Biochemical characterisation of digestive α-amylase of Red Palm Weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliver) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a serious pest of a wide range of plant species including coconut, sago, date and oil palms. The α-amylases are the hydrolytic enzymes that are involved in carbohydrate metabolism in insects. So far nothing is done to demonstrate α-amylase activity of R. ferrugineus. Thus, the aim of the current study was to identify and characterise the α-amylase activity to gain a better understanding of digestive physiology of the insect. Thus, the α-amylase in the gut of red palm weevil was isolated and characterised using starch as a substrate. The study showed that the α-amylase is present in the gut of the insect for carbohydrate digestion. The α-amylase has an optimum pH and temperature of 5 and 40°C. The activity of α-amylase was increased by NaCl and KCl and inhibited by other compounds such as MgCl₂, CaCl₂, urea, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and sodium dodecylsulfate. Native-PAGE electrophoresis of α-amylase showed two isoenzymes, one major and one minor band showing α-amylase importance in the carbohydrate metabolism of the insect. Understanding of the digestive physiology and α-amylase activity of Red Palm Weevil is important when new management strategies for this economically important pest are devised.     

Seasonal population fluctuations of the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep.: Plutellidae) on different cauliflower cultivars

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep.: Plutellidae) is one of the most important pests of cruciferous plants throughout the world. In recent years, it has been identified as a serious pest of the cauliflower fields in Tehran province. Resistance of P. xylostella to all main groups of insecticides has been recorded and it is ranked in the 20 most resistant pest species reported until now. According to many researchers, to solve the problem of pest resistance to chemical pesticides, an integrated pest management programme should be used. Despite this condition, it seems that the use of resistant cauliflower cultivars is an appropriate policy for integrated control of the pest in the field. In order to identify the most resistant cultivar in the field, eight cauliflower cultivars in a completely randomised design with five replicates were planted at the Shahed University research field (south of Tehran). Density of eggs, larvae and pupae of P. xylostella were measured every 10 days in these cultivars. The results showed that there is no significant difference between numbers of eggs per plant on different cultivars. But number of larvae and pupae per plant were significantly different among different cultivars. Smilla and Snow mystique cultivars had the highest number of larvae and pupae. On the other hand, Buris and Snow crown cultivars had the lowest number of pupae and Snow crown and SG cultivars had the lowest number of larvae per plant. According to the results, the Buris and Snow crown cultivars had the lowest infestation and had a kind of resistance to pest.     

Impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on eating behavior,depression and health related quality of life: A cross-sectional study in Riyadh

Background & objectivesPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinal disorder, and the greatest cause of infertility in women. Despite availability of individual data on impact of multiple endocrinal, reproductive and even metabolic factors in PCOS individuals, the data on the co-existence of BED and depression in PCOS patients with its relationship on the quality of life in Saudi Arabian females is not found. Hence this study is aimed to elucidate the implication of PCOS on eating behaviour, induction of depression and general health quality in Saudi Arabian population of Riyadh.Materials and methodsThis is a cross-sectional study carried out in multiple health facilities of Riyadh from January to March 2019. The study samples (494) were recruited by convenience sampling and administered validated questionnaire by trained research participants. The data obtained was analysed by binary logistic regression using SPSS-IBM 25.ResultsOf the total 494 women participated in the study, 23.48% (116) were PCOS individuals. The odds of developing abnormal health related quality of (HRQ) in patients with PCOS was significantly (P = 0.000, OR = 3.472) high when compared to non-PCOS participants. The odds of showing high binge eating disorder (BED, P = 0.007, OR = 2.856) and depression (P = 0.000, OR = 2.497) scores in PCOS participants were significantly more than patients who were not having PCOS. Out of the three parameters studied, abnormal health related quality of life possessed a higher influence of PCOS compared to depression and abnormal eating behavior.Interpretation & conclusionIn conclusion, the present study shows that women with PCOS are at a significant risk for depressive disorders, disorganized eating behavior and impaired quality of life. Therefore, necessary care and screening is required to minimize the impact of PCOS on already burdened individuals.     

Aroma Profile of Two Populations of Salvia verbenaca Collected from Two Bio‐Geographical Zones from Jordan

The aroma emitted from the different organs of two Salvia verbenaca L. populations from Jordan were extracted by Solid Phase Micro‐Extraction (SPME) and then analyzed by GC/MS. The emission profile of the stem, leaf and sepal samples from the Mediterranean zone (Al‐Salt) was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (68.0 %, 33.7 %, and 42.2 %, respectively). The emission profile of flowering parts including pre‐flowering buds, fully expanded flowers and petals was dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes (58.6 %, 59.3 % and 87.1 %, respectively). The major constituent detected in these organs was trans‐sabinene hydrate acetate (range 14.5 %–87.0 %). On the other hand, samples collected from Irano‐Turanian zone showed different emission patterns. While the stems, leaves and petal emissions were dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (54.9 %, 76.8 % and 52.6 %, respectively), monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated the emission profiles of the pre‐flowering buds (75.1 %) and fully expanded flowers (73.6 %). Petals emissions were characterized by high concentrations of oxygenated monoterpenes (58.8 %). Notably, trans‐sabinene hydrate dominated most organs emissions except for leaves (range 20.0 %–58.8 %). Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) revealed two different clusters related to the two different geographical zones. The current investigation revealed two ecotypes of S. verbenaca that could result in two different chemotypes. Trans‐sabinene hydrate acetate and trans‐sabinene hydrate are suggested compounds for identifying these two chemotypes.     

