scholarly journals I Like the Way You Eat It: Lemur (Indri indri) Gut Mycobiome and Geophagy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigimaria Borruso ◽  
Alice Checcucci ◽  
Valeria Torti ◽  
Federico Correa ◽  
Camillo Sandri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Material ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
Nutrient Supply ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Beneficial Role ◽  
Intimate Connection ◽  
Indri Indri ◽  
Lemur Species

AbstractHere, we investigated the possible linkages among geophagy, soil characteristics, and gut mycobiome of indri (Indri indri), an endangered lemur species able to survive only in wild conditions. The soil eaten by indri resulted in enriched secondary oxide-hydroxides and clays, together with a high concentration of specific essential micronutrients. This could partially explain the role of the soil in detoxification and as a nutrient supply. Besides, we found that soil subject to geophagy and indris’ faeces shared about 8.9% of the fungal OTUs. Also, several genera (e.g. Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium) commonly associated with soil and plant material were found in both geophagic soil and indri samples. On the contrary, some taxa with pathogenic potentials, such as Cryptococcus, were only found in indri samples. Further, many saprotrophs and plant-associated fungal taxa were detected in the indri faeces. These fungal species may be involved in the digestion processes of leaves and could have a beneficial role in their health. In conclusion, we found an intimate connection between gut mycobiome and soil, highlighting, once again, the potential consequent impacts on the wider habitat.

The role of vitamin D in metabolic and reproductive disturbances of polycystic ovary syndrome: A narrative mini-review

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Daniela Menichini ◽  
Gianpiero Forte ◽  
Beatrice Orrù ◽  
Giuseppe Gullo ◽  
Vittorio Unfer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Metabolic Disturbances ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Beneficial Role

Abstract. Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone that plays a pivotal role in several metabolic and reproductive pathways in humans. Increasing evidence supports the role of vitamin D deficiency in metabolic disturbances and infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Indeed, supplementation with vitamin D seems to have a beneficial role on insulin resistance and endometrial receptivity. On the other hand, exceedingly high levels of vitamin D appear to play a detrimental role on oocytes development and embryo quality. In the current review, we summarize the available evidence about the topic, aiming to suggest the best supplementation strategy in women with PCOS or, more generally, in those with metabolic disturbances and infertility. Based on the retrieved data, vitamin D seems to have a beneficial role on IR, insulin sensitivity and endometrial receptivity, but high levels and incorrect timing of administration seem to have a detrimental role on oocytes development and embryo quality. Therefore, we encourage a low dose supplementation (400–800 IU/day) particularly in vitamin D deficient women that present metabolic disturbances like PCOS. As far as the reproductive health, we advise vitamin D supplementation in selected populations, only during specific moments of the ovarian cycle, to support the luteal phase. However, ambiguities about dosage and timing of the supplementation still emerge from the clinical studies published to date and further studies are required.

Effect of High Salt Concentration on Ion Clustering and Transport in Polymer Solid Electrolytes: a Molecular Dynamics Study of PEO-LiTFSI

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Molinari ◽  
Jonathan P. Mailoa ◽  
Boris Kozinsky
Keyword(s):  
Polymer Electrolyte ◽  
Salt Concentration ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Material System ◽  
Ion Dynamics ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Anion Clusters ◽  
Poly Ethylene Oxide ◽  
Poly Ethylene

<div> <div> <div> <p>The model and analysis methods developed in this work are generally applicable to any polymer electrolyte/cation-anion combination, but we focus on the currently most prominent polymer electrolyte material system: poly(ethylene) oxide/Li- bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonamide (PEO + LiTFSI). The obtained results are surprising and challenge the conventional understanding of ionic transport in polymer electrolytes: the investigation of a technologically relevant salt concentration range (1 - 4 M) revealed the central role of the anion in coordinating and hindering Li ion movement. Our results provide insights into correlated ion dynamics, at the same time enabling rational design of better PEO-based electrolytes. In particular, we report the following novel observations. 1. Strong binding of the Li cation with the polymer competes with significant correlation of the cation with the salt anion. 2. The appearance of cation-anion clusters, especially at high concentration. 3. The asymmetry in the composition (and therefore charge) of such clusters; specifically, we find the tendency for clusters to have a higher number of anions than cations.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Effect of High Salt Concentration on Ion Clustering and Transport in Polymer Solid Electrolytes: a Molecular Dynamics Study of PEO-LiTFSI

