nutrient bioavailability and modify the functional properties of foods. Application of these methods in the preparation of infant foods and complementing cereals with legumes will address nutrient density and viscosity problems associated with infant foods. Infant foods were formulated from blends of treated bambara nut and pearl millet. Functional properties, pasting properties, and sensory acceptability of the blends were studied. Millet and bambara nut were soaked separately in water and allowed to ferment for 48 hr at room temperature. While for sprouting, millet and bambara nut were soaked for 12 and 24 hr, respectively, at room temperature, and soaked seeds were separately sprouted for 48 hr. After fermentation and sprouting, the seeds were oven‐dried and then milled into a flour of 0.6 mm size. The flours were formulated to six (A, B, C, D, E, and F) complementary diets. The results show that sample E had the suitable water absorption capacity, while, for oil absorption capacity, various blends showed suitability except samples A and B. In terms of swelling capacity, sample F (6.52 ± 0.01%) was the suitable at 60°C. Treatment and blending significantly influenced trough, final viscosity, and pasting time. In sensory acceptability, sample B was adjudged the best. This study revealed that sample C was the best in respect to functional and pasting properties for infant food; however, sample B received the best general acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points: Spinal compression injury targeted to the neonatal upper lumbar spinal cord, the region of highest hindlimb locomotor rhythmogenicity, leads to an initial paralysis of the hindlimbs. Behavioural recovery is evident within a few days and approaches normal function within about 3 weeks. Fictive locomotion in the isolated injured spinal cord cannot be elicited by a neurochemical cocktail containing NMDA, dopamine and serotonin 1 day post‐injury, but can 3 days post‐injury as readily as in the uninjured spinal cord. Low frequency coordinated rhythmic activity can be elicited in the isolated uninjured spinal cord by NMDA + dopamine (without serotonin), but not in the isolated injured spinal cord. In both the injured and uninjured spinal cord, eliciting bona fide fictive locomotion requires the additional presence of serotonin. Abstract: Following incomplete compression injury in the thoracic spinal cord of neonatal mice 1 day after birth (P1), we previously reported that virtually normal hindlimb locomotor function is recovered within about 3 weeks despite substantial permanent thoracic tissue loss. Here, we asked whether similar recovery occurs following lumbar injury that impacts more directly on the locomotor central pattern generator (CPG). As in thoracic injuries, lumbar injuries caused about 90% neuronal loss at the injury site and increased serotonergic innervation below the injury. Motor recovery was slower after lumbar than thoracic injury, but virtually normal function was attained by P25 in both cases. Locomotor CPG status was tested by eliciting fictive locomotion in isolated spinal cords using a widely used neurochemical cocktail (NMDA, dopamine, serotonin). No fictive locomotion could be elicited 1 day post‐injury, but could within 3 days post‐injury as readily as in age‐matched uninjured control spinal cords. Burst patterning and coordination were largely similar in injured and control spinal cords but there were differences. Notably, in both groups there were two main locomotor frequencies, but injured spinal cords exhibited a shift towards the higher frequency. Injury also altered the neurochemical dependence of locomotor CPG output, such that injured spinal cords, unlike control spinal cords, were incapable of generating low frequency rhythmic coordinated activity in the presence of NMDA and dopamine alone. Thus, the neonatal spinal cord also exhibits remarkable functional recovery after lumbar injuries, but the neurochemical sensitivity of locomotor circuitry is modified in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a handful of non-human animals are known to grow their own food by cultivating high-yield fungal or algal crops as staple food. Here we report an alternative strategy utilized by an omnivorous marine worm, Hediste diversicolor, to supplement its diet: gardening by sprouting seeds. In addition to having many other known feeding modes, we showed using video recordings and manipulative mesocosm experiments that this species can also behave like gardeners by deliberately burying cordgrass seeds in their burrows, which has been previously shown to reduce the loss of seeds to water. These seeds, however, are protected by the seed husk, and we used feeding experiments to show that they were not edible for H. diversicolor until they had sprouted or the seed husk had been artificially removed. Additionally, sprouts were shown to be highly nutritious, permitting higher growth rates in H. diversicolor than the low-quality basal food, detritus. We propose both a proximate cause (seed husk as a physical barrier) and ultimate cause (nutritional demand) for this peculiar feeding behavior. Our findings suggest that sprouting may be a common strategy used by seed-collecting animals to exploit nutrients from well-protected seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions Secondary succession in the tropics can follow alternative pathways. Land-use history is known to engender alternative successional communities, but the underlying mechanisms driving and sustaining divergence remain unclear. In this study we aim to answer the following questions: (1) does previous land use act as a filter for species composition in secondary