Autophagy initiation triggers p150Glued-AP-2β interaction on the lysosomes and facilitates their transport

The endocytic adaptor protein 2 (AP-2) complex binds dynactin as part of its noncanonical function, which is necessary for dynein-driven autophagosome transport along microtubules in neuronal axons. The absence of this AP-2-dependent transport causes neuronal morphology simplification and neurodegeneration. The mechanisms that lead to formation of the AP-2-dynactin complex have not been studied to date. However, the inhibition of mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) enhances the transport of newly formed autophagosomes by influencing the biogenesis and protein interactions of Rab-interacting lysosomal protein (RILP), another dynein cargo adaptor. We tested effects of mTORC1 inhibition on interactions between the AP-2 and dynactin complexes, with a focus on their two essential subunits, AP-2β and p150Glued. We found that the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin enhanced p150Glued-AP-2β complex formation in both neurons and non-neuronal cells. Additional analysis revealed that the p150Glued-AP-2β interaction was indirect and required integrity of the dynactin complex. In non-neuronal cells rapamycin-driven enhancement of the p150Glued-AP-2β interaction also required the presence of cytoplasmic linker protein 170 (CLIP-170), the activation of autophagy, and an undisturbed endolysosomal system. The rapamycin-dependent p150Glued-AP-2β interaction occurred on lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (Lamp-1)-positive organelles but without the need for autolysosome formation. Rapamycin treatment also increased the acidification and number of acidic organelles and increased speed of the long-distance retrograde movement of Lamp-1-positive organelles. Altogether, our results indicate that autophagy regulates the p150Glued-AP-2β interaction, possibly to coordinate sufficient motor-adaptor complex availability for effective lysosome transport.

Synthetic approach to iodosulfuron-methyl and metsulfuron-methyl metabolites and their application for water analysis

A synthetic approach to ten metabolites of iodosulfuron-methyl sodium and metsulfuron-methyl was performed and reported in this study. The compounds of interest were prepared by controlled hydrolytic degradation of active substances or by de novo synthesis from commercially available triazine precursor 10. Obtained compounds were characterized by IR, NMR, and elemental analysis techniques. Metabolites and active substances were utilized during the development of a separation and quantification method using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The validated method was applied for the analysis of all studied compounds in the extracts from water samples collected from the Vistula river (Toruń, Poland).

Cholesterol Changes Interfacial Water Alignment in Model Cell Membranes

The nanoscopic layer of water that directly hydrates biological membranes plays a critical role in maintaining the cell structure, regulating biochemical processes, and managing intermolecular interactions at the membrane interface. Therefore, comprehending the membrane structure, including its hydration, is essential for understanding the chemistry of life. While cholesterol is a fundamental lipid molecule in mammalian cells, influencing both the structure and dynamics of cell membranes, its impact on the structure of interfacial water has remained unknown. We used surface-specific vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy to study the effect of cholesterol on the structure and hydration of monolayers of the lipids 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), and egg sphingomyelin (SM). We found that for the unsaturated lipid DOPC, cholesterol intercalates in the membrane without significantly changing the orientation of the lipid tails and the orientation of the water molecules hydrating the headgroups of DOPC. In contrast, for the saturated lipids DPPC and SM, the addition of cholesterol leads to clearly enhanced packing and ordering of the hydrophobic tails. It is also observed that the orientation of the water hydrating the lipid headgroups is enhanced upon the addition of cholesterol. These results are important because the orientation of interfacial water molecules influences the cell membranes' dipole potential and the strength and specificity of interactions between cell membranes and peripheral proteins and other biomolecules. The lipid nature-dependent role of cholesterol in altering the arrangement of interfacial water molecules offers a fresh perspective on domain-selective cellular processes, such as protein binding.

Tailoring the Properties of Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Sodium-Ion Batteries Using Ionic Liquids: A Review

Ionic liquids are an extraordinary group of compounds, fully ionic in structure like inorganic salts but with low melting points, that resemble organic molecular solvents. Their chemical, electrochemical, and thermal stability is what draws the attention and enables their use in many applications, including electrochemical power sources. Even though they are no longer considered eco-friendly because of nonnegligible toxicity and long bioaccumulation, they can still be efficiently recovered, purified, and reused. These attributes can be harvested to enhance the properties of gel polymer electrolytes for the emerging sodium-ion batteries. The variety of anions and cations for ILs and their influence on the final properties of the compound opens the road to tuning the properties of gel polymer electrolytes. Ionic liquids as plasticizers constitute a major part of gel polymer electrolytes (average of 70 wt%) and hence, they affect the fundamental properties of gel electrolytes like ionic conductivity and electrochemical window. They also improve the safety features of sodium-ion batteries, which is relevant for their anticipated applications in stationary energy storage and electric vehicles. The presented review paper aims to explain the relationship between the cation and anion in ionic liquid and the properties of gel electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries.

