Corticoamygdala Transfer of Socially Derived Information Gates Observational Learning.

Observational learning is a powerful survival tool allowing individuals to learn about threat-predictive stimuli without directly experiencing the pairing of the predictive cue and punishment. This ability has been linked to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA). To investigate how information is encoded and transmitted through this circuit, we performed electrophysiological recordings in mice observing a demonstrator mouse undergo associative fear conditioning and found that BLA-projecting ACC (ACC→BLA) neurons preferentially encode socially derived aversive cue information. Inhibition of ACC→BLA alters real-time amygdala representation of the aversive cue during observational conditioning. Selective inhibition of the ACC→BLA projection impaired acquisition, but not expression, of observational fear conditioning. We show that information derived from observation about the aversive value of the cue is transmitted from the ACC to the BLA and that this routing of information is critically instructive for observational fear conditioning. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Dorsal Raphe Dopamine Neurons Represent the Experience of Social Isolation.

The motivation to seek social contact may arise from either positive or negative emotional states, as social interaction can be rewarding and social isolation can be aversive. While ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons may mediate social reward, a cellular substrate for the negative affective state of loneliness has remained elusive. Here, we identify a functional role for DA neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), in which we observe synaptic changes following acute social isolation. DRN DA neurons show increased activity upon social contact following isolation, revealed by in vivo calcium imaging. Optogenetic activation of DRN DA neurons increases social preference but causes place avoidance. Furthermore, these neurons are necessary for promoting rebound sociability following an acute period of isolation. Finally, the degree to which these neurons modulate behavior is predicted by social rank, together supporting a role for DRN dopamine neurons in mediating a loneliness-like state. PAPERCLIP.

Neurotensin orchestrates valence assignment in the amygdala.

The ability to associate temporally segregated information and assign positive or negative valence to environmental cues is paramount for survival. Studies have shown that different projections from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) are potentiated following reward or punishment learning1-7. However, we do not yet understand how valence-specific information is routed to the BLA neurons with the appropriate downstream projections, nor do we understand how to reconcile the sub-second timescales of synaptic plasticity8-11 with the longer timescales separating the predictive cues from their outcomes. Here we demonstrate that neurotensin (NT)-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) projecting to the BLA (PVT-BLA:NT) mediate valence assignment by exerting NT concentration-dependent modulation in BLA during associative learning. We found that optogenetic activation of the PVT-BLA:NT projection promotes reward learning, whereas PVT-BLA projection-specific knockout of the NT gene (Nts) augments punishment learning. Using genetically encoded calcium and NT sensors, we further revealed that both calcium dynamics within the PVT-BLA:NT projection and NT concentrations in the BLA are enhanced after reward learning and reduced after punishment learning. Finally, we showed that CRISPR-mediated knockout of the Nts gene in the PVT-BLA pathway blunts BLA neural dynamics and attenuates the preference for active behavioural strategies to reward and punishment predictive cues. In sum, we have identified NT as a neuropeptide that signals valence in the BLA, and showed that NT is a critical neuromodulator that orchestrates positive and negative valence assignment in amygdala neurons by extending valence-specific plasticity to behaviourally relevant timescales.

Dopamine enhances signal-to-noise ratio in cortical-brainstem encoding of aversive stimuli.

Dopamine modulates medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity to mediate diverse behavioural functions1,2; however, the precise circuit computations remain unknown. One potentially unifying model by which dopamine may underlie a diversity of functions is by modulating the signal-to-noise ratio in subpopulations of mPFC neurons3-6, where neural activity conveying sensory information (signal) is amplified relative to spontaneous firing (noise). Here we demonstrate that dopamine increases the signal-to-noise ratio of responses to aversive stimuli in mPFC neurons projecting to the dorsal periaqueductal grey (dPAG). Using an electrochemical approach, we reveal the precise time course of pinch-evoked dopamine release in the mPFC, and show that mPFC dopamine biases behavioural responses to aversive stimuli. Activation of mPFC-dPAG neurons is sufficient to drive place avoidance and defensive behaviours. mPFC-dPAG neurons display robust shock-induced excitations, as visualized by single-cell, projection-defined microendoscopic calcium imaging. Finally, photostimulation of dopamine terminals in the mPFC reveals an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio in mPFC-dPAG responses to aversive stimuli. Together, these data highlight how dopamine in the mPFC can selectively route sensory information to specific downstream circuits, representing a potential circuit mechanism for valence processing.

