Search Results (102)

Background/Objectives: Citicoline, also known as CDP-choline, is a nootropic agent currently used in the treatment of glaucoma and is undergoing evaluation as a first-line therapy in a multi-center, international, phase III, randomized clinical trial involving citicoline eyedrops (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05710198). Numerous clinical and preclinical studies have linked the neuroenhancement and neuroprotective effects of citicoline to its role as a metabolic precursor for structural and functional components of cell membranes (such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin) and for neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine and dopamine). However, compelling evidence suggests that the molecular mechanisms underlying its cytoprotective activity involve additional as-yet uncharacterized pharmacological actions. Methods: To further elucidate its pharmacology, we investigated the effect of two cytoprotective doses of citicoline (0.1 mM and 1 mM) on the global proteome of neuroblastoma cells using an unbiased shotgun proteomics approach. Results: With over 4000 unique proteins identified and quantified per experimental condition, the proteomics analysis revealed that citicoline, after 6 h of stimulation, induces a profound and robust remodeling of the intracellular proteome compared to untreated cells. Importantly, this effect was observed to significantly diminish by 18 h of stimulation, highlighting its transient nature (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD061053). The clustering and rationalization of proteins upregulated by citicoline treatment identified the enrichment of key pathways for mRNA splicing, protein translation, proteostasis balance through the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), and mitochondrial metabolism. Conclusions: These proteomics findings introduce previously uncharacterized biological effects of citicoline and foster the working hypothesis that this drug may exert its cytoprotective activity through molecular mechanisms linked to the hormesis principle. These data further support the rationale for its clinical application in neurodegenerative processes and human disorders characterized by proteotoxicity. Full article

Objectives: To evaluate the changes in retinal function and neural conduction along the visual pathways after 12 months of treatment with Citicoline oral solution in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Methods: In this randomized, prospective, double-blind study, 29 OAG patients were enrolled. Fifteen patients (Citicoline Group, 15 eyes) received Citicoline oral solution (Neurotidine^®, 500 mg/day), and 14 patients (Placebo Group, 14 eyes) received placebo for 12 months. Visual field (VF), pattern electroretinogram (PERG), visual evoked potentials (VEP), and Retinocortical Time (RCT) were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Brain Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed at baseline and at 12 months. Results: PERG, VEP, and RCT baseline values were comparable between groups (p > 0.01) at baseline. After 12 months of Citicoline treatment, significant (p < 0.01) increases in PERG P50–N95 and VEP N75-P100 amplitudes, and significant shortening of PERG P50, VEP P100 implicit times and RCT were observed. VEP implicit times shortening significantly correlated with the changes in VF Mean Deviation, and RCT shortening was associated with changes in DTI-MRI metrics in the lateral geniculate nucleus and on optic radiations, without reaching the level of significance. No significant changes were found in the Placebo Group. Conclusions: In OAG, Citicoline oral solution enhances retinal function likely through neuromodulation processes and changes post-retinal visual pathway connectivity. This could explain the improvement of visual field defects. Full article

Avocado cultivation is expanding rapidly in East Africa, driven by growing market demand, yet planning often relies on farmers’ experience rather than systematic spatial analysis, raising risks of inefficient land and resource use. Therefore, this study applied four species distribution models (SDMs), Generalized Additive Models (GAM), Boosted Regression Trees (BRT), Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), and Random Forest (RF), along with an ensemble model to map potential avocado suitability in Tanzania. The models were calibrated using 199 Variance Inflation Factor (VIF)-depurated occurrence records from which climatic, edaphic, and topographic predictor variables were extracted. BRT and RF had the best predictive abilities, with AUC values ranging from 0.77 ± 0.20 to 0.81 ± 0.13. The individual models identified Njombe, Iringa, Songwe, Kigoma, Rukwa, Kagera, and Morogoro as regions with high suitability, with more than 30% of each region’s total area predicted to be suitable for avocado production. Moderate suitability (15% to ≤30% of the regional area) was recorded for Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Dodoma, Manyara, Mara, Mbeya, Ruvuma, Tanga, and Katavi, whereas negligible suitability was forecasted for most of the remaining regions by the majority of the models. These findings suggest that heavy investments in avocado production and value chain additions should be directed primarily to regions with high suitability in order to use resources efficiently and minimize investment risks. More targeted, site-specific management should be encouraged in moderately suitable regions, with a focus on helping farmers identify and manage the best avocado sites rather than promoting broad expansion across the country. The findings generated by the ensemble model could be incorporated in the Tanzania Agriculture Climate Adaptation Technology Deployment Programme (TACATDP) to enhance sustainable crop investment, lower production risks, and strengthen the resilience of the avocado sector in the country. Full article