forests; and (2) what are the relative roles of management practices, soil properties and landscape composition in determining species composition? Location Central Amazon, Brazil. Methods We sampled trees, shrubs and palms (≥1cm diameter) in 38 early secondary forests (5 yr after abandonment) located along gradients of land-use intensity in five shifting cultivation landscapes. We measured the diameter and height of each sampled plant, identified it to species or morpho-species level and checked if it was resprouting or not. At each secondary forest we also collected soil samples for chemical and physical analyses and estimated the amount of old-growth forest surrounding it (landscape composition). Results We found that previous land-use intensity determined species composition. With increasing land-use intensity, management practices of cut-and-burn and associated reduction in soil quality filtered out seed-dependent species and favoured strong sprouters and species that can cope with low nutrient availability. Landscape composition had a weak effect on species assemblages. We found specific species assemblages and indicator species associated with different levels of previous land-use intensity. As a consequence of these local filters, species α- and β-diversity decreased and therefore early successional communities became more similar to each other. Conclusion Species composition of successional forests is strongly determined by different land-use intensities. Dispersal limitation has a limited effect on determining the composition of the dominant species. Filtering effects of management practices and soil quality determine the species dominating the canopy at early stages of succession and narrow down the range of species able to colonize and establish. This study highlights how land use shapes successional communities and suggests that alternative successional pathways are determined at early stages of succession. Therefore, accounting for land-use history is crucial to improve the understanding of tropical secondary succession. We present a list of indicator species for different levels of previous land-use intensity that can be used to support conservation and restoration decisions in the Amazon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galectins are carbohydrate binding proteins that function in many key cellular processes. We have previously demonstrated that galectins are essential for tumor angiogenesis and their expression is associated with disease progression. Targeting galectins is therefore a potential anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer strategy. Here, we used a rational approach to generate antibodies against a specific member of this conserved protein family, i.e. galectin-1. We characterized two novel mouse monoclonal antibodies that specifically react with galectin-1 in human, mouse and chicken. We demonstrate that these antibodies are excellent tools to study galectin-1 expression and function in a broad array of biological systems. In a potential diagnostic application, radiolabeled antibodies showed specific targeting of galectin-1 positive tumors. In a therapeutic setting, the antibodies inhibited sprouting angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, underscoring the key function of galectin-1 in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in carbohydrates, enzymes, and pigments were investigated in the Red Garlic ( Allium sativum L.) cv. Azarshahr bulbs in storage from harvest to sprouting. For storage period, garlic cloves of the same diameter with 3-4 g weight were arranged in dark condition and exposed to 4 and 21°C, separately. Soluble sugar, total sugar, glucose, sucrose, fructose, starch, chlorophyll a, b, ab, carotenoid, anthocyanin, lipase, α-amylase, and protease were measured every 2 weeks up to sprouting time. Result revealed that starch, lipase, and protease levels declined at the end of storage when clove sprouting started at both 4 and 21°C storage temperature. Starch, glucose, chlorophyll a, b, ab, and carotenoid content during the first 14 days and sucrose at 42 days showed a decreasing trend. Anthocyanin showed an increasing trend 14 and 42 days after harvesting and then decreased at the end of storage (when sprouting began) at both 4 and 21°C storage periods. Finally, starch, glucose, and sucrose measurement can be used as a criterion to predict sprouting time of garlic, due to the decrease in the levels of starch, lipase, and protease, and increase in the levels of α-amylase, glucose, and sucrose in garlic cloves under storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to compare a commercial corn-soya bean meal diet with a pearl millet (raw and sprouted) diet containing less soya bean meal, alone or in combination with exogenous enzyme, on growth performance and ileal villus development of chicks. Two-hundred-and-forty-one-day-old male broilers (10/pen) were randomly allocated to one of the following dietary treatments: (i) a standard corn-soya bean meal control diet ( CTL); (ii) a raw pearl millet-soya bean meal diet ( PM); (iii) a sprouted pearl millet-soya bean meal diet ( SPM); (iv) CTL + exogenous enzymes ( CE); (v) PM + exogenous enzymes ( PE); and (vi) SPM + exogenous enzymes ( SPE) with four replicate pens/treatment. Body weight of birds at day 21 did not differ between those fed the CTL, and SPM and PE diets. In comparison with feeding broilers the CTL diet, feeding the PE and SPM diets caused significant decrease in feed intake, but with equivalent growth and feed efficiency. However, at day 21, feed conversion ratio did not differ between birds fed the CTL diet and those fed the PM, PE and SPM diets. At day 21, broilers