scholarly journals Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-Associated Protein 9 Mediated Knockout Reveals Functions of the yellow-y Gene in Spodoptera litura

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Long Liu ◽  
Wei-Kang Han ◽  
Long-Ji Ze ◽  
Ying-Chuan Peng ◽  
Yi-Lin Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spodoptera Litura ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Marker Gene ◽  
The Body ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Temporal Expression ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Fat Bodies ◽  
Pupal Cuticle

Yellow genes are thought to be involved in the melanin biosynthetic pathway and play a crucial role in pigmentation reactions in insects. However, little research has been done on yellow genes in lepidopteran pests. To clarify the function of one of the yellow genes (yellow-y) in Spodoptera litura, we cloned the full-length of yellow-y, and investigated its spatial and temporal expression profiles by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). It revealed that yellow-y was highly expressed in larva of fourth, fifth, and sixth instars, as well as in epidermis (Ep), fat bodies (FB), Malpighian tubes (MT), and midguts (MG) of the larvae; whereas it was expressed in very low levels in different tissues of adults, and was almost undetected in pupa. This expression profile suggests an important role of yellow-y in larvae, minor role in adults, and no role in pupae. To confirm this, we disrupted yellow-y using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system, and obtained G0 insects with mutation in yellow-y. The mutation in yellow-y clearly rendered the larvae body, a color yellower than that of wide type insects, and in addition, the mutation resulted in abnormal segmentation and molting for older larvae. The mutation of yellow-y also made various adult tissues (antennae, proboscis, legs, and wings) yellowish. However, the mutation had no effect on pigmentation of the pupal cuticle. Taken together, our study clearly demonstrated the role of yellow-y not only in the body pigmentation of larvae and adults, and but also in segmentation and molting of larvae, providing new insights into the physiology of larval development, as well as a useful marker gene for genome editing based studies.

scholarly journals A Gustatory Receptor GR8 Tunes Specifically to D-Fructose in the Common Cutworm Spodoptera litura

Insects ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Long Liu ◽  
Qi Yan ◽  
Yi-Lin Yang ◽  
Wen Hou ◽  
Chun-Li Miao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spodoptera Litura ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Temporal Expression ◽  
Common Cutworm ◽  
Proboscis Extension ◽  
Multiple Behaviors ◽  
The Common ◽  
Functional Analyses ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

Gustatory receptors (GRs) are crucial in the peripheral coding of the non-volatile compounds in insects, and thus play important roles in multiple behaviors including feeding, mating, and oviposition. However, little research has been done on GRs in lepidopteran pests. In the current work with Spodoptera litura, an important worldwide crop’s pest, a candidate fructose GR gene (SlitGR8) was cloned in full length, and its spatial and temporal expression profiles were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). It revealed that SlitGR8 was highly expressed in antennae of both male and female adults, as well as in larva of first, fifth and sixth instar. Functional analyses were further conducted using the Xenopus oocyte system. SlitGR8 responded specifically to D-fructose among 12 tested sugar compounds. In addition, the behavioral assay demonstrated that both female and male moths could respond with proboscis extension behavior to D-fructose applied onto the antenna, but females showed higher sensitivity than males. The results provide an important base for further elucidation of molecular mechanisms of gustation, and a potential target for development of feeding interfering technique in S. litura.

scholarly journals Role Of Triclosan (TCS)-Containing Hand Washes In Hormonal Imbalance And Impotency

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abah Moses Owoicho ◽  
Mustapha Bakare ◽  
Deborah Oganya Ogenyi ◽  
Ogu Stephen ◽  
Ujah Moses Okwori
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
The Body ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Hormonal Imbalance ◽  
Hypothermic Effect ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Trade Names

Research shows that, triclosan disrupts the biosynthesis of testosterone. when tested on isolated testicular leydig cells with various dosages, it was found out that triclosan dose-dependently decreases testosterone, and the mechanism is as follows: triclosan decreases the activity of adenylyl cyclase enzyme, resulting in the drop of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). Another research shows that, triclosan completely hammered thyroid hormones, lowered luteinizing hormone levels, follicle stimulating hormone levels, and cholesterol synthesis. Concerns over triclosan interfering with the body‘s thyroid hor-mone metabolism led to a study that found that triclosan had a marked hypothermic effect, lowering the body temperature, and overall causing a ―nonspecific depressant effect on the central nervous system. Another study associated exposure to low levels (0.03 mi-crog/L) of triclosan with disrupted thyroid hormone. Due to the close resemblance of triclosan to certain estrogens, a more recent paper in Environment International shows that triclosan inhibits estrogen sulfotransferase in sheep placenta,an enzyme which helps metabolize the hormone and transport it to the developing fetus. The suspicion is that triclosan would be dangerous in pregnancy if enough of it gets through to the placenta to affect the enzyme. Conclusively, it is recommended that hands should be washed with detergent and warm water, or with bleach and complement with alcohol-containing hand sanitizers rather than using triclosan containing hand washes; also when selecting prod-ucts such as hand washes, antiseptic soaps, facial cleansers, toothpaste, deodorants, al-ways watch out for Triclosan trade names/chemical names on the ingredient list such as trichlorocarbonalide, irgasan®, Irgacare® and Microban®, triclosan is used as a built-in antimicrobial for product protection.

