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Background: Dietary restriction (DR) has multiple beneficial effects on health and longevity and can also improve the efficacy of certain therapies. Diets used to instigate DR are diverse and the corresponding response is not uniformly measured. We compared the systemic and liver-specific transcriptional response to intermittent fasting (IF) and commercially available fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) after short- and long-term use in C57BL/6 J mice. Results: We show that neither DR regimen causes observable adverse effects in mice. The weight loss was limited to 20% and was quickly compensated during refeeding days. The slightly higher weight loss upon FMD versus IF correlated with stronger fasting response assessed by lower glucose levels and higher ketone body, free fatty acids and especially FGF21 concentrations in blood. RNA sequencing demonstrated similar transcriptional programs in the liver after both regimens, with PPARα signalling as top enriched pathway, while on individual gene level FMD more potently increased gluconeogenesis-related, and PPARα and p53 target gene expression compared to IF. Repeated IF induced similar transcriptional responses as acute IF. However, repeated cycles of FMD resulted in blunted expression of genes involved in ketogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. Conclusions: Short-term FMD causes more pronounced changes in blood parameters and slightly higher weight loss than IF, while both activate similar pathways (particularly PPARα signalling) in the liver. On individual gene level FMD induces a stronger transcriptional response, whereas cyclic application blunts transcriptional upregulation of fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis only in FMD. Hence, our comparative characterization of IF and FMD protocols renders both as effective DR regimens and serves as resource in the fasting research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: cAMP modulates the phosphorylation status of highly conserved phosphosites in RNA-binding proteins crucial for mRNA metabolism and reprogramming in response to heat stress. In plants, 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (3′,5′-cAMP) is a second messenger that modulates multiple cellular targets, thereby participating in plant developmental and adaptive processes. Although its role in ameliorating heat-related damage has been demonstrated, mechanisms that govern cAMP-dependent responses to heat have remained elusive. Here we analyze the role cAMP–dependent phosphorylation during prolonged heat stress (HS) with a view to gain insight into processes that govern plant responses to HS. To do so, we performed quantitative phosphoproteomic analyses in Nicotiana tabacum Bright Yellow-2 cells grown at 27 °C or 35 °C for 3 days overexpressing a molecular “sponge” that reduces free intracellular cAMP levels. Our phosphorylation data and analyses reveal that the presence of cAMP is an essential factor that governs specific protein phosphorylation events that occur during prolonged HS in BY-2 cells. Notably, cAMP modulates HS-dependent phosphorylation of proteins that functions in mRNA processing, transcriptional control, vesicular trafficking, and cell cycle regulation and this is indicative for a systemic role of the messenger. In particular, changes of cAMP levels affect the phosphorylation status of highly conserved phosphosites in 19 RNA-binding proteins that are crucial during the reprogramming of the mRNA metabolism in response to HS. Furthermore, phosphorylation site motifs and molecular docking suggest that some proteins, including kinases and phosphatases, are conceivably able to directly interact with cAMP thus further supporting a regulatory role of cAMP in plant HS responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictive coding framework posits that our brain continuously monitors changes in the environment and updates its predictive models, minimizing prediction errors to efficiently adapt to environmental demands. However, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of these predictive phenomena remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the systemic neurophysiological correlates of predictive coding processes during passive and active auditory processing. Electroencephalography (EEG), functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and autonomic nervous system (ANS) measures were analyzed using an auditory pattern‐based novelty oddball paradigm. A sample of 32 healthy subjects was recruited. The results showed shared slow evoked potentials between passive and active conditions that could be interpreted as automatic predictive processes of anticipation and updating, independent of conscious attentional effort. A dissociated topography of the cortical hemodynamic activity and distinctive evoked potentials upon auditory pattern violation were also found between both conditions, whereas only conscious perception leading to imperative responses was accompanied by phasic ANS responses. These results suggest a systemic‐level hierarchical reallocation of predictive coding neural resources as a function of contextual demands in the face of sensory stimulation. Principal component analysis permitted to associate the variability of some of the recorded signals. The predictive coding framework posits that our brain is a continuously active inferential system. Our findings provide empirical evidence of shared predictive coding brain signals between passive and active auditory processing that supports this hypothesis and reveals distinct multimodal neurophysiological responses to passively and actively processed prediction errors that suggest a systemic‐level hierarchical optimization of neural resources according to contextual demands in the face of auditory stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systemic electrical signal propagation in plants (i.e., from leaf to leaf) is dependent on GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR-LIKE proteins (GLRs). The GLR receptors are the homologous proteins to the animal ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) which are ligand-gated non-selective cation channels that mediate neurotransmission in the animal's nervous system. In this study, we investigated the effect of the general anaesthetic ketamine, a well-known non-competitive channel blocker of human iGluRs, on systemic electrical signal propagation in Arabidopsis thaliana. We monitored the electrical signal propagation, intracellular calcium level [Ca2+]cyt and expression of jasmonate (JA)-responsive genes in response to heat wounding. Although ketamine affected the shape and the parameters of the electrical signals (amplitude and half-time, t1/2) mainly in systemic leaves, it was not able to block a systemic response. Increased [Ca2+]cyt and the expression of jasmonate-responsive genes were detected in local as well as in systemic leaves in response to heat wounding in ketamine-treated plants. This is in contrast with the effect of the volatile general anaesthetic diethyl ether which completely blocked the systemic response. This low potency of ketamine in plants is probably caused by the fact that the critical amino acid residues needed for ketamine binding in human iGluRs are not conserved in plants' GLRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme weather conditions lead to significant imbalances in crop productivity, which in turn affect food security. Flooding events cause serious problems for many crop species such as wheat. Although metabolic readjustments under flooding are important for plant regeneration, underlying processes remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the systemic response of wheat to waterlogging using metabolomics and transcriptomics. A 12 d exposure to excess water triggered nutritional imbalances and disruption of metabolite synthesis and translocation, reflected by reductions in plant biomass and growth performance. Metabolic and transcriptomic profiling in roots, xylem sap, and leaves indicated anaerobic fermentation processes as a local response in roots. Differentially expressed genes and ontological categories revealed that carbohydrate metabolism plays an important role in the systemic response. Analysis of the composition of xylem exudates revealed decreased root-to-shoot translocation of nutrients, hormones, and amino acids. Interestingly, among all metabolites measured in xylem exudates, alanine was the most