Elevated CD39+T-Regulatory Cells and Reduced Levels of Adenosine Indicate a Role for Tolerogenic Signals in the Progression from Moderate to Severe COVID-19.

Viral infections trigger inflammation by controlling ATP release. CD39 ectoenzymes hydrolyze ATP/ADP to AMP, which is converted by CD73 into anti-inflammatory adenosine (ADO). ADO is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant molecule which can enhance viral persistence and severity. The CD39-CD73-adenosine axis contributes to the immunosuppressive T-reg microenvironment and may affect COVID-19 disease progression. Here, we investigated the link between CD39 expression, mostly on T-regs, and levels of CD73, adenosine, and adenosine receptors with COVID-19 severity and progression. Our study included 73 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, of which 33 were moderately affected and 40 suffered from severe infection. A flow cytometric analysis was used to analyze the frequency of T-regulatory cells (T-regs), CD39+ T-regs, and CD39+CD4+ T-cells. Plasma concentrations of adenosine, IL-10, and TGF-ß were quantified via an ELISA. An RT-qPCR was used to analyze the gene expression of CD73 and adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3). T-reg cells were higher in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls (7.4 ± 0.79 vs. 2.4 ± 0.28; p < 0.0001). Patients also had a higher frequency of the CD39+ T-reg subset. In addition, patients who suffered from a severe form of the disease had higher CD39+ T-regs compared with moderately infected patients. CD39+CD4+ T cells were increased in patients compared to the control group. An analysis of serum adenosine levels showed a marked decrease in their levels in patients, particularly those suffering from severe illness. However, this was paralleled with a marked decline in the expression levels of CD73. IL-10 and TGF-ß levels were higher in COVID-19; in addition, their values were also higher in the severe group. In conclusion, there are distinct immunological alterations in CD39+ lymphocyte subsets and a dysregulation in the adenosine signaling pathway in COVID-19 patients which may contribute to immune dysfunction and disease progression. Understanding these immunological alterations in the different immune cell subsets and adenosine signaling provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting specific immune mechanisms.

Seed Endophytic Achromobacter sp. F23KW as a Promising Growth Promoter and Biocontrol of Rhizoctonia Root Rot of Fenugreek.

Root rot is one of the most significant soil and seed-borne fungal diseases, limiting the cultivation of fenugreek plants. Endophytic bacteria and their natural bioproducts have emerged as growth promoters and disease suppressors in the current era. Despite limited research, seeds are a good funder of endophytic microbiomes, which are transmitted from them to other seedling parts, thereby providing a shield against biotic and abiotic anxiety and promoting the growth at early germination and later stages. The current study evaluated the hypothesis that seed endophytic bacteria and their lytic enzymes, growth promotors, and antifungal molecules can induce growth, and inhibit root rot disease development at the same time. The isolation trial from fenugreek seeds revealed a lytic Achromobacter sp., which produces indole acetic acid, has antifungal compounds (e.g., 2-Butanol, 3,3'-oxybis-), and reduces the growth of Rhizoctonia solani by 43.75%. Under the greenhouse and natural field conditions, bacterial cells and/or supernatant improved the growth, physiology, and yield performance of fenugreek plants, and effectively suppressed the progress of root rot disease; this is the first extensive study that uses a new seed-borne endophytic bacterium as a plant-growth-promoting, and biocontrol tool against the sclerotia-forming; R. solani; the causative of fenugreek root rot.

