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PTHrP promotes murine secondary trophoblast giant cell differentiation through induction of endocycle, upregulation of giant-cell-promoting transcription factors and suppression of other trophoblast cell types.

The murine trophoblast cell lineage represents an intriguing experimental cell model as it is composed of four trophoblast stem (TS)-derived cell types: trophoblast giant cells (TGCs), spongiotrophoblast, syncytotrophoblast, and glycogen trophoblast cells. To investigate the role of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) in TGC differentiation, we analyzed the effect of exogenous PTHrP on secondary TGCs of day 8.5 p.c. ectoplacental cone explant culture. Secondary TGCs expressed PTHrP and PTHR1 receptor in vivo and in vitro. TGCs treated with PTHrP had reduced proliferation and decreased apoptosis starting from day 2 in culture, and enhanced properties of giant cell differentiation: increased DNA synthesis, number of cells with giant nuclei and expression of placental lactogen-II (PL-II). The induction of TGC formation by PTHrP correlated with downregulation of cyclin B1 and mSNA expression, but upregulation of cyclin D1, thus allowing mitotic-endocycle transition. Moreover, PTHrP treatment influenced TGC differentiation by inducing the expression of transcription factors known to stimulate giant cell formation: Stra13 and AP-2gamma, and inhibiting the formation of other trophoblast cell types by suppressing trophoblast progenitors and spongiotrophoblast-promoting factors, Eomes, Mash-2, and mSNA. Taken together with the spatial and temporal patterns of TGC formation and PTHrP synthesis in vivo, these findings indicate an important role for PTHrP in the differentiation of secondary TGCs during placentation.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic mesh repair antireflux surgery for treatment of large hiatal hernia.

SUMMARY: One of the most frequently occurring anatomic failures after laparoscopic fundoplication is migration of the wrap into the chest, with or without disruption. This so-called 'slipped' Nissen fundoplication may be the result of inadequate closure of the diaphragmatic crura or rupture of the sutures or disruption of the muscle fibers approached. From January 2000 to December 2002, a total of seven patients (four male) with a mean age of 56 years (range 22-72 years), were considered for laparoscopic antireflux procedure using DACRON mash to reinforce the crural hiatal closure. The patients were operated under general anesthesia; laparoscopy was performed by classical approach with five trocars. The mean operative time was 120 minutes (range 40-240 min). There were no deaths. The average of postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 days (range, 3-5). Patients returned to normal activities usually on postoperative day 10 (range, 7-15). The follow-up time was at least 2 years. There was only one late complication related to the use of DACRON mesh at the hiatus, due to migration of the mesh into the esophageal lumen causing disphagia. In conclusion the mesh repair antireflux surgery is a good alternative for closing the diaphragmatic defect in large hiatal hernias or to correct this problem in case of recurrence or Barrett's esophagus.

Adult↗

Molecular mechanisms for morphogenesis of the central nervous system in mammals.

The mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is a highly organized structure. In the beginning of CNS development, neural precursor/stem cells are dividing in the neuroepithelium. After a while, these precursors gradually start to differentiate into neurons and glial cells. Various factors are involved in the proliferation and differentiation of neural precursors. Recent studies have demonstrated that the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors play important roles in differentiation processes. Hairy and Enhancer of split homolog (HES) 1 and HES5 are bHLH-type repressors and inhibit neural differentiation. Mammalian achaete-scute complex homolog (MASH) 1 and mammalian atonal homolog (MATH) 1 are positive bHLH regulators expressed in neural precursors. A balance between positive and negative regulators may determine whether differentiation proceeds or not. The data suggest that this balance is controlled by Notch signaling. Other extracellular signals also govern CNS morphogenesis. To elaborate the primary shape of the CNS, proliferation of neural precursors should be strictly regulated in a spatial and temporal manner. A recent study suggests that a Sonic hedgehog-dependent signaling relay controls growth of the diencephalon and midbrain. Nutrition is another critical factor for development. Expression analysis of Folate binding protein 1 implied the close association between folate uptake and anterior neural tube closure.