fed the PM and PE diets had longer villi (p < 0.05) than those fed the CTL diet. At day 21, villi width was reduced (p < 0.05) by raw pearl millet supplementation than CTL diet. It is concluded that, in comparison with corn, broiler diets formulated with sprouted pearl millet or pearl millet with enzyme require less soya bean meal and can be used to improve growth performance traits and villus development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of sprouting in four Indian onion varieties (Punjab White, Punjab Naroya, PRO-6 and Commercial). Results showed significant ( P < 0.05) increase in protein, crude fibre, ascorbic acid content, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin content and significant ( P < 0.05) decrease in total carbohydrate, energy value and hardness due to sprouting in all the four varieties. HPLC analysis revealed irregular pattern of increase and decrease in flavonoid components. There was no particular trend observed within analysed flavonols due to sprouting in all the four varieties except with the maximum increase in quercetin (219.3-287.4 mg kg−1), kaempferol (13.8-17 mg kg−1), myricetin (34.6-40.9 mg kg−1), quercetin-3ꞌ-glucoside (2.9-4.1 mg kg−1) and quercetin-4ꞌ-glucoside (83-87.1 mg kg−1) in case of PRO-6 variety only. The present research work implied sprouting to be beneficial in onion as nutritional and functional potential of all the four onion varieties was improved by sprouting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mikania micrantha H.B.K., one of the top 10 worst weeds in the world, is now spreading quickly in southern China. Disturbance can fragment and spread the stolons of M. micrantha. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to assess the regeneration capacity of single-node fragments with varying stolon thickness (diameters of 3.01, 2.49 and 1.96 mm), internode lengths (2 and 8 cm) and leaf presence status (with and without leaves). The results indicated that an increasing stolon thickness, internode length and the presence of leaves all increased the survival rate of the clonal fragments. An increasing stolon thickness, internode length and the presence of leaves also increased the growth of the clonal fragments and the presence of leaves exhibited the strongest effect. An increasing internode length and the presence of leaves also reduced the amount of time that was needed for emergence, while the effect of the stolon thickness was not significant. None of the effects of the interactions was significant, although the interaction between the stolon thickness and the internode length was nearly significant for fragment survival. These results suggest that M. micrantha has developed a strategy to cope with disturbance by storing reserves in the stolons and leaves, which could increase its regeneration capacity after fragmentation. Currently, the management of M. micrantha (such as manual or mechanical control) should avoid the generation of the small clonal fragments of M. micrantha, while repeated control with short time intervals is necessary in order to prevent reinvasion from the stolon fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions We studied a humid savanna rangeland, abandoned in 2000, where intensive cattle grazing had led to widespread encroachment by Acacia zanzibarica. We asked whether the acacia trees were able to regenerate in the absence of domestic livestock, either beneath acacia canopies or in artificial clearings. Location Tropical coastal Tanzania (former Mkwaja Ranch, now in Saadani National Park). Methods We set out a total of 48 plots on four sites in November 2001, and assigned them to three treatments: trees felled ( FN), trees felled and the stumps poisoned ( FP) with Triclopyr, and no intervention (controls, NN). We analysed soils of plots for texture and nutrients. In two wet (July 2002 and 2003) and one dry (February 2003) seasons we assessed grass and tree leaf biomass and transpiration rates, and counted acacia seedlings and resprouts. The effects of treatments (controlled for site and other co-variables) on grass growth and acacia recruitment were determined statistically using general linear models ( GLM). Results Acacia leaves had a much higher stomatal conductance than grasses, with the consequence that total evapotranspiration in woodland was higher than in clearings. In the wet seasons, grass biomass and seedling densities were significantly higher in clearings than in control plots, which we attributed to more favourable moisture conditions. In the dry season, by contrast, we found no differences, and all seedlings had died. On FN plots, 71% of stumps, and on FP plots, 11% resprouted (coppicing), but only a quarter of these shoots survived until July 2003. Root suckering occurred spontaneously at low densities. No root suckers or resprouts grew beyond the grass layer. Conclusions Acacia woodlands do not regenerate in the absence of cattle grazing, and tree cutting - in combination with appropriate fire management - could potentially accelerate re-establishment of open grassland. However, regeneration might occur in the future due to the increasing wildlife populations within the new national park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor budding/sprouting has been shown to be an independent adverse prognostic factor in T1 and T3N0 colorectal carcinomas, however, its assessment could be improved by more accurate identification of budding carcinoma cells and consideration of budding areas. Moreover, tumor budding mechanisms are yet to be defined. In this study, we evaluated the identification of budding tumor cells by either H&E staining alone or H&E with immunohistochemistry and