A sexually transmitted sugar orchestrates reproductive responses to nutritional stress.

Seminal fluid is rich in sugars, but their role beyond supporting sperm motility is unknown. In this study, we found Drosophila melanogaster males transfer a substantial amount of a phospho-galactoside to females during mating, but only half as much when undernourished. This seminal substance, which we named venerose, induces an increase in germline stem cells (GSCs) and promotes sperm storage in females, especially undernourished ones.

Male cuticular pheromones stimulate removal of the mating plug and promote re-mating through pC1 neurons in females.

In birds and insects, the female uptakes sperm for a specific duration post-copulation known as the ejaculate holding period (EHP) before expelling unused sperm and the mating plug through sperm ejection. In this study, we found that females shortens the EHP when incubated with males or mated females shortly after the first mating. This phenomenon, which we termed ale-nduced HP hortening (MIES), requires Or47b+ olfactory and ppk23+ gustatory neurons, activated by 2-methyltetracosane and 7-tricosene, respectively.

Wigner distribution and entropy of partially coherent light generated by perfect optical vortices.

We developed analytical expressions for the Wigner distribution function of partially coherent fields generated by the scattering of beams with a particular phase structure, namely perfect optical vortex beams. In addition, we provide the modal decomposition of the field correlations and evaluate the evolution of Shannon entropy associated with the partially coherent field.

A novel marine-derived mitophagy inducer ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction and thermal hypersensitivity in paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Background And Purpose: Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis and maintenance of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a significant limitation of cancer chemotherapy. Recently, the stimulation of mitophagy, a pivotal process for mitochondrial homeostasis, has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases, but its therapeutic effect on CIPN has not been explored. Here, we assessed the mitophagy-inducing activity of 3,5-dibromo-2-(2',4'-dibromophenoxy)-phenol (PDE701), a diphenyl ether derivative isolated from the marine sponge Dysidea sp.

The Mst1/2-BNIP3 axis is required for mitophagy induction and neuronal viability under mitochondrial stress.

Mitophagy induction upon mitochondrial stress is critical for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and cellular function. Here, we found that Mst1/2 (Stk3/4), key regulators of the Hippo pathway, are required for the induction of mitophagy under various mitochondrial stress conditions. Knockdown of Mst1/2 or pharmacological inhibition by XMU-MP-1 treatment led to impaired mitophagy induction upon CCCP and DFP treatment.

Long-term neuropeptide modulation of female sexual drive via the TRP channel in .

Connectomics research has made it more feasible to explore how neural circuits can generate multiple outputs. Female sexual drive provides a good model for understanding reversible, long-term functional changes in motivational circuits. After emerging, female flies avoid male courtship, but they become sexually receptive over 2 d.

Berberine Induces Mitophagy through Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase and Ameliorates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in PINK1 Knockout Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts.

Mitophagy stimulation has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on various neurodegenerative diseases. However, nontoxic mitophagy inducers are still very limited. In this study, we found that the natural alkaloid berberine exhibited mitophagy stimulation activity in various human cells.

The Natural Alkaloid Palmatine Selectively Induces Mitophagy and Restores Mitochondrial Function in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model.

Palmatine, a natural alkaloid found in various plants, has been reported to have diverse pharmacological and biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular effects. However, the role of palmatine in mitophagy, a fundamental process crucial for maintaining mitochondrial function, remains elusive. In this study, we found that palmatine efficiently induces mitophagy in various human cell lines.

Sensitive and reproducible detection of SARS-CoV-2 using SERS-based microdroplet sensor.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based assays have been recently developed to overcome the low detection sensitivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SERS-based assays using magnetic beads in microtubes slightly improved the limit of detection (LoD) for SARS-CoV-2. However, the sensitivity and reproducibility of the method are still insufficient for reliable SARS-CoV-2 detection.

The PINK1 Activator Niclosamide Mitigates Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Thermal Hypersensitivity in a Paclitaxel-Induced Model of Peripheral Neuropathy.

Paclitaxel is a widely used anticancer drug that induces dose-limiting peripheral neuropathy. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in paclitaxel-induced neuronal damage and in the onset of peripheral neuropathy. We have previously shown that the expression of PINK1, a key mediator of mitochondrial quality control, ameliorated the paclitaxel-induced thermal hyperalgesia phenotype and restored mitochondrial homeostasis in larvae.

Postsynthetic Modification of Zeolite Internal Surface for Sustainable Capture of Volatile Organic Compounds under Humid Conditions.

Although low-cost, high-surface-area crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites have been recognized as promising adsorbents for the capture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), their hydrophilic nature leads to a significant loss of performance owing to the ubiquitous presence of water vapor in the VOC stream. Herein, the aluminosilicate zeolites (., mordenite and nanocrystalline β) are functionalized a solvothermal post-treatment with methyl iodide as the grafting agent.

Can preoperative lacrimal endoscopic evaluation change the paradigm of conventional lacrimal surgery?

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative lacrimal endoscopic evaluation (LEE) of lacrimal duct system (LDS).

