1
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Cole-Osborn LF, McCallan SA, Prifti O, Abu R, Sjoelund V, Lee-Parsons CWT. The role of the Golden2-like (GLK) transcription factor in regulating terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus. Plant Cell Rep 2024; 43:141. [PMID: 38743349 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03208-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE A GLK homologue was identified and functionally characterized in Catharanthus roseus. Silencing CrGLK with VIGS or the chloroplast retrograde signaling inducer lincomycin increased terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis. Catharanthus roseus is the sole source of the chemotherapeutic terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) vinblastine and vincristine. TIA pathway genes, particularly genes in the vindoline pathway, are expressed at higher levels in immature versus mature leaves, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for this developmental regulation are unknown. We investigated the role of GOLDEN2-LIKE (GLK) transcription factors in contributing to this ontogenetic regulation since GLKs are active in seedlings upon light exposure and in the leaf's early development, but their activity is repressed as leaves age and senesce. We identified a GLK homologue in C. roseus and functionally characterized its role in regulating TIA biosynthesis, with a focus on the vindoline pathway, by transiently reducing its expression through two separate methods: virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and application of chloroplast retrograde signaling inducers, norflurazon and lincomycin. Reducing CrGLK levels with each method reduced chlorophyll accumulation and the expression of the light harvesting complex subunit (LHCB2.2), confirming its functional homology with GLKs in other plant species. In contrast, reducing CrGLK via VIGS or lincomycin increased TIA accumulation and TIA pathway gene expression, suggesting that CrGLK may repress TIA biosynthesis. However, norflurazon had no effect on TIA gene expression, indicating that reducing CrGLK alone is not sufficient to induce TIA biosynthesis. Future work is needed to clarify the specific molecular mechanisms leading to increased TIA biosynthesis with CrGLK silencing. This is the first identification and characterization of GLK in C. roseus and the first investigation of how chloroplast retrograde signaling might regulate TIA biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren F Cole-Osborn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Shannon A McCallan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Olga Prifti
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Rafay Abu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Virginie Sjoelund
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Carolyn W T Lee-Parsons
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA.
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2
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Voce N, Stevenson P. Experimentally Probing the Effect of Confinement Geometry on Lipid Diffusion. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:4404-4413. [PMID: 38574293 PMCID: PMC11089508 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The lateral mobility of molecules within the cell membrane is ultimately governed by the local environment of the membrane. Confined regions induced by membrane structures, such as protein aggregates or the actin meshwork, occur over a wide range of length scales and can impede or steer the diffusion of membrane components. However, a detailed picture of the origins and nature of these confinement effects remains elusive. Here, we prepare model lipid systems on substrates patterned with confined domains of varying geometries constructed with different materials to explore the influences of physical boundary conditions and specific molecular interactions on diffusion. We demonstrate a platform that is capable of significantly altering and steering the long-range diffusion of lipids by using simple oxide deposition approaches, enabling us to systematically explore how confinement size and shape impact diffusion over multiple length scales. While we find that a "boundary condition" description of the system captures underlying trends in some cases, we are also able to directly compare our systems to analytical models, revealing the unexpected breakdown of several approximate solutions. Our results highlight the importance of considering the length scale dependence when discussing properties such as diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Voce
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Paul Stevenson
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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3
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Sadiki A, Liu S, Vaidya SR, Kercher EM, Lang RT, McIsaac J, Spring BQ, Auclair JR, Zhou ZS. Site-Specific Conjugation of Native Antibody: Transglutaminase-Mediated Modification of a Conserved Glutamine While Maintaining the Primary Sequence and Core Fc Glycan via Trimming with an Endoglycosidase. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:465-471. [PMID: 38499390 PMCID: PMC11036358 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
A versatile chemo-enzymatic tool to site-specifically modify native (nonengineered) antibodies is using transglutaminase (TGase, E.C. 2.3.2.13). With various amines as cosubstrates, this enzyme converts the unsubstituted side chain amide of glutamine (Gln or Q) in peptides and proteins into substituted amides (i.e., conjugates). A pleasant surprise is that only a single conserved glutamine (Gln295) in the Fc region of IgG is modified by microbial TGase (mTGase, EC 2.3.2.13), thereby providing a highly specific and generally applicable conjugation method. However, prior to the transamidation (access to the glutamine residue by mTGase), the steric hindrance from the nearby conserved N-glycan (Asn297 in IgG1) must be reduced. In previous approaches, amidase (PNGase F, EC 3.5.1.52) was used to completely remove the N-glycan. However, PNGase F also converts a net neutral asparagine (Asn297) to a negatively charged aspartic acid (Asp297). This charge alteration may markedly change the structure, function, and immunogenicity of an IgG antibody. In contrast, in our new method presented herein, the N-glycan is trimmed by an endoglycosidase (EndoS2, EC 3.2.1.96), hence retaining both the core N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) moiety and the neutral asparaginyl amide. The trimmed glycan also reduces or abolishes Fc receptor-mediated functions, which results in better imaging agents by decreasing nonspecific binding to other cells (e.g., immune cells). Moreover, the remaining core glycan allows further derivatization such as glycan remodeling and dual conjugation. Practical and robust, our method generates conjugates in near quantitative yields, and both enzymes are commercially available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amissi Sadiki
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and
Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and
Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Shefali R. Vaidya
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and
Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Eric M. Kercher
- Translational
Biophotonics Cluster, Department of Physics, Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ryan T. Lang
- Translational
Biophotonics Cluster, Department of Physics, Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - James McIsaac
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and
Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Bryan Q. Spring
- Translational
Biophotonics Cluster, Department of Physics, Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Jared R. Auclair
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and
Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Zhaohui Sunny Zhou
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and
Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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4
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Hayward LM, Golub-Victor AC, Cheerman H, Kiami S, Addison I, Bhattrai M, Wang S, Miroshnik E. Student Pedagogical Consultants: A Strategy for Increasing Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and a Sense of Belonging in Curricular Approaches in Physical Therapist Education. J Phys Ther Educ 2024:00001416-990000000-00103. [PMID: 38625696 DOI: 10.1097/jte.0000000000000333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diversity within the physical therapy profession lags in comparison to the United States population. As the profession strives to diversify, faculty must pay attention to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI-B) in curricular approaches, including classroom materials, instruction, and assessment. With critical application, students from equity-deserving groups (EDGs) can provide unique perspectives to faculty about curricular approaches. Case study purposes were to 1) enable students from EDGs to partner with faculty, as student pedagogical consultants (SPCs), in 2 courses in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program to provide feedback on DEI-B efforts related to curricular approaches and 2) describe the outcomes of SPCs experience. CASE DESCRIPTION Eight female students from EDGs partnered with 3 White, female, faculty members in 2 courses: pediatrics and neurorehabilitation. Two SPCs teams observed the classrooms, met with faculty, and administered two-minute papers to classmates to gather feedback on DEI-B curricular approaches. Faculty and student SPCs wrote reflective papers, postproject, documenting their experiences. OUTCOMES Themes informed a conceptual framework describing SPCs: 1) motivation for engaging in partnership; 2) creation of a pedagogical partnership space to promote dialogue and problem-solve barriers to DEI-B; 3) deeper understanding of teaching; 4) transfer of learning from the SPC experience to future work locations; and 5) faculty modification of teaching. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Students raised awareness regarding the pain of exclusion and provided suggestions for modifying curricular approaches to consider DEI-B. Curriculum redesign using innovative strategies can meet the contemporary needs of students from EDGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna M Hayward
- Lorna M. Hayward is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science, at the Northeastern University, 301 Robinson Hall, Boston, MA 02115 . Please address all correspondence to Lorna M. Hayward
- Ann C. Golub-Victor is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Heidi Cheerman is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Sheri Kiami is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Isabella Addison is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Mona Bhattrai is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Serena Wang is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Evgeniya Miroshnik is a student in the Department of Pharmacy at the Northeastern University
| | - Ann C Golub-Victor
- Lorna M. Hayward is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science, at the Northeastern University, 301 Robinson Hall, Boston, MA 02115 . Please address all correspondence to Lorna M. Hayward
- Ann C. Golub-Victor is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Heidi Cheerman is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Sheri Kiami is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Isabella Addison is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Mona Bhattrai is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Serena Wang is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Evgeniya Miroshnik is a student in the Department of Pharmacy at the Northeastern University
| | - Heidi Cheerman
- Lorna M. Hayward is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science, at the Northeastern University, 301 Robinson Hall, Boston, MA 02115 . Please address all correspondence to Lorna M. Hayward
- Ann C. Golub-Victor is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Heidi Cheerman is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Sheri Kiami is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Isabella Addison is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Mona Bhattrai is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Serena Wang is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Evgeniya Miroshnik is a student in the Department of Pharmacy at the Northeastern University