The proteomic profile is altered but not repaired after bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes pigs

To reveal the sources of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in humans, animal models, mainly rodents, have been used. Here, we propose a pig model of T2D. Weaned piglets were fed high fat/high sugar diet suppling 150% of metabolizable energy. Measurements of weight gain, blood morphology, glucose plasma levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT) were employed to observe T2D development. The histology and mass spectrometry analyses were made post mortem. Within 6 months, the high fat-high sugar (HFHS) fed pigs showed gradual and significant increase in plasma triglycerides and glucose levels in comparison to the controls. Using OGTT test, we found stable glucose intolerance in 10 out of 14 HFHS pigs. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated significant changes in 330 proteins in the intestine, liver, and pancreas of the HFHS pigs. These pigs showed also an increase in DNA base modifications and elevated level of the ALKBH proteins in the tissues. Six diabetic HFHS pigs underwent Scopinaro bariatric surgery restoring glycaemia one month after surgery. In conclusion, a high energy diet applied to piglets resulted in the development of hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, and type 2 diabetes being reversed by a bariatric procedure, excluding the proteomic profile utill one month after the surgery.

Elevated luteinizing hormone receptor signaling or selenium treatment leads to comparable changes in adrenal cortex histology and androgen-AR/ZIP9 signaling

The importance and regulation of adrenal androgen production and signaling are not completely understood and are scarcely studied. In addition, there is still a search for appropriate animal models and experimental systems for the investigation of adrenal physiology and disease. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of luteinizing hormone (LH) signaling and selenium (Se2+) exposure on androgen adrenal signaling via canonical androgen receptor (AR), and membrane androgen receptor acting as zinc transporter (zinc- and iron-like protein 9; ZIP9). For herein evaluations, adrenals isolated from transgenic mice with elevated LH receptor signaling (KiLHRD582G) and adrenals obtained from rabbits used for ex vivo adenal cortex culture and exposure to Se2+ were utilized. Tissues were assessed for morphological, morphometric, and Western blot analyses and testosterone and zinc level measurements.Comparison of adrenal cortex histology and morphometric analysis in KiLHRD582G mice and Se2+-treated rabbits revealed cell hypertrophy. No changes in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were found. In addition, AR expression was decreased (p < 0.001) in both KiLHRD582G mouse and Se2+-treated rabbit adrenal cortex while expression of ZIP9 showed diverse changes. Its expression was increased (P < 0.001) in KiLHRD582G mice and decreased (P < 0.001) in Se2+-treated rabbits but only at the dose 10 ug/100 mg/ tissue. Moreover, increased testosterone levels (P < 0.05) and zinc levels were detected in the adrenal cortex of KiLHRD582G mice whereas in rabbit adrenal cortex treated with Se2+, the effect was the opposite (P < 0.001).

Mapping urban well-being with Quality Of Life Index (QOLI) at the fine-scale of grid data

Accessibility of transport infrastructure, commercial amenities, recreational facilities, and green spaces is widely recognised as crucial to the well-being of urban residents. However, these features are often unevenly distributed across the geographical boundaries of a city, leading to disparities in the local quality of life. This study focuses on the city of Warsaw, Poland, and uses the aforementioned characteristics and the framework of the '15-min city' concept to construct a grid-level urban Quality of Life Index (QOLI) that facilitates comparisons between the city's districts and local neighbourhoods. The results of our study reveal a "high-inside, low-outside" pattern of quality of life, characterised by higher standards of living in the central districts and lower standards at the city's periphery.