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Molinari ◽  
Jonathan P. Mailoa ◽  
Boris Kozinsky
Keyword(s):  
Polymer Electrolyte ◽  
Salt Concentration ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Material System ◽  
Ion Dynamics ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Anion Clusters ◽  
Poly Ethylene Oxide ◽  
Poly Ethylene

<div> <div> <div> <p>The model and analysis methods developed in this work are generally applicable to any polymer electrolyte/cation-anion combination, but we focus on the currently most prominent polymer electrolyte material system: poly(ethylene) oxide/Li- bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonamide (PEO + LiTFSI). The obtained results are surprising and challenge the conventional understanding of ionic transport in polymer electrolytes: the investigation of a technologically relevant salt concentration range (1 - 4 M) revealed the central role of the anion in coordinating and hindering Li ion movement. Our results provide insights into correlated ion dynamics, at the same time enabling rational design of better PEO-based electrolytes. In particular, we report the following novel observations. 1. Strong binding of the Li cation with the polymer competes with significant correlation of the cation with the salt anion. 2. The appearance of cation-anion clusters, especially at high concentration. 3. The asymmetry in the composition (and therefore charge) of such clusters; specifically, we find the tendency for clusters to have a higher number of anions than cations.</p> </div> </div> </div>

The Role of Ecopedological Parameters in Management Sustainability of Banat Lands

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 688-692
Author(s):  
Lucian Nita ◽  
Dorin Tarau ◽  
Gheorghe Rogobete ◽  
Simona Nita ◽  
Radu Bertici ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Nutrition ◽  
Physical State ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
South West ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Laboratory Investigations ◽  
Case Basis

The issue addressed relates to an area of 1891694 ha of which 1183343 ha are agricultural land (62, 56) located in the south-west of Romania and refer to the use of soil chemical and physical properties as an acceptor for certain crop systems, with minimal undesirable effects both for plants to be grown, as well as soil characteristics and groundwater surface quality. It is therefore necessary on a case-by-case basis, measure stoc or rect the acidic reaction by periodic or alkaline calculations, the improvement of plant nutrition conditions through ameliorative fertilization and the application of measures to improve the physical state, sufficient justification for the need to develop short and long term strategies for the protection and conservation of edifying factors and the need to respect the frequency of field and laboratory investigations at all 8x8 km grids of the National Soil-Grounds Monitoring System (organized by I.C.P.A.) and completing it with the relevant pedological and agrochemical studies.

Gut Mycobiota and Fungal Metabolites in Human Homeostasis

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izabella Mogilnicka ◽  
Marcin Ufnal
Keyword(s):  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Fungal Metabolites ◽  
Human Gut ◽  
Fecal Transplantation ◽  
Bacterial Microbiota ◽  
Bowel Diseases ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Background:Accumulating evidence suggests that microbiota play an important role in host’s homeostasis. Thus far, researchers have mostly focused on the role of bacterial microbiota. However, human gut is a habitat for several fungal species, which produce numerous metabolites. Furthermore, various types of food and beverages are rich in a wide spectrum of fungi and their metabolites.Methods:We searched PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify clinical and pre-clinical studies on fungal metabolites, composition of human mycobiota and fungal dysbiosis.Results:Fungal metabolites may serve as signaling molecules and exert significant biological effects including trophic, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial actions. Finally, research suggests an association between shifts in gut fungi composition and human health. Changes in mycobiota composition have been found in obesity, hepatitis and inflammatory bowel diseases.Conclusion:The influence of mycobiota and dietary fungi on homeostasis in mammals suggests a pharmacotherapeutic potential of modulating the mycobiota which may include treatment with probiotics and fecal transplantation. Furthermore, antibacterial action of fungi-derived molecules may be considered as a substitution for currently used antibacterial agents and preservatives in food industry.