| | - Sheri Kiami
- Lorna M. Hayward is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science, at the Northeastern University, 301 Robinson Hall, Boston, MA 02115 . Please address all correspondence to Lorna M. Hayward
- Ann C. Golub-Victor is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Heidi Cheerman is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Sheri Kiami is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Isabella Addison is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Mona Bhattrai is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Serena Wang is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Evgeniya Miroshnik is a student in the Department of Pharmacy at the Northeastern University
| | - Isabella Addison
- Lorna M. Hayward is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science, at the Northeastern University, 301 Robinson Hall, Boston, MA 02115 . Please address all correspondence to Lorna M. Hayward
- Ann C. Golub-Victor is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Heidi Cheerman is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Sheri Kiami is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Isabella Addison is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Mona Bhattrai is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Serena Wang is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Evgeniya Miroshnik is a student in the Department of Pharmacy at the Northeastern University
| | - Mona Bhattrai
- Lorna M. Hayward is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science, at the Northeastern University, 301 Robinson Hall, Boston, MA 02115 . Please address all correspondence to Lorna M. Hayward
- Ann C. Golub-Victor is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Heidi Cheerman is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Sheri Kiami is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Isabella Addison is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Mona Bhattrai is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Serena Wang is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Evgeniya Miroshnik is a student in the Department of Pharmacy at the Northeastern University
| | - Serena Wang
- Lorna M. Hayward is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science, at the Northeastern University, 301 Robinson Hall, Boston, MA 02115 . Please address all correspondence to Lorna M. Hayward
- Ann C. Golub-Victor is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Heidi Cheerman is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Sheri Kiami is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Isabella Addison is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Mona Bhattrai is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Serena Wang is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Evgeniya Miroshnik is a student in the Department of Pharmacy at the Northeastern University
| | - Evgeniya Miroshnik
- Lorna M. Hayward is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science, at the Northeastern University, 301 Robinson Hall, Boston, MA 02115 . Please address all correspondence to Lorna M. Hayward
- Ann C. Golub-Victor is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Heidi Cheerman is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Sheri Kiami is faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Isabella Addison is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Mona Bhattrai is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Serena Wang is a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science at the Northeastern University
- Evgeniya Miroshnik is a student in the Department of Pharmacy at the Northeastern University
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5
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Pagba CV, Gupta AK, Dilsha K, Sadrpour P, Jakubec J, Prakash P, van der Hoeven D, Cho KJ, Gilbertson S, Gorfe AA. Biophysical and Biochemical Characterization of Structurally Diverse Small Molecule Hits for KRAS Inhibition. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300827. [PMID: 38349283 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
We describe six compounds as early hits for the development of direct inhibitors of KRAS, an important anticancer drug target. We show that these compounds bind to KRAS with affinities in the low micromolar range and exert different effects on its interactions with binding partners. Some of the compounds exhibit selective binding to the activated form of KRAS and inhibit signal transduction through both the MAPK or the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase PI3K-protein kinase B (AKT) pathway in cells expressing mutant KRAS. Most inhibit intrinsic and/or SOS-mediated KRAS activation while others inhibit RAS-effector interaction. We propose these compounds as starting points for the development of non-covalent allosteric KRAS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia V Pagba
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Amit K Gupta
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Kasuni Dilsha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, 3585 Cullen Blvd., Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Parisa Sadrpour
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Jacob Jakubec
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Priyanka Prakash
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Dharini van der Hoeven
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 Cambridge St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Kwang-Jin Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Scott Gilbertson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, 3585 Cullen Blvd., Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Alemayehu A Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program & Therapeutics and Pharmacology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
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6
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Pinkhover NP, Pontbriand KM, Fletcher KP, Sanchez E, Okello K, Garvey LM, Pum A, Li K, DeOliveira G, Proctor T, Feenstra JDM, Sorel O, Gandhi M, Auclair JR. Comparison of analytical performance and economic value of two biosurveillance methods for tracking SARS-COV-2 variants of concern. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0348423. [PMID: 38206048 PMCID: PMC10845967 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03484-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of biosurveillance programs with strong analytical performance and economically accessible protocols is essential for monitoring viral pathogens. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been the prevailing technology for SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) detection. While WGS offers benefits, it is a lengthy process, financially and technically straining for scalable viral tracking. The aim of this study was to compare the analytical performance and economic feasibility of WGS and PCR mutation panels for distinguishing six known VOCs: Alpha (B.1.1.7 and Q.4), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2 and AY.4.2), and Omicron. (B.1.1.529.1). In all, 78 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples were collected from April to December 2021 at Northeastern University (Cabot Testing Site, Boston, MA, USA) for genotyping PCR and WGS analysis. MagMax Viral/Pathogen II Nucleic Acid Isolation and TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kits were used for RNA extraction and SARS-CoV-2 confirmation. VOC discrimination was assessed using two TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay layouts, and Ion Torrent WGS. In November 2021, the mutation panel demonstrated marked versatility by detecting the emerging Omicron variant reported by South Africa. SNP panel analysis yielded the following 78 VOC identifications: Alpha B.1.1.7 (N = 20), Alpha Q.4 (N = 3), Gamma P.1 (N = 1), Delta B.1.617.2 (N = 30), Delta AY.4.2 (N = 3), and Omicron B.1.1.529.1 (N = 20) with one undetermined (N = 1) sample. Genotyping mutation panels designated lineages in 77 of 78 samples, 46/78 were confirmed by WGS, while 32 samples failed WGS lineage assignment. RT-PCR genotyping panels offer pronounced throughput and sensitivity and provide an economically advantageous technique for SARS-CoV-2 biosurveillance.IMPORTANCEThe results presented in our manuscript demonstrate how the value of simplistic and reliable molecular assays coupled with the core scientific principle of standardization can be overlooked by the charm of more sophisticated assays and instrumentation. This effect can often be amplified during tumultuous public health events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. By adapting standardized PCR mutation panels to detect prominently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, we were able to better assess the potential health impacts of rising positivity rates and transmission clusters within the Northeastern University population. While several literature publications utilizing genotyping PCR and NGS have a similar scope to ours, many investigations lack sufficiently standardized genotyping PCR and NGS bioinformatics inclusionary/exclusionary criteria for SARS-CoV-2 variant identification. Finally, the economic benefits of standardized PCR mutation panels would allow for global implementation of biosurveillance, rather than reserving biosurveillance to more economically developed nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P. Pinkhover
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Life Sciences Testing Center, Northeastern University Innovation Campus, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kerriann M. Pontbriand
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Life Sciences Testing Center, Northeastern University Innovation Campus, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelli P. Fletcher
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Life Sciences Testing Center, Northeastern University Innovation Campus, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eduardo Sanchez
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Life Sciences Testing Center, Northeastern University Innovation Campus, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kenneth Okello
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Life Sciences Testing Center, Northeastern University Innovation Campus, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Liam M. Garvey
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Life Sciences Testing Center, Northeastern University Innovation Campus, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex Pum
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Life Sciences Testing Center, Northeastern University Innovation Campus, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kurvin Li
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Life Sciences Testing Center, Northeastern University Innovation Campus, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gabriel DeOliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Life Sciences Testing Center, Northeastern University Innovation Campus, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Teddie Proctor
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Genetic Testing Solutions, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jelena D. M. Feenstra
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Genetic Testing Solutions, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Océane Sorel
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Genetic Testing Solutions, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Manoj Gandhi
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Genetic Testing Solutions, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jared R. Auclair
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Life Sciences Testing Center, Northeastern University Innovation Campus, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
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7