developed a scoring system based on budding grades and areas. We examined whether the budding score correlated with clinicopathologic features and prognosis and the association between tumor budding/sprouting and c-Met protein expression and phosphorylation and MET gene copy numbers because c-Met is known to play an important role in colorectal carcinoma tumorigenesis. Cytokeratin immunohistochemistry could identify tumors with shorter disease-free survival ( DFS) from the low-grade budding group assessed with H&E alone. High budding scores based on budding grade and area were more significantly correlated with DFS than scores obtained using the budding grade alone. In tumors with a high budding score, c-Met expression and phosphorylation levels and MET gene copy numbers were significantly increased at the invasive front compared with those in superficial tumor portions. This study showed for the first time that high levels of phospho-c-Met at the invasive front were significantly associated with a high budding score and shorter DFS. In conclusion, a budding score assessed by budding grades and budding-positive areas correlates highly with clinicopathologic aggressive features of colorectal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hurricane winds can have large impacts on forest structure and dynamics. To date, most evaluations of hurricane impacts have focused on short-term responses after a hurricane, often lacked pre-hurricane measurements, and missed responses occurring over longer time scales. Here, we use a long-term data set (1974-2009, 35 years) of tree stems (>3 cm in diameter at 1.3 m aboveground) in four sites (0.35 ha in total) in montane rain forest (~1600 m elevation) in Jamaica to investigate the patterns of crown damage in individual stems by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, and how subsequent growth and mortality were affected by hurricane damage, sprouting, and the incidence of multiple stems. Topographical position on a mountain ridge was the best predictor of crown damage, followed by crown size and species identity. The average diameter growth rate of stems that survived the hurricane was greater than that pre-hurricane for the whole 21-yr post-hurricane period. Growth rates of stems with damaged crowns increased less than those with undamaged crowns; differences in growth rate between damaged and undamaged trees disappeared after 11 years. Hurricane-damaged stems had two to eight times higher mortality than undamaged stems for 19 years post hurricane. Many stems sprouted shortly after the hurricane, but few sprouts managed to establish (grow to >3 cm diameter at breast height). However, sprouting and multi-stemming were associated with reduced mortality rate, particularly in damaged trees. From an initial population of 1670 stems in 1974, 54% were still alive in 2009 (21 years after the hurricane). We conclude that despite the high frequency of hurricane damage to tree crowns and the subsequent increased mortality rate in this hurricane-prone tropical montane forest, many stems will be hit and recover from several hurricanes in their lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of elicitation (induction at 4 °C and 40 °C; TC and TH, respectively) and postharvest storage on low-molecular weight antioxidants and the antioxidant properties of lentil sprouts were evaluated. Elicitation affects the antioxidant content, bioactivity and potential bioaccessibility. Apart from 3-day-old TH sprouts, sprouts were characterised by higher levels of ascorbic acid (in comparison with controls and in fresh 4-day-old sprouts, its level was 51% and 46% higher for TC and TH, respectively). In comparison with the control, for 3-day-old fresh TC and TH sprouts, total phenolics were increased by 8.5% and 18.7%, respectively. Radical quenchers were highly bioaccessible. For TC sprouts, activity was 17% and 37% higher for 3- and 4-day-old sprouts, respectively. The metal chelating ability of chemical extracts from stored sprouts, except 4-day-old TC sprouts, was significantly elevated. The reducing and chelating power of potentially bioaccessible compounds of both fresh and stored sprouts did not differ significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following injury to the adult mammalian cochlea, hair cells cannot be spontaneously replaced. Nonetheless, the postnatal cochlea contains progenitor cells, distinguished by the expression of nestin, which are able to proliferate and form neurospheres in vitro. Such resident progenitors might be endowed with reparative potential. However, to date little is known about their behaviour in situ following hair cell injury. Using adult mice and ex vivo cochlear cultures, we sought to determine whether: (i) resident cochlear progenitors respond to kanamycin ototoxicity and compensate for it; and (ii) the reparative potential of cochlear progenitors can be stimulated by the addition of growth factors. Morphological changes of cochlear tissue, expression of nestin m RNA and protein and cell proliferation were investigated in these models. Our observations show that ototoxic injury has modest effects on nestin expression and cell proliferation. On the other hand, the addition of growth factors to the injured cochlear explants induced the appearance of nestin-positive cells in the supporting cell area of the organ of Corti. The vast majority of nestin-expressing cells, however, were not proliferating. Growth factors also had a robust stimulatory effect on axonal sprouting and the proliferative response, which was more pronounced in injured cochleae. On the whole, our findings indicate that nestin expression after kanamycin ototoxicity is related