scholarly journals “You are contagious”: The Role of the Facilitator in Fostering Self-Efficacy in Learners

2017 ◽  
Vol XI (2) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Anne Smith
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Real Life ◽  
The Body ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Ability Group ◽  
Affective Filter ◽  
Applied Theatre ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Uk

This article argues that improvised role-play can raise learners’ levels of self-efficacy, which in turn increases their likelihood of using language learned beyond the workshop space. It argues that the physicality of the facilitator plays a key role in developing the self-efficacy of learners, using evidence drawn from the study of two Creative English groups with differing outcomes in terms of the use of English beyond the sessions.Creative English is a national, community-based applied theatre programme in the UK, which teaches adult migrants the English they need for everyday situations such as talking to doctors and landlords through drama. It works with those with low levels of English, including those who may have no prior experience of formal education.The article identifies kinaesthetic approaches to facilitating a learner in role, which help to lower the affective filter, and support learner progression in a mixed ability group. It examines the role the body plays in accelerating the creation of a supportive group dynamic, and where it can support and interfere with the likelihood of applying the language and confidence developed in real life.

scholarly journals The assembly of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins: an essential role for the microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein

1998 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. White ◽  
Andrew J. Bennett ◽  
Michael A. Billett ◽  
Andrew M. Salter
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
The Body ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Transfer Protein ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Fatty Acid Deficiency ◽  
Fat Soluble Vitamins ◽  
Synthesis And Degradation

Raised plasma triacylglycerol is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and an understanding of factors which regulate the synthesis and degradation of lipoproteins which carry triacylglycerol in the blood may lead to novel approaches to the treatment of hypertriacylglycerolaemia. An active microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein (MTP) is essential for the assembly of particles which transport triacylglycerol through the circulation. After absorption in the intestine, dietary fat and fat-soluble vitamins are incorporated into chylomicrons in the intestinal epithelial cells, and these lipoproteins reach the bloodstream via the lymphatic system. Patients with the rare genetic disorder, abetalipoproteinaemia, in which MTP activity is absent, present clinically with fat-soluble vitamin and essential fatty acid deficiency, indicating a key role for MTP in the movement of fat into the body. The triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein found in fasting blood, VLDL, is assembled in the liver by an MTP-dependent process similar to chylomicron assembly, and transports triacylglycerol to extra-hepatic tissues such as adipose tissue and heart. In the absence of MTP activity, VLDL are not synthesized and only extremely low levels of triacylglycerol are present in the blood. Dietary components, including fat, cholesterol and ethanol, can modify the expression of the MTP gene and, hence, MTP activity. The present review summarizes current knowledge of the role of MTP in the assembly and secretion of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins, and the regulation of its activity in both animal and cell systems.

The Role of Polyphenols in the Modulation of Plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC)

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Serafini ◽  
Giuseppa Morabito
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dietary Polyphenols ◽  
Enzymatic Antioxidant ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidant

Dietary polyphenols have been shown to scavenge free radicals, modulating cellular redox transcription factors in different in vitro and ex vivo models. Dietary intervention studies have shown that consumption of plant foods modulates plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC), a biomarker of the endogenous antioxidant network, in human subjects. However, the identification of the molecules responsible for this effect are yet to be obtained and evidences of an antioxidant in vivo action of polyphenols are conflicting. There is a clear discrepancy between polyphenols (PP) concentration in body fluids and the extent of increase of plasma NEAC. The low degree of absorption and the extensive metabolism of PP within the body have raised questions about their contribution to the endogenous antioxidant network. This work will discuss the role of polyphenols from galenic preparation, food extracts, and selected dietary sources as modulators of plasma NEAC in humans.

Social Motives Predict Loneliness During a Developmental Transition

2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 145-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Nikitin ◽  
Alexandra M. Freund
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Avoidance ◽  
Social Approach ◽  
Social Motives ◽  
Developmental Transitions ◽  
Avoidance Motivation ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Low Levels

Abstract. Establishing new social relationships is important for mastering developmental transitions in young adulthood. In a 2-year longitudinal study with four measurement occasions (T1: n = 245, T2: n = 96, T3: n = 103, T4: n = 85), we investigated the role of social motives in college students’ mastery of the transition of moving out of the parental home, using loneliness as an indicator of poor adjustment to the transition. Students with strong social approach motivation reported stable and low levels of loneliness. In contrast, students with strong social avoidance motivation reported high levels of loneliness. However, this effect dissipated relatively quickly as most of the young adults adapted to the transition over a period of several weeks. The present study also provides evidence for an interaction between social approach and social avoidance motives: Social approach motives buffered the negative effect on social well-being of social avoidance motives. These results illustrate the importance of social approach and social avoidance motives and their interplay during developmental transitions.