Animals↗

Reversal of the anorectic effect of (+)-fenfluramine in the rat by the selective cholecystokinin receptor antagonist MK-329.

1. Experiments were conducted to determine whether or not the effect of (+)-fenfluramine (3.0 mg kg-1, i.p.) on food intake can be antagonized by the selective cholecystokinin receptor antagonist MK-239 (formerly L364,718; (3S(-)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1-H-1,4-benzodiazepin++ +-3-yl)-1H- indole-2-carboxamide). Two feeding paradigms were employed. In the first, non-deprived rats were familiarized with eating a highly palatable, sweetened mash in a 30 min test. In the second, freely-feeding rats were trained to consume powdered chow in their home-cages, and their intake was monitored over the first 6 h of the night-period. 2. In doses of 30.0 and 100.0 micrograms kg-1, s.c., MK-329 almost completely blocked the anorectic effect of (+)-fenfluramine in the palatable food intake test. These doses of MK-329 have previously been reported to antagonize the anorectic effect produced by exogenous cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK8) in rats. Both doses of MK-329 were also effective in significantly attenuating the anorectic effect of (+)-fenfluramine in nocturnal free-feeding animals over a 6 h-period. 3. MK-329 (10.0-100.0 micrograms kg-1, s.c.) failed to antagonize the anorectic effect of either the specific dopamine D2-receptor agonist quinpirole (0.3 mg kg-1, s.c.) or the beta-carboline FG 7142 (10.0 mg kg-1, i.p.) in the palatable food intake test. 4. MK-329 (10.0-300.Opgkg-1, s.c.) had no effect, when administered alone, on the level of palatable food intake in non-deprived rats, even when substantial satiation was produced by a pre-feeding procedure. Furthermore, MK-329 had no effect, when administered alone, on nocturnal food intake in freelyfeeding rats. 5. In conclusion, not only was MK-329 a potent antagonist of the effect of CCK8 on food intake, it also blocked the effect of (+)-fenfluramine to a significant degree. The effect of MK-329 was selective in that the anorectic effects of either quinpirole or FG 7142 remained unaffected. Administered alone, MK-329 did not affect food intake, indicating that its reversal of (+ -fenfluramine-induced anorexia was not secondary to an intrinsic hyperphagic effect. The results provide some evidence that the depressant effect of (+ )-fenfluramine on food intake depends on the activity of endogenous CCK.

Animals↗

Toxicity of Crotalaria Goreensis for chickens.

Ground Crotalaria goreensis seed fed to day-old cockerel chickens at 3 different rates in a commercial ration of chick starter mash depressed growth rates. Moist faeces were common. Lesions consistently found included ulceration of the proximal large intestine and a dark grey discolouration of the glandular portion of the proventriculus. C. goreensis should be excluded from all poultry rations.

Animal Feed↗

Loss of Mtarc1 Protects Against Steatotic Liver Disease in Mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) spans from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its prevalence, effective therapies are lacking. Recent genome-wide association studies identified a common missense variant (rs2642438) in the Mitochondrial Amidoxime Reducing Component 1 (MTARC1) gene that protects against liver cirrhosis without increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Biochemical and disease risk signatures associated with carriers of this missense variant also aligned with those of a known loss-of-function MTARC1 variant, suggesting mARC1 inhibition as a potential MASLD treatment. METHODS: To validate mARC1 loss-of-function as protective against MASLD, we generated Mtarc1 knockout (KO) mice and placed them on a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD). Effects of Mtarc1 KO on obesity and type 2 diabetes were explored using a high-fat diet. Hepatocytes from Mtarc1 KO mice were isolated to explore the molecular mechanisms by which Mtarc1 KO impacts lipid metabolism. RESULTS: Mtarc1 KO mice exhibited no vital growth or development defects. With a high-fat diet-induced obesity model, obese Mtarc1 KO mice exhibited reduced liver mass and lower cholesterol levels, with no effect on glucose homeostasis. In a CDAHFD-induced MASLD model, mARC1 deficiency significantly reduced liver steatosis, profibrosis, and inflammation. Untargeted metabolomics profiling further showed hepatic enrichment of phospholipids in Mtarc1 KO mice. Primary hepatocytes isolated from Mtarc1 KO mice exhibited reduced lipid droplet accumulation, decreased fatty acid uptake, and increased lipid secretion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support mARC1 inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for MASLD/MASH.

