Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Osamu Katsumata-Kato, Megumi Yokoyama, Junko Fujita-Yoshigaki
Summary: This study found that newly formed parotid gland granules have secretory ability, and the secretion of procathepsin B can be used to distinguish granule secretion from cell leakage. These newly formed granules have secretory ability prior to membrane remodeling.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seiya Asai, Jana Moravcova, Lenka Zakova, Irena Selicharova, Romana Hadravova, Andrzej Marek Brzozowski, Jiri Novacek, Jiri Jiracek
Summary: We found two different rhomboidal crystal lattices in the insulin secretory granules, suggesting the existence of microcrystalline insulin forms, possibly consisting of 4Zn2+-hexamers of this hormone.
Article
Microscopy
Glenda Dias, Jose Lino-Neto, David Mercati, Pietro Paolo Fanciulli, Pietro Lupetti, Romano Dallai
Summary: This study describes the sperm ultrastructure of Pytho depressus (Pythidae), highlighting the characteristics of the sperm and their differences from other species. The phylogenetic implications of the observed sperm features are discussed in the context of comparative sperm ultrastructure of other insect species.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Damla Amutkan Mutlu, Zekiye Suludere
Summary: This study examined the morphology of eggs and histology of the ovaries in female Isophya nervosa, and found that the eggs have an ellipsoidal shape and three different layers. It also identified distinguishing characteristics at the subfamily level based on the surface pattern of the egg and features of the micropylar areas.
MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pamela L. Toledo, Diego S. Vazquez, Alejo R. Gianotti, Milagros B. Abate, Carolin Wegbrod, Juha M. Torkko, Michele Solimena, Mario R. Ermacora
Summary: ICA512/PTPRN is a receptor tyrosine-like phosphatase involved in the biogenesis and turnover of insulin secretory granules (SGs). It has been found that its luminal RESP18 homology domain (RESP18HD) can form biomolecular condensates and interact with insulin. Further studies have shown that RESP18HD can also interact with proinsulin at pH 6.8, leading to the formation of nanocondensates and later microcondensates. These findings suggest that proinsulin plays a role in insulin SG biogenesis and may be involved in their phase separation from other secretory proteins.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Fatma A. A. Madkour, Om Prakash Choudhary, Ramadan M. M. Kandyel
Summary: This study examined the microscopic anatomy of the preen gland in laughing doves using different types of microscopes. The gland consists of two lobes with glandular lobules connected by strands of connective tissue. The lobules contain glandular follicles surrounded by connective tissue sheaths. The gland's parenchyma is coated with a dense connective tissue capsule composed of collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers. The secretory tubules have different characteristics depending on their location. Herbst corpuscles and mitochondrial densities were also observed. These findings provide important insights into the habitat differences of laughing doves.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nuria Jimenez-Juarez, Jarred Oral, Mark E. Nelson, Albert L. Lu
Summary: IPD072Aa is a new insecticidal protein that shows high activity against western corn rootworm (WCR). It targets the cells of WCR midgut and causes cell death. This mechanism is different from the insecticidal proteins currently used in commercial traits to target WCR.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Scott N. Johnson, Jamie M. Waterman, Richard Wuhrer, Rhiannon C. Rowe, Casey R. Hall, Ximena Cibils-Stewart
Summary: Nitrogen limitation promotes silicon accumulation and deposition in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon, enhancing both constitutive physical silicon defenses and induction of the jasmonic acid defensive pathway. The regulation of silicon by nitrogen availability has significant impacts on insect herbivores.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matthew J. Olszta, Jordan F. Corbey, Matthew T. Athon, Zachary F. Huber, Dallas D. Reilly, David G. Abrecht
Summary: This study compares the chemical speciation, distributions, crystallography, and morphologies of C-containing impurities in U metal before and after melting using high-resolution analytical electron microscopy. The results demonstrate the variability of carbide inclusions in U metal, including types such as the pill-shaped U monocarbide previously hypothesized.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Larissa Launhardt, Johanna Uhlenberg, Hagen Stellmach, Marie Schomburg, Bettina Hause, Ingo Heilmann, Mareike Heilmann