Social and Temporal Comparisons as Moderators of Psychological Resources Associations With Wellbeing

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasida Ben-Zur
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Subjective Wellbeing ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Psychological Resources ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Age Range ◽  
General Wellbeing

Abstract. The current study investigated the associations of psychological resources, social comparisons, and temporal comparisons with general wellbeing. The sample included 142 community participants (47.9% men; age range 23–83 years), who compared themselves with others, and with their younger selves, on eight dimensions (e.g., physical health, resilience). They also completed questionnaires assessing psychological resources of mastery and self-esteem, and three components of subjective wellbeing: life satisfaction and negative and positive affect. The main results showed that high levels of psychological resources contributed to wellbeing, with self-enhancing social and temporal comparisons moderating the effects of resources on certain wellbeing components. Specifically, under low levels of mastery or self-esteem self-enhancing social or temporal comparisons were related to either higher life satisfaction or positive affect. The results highlight the role of resources and comparisons in promoting people’s wellbeing, and suggest that self-enhancing comparisons function as cognitive coping mechanisms when psychological resources are low.

The Effect of Path Length and Display Size on Memory for Spatial Information

2012 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Guérard ◽  
Sébastien Tremblay
Keyword(s):  
Path Length ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Recall Performance ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Length Effect ◽  
Serial Memory ◽  
Fixed Reference ◽  
A Minor

In serial memory for spatial information, some studies showed that recall performance suffers when the distance between successive locations increases relatively to the size of the display in which they are presented (the path length effect; e.g., Parmentier et al., 2005) but not when distance is increased by enlarging the size of the display (e.g., Smyth & Scholey, 1994). In the present study, we examined the effect of varying the absolute and relative distance between to-be-remembered items on memory for spatial information. We manipulated path length using small (15″) and large (64″) screens within the same design. In two experiments, we showed that distance was disruptive mainly when it is varied relatively to a fixed reference frame, though increasing the size of the display also had a small deleterious effect on recall. The insertion of a retention interval did not influence these effects, suggesting that rehearsal plays a minor role in mediating the effects of distance on serial spatial memory. We discuss the potential role of perceptual organization in light of the pattern of results.

The Role of Computer Modeling in Electrocardiography

1990 ◽  
Vol 29 (04) ◽  
pp. 282-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. van Oosterom
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Activity ◽  
Computer Modeling ◽  
Body Surface ◽  
Electrical Current ◽  
The Body ◽  
Volume Conductor ◽  
Current Generator ◽  
Cardiac Electrical Activity ◽  
Source Models

AbstractThis paper introduces some levels at which the computer has been incorporated in the research into the basis of electrocardiography. The emphasis lies on the modeling of the heart as an electrical current generator and of the properties of the body as a volume conductor, both playing a major role in the shaping of the electrocardiographic waveforms recorded at the body surface. It is claimed that the Forward-Problem of electrocardiography is no longer a problem. Several source models of cardiac electrical activity are considered, one of which can be directly interpreted in terms of the underlying electrophysiology (the depolarization sequence of the ventricles). The importance of using tailored rather than textbook geometry in inverse procedures is stressed.

Questions on the role of biofilms for the adaptation of microorganisms to unfavorable environmental factors by the example of P. aeruginosa

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-383
Author(s):  
Vasily N. Afonyushkin ◽  
N. A. Donchenko ◽  
Ju. N. Kozlova ◽  
N. A. Davidova ◽  
V. Yu. Koptev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Infectious Agent ◽  
Antagonistic Activity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Main Function ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
The Face

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a widely represented species of bacteria possessing of a pathogenic potential. This infectious agent is causing wound infections, fibrotic cystitis, fibrosing pneumonia, bacterial sepsis, etc. The microorganism is highly resistant to antiseptics, disinfectants, immune system responses of the body. The responses of a quorum sense of this kind of bacteria ensure the inclusion of many pathogenicity factors. The analysis of the scientific literature made it possible to formulate four questions concerning the role of biofilms for the adaptation of P. aeruginosa to adverse environmental factors: Is another person appears to be predominantly of a source an etiological agent or the source of P. aeruginosa infection in the environment? Does the formation of biofilms influence on the antibiotic resistance? How the antagonistic activity of microorganisms is realized in biofilm form? What is the main function of biofilms in the functioning of bacteria? A hypothesis has been put forward the effect of biofilms on the increase of antibiotic resistance of bacteria and, in particular, P. aeruginosa to be secondary in charcter. It is more likely a biofilmboth to fulfill the function of storing nutrients and provide topical competition in the face of food scarcity. In connection with the incompatibility of the molecular radii of most antibiotics and pores in biofilm, biofilm is doubtful to be capable of performing a barrier function for protecting against antibiotics. However, with respect to antibodies and immunocompetent cells, the barrier function is beyond doubt. The biofilm is more likely to fulfill the function of storing nutrients and providing topical competition in conditions of scarcity of food resources.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document