to tissue reactivity rather than activation of resident progenitors attempting to replace the lost receptors. In addition, administration of growth factors significantly enhances tissue remodelling, suggesting that cochlear repair may be promoted by the exogenous application of regeneration-promoting substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In fire-prone landscapes, differences in post-fire regeneration by resprouting between species or sites could be far more important in explaining vegetation physiognomy and composition than seed regeneration. This is the first study exploring the relative contribution of tree resprouts and seeds to post-fire crown volume in the Chaco Serrano forest of South America. Additionally, we compare the resprouting response among species and quantify post-fire changes in tree composition among sites. We established 290 permanent plots distributed in three sites affected by wildfires in 2005. For all tree species in all plots we recorded survival of every individual 1 year after the fire; at the plot level, we recorded the above-ground tree volume before and 3 years after the fire. Resprouting from the base was the main resprouting type. Survival varied between species from 73% to 100% for native species and from 7% to 100% for non-natives. Before the fire, crown volume was similar in the three sites, and was completely lost after the fire in 92% of the plots. Three years after the fire, between 8% and 58% of crown volume was recovered. The ratio of crown recovery because of resprouts and seedlings was 1562:1. Tree composition exhibited few changes because of the high post-fire survival of most native species. We conclude that in the semiarid Chaco Serrano ecosystem tree species regenerate mainly by resprouting. This regeneration mode should be taken into account to better understand post-fire successional pathways of these forests, their management and the restoration of burnt forest areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The use of lentil sprouts as bioreactors for obtaining low-processed food with modified composition and biological activity was studied. Special emphasis was placed on the nutritional quality. Sprouts metabolism was elicited with 20 mmol L−1 and 200 mmol L−1 H2O2. The polyphenolics content and antioxidative abilities at different germination stages of lentil were studied. RESULTS Both sprouting and elicitation significantly influenced the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of sprouts. In comparison to control conditions both treatments gave an increase in caffeic, salicylic acid and genistein contents in 4-day-old sprouts and p-hydroxybenzoic, chlorogenic, o-coumaric, p-coumaric acids and naringenin, (+)-catechin contents for 6-day-old sprouts. Elicitation significantly increased the ability to prevent lipid against peroxidation. The antioxidant potential was the most effectively elevated in 6-day-old sprouts. Elicitation caused a significant decrease in protein content associated with a significant elevation in the non-protein nitrogen content. Induction of sprout metabolism caused a decrease of bioavailable starch and subsequent elevation of resistant starch content. CONCLUSION The significantly elevated antioxidant potential, high content of resistant starch and low starch bioaccessibility of sprouts elicited with H2O2 indicated that this technology allows the production of functional food products with particular characteristics. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Premise of the study: Sprouting in woody plants promotes persistence in the face of disturbance, ultimately influencing population structure. Different disturbance regimes drive variable population responses, but there have been few direct tests of the relative differences in population structure to specific drivers. We measured population structure as genotypic diversity (clonality) as a function of hydrological regime for a riverine tree, Melaleuca leucadendra, a major structural component in flood landscapes in the Australian dry tropics. * Methods: We estimated clonality, genotypic richness, and population allelic diversity. The relationship among disturbance, genetic estimates of clonality, and population distinctiveness was compared with flood regime, characterized by return frequencies and hydrological stress at individual river reaches. * Key results: Two contrasting patterns of genotypic structure were detected and corresponded to order-of-magnitude differences in flood regime between sites. At mainstem locations characterized by greatest flood intensity, sprouting generated clonal structure to 17 m (30% ramets clonal). By contrast, clonality was atypical at lower-disturbance tributaries (0% clonal). Population allelic distributions showed extensive genetic exchange among mainstem locations, but strong genetic differentiation between mainstem and tributaries. * Conclusions: Population structure and distinctiveness in riverine Melaleuca are determined by differences in sprouting and recruitment responses that depend on localized hydrological regime. Sprouting contributes to population persistence via localized clonal growth. Resprouting following disturbance in M. leucadendra may help explain its numerical dominance in tropical river systems. This study, although preliminary, suggests that flood ecosystems may represent excellent experimental systems to develop a better understanding of whole-organism responses to environmental drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The formation and refinement of synaptic connections are dependent on the activity that emerges from nascent synaptic connections. Such activity has the effect of