From correlation to causation: The new frontier of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance

While heredity is predominantly controlled by what deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences are passed from parents to their offspring, a small but growing number of traits have been shown to be regulated in part by the non-genetic inheritance of information. Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is defined as heritable information passed from parents to their offspring without changing the DNA sequence. Work of the past seven decades has transitioned what was previously viewed as rare phenomenology, into well-established paradigms by which numerous traits can be modulated. For the most part, studies in model organisms have correlated transgenerational epigenetic inheritance phenotypes with changes in epigenetic modifications. The next steps for this field will entail transitioning from correlative studies to causal ones. Here, we delineate the major molecules that have been implicated in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in both mammalian and non-mammalian models, speculate on additional molecules that could be involved, and highlight some of the tools which might help transition this field from correlation to causation.     

Development and validation of an economical uric acid-Fe3+/Fe2+-ferrozine-based colorimetric assay to estimate uric acid level of pure and biological samples

ABSTRACT

This work presents the development and validation of a simple, rapid, and cost-effective spectrophotometric method for quantitative analysis of uric acid in biological samples. The method relies upon uric acid-led reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) of sample/standard solutions which stoichiometrically engages ferrozine to form a magenta-colored complex. Different parameters including pH, metal and chelator concentrations, temperature, etc., were optimized for the maximum intensity and stability of the complex. The uric acid concentrations of synthetic/plasma solutions were determined by comparing the color intensity of Fe(ferrozine)₃ ²⁺ complex produced by test solution with the standard curve formed by known uric acid concentrations. The method was validated in accordance with ICH guidelines and subjected to human plasma analysis. The results obtained were compared with a reference (enzymatic) method which revealed that there was no significant difference between the two methods at 95% confidence level. The method is highly specific, precise, linear, accurate, and robust.     

Investigating neural efficiency of elite karate athletes during a mental arithmetic task using EEG

Neural efficiency is proposed as one of the neural mechanisms underlying elite athletic performances. Previous sports studies examined neural efficiency using tasks that involve motor functions. In this study we investigate the extent of neural efficiency beyond motor tasks by using a mental subtraction task. A group of elite karate athletes are compared to a matched group of non-athletes. Electroencephalogram is used to measure cognitive dynamics during resting and increased mental workload periods. Mainly posterior alpha band power of the karate players was found to be higher than control subjects under both tasks. Moreover, event related synchronization/desynchronization has been computed to investigate the neural efficiency hypothesis among subjects. Finally, this study is the first study to examine neural efficiency related to a cognitive task, not a motor task, in elite karate players using ERD/ERS analysis. The results suggest that the effect of neural efficiency in the brain is global rather than local and thus might be contributing to the elite athletic performances. Also the results are in line with the neural efficiency hypothesis tested for motor performance studies.     

Fine needle aspiration in stromal sarcoma of the breast. Light and electron microscopic findings with histologic correlation

Stromal sarcoma of the breast, according to current concepts, is a rare lesion arising from the stroma surrounding the ductal epithelium. A case of this neoplasm is reported, with light and electron microscopic findings in fine needle aspirates and correlation with histologic findings. The findings, similar to those previously reported for stromal sarcoma of the breast, included a less-pleomorphic morphologic picture than is seen in malignant fibrous histiocytoma, but a more primitive ultrastructural appearance.     

A mini-review on electrotherapeutic strategy for the plant viral elimination

Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) - Plants have electrophysiological phenomena and are influenced by external electrical fields too. Plants have been studied for this property since the...     

Effect of foliar applied triacontanol on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under arsenic stress: a study of changes in growth,yield and photosynthetic characteristics

Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants - In this study, changes in growth, yield and photosynthetic characteristics were assessed by foliar application of triacontanol (TRIA) in wheat (Triticum...     

The effect of viscosity,friction, and sonication on the morphology and metabolite production from Aspergillus terreus ATCC 20542

Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - This study investigates the effects of viscosity, friction, and sonication on the morphology and the production of lovastatin, (+)-geodin, and sulochrin by...     

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Zinc and Multi-Microbe Probiotic on Growth Traits and Alteration of Intestinal Architecture in Broiler

Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins - This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of zinc (Zn) and a probiotic on the growth and intestinal health of broiler chickens. One...