The proposed method for calculation of potential evapotranspiration is Penman-Monteith FAO method, but there are other methods that require less meteorological data but estimates close to the FAO Penman-Monteith method in different climatic conditions.  Performance evaluation of these methods on the same basis is prerequisite for selecting an alternative approach in accordance with available da...

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) promote tumor growth by inhibiting T-cell immunity and promoting malignant cell proliferation and migration. The therapeutic potential of blocking MDSC in tumors has been limited by their heterogeneity, plasticity, and resistance to various chemotherapy agents. Recent studies have highlighted the role of energy metabolic pathways in the differentiation an...

Capacity and institution building is a core function of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). FAO has recently started the “Capacity and Institution Building Portal” to provide structured access to information on FAO’s capacity and institution building services and learning resources. To ensure that the Portal can be searched by users and to enable interoperability...

Hippocampal neurogenesis is important for certain forms of cognition, and failing neurogenesis has been implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases. The neurogenic capacity of hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) depends on a balance between quiescent and proliferative states. Here, we show that the rate of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) regulates the activity of NSPCs. Quiescent NSPCs show...

Obesity is associated with a decrement in the ability of skeletal muscle to oxidize lipid. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether clinical interventions (weight loss, exercise training) could reverse the impairment in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) evident in extremely obese individuals. FAO was assessed by incubating skeletal muscle homogenates with [1-(14)C]palmitate and measu...

The objective of the performed investigations was to isolate pathogenic fungi from contaminated maize cobs, to assess the appearance of maize cob fusariosis and to determine grain contamination with deoxynivalenol in the cultivation of genetically modified maize containing a gene resistance against European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn) as well as selected non-modified cultivars. The plan...

Hepatic fatty acid oxidation (FAO) has long been implicated in the control of eating. Nevertheless, direct evidence for a causal relationship between changes in hepatic FAO and changes in food intake is still missing. Here we tested whether increasing hepatic FAO via adenovirus-mediated expression of a mutated form of the key regulatory enzyme of mitochondrial FAO carnitine palmitoyltransferase...

Carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2 (CPT2) and very-long-chain Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiencies are among the most common inborn mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) disorders. Despite advances in their clinical and molecular characterizations, few therapeutic approaches exist for these diseases. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol extensively studied for its potential heal...

Sections relevant to biotechnology applications in food safety: Coordination was done by Masami Takeuchi (Food Safety Officer, Nutrition and Consumer Protection Division). Significant contributions were made by Sridhar Dharmapuri, FAO consultant. Technical contributions from several FAO colleagues, including Maria de Lourdes Costarrica (Senior officer, Nutrition and Consumer Protection Division...

In mouse oocytes, meiotic induction by pharmacological activation of PRKA (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase; formerly known as AMPK) or by hormones depends on stimulation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO). PRKA stimulates FAO by phosphorylating and inactivating acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACAC; formerly ACC), leading to decreased malonyl CoA levels and augmenting fatty-acid transport in...