regulating the production and release of specific neurotransmitters. To determine the role of activity in regulating the production of peptide-positive synapses, we used antibodies against Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 and acetylated α-tubulin as well as intracellular injections of Neurobiotin to examine varicosities belonging to heart excitor (HE) neurons on the heart tubes of medicinal leeches, Hirudo spp. We found that the production of peptide-positive varicosities increased considerably during the last week of embryogenesis, which coincided with the emergence of rhythmic activity of the heart tube. When we compromised central input to HE neurons with bicuculline or by surgical ablation of the central pattern generator during early embryogenesis, we found that activity in the heart tubes and its rhythmicity were greatly diminished. Furthermore, the activity of HE neurons had also lost its rhythmicity and appeared tonic, and production of peptide-positive varicosities was substantially reduced as well. Partial surgical ablations that preserved rhythmic activity in the heart tube while disrupting heart tube innervation by some HE neurons still resulted in peptide-positive varicosity production. Taken together, our results suggest that postsynaptic rhythmic activity of the heart tube is necessary and sufficient for the development and maturation of peptide-positive synapses. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:2833-2849, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for non-destructive monitoring of the subsurface development of Cyperus rotundus (purple nutsedge) is described. A minirhizotron ( MR) system was adopted for use to observe vegetative growth of the weed in a net-house and under field conditions. In particular, the key stages of tuber production and sprouting were monitored and quantified. The MR system allowed non-destructive repeated measurements of the key stages in C. rotundus subsurface development, serving as a both quantitative and qualitative tool in the study of C. rotundus. A comparison between the MR method and a destructive method revealed that the former reduces experimental variance, thus providing a more accurate prediction of the sprouting process. The techniques presented in the current study offer advanced methodologies for continuous monitoring of C. rotundus development under the soil surface. The novelty of this method lies in its simplicity and efficiency, allowing continuous observation of specific organs of this noxious weed and potentially of other geophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) and placental growth factor ( PlGF) are upregulated in many ocular neovascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy ( DR). KH902 is a recombinant fusion protein with its binding ligand taken from the domains of VEGF receptor-1 ( VEGFR-1) and VEGF receptor-2 ( VEGFR-2) and can bind all VEGF-A isoforms and PlGF. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of anti-angiogenic effects of KH902. Methods The toxic effect of KH902 on cultured human retinal endothelial cells ( HRECs) was measured by Annexin V/ PI staining and MTT assay. The concentrations of secreted VEGF and PlGF were measured by ELISA. The migration of HRECs was assessed by scratch wound and transwell assay. The sprouting of HRECs was determined by tube formation assay. The protein levels of Src, p-Src, PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, Erk1/2 and p-Erk1/2 were measured by Western blot. Results KH902 at the concentrations from 100 ng/ml to 100 µg/ml had no cytotoxicity to cultured HRECs. KH902 bound not only VEGF165, but also PlGF that were secreted by HRECs under high glucose condition. A 500 ng/ml of KH902 significantly suppressed high glucose-induced migration and sprouting of HRECs through downregulating the expression of PI3K and inhibiting the activation of Src, Akt1 and Erk1/2. Conclusion Our study indicates that KH902 suppresses high glucose-induced migration and sprouting of HRECs through not only binding VEGF, but also PlGF to inhibit the activation of Src-Akt1-Erk1/2 pathway. KH902 is a drug that potentially inhibits angiogenic pathways involving in DR or other ocular neovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Premise of the Study: California chaparral shrub species have different life history types: Nonsprouters (NS) are killed by fire and persist through a fire-stimulated seed bank; facultative sprouters (FS) reestablish by a combination of vegetative sprouting and seeding; and obligate sprouters (OS) reestablish exclusively by sprouting. Nonsprouters and FS establish seedlings in opencanopy postfire environments, whereas OS establish seedlings between fires in the shady understory. We hypothesized that allocation differences among seedlings of postfire sprouters and nonsprouters and regeneration niche differences would lead to contrasting patterns in biomass accumulation (NS > FS > OS, in sun; OS > FS > NS, in shade). * Methods: Seedlings of three species from each life history type were grown in sun and 75% shade. We measured net carbon assimilation and biomass accumulation after one year. * Key Results: Biomass accumulation was similar in the sun except FS>OS. In the shade, NS had lower biomass than FS and OS. Assimilation rates, nitrogen relations, and allocation differences could not fully explain biomass accumulation differences. Instead, biomass accumulation was inversely related to water-stress tolerance and shade tolerance. Additionally, OS and FS differed in root/shoot allocation even though both are sprouters. * Conclusions: Seedling growth and carbon assimilation rates were divergent among three life history