Alcohol dependence potentiates substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor signaling in the rat central nucleus of amygdala.

Behavioral and clinical studies suggest a critical role of substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) signaling in alcohol dependence. Here, we examined regulation of GABA transmission in the medial subdivision of the central amygdala (CeM) by the SP/NK-1R system, and its neuroadaptation following chronic alcohol exposure. In naïve rats, SP increased action potential-dependent GABA release, and the selective NK-1R antagonist L822429 decreased it, demonstrating SP regulation of CeM activity under basal conditions. SP induced a larger GABA release in alcohol-dependent rats accompanied by decreased NK-1R expression compared to naïve controls, suggesting NK-1R hypersensitivity which persisted during protracted alcohol withdrawal. The NK-1R antagonist blocked acute alcohol-induced GABA release in alcohol-dependent and withdrawn but not in naïve rats, indicating that dependence engages the SP/NK-1R system to mediate acute effects of alcohol. Collectively, we report long-lasting CeA NK-1R hypersensitivity corroborating that NK-1Rs are promising targets for the treatment of alcohol use disorder

Plant and Soil / Potential of Fusarium wilt-inducing chlamydospores, in vitro behaviour in root exudates and physiology of tomato in biochar and compost amended soil

Abstract in deutscher Sprache nicht verf\ufcgbarBackground and aims Biochars are recognised for their ability to improve soil functions and to stimulate plant defense mechanisms. We evaluated the response of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici chlamydospores to tomato plants grown in biochar and compost amended soil to get a deeper insight into the tomato-Fusarium pathosystem. Methods Wood chips and green waste biochar in combination with compost (\u2018WCBcomp and GWBcomp\u2019 respectively) were studied for their ability to suppress the Fusarium chlamydospores infectivity. Plant growth parameters and in vitro effects on chlamydospores were determined. Results The \u2018GWBcomp\u2019 soil amendment stimulated plants growth and gaseous exchange rates and had a suppressive effect on the chlamydospore infectivity in comparison with the \u2018WCBcomp\u2019 treatment and the treatment containing compost only. The germination rate of chlamydospores was unaffected by the source of root exudates, whereas the mycelial growth was significantly higher in root exudates from chlamydospore inoculated plants grown in \u2018WCBcomp\u2019 amended soil unlike to \u2018GWBcomp\u2019 amended soil. Conclusion Overall, our findings indicate that both biochars had a variable effect on chlamydospores. We conclude that soil amendment with garden waste biochar and compost exhibit a great potential in suppressing Fusarium chlamydospore infectivity and alleviating pathogen\u2013induced physiological stress in tomato plants

Mycotoxin exposure and human cancer risk : a systematic review of epidemiological studies

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in investigating the carcinogenicity of mycotoxins in humans. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of data linking exposure to different mycotoxins with human cancer risk. Publications (2019 and earlier) of case–control or longitudinal cohort studies were identified in PubMed and EMBASE. These articles were then screened by independent reviewers and their quality was assessed according to the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Animal, cross‐sectional, and molecular studies satisfied criteria for exclusion. In total, 14 articles were included: 13 case–control studies and 1 longitudinal cohort study. Included articles focused on associations of mycotoxin exposure with primary liver, breast, and cervical cancer. Overall, a positive association between the consumption of aflatoxin‐contaminated foods and primary liver cancer risk was verified. Two case–control studies in Africa investigated the relationship between zearalenone and its metabolites and breast cancer risk, though conflicting results were reported. Two case–control studies investigated the association between hepatocellular carcinoma and fumonisin B1 exposure, but no significant associations were observed. This systematic review incorporates several clear observations of dose‐dependent associations between aflatoxins and liver cancer risk, in keeping with IARC Monograph conclusions. Only few human epidemiological studies investigated the associations between mycotoxin exposures and cancer risk. To close this gap, more in‐depth research is needed to unravel evidence for other common mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin A. The link between mycotoxin exposures and cancer risk has mainly been established in experimental studies, and needs to be confirmed in human epidemiological studies to support the evidence‐based public health strategies