Infrared multiple photon dissociation spectrum of protonated bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether obtained with a tunable CO2 laser.

A moderate-resolution infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectrum of protonated bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether (diglyme) was obtained using a grating-tuned CO2 laser. The experimental spectrum compares well with one calculated theoretically at the MP2 level and exhibits defined peaks over the span of the CO2 laser output lines as opposed to a relatively featureless spectrum over this wavelength range obtained using free electron laser infrared radiation. The lowest energy structure corresponding to the calculated vibrational spectrum is consistent with structures previously calculated at the same level of theory. Alternative structures were calculated at lower levels of theory for comparison and investigation of the energetics of proton-heteroatom interactions. Broadening of the IRMPD action spectrum due to energetic phenomena characteristic of proton bridges was not observed and thus did not obscure the correlation between theoretical calculations and experimentally determined spectra as it may have in previous studies.

A longitudinal assessment of sleep variables during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Although sleep disturbance is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), relatively little is known on the effect of the exacerbation on sleep quality. Accordingly, we longitudinally assessed sleep variables during exacerbations and clinical stability. This is a sub-study of a larger observational analysis. Inclusion criteria were clinically stable COPD and two or more clinical exacerbations in the preceding 12 months. Patients were followed for approximately 6 months and during this time the following were recorded daily: (1) COPD exacerbations, which were determined in two ways, clinically and symptom defined using the exacerbations of chronic pulmonary disease tool (EXACT); (2) daytime sleepiness, which was measured using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale; (3) subjective awakenings, which was measured from a sleep diary; and (4) sleep duration, efficiency, and objective awakenings, which was measured from actigraphy. These variables for exacerbation and non-exacerbation days were compared. Seventeen patients (9 male, age 63 ± 12 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 second 52 ± 20%) entered data over 135 ± 18 days. During this time, 15 patients had 27 symptom-defined exacerbations and 8 had 9 clinically reported exacerbations. Symptom-defined exacerbation days were 26% of the total study days. More daytime sleepiness, decreased total sleep time (TST), and decreased sleep efficiency (SE) were present during exacerbations compared with clinical stability (p < 0.001). These disturbances tended to be greater during clinically reported exacerbations than during unreported events (p < 0.05). Increased daytime sleepiness, less TST, and poorer SE are present during COPD exacerbations.

Chitinase production by Bacillus subtilis ATCC 11774 and its effect on biocontrol of Rhizoctonia diseases of potato.

Stem canker and black scurf of potato, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, can be serious diseases causing an economically significant damage. Biocontrol activity of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 11774 against the Rhizoctonia diseases of potato was investigated in this study. Chitinase enzyme was optimally produced by B. subtilis under batch fermentation conditions similar to those of the potato-growing soil. The maximum chitinase was obtained at initial pH 8 and 30 °C. In vitro, the lytic action of the B. subtilis chitinase was detected releasing 355 µg GlcNAc ml⁻¹ from the cell wall extract of R. solani and suggesting the presence of various chitinase enzymes in the bacterial filtrate. In dual culture test, the antagonistic behavior of B. subtilis resulted in the inhibition of the radial growth of R. solani by 48.1% after 4 days. Moreover, the extracted B. subtilis chitinase reduced the growth of R. solani by 42.3% when incorporated with the PDA plates. Under greenhouse conditions, application of a bacterial suspension of B. subtilis at 109 cell mL⁻¹ significantly reduced the disease incidence of stem canker and black scurf to 22.3 and 30%, respectively. In addition, it significantly improved some biochemical parameters, growth and tubers yield. Our findings indicate two points; firstly, B. subtilis possesses a good biocontrol activity against Rhizoctonia diseases of potato, secondly, the harmonization and suitability of the soil conditions to the growth and activity of B. subtilis guaranteed a high controlling capacity against the target pathogen.