Animals↗

Effect of oleic acid on canine gastroduodenal motility, pyloric diameter and gastric emptying.

The motility of the antrum, duodenum and pylorus was recorded with strain gauge transducers and induction coils in conscious beagle dogs. The effect of oleic acid on gastroduodenal motility and on the pyloric diameter was studied in the interdigestive state and during emptying of a mashed potato meal. The flow of digesta was observed fluoroscopically. Gastric emptying was measured by planimetry of the radiopaque gastric silhouette. The intraduodenal injection of oleic acid reduced the diameter of the pylorus in the empty stomach. In the digestive state oleic acid diminished gastric emptying of the potato meal. The antral motility was significantly diminished (amplitudes from 100 +/- 39.2 to 93 +/- 41.2 mV, contractile frequency from 4.3 +/- 0.6 to 3.8 +/- 1.5 min-1, motility index from 435 +/- 197 to 345 +/- 213 V, n = 3400-4700 contractions), whereas the duodenal motility was enhanced (amplitudes from 100 +/- 49.6 to 106 +/- 58.6 mV, motility index from 548 +/- 296 to 567 +/- 377 V, n = 5800-6400 contractions). The diameter of the pyloric opening during the phase of relaxation was about 25% less in comparison to the control meal. The weaker antral contractions and the less opening of the pylorus diminished gastric evacuation and enhanced retropulsion of the gastric chyme. A higher incidence of segmental duodenal contractions produced a slower transfer of digesta. Results demonstrated that gastric emptying was regulated by several co-operating factors. The pylorus was involved by producing different resistances to flow during its phase of relaxation.

Animals↗

Freezing by a flat, circular surface cryoprobe of a tissue phantom with an embedded cylindrical heat source simulating a blood vessel.

The effects of a thermally-significant blood vessel, simulated by an embedded acrylic tube, 4.8 mm outer diameter on the freezing field caused by a surface cryoprobe were studied experimentally in a tissue phantom. The flat, 15 mm diameter, circular cryoprobe was operated at a constant cooling rate of -8 degrees C/min by liquid nitrogen down to -60 degrees C. Water flow rates of 30 and 100 ml/min, at a constant temperature of 32.5 degrees C, were maintained in the embedded tube. The latter flow rate is typical to the lower range of blood flows in large arteries in the human body. The phase changing medium (PCM) used was a 30/70% by volume mashed potatoes flakes-water solution. Temperature measurements inside the PCM were performed in one plane perpendicular to the embedded tube, relative to which the cryoprobe was placed at 5 locations in separate experiments. This novel experimental method reduced the perturbation caused by the thermocouple junctions while facilitating rather detailed measurements of the temperature fields developing in the PCM. Results show the development of two hump-like formations on either side of the embedded tube. Freezing was retarded in the region away from the surface cryoprobe and under the tube. This accentuated the dominance of the axial effects, due to the embedded tube, over the radial ones due to the cryoprobe. Results of this study should be considered in designing protocols of cryosurgical procedures performed in the vicinity of thermally-significant blood vessels.

Animals↗

Controlled freezing of nonideal solutions with application to cryosurgical processes.