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Shapiro F, Wang J, Flynn E, Wu JY. Pudgy mouse rib deformities emanate from abnormal paravertebral longitudinal cartilage/bone accumulations. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060139. [PMID: 38252118 PMCID: PMC10840853 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The pudgy (pu/pu) mouse, caused by a recessive mutation in the Notch family Delta like-3 gene (Dll3), has severe rib, vertebral body and intervertebral disc abnormalities. Using whole-mount preparations and serial histologic sections we demonstrate: 1) localized paravertebral longitudinal cartilage/bone accumulations (PVLC/BAs) invariably associated with branched, fused and asymmetrically spaced ribs that emanate from it laterally; 2) abnormal rib formation immediately adjacent to abnormal vertebral body and intervertebral disc formation in asymmetric right/left fashion; and 3) patterns of rib deformation that differ in each mouse. Normal BALB/c embryo and age-matched non-affected pu/+ mice assessments allow for pu/pu comparisons. The Dll3 Notch family gene is involved in normal somitogenesis via the segmentation clock mechanism. Although pathogenesis of rib deformation is initially triggered by the Dll3 gene mutation, these findings of abnormal asymmetric costo-vertebral region structure imply that differing patterns cannot be attributed to this single gene mutation alone. All findings implicate a dual mechanism of malformation: the Dll3 gene mutation leading to subtle timing differences in traveling oscillation waves of the segmentation clock and further subsequent misdirection of tissue formation by altered chemical reaction-diffusion and epigenetic landscape responses. PVLC/BAs appear as primary supramolecular structures underlying severe rib malformation associated both with time-sensitive segmentation clock mutations and subsequent reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Shapiro
- Department of Medicine/Endocrinology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto CA 94305, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston MA 02115, USA
| | - Jamie Wang
- Department of Medicine/Endocrinology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto CA 94305, USA
| | - Evelyn Flynn
- Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston MA 02115, USA
| | - Joy Y. Wu
- Department of Medicine/Endocrinology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto CA 94305, USA
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8
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Wang Y, Wei Z, Ji T, Bai R, Zhu H. Highly Ionic Conductive, Stretchable, and Tough Ionogel for Flexible Solid-State Supercapacitor. Small 2023:e2307019. [PMID: 38111366 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
The increasing demand for wearable electronics calls for advanced energy storage solutions that integrate high electrochemical performances and mechanical robustness. Ionogel is a promising candidate due to its stretchability combined with high ionic conductivity. However, simultaneously optimizing both the electrochemical and mechanical performance of ionogels remains a challenge. This paper reports a tough and highly ion-conductive ionogel through ion impregnation and solvent exchange. The fabricated ionogel consists of double interpenetrating networks of long polymer chains that provide high stretchability. The polymer chains are crosslinked by hydrogen bonds that induce large energy dissipation for enhanced toughness. The resultant ionogel possesses mechanical stretchability of 26, tensile strength of 1.34 MPa, and fracture toughness of 4175 J m-2 . Meanwhile, due to the high ion concentrations and ion mobility in the gel, a high ionic conductivity of 3.18 S m-1 at room temperature is achieved. A supercapacitor of this ionogel sandwiched with porous fiber electrodes provides remarkable areal capacitance (615 mF cm-2 at 1 mA cm-2 ), energy density (341.7 µWh cm-2 at 1 mA cm-2 ), and power density (20 mW cm-2 at 10 mA cm-2 ), offering significant advantages in applications where high efficiency, compact size, and rapid energy delivery are crucial, such as flexible and wearable electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zhengxuan Wei
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tongtai Ji
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ruobing Bai
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hongli Zhu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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9
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Adrion DM, Karunaratne WV, Lopez SA. Multiconfigurational photodynamics simulations reveal the mechanism of photodecarbonylations of cyclopropenones in explicit aqueous environments. Chem Sci 2023; 14:13205-13218. [PMID: 38023495 PMCID: PMC10664470 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc03805j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gas-evolving photochemical reactions use light and mild conditions to access strained organic compounds irreversibly. Cyclopropenones are a class of light-responsive molecules used in bioorthogonal photoclick reactions; their excited-state decarbonylation reaction mechanisms are misunderstood due to their ultrafast (<100 femtosecond) lifetimes. We have combined multiconfigurational quantum mechanical (QM) calculations and non-adiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) simulations to uncover the excited-state mechanism of cyclopropenone and a photoprotected cyclooctyne-(COT)-precursor in gaseous and explicit aqueous environments. We explore the role of H-bonding with fully quantum mechanical explicitly solvated NAMD simulations for the decarbonylation reaction. The cyclopropenones pass through asynchronous conical intersections and have dynamically concerted photodecarbonylation mechanisms. The COT-precursor has a higher quantum yield of 55% than cyclopropenone (28%) because these trajectories prefer to break a σCC bond to avoid the strained trans-cyclooctene geometries. Our solvated simulations show an increased quantum yield (58%) for the systems studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Adrion
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts 02115 USA
| | - Waruni V Karunaratne
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts 02115 USA
| | - Steven A Lopez
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts 02115 USA
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10
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Pavone K, Gorgol H, Rust V, Bronski M, Labelle C, Compton P. Exploring the postoperative pain experiences of individuals with opioid use disorder and the nurses providing care in the USA: A qualitative descriptive study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072187. [PMID: 37848308 PMCID: PMC10583043 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The goal of this study is to gain firsthand insights from individuals with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) using medication for OUD on their experiences with postoperative pain care. This study also seeks to describe the experiences of nurses caring for individuals with OUD, and the challenges they may face managing complaints of pain in this population. Research suggests that hospitals can significantly enhance the quality of the care they deliver by investigating an individual's experience in the care setting. These insights will allow for the development of strategies for nurses to deepen their understanding of and, therefore, advocate and improve care for, this vulnerable and often stigmatised population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A qualitative descriptive study will be conducted consisting of a prescreening and demographics questionnaire, and individual semistructured interviews with approximately 10-15 individuals with OUD having recently undergone surgery and 10-15 nurses providing care for this population for a total of 20-30 interviews. This approach involves the collection of separate but complementary data (ie, perceptions of individuals with OUD and nurses) concerning the phenomena of postoperative pain management. Sampling will continue until data saturation is reached. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis will then be used. Reporting will adhere to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study received approval from the Institutional Review Board at Northeastern University. Alongside peer-reviewed journal publications, the findings will be presented at relevant conferences, and a plain language summary will be distributed to the study participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Pavone
- College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Hilary Gorgol
- Bouve College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Victoria Rust
- Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mary Bronski
- Bouve College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Colleen Labelle
- Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peggy Compton
- College of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Brychcy M, Kokodynski A, Lloyd D, Godoy VG. AspFlex: Molecular Tools to Study Gene Expression and Regulation in Acinetobacter baumannii. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2773-2777. [PMID: 37587063 PMCID: PMC10621034 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative nosocomial opportunistic pathogen frequently found in hospital settings, causing high incidence of in-hospital infections. It belongs to the ESKAPE group of pathogens (the "A" stands for A. baumannii), which are known to easily develop antibiotic resistances. It is crucial to create a molecular toolkit to investigate its basic biology, such as gene regulation. Despite A. baumannii having been a threat for almost two decades, an efficient and high-throughput plasmid system that can replicate in A. baumannii has not yet been developed. This study adapts an existing toolkit for Escherichia coli to meet A. baumannii's unique requirements and expands it by constructing a plasmid-based CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system to generate gene knockdowns in A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin Brychcy
- Biology Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Alexis Kokodynski
- Biology Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Devin Lloyd
- Biology Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Veronica G. Godoy
- Biology Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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12
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Chen X, Xu S, Meng F, Yu T, Zhao J. Multi-Objective Optimization in Ultrasonic Polishing of Silicon Carbide via Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:5673. [PMID: 37629964 PMCID: PMC10456480 DOI: 10.3390/ma16165673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
As high-level equipment and advanced technologies continue toward sophistication, ultrasonic technology is extensively used in the polishing process of difficult-to-process materials to achieve efficiently smooth surfaces with nanometer roughness. The polishing of silicon carbide, an indispensable difficult-to-machine optical material, is extremely challenging due to its high hardness and good wear resistance. To overcome the current silicon carbide (SiC) ultrasonic polishing (UP) process deficiencies and strengthen the competitiveness of the UP industry, the multi-objective optimization based on the Taguchi-GRA method for the UP process with SiC ceramic to obtain the optimal process parameter combination is a vital and urgently demanded task. The orthogonal experiment, analysis of variance, grey relational analysis (GRA), and validation were performed to optimize the UP schemes. For a single objective of roughness and removal rate, the influence degree is abrasive size > preloading force > abrasive content > spindle speed > feed rate, and spindle speed > abrasive size > feed rate > preloading force > abrasive content, respectively. Moreover, the optimal process combination integrating these two objectives is an abrasive content of 14 wt%, abrasive size of 2.5 μm, preloading force of 80 N, spindle speed of 8000 rpm, and feed rate of 1 mm/s. The optimized workpiece surface morphology is better, and the roughness and removal rate are increased by 7.14% and 28.34%, respectively, compared to the best orthogonal group. The Taguchi-GRA method provides a more scientific approach for evaluating the comprehensive performance of polishing. The optimized process parameters have essential relevance for the ultrasonic polishing of SiC materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China; (X.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Shucong Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China;
| | - Fanwei Meng
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China; (X.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Tianbiao Yu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China; (X.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Ji Zhao
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China; (X.C.); (F.M.)