Background/Objectives: Reversibility of glaucomatous optic-disc cupping, following intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, represents a fascinating structural response observed in both pediatric and adult patients. This review summarizes evidence on its mechanisms, diagnostic evaluation, and clinical significance. Methods: A comprehensive review of experimental, clinical, and imaging-based studies investigating optic-disc cupping reversibility was conducted. Findings were categorized by patient population, imaging technique, and follow-up duration. Results: Experimental models established a strong correlation between IOP reduction and optic-disc structural recovery. Pediatric glaucoma demonstrated the greatest reversibility due to enhanced ocular tissue elasticity, whereas adult cases showed limited yet measurable structural changes after sustained IOP lowering. Imaging modalities, including confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), consistently confirmed quantitative disc-shape changes correlated with pressure reduction. Conclusions: Although optic-disc cupping reversal reflects biomechanical and glial remodeling rather than true neuronal recovery, it remains an important biomarker of successful IOP control. Advanced imaging provides valuable insights into optic-nerve-head (ONH) biomechanics and may improve glaucoma management. Full article

Infertility is one of the major farming constraints facing smallholder dairy cattle farming in Tanzania. Despite its impact, there is limited information on how farmers understand and manage it. The present study aimed to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices related to dairy cattle infertility. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire involving 301 farmers across six major dairy-farming regions: Tanga, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, Morogoro and Njombe. Overall, 95% of respondents reported encountering infertility on their farms. Farmers were asked to identify signs of infertility from the list of 10 (8 correct and 2 distractors); the median score for correct identification was 7 (range 2–10). The most recognised sign was return to oestrus after insemination (94%). Most farmers correctly identified low milk yield and mastitis as not being signs of infertility. The main reported causes included poor nutrition/housing (93%), livestock diseases (89%), poor record keeping (85%), and poor oestrus detection (83%). Nearly all (98%) viewed infertility as a serious issue, predominantly naming repeat breeding (95%) and failure to produce a calf/year (90%). Management strategies included seeking veterinary services (94%), slaughter (69%), sell to other farmers (23%) and self-treatment (16%). Our findings highlight widespread awareness of infertility while pointing out gaps in management, which reinforces the need for improved farmer education and support services. Full article

This study investigated the effects of integrating biofloc with microalgae on growth performance and immune gene expression in red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). The experiment consisted of four treatments: C (Biofloc), T1 (Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 1:1), T2 (Biofloc + Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 1:1), T3 (Biofloc + Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp.; 2:1) in 500 L plastic tanks for 60 days. T2 and T3 exhibited the lowest ammonia and nitrite levels, respectively. T3 exhibited the highest chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b levels, while T2 showed the highest carotenoid content. T2 showed the highest weight gain (142 ± 0.7 g) and SGR (1.61 ± 0.02) and the lowest FCR (1.79 ± 0.009). T2 exhibited the highest gene expression levels in the intestine, with 7.8-fold upregulation of the cathepsin L (ctsl) gene, 3-fold upregulation of toll-like receptor 7 (tlr7), 6.7-fold upregulation of interleukin-1 b (il-1b), 4.7-fold upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (tnf-a), and 2.8-fold upregulation of metallothionein (mt). In the head kidney, the mt upregulation was highest in T3 (7.2-fold), while tnf-a and tlr7 upregulations were highest in T2 (5.9-fold and 5-fold, respectively). In the liver, the gene expressions were highest in T3, with 6.4-fold upregulation of mt, 5-fold upregulation of ctsl, 2.7-fold upregulation of tlr7, 3-fold upregulation of il-1b, and 5.4-fold upregulation of tnf-a. These results suggest a synergistic effect of algae and bacteria on immune and antioxidative capacity in red tilapia. Full article