Success of a cryosurgical procedure, i.e., maximal cell destruction, requires that the cooling rate be controlled during the freezing process. Standard cryosurgical devices are not usually designed to perform the required controlled process. In this study, a new cryosurgical device was developed which facilitates the achievement of a specified cooling rate during freezing by accurately controlling the probe temperature variation with time. The new device has been experimentally tested by applying it to an aqueous solution of mashed potatoes. The temperature field in the freezing medium, whose thermal properties are similar to those of biological tissue, was measured. The cryoprobe temperature was controlled according to a desired time varying profile which was assumed to maximize necrosis. The tracking accuracy and the stability of the closed loop control system were investigated. It was found that for most of the time the tracking accuracy was excellent and the error between the measured probe temperature and the desired set point is within +/- 0.4 degrees C. However, noticeable deviations from the set point occurred due to the supercooling phenomenon or due to the instability of the liquid nitrogen boiling regime in the cryoprobe. The experimental results were compared to those obtained by a finite elements program and very good agreement was obtained. The deviation between the two data sets seems to be mainly due to errors in positioning of the thermocouple junctions in the medium.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗

Citrate Metabolism by Pediococcus halophilus.

Several strains of non-citrate-metabolizing Pediococcus halophilus have previously been isolated from soy sauce mash or moromi. The factors controlling the metabolism of citrate in soy pediococci were studied. All the soy pediococcal strains tested which failed to decompose citrate did not possess citrate lyase [citrate (pro-3S)-lyase; EC 4.1.3.6] activity. In P. halophilus, citrate lyase was an inducible enzyme, and the optimum pH for activity was 7.0. The metabolism of citrate in P. halophilus was different from that observed in lactic streptococci. The main products from citrate were acetate and formate, and this bacterium produced no acetoin or diacetyl. Formate production from citrate was greatly reduced in the presence of glucose. P. halophilus 7117 (Cit) was proved to contain citrate lyase, pyruvate formate-lyase (EC 2.3.1.54) phosphotransacetylase (phosphate acetyltransferase; EC 2.3.1.8), and acetate kinase (EC 2.7.2.1), i.e., all the enzymes necessary to convert citrate to acetate and formate.

Journal Article↗

Effects of particulate materials and osmoprotectants on very-high-gravity ethanolic fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The effects of osmoprotectants (such as glycine betaine and proline) and particulate materials on the fermentation of very high concentrations of glucose by the brewing strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae (uvarum) NCYC 1324 were studied. The yeast growing at 20 degrees C consumed only 15 g of the sugar per 100 ml from a minimal medium which initially contained 35% (wt/vol) glucose. Supplementing the medium with a mixture of glycine betaine, glycine, and proline increased the amount of sugar fermented to 30.5 g/100 ml. With such supplementation, the viability of the yeast cells was maintained above 80% throughout the fermentation, while it dropped to less than 12% in the unsupplemented controls. Among single additives, glycine was more effective than proline or glycine betaine. On incubating the cultures for 10 days, the viability decreased to only 55% with glycine, while it dropped to 36 and 27%, respectively, with glycine betaine and proline. It is suggested that glycine and proline, known to be poor nitrogen sources for growth, may serve directly or indirectly as osmoprotectants. Nutrients such as tryptone, yeast extract, and a mixture of purine and pyrimidine bases increased the sugar uptake and ethanol production but did not allow the population to maintain the high level of cell viability. While only 43% of the sugar was fermented in unsupplemented medium, the presence of particulate materials such as wheat bran, wheat mash insolubles, alumina, and soy flour increased sugar utilization to 68, 75, 81, and 82%, respectively.

Betaine↗

Balance of activities of alcohol acetyltransferase and esterase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is important for production of isoamyl acetate.