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13
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Houston AR, Snyder-Young D, Perry M, Flessen M, Lincoln AK. 'Let Others Love You Back to Health': The Role of Performance-based Support Groups for People in Recovery. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:1097-1108. [PMID: 36692703 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01089-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Peer support groups have become widely utilized among those in recovery from problematic substance use. Yet, these peer-based programs vary and research examining their effectiveness has yielded mixed results. Relatively less is known about the impacts of arts-based peer recovery programs. Some research suggests that theatre may offer a powerful tool to address biopsychosocial changes among individuals in recovery. To explore the role of arts-based peer support programs, we draw on qualitative interviews with performers in two arts-based recovery programs. Our findings suggest that arts-based peer recovery programs may aid individuals in recovery in four main ways. Performing allowed participants to build relationships with others in recovery, channel experiences creatively while challenging stigma, foster confidence and recovery-identity formation, aiding participants in working through emotional impacts of prior substance use. These findings support emerging scholarship examining the role of performance in challenging stereotypes about substance use to aid those in recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R Houston
- Institute of Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, USA.
| | - Dani Snyder-Young
- Institute of Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
- College of Arts, Media and Design, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | | | - Maren Flessen
- Institute of Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
- College of Arts, Media and Design, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Alisa K Lincoln
- Institute of Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
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14
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Yan M, Wu S, Wang Y, Liang M, Wang M, Hu W, Yu G, Mao Z, Huang F, Zhou J. Recent Progress of Supramolecular Chemotherapy Based on Host-Guest Interactions. Adv Mater 2023:e2304249. [PMID: 37478832 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is widely recognized as an effective approach for treating cancer due to its ability to eliminate cancer cells using chemotherapeutic drugs. However, traditional chemotherapy suffers from various drawbacks, including limited solubility and stability of drugs, severe side effects, low bioavailability, drug resistance, and challenges in tracking treatment efficacy. These limitations greatly hinder its widespread clinical application. In contrast, supramolecular chemotherapy, which relies on host-guest interactions, presents a promising alternative by offering highly efficient and minimally toxic anticancer drug delivery. In this review, an overview of recent advancements in supramolecular chemotherapy based on host-guest interactions is provided. The significant role it plays in guiding cancer therapy is emphasized. Drawing on a wealth of cutting-edge research, herein, a timely and valuable resource for individuals interested in the field of supramolecular chemotherapy or cancer therapy, is presented. Furthermore, this review contributes to the progression of the field of supramolecular chemotherapy toward clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
| | - Sha Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
| | - Yuhao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
| | - Minghao Liang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
| | - Mengbin Wang
- Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, P. R. China
| | - Wenting Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Guocan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Zhengwei Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Feihe Huang
- Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, P. R. China
| | - Jiong Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
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15
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Xia Q, Sun S, Ye J, Zhang C, Ru H. Continuous SiC Skeleton-Reinforced Reaction-Bonded Boron Carbide Composites with High Flexural Strength. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:5153. [PMID: 37512428 PMCID: PMC10383905 DOI: 10.3390/ma16145153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Reaction-bonded boron carbide (RBBC) composites have broad application prospects due to their low cost and net size sintering. The microstructure, reaction mechanism of boron carbide with molten silicon (Si), and mechanical properties have been substantially studied. However, the mechanical properties strengthening mechanism of reaction-bonded boron carbide composites are still pending question. In this study, dense boron carbide ceramics were fabricated by liquid Si infiltration of B4C-C preforms with dispersed carbon black (CB) as the carbon source. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) with a molecular weight of 1800 was used as the dispersant. CB powders uniformly distributed around boron carbide particles and efficiently protected them from reacting with molten Si. The uniformly distributed CB powders in situ reacted with molten Si and formed uniformly distributed SiC grains, thus forming a continuous boron carbide-SiC ceramic skeleton. Meanwhile, the Si content of the composites was reduced. Using PEI-dispersed CB powders as additional carbon source, the composites' flexural strength, fracture toughness, and Vickers hardness reach up to 470 MPa, 4.6 MPa·m1/2, and 22 GPa, which were increased by 44%, 15%, and 10%, respectively. The mechanisms of mechanical properties strengthening were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xia
- Institute of Advanced Ceramics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Shihao Sun
- Institute of Advanced Ceramics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Institute of Advanced Ceramics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Cuiping Zhang
- Institute of Advanced Ceramics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
- Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (MOE), Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Hongqiang Ru
- Institute of Advanced Ceramics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
- Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (MOE), Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
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16
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Prasad PV, Steele MK, Reed C, Meyers LA, Du Z, Pasco R, Alfaro-Murillo JA, Lewis B, Venkatramanan S, Schlitt J, Chen J, Orr M, Wilson ML, Eubank S, Wang L, Chinazzi M, Pastore y Piontti A, Davis JT, Halloran ME, Longini I, Vespignani A, Pei S, Galanti M, Kandula S, Shaman J, Haw DJ, Arinaminpathy N, Biggerstaff M. Multimodeling approach to evaluating the efficacy of layering pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions for influenza pandemics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300590120. [PMID: 37399393 PMCID: PMC10334766 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300590120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
When an influenza pandemic emerges, temporary school closures and antiviral treatment may slow virus spread, reduce the overall disease burden, and provide time for vaccine development, distribution, and administration while keeping a larger portion of the general population infection free. The impact of such measures will depend on the transmissibility and severity of the virus and the timing and extent of their implementation. To provide robust assessments of layered pandemic intervention strategies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded a network of academic groups to build a framework for the development and comparison of multiple pandemic influenza models. Research teams from Columbia University, Imperial College London/Princeton University, Northeastern University, the University of Texas at Austin/Yale University, and the University of Virginia independently modeled three prescribed sets of pandemic influenza scenarios developed collaboratively by the CDC and network members. Results provided by the groups were aggregated into a mean-based ensemble. The ensemble and most component models agreed on the ranking of the most and least effective intervention strategies by impact but not on the magnitude of those impacts. In the scenarios evaluated, vaccination alone, due to the time needed for development, approval, and deployment, would not be expected to substantially reduce the numbers of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths that would occur. Only strategies that included early implementation of school closure were found to substantially mitigate early spread and allow time for vaccines to be developed and administered, especially under a highly transmissible pandemic scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragati V. Prasad
- Applied Research and Modeling Team, Influenza Division, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA30333
| | - Molly K. Steele
- Applied Research and Modeling Team, Influenza Division, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA30333
| | - Carrie Reed
- Applied Research and Modeling Team, Influenza Division, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA30333
| | - Lauren Ancel Meyers
- Section of Integrative Biology and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
| | - Zhanwei Du
- Section of Integrative Biology and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
| | - Remy Pasco
- Section of Integrative Biology and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
| | - Jorge A. Alfaro-Murillo
- Department of Biostatistics & Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Bryan Lewis
- Biocomplexity Institute & Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22911
| | | | - James Schlitt
- Biocomplexity Institute & Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22911
| | - Jiangzhuo Chen
- Biocomplexity Institute & Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22911
| | - Mark Orr
- Biocomplexity Institute & Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22911
| | - Mandy L. Wilson
- Biocomplexity Institute & Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22911
| | - Stephen Eubank
- Biocomplexity Institute & Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22911
- Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22903
| | - Lijing Wang
- Biocomplexity Institute & Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22911
| | - Matteo Chinazzi