Design: Retrospective comparative case series METHODS: From March 2016 to February 2020, the charts of patients chosen to undergo endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) or silicone tube intubation (STI) were reviewed retrospectively. Group 1 included patients that underwent EDCR, and group 2 included patients that underwent STI.

Optimization of Position and Number of Hotspot Detectors Using Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm to Estimate Material Levels Inside a Silo.

To realize efficient operation of a silo, level management of internal storage is crucial. In this study, to address the existing measurement limitations, a silo hotspot detector, which is typically utilized for internal silo temperature monitoring, was employed. The internal temperature data measured using the hotspot detectors were used to train an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm to predict the level of the internal storage of the silo.

Eudebeiolide B Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis and Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss by Regulating RANKL-Induced NF-κB, c-Fos and Calcium Signaling.

Eudebeiolide B is a eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid compound isolated from R. Br., and little is known about its biological activity.

Beneficial effects of extract in osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

In Asia, (azuki bean) has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases because of its biological properties. Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) are common regenerative bone diseases that are characterized by deterioration of joint and bone structure. In this study, we evaluated the effects of extract (VAE) on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA and ovariectomy (OVX)-induced OP models.

Supramolecular Caffeic Acid and Bortezomib Nanomedicine: Prodrug Inducing Reactive Oxygen Species and Inhibiting Cancer Cell Survival.

Phenolics from plant materials have garnered attention in nanomedicine research, due to their various medicinal properties. Caffeic acid, a phenolic compound that is abundant in coffee beans, has been proven to have anticancer effects, due to its reactive oxygen species (ROS)-inducing properties. Here, a supramolecular nanomedicine was designed using caffeic acid molecule and the synthetic anticancer drug bortezomib, via catechol-boronic acid conjugation and Fe(III) ion crosslinking.

Retrofractamide C Derived from Alleviates Xylene-Induced Mouse Ear Edema and Inhibits Phosphorylation of ERK and NF-κB in LPS-Induced J774A.1.

Many studies have reported the biological activities of retrofractamide C (RAC). However, few studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of RAC. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of RAC using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced J774A.

A simple hypochlorous acid signaling probe based on resorufin carbonodithioate and its biological application.

A novel hypochlorous-acid-selective signaling probe based on the carbonodithioate derivative of resorufin (RT-1) was developed. Probe RT-1 showed prominent colorimetric and turn-on type fluorescence signaling behavior exclusively toward hypochlorous acid, induced by oxidative hydrolysis, to regenerate resorufin dye. Hypochlorous acid signaling was not affected by the presence of common metal ions and anions as background, except for the redox active bromide and iodide anions.

In vitro inhibitory effects of cirsiliol on IL-6-induced STAT3 activation through anti-inflammatory activity.

Many studies have identified and described various medicinal effects of cirsiliol. Here, we investigated the signaling pathway involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of cirsiliol on IL-6-induced activity. Cirsiliol showed no cytotoxicity and inhibited pSTAT3-induced luciferase activity.

Organotypic slice cultures of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma preserve the tumor microenvironment and provide a platform for drug response.

Background: /Objective: The conventional models currently used to evaluate various anti-tumor therapeutic agents are not sufficient for representing human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), which has a unique tumor microenvironment. We aimed to produce an organotypic slice culture model from human PDA that resembles the in vivo situation and to evaluate the responses of PDA slices to established cytotoxic drugs.

Methods: PDA tissues were obtained from 10 patients who underwent pancreatic resection.

Novel herbal medicine LA16001 ameliorates cisplatin-induced anorexia.

Chemotherapy frequently causes anorexia in cancer patients, which has been associated with poor disease prognosis. Several therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chemotherapy‑induced anorexia are available; however, their adverse effects limit their clinical use. Herbal medicines have a long history of use for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, and recent research has demonstrated their safety and efficacy.

Clinical characteristics and treatment propensity in elderly patients aged over 80 years with colorectal cancer.

Background/aims: Elderly patients (≥ 80 years) with colorectal cancer (CRC) tend to avoid active treatment at the time of diagnosis despite of recent advances in treatment. The aim of this study was to determine treatment propensity of elderly patients aged ≥ 80 years with CRC in clinical practice and the impact of anticancer treatment on overall survival (OS).

Methods: Medical charts of 152 elderly patients (aged ≥ 80 years) diagnosed with CRC between 1998 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.

SH003‑induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest induces apoptosis in HeLa cervical cancer cells.

Cervical cancer is a prevalent disease that may lead to mortality in women. In spite of the development of common therapeutic agents to treat cancer, there are several limitations of their use owing to side effects and drug resistance, which may induce cancer recurrence. The anticancer effects of the new herbal mixture SH003 (comprising Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas and Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz) have been examined in various types of cancer.

Depth and combined infection is important predictor of lower extremity amputations in hospitalized diabetic foot ulcer patients.

Background/aims: As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications increase rapidly, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which are a major diabetic complication, are expected to increase. For prevention and effective treatment, it is important to understand the clinical course of DFUs. The aim of this study was to investigate the natural course and predictors of amputation in patients with DFUs who required hospitalization.