abundant. Immersion of excised leaves derived from waterlogged plants in alanine solution led to increased leaf glucose concentration. Our results suggest an important role of alanine not only as an amino-nitrogen donor but also as a vehicle for carbon skeletons to produce glucose de novo and meet the energy demand during waterlogging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is first-line treatment for many advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) patients. Predicting response could help guide selection of intensified or alternative anti-cancer regimens. We hypothesized that radiomics and laboratory variables predictive of ICI response in a murine model would also predict response in aNSCLC patients. Methods: Fifteen mice with lung carcinoma tumors implanted in bilateral flanks received ICI. Pre-ICI laboratory and computed tomography (CT) data were evaluated for association with systemic ICI response. Baseline clinical and CT data for 117 aNSCLC patients treated with nivolumab were correlated with overall survival (OS). Models for predicting treatment response were created and subjected to internal cross-validation, with the human model further tested on 42 aNSCLC patients who received pembrolizumab. Results: Models incorporating baseline NLR and identical radiomics (surface-tomass ratio, average Gray, and 2D kurtosis) predicted ICI response in mice and OS in humans with AUCs of 0.91 and 0.75, respectively. The human model successfully sorted pembrolizumab patients by longer vs. shorter predicted OS (median 35 months vs. 6 months, p=0.026 by log-rank). Discussion: This study advances precision oncology by non-invasively classifying aNSCLC patients according to ICI response using pre-treatment data only. Interestingly, identical radiomics features and NLR correlated with outcomes in the preclinical study and with ICI response in 2 independent patient cohorts, suggesting translatability of the findings. Future directions include using a radiogenomic approach to optimize modeling of ICI response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is first-line treatment for many advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) patients. Predicting response could help guide selection of intensified or alternative anti-cancer regimens. We hypothesized that radiomics and laboratory variables predictive of ICI response in a murine model would also predict response in aNSCLC patients.MethodsFifteen mice with lung carcinoma tumors implanted in bilateral flanks received ICI. Pre-ICI laboratory and computed tomography (CT) data were evaluated for association with systemic ICI response. Baseline clinical and CT data for 117 aNSCLC patients treated with nivolumab were correlated with overall survival (OS). Models for predicting treatment response were created and subjected to internal cross-validation, with the human model further tested on 42 aNSCLC patients who received pembrolizumab.ResultsModels incorporating baseline NLR and identical radiomics (surface-to-mass ratio, average Gray, and 2D kurtosis) predicted ICI response in mice and OS in humans with AUCs of 0.91 and 0.75, respectively. The human model successfully sorted pembrolizumab patients by longer vs. shorter predicted OS (median 35 months vs. 6 months, p=0.026 by log-rank).DiscussionThis study advances precision oncology by non-invasively classifying aNSCLC patients according to ICI response using pre-treatment data only. Interestingly, identical radiomics features and NLR correlated with outcomes in the preclinical study and with ICI response in 2 independent patient cohorts, suggesting translatability of the findings. Future directions include using a radiogenomic approach to optimize modeling of ICI response.

Mechanical stimulation of plants can be caused by various abiotic and biotic environmental factors. Apart from the negative consequences, it can also cause positive changes, such as acclimatization of plants to stress conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to study the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying the response of plants to mechanical stimulation. Our aim was to evaluate the response of model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to a moderate force of 5 N (newton) for 20 s, which could be compared with the pressure caused by animal movement and weather conditions such as heavy rain. Mechanically stimulated leaves were sampled 1 h after exposure and after a recovery period of 20 h. To study a possible systemic response, unstimulated leaves of treated plants were collected 20 h after exposure alongside the stimulated leaves from the same plants. The effect of stimulation was assessed by measuring oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant enzymes activity, total phenolics, and photosynthetic performance. Stimulated leaves showed increased lipid peroxidation 1 h after treatment and increased superoxide dismutase activity and phenolic oxidation rate after a 20-h recovery period. Considering photosynthetic performance after the 20-h recovery period, the effective quantum yield of the photosystem II was lower in the stimulated leaves, whereas photochemical quenching was lower in the unstimulated leaves of the treated plants. Nonphotochemical quenching was lower in the stimulated leaves 1 h after treatment. Our study suggested that plants sensed moderate force, but it did not induce pronounced change in metabolism or photosynthetic performance. Principal component analysis distinguished three groups-leaves of untreated plants, leaves analysed 1 h after stimulation, while stimulated and unstimulated leaves of treated plants analysed 20 h after treatment formed together the third group. Observed grouping of stimulated and unstimulated leaves of treated plants could indicate signal transduction from the stimulated to distant leaves, that is, a systemic response to a local application of mechanical stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct traumatic injury of surgery initiates a chain of physiological events via the endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular and immune systems. The unregulated stress response can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), but if the response was totally obliterated then this would predispose to infection and failure of the recovery process. To an extent this response is protective. This article outlines the components of the interlinked endocrine, metabolic, immune and haemodynamic responses and discusses the ways in which the various components of the response can be modified in order to optimise postoperative recovery and to reduce complications. The role of vitamin supplementation and the controversial element of glucocorticoids is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Metabolic reconfiguration in plants is a hallmark response to insect herbivory that occurs in the attack site and systemically in undamaged tissues. Metabolomic systemic responses can occur rapidly while the herbivore is still present and may persist in newly developed tissue to counterattack future herbivore attacks. This study analyzed the metabolic profile of local and newly developed distal (systemic) leaves of husk tomato (Physalis philadelphica) plants after whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum infestation. In addition, the effect of these metabolomic adjustments on whitefly oviposition and development was evaluated. RESULTS: Our results indicate that T. vaporariorum infestation induced significant changes in husk tomato metabolic profiles, not only locally in infested leaves, but also systemically in distal leaves that developed after infestation. The distinctive metabolic profile produced in newly developed leaves affected whitefly nymphal development but did not affect female oviposition, suggesting that changes driven by whitefly herbivory persist in the young leaves that developed after the infestation event to avoid future herbivore attacks. CONCLUSIONS: This report contributes to further understanding the plant responses to sucking insects by describing the metabolic reconfiguration in newly developed, undamaged systemic leaf tissues of husk tomato plants after whitefly infestation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant quality for herbivores is usually evaluated with molecular and physiological techniques and with herbivore performance bioassays. These performance assays are usually done either on intact plants or on detached plant parts, such as leaves, leaflets, and