- Laboratory for the Modeling of Biological and Socio-technical Systems, Northeastern University, Boston, MA02115
| | - Ana Pastore y Piontti
- Laboratory for the Modeling of Biological and Socio-technical Systems, Northeastern University, Boston, MA02115
| | - Jessica T. Davis
- Laboratory for the Modeling of Biological and Socio-technical Systems, Northeastern University, Boston, MA02115
| | - M. Elizabeth Halloran
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA98109
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Ira Longini
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32603
| | - Alessandro Vespignani
- Laboratory for the Modeling of Biological and Socio-technical Systems, Northeastern University, Boston, MA02115
| | - Sen Pei
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Marta Galanti
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Sasikiran Kandula
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Jeffrey Shaman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - David J. Haw
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Nimalan Arinaminpathy
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Biggerstaff
- Applied Research and Modeling Team, Influenza Division, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA30333
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17
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Abstract
Multireference calculations can provide accurate information of systems with strong correlation, which have increasing importance in the development of new molecules and materials. However, selecting a suitable active space for multireference calculations is nontrivial, and the selection of an unsuitable active space can sometimes lead to results that are not physically meaningful. Active space selection often requires significant human input, and the selection that leads to reasonable results often goes beyond chemical intuition. In this work, we have developed and evaluated two protocols for automated selection of the active space for multireference calculations based on a simple physical observable, the dipole moment, for molecules with nonzero ground-state dipole moments. One protocol is based on the ground-state dipole moment, and the other is based on the excited-state dipole moments. To evaluate the protocols, we constructed a dataset of 1275 active spaces from 25 molecules, each with 51 active space sizes considered, and have mapped out the relationship between the active space, dipole moments, and vertical excitation energies. We have demonstrated that, within this dataset, our protocols allow one to choose among a number of accessible active spaces one that is likely to give reasonable vertical excitation energies, especially for the first three excitations, with no parameters manually decided by the user. We show that, with large active spaces removed from consideration, the accuracy is similar and the time-to-solution can be reduced by more than 10 fold. We also show that the protocols can be applied to potential energy surface scans and determining the spin states of transition metal oxides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin
W. Kaufold
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Nithin Chintala
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Pratima Pandeya
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- The
Institute for Experiential AI, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sijia S. Dong
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department
of Physics and Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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18
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Khan U, DePaoli A. Brand loyalty in the face of stockouts. J Acad Mark Sci 2023:1-31. [PMID: 37359264 PMCID: PMC10018630 DOI: 10.1007/s11747-023-00924-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
An important managerial challenge is understanding consumers' reactions to stockouts of a desired product-will they stay brand loyal or switch to competing brands? We posit that consumers are more likely to prefer substitutes from the same brand when a stockout is unexpected (vs. expected). This tendency arises as consumers feel greater negative affect upon encountering an unexpected stockout, which leads them to choose alternatives that provide greater affective value to ameliorate their negative feelings. Since the brand is a relatively affect-rich attribute compared to common non-brand attributes (e.g., price and quantity), consumers facing an unexpected stockout are more likely to choose a same-brand substitute. Five studies illustrate the effect and support the process by demonstrating that unexpected stockouts do not result in brand loyalty when non-brand attributes offer greater affective value than the brand. We further show that managers systematically mispredict how consumers' expectations of stockouts relate to brand loyalty. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11747-023-00924-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Khan
- Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, 5250 University Dr., Coral Gables, FL 33146 USA
| | - Alexander DePaoli
- D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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19
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Servello FA, Fernandes R, Eder M, Harris N, Martin OMF, Oswal N, Lindberg A, Derosiers N, Sengupta P, Stroustrup N, Apfeld J. Neuronal temperature perception induces specific defenses that enable C. elegans to cope with the enhanced reactivity of hydrogen peroxide at high temperature. eLife 2022; 11:e78941. [PMID: 36226814 PMCID: PMC9635881 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide is the most common reactive chemical that organisms face on the microbial battlefield. The rate with which hydrogen peroxide damages biomolecules required for life increases with temperature, yet little is known about how organisms cope with this temperature-dependent threat. Here, we show that Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes use temperature information perceived by sensory neurons to cope with the temperature-dependent threat of hydrogen peroxide produced by the pathogenic bacterium Enterococcus faecium. These nematodes preemptively induce the expression of specific hydrogen peroxide defenses in response to perception of high temperature by a pair of sensory neurons. These neurons communicate temperature information to target tissues expressing those defenses via an insulin/IGF1 hormone. This is the first example of a multicellular organism inducing their defenses to a chemical when they sense an inherent enhancer of the reactivity of that chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rute Fernandes
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Matthias Eder
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Nathan Harris
- Department of Biology, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - Olivier MF Martin
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Natasha Oswal
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Anders Lindberg
- Biology Department, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
| | | | - Piali Sengupta
- Department of Biology, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - Nicholas Stroustrup
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Javier Apfeld
- Biology Department, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
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20
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Sanford PA, Woolston BM. Expanding the genetic engineering toolbox for the metabolically flexible acetogen Eubacterium limosum. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 49:6650221. [PMID: 35881468 PMCID: PMC9559302 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Acetogenic bacteria are an increasingly popular choice for producing fuels and chemicals from single carbon (C1) substrates. Eubacterium limosum is a promising acetogen with several native advantages, including the ability to catabolize a wide repertoire of C1 feedstocks and the ability to grow well on agar plates. However, despite its promise as a strain for synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, there are insufficient engineering tools and molecular biology knowledge to leverage its native strengths for these applications. To capitalize on the natural advantages of this organism, here we extended its limited engineering toolbox. We evaluated the copy number of three common plasmid origins of replication and devised a method of controlling copy number and heterologous gene expression level by modulating antibiotic concentration. We further quantitatively assessed the strength and regulatory tightness of a panel of promoters, developing a series of well-characterized vectors for gene expression at varying levels. In addition, we developed a black/white colorimetric genetic reporter assay and leveraged the high oxygen tolerance of E. limosum to develop a simple and rapid transformation protocol that enables benchtop transformation. Finally, we developed two new antibiotic selection markers—doubling the number available for this organism. These developments will enable enhanced metabolic engineering and synthetic biology work with E. limosum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Sanford
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 223 Cullinane, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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21
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Hesabizadeh T, Hicks E, Medina Cruz D, Bourdo SE, Watanabe F, Bonney M, Nichols J, Webster TJ, Guisbiers G. Synthesis of "Naked" TeO 2 Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications. ACS Omega 2022; 7:23685-23694. [PMID: 35847343 PMCID: PMC9280960 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chalcogenide nanoparticles have become a very active field of research for their optoelectronic and biological properties. This article shows the production of tellurium dioxide nanoparticles (TeO2 NPs) by pulsed laser ablation in liquids. The produced nanoparticles were spherical with a diameter of around 70 nm. The energy band gap of those nanoparticles was determined to be around 5.2 eV. Moreover, TeO2 NPs displayed a dose-dependent antibacterial effect against antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDR E. coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MR S. aureus). The "naked" nature of the nanoparticle surface helped to eradicate the antibiotic-resistant bacteria at a very low concentration, with IC50 values of ∼4.3 ± 0.9 and 3.7 ± 0.2 ppm for MDR E. coli and MR S. aureus, respectively, after just 8 h of culture. Further, the IC50 values of the naked TeO2 NPs against melanoma (skin cancer) and healthy fibroblasts were 1.6 ± 0.7 and 5.5 ± 0.2 ppm, respectively, for up to 72 h. Finally, to understand these optimal antibacterial and anticancer properties of the TeO2 NPs, the reactive oxygen species generated by the nanoparticles were measured. In summary, the present in vitro results demonstrate much promise for the presently prepared TeO2 NPs and they should be studied for a wide range of safe antibacterial and anticancer applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Hesabizadeh