types and were consistent with differences in tolerance to water stress and shade or sun regeneration niches, but not tradeoffs in sprouting-related allocation differences per se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dentate gyrus is one of two main areas of the mammalian brain where neurons are born throughout adulthood, a phenomenon called postnatal neurogenesis. Most of the neurons that are generated are granule cells (GCs), the major principal cell type in the dentate gyrus. Some adult-born granule cells develop in ectopic locations, such as the dentate hilus. The generation of hilar ectopic granule cells (HEGCs) is greatly increased in several animal models of epilepsy and has also been demonstrated in surgical specimens from patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Herein we review the results of our quantitative neuroanatomic analysis of HEGCs that were filled with Neurobiotin following electrophysiologic characterization in hippocampal slices. The data suggest that two types of HEGCs exist, based on a proximal or distal location of the cell body relative to the granule cell layer, and based on the location of most of the dendrites, in the molecular layer or hilus. Three-dimensional reconstruction revealed that the dendrites of distal HEGCs can extend along the transverse and longitudinal axis of the hippocampus. Analysis of axons demonstrated that HEGCs have projections that contribute to the normal mossy fiber innervation of CA3 as well as the abnormal sprouted fibers in the inner molecular layer of epileptic rodents (mossy fiber sprouting). These data support the idea that HEGCs could function as a 'hub' cell in the dentate gyrus and play a critical role in network excitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To encourage re-establishment of functional innervation of ipsilateral lumbar motoneurons by descending fibers after an intervening lateral thoracic (T10) hemisection (Hx), we treated adult rats with the following agents: (i) anti-Nogo-A antibodies to neutralize the growth-inhibitor Nogo-A; (ii) neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) via engineered fibroblasts to promote neuron survival and plasticity; and (iii) the NMDA-receptor 2d (NR2d) subunit via an HSV-1 amplicon vector to elevate NMDA receptor function by reversing the Mg2+ block, thereby enhancing synaptic plasticity and promoting the effects of NT-3. Synaptic responses evoked by stimulation of the ventrolateral funiculus ipsilateral and rostral to the Hx were recorded intracellularly from ipsilateral lumbar motoneurons. In uninjured adult rats short-latency (1.7-ms) monosynaptic responses were observed. After Hx these monosynaptic responses were abolished. In the Nogo-Ab + NT-3 + NR2d group, long-latency (approximately 10 ms), probably polysynaptic, responses were recorded and these were not abolished by re-transection of the spinal cord through the Hx area. This suggests that these novel responses resulted from new connections established around the Hx. Anterograde anatomical tracing from the cervical grey matter ipsilateral to the Hx revealed increased numbers of axons re-crossing the midline below the lesion in the Nogo-Ab + NT-3 + NR2d group. The combined treatment resulted in slightly better motor function in the absence of adverse effects (e.g. pain). Together, these results suggest that the combination treatment with Nogo-Ab + NT-3 + NR2d can produce a functional 'detour' around the lesion in a laterally hemisected spinal cord. This novel combination treatment may help to improve function of the damaged spinal cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Premise of the study: Although root suckering and other types of sprouting are well studied in extant woody plants, little is known about the distribution of these traits at a macroevolutionary scale. Anatomically preserved fossil plants represent an excellent but understudied source of information of the distribution of sprouting behavior through time and across taxa. * Methods: A block of silicified peat collected in the Middle Triassic Fremouw Formation at the Fremouw Peak locality, Central Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica, contains a group of anatomically preserved roots of the fossil conifer Notophytum krauselii that bear young shoots. The specimen was prepared using the standard acetate peel technique and studied in reflected and transmitted light. * Key results: Young sucker shoots bearing well-preserved leaves are produced in groups in some areas of the Notophytum roots. * Conclusions: The production of root suckers in Notophytum indicates that some of the trees growing in polar forests during the Triassic could respond to environmental stresses by regenerating their vegetative structures and had the potential to reproduce vegetatively. The specimens also represent the first anatomical evidence of root suckering in any fossil seed plant, and its occurrence in an early putative podocarp supports the idea that this trait might be ancestral in at least some extant conifer families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerative responses, including re-expression of developmentally regulated proteins, occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain and in β-amyloid (Aβ)-treated neuronal cultures. Brain microenvironment might also be altered by Aβ or by unknown materials in AD brain to make neurons or progenitor cells regenerative. However, these responses and alterations might not be sufficient to replace neuronal loss, but rather might act as an effecter of cell death. For instance, downregulation of growth inhibitory factor/metallothionein-III and upregulation of MAP1B result in both neurite sprouting and neuronal death. The deteriorative regulation of Mash1 and Olig2 by Aβ also leads to differentiation and death of progenitor cells. Clarifying the cell death mechanism accompanied with regenerative responses might be necessary for repairing the nervous system or slowing disease progression in AD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10 (Suppl. 