Detection of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum by direct immunofluorescence assay in stool specimen.

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are the pathogens which transmitted through contaminated soil and contaminated water are significant causes of diarrhea and nutritional disorders in institutional and community peoples. Children and immune compromise persons are more vulnerable for these infections. Both Giardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis were included in 2004 as WHO Neglected Disease. So this is a major public health problem in developing countries. The present study was carried out to detect the Giardia and Cryptosporidium from diarrheic or patient having loose stool by Direct Immunofluorescence assay. The study was conducted during July 20012 to February 2013 and the work was done in Mymensingh Medical College in the department of Microbiology and in Bangladesh Agricultural University in the department of Veterinary Medicine. A total of 100 loose stools were collected from school children of different area and hospital under sadar upazilla, Mymensingh. The detection of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum showed the individual prevalence 8% and 4% respectively. The highest cyst/oocyst count was 85,000 and 1,000/gm of stool and the lowest being 100 and 50/gm of stool for Giardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis respectively. The detection rate of Giardia and Cryptosporidium by Immunofluorescence assay was relatively higher than the previous study done in Bangladesh and this was the first report from Bangladesh over human stool specimen using Immunofluorescence assay. So, Immunofluorescence assay could be adapted for rapid and accurate detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Thermal-hydraulic performance and flow phenomenon evaluation of a curved trapezoidal corrugated channel with E-shaped baffles implementing hybrid nanofluid.

A numerical investigation of a curved trapezoidal-corrugated channel with E-shaped baffles is conducted for thermal-hydraulic performance and flow behavior involving the use of single and hybrid nanofluids. This investigation introduces a unique integrated methodology for enhancing heat transfer efficiency by simultaneously combining geometric modifications and optimizing coolant utilization. To simulate turbulent, single-phase flow in three-dimensional corrugated channels, a computational model has been developed. The model considers a Reynolds number (Re) range of 5 × 103≤Re ≤ 35 × 103 and implies a uniform heat flux of 1000 W/m2. A commercial software, Ansys fluent was used in order to simulate the fluid flow by setting the inlet temperature at 300 K and velocity according to the Reynolds number. The continuity equation, momentum equation, and energy equations are discretized using a second-order upwind method. The equation's residual has been assigned a value of 1 × 106 for absolute criteria. The study evaluates the thermal-hydraulic performance of single nanofluids (Al2O3/water, CuO/water, SiO2/water) and hybrid nanofluids (Al2O3-Cu/water, TiO2-SiO2/EG-water) at varying volume fractions (1%≤φ ≤ 5%). Additionally, the investigation examines the effects of corrugations, baffles, and geometric parameter: blockage ratio (BR = 0.10, 0.15, 0.25). The findings demonstrate that the effects of baffles and corrugations can lead to the creation of vortex flow and greater turbulence, which can promote heat transfer enhancement. Various nanofluids demonstrated a significant rise in the Nusselt number, ranging from 35% to 60%, when compared to water in a curved corrugated channel. Additionally, a lower BR resulted in a smaller but still notable gain of 15%-19%. An effective heat exchanger that results in a significant energy dissipation is measured by the energy ratio (ER). The use of corrugated channels with narrow baffles has been found to consistently outperform smooth channels in terms of thermo-hydraulic parameters, leading to enhanced heat transfer. Using BR = 0.10 over 0.25 resulted in an increase in ΔP, HTC, and ER of 48.44%, 18.71%, and 45.86%, respectively. The implementation of a hybrid nanofluid consisting of 1% (20% TiO2-80% SiO2)/(60% Water-40% EG) volume fraction in a curved corrugated channel with baffles resulted in a significant improvement of 36.49% in thermal performance. This finding suggests that the aforementioned nanofluid composition and design parameter, characterized by a blockage ratio of 0.10, are the most effective in enhancing thermal performance.

Enhancing thermodynamic performance with an advanced combined power and refrigeration cycle with dual LNG cold energy utilization.