The contamination of paddy soils with arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd), coupled with the depletion of soil organic carbon (SOC), poses significant threats to rice yields and quality. There is an urgent need to identify a suitable soil additive capable of achieving simultaneous heavy metal remediation and promotion of organic matter enrichment. The current study introduced two novel iron (Fe)/magnesium (Mg)-based bimetal-oxide-modified rice straw biochar (RSB), namely RSB-Fe/Mn and RSB-Fe/Mg. It evaluated their effectiveness in As/Cd immobilization and SOC preservation. An 8-week cultivation experiment was carried out in sequential drying–flooding moisture fluctuation conditions, with the soil pore water As/Cd (PWAs/Cd) and SOC fractions monitored. The mechanisms of As/Cd immobilization were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations. Results revealed that PWAs and PWCd were reduced by up to 67.1% and 80.2% during the drying period and by 27.0% and 76.5% during the flooding period, respectively. Additionally, SOC content increased by 16.3% and 33.9% with RSB-Fe/Mn addition during the drying and flooding period, respectively, with an increase in the mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) fraction. The study proves that RSB-Fe/Mn and RSB-Fe/Mg are effective for soil As/Cd passivation and SOC stabilization, offering a promising solution to mitigate As and Cd pollution in paddy soils while maintaining soil quality. Full article

The vertebral arteries supply blood to the upper spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, and posterior part of the brain. These arteries are susceptible to deformation from external factors such as muscular, ligamentous, or bony structures, and any interruption of blood flow may result in vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Among the osseous variants of the cervical spine with potential pathological significance, variations in the number, shape, and size of the foramen transversarium, as well as the presence of bony bridges in the first cervical vertebra, may suggest a predisposition to vertebrobasilar insufficiency. A skeletal sample from the post-Classical cemetery of Corfinio (12th–15th centuries CE; L’Aquila, Italy) was examined. Regarding the morphology of the foramen transversarium, shape variations were identified in 32 of the 108 vertebrae analysed (a prevalence of 29.6%). Particularly noteworthy are three findings in the atlas: (i) a high prevalence of foramen transversarium variants (35.7% for hypoplastic and double foramina), (ii) a coefficient of roundness consistent with a brachymorphic shape, and (iii) a high prevalence of bony bridges —especially ponticulus posticus (52.9%) and retrotransverse foramen (64.7%). All of these findings may indicate a predisposition to vertebrobasilar insufficiency in the individuals studied. It is hypothesised that external mechanical factors, such as carrying heavy loads on the head, neck, and shoulders due to work activities, along with possible genetic influences related to kinship, may have contributed to the high prevalence of these osseous variants. Full article

Agave hybrid cultivar 11,648 has been planted for sisal fiber production in China since the 1960s. However, little is known about the population structure and genetic diversity of agave germplasms in China. Therefore, we developed a group of core SNP markers to evaluate the population structure and genetic diversity of 125 agave germplasms in China, including 20 cultivars, 14 breeding lines, and 89 transplanted resources from different areas. Cost-effective amplicon sequencing technology was used to identify genetic variants. The results grouped most cultivars and breeding lines together, which indicated that local agave breeding programs aimed to improve fiber and disease-resistance traits. These breeding programs have reduced genetic diversity, even with the gene flows from other Agave species. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree revealed the relationships between A. H11648 and its parents. The phylogenetic relationship between A. sisalana and A. amanuensis is doubtful, even if they are considered heterotypic synonyms. The 11 agave germplasms introduced from Mexico suggest the abundant diversity of agave germplasms in Mexico, which is also the source of agave germplasms in China. This study provides a sketch map for agave germplasms in China, which will benefit future studies related to population genetics and breeding works of agave. Full article