leaf discs. It is thus far unclear how performance experiments on intact plants and on plant parts compare. Plant quality may change in detached plant parts because of the mechanical wounding inflicted, which may induce plant defences. Moreover, plant defences are often systemic, i.e., involving the entire plant, and may not be fully expressed in leaf discs. We investigated the effects of plant quality on the performance of a phytophagous mite on intact plants and on leaf discs. Plant quality was manipulated by infesting intact tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L., Solanaceae) either with a strain of the spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) that induces plant defences, or with Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard, which suppresses defences, and using uninfested tomato plants as control. We subsequently evaluated the oviposition rate and survival of individual females of T. evansi on intact plants and on leaf discs as a measure of herbivore performance. The mites produced fewer eggs on detached leaf discs than on intact plants. However, the oviposition rate of T. evansi was lower on plants infested with the inducer T. urticae than on plants infested with the suppressor T. evansi, and than on uninfested plants, both on leaf discs and on intact plants. We conclude that both intact plants and leaf discs can be used to evaluate the effects of plant quality on performance of this herbivore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vast majority of species that belong to the plant or animal kingdom evolved with two main strategies to counter tissue damage—scar formation and regeneration. Whereas scar formation provides a fast and cost‐effective repair to exit life‐threatening conditions, complete tissue regeneration is time‐consuming and requires vast resources to reinstall functionality of affected organs or structures. Local environments in wound healing are widely studied and findings have provided important biomedical applications. Less well understood are organismic physiological parameters and signalling circuits essential to maintain effective tissue repair. Here, we review accumulated evidence that positions the interplay of local and systemic changes in metabolism as essential variables modulating the injury response. We particularly emphasise the role of lipids and lipid‐like molecules as significant components long overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT With much of the world infected with or vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (commonly abbreviated SARS-CoV-2; abbreviated here SARS2), understanding the immune responses to the SARS2 spike (S) protein in different situations is crucial to controlling the pandemic. We studied the clinical, systemic, mucosal, and cellular responses to two doses of SARS2 mRNA vaccines in 62 individuals with and without prior SARS2 infection that were divided into three groups based on antibody serostatus prior to vaccination and/or degree of disease symptoms among those with prior SARS2 infection: antibody negative (naive), low symptomatic, and symptomatic. Antibody negative were subjects who were antibody negative (i.e., those with no prior infection). Low symptomatic subjects were those who were antibody negative and had minimal or no symptoms at time of SARS2 infection. Symptomatic subjects were those who were antibody positive and symptomatic at time of SARS2 infection. All three groups were then studied when they received their SARS2 mRNA vaccines. In the previously SARS2-infected (based on antibody test) low symptomatic and symptomatic groups, reactogenic symptoms related to a recall response were elicited after the first vaccination. Anti-S trimer IgA and IgG titers, and neutralizing antibody titers, peaked after the 1st vaccination in the previously SARS2-infected groups and were significantly higher than for the SARS2 antibody-negative group in the plasma and nasal samples at most time points. Nasal and plasma IgA antibody responses were significantly higher in the low symptomatic group than in the symptomatic group at most time points. After the first vaccination, differences in cellular immunity were not evident between groups, but the activation-induced cell marker (AIM+) CD4+ cell response correlated with durability of IgG humoral immunity against the SARS2 S protein. In those SARS2-infected subjects, severity of infection dictated plasma and nasal IgA responses in primary infection as well as response to vaccination (peak responses and durability), which could have implications for continued protection against reinfection. Lingering differences between the SARS2-infected and SARS2-naive up to 10 months postvaccination could explain the decreased reinfection rates in the SARS2-infected vaccinees recently reported and suggests that additional strategies (such as boosting of the SARS2-naive vaccinees) are needed to narrow the differences observed between these groups. IMPORTANCE This study on SARS2 vaccination in those with and without previous exposure to the virus demonstrates that severity of infection dictates IgA responses in primary infection as well as response to vaccination (peak responses and durability), which could have implications for continued protection against reinfection.

Background: Helicoverpa armigera is a major insect pest of several crop plants, including pigeonpea. Resistant gene sources are not available in the cultivated gene pool, but resistance has been observed in its crop wild relative, Cajanus scarabaeoides. Gene regulatory mechanisms governing the systemic immune response of this plant to pod borer infestation have not yet been deciphered. MicroRNA (miRNA) profiles of H. armigera‐infested and undamaged adjacent leaves of C. scarabaeoides were compared to gain an insight into the plant–insect interactions and to identify dynamic miRNA molecules potentially acting as mediators of systemic defence responses. Results: A total of 211 conserved, temporally dynamic miRNA were identified in the unfed adjacent leaves, out of which 98 were found to be differentially expressed in comparison to control leaves. On further analysis, most of the miRNA detected in the adjacent leaves was found to target genes involved in the defence pathways and plant immune response. An overlap of the differentially expressing miRNAs was observed between insect‐fed and adjacent unfed leaves, indicating the transmission of signal from the site of infestation to the undamaged parts of the plant, indicative of induction of a systemic defence response. Conclusion: The miRNA response in the unfed leaves had the signatures of induced changes in metabolism and signal transduction for induction of defence pathway genes. This study reveals the participation of miRNAs in imparting pod borer resistance and mounting a systemic defence response against pod borer infestation in C. scarabaeoides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: This study focused on the role of CLE1–7 peptides as defense mediators, and showed that root-expressed CLE3 functions as a systemic signal to regulate defense-related gene expression in shoots. In the natural environment, plants employ diverse signaling molecules including peptides to defend themselves against various pathogen attacks. In this study, we investigated whether CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-RELATED (CLE) genes (CLE1–7) respond to biotic stimuli. CLE3 showed significant up-regulation upon treatment with flg22, Pep2, and salicylic acid (SA). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that CLE3 expression is regulated by the NON-EXPRESSOR OF PR GENES1 (NPR1)-dependent SA signaling and flg22–FLAGELLIN-SENSITIVE 2 (FLS2) signaling pathways. We demonstrated that SA-induced up-regulation of CLE3 in roots was required for activation of WRKY33, a gene involved in the regulation of systemic acquired resistance (SAR), in shoots, suggesting that CLE3 functions as a root-derived signal that regulates the expression of defense-related genes in shoots. Microarray analysis of transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing CLE3 under the control of a β-estradiol-inducible promoter revealed that root-confined CLE3 overexpression affected gene expression in both roots and shoots. Comparison of CLE2- and CLE3-induced genes indicated that CLE2 and CLE3 peptides target a few common but largely distinct downstream genes. These results suggest that root-derived CLE3 is involved in the regulation of systemic rather than local immune responses. Our study also sheds light on the potential role of CLE peptides in long-distance regulation of plant immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plants are able to optimize defense responses induced by various herbivores, which have different feeding strategies. Local and systemic responses within a plant after herbivory are essential to modulate herbivore-specific plant responses. For instance, leaf-chewing herbivores elicit jasmonic acid signaling, which result in the inductions of toxic chemicals in the attacked leaf (tissue-specific responses) and also in the other unattacked parts of the plant (systemic responses). Root herbivory induces toxic metabolites in the attacked root and alters the levels of transcripts and metabolites in the unattacked shoot. However, we have little knowledge of the local and systemic responses against stem-boring herbivores. In this study, we examined the systemic changes in metabolites in the wild tobacco Nicotiana attenuata, when the stem-boring herbivore Trichobaris mucorea attacks. Results: To investigate the systemic responses of T. mucorea attacks, we measured the levels of jasmonic acid (JA), JA-dependent secondary metabolites, soluble sugars, and free amino acids in 7 distinct tissues of N. attenuata: leaf lamina with epidermis (LLE), leaf midrib (LM), stem epidermis (SE), stem pith (SP), stem vascular bundle (SV), root cortex with epidermis (RCE), and root vascular bundle (RV). The levels of JA were increased in all root tissues and in LM by T. mucorea attacks. The levels of chlorogenic acids (CGAs) and nicotine were increased in all stem tissues by T. mucorea. However, CGA was systematically induced in LM, and nicotine was systematically induced in LM and RCE. We further tested the resource allocation by measuring soluble sugars and free amino acids in plant tissues. T. mucorea attacks increased the level of free amino acids in all tissues except in LLE. The levels of soluble sugars were significantly decreased in SE and SP, but increased in RV. Conclusions: The results reveal that plants have local- and systemic-specific responses in response to attack from a stem-boring herbivore. Interestingly, the level of induced secondary metabolites was not consistent with the systemic inductions of JA. Spatiotemporal resolution of plant defense responses against stem herbivory will be required to understand how a plant copes with attack from herbivores from different feeding guilds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infusion of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into a mammary gland can provoke inflammatory responses and impair lactation in both the infused gland and neighboring glands. To gain insight into the mechanisms controlling the spatiotemporal response to localized mastitis in lactating dairy cows, we performed RNA sequencing on mammary tissue from quarters infused with LPS, neighboring quarters in the same animals, and control quarters from untreated animals at 3 and 12 h postinfusion. Differences in gene expression were annotated to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Comparing mammary transcriptomes from all 3 treatments revealed 3,088 and 1,644 differentially expressed (DE) genes at 3 and 12 h, respectively. Of these genes, >95% were DE only in LPS-infused quarters and represented classical responses to LPS: inflammation, apoptosis, tissue remodeling, and altered cell signaling and metabolism. Although relatively few genes were DE in neighboring quarters (56 at 3 h; 74 at 12 h), these represented several common pathways. At 3 h, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), nuclear factor-κB, and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathways were identified by the upregulation of anti-inflammatory (NFKBIA, TNFAIP3) and cell adhesion molecule (VCAM1, ICAM1) genes in neighboring glands. Additionally, at 12 h, several genes linked to 1-carbon and serine metabolism were upregulated. Some responses were also regulated over time. The proinflammatory response in LPS-infused glands diminished between 3 and 12 h, indicating tight control over transcription to re-establish homeostasis. In contrast, 2 glucocorticoid-responsive genes, FKBP5 and ZBTB16, were among the top DE genes upregulated in neighboring quarters at both time points, indicating potential regulation by glucocorticoids. We conclude that a transient, systemic immune response was sufficient to disrupt lactation in neighboring glands. This response may be mediated directly by proinflammatory factors from the LPS-infused gland or indirectly by secondary factors released in response to systemic inflammatory signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have evolved stress-sensing machineries that initiate rapid adaptive environmental stress responses. Cytosolic calcium ion (Ca2+) is the most prominent second messenger that couples extracellular signals with specific intracellular responses. Essential early events that generate a cytosolic Ca2+ spike in response to environmental stress are starting to emerge. We review sensory machineries, including ion channels and transporters, which perceive various stress stimuli and allow cytosolic Ca2+ influx. We highlight integrative roles of Ca2+ channels in plant responses to various environmental stresses, as well as possible interplay of Ca2+ with other early signaling components, which facilitates signal propagation for systemic spread and spatiotemporal variations in respect to external cues. The early Ca2+ signaling schemes inspire the identification of additional stress sensors. Several Ca2+ channels sense a wide spectrum of environmental stresses and allow cytosolic Ca2+ influx within a few minutes to initiate cellular responses. Ca2+ channels interact with diverse proteins such as kinases, lipid-binding proteins, and ROS metabolic enzymes that comprise the stress-sensing machineries. Stress sensors recognize a specific stress signal and induce a unique Ca2+ signature, depending on the environmental conditions. The Ca2+ signature is decoded by Ca2+-binding proteins, such as calmodulins, calmodulin-like proteins, and calcineurin B-like proteins, which regulate specific downstream processes in response to a given stress. Ca2+ signals are intertwined with reactive oxygen species, electrical, and hydraulic signals to facilitate precise information relay as well as long-range systemic signal propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to a subgroup of coronaviruses rampant in bats for centuries. It caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Most patients recover, but a minority of severe cases experience acute respiratory distress or an inflammatory storm devastating many organs that can lead to patient death. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 was facilitated by the increasing intensity of air travel, urban congestion and human contact during the past decades. Until therapies and vaccines are available, tests for virus exposure, confinement and distancing measures have helped curb the pandemic. Vision: The COVID-19 pandemic calls for safeguards and remediation measures through a systemic response. Self-organizing initiatives by scientists and citizens are developing an advanced collective intelligence response to the coronavirus crisis. Their integration forms Olympiads of Solidarity and Health. Their ability to optimize our response to COVID-19 could serve as a model to trigger a global metamorphosis of our societies with far-reaching consequences for attacking fundamental challenges facing humanity in the 21 st century. Mission: For COVID-19 and these other challenges, there is no alternative but action. Meeting in Paris in 2003, we set out to 'rethink research to understand life and improve health.' We have formed an international coalition of academia and industry ecosystems taking a systems medicine approach to understanding COVID-19 by thoroughly characterizing viruses, patients and populations during the pandemic, using openly shared tools. All results will be publicly available with no initial claims for intellectual property rights. This World Alliance for Health and Wellbeing will catalyze the creation of medical and health products such as diagnostic tests, drugs and vaccines that become common goods accessible to all, while seeking further alliances with civil society to bridge with socio-ecological and technological approaches that characterise urban systems, for a collective response to future health emergencies.