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
| | - Evan Hicks
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
| | - David Medina Cruz
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 313 Snell Engineering Center, 360
Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Shawn E. Bourdo
- Center
for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
| | - Fumiya Watanabe
- Center
for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
| | - Marvin Bonney
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
| | - John Nichols
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
| | - Thomas J. Webster
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 313 Snell Engineering Center, 360
Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Grégory Guisbiers
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
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22
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Comellas E, Farkas JE, Kleinberg G, Lloyd K, Mueller T, Duerr TJ, Muñoz JJ, Monaghan JR, Shefelbine SJ. Local mechanical stimuli correlate with tissue growth in axolotl salamander joint morphogenesis. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220621. [PMID: 35582804 PMCID: PMC9114971 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Movement-induced forces are critical to correct joint formation, but it is unclear how cells sense and respond to these mechanical cues. To study the role of mechanical stimuli in the shaping of the joint, we combined experiments on regenerating axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) forelimbs with a poroelastic model of bone rudiment growth. Animals either regrew forelimbs normally (control) or were injected with a transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) agonist during joint morphogenesis. We quantified growth and shape in regrown humeri from whole-mount light sheet fluorescence images of the regenerated limbs. Results revealed significant differences in morphology and cell proliferation between groups, indicating that TRPV4 desensitization has an effect on joint shape. To link TRPV4 desensitization with impaired mechanosensitivity, we developed a finite element model of a regenerating humerus. Local tissue growth was the sum of a biological contribution proportional to chondrocyte density, which was constant, and a mechanical contribution proportional to fluid pressure. Computational predictions of growth agreed with experimental outcomes of joint shape, suggesting that interstitial pressure driven from cyclic mechanical stimuli promotes local tissue growth. Predictive computational models informed by experimental findings allow us to explore potential physical mechanisms involved in tissue growth to advance our understanding of the mechanobiology of joint morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Comellas
- Serra Húnter Fellow, Department of Physics, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA
| | | | - Giona Kleinberg
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Katlyn Lloyd
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA
| | | | - Jose J. Muñoz
- Department of Mathematics, Laboratori de Càlcul Numeric (LaCàN), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre Internacional de Mètodes Numèrics en Enginyeria (CIMNE), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Matemàtiques de la UPC-BarcelonaTech (IMTech), Barcelona, Spain
| | - James R. Monaghan
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA
- Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sandra J. Shefelbine
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA
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23
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Kovács A, Lewis LH, Palanisamy D, Denneulin T, Schwedt A, Scott ER, Gault B, Raabe D, Dunin-Borkowski RE, Charilaou M. Discovery and Implications of Hidden Atomic-Scale Structure in a Metallic Meteorite. Nano Lett 2021; 21:8135-8142. [PMID: 34529916 PMCID: PMC8519181 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Iron and its alloys have made modern civilization possible, with metallic meteorites providing one of the human's earliest sources of usable iron as well as providing a window into our solar system's billion-year history. Here highest-resolution tools reveal the existence of a previously hidden FeNi nanophase within the extremely slowly cooled metallic meteorite NWA 6259. This new nanophase exists alongside Ni-poor and Ni-rich nanoprecipitates within a matrix of tetrataenite, the uniaxial, chemically ordered form of FeNi. The ferromagnetic nature of the nanoprecipitates combined with the antiferromagnetic character of the FeNi nanophases gives rise to a complex magnetic state that evolves dramatically with temperature. These observations extend and possibly alter our understanding of celestial metallurgy, provide new knowledge concerning the archetypal Fe-Ni phase diagram and supply new information for the development of new types of sustainable, technologically critical high-energy magnets.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Kovács
- Ernst
Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons, Peter Grünberg Institute, Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Laura H. Lewis
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department
of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | | | - Thibaud Denneulin
- Ernst
Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons, Peter Grünberg Institute, Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Alexander Schwedt
- Central
Facility for Electron Microscopy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Edward R.D. Scott
- Hawaii
Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, United States
| | - Baptiste Gault
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Eisenforschung, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department
of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial
College London, London, SW7 2BP, U.K.
| | - Dierk Raabe
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Eisenforschung, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rafal E. Dunin-Borkowski
- Ernst
Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons, Peter Grünberg Institute, Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Michalis Charilaou
- Department
of Physics, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana 70504, United States
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24
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Subhan MA, Chandra Saha P, Hossain A, Asiri AM, Alam MM, Al-Mamun M, Ghann W, Uddin J, Raihan T, Azad AK, Rahman MM. Photocatalytic performance, anti-bacterial activities and 3-chlorophenol sensor fabrication using MnAl 2O 4·ZnAl 2O 4 nanomaterials. Nanoscale Adv 2021; 3:5872-5889. [PMID: 36132679 PMCID: PMC9419424 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00627d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A MnAl2O4·ZnAl2O4 nanomaterial was synthesized by co-precipitation and characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, AFM, FTIR, PL, CV and EIS. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite against MV dye and its MDR anti-bacterial functions were studied. The nanocomposite shows excellent photocatalytic as well as anti-bacterial activity. A MnAl2O4·ZnAl2O4 nanomaterial/Nafion/GCE electrode was fabricated and implemented as the working electrode of a 3-CP sensor. The sensor exhibited good sensitivity, with the lowest detection limit, fast response time, large linear dynamic range (LDR), and long-term stability in the chemical environment. The estimated sensitivity is 70.07 μA mM-1 cm-2. The LDR, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ) are 0.1 nM to 0.01 M, 0.0014 ± 0.0001 nM, and 0.004 nM, respectively. The MnAl2O4·ZnAl2O4 nanomaterial/Nafion/GCE is a promising fabricated sensor probe for the selective detection of 3-CP for the environmental safety and healthcare fields on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abdus Subhan
- Department of Chemistry, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Sylhet 3114 Bangladesh
| | - Pallab Chandra Saha
- Department of Chemistry, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Sylhet 3114 Bangladesh
| | - Anwar Hossain
- Department of Chemistry, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Sylhet 3114 Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah M Asiri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University P.O. Box 80203 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University P. O. Box 80203 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - M M Alam
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Sylhet 3114 Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Al-Mamun
- Centre for Clean Environment and Energy, Griffith School of Environment, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University QLD 4222 Australia
| | - William Ghann
- Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University Baltimore MD 21216 USA
| | - Jamal Uddin
- Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University Baltimore MD 21216 USA
| | - Topu Raihan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Sylhet 3114 Bangladesh
| | - A K Azad
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Sylhet 3114 Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed M Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University P.O. Box 80203 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University P. O. Box 80203 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia
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25