Utilizing waste heat to drive thermodynamic systems is imperative for improving energy efficiency, thereby improving sustainability. A combined cooling and power systems (CCP) utilizes heat from a temperature source to deliver both power and cooling. However, CCP systems utilizing LNG cold energy suffers from low second law efficiency due to significant temperature differences. To address this, an "Advanced Power and Cooling with LNG Utilization (ACPLU)" system is proposed, integrating a cascaded transcritical carbon dioxide (TCO2)-LNG cycle with an Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for improved power generation and an absorption refrigeration system (ARS) for simultaneous cooling. This study evaluates the second law efficiency, net work output, and exergy destruction performance through a sensitivity analysis, optimizing variables such as heat source temperature, superheater temperature difference, ORC and CO2 turbine inlet and condenser pressures, evaporator temperature, and pinch point temperatures of heat exchangers and generator. Compared to previous studies on CCP systems, the ACPLU shows a superior performance, with a second law efficiency of 27.3 % and a net work output of 11.76 MW. Cyclopentane as an ORC working fluid resulted in the highest second law efficiency of 29.06 % and net work output of 12.27 MW. Parametric analysis suggested that heat source temperature significantly impacts net power output. The exergy analysis concluded that a high-pressure ratio and good thermal match between the heat exchangers enhance overall performance. Utilizing artificial neural network (ANN) to produce a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) objective function and performing multi-objective optimization (MOO) using genetic algorithm (GA), an improved second law efficiency and net power output by 28.11 % and 14.16 MW respectively, with pentane as the working fluid, is demonstrated. An average cost rate of 9.121 $/GJ was observed through a thermo-economic analysis. The ACPLU system is promising for medium temperature waste heat recovery, such as, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants.

Multi-objective optimization and 4E (energy, exergy, economy, environmental impact) analysis of a triple cascade refrigeration system.

The post-pandemic energy crisis and ever-increasing environmental degradation necessitate researchers to scrutinize refrigeration systems, major contributors to these issues, for minimal environmental impact and maximum performance. Thus, this study aims to comprehensively examine a triple cascade refrigeration system (TCRS) equipped with hydrocarbon refrigerants (1-butene/Heptane/m-Xylene). This system is specifically designed for ultra-low temperature applications, including vaccine storage, quick-freezing, frozen food preservation, cryogenic processes, and gas liquefaction. The investigation integrates conventional thermodynamic analysis with economic and environmental impact assessments, and finally multi-objective optimization (MOO) to ascertain optimal operating conditions for the system. The effect of (1) evaporator temperature, Tevap (2) condenser temperature, Tcond (3) Lower Temperature Circuit (LTC) condenser temperature, TLTC (4) Mid Temperature Circuit (MTC) condenser temperature, TMTC and (5) Cascade Condenser temperature difference, Δ T on three objective functions (COP, exergy efficiency, and overall plant cost) have been investigated employing a parametric analysis. Subsequently, quadratic equations for these objective functions are generated using the Box-Behnken method, and MOO utilizing the Genetic algorithm has been performed to maximize COP and exergy efficiency while minimizing the overall cost rate. The decision-making techniques TOPSIS and LINMAP are used to retrieve a unique solution from the Pareto Front, and the system performance has been assessed at the optimal point. The optimization result demonstrates that for the 10-kW capacity TCRS, COP, exergy efficiency, and total plant cost are 0.71, 0.51, and 38262.05 $/year respectively, at optimum condition (Tevap = -101.023 °C , Tcond = 36.545 °C , TLTC = - 69.047 °C and TMTC = - 34.651 °C ). Exergy analysis identifies HTC compressor (19.3 %) and throttle valve (15.5 %) as key contributors to total exergy destruction, while economic analysis underscores capital and maintenance costs (72 %) as the primary contributors to the overall cost, with evaporator (43 %) and condenser (20 %) accounting for 63 % of this cost.