Isoamyl acetate is synthesized from isoamyl alcohol and acetyl coenzyme A by alcohol acetyltransferase (AATFase) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is hydrolyzed by esterases at the same time. We hypothesized that the balance of both enzyme activities was important for optimum production of isoamyl acetate in sake brewing. To test this hypothesis, we constructed yeast strains with different numbers of copies of the AATFase gene (ATF1) and the isoamyl acetate-hydrolyzing esterase gene (IAH1) and used these strains in small-scale sake brewing. Fermentation profiles as well as components of the resulting sake were largely alike; however, the amount of isoamyl acetate in the sake increased with an increasing ratio of AATFase/Iah1p esterase activity. Therefore, we conclude that the balance of these two enzyme activities is important for isoamyl acetate accumulation in sake mash.

Acetyltransferases↗

Cellular microcystin content in N-limited Microcystis aeruginosa can be predicted from growth rate.

Cell quotas of microcystin (Q(MCYST); femtomoles of MCYST per cell), protein, and chlorophyll a (Chl a), cell dry weight, and cell volume were measured over a range of growth rates in N-limited chemostat cultures of the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa MASH 01-A19. There was a positive linear relationship between Q(MCYST) and specific growth rate (mu), from which we propose a generalized model that enables Q(MCYST) at any nutrient-limited growth rate to be predicted based on a single batch culture experiment. The model predicts Q(MCYST) from mu, mu(max) (maximum specific growth rate), Q(MCYSTmax) (maximum cell quota), and Q(MCYSTmin) (minimum cell quota). Under the conditions examined in this study, we predict a Q(MCYSTmax) of 0.129 fmol cell(-1) at mu(max) and a Q(MCYSTmin) of 0.050 fmol cell(-1) at mu = 0. Net MCYST production rate (R(MCYST)) asymptotes to zero at mu = 0 and reaches a maximum of 0.155 fmol cell(-1) day(-1) at mu(max). MCYST/dry weight ratio (milligrams per gram [dry weight]) increased linearly with mu, whereas the MCYST/protein ratio reached a maximum at intermediate mu. In contrast, the MCYST/Chl a ratio remained constant. Cell volume correlated negatively with mu, leading to an increase in intracellular MCYST concentration at high mu. Taken together, our results show that fast-growing cells of N-limited M. aeruginosa are smaller, are of lower mass, and have a higher intracellular MCYST quota and concentration than slow-growing cells. The data also highlight the importance of determining cell MCYST quotas, as potentially confusing interpretations can arise from determining MCYST content as a ratio to other cell components.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Comparison of fecal coliform agar and violet red bile lactose agar for fecal coliform enumeration in foods.

A 24-h direct plating method for fecal coliform enumeration with a resuscitation step (preincubation for 2 h at 37 +/- 1 degrees C and transfer to 44 +/- 1 degrees C for 22 h) using fecal coliform agar (FCA) was compared with the 24-h standardized violet red bile lactose agar (VRBL) method. FCA and VRBL have equivalent specificities and sensitivities, except for lactose-positive non-fecal coliforms such as Hafnia alvei, which could form typical colonies on FCA and VRBL. Recovery of cold-stressed Escherichia coli in mashed potatoes on FCA was about 1 log unit lower than that with VRBL. When the FCA method was compared with standard VRBL for enumeration of fecal coliforms, based on counting carried out on 170 different food samples, results were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Based on 203 typical identified colonies selected as found on VRBL and FCA, the latter medium appears to allow the enumeration of more true fecal coliforms and has higher performance in certain ways (specificity, sensitivity, and negative and positive predictive values) than VRBL. Most colonies clearly identified on both media were E. coli and H. alvei, a non-fecal coliform. Therefore, the replacement of fecal coliform enumeration by E. coli enumeration to estimate food sanitary quality should be recommended.

Agar↗

Pressure inactivation of Bacillus endospores.