1): S158–S168. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endocannabinoid system plays a central role in retrograde synaptic communication, and controls both glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission via type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor. Both in sclerotic human hippocampi and in the chronic phase of pilocarpine-induced epilepsy in mice with sclerosis, CB1-receptor–positive interneuron somata were preserved both in the dentate gyrus and in the CA1 area, and the density of CB1-immunostained fibers increased considerably in the dentate molecular layer. This suggests that, although CB1 receptors are known to be reduced in density on glutamatergic axons, the CB1-receptor–expressing GABAergic axons sprout, or there is an increase of CB1-receptor levels on these fibers. The changes of CB1 immunostaining in association with the GABAergic inhibitory system appear to correlate with the severity of pyramidal cell loss in the CA1 subfield. These results confirm the involvement of the endocannabinoid system associated with GABAergic transmission in human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), as well as in the chronic phase of the pilocarpine model in mice. Pharmacotherapy aimed at the modulation of endocannabinoid-mediated retrograde synaptic signaling should take into account the opposite change in CB1-receptor expression observed on glutamatergic versus GABAergic axon terminals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicochemical attributes of sorghum grains of Wad Ahmed (summer season cultivar), Abu Ragaba and Abu Kunjara (winter season cultivars) were compared. Floury endosperms characterise grains of all cultivars. Grains of Abu Ragaba and Wad Ahmed are white and Abu Kunjara are coloured. Grains were sprouted for 24, 48 and 72 h and changes in nutrients, tannin, phytic acid, protein digestibility and total and extractable minerals were studied. The nutrients and antinutients contents significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) varied between cultivars. High tannin characterises Abu Ragaba and Wad Ahmed. In vitro protein digestibility of the cultivars is comparable. Contents and HCl-extractability of Ca, P and Fe are varied. Abu Ragaba had the higher HCl-extractability of the minerals. Sprouting changed contents of the nutrients, reduced significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) tannins and phytic acid and increased digestible protein in all cultivars. Reduction of tannins was the highest in Abu Ragaba. The magnitude of reduction increased as sprouting prolonged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Shrubs in fire prone chaparral communities have evolved different life history types in response to fire. A key to understanding the evolution of life history type differences is to understand how physiological traits are linked to differences in life history type. Vascular adaptations are important for delivering an efficient and stable water supply to evergreen chaparral shrub leaves. This study tested for a link between vascular physiology and life history type in chaparral shrubs. 2. Chaparral shrub species along the south-western coast of North America survive wildfire by three different life histories. Non-sprouters are killed by fire and re-establish exclusively through germination of fire-stimulated seeds, facultative sprouters re-establish by a combination of vegetative sprouting and fire-stimulated seeds, and obligate sprouters re-establish exclusively by vegetative sprouting because their seeds do not survive fire. Non-sprouters and facultative sprouters establish seedlings in the open canopy post fire environment, whereas obligate sprouters establish seedlings in the shady understory of the mature chaparral canopy. 3. Seedlings of nine species (Rhamnaceae) representing three each of the different life history types were grown in deep containers in a common garden under treatments of sun and shade. Hydraulic conductance was measured using a high-pressure flow meter for all organs, and a vacuum technique was used to measure conductance of fine and woody roots. We predicted that non-sprouters would exhibit greater hydraulic efficiency than the sprouting species, and that facultative sprouters would be more efficient than the shade tolerant obligate sprouters. 4. Non-sprouters had the greatest hydraulic conductance per unit leaf and sapwood area at the whole seedling level, whereas facultative and obligate sprouters were not different. Comparing hydraulic conductance across major organs (from fine roots to leaves) showed that the hydraulic system was well coordinated. At the whole seedling level, the root system was more of a bottleneck than the shoot system. This pattern was consistent with high resistance extraxylary pathways in roots and differences in root architecture. 5. The greater hydraulic efficiency of the non-sprouter life history type is attributed to its post-fire pioneering habit and may partially explain the relatively high speciation in the non-sprouters. Lower hydraulic efficiency is associated with a sprouting life history and greater shade tolerance. The seedling root systems represent a hydraulic bottleneck that may place roots under especially intense selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]