Prion Protein Gene Variability in Spanish Goats. Inference through Susceptibility to Classical Scrapie Strains and Pathogenic Distribution of Peripheral PrPsc

Classical scrapie is a neurological disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal, partially protease resistant prion protein (PrP^sc) in the CNS and in some peripheral tissues in domestic small ruminants. Whereas the pathological changes and genetic susceptibility of ovine scrapie are well known, caprine scrapie has been less well studied. We report here a pathological study of 13 scrapie-affected goats diagnosed in Spain during the last 9 years. We used immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques to discriminate between classical and atypical scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). All the animals displayed PrP^sc distribution patterns and western blot characteristics compatible with classical scrapie. In addition, we determined the complete open reading frame sequence of the PRNP in these scrapie-affected animals. The polymorphisms observed were compared with those of the herd mates (n = 665) and with the frequencies of healthy herds (n = 581) of native Spanish goats (Retinta, Pirenaica and Moncaina) and other worldwide breeds reared in Spain (Saanen, Alpine and crossbreed). In total, sixteen polymorphic sites were identified, including the known amino acid substitutions at codons G37V, G127S, M137I, I142M, H143R, R151H, R154H, R211Q, Q222K, G232W, and P240S, and new polymorphisms at codons G74D, M112T, R139S, L141F and Q215R. In addition, the known 42, 138 and 179 silent mutations were detected, and one new one is reported at codon 122. The genetic differences observed in the population studied have been attributed to breed and most of the novel polymorphic codons show frequencies lower than 5%. This work provides the first basis of polymorphic distribution of PRNP in native and worldwide goat breeds reared in Spain.     

Spatial and Spectral Mapping and Decomposition of Neural Dynamics and Organization of the Mouse Brain with Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography

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Autologous bone marrow–derived CD133 cells with core decompression as a novel treatment method for femoral head osteonecrosis: a pilot study

Background

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head is a progressive bone disease due to ischemia of femoral head; patients experience pain and they can not do normal activity. There is not an effective way to treat the cause of this disease. In recent studies, treatment of this disease using pluripotent stem cell–derived mesenchyme is safe and effective, but this method needs more investigation. In this study, the safety and efficacy of CD133+ cells were evaluated as a novel method of stem cell therapy to treat AVN.

A Physiologic Role for Serotonergic Transmission in Adult Rat Taste Buds

Of the multiple neurotransmitters and neuropeptides expressed in the mammalian taste bud, serotonin remains both the most studied and least understood. Serotonin is expressed in a subset of taste receptor cells that form synapses with afferent nerve fibers (type III cells) and was once thought to be essential to neurotransmission (now understood as purinergic). However, the discovery of the 5-HT_1A serotonin receptor in a subset of taste receptor cells paracrine to type III cell suggested a role in cell-to-cell communication during the processing of taste information. Functional data describing this role are lacking. Using anatomical and neurophysiological techniques, this study proposes a modulatory role for serotonin during the processing of taste information. Double labeling immunocytochemical and single cell RT-PCR technique experiments documented that 5-HT_1A-expressing cells co-expressed markers for type II cells, cells which express T1R or T2R receptors and release ATP. These cells did not co-express type III cells markers. Neurophysiological recordings from the chorda tympani nerve, which innervates anterior taste buds, were performed prior to and during intravenous injection of a 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist. These experiments revealed that serotonin facilitates processing of taste information for tastants representing sweet, sour, salty, and bitter taste qualities. On the other hand, injection of ondansetron, a 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist, was without effect. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that serotonin is a crucial element in a finely-tuned feedback loop involving the 5-HT_1A receptor, ATP, and purinoceptors. It is hypothesized that serotonin facilitates gustatory signals by regulating the release of ATP through ATP-release channels possibly through phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate resynthesis. By doing so, 5-HT_1A activation prevents desensitization of post-synaptic purinergic receptors expressed on afferent nerve fibers and enhances the afferent signal. Serotonin may thus play a major modulatory role within peripheral taste in shaping the afferent taste signals prior to their transmission across gustatory nerves.     

Effects of Pressure Support Ventilation Mode on Emergence Time and Intra-Operative Ventilatory Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial

We tested the hypothesis that pressure-support ventilation (PSV) allows a reduction in emergence time and laryngeal mask airway (LMA) removal time after general anesthesia compared to volume-controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV). Because spontaneous breathing (SB) is often used with LMA under general anesthesia, patients were allocated randomly to three groups (CMV, SB and PSV). Thirty-six consecutive ASA I–II patients scheduled for knee arthroscopic surgery under general anesthesia with a LMA and breathing throughout the ventilator circuit were included. Hemodynamic and ventilatory variables were recorded before and 10-min after general anesthesia-induction, at the surgical incision, at the end of anaesthetic drugs infusion and when the patient was totally awake (which defines emergence time). LMA removal time, drug consumption were recorded at the end of the surgical procedure. Leak fraction around the LMA was also evaluated. LMA removal time was significantly higher in the CMV-group (18±6 min) compared to both SB (8±4 min) and PSV (7±4 min, P<0.05) groups as well as for emergence time: CMV-group (32±12 min), SB (17±7 min) and PSV (13±6 min, P<0.05) groups. Total propofol consumption was significantly lower in the PSV-group (610±180 mg) than in both CMV (852±330 mg) and SB (734±246 mg, P<0.05) groups. Air leaks around the LMA was significantly higher in the CMV-group than in the SB and PSV groups (16% vs 3% and 7%, all P<0.05). In conclusion, in knee arthroscopic surgery, in comparison to CMV, PSV use during general anesthesia in unparalyzed patients decreases LMA removal time, propofol consumption and leaks around LMA while improving ventilatory variables without adverse effects.

Trial Registration

Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN17382426