Orthobunyaviruses are a diverse group of segmented RNA viruses with significant but underexplored public and veterinary health implications. This study provides a genomic, phylogenetic, and ecological analysis of neglected Orthobunyaviruses using next-generation sequencing and computational predictions. We identified unique phylogenetic relationships, with Tanga virus forming a distinct lineage linked to zoonotic, human-associated, or non-vertebrate viruses across segments. GC content analysis revealed segment-specific patterns: higher GC content in the S segment suggests genomic stability and immune evasion, while lower GC content in the L segment reflects host-vector adaptation. Phylogenetic ties to well-characterized pathogenic viruses, such as Ilesha virus with Cache Valley virus and Bwamba virus with California encephalitis virus, indicate potential neurotropism. Ingwavuma virus clustered with Oropouche virus, suggesting risks of systemic febrile illnesses. Within the Simbu serogroup, Sango and Sabo viruses show teratogenic risks to livestock. Vector and host predictions implicate rodents, artiodactyls, and primates in Orthobunyavirus transmission, emphasizing complex ecological dynamics and zoonotic potential. These findings advance the understanding of Orthobunyavirus diversity, linking genomic features to pathogenicity and ecological adaptation, while providing a foundation for future surveillance and intervention strategies targeting these neglected viruses. Full article

Agave, with its unique appearance and ability to produce hard fibers, holds high economic value. However, low temperatures during winter can restrict its growth and even damage the leaves, causing a loss of ornamental appeal or affecting the fiber quality. Conversely, the plant cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (CNGC) family plays an important role in the growth and development of plants and the response to stress. Studying the CNGC family genes is of great importance for analyzing the mechanism by which agave responds to cold stress. This research conducted a transcriptomic analysis of the ornamental plant Agave macroacantha. Through assembly via Illumina sequencing, 119,911 transcripts were obtained, including 78,083 unigenes. In total, 6, 10, 11, and 13 CNGC genes were successfully identified from A. macroacantha, Agave. H11648, Agave. deserti, and Agave. tequilana, respectively. These CNGC genes could be divided into four groups (I, II, III, and IV), and group IV could be divided into two subgroups (IV-A and IV-B). The relative expression levels were quantified by qRT-PCR assays, which revealed that AhCNGC4.1 was significantly upregulated after cold treatment and Ca(NO₃)₂ treatment, suggesting its importance in cold stress and calcium signaling. Additionally, the Y2H assay has preliminarily identified interacting proteins of AhCNGC4.1, including AhCML19 and AhCBSX3. This study has established a completely new transcriptome dataset of A. macroacantha for the first time, enriching the bioinformatics of agave’s transcriptome. The identified CNGC genes are of great significance for understanding the evolution of agave species. The cloned CNGC genes, expression pattern analysis, and protein interaction results laid a foundation for future research related to the molecular functions of agave CNGC genes in cold tolerance. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the mesiodistal and buccolingual alveolar diameters and the usual crown and cervical diameters and to test the reliability of these alveolar measurements for their application in dental anthropology in cases of missing teeth. Methods: A total of 127 skeletal individuals from the identified osteological collection of Certosa Cemetery (Bologna, Italy) were used in this study. After the evaluation of limiting factors, only the central incisor to the second premolar was analysed due to a null or small sample size for the molars. The mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters were measured at the level of the crown, cervix and alveolus. The relationship between the mesiodistal and buccolingual crown or cervical diameters and the alveolar measurements was assessed. Results: The buccolingual alveolar diameters showed consistently significant relationships with their equivalent cervical and crown diameters, while the mesiodistal alveolar diameters did not show consistent relationships. Furthermore, the patterns of phenotypic variation were similar for the alveolar, cervical and crown areas. Thus, the alveolar areas appear to show similar levels of variability compared with the equivalent crown and cervical areas. Conclusions: Alveolar measurements may serve as suitable proxies in comparative phenotypic variation studies and can be considered a useful supplement to the standard odontometric data collection strategy. The measurements proposed in this study for the evaluation of the alveoli are a valid alternative in situations in which teeth are not available for measurement, such as in forensic and archaeological contexts. Full article