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Li Q, Yin Y, Cao D, Wang Y, Luan P, Sun X, Liang W, Zhu H. Photocatalytic Rejuvenation Enabled Self-Sanitizing, Reusable, and Biodegradable Masks against COVID-19. ACS Nano 2021; 15:11992-12005. [PMID: 34170122 PMCID: PMC8265538 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c03249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) has been highly recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for self-protection during the disastrous SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. Nevertheless, massive utilization of PPE encounters significant challenges in recycling and sterilizing the used masks. To tackle the associated plastic pollution of used masks, in this work, we designed a reusable, biodegradable, and antibacterial mask. The mask was fabricated by the electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and cellulose nanofiber (CNF), followed by esterification and the deposition of a nitrogen-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2) and TiO2 mixture. The fabricated mask containing photocatalytic N-TiO2/TiO2 reached 100% bacteria disinfection under either 0.1 sun simulation (200-2500 nm, 106 W m-2) or natural sunlight for only 10 min. Thus, the used mask can be rejuvenated through light irradiation and reused, which represents one of the handiest technologies for handling used masks. Furthermore, intermolecular interactions between PVA, PEO, and CNF enhanced the electrospinnability and mechanical performance of the resultant mask, which possesses a 10-fold elastic modulus and 2-fold tensile strength higher than a commercial single-use mask. The porous structures of electrospun nanofibers along with strong electrostatic attraction enabled breathability (83.4 L min-1 of air flow rate) and superior particle filterability (98.7%). The prepared mask also had excellent cycling performance, wearability, and stable filtration efficiency even after 120 min wearing. Therefore, this mask could be a great alternative to current masks to address the urgent need for a sustainable, reusable, environmentally friendly, and efficient PPE under the ongoing COVID-19 contagion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Yongchao Yin
- Department of Biology, Northeastern
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
| | - Daxian Cao
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Pengcheng Luan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Xiao Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Wentao Liang
- Kostas Advanced Nanocharacterization Facility (KANCF),
Northeastern University, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803,
United States
| | - Hongli Zhu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
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26
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Zheng Y, Li Q, Wang C, Su M. Enhanced Turn-On Fluorescence Detection of Aqueous Lead Ions with Size-Shrinkable Hydrogels. ACS Omega 2021; 6:11897-11901. [PMID: 34056343 PMCID: PMC8154013 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Highly sensitive detection of lead ions in water is of importance. This paper reports a new method to enhance the sensitivity of fluorescence detection of aqueous lead ions by exploiting the large volume reduction of hydrogels upon dehydration. Rhodamine-derived prefluorescent probes with high selectivity to lead ions are grafted on a carboxylated agarose hydrogel. Upon binding low-concentration lead ions, fluorescence emission is turned on. The dehydration of the hydrogel leads to a size reduction of over 40 times and an enhancement of fluorescence of 10 times at a lead-ion concentration of 10-7 M, allowing fluorescence detection with naked eyes. Given its low cost, easy operation, and high sensitivity, the volume reduction hydrogel can be used to detect lead ions in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Zheng
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qingxuan Li
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Chenfei Wang
- Wenzhou
Institute, University of Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
| | - Ming Su
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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27
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Schiffer JA, Servello FA, Heath WR, Amrit FRG, Stumbur SV, Eder M, Martin OMF, Johnsen SB, Stanley JA, Tam H, Brennan SJ, McGowan NG, Vogelaar AL, Xu Y, Serkin WT, Ghazi A, Stroustrup N, Apfeld J. Caenorhabditis elegans processes sensory information to choose between freeloading and self-defense strategies. eLife 2020; 9:e56186. [PMID: 32367802 PMCID: PMC7213980 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide is the preeminent chemical weapon that organisms use for combat. Individual cells rely on conserved defenses to prevent and repair peroxide-induced damage, but whether similar defenses might be coordinated across cells in animals remains poorly understood. Here, we identify a neuronal circuit in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that processes information perceived by two sensory neurons to control the induction of hydrogen peroxide defenses in the organism. We found that catalases produced by Escherichia coli, the nematode's food source, can deplete hydrogen peroxide from the local environment and thereby protect the nematodes. In the presence of E. coli, the nematode's neurons signal via TGFβ-insulin/IGF1 relay to target tissues to repress expression of catalases and other hydrogen peroxide defenses. This adaptive strategy is the first example of a multicellular organism modulating its defenses when it expects to freeload from the protection provided by molecularly orthologous defenses from another species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William R Heath
- Biology Department, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
| | | | | | - Matthias Eder
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelonaSpain
| | - Olivier MF Martin
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelonaSpain
| | - Sean B Johnsen
- Biology Department, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
| | | | - Hannah Tam
- Biology Department, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Sarah J Brennan
- Biology Department, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
| | | | | | - Yuyan Xu
- Biology Department, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
| | | | - Arjumand Ghazi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Nicholas Stroustrup
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Javier Apfeld
- Biology Department, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
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28
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Abstract
Mucus constitutes a protective layer which coats the gastrointestinal tract, controlling interactions of both commensal and pathogenic microbes with underlying tissues. Changes to the mucus barrier, for example due to altered mucin expression or external stimuli, may impact interactions with microbes and thus potentially contribute to altered gut homeostasis, onset of inflammation, or pathogen invasion. Food-associated stimuli, including lipids, have been shown to change mucus barrier properties and reduce transport of model drug carriers through mucus. Here, we explore the impact of lipids, specifically triglycerides in a model intestinal medium mimicking a fed state, on Escherichia coli (E. coli) transport through mucus by directly imaging swimming patterns and analyzing associated changes in mucus structure. Lipids in model fed state intestinal contents reduced E. coli speed and track linearity within mucus. These changes may be due in part to changes in molecular interactions within the mucus network as well as crowding of the mucus network by lipid emulsion droplets, which visibly stay intact in the mucus gel. In addition, observed physical interactions between bacteria and lipid structures may impact microbial speed and trajectories. As lipids are normal food components and thus represent safe, mild stimuli, these results support exploration of lipid-based strategies to alter the mucus barrier to control interactions with microbes and potentially prevent microbial invasion of underlying epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor L. Carlson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hasan Yildiz
- Antisense Oligonucleotide Manufacturing and Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Zaineb Dar
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jaclyn Y. Lock
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rebecca L. Carrier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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29
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Qiang Y, Artoni P, Seo KJ, Culaclii S, Hogan V, Zhao X, Zhong Y, Han X, Wang PM, Lo YK, Li Y, Patel HA, Huang Y, Sambangi A, Chu JSV, Liu W, Fagiolini M, Fang H. Transparent arrays of bilayer-nanomesh microelectrodes for simultaneous electrophysiology and two-photon imaging in the brain. Sci Adv 2018; 4:eaat0626. [PMID: 30191176 PMCID: PMC6124910 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aat0626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Transparent microelectrode arrays have emerged as increasingly important tools for neuroscience by allowing simultaneous coupling of big and time-resolved electrophysiology data with optically measured, spatially and type resolved single neuron activity. Scaling down transparent electrodes to the length scale of a single neuron is challenging since conventional transparent conductors are limited by their capacitive electrode/electrolyte interface. In this study, we establish transparent microelectrode arrays with high performance, great biocompatibility, and comprehensive in vivo validations from a recently developed, bilayer-nanomesh material composite, where a metal layer and a low-impedance faradaic interfacial layer are stacked reliably together in a same transparent nanomesh pattern. Specifically, flexible arrays from 32 bilayer-nanomesh microelectrodes demonstrated near-unity yield with high uniformity, excellent biocompatibility, and great compatibility with state-of-the-art wireless recording and real-time artifact rejection system. The electrodes are highly scalable, with 130 kilohms at 1 kHz at 20 μm in diameter, comparable to the performance of microelectrodes in nontransparent Michigan arrays. The highly transparent, bilayer-nanomesh microelectrode arrays allowed in vivo two-photon imaging of single neurons in layer 2/3 of the visual cortex of awake mice, along with high-fidelity, simultaneous electrical recordings of visual-evoked activity, both in the multi-unit activity band and at lower frequencies by measuring the visual-evoked potential in the time domain. Together, these advances reveal the great potential of transparent arrays from bilayer-nanomesh microelectrodes for a broad range of utility in neuroscience and medical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Qiang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pietro Artoni
- Center for Life Science, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kyung Jin Seo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stanislav Culaclii
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Victoria Hogan
- Center for Life Science, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xuanyi Zhao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yiding Zhong
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xun Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Po-Min Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yi-Kai Lo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yueming Li