A link between evolution and society fostering the UN sustainable development goals.

Given the multitude of challenges Earth is facing, sustainability science is of key importance to our continued existence. Evolution is the fundamental biological process underlying the origin of all biodiversity. This phylogenetic diversity fosters the resilience of ecosystems to environmental change, and provides numerous resources to society, and options for the future. Genetic diversity within species is also key to the ability of populations to evolve and adapt to environmental change. Yet, the value of evolutionary processes and the consequences of their impairment have not generally been considered in sustainability research. We argue that biological evolution is important for sustainability and that the concepts, theory, data, and methodological approaches used in evolutionary biology can, in crucial ways, contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We discuss how evolutionary principles are relevant to understanding, maintaining, and improving Nature Contributions to People (NCP) and how they contribute to the SDGs. We highlight specific applications of evolution, evolutionary theory, and evolutionary biology's diverse toolbox, grouped into four major routes through which evolution and evolutionary insights can impact sustainability. We argue that information on both within-species evolutionary potential and among-species phylogenetic diversity is necessary to predict population, community, and ecosystem responses to global change and to make informed decisions on sustainable production, health, and well-being. We provide examples of how evolutionary insights and the tools developed by evolutionary biology can not only inspire and enhance progress on the trajectory to sustainability, but also highlight some obstacles that hitherto seem to have impeded an efficient uptake of evolutionary insights in sustainability research and actions to sustain SDGs. We call for enhanced collaboration between sustainability science and evolutionary biology to understand how integrating these disciplines can help achieve the sustainable future envisioned by the UN SDGs.

Effect of Synthetic Methodology on the Physicochemical Attributes and Electrocatalytic Activity of NiAl-LDHs for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are promising materials for oxygen evolution reactions (OERs), a key component of water splitting to produce hydrogen and oxygen via water electrolysis. However, the performance of LDHs can be limited by their low surface area and poor accessibility of active sites. In this work, we synthesized highly exfoliated 2D NiAl-LDHs by aqueous miscible solvent treatment method (AMOST) and compared its electrocatalytic efficiency with its analogue synthesised via slow urea hydrolysis. We demonstrate that the exfoliated 2D LDHs prepared by AMOST method have a higher surface area and more active sites than the crystalline LDHs obtained through urea hydrolysis, resulting in a superior OER activity and efficiency. The exfoliated 2D LDHs required a lower overpotential of 280 mV to reach a current density of 50 mA cm-2 and it also outperformed IrO2 , a benchmark OER catalyst, in terms of overpotential and stability. We demonstrate that the physicochemical properties of nanosheets derived from NIAl-LDH-based materials are strongly influenced by the synthetic methodology, which affects the exfoliation degree, surface area and active site density. These factors are crucial for improving the OER catalytic performance of these materials, as shown by our results.

Genome Sequence of a Bangladeshi Strain of Raoultella ornithinolytica, a Pathogen with Metal and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes Isolated from a Pet Cat.

Raoultella ornithinolytica is an emerging pathogen that causes human infections. We report the isolation and genome sequencing of R. ornithinolytica from an oral swab of a Persian pet cat in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The genome length was 5,375,160 bp, with 55.9% G+C content. It carries putative genes associated with resistance to antibiotics and metals.

UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Profiling and Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antidiabetic, and Antiobesity Activities of the Non-Polar Fractions of Salvia hispanica L. Aerial Parts.

