Functional characterization of testis-brain RNA-binding protein,TB-RBP/Translin,in translational regulation

Testis-brain RNA-binding protein (TB-RBP/Translin) is known to contribute to the translational repression of a subset of haploid cell-specific mRNAs, including protamine 2 (Prm2) mRNA. Mutant mice lacking TB-RBP display abnormal spermatogenesis, despite normal male fertility. In this study, we carried out functional analysis of TB-RBP in mammalian cultured cells to understand the mechanism of translational repression by this RNA-binding protein. Although the amino acid sequence contained a eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E)-recognition motif, TB-RBP failed to interact with EIF4E. In cultured cells, TB-RBP was unable to reduce the activity of luciferase encoded by a reporter mRNA carrying the 3’-untranslated region of Prm2. However, λΝ-BoxB tethering assay revealed that the complex of TB-RBP with its binding partner, Translin-associated factor X (TRAX), exhibits the ability to reduce the luciferase reporter activity by degrading the mRNA. These results suggest that TB-RBP may play a regulatory role in determining the sequence specificity of TRAX-catalyzed mRNA degradation.     

A review on phorate persistence, toxicity and remediation by bacterial communities

Pesticides are an integral part in maintaining agriculture and horticultural productivity and play a vital role in meeting the increasing food, fiber, and fuel needs of the growing population. Globally, organophosphate pesticides(OPPs) are among the most common pesticides used due to their high proficiency and relatively low persistence in the environment. However, recent studies have reported problems due to pesticide use, e.g., phorate contamination of aquatic ecosystems(fresh and groundwater), sediments, fruits and vegetables, and forage crops. This review highlights many cases where phorate has been detected above its respective maximum residue limit values. Organophosphate pesticides, including phorate, have negative impacts on both the environment and human health. The ecological and public health concerns of recurrent pesticide utilization have encouraged the research related to environmental fate of pesticides.Bioremediation is an effective, eco-friendly, and financially viable approach for the decontamination and degradation of toxic OPPs from the environment,compared to the costly, unecological, and time-consuming physicochemical approaches, which lead to the generation of byproducts of higher toxicity.Researchers have recognized that a wide range of microbes, mainly bacteria, can degrade this extremely hazardous pesticide. Therefore, this review discusses the present pesticide scenarios, especially phorate contamination, its toxicity, biodegradation, and metabolic products via bacterial communities, both in India and globally. The latest and up-to-date literatures on the use, contamination, and bacterial application of phorate degradation are also summarized. This article offers national and international food safety organizations and public health authorities the ability to be involved in preventing the risks associated with the use of food and nutrition products contaminated with extremely toxic phorate pesticide. This article would also enable researchers to develop comprehensive and sustainable methods to effectively remediate pesticide-contaminated environments. In conclusion, it is envisaged that the successful application of bacterial communities for degradation of phorate would help in understanding the fate and persistence of such toxic pollutants in a better way.     

Effect of the liquid form of traditional Chinese medicine,Hozen-S,on gastric motility in dogs

Juzen-taiho-to, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is used for patients with anorexia and fatigue in human medicine. In our previous study, granulated Juzen-taiho-to improved vincristine-induced gastrointestinal adverse effects through increasing gastric motility in dogs. As the effect of Hozen-S, the sweet liquid form of Juzen-taiho-to, on dog gastric motility has not been investigated, we examined the effect of administration of Hozen-S on gastric motility. Furthermore, we assessed dog plasma ghrelin level to further elucidate the mechanism of the effect of Hozen-S on gastric contraction. Finally, we assessed the palatability of Hozen-S compared to granulated Juzen-taiho-to and its effect on body weight in dogs. Administration of Hozen-S significantly increased gastric motility, plasma ghrelin concentration, and body weight. A palatability evaluation revealed that the dogs preferred Hozen-S to granulated Juzen-taiho-to. In conclusion, Hozen-S administration to dogs promoted gastric motility by raising plasma ghrelin levels. Considering these functional and palatability data, Hozen-S may replace granulated type Juzen-taiho-to and become a prominent traditional Chinese veterinary medicament.     

Fatty Acid Taste Receptor GPR120 Activation by Arachidonic Acid,Eicosapentaenoic Acid,and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Chickens

It has been reported that the supplementation of chicken diet with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affects the qualities of eggs and meat. Previous studies have shown that a functional fatty acid taste receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), is broadly expressed in chicken oral and gastrointestinal tissues, and chickens have a gustatory perception of oleic acid, which is a chicken GPR120 agonist. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of chicken GPR120 in response to PUFAs in chicken diets. Ca²⁺ imaging analyses revealed that chicken GPR120 was activated by AA, EPA, and DHA in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that chickens can detect PUFAs via GPR120 in the oral and gastrointestinal tissues, implying that chickens have a gustatory perception of PUFAs.     

Dermocystid infection in Japanese fire-bellied newt,Cynops pyrrhogaster

Here, we report details of a new infectious disease in wild-caught Japanese fire-bellied newts (Cynops pyrrhogaster), a Near Threatened species. Skin lesions consisting of numerous masses were found in the animals near Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The gross appearance of the skin lesions showed blister-, cyst-, and/or tumor-like morphology. Various sizes of skin lesions were observed on their entire body surface. Histologically, spherical basophilic cysts, including numerous spores, were observed in the dermis layer. Ultrastructural analysis indicated the presence of main bodies of flagellated zoospores within the spores. While 18s rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the skin lesions were due to dermocystid infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of dermocystid infection in this amphibian in Japan. Further studies are needed to prevent epidemics and to establish diagnostic and treatment methods.     

In vivo screening of subcutaneous tolerability for the development of novel excipients

To develop safe subcutaneous formulations and minimize the risk of local irritation, it is essential to optimize the composition of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. Depending on the physicochemical properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, additional excipients may be required to improve the stability and solubility of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. However, some of these excipients may not have been previously used in injectable drugs. Owing to the lack of safety data for such excipients, especially those used in subcutaneous dosing, it is important to evaluate their potential for local irritation during the early stages of formulation development. We evaluated the tolerability of 44 formulations with 24 candidate novel excipients, such as surfactants, polymers, and lipids, in a single subcutaneous dose in rats. Excipient formulations were administered as single bolus subcutaneous injections with an injection volume of 1 mL. The injection sites were observed for 2 days, and macroscopic and microscopic examinations were conducted. Local tolerability was evaluated on the basis of severity, incidence, and pathophysiology of each finding. Formulations that caused tissue degeneration or necrosis, which is indicative of tissue injury, were determined to be irritative and poorly tolerated. A single-dose subcutaneous screening study in rats was considered effective in ranking the safety of candidate excipients during the formulation optimization phase.