Acute kidney injury, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, metformin, organ dysfunction, sepsis, systemic response Indeed, as the authors comment, the excessive immune response activation induced by sepsis can affect antioxidant defenses and stimulate reactive oxygen species production, which ultimately causes tissue injury and organ dysfunction ([11]). Keywords: acute kidney injury; adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase; metformin; organ dysfunction; sepsis; systemic response EN acute kidney injury adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase metformin organ dysfunction sepsis systemic response 1018 1020 3 05/27/22 20220601 NES 220601 Sepsis is defined as a systemic response to a documented or suspected infection affecting virtually any organ system and leading to different clinical outcomes, including fever or hypothermia, altered hemodynamic and inflammatory variables, tissue perfusion and dysfunction, and, ultimately, death ([1]). [Extracted from the article]

Key message: This study focused on the role of CLE1-CLE7 peptides as environmental mediators and indicated that root-induced CLE2 functions systemically in light-dependent carbohydrate metabolism in shoots. Plants sense environmental stimuli and convert them into cellular signals, which are transmitted to distinct cells and tissues to induce adequate responses. Plant hormones and small secretory peptides often function as environmental stress mediators. In this study, we investigated whether CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-RELATED proteins, CLE1–CLE7, which share closely related CLE domains, mediate environmental stimuli in Arabidopsis thaliana. Expression analysis of CLE1–CLE7 revealed that these genes respond to different environmental stimuli, such as nitrogen deprivation, nitrogen replenishment, cold, salt, dark, and sugar starvation, in a sophisticated manner. To further investigate the function of CLE2, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing the β-glucuronidase gene under the control of the CLE2 promoter or expressing the CLE2 gene under the control of an estradiol-inducible promoter. We also generated cle2-1 and cle2-2 mutants using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. In these transgenic lines, dark induced the expression of CLE2 in the root vasculature. Additionally, induction of CLE2 in roots induced the expression of various genes not only in roots but also in shoots, and genes related to light-dependent carbohydrate metabolism were particularly induced in shoots. In addition, cle2 mutant plants showed chlorosis when subjected to a shade treatment. These results suggest that root-induced CLE2 functions systemically in light-dependent carbohydrate metabolism in shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Kelps are key primary producers of cold and temperate marine coastal ecosystems and exhibit systemic defences against pathogens. Yet, the cellular mechanisms underpinning their immunity remain to be elucidated.We investigated the time course of infection of the kelp Macrocystis pyrifera by the oomycete Anisolpidium ectocarpii using TEM, in vivo autophagy markers and autophagy inhibitors.Over several infection cycles, A. ectocarpii undergoes sequential physiological shifts sensitive to autophagy inhibitors. Initially lipid‐rich, pathogen thalli become increasingly lipid‐depleted; they subsequently tend to become entirely abortive, irrespective of their lipid content. Moreover, infected algal cells mount local defences and can directly eliminate the pathogen by xenophagy. Finally, autophagy‐dependent plastid recycling is induced in uninfected host cells.We demonstrate the existence of local, inducible autophagic processes both in the pathogen and infected host cells, which result in the restriction of pathogen propagation. We also show the existence of a systemic algal response mediated by autophagy. We propose a working model accounting for all our observations, whereby the outcome of the algal–pathogen interaction (i.e. completion or not of the pathogen life cycle) is dictated by the induction, and possibly the mutual hijacking, of the host and pathogen autophagy machineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BcIEB is a small protein secreted by the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea that is recognized as a pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP) by plants. This activity is mapped to a highly conserved region of 35 amino acids, the peptide ieb35. Moreover, it has been shown that the protein and the peptide induce systemic resistance to B. cinerea after their infiltration into tobacco leaves. In this work, the possible use of BcIBE1 or ieb35 as plant protective agents has been tested. Tobacco plants were sprayed, infiltrated, or treated at the seedling stage with the protein or the peptide, and plant susceptibility to pathogens with different lifestyles was then studied at various times after treatment. The results showed that both BcIEB1 and ieb35 caused a similar reduction in the lesion sizes caused by B. cinerea and in colonization by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci (reduced by c. 30% and c. 40%, respectively), independently of the treatment type. In addition, the number of B. cinerea inoculations leading to successful infections was also reduced in plants infiltrated or sprayed with BcIEB1/ieb35. The defence‐related genes PR1a, NPR1, and osmotin ap24 were all induced by the protein and the peptide. BcIEB1, and especially ieb35, may be considered as a potential environmentally friendly treatment to increase plant resistance to pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salivary glucose oxidase (GOX) is one of the most abundant salivary proteins in generalist caterpillar Helicoverpa zea. GOX has been hypothesized to benefit H. zea by modulating direct defense responses of plants. Although the function of this protein has been studied, its role remains unclear. The study aims to test the hypothesis that GOX induces similar defensive responses among Solanaceous plants, and has similar consequences for larval performance of H. zea. Using six different plants in Solanaceae, including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Better Boy and S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme), bell pepper (Capsicum annuum cv. Revolution), habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense), tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica cv. Tamayo), and tobacco (N. benthamiana), we tested the impact of GOX on induction of two common defense proteins, trypsin protease inhibitors (TPI) and polyphenol oxidases (PPO), and on relative growth rate of H. zea larvae. We found that GOX specifically induced TPI activity in tomato and habanero pepper, and the level of defense protein depended on leaf location. In addition, prior application of GOX did not increase the performance of H. zea in any plant tested. Changes in performance in tomato and habanero pepper matched the induction of TPI. In summary, our findings indicate that GOX induces similar defense responses in some Solanacean plants, but largely depends on species/genotype of plant, and that the presence of GOX did not benefit larval H. zea by modulating direct defense responses of plants. Other mechanisms must be involved in driving the evolution of this salivary protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct traumatic injury of surgery initiates a chain of physiological events via the endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular and immune systems. The unregulated stress response can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), but if the response was totally obliterated then this would predispose to infection and failure of the recovery process. To an extent this response is protective. This article outlines the components of the interlinked endocrine, metabolic, immune and haemodynamic responses and discusses the ways in which the various components of the response can be modified in order to optimize postoperative recovery and to reduce complications. The role of vitamin supplementation and the controversial element of glucocorticoids is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonium (NH 4 +) concentrations in rice fields show heterogeneous spatial distribution under the combined influences of nitrogen fertilizer application and modern agronomic practices. However, the characteristics and mechanisms of rice roots in response to heterogeneous NH 4 + supply are not well understood. Here, we found a systemic response of rice roots to heterogeneous and high (10 mM) NH 4 + supply using a split-root experiment, and show root growth on the NH 4 +-free (NO 3 −) side was also inhibited by localized high-NH 4 + supply. Moreover, OsEIL1 (encoding a core transcription factor in the ethylene signaling pathway) was found to be involved in the response of rice roots to heterogeneous NH 4 +. OsEIL1 mutation significantly increased the inhibitory effect of localized high-NH 4 + on root growth of the NO 3 − side, as well as significantly increased NH 4 + efflux there. Furthermore, our results indicate that the mitigating effect of OsEIL1 on NH 4 + efflux is related to the regulated expression of OsVTC1-3 (encoding a GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase). These findings provide insight into the mechanisms by which OsEIL1 responds to heterogeneous high NH 4 + and contribute to our understanding of rice adaptation to heterogeneous NH 4 + supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work will review the metabolic information that various studies have obtained in recent years on bladder cancer, with particular attention to discovering biomarkers in urine for the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. In principle, they would be capable of complementing cystoscopy, an invasive but nowadays irreplaceable technique or, in the best case, of replacing it. We will evaluate the degree of reproducibility that the different experiments have shown in the indication of biomarkers, and a synthesis will be attempted to obtain a consensus list that is more likely to become a guideline for clinical practice. In further analysis, we will inquire into the origin of these dysregulated metabolites in patients with bladder cancer. For this purpose, it will be helpful to compare the imbalances measured in urine with those known inside tumor cells or tissues. Although the urine analysis is sometimes considered a liquid biopsy because of its direct contact with the tumor in the bladder wall, it contains metabolites from all organs and tissues of the body, and the tumor is separated from urine by the most impermeable barrier found in mammals. The distinction between the specific and systemic responses can help understand the disease and its consequences in more depth.