The inactivation of bacterial endospores by hydrostatic pressure requires the combined application of heat and pressure. We have determined the resistance of spores of 14 food isolates and 5 laboratory strains of Bacillus subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, and B. licheniformis to treatments with pressure and temperature (200 to 800 MPa and 60 to 80 degrees C) in mashed carrots. A large variation in the pressure resistance of spores was observed, and their reduction by treatments with 800 MPa and 70 degrees C for 4 min ranged from more than 6 log units to no reduction. The sporulation conditions further influenced their pressure resistance. The loss of dipicolinic acid (DPA) from spores that varied in their pressure resistance was determined, and spore sublethal injury was assessed by determination of the detection times for individual spores. Treatment of spores with pressure and temperature resulted in DPA-free, phase-bright spores. These spores were sensitive to moderate heat and exhibited strongly increased detection times as judged by the time required for single spores to grow to visible turbidity of the growth medium. The role of DPA in heat and pressure resistance was further substantiated by the use of the DPA-deficient mutant strain B. subtilis CIP 76.26. Taken together, these results indicate that inactivation of spores by combined pressure and temperature processing is achieved by a two-stage mechanism that does not involve germination. At a pressure between 600 and 800 MPa and a temperature greater than 60 degrees C, DPA is released predominantly by a physicochemical rather than a physiological process, and the DPA-free spores are inactivated by moderate heat independent of the pressure level. Relevant target organisms for pressure and temperature treatment of foods are proposed, namely, strains of B. amyloliquefaciens, which form highly pressure-resistant spores.

Bacillus↗

Relationship between pH and medium dissolved solids in terms of growth and metabolism of lactobacilli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae during ethanol production.

The specific growth rates of four species of lactobacilli decreased linearly with increases in the concentration of dissolved solids (sugars) in liquid growth medium. This was most likely due to the osmotic stress exerted by the sugars on the bacteria. The reduction in growth rates corresponded to decreased lactic acid production. Medium pH was another factor studied. As the medium pH decreased from 5.5 to 4.0, there was a reduction in the specific growth rate of lactobacilli and a corresponding decrease in the lactic acid produced. In contrast, medium pH did not have any significant effect on the specific growth rate of yeast at any particular concentration of dissolved solids in the medium. However, medium pH had a significant (P < 0.001) effect on ethanol production. A medium pH of 5.5 resulted in maximal ethanol production in all media with different concentrations of dissolved solids. When the data were analyzed as a 4 (pH levels) by 4 (concentrations of dissolved solids) factorial experiment, there was no synergistic effect (P > 0.2923) observed between pH of the medium and concentration of dissolved solids of the medium in reducing bacterial growth and metabolism. The data suggest that reduction of initial medium pH to 4.0 for the control of lactobacilli during ethanol production is not a good practice as there is a reduction (P < 0.001) in the ethanol produced by the yeast at pH 4.0. Setting the mash (medium) with > or =30% (wt/vol) dissolved solids at a pH of 5.0 to 5.5 will minimize the effects of bacterial contamination and maximize ethanol production by yeast.

Culture Media↗

Production of D-mannitol and glycerol by yeasts.

D-Mannitol has not so far been known as a major product of sugar metabolism by yeasts. Three yeast strains, a newly isolated yeast from soy-sauce mash, Torulopsis versatilis, and T. anomala, were found to be good mannitol producers. Under optimal conditions, the isolate produced mannitol at good yield of 30% of the sugar consumed. Glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, maltose, glycerol, and xylitol were suitable substrates for mannitol formation. High concentrations of yeast extract, Casamino Acids, NaCl, and KCl in media affected significantly the mannitol yield, whereas high levels of inorganic phosphate did not show any detrimental effect.

Amino Acids↗

Fate of ochratoxin A in brewing.

The fate of ochratoxin A in brewing was investigated by adding (3H)ochratoxin A to the raw materials at 1- and 10-mug/g levels during mashing in a conventional microbrewing process. The results indicated that large portions (28 to 39%) of the added toxin were recovered in spent grains, with less recovery in the yeast (8 to 20%) and beer (14 to 18%). About 38 and 12% of the added toxin at levels of 1 and 10 mug/g, respectively, were degraded during brewing.

Animal Feed↗