Salvia hispanica L. is an annual herbaceous plant commonly known as "Chia". It has been recommended for therapeutic use because of its use as an excellent source of fatty acids, protein, dietary fibers, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. A literature survey concerning phytochemical and biological investigations of chia extracts revealed less attention towards the non-polar extracts of S. hispanica L. aerial parts, which motivates us to investigate their phytochemical constituents and biological potentials. The phytochemical investigation of the non-polar fractions of S. hispanica L. aerial parts resulted in the tentative identification of 42 compounds using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis with the isolation of ß-sitosterol (1), betulinic acid (2), oleanolic acid (3), and ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucoside (4). GLC-MS analysis of the seeds' oil showed a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acid, with a percentage of 35.64% of the total fatty acid content in the seed oil. The biological results revealed that the dichloromethane fraction showed promising DPPH radical-scavenging activity (IC50 = 14.73 µg/mL), antidiabetic activity with significant inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme (IC50 673.25 µg/mL), and anti-inflammatory activity using in vitro histamine release assay (IC50 61.8 µg/mL). Furthermore, the dichloromethane fraction revealed moderate cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer cell line (A-549), human prostate carcinoma (PC-3), and colon carcinoma (HCT-116) with IC50s 35.9 ± 2.1 µg/mL, 42.4 ± 2.3 µg/mL, and 47.5 ± 1.3 µg/mL, respectively, and antiobesity activity with IC50 59.3 µg/mL, using pancreatic lipase inhibitory assay. In conclusion, this study's findings not only shed light on the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of the non-polar fractions of chia but also should be taken as a basis for the future in vivo and clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of chia and its extracts. Further study should be focused towards the isolation of the active principles of the dichloromethane fraction and studying their efficacy, exact mechanism(s), and safety, which could benefit the pharmaceutical industry and folk medicine practitioners who use this plant to cure diseases.

The Role of Cluster of Differentiation 39 (CD39) and Purinergic Signaling Pathway in Viral Infections.

CD39 is a marker of immune cells such as lymphocytes and monocytes. The CD39/CD73 pathway hydrolyzes ATP into adenosine, which has a potent immunosuppressive effect. CD39 regulates the function of a variety of immunologic cells through the purinergic signaling pathways. CD39+ T cells have been implicated in viral infections, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), viral hepatitis, and Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. The expression of CD39 is an indicator of lymphocyte exhaustion, which develops during chronicity. During RNA viral infections, the CD39 marker can profile the populations of CD4+ T lymphocytes into two populations, T-effector lymphocytes, and T-regulatory lymphocytes, where CD39 is predominantly expressed on the T-regulatory cells. The level of CD39 in T lymphocytes can predict the disease progression, antiviral immune responses, and the response to antiviral drugs. Besides, the percentage of CD39 and CD73 in B lymphocytes and monocytes can affect the status of viral infections. In this review, we investigate the impact of CD39 and CD39-expressing cells on viral infections and how the frequency and percentage of CD39+ immunologic cells determine disease prognosis.

Lytic and Molecular Evidence of the Widespread Coriander Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Alternaria dauci.

Coriandrum sativum L. is a globally significant economic herb with medicinal and aromatic properties. While coriander leaf blight disease was previously confined to India and the USA, this study presents new evidence of its outbreak in Africa and the Middle East caused by Alternaria dauci. Infected leaves display irregular chlorotic to dark brown necrotic lesions along their edges, resulting in leaf discoloration, collapse, and eventual death. The disease also impacts inflorescences and seeds, significantly reducing seed quality. Koch's postulates confirmed the pathogenicity of the fungus through the re-isolation of A. dauci from artificially infected leaves, and its morphology aligns with typical A. dauci features. Notably, this study identified strong lytic activity (cellulase: 23.76 U, xylanase: 12.83 U, pectinase: 51.84 U, amylase: 9.12 U, and proteinase: 5.73 U), suggesting a correlation with pathogenicity. Molecular characterization using ITS (ON171224) and the specific Alt-a-1 gene (OR236142) supports the fungal morphology. This research provides the first comprehensive documentation of the pathological, lytic, and molecular evidence of A. dauci leaf blight disease on coriander. Future investigations should prioritize the development of resistant coriander varieties and sustainable disease management strategies, including the use of advanced molecular techniques for swift and accurate disease diagnosis to protect coriander from the devastating impact of A. dauci.