Summary: The unsaturation of phospholipids influences the function of membranes. Arabidopsis FAD2 is localized to ER subdomains and plays a role in the trafficking of lipid intermediates through the secretory pathway. The fluorescent-tagged FAD2 variants in Arabidopsis roots and leaves are associated with pre-cis-Golgi stacks.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matthew J. Olszta, Jordan F. Corbey, Dallas D. Reilly
Summary: This study investigates U carbide inclusions in U metal using high-resolution analytical electron microscopy. The results obtained from aberration corrected transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopies are consistent with previous scanning electron microscopy observations. New dislocations associated with certain inclusion morphologies were also observed.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Maria Luigia Vommaro, Joachim Kurtz, Anita Giglio
Summary: The study provides an updated overview of the morphology of circulating immune cells from mealworm beetle adults, revealing four main cell types and highlighting the morphological plasticity and various activities of haemocytes. The research also confirms the suitability of T. molitor haemocytes as a model for studying evolutionarily conserved cellular mechanisms, shedding light on the dynamic processes of proliferation, turnover, and transdifferentiation in the haemolymph.
Article
Zoology
Romano Dallai, David Mercati, Claudio Cucini, Pietro Paolo Fanciulli, Pietro Lupetti
Summary: This study examines the morphology, spermiogenesis, and sperm ultrastructure of the drugstore beetle S. paniceum (L). The sperm is approximately 480 μm in length with a spiral cylindrical acrosome at the tip and a cylindrical nucleus. During spermiogenesis, membranous structures form on either side of the nucleus generated from the nuclear envelope.
ZOOLOGISCHER ANZEIGER
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Min Li, John D. Oswald, Zhiqi Liu
Summary: Most species of dustywings have a coating of pale waxy particles on their bodies and wings, secreted by wax glands. These glands produce tiny wax filaments that break off as rings and are distributed on the body and wings by the insect's legs. This unique use of waxy compounds is a shared feature of species in the subfamilies Aleurop-teryginae and Coniopteryginae. However, wax production and its associated morphological features and behaviors are poorly known and rarely studied. This paper examines the comparative morphology of wax gland head ultrastructure in dustywings and provides detailed descriptions of the wax gland heads found in each genus.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adrian K. Stavrakis, Sanja Kojic, Bojan Petrovic, Isidora Neskovic, Goran M. Stojanovic
Summary: This study aimed to examine the morphological properties of dental floss before and after use, and assess the degradation of different types of floss. The results showed that a thorough understanding of the properties of the floss is necessary before recommending a specific type to patients.
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Jiri Dvoracek, Dalibor Kodrik
Summary: The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster brain is extensively studied as a model for insect reward system, capable of associative learning. While neurochemical systems mediating the 'wanting' component of reward are well documented, systems mediating the pleasure component are unlikely to be present in insects, such as endogenous opioid and endocannabinoid systems.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dalibor Kodrik, Vaclav Kristufek, Zdenka Svobodova
Summary: Worker honey bees undergo biochemical and physiological changes throughout the year, with nutrient levels peaking during periods of maximal activity and digestive enzyme activity showing a two-peak course. Adipokinetic hormone levels fluctuate throughout the year, while non-metabolic characteristics also vary.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Karolina Bodlakova, Jan Cerny, Helena Sterbova, Roman Guran, Ondrej Zitka, Dalibor Kodrik
Summary: This study investigated the physiological responses of American cockroaches to honeybee venom. The results showed that bee venom caused severe stress and destruction of muscle cell ultrastructure in the cockroaches. The venom also regulated the levels of substances in the cockroaches' haemolymph and the activity of digestive enzymes. Furthermore, it significantly reduced vitellogenin levels in female cockroaches and had an impact on dopamine and glutathione levels.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jan Cerny, Frantisek Weyda, Michal Perlik, Dalibor Kodrik
Summary: This study demonstrates that a micro-serrated edge on the honey bee's stinger tip can cause more intensive damage to the victim's cell membranes and initiate metabolic pathways. Species that use their stingers as offensive or defensive tools have this microstructure, while parasitic species lack it as their stingers are used solely for venom delivery.
MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Jiri Dvoracek, Andrea Bednarova, Natraj Krishnan, Dalibor Kodrik
Summary: The classical Dale's principle states that neuronal identity is determined by the specific neurotransmitter it releases. However, this principle may contradict the brain's ability to respond flexibly to specific situations. This article critically evaluates the reward systems in vertebrates and invertebrates, with a focus on the plasticity of dopaminergic neurons, challenging the classical Dale's principle and suggesting greater possibilities for dynamic response to current life contexts.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Oxana Skokova Habustova, Zdenka Svobodova, Dalibor Kodrik, Frantisek Sehnal
Summary: The toxicity of the Bt toxin Cry3Aa was verified on the Colorado potato beetle and evaluated against the Egyptian armyworm. The study found that Cry3Aa toxin did not have significant deleterious effects on the Egyptian armyworm.
Article
Plant Sciences
Veronika Jedlickova, Katerina Macova, Marie Stefkova, Jan Butula, Jana Stavenikova, Marek Sedlacek, Helene S. Robert
Summary: Our study investigated the mutation efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9 method on the tryptophan aminotransferase BnaTAA1 genes involved in the auxin biosynthesis pathway. We found that the plant-codon-optimized Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (pcoCas9) was more efficient in mutating the targeted loci than Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9), and the presence of the nuclear localization signal (NLS) increased the chance of mutagenesis by 25%. Furthermore, we examined the heritability of the gene modifications and analyzed the expression of the BnaTAA1 gene in transgenic plants. Overall, hairy root transformation combined with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing is a fast and straightforward system for studying target gene function in the important oilseed crop Brassica napus.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Jiri Dvoracek, Dalibor Kodrik
Summary: Animals and humans have similar reactions to addictive substances, as observed in the effects of drugs on bee behavior and brain functions. The unique distribution of reward functions in the honeybee community, a superorganism, can be extrapolated to other closely organized animal societies, suggesting a functional continuum of reward and sociality in animals.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Hlavkova, Oxana Skokova Habustova, Vladimir Puza, Konstantin Vinokurov, Dalibor Kodrik
Summary: This study investigated the effects of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae on the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata, as well as the involvement of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in the responsive reactions. The findings showed that nematode application increased the amount of AKH in the central nervous system of the beetles, indicating mobilization of anti-stress reactions. Co-application of Peram-CAH-II with the nematode further increased beetle mortality. The study suggests that the nematodes benefit from the mobilization of metabolites from the fat body, providing them with a more nutrient-dense substrate and limiting the beetle's anti-pathogen defense capacity.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Silvie Dostalkova, Dalibor Kodrik, Michael Simone-Finstrom, Marek Petrivalsky, Jiri Danihlik
Summary: Habitat loss, climate change, and global agriculture have a significant impact on the reduced abundance and diversity of floral resources, leading to malnutrition and colony losses in honey bees. In order to address the inadequate natural sources for beekeeping, supplementing honey bee colonies with food supplements, such as Chlorella, can maintain colony health during periods of dearth without negatively affecting digestion or oxidative balance.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Veronika Jedlickova, Vaclav Hejret, Martin Demko, Pavel Jedlicka, Marie Stefkova, Helene S. Robert
Summary: This study investigates the transcriptional response of different rapeseed cultivars to heat stress and reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic changes during early seed development. The results suggest that the response to reactive oxygen species, seed photosynthesis, and hormonal regulation may be critical factors for heat tolerance in oilseed rape.