scholarly journals Focused ultrasound in neuro-oncology: the role of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation in driving adoption and innovation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily C. Whipple ◽  
Camille A. Favero ◽  
Neal F. Kassell
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Brain Tumors ◽  
Focused Ultrasound ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Tumor Agent

Abstract Introduction Intra-arterial (lA) delivery of therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an evolving strategy which enables the distribution of high concentration therapeutics through a targeted vascular territory, while potentially limiting systemic toxicity. Studies have demonstrated lA methods to be safe and efficacious for a variety of therapeutics. However, further characterization of the clinical efficacy of lA therapy for the treatment of brain tumors and refinement of its potential applications are necessary. Methods We have reviewed the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting superselective intraarterial cerebral infusion (SSJACI) with BBB disruption for the treatment of brain tumors. In addition, we review ongoing clinical trials expanding the applicability and investigating the efficacy of lA therapy for the treatment of brain tumors. Results Trends in recent studies have embraced the use of SSIACI and less neurotoxic chemotherapies. The majority of trials continue to use mannitol as the preferred method of hyperosmolar BBB disruption. Recent preclinical and preliminary human investigations into the lA delivery of Bevacizumab have demonstrated its safety and efficacy as an anti-tumor agent both alone and in combination with chemotherapy. Conclusion lA drug delivery may significantly affect the way treatment are delivered to patients with brain tumors, and in particular GBM. With refinement and standardization of the techniques of lA drug delivery, improved drug selection and formulations, and the development of methods to minimize treatment-related neurological injury, lA therapy may offer significant benefits for the treatment of brain tumors.

scholarly journals The Role of Fungi in the Cocoa Production Chain and the Challenge of Climate Change

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 202
Author(s):  
Johannes Delgado-Ospina ◽  
Junior Bernardo Molina-Hernández ◽  
Clemencia Chaves-López ◽  
Gianfranco Romanazzi ◽  
Antonello Paparella
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Cocoa Production

Background: The role of fungi in cocoa crops is mainly associated with plant diseases and contamination of harvest with unwanted metabolites such as mycotoxins that can reach the final consumer. However, in recent years there has been interest in discovering other existing interactions in the environment that may be beneficial, such as antagonism, commensalism, and the production of specific enzymes, among others. Scope and approach: This review summarizes the different fungi species involved in cocoa production and the cocoa supply chain. In particular, it examines the presence of fungal species during cultivation, harvest, fermentation, drying, and storage, emphasizing the factors that possibly influence their prevalence in the different stages of production and the health risks associated with the production of mycotoxins in the light of recent literature. Key findings and conclusion: Fungi associated with the cocoa production chain have many different roles. They have evolved in a varied range of ecosystems in close association with plants and various habitats, affecting nearly all the cocoa chain steps. Reports of the isolation of 60 genera of fungi were found, of which only 19 were involved in several stages. Although endophytic fungi can help control some diseases caused by pathogenic fungi, climate change, with increased rain and temperatures, together with intensified exchanges, can favour most of these fungal infections, and the presence of highly aggressive new fungal genotypes increasing the concern of mycotoxin production. For this reason, mitigation strategies need to be determined to prevent the spread of disease-causing fungi and preserve beneficial ones.

Tannic Acid as a Natural Ferroptosis Inhibitor: Mechanisms and Beneficial Role of 3’‐ O ‐Galloylation

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 1562-1569
Author(s):  
Yangping Liu ◽  
Xican Li ◽  
Yujie Hua ◽  
Wenhui Zhang ◽  
Xianxi Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tannic Acid ◽  
Beneficial Role

The beneficial role of the synthetic microneurotrophin BNN20 in a focal demyelination model

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 1474-1495
Author(s):  
Ilias Kalafatakis ◽  
Alexandros Patellis ◽  
Ioannis Charalampopoulos ◽  
Achille Gravanis ◽  
Domna Karagogeos
Keyword(s):  
Beneficial Role ◽  
Focal Demyelination
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