Abstract The stress and immune-related effects of short-term (1, 6 and 24 h) air exposure stress (1 min), bath vaccination with Vibrio anguillarum bacterin, and both stressors combined were evaluated in liver and spleen of Sparus aurata , Danio rerio and Onchorhynchus mykiss. Expression profiles of immune (interleukin 1 beta : il1β ; tumor necrosis factor alpha : tnfα ; interleukin 10 : il10 ; tumor growth factor beta : tgfβ1 ; immunoglobulin M : igm ; lysozyme: lys ; complement protein c3 : c3) and stress-related genes (glucocorticoid receptor : gr ; heat shock protein 70 : hsp70; and enolase) were analysed by RT-qPCR. Cortisol level was assessed by radioimmunoassay. The gene expression patterns in liver and spleen were found to be differentially regulated in a time- and organ-dependent manner among species. In seabream, a higher il1β -driven inflammatory response was recorded. In zebrafish, air exposure stress but not bath vaccination alone modulated most of the changes in liver and spleen immune transcripts. Stressed and vaccinated trout showed an intermediate pattern of gene expression, with a lower upregulation of immune-related genes in liver and the absence of changes in the expression of hsp70 and enolase in spleen (as it was observed in seabream but not in zebrafish). Following air exposure, cortisol levels increased in plasma 1 h post-stress (hps) and then decreased at 6 hps in O. mykiss and D. rerio. By contrast, in S.aurata the cortisol level remained higher at 6 hps suggesting a greater degree of responsiveness to this stressor. When fish were exposed to combined air exposure plus bath vaccination cortisol levels were also augmented at 1 and 6 hps in O. mykiss and S.aurata and restored to basal level at 24 hps, whereas in D. rerio the response was higher in response to the combination of both stressors. In addition, V. anguillarum bacterin vaccination triggered cortisol secretion only in D. rerio, suggesting a greater responsiveness of D. rerio hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis. Overall, comparing the tissue transcription responsiveness, liver was found to be more implicated in the response to handling stress compared to spleen. These results also indicate that a species-specific response accounts for the deviations of stress and immune onset in the liver and spleen in these fish species. Highlights • Different (alone or combined) stressors present on aquaculture practices were analysed. • Seabream showed a higher responsiveness to acute air exposure. • Zebrafish was higher responsiveness to vaccination bath exposure. • Zebrafish and trout showed cortisol peak because the combination of these two stressors. • The stress and immune response in liver and spleen is species-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemotherapy is an emerging treatment modality for cancer patients which can effectively reduce tumour burden and induce immunogenic cell death. Electrochemotherapy is most commonly used with bleomycin as the drug of choice, here we examine the efficacy of electrochemotherapy with cisplatin. Electrochemotherapy with cisplatin was found to effectively reduce tumour growth in a range of murine models and induce significant intratumoural recruitment of myeloid and humoral immune cells. Following the observations of immune system mobilisation, we have shown an ability of electrochemotherapy to reduce metastatic potential as determined by tumour burden in the lung, and to exert an abscopal effect by reducing growth at distal untreated secondary tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute brain injuries pose a great threat to global health, having significant impact on mortality and disability. Patients with acute brain injury may develop distant organ failure, even if no systemic diseases or infection is present. The severity of non-neurologic organs’ dysfunction depends on the extremity of the insult to the brain. In this comprehensive review we sought to describe the organ-related consequences of acute brain injuries. The clinician should always be aware of the interplay between central nervous system and non-neurological organs, that is constantly present. Cerebral injury is not only a brain disease, but also affects the body as whole, and thus requires holistic therapeutical approach.

In order to explore whether leaf area of developing leaves was regulated by systemic irradiance signal from mature leaves, we investigated the leaf area, leaf anatomy, photosynthesis, auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin contents of new developing leaves in soybean growing under conditions of shaded mature leaves (MS), shaded whole plants (WS), and under full sunlight (NS). The results showed that developing leaves under MS exhibited the higher leaf area and leaf mass than that of WS. Blade thickness, palisade tissue thickness, sponge tissue thickness, cell size, cell numbers, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and cytokinin content of developing leaves under MS were lower, while auxin and gibberellin contents were higher than that of NS. These results indicate that the leaf area, leaf anatomy, and photosynthesis of developing leaves were regulated by the shading environment of mature leaves. Growth hormones may possibly act as candidate signal substances to systemic regulation of leaf area development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging clinical evidence has suggested that short-term mechanical augmentation of cardiac output (CO) may not consistently improve mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS), despite improvements in hemodynamics. Such failures could reflect the underlying complexity of the mechanisms that contribute to malperfusion and organ dysfunction in CS. Distinct molecular and physiologic shock endophenotypes likely exist among patients with CS, with hemodynamic aberrations as the inciting insult but not necessarily the primary drivers of clinical outcomes. We propose that building a framework that moves away from the current "hemodynamic model" in preference for a "mechanistic disease-modifying model" of CS may facilitate progress toward reducing the stagnant mortality rates in this population. Such a therapeutic paradigm shift in patients with chronic systolic heart failure—the shift away from strategies that augment CO to those that modulate the systemic responses to low CO—has been one of the single most important shifts in contemporary cardiovascular medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is an essential element for all organisms, and plants have developed sophisticated systems to acquire iron and maintain iron homeostasis. We found that an Arabidopsis thaliana ABA-hypersensitive mutant, aba hypersensitive germination2-1 (ahg2-1), that is known to be defective in mitochondrial mRNA regulation, had increased expression of iron deficiency response genes. The ahg2-1 mutant had lower heme levels than the wild type. Transcriptome data further revealed that novel genes encoding short polypeptides were highly expressed in this mutant. The expression of one of these genes, which we named FE-UPTAKE-INDUCING PEPTIDE 1 (FEP1), was induced under iron-deficient conditions and was observed in the vascular tissues of the leaves and roots, as well as in leaf mesophyll cells. Notably, deletion or insertion mutations of FEP1 exhibited impaired iron accumulation in shoots but normal iron levels in roots. Artificially induced expression of FEP1 was sufficient to induce iron deficiency response genes, such as basic HELIX–LOOP–HELIX 38 (bHLH38), bHLH39, IRON-REGULATED TRANSPORTER1 (IRT1) and FERRIC REDUCTION OXIDASE2 (FRO2), and led to iron accumulation in planta. Further analysis confirmed that the encoded peptide, but not the FEP1 RNA, was responsible for this activity. Remarkably, the activation of bHLH39 by FEP1 was independent of FER-LIKE IRON DEFICIENCY INDUCED (FIT), a key transcription factor in the iron deficiency response. Taken together, our results indicate that FEP1 functions in iron homeostasis through a previously undescribed regulatory mechanism for iron acquisition in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shoulder lesions are common in lactating sows and can affect their welfare. We assessed the systemic inflammatory response