Article
Entomology
Jan Kollross, Jitka Jancuchova-Laskova, Irena Kleckova, Inga Freiberga, Dalibor Kodrik, Katerina Sam
Summary: A study found that desert locusts exhibit clear behavioral and physiological responses when faced with predators, including hiding and reducing feeding time. These responses are influenced by stimuli such as birds and bird calls. The experiment also found that the proximity of birds resulted in a significant increase in AKH levels in the locusts' central nervous system and hemolymph.
JOURNAL OF INSECT BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Miloslav Brejcha, Daniela Prusakova, Michala Sabova, Vratislav Peska, Jan Cerny, Dalibor Kodrik, Barbora Konopova, Radmila Capkova Frydrychova
Summary: The structure and gene expression of fat body cells in winter and summer worker bees differ, likely due to variations in flight intensity and heat production. Winter bees show a higher frequency of lysosomes, autophagic processes, and lipofuscin particles.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Ondrichova, Helena Sterbova, Jiri Danihlik, Jana Jemelkova, Marketa Hejnikova, Michal Sery, Dalibor Kodrik
Summary: In this study, the impact of honeybee venom on the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus was investigated. The results showed that venom injection increased the level of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in the firebug, activating defense responses. Histamine levels in the gut and hemolymph were also affected by venom and AKH. Vitellogenin levels decreased after venom application, indicating its role in defensive responses. However, the effect of venom on digestive enzymes was minimal, suggesting the presence of alternative defense mechanisms.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronika Jedlickova, Shekoufeh Ebrahimi Naghani, Helene S. Robert
Summary: This review discusses various types of auxin reporters and biosensors used to monitor auxin distribution and signaling in plants, providing a history of each group and detailing their principles and applications.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiaomeng Li, Charles Brighton Ndandala, Qi Zhou, Chunyan Huang, Guangli Li, Huapu Chen
Summary: This study investigated the role of estrogen receptors (ERs) in vitellogenesis (Vtgs) regulation in pompano fish. The findings suggest that E2 may regulate the expression of different subtypes of vtg through ERs, displaying a compensatory expression effect on the regulation of ers and vtgs. This provides a theoretical basis for further research on reproductive endocrinology in pompano fish.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Norio Kansaku, Takeshi Ohkubo
Summary: Endocrine changes during bird reproduction, particularly the relationship between prolactin and incubation behavior, were investigated. The study monitored the physiological status and incubation behavior of Silkie hens over 1-2 years. The results showed that most mature hens exhibited incubation behavior multiple times, and there was a noticeable increase in nest occupancy 7-10 days before incubation onset. Protein analysis revealed that secreted prolactin during the reproductive cycle contains various isoforms, suggesting post-translational modifications like glycosylation and phosphorylation.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Minghui Li, Lina Sun, Linyan Zhou, Deshou Wang
Summary: This article summarizes the importance of the Nile tilapia as an excellent animal model for studying reproductive endocrinology in fish, with a focus on the crucial role of estrogen in female development.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Breanna N. Harris, Carolyn M. Bauer, James A. Carr, Caitlin R. Gabor, Jennifer L. Grindstaff, Caleigh Guoynes, Jennifer J. Heppner, Cris C. Ledon-Rettig, Patricia C. Lopes, Sharon E. Lynn, Carla B. Madelaire, Lorin A. Neuman-Lee, Maria G. Palacios, Paul Soto, Jennifer Terry
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on academics, particularly on those with minoritized identities or who were early career, caregivers, or had intersecting identities. The pandemic altered the impact factors of academia, including scholarly products, and affected the way individuals could respond. It is predicted that the pandemic will have long-term impacts on the population dynamics, composition, and landscape of the academic ecosystem. The number of journal submissions decreased, especially among women authors, and the pandemic heavily impacted women authors from Asia and the Middle East.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