Urinary schistosomiasis is caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium, which is predominantly found in Africa. The freshwater snail Bulinus globosus is its main intermediate host. The species that make up the B. globosus group are genetically complex, and their taxonomic status remains controversial. Genetic variation, heterozygosity, and DNA recombination in B. globosus were examined using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and the intron 3 region of the arginine kinase gene (AkInt3). A total of 81 B. globosus snails were collected from three different localities in Kwale County, Kenya. Genomic diversity, heterozygosity, DNA recombination, and haplotype network were calculated using AkInt3 sequences. Low polymorphism in the COI sequence divided B. globosus into six haplotypes (C1–C6). However, AkInt3 sequencing studies showed high polymorphisms, classifying 81 B. globosus snails into 44 haplotypes (H1–H44). These haplotypes were separated into three haplogroups (I–III). AkInt3 sequence heterozygosity was also found. DNA recombination haplotypes between haplogroups were commonly found in heterozygous samples. AkInt3 sequence studies showed high levels of genetic polymorphism and heterozygosity, supporting its use as a genetic marker for elucidating the population genetics of B. globosus. Furthermore, our study showed that B. globosus populations in Kenya form a “species complex”. Full article

We present an analysis of high-resolution, near-infrared (NIR) spectra relative to the solar transit of Venus of 5–6 June 2012, as observed with the Facility Infrared Spectropolarimeter (FIRS) at the Dunn Solar Telescope in New Mexico. These observations offer the unique opportunity to probe the upper layers (above ∼84 km in altitude) of a thick, CO₂-dominated atmosphere with the transmission spectroscopy technique—a proxy for future studies of highly-irradiated atmospheres of Earth-sized exoplanets. We were able to directly observe absorption lines from the two most abundant CO₂ isotopologues, and from the main isotopologue of CO in the retrieved spectrum of Venus. Furthermore, we performed a cross-correlation analysis of the transmission spectrum using transmission templates generated with petitRADTRANS. With the cross-correlation technique, it was possible to confirm detections of both CO₂ isotopologues and CO. Additionally, we retrieved a tentative cross-correlation signal for O₃ on Venus. We demonstrate the feasibility of high-resolution, ground-based observations to study the chemical inventory of planetary atmospheres, employing techniques commonly used in exoplanet characterization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a significant global public health threat that demands serious attention. The proliferation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is primarily attributed to the overuse of antibiotics in humans, livestock, and the agro-industry. However, it is worth noting that antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) can be found in all ecosystems, even in environments where antibiotics have never been utilized. African great apes (AGAs) are our closest living relatives and are known to be susceptible to many of the same pathogens (and other microorganisms) as humans. AGAs could therefore serve as sentinels for human-induced AMR spread into the environment. They can potentially also serve as reservoirs for AMR. AGAs inhabit a range of environments from remote areas with little anthropogenic impact, over habitats that are co-used by AGAs and humans, to captive settings with close human–animal contacts like zoos and sanctuaries. This provides opportunities to study AMR in relation to human interaction. This review examines the literature on AMR in AGAs, identifying knowledge gaps. Results: Of the 16 articles reviewed, 13 focused on wild AGAs in habitats with different degrees of human presence, 2 compared wild and captive apes, and 1 study tested captive apes alone. Ten studies included humans working with or living close to AGA habitats. Despite different methodologies, all studies detected AMR in AGAs. Resistance to beta-lactams was the most common (36%), followed by resistance to aminoglycosides (22%), tetracyclines (15%), fluoroquinolones (10%), sulphonamides (5%), trimethoprim (5%), macrolide (3%), phenicoles (2%) and fosfomycin (1%). Conclusions: While several studies suggest a correlation between increased human contact and higher AMR in AGAs, resistance was also found in relatively pristine habitats. While AGAs clearly encounter bacteria resistant to diverse antibiotics, significant gaps remain in understanding the underlying processes. Comparative studies using standardized methods across different sites would enhance our understanding of the origin and distribution of AMR in AGAs. Full article