to shoulder ulcers and monitored the preventive effect of postpartum administration with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (ketoprofen) on their prevalence. In a double-blind placebo-controlled field trial, 144 YxL hybrid sows farrowing in crates with a cast-iron floor received either ketoprofen (3 mg/kg) or placebo as an intramuscular injection on days 0-1 after parturition. During the lactation period (weeks 1–4) all sows were assessed weekly for the presence of shoulder ulcers (0 = no ulcer, 1 = unilateral ulcer, 2 = bilateral ulcers; in all cases at least epithelial damage). From a subset of 37 sows, haptoglobin (Hp), albumin (ALB) and cortisol (COR) were measured from blood samples taken 10 to 12 days after farrowing. Results were analyzed according to a linear regression model for associations between Hp, ALB, COR and shoulder ulcers. A random ordered logistic model was used to assess risk factors (body condition score (BCS), back and shoulder fat, decrease in BCS or fat layer thickness during lactation, parity, number of live born and stillborn piglets, piglets weaned, shoulder ulcer scar) and the effect of ketoprofen treatment. Total prevalence of shoulder ulcers at lactation weeks 1–4 was 26.4%, 33.3%, 38.2% and 38.9%, respectively. Prevalences of unilateral shoulder ulcers at lactation weeks 1–4 were 16.7%, 19.4%, 20.8% and 18.8%, and prevalences of bilateral shoulder ulcers were 9.7%, 13.9%, 17.4%, and 20.1%. There was a decrease in albumin and an increase in Hp levels in sows with bilateral shoulder ulcers compared with sows without shoulder ulcers (P < 0.001) or unilateral shoulder ulcers (P = 0.014 for ALB , P = 0.021 for Hp). Changes in COR levels were not statistically significant but sows with bilateral shoulder ulcers tended to have lower cortisol levels than sows without ulcers (P = 0.061) and sows with unilateral shoulder ulcers (P = 0.089). Ketoprofen failed to protect against shoulder ulcers, but instead the treated sows had an increased number of shoulder lesions at the second and third lactation week (P = 0.023 and P = 0.049). Previous shoulder ulcer was a predisposing factor for shoulder ulcers at all lactation weeks (P < 0.001). Higher body condition score (BCS) and a thicker back and shoulder fat layer protected against shoulder ulcers. The results indicate that bilateral shoulder ulcers trigger a systemic response and should therefore be regarded as a significant finding in clinical evaluation. Postpartum administration of ketoprofen was ineffective in shoulder ulcer prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium (Mg) based materials are the focus of research for use as degradable materials in orthopedics and cranio-maxillofacial surgery. However, corrosion rate control and biosecurity are still the key issues that need to be solved prior to their clinical applications. In the present study, as-rolled high-purity magnesium (HP Mg, 99.99 wt%) screws were implanted in rabbit tibiae for up to 52 weeks in order to investigate their long-term in vivo degradation and the local and systemic effects of their degradation products. A series of long-term monitoring were performed at various time points (4w, 12w, 26w and 52w) after implantation using numerous investigations such as micro-CT assay, histomorphometric analysis, local micro-environment testing and biochemical analysis of serum and urine. It was revealed that HP Mg screws had a uniform degradation morphology and a slow degradation rate in vivo during the period of 52 weeks. Their degradation products not only increased the local pH values but also changed the local Mg 2+ ions concentration and gas cavity area in the peri -implant tissues in a dynamic manner. More importantly, both the new bone formation and bone-implant contact rate were increased at bone-implant interfaces at 26 weeks and 52 weeks post-implantation. Furthermore, neither abnormal elevation of serum magnesium and urine magnesium level, nor liver and kidney dysfunction were detected during the monitoring period of 26 weeks. All these results of long-term investigation suggest that HP Mg screws possess a slow degradation rate, desirable bone repair capacity and long-term local/systemic biosafety, and consequently may have good potential for application as bone fixation devices. Statement of significance The corrosion resistance control and biosecurity issues of Mg alloys limited their clinical applications in some extent. Mg purification is another effective way to improve corrosion resistance of Mg-based materials. However, the long-term in vivo degradation of high-purity magnesium (HP Mg) and the local and systemic effects of its degradation products have not been fully investigated yet, which are the key factors to determine the clinical application prospect of HP Mg. Especially the changes in peri -implant microenvironment may greatly influence the local physiological response and bone repair. In this study, the long-term evolution tendency of in vivo degradation behavior of HP Mg screws was discovered from the view of space-time. Furthermore, not only the dynamic changes of local microenvironment and the long-term evolution process of bone repair, but also the dynamic systemic responses were systematically revealed. Conclusions of this study may help us to further understand the long-term in vivo evolution of HP Mg degradation and the local/systemic effects of its degradation products and help to guide the design of biodegradable bone fixation material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annual loss of productivity of the important crop legume chickpea has received prime scientific concern at recent times. Vascular wilt caused by fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris race 1 (Foc1) accounts for major share of yield loss of chickpea. Control of this disease remains a challenge due to the lack of appropriate breeding programs to manage fast pathogen mutability. Previous studies with this pathogen have highlighted the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as chemical signal in enkindling downstream systemic resistance response instead of activating site specific defense. But the role of salicylic acid in modulating resistance is still unexplored. Present study explains the probable function of salicylic acid (SA) in coordination with ROS. The external SA application reveals the restoration of relative water content of infected susceptible chickpea plants. The qRT-PCR based expression study of key SA biosynthetic genes indicate that the SA biogenesis takes place by the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) that activates other SA responsive genes and TGA transcription factors to induce an active defense against Foc1. Finally, detection of SA by LC MS/MS along with the accumulation of transcripts of SA marker genes, PR1 and PR5, strengthens the involvement of SA in translocation of distant systemic signals in chickpea-Foc1 interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant defence responses induced by the bacterial elicitor flg22 are highly dependent on phytohormones, including gaseous ethylene (ET). While the regulatory role of ET in local defence responses to flg22 exposure has been demonstrated, its contribution to the induction of systemic responses is not clearly understood. For this consideration, we examined the effects of different ET modulators on the flg22-induced local and systemic defence progression. In our experiments, ET biosynthesis inhibitor aminoethoxyvinyl glycine (AVG) or ET receptor blocker silver thiosulphate (STS) were applied 1 h before flg22 treatments and 1 h later the rapid local and systemic responses were detected in the leaves of intact tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Based on our results, AVG not only diminished the flg22-induced ET accumulation locally, but also in the younger leaves confirming the role of ET in the whole-plant expanding defence progression. This increase in ET emission was accompanied by increased local expression of SlACO1 , which was reduced by AVG and STS. Local ET biosynthesis upon flg22 treatment was shown to positively regulate local and systemic superoxide (O 2 .-) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) production, which in turn could contribute to ET accumulation in younger leaves. Confirming the role of ET in flg22-induced rapid defence responses, application of AVG reduced local and systemic ET, O 2 .- and H 2 O 2 production, whereas STS reduced it primarily in the younger leaves. Interestingly, in addition to flg22, AVG and STS induced stomatal closure alone at whole-plant level, however in the case of combined treatments together with flg22 both ET modulators reduced the rate of stomatal closure in the older- and younger leaves as well. These results demonstrate that both local and systemic ET production in sufficient amounts and active ET signalling are essential for the development of flg22-induced rapid local and systemic defence responses. • Ethylene emission was accompanied by increased SlACO1 expression locally upon flg22. • Local ethylene inhibition systemically reduced flg22-induced ET production. • Local and systemic superoxide production induced by flg22 was ethylene dependent. • Flg22-induced local and systemic stomatal closure was ethylene dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap ( Dionaea muscipula), the sequence of events after prey capture resembles the well-known plant defence signalling pathway in response to pathogen or herbivore attack. Here, we used wounding to mimic prey capture to show the similarities and differences between botanical carnivory and plant defence mechanisms., We monitored movement, electrical signalling, jasmonate accumulation and digestive enzyme secretion in local and distal (systemic) traps in response to prey capture, the mechanical stimulation of trigger hairs and wounding., The Venus flytrap cannot discriminate between wounding and mechanical trigger hair stimulation. Both induced the same action potentials, rapid trap closure, hermetic trap sealing, the accumulation of jasmonic acid ( JA) and its isoleucine conjugate ( JA-Ile), and the secretion of proteases (aspartic and cysteine proteases), phosphatases and type I chitinase. The jasmonate accumulation and enzyme secretion were confined to the local traps, to which the stimulus was applied, which correlates with the propagation of electrical signals and the absence of a systemic response in the Venus flytrap., In contrast to plant defence mechanisms, the absence of a systemic response in carnivorous plant may represent a resource-saving strategy. During prey capture, it could be quite expensive to produce digestive enzymes in the traps on the plant without prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants of the Brassicaceae are defended from feeding by generalist insects by constitutively-expressed and herbivory-induced glucosinolates (GS). We induced Arabidopsis plants 1, 16 and 24 h prior to allowing neonate larvae of the generalist Helicoverpa armigera to feed on whole plants for 72 h. These plants were subsequently retested with another group of neonates for a further 72 h. We used wild-type A. thaliana Col-0, and mutant lines lacking indolic GS, aliphatic GS or all GS. We hypothesized that larvae would not grow well on defended plants (WT) compared to those lacking GS, and would not grow well if plants had been primed or fed on for longer, due to the expected induced GS. There was survivorship on all lines suggesting H. armigera is a suitable generalist for these experiments. Larvae performed less well on wild-type and no indolic lines than on no aliphatic and no GS lines. Larvae distributed feeding damage extensively in all lines, more so on wild type and no-indolic lines. Contrary to expectations, larvae grew better on plants that had been induced for 1 to 16 h than on un-induced plants suggesting they moved to and selected less toxic plant parts within a heterogeneously defended plant. Performance declined on all lines if plants had been induced for 24 h, or had been fed upon for a further 72 h. However, contrary to expectation, individual and total GS did not increase after these two treatments. This suggests that Arabidopsis plants induce additional (not GS) defenses after longer induction periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct traumatic injury of surgery initiates a chain of physiological events via the endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular and immune systems. The unregulated stress response can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), but alternatively if we were able to totally obliterate the response then this would predispose to infection and failure of the recovery process. To an extent the response is protective. This article will outline the components of the interlinked endocrine, metabolic, immune and haemodynamic responses and discuss the ways in which the various components of the response can be modified in order to optimize postoperative recovery and aim to reduce complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe burn trauma causes serious metabolic derangements. Increased metabolic rate which is apart of a pathophysiologic characteristic of burn trauma results in protein-energy malnutrition. This situation causes impaired wound healing, muscle and fat tissue’s breakdown, growth retardation in children and infections. Nutrition support is vital in the treatment strategies of burn victims to prevent high mortal and disabling complications in this devastating trauma. Our aim in this study is to review management of nutrition in burn victims. (Journal of the Turkish Society Intensive Care 2012; 10: 74-83)

Plants are subject to stimuli from the environment on which they strongly depend and in contrast to animals, they are unable to escape harmful influences. Therefore, being able to receive stimuli they have developed adequate responses to them. Such a reaction can occur in the area of a stimulus action or cover the whole plant or its parts. In the latter case, it is a systemic reaction. The plant reaction is expressed by various intensity, rate and kind of response. It is interesting to know the character of the signal informing about a stimulus, the routes of its propagation and the transmission mechanism. Three conceptions of excitation are distinguished: 1) propagation of chemical agents formed at the site of a stimulus action with the flow of the phloem sap or through the atmosphere (in the case of volatile substances) to other plant parts, 2) a very fast transmission by the xylem in the wave of hydraulic pressure formed after a plant damage. From combining the "hydraulic" and "chemical" hypothesis a conception of hydraulic dispersion has been formulated which assumes that chemical substances synthetized after an injury can be transferred very fast with the wave of hydraulic pressure changes in the whole plant, 3) a stimulus evokes the action potential (AP), and its transmission along the whole plant, plant organ or specialized tissue, by local circuits from cell to cell. Strong, damaging stimuli can evoke variation potentials (VPs), the character of which differs from APs. It is postulated that transmission of VP occurs by a hydraulic dispersion and electrical changes seem to be secondary phenomena.

Long-distance electrical signals generated in locally stimulated plants are linked with systemic physiological responses. The propagation of electrical signal through a plant can be measured by multiple electrodes attached to different sites of a plant body. As this signal has to be measured with the sensitivity of tens of microvolts, it can be easily disturbed by power-line hums or external electromagnetic fields. These disturbances can mimic the action potentials generated by a plant. In this work, we present a brief summary of various experimental approaches to the measurement of surface electrical potential (SEP) on a plant and a description of our multi-channel device for the SEP measurement. The main advantages of our measuring system are galvanic separation of the measuring unit, resulting in the elimination of power-line disturbances, and simple and stable contact of Ag/AgCl-peletted electrodes with the plant surface, facilitated by an ordinary gel used in human electrocardiography. These improvements enabled us to detect unperturbed variation (slow) and action (fast) potentials on a plant, as demonstrated by the four-electrode measurement of the electrical signal propagation in a locally wounded tomato plant.