Balancing cholesterol in the brain: from synthesis to disposal

The cholesterol is a vital component of cell membranes and myelin sheaths, and a precursor for essential molecules such as steroid hormones. In humans, cholesterol is partially obtained through the diet, while the majority is synthesized in the body, primarily in the liver. However, the limited exchange between the central nervous system and peripheral circulation, due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier, necessitates cholesterol in the brain to be exclusively acquired from local de novo synthesis. This cholesterol is reutilized efficiently, rendering a much slower overall turnover of the compound in the brain as compared with the periphery. Furthermore, brain cholesterol is regulated independently from peripheral cholesterol. Numerous enzymes, proteins, and other factors are involved in cholesterol synthesis and metabolism in the brain. Understanding the unique mechanisms and pathways involved in the maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis in the brain is critical, considering perturbations to these processes are implicated in numerous neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the developing understanding of cholesterol metabolism in the brain, discussing the sites and processes involved in its synthesis and regulation, as well as the mechanisms involved in its distribution throughout, and elimination from, the brain.

Whole genome genetic variation and linkage disequilibrium in a diverse collection of Listeria monocytogenes isolates

We performed whole-genome multi-locus sequence typing for 2554 genes in a large and heterogenous panel of 180 Listeria monocytogenes strains having diverse geographical and temporal origins. The subtyping data was used for characterizing genetic variation and evaluating patterns of linkage disequilibrium in the pan-genome of L. monocytogenes. Our analysis revealed the presence of strong linkage disequilibrium in L. monocytogenes, with ~99% of genes showing significant non-random associations with a large majority of other genes in the genome. Twenty-seven loci having lower levels of association with other genes were considered to be potential “hot spots” for horizontal gene transfer (i.e., recombination via conjugation, transduction, and/or transformation). The patterns of linkage disequilibrium in L. monocytogenes suggest limited exchange of foreign genetic material in the genome and can be used as a tool for identifying new recombinant strains. This can help understand processes contributing to the diversification and evolution of this pathogenic bacteria, thereby facilitating development of effective control measures.

Whole genome genetic variation and linkage disequilibrium in a diverse collection of Listeria monocytogenes isolates

We performed whole-genome multi-locus sequence typing for 2554 genes in a large and heterogenous panel of 180 Listeria monocytogenes strains having diverse geographical and temporal origins. The subtyping data was used for characterizing genetic variation and evaluating patterns of linkage disequilibrium in the pan-genome of L. monocytogenes. Our analysis revealed the presence of strong linkage disequilibrium in L. monocytogenes, with ∼99% of genes showing significant non-random associations with a large majority of other genes in the genome. Twenty-seven loci having lower levels of association with other genes were considered to be potential “hot spots” for horizontal gene transfer (i.e., recombination via conjugation, transduction, and/or transformation). The patterns of linkage disequilibrium in L. monocytogenes suggest limited exchange of foreign genetic material in the genome and can be used as a tool for identifying new recombinant strains. This can help understand processes contributing to the diversification and evolution of this pathogenic bacteria, thereby facilitating development of effective control measures.

Behavior and hippocampal Epac signaling to nicotine CPP in mice

Tobacco use is a major challenge to public health in the United States and across the world. Many studies have demonstrated that adult men and women differ in their responses to tobacco smoking, however neurobiological studies about the effect of smoking on males and females were limited. Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) signaling participates in drug addictive behaviors. In this study, we examined the hippocampal Epac signaling in nicotine-induced place conditioning mice. Nicotine at 0.2 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg induced a conditioned place preference (CPP) in male and female mice, respectively. After CPP, male mice presented less anxiety-like behavior as demonstrated by an open-field test. The hippocampal Epac2 protein was elevated in both male and female nicotine place conditioning mice. However, Rap1 protein was elevated and CREB phosphorylation was reduced in female nicotine place conditioning mice. Our data provide direct evidence that hippocampal Epac signaling is altered in nicotine-induced CPP mice. Pharmacology manipulation Epac signaling may open a new avenue for the treatment of nicotine abuse and dependence.

Mitos Sawerigading (Epos Lagaligo): Suatu Analisis Struktural dan Penafsiran

This article aims to analyze the myth of Sawerigading. The analysis approach is Structural Leivist analysis used to reveal the Structure in the myth of Sawerigading as a socio-cultural transformation and kinship structure to gain an understanding about the position of Sawerigading in the lagaligos epoch. The results show that the structure of Bugis-Makassar culture is always based on a divided binary opposition structure in three vertical parts, namely, upper structure, middle structure, and bottom. this structure originating from the cosmogini division transformed unconsciously and automatically into natural objects, house shape, and social stratification. Then, the existence of Sawerigading as a central character in the middle world is the result of the transformation of a limited exchange structure to the upper and the underworld kinship group through a marriage described as the foundation of the culture of Buginese and Makassarese people on earth. Liminal position on the myth of Sawerigading is a firm position to explain the reality of culture of the Buginese-Makassarese people. That is why the Buginese-Makassarese people have a strong and firm character.

Reduction of Offensive Odor from Natural Rubber Using Zinc-Modified Bentonite

Natural bentonite was modified with zinc ions and was used as a filler to reduce the offensive odor from raw natural rubber (NR). Characterization of filler shows the limited exchange of inherent calcium ions and the preferred adsorption of zinc ions on the surface of natural bentonite during modification. The modification process was also accompanied by bassanite formation due to sulfate ions brought by the zinc salt. Zinc-modified bentonite demonstrates an antimicrobial effect against microorganisms that are known to degrade or produce offensive odor from raw NR. Due to its antimicrobial and adsorption properties, zinc-modified bentonite significantly reduces the offensive odor from raw NR at loadings of 2.5–7.5 phr as shown by the olfactometry test. In terms of vulcanization characteristics, the loading of zinc-modified bentonite at 7.5 phr caused a slight decrease in elastic torque and increase in scorch and curing times of NR. The hardness and tensile properties of vulcanized NR are maintained after compounding with zinc-modified bentonite at 7.5 phr.