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Henil A. Patel
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Yifu Huang
- School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Abhijeet Sambangi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jung Soo V. Chu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wentai Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michela Fagiolini
- Center for Life Science, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hui Fang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02120, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The 1981 Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) established the validity of both cardio-respiratory and neurological criteria of death. However, many religious traditions including most forms of Haredi Judaism (ultra-orthodox) and many varieties of Buddhism strongly disagree with death by neurological criteria (DNC). Only one state in the U.S., New Jersey, allows for both religious exemptions to DNC and provides continuation of health insurance coverage when an exception is invoked in its 1991 Declaration of Death Act (NJDDA). There is yet no quantitative or qualitative data on the frequencies of religious exemptions in New Jersey. This study gathered information about the frequency of religious exemptions and policy in New Jersey that was created out of respect for religious beliefs. METHODS Literature and internet searches on topics related to religious objections to DNC were conducted. Fifty-three chaplains and heads of bioethics committees in New Jersey hospitals were contacted by phone or email requesting a research interview. Respondents answered a set of questions about religious exemptions to DNC at the hospital where they worked that explored the frequency of such religious exemptions in the past five years, the religious tradition indicated, and whether any request for a religious exemption had been denied. This study was approved by the Northeastern University Institutional Review Board (IRB #: 16-03-15). RESULTS Eighteen chaplains and bioethics committee members participated in a full research interview. Of these, five reported instances of religious exemptions to DNC occurring at the hospital at which they worked for a total of approximately 30-36 known exemptions in the past five years. Families sought religious exemptions because of faith in an Orthodox Judaism tradition and nonreligious reasons. No failed attempts to obtain an exemption were reported. CONCLUSIONS Religious exemptions to DNC in New Jersey do occur, although very infrequently. Prior to this study, there was no information on their frequency. Considering religious exemptions do occur, there is a need for national or state policies that addresses both religious objections to DNC and hospital resources. More information is needed to better understand the impact of granting religious exemptions before new policy can be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Grace Son
- Northeastern University, 371 Holmes Hall, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Susan M. Setta
- Northeastern University, 371 Holmes Hall, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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Allard A, Althouse BM, Hébert-Dufresne L, Scarpino SV. The risk of sustained sexual transmission of Zika is underestimated. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006633. [PMID: 28934370 PMCID: PMC5626499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens often follow more than one transmission route during outbreaks-from needle sharing plus sexual transmission of HIV to small droplet aerosol plus fomite transmission of influenza. Thus, controlling an infectious disease outbreak often requires characterizing the risk associated with multiple mechanisms of transmission. For example, during the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, weighing the relative importance of funeral versus health care worker transmission was essential to stopping disease spread. As a result, strategic policy decisions regarding interventions must rely on accurately characterizing risks associated with multiple transmission routes. The ongoing Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak challenges our conventional methodologies for translating case-counts into route-specific transmission risk. Critically, most approaches will fail to accurately estimate the risk of sustained sexual transmission of a pathogen that is primarily vectored by a mosquito-such as the risk of sustained sexual transmission of ZIKV. By computationally investigating a novel mathematical approach for multi-route pathogens, our results suggest that previous epidemic threshold estimates could under-estimate the risk of sustained sexual transmission by at least an order of magnitude. This result, coupled with emerging clinical, epidemiological, and experimental evidence for an increased risk of sexual transmission, would strongly support recent calls to classify ZIKV as a sexually transmitted infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Allard
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benjamin M. Althouse
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, Washington, United States of America
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Laurent Hébert-Dufresne
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, Washington, United States of America
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States of America
- University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Samuel V. Scarpino
- Northeastern University, Boston, Massasschusetts, United States of America
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32
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Vargas A, Liu F, Lane C, Rubin D, Bilgin I, Hennighausen Z, DeCapua M, Bansil A, Kar S. Tunable and laser-reconfigurable 2D heterocrystals obtained by epitaxial stacking of crystallographically incommensurate Bi 2Se 3 and MoS 2 atomic layers. Sci Adv 2017; 3:e1601741. [PMID: 28740860 PMCID: PMC5510971 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1601741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Vertical stacking is widely viewed as a promising approach for designing advanced functionalities using two-dimensional (2D) materials. Combining crystallographically commensurate materials in these 2D stacks has been shown to result in rich new electronic structure, magnetotransport, and optical properties. In this context, vertical stacks of crystallographically incommensurate 2D materials with well-defined crystallographic order are a counterintuitive concept and, hence, fundamentally intriguing. We show that crystallographically dissimilar and incommensurate atomically thin MoS2 and Bi2Se3 layers can form rotationally aligned stacks with long-range crystallographic order. Our first-principles theoretical modeling predicts heterocrystal electronic band structures, which are quite distinct from those of the parent crystals, characterized with an indirect bandgap. Experiments reveal striking optical changes when Bi2Se3 is stacked layer by layer on monolayer MoS2, including 100% photoluminescence (PL) suppression, tunable transmittance edge (1.1→0.75 eV), suppressed Raman, and wide-band evolution of spectral transmittance. Disrupting the interface using a focused laser results in a marked the reversal of PL, Raman, and transmittance, demonstrating for the first time that in situ manipulation of interfaces can enable "reconfigurable" 2D materials. We demonstrate submicrometer resolution, "laser-drawing" and "bit-writing," and novel laser-induced broadband light emission in these heterocrystal sheets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Vargas
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fangze Liu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group (MPA-11), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Christopher Lane
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel Rubin
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ismail Bilgin
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Matthew DeCapua
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arun Bansil
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Corresponding author. (A.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Swastik Kar
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, PR China
- Corresponding author. (A.B.); (S.K.)
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Habib C, Yu Y, Gozzi K, Ching C, Shemesh M, Chai Y. Characterization of the regulation of a plant polysaccharide utilization operon and its role in biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179761. [PMID: 28617843 PMCID: PMC5472308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis is often found in association with plants in the rhizosphere. Previously, plant polysaccharides have been shown to stimulate formation of root-associated multicellular communities, or biofilms, in this bacterium, yet the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. A five-gene gan operon (ganSPQAB) in B. subtilis has recently been shown to be involved in utilization of the plant-derived polysaccharide galactan. Despite these findings, molecular details about the regulation of the operon and the role of the operon in biofilm formation remain elusive. In this study, we performed comprehensive genetic analyses on the regulation of the gan operon. We show that this operon is regulated both by a LacI-like transcription repressor (GanR), which directly binds to pairs of inverted DNA repeats in the promoter region of the operon, and by the catabolite control protein A (CcpA). Derepression can be triggered by the presence of the inducer β-1,4-galactobiose, a hydrolysis product of galactan, or in situ when B. subtilis cells are associated with plant roots. In addition to the transcriptional regulation, the encoded ß-galactosidase GanA (by ganA), which hydrolyzes ß-1,4-galactobiose into galactose, is inhibited at the enzymatic level by the catalytic product galactose. Thus, the galactan utilization pathway is under complex regulation involving both positive and negative feedback mechanisms in B. subtilis. We discuss about the biological significance of such complex regulation as well as a hypothesis of biofilm induction by galactan via multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Habib
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Yiyang Yu
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Kevin Gozzi
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Carly Ching
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Moshe Shemesh
- Agricultural Research Organization The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Yunrong Chai
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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