Review On Production Processes Of Decabromodiphenyl Ether (DECABDE) Used In Polymeric Applications In Electrical And Electronic Equipment, And Assessment Of The Availability Of Potential Alternatives To DECABDE

In this study commissioned by DG ENV, the JRC-IHCP-ECB has reviewed the production processes of DecaBDE, in particular its NonaBDE content, and explored the availability of potential DecaBDE alternatives used in polymeric applications for EEE (cost of substitution and recyclability of alternatives was outside the scope of the study).JRC.I.3-Toxicology and chemical substance

The role of the dyke in recreational activities along the Wadden Sea area in vicinity of Delfzijl (Groningen).

This research addresses the question on how Delfzijl can take advantage of the dykes referred to recreational activities within the next five years. In order to investigate this problem statement, the elaboration was started with the definition of research questions and secondary research. Here, brochures, websites, books and other researches were used to gather significant information about Delfzijl. Next, quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in order to collect data and information about the different stakeholders, the current situation of the municipality and the expectations of the people concerning the future. Thus, a fieldtrip was done to interview stakeholders and to distribute questionnaires to the sample. Additionally, a benchmarking was done with the German city `Nessmersiel` in order to compare and discover development possibilities. The research outcome is that Delfzijl suffers from a decreasing population number, a low level of recreational attractiveness and lack of money. Many people claim that the dyke is a significant resource that should be used for recreational developments. Hereby, developments can be done on a small budget

Overwintering of Uncinula necator in Austrian vineyards

Research Not

Computers from plants we never made. Speculations

We discuss possible designs and prototypes of computing systems that could be based on morphological development of roots, interaction of roots, and analog electrical computation with plants, and plant-derived electronic components. In morphological plant processors data are represented by initial configuration of roots and configurations of sources of attractants and repellents; results of computation are represented by topology of the roots' network. Computation is implemented by the roots following gradients of attractants and repellents, as well as interacting with each other. Problems solvable by plant roots, in principle, include shortest-path, minimum spanning tree, Voronoi diagram, $\alpha$-shapes, convex subdivision of concave polygons. Electrical properties of plants can be modified by loading the plants with functional nanoparticles or coating parts of plants of conductive polymers. Thus, we are in position to make living variable resistors, capacitors, operational amplifiers, multipliers, potentiometers and fixed-function generators. The electrically modified plants can implement summation, integration with respect to time, inversion, multiplication, exponentiation, logarithm, division. Mathematical and engineering problems to be solved can be represented in plant root networks of resistive or reaction elements. Developments in plant-based computing architectures will trigger emergence of a unique community of biologists, electronic engineering and computer scientists working together to produce living electronic devices which future green computers will be made of.Comment: The chapter will be published in "Inspired by Nature. Computing inspired by physics, chemistry and biology. Essays presented to Julian Miller on the occasion of his 60th birthday", Editors: Susan Stepney and Andrew Adamatzky (Springer, 2017

Narrow genetic base in forest restoration with holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) in Sicily

In order to empirically assess the effect of actual seed sampling strategy on genetic diversity of holm oak (Quercus ilex) forestations in Sicily, we have analysed the genetic composition of two seedling lots (nursery stock and plantation) and their known natural seed origin stand by means of six nuclear microsatellite loci. Significant reduction in genetic diversity and significant difference in genetic composition of the seedling lots compared to the seed origin stand were detected. The female and the total effective number of parents were quantified by means of maternity assignment of seedlings and temporal changes in allele frequencies. Extremely low effective maternity numbers were estimated (Nfe $\approx$ 2-4) and estimates accounting for both seed and pollen donors gave also low values (Ne $\approx$ 35-50). These values can be explained by an inappropriate forestry seed harvest strategy limited to a small number of spatially close trees