Regioisomerism vs Conformation: Impact of Molecular Design on the Emission Pathway in Organic Light-Emitting Device Emitters

Despite the design and proposal of several new structural motifs as thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) emitters for organic light-emitting device (OLED) applications, the nature of their interaction with the host matrix in the emissive layer of the device and their influence on observed photophysical outputs remain unclear. To address this issue, we present, for the first time, the use of up to four regioisomers bearing a donor-acceptor-donor electronic structure based on the desymmetrized naphthalene benzimidazole scaffold, equipped with various electron-donating units and possessing distinguished conformational lability. Quantum chemical calculations allow us to identify the most favorable conformations adopted by the electron-rich groups across the entire pool of regioisomers. These conformations were then compared with conformational changes caused by the interaction of the emitter with the Zeonex and 4,4'-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1'-biphenyl (CBP) matrices, and the correlation with observed photophysics was monitored by UV-vis absorption and steady-state photoluminescence spectra, combined with time-resolved spectroscopic techniques. Importantly, a CBP matrix was found to have a significant impact on the conformational change of regioisomers, leading to unique TADF emission mechanisms that encompass dual emission and inversion of the singlet-triplet excited-state energies and result in the enhancement of TADF efficiency. As a proof of concept, regioisomers with optimal donor positions were utilized to fabricate an OLED, revealing, with the best-performing dye, an external quantum emission of 11.6%, accompanied by remarkable luminance (28,000 cd/m2). These observations lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the role of the host matrix. In the long term, this new knowledge can lead to predicting the influence of the host matrix and adopting the structure of the emitter in a way that allows the development of highly efficient and efficient OLEDs.

Dehydration of Lipid Membranes Drives Redistribution of Cholesterol Between Lateral Domains

Cholesterol-rich lipid rafts are found to facilitate membrane fusion, central to processes like viral entry, fertilization, and neurotransmitter release. While the fusion process involves local, transient membrane dehydration, the impact of reduced hydration on cholesterol's structural organization in biological membranes remains unclear. Here, we employ confocal fluorescence microscopy and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to investigate cholesterol behavior in phase-separated lipid bilayers under controlled hydration. We unveiled that dehydration prompts cholesterol release from raft-like domains into the surrounding fluid phase. Unsaturated phospholipids undergo more significant dehydration-induced structural changes and lose more hydrogen bonds with water than sphingomyelin. The results suggest that cholesterol redistribution is driven by the equalization of biophysical properties between phases and the need to satisfy lipid hydrogen bonds. This underscores the role of cholesterol-phospholipid-water interplay in governing cholesterol affinity for a specific lipid type, providing a new perspective on the regulatory role of cell membrane heterogeneity during membrane fusion.

Artificial Weathering Test Methods of Waterborne Acrylic Coatings for Steel Structure Corrosion Protection

Corrosion protection technologies based on waterborne paints have become increasingly popular as steel structure protection, which implies the need to determine relevant assessment methods considering the conditions of use and product-specific characteristics. This study attempts to evaluate the fitness of standard corrosion protection weathering methods and an original cyclic test for verifying the resistance of waterborne acrylic coatings to environmental conditions. Changes to the properties of artificially weathered coatings were analysed with reference to those observed during exposure in natural conditions. The degree of coating degradation after exposure to neutral salt spray and condensation humidity was determined to significantly exceed the changes observed in natural conditions. An original cyclic test caused changes in the appearance, microstructure, FT-IR spectrum and utility properties of the coatings, such as thickness, colour, hardness, adhesion and impedance, similar to those observed in the natural environment. The results confirm that the programming direction of waterborne coatings artificial weathering tests is adequate and promising.

Comparative evaluation of ten blood biomarkers of inflammation in regular heated tobacco users and non-smoking healthy males-a pilot study

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are novel tobacco products that are alternatives to cigarettes. The study aimed to investigate the effect of HTPs on blood biomarkers of inflammation as well as to provide a comparative evaluation between daily heated tobacco users and healthy men who do not use nicotine products. This case-control study was carried out among 92 healthy males in Poland (Lodz-Province) aged 20-56 years: 44 daily heated tobacco users (daily use in the past 90 days) and 48 controls who do not use nicotine products. The history of use of the nicotine-containing products was self-reported and verified using a saliva cotinine test. A 20 ml blood sample was collected and the levels of ten blood biomarkers were analyzed. Among all heated tobacco users (n = 44), only the levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8) were significantly higher when compared to controls: 6.86 vs. 3.95 (p = 0.01). Among exclusive heated tobacco users (n = 33), the levels of IL-8 were also significantly higher when compared to controls: 7.76 vs. 3.95 (p = 0.01). IL-8 level was positively correlated (r = 0.37; p = 0.01) with the daily number of heated tobacco sticks. Out of 10 different biomarkers of inflammation, only IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in heated tobacco use compared to controls.

Artificial intelligence-enhanced electrocardiogram analysis for identifying cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes

AIM

To develop and employ machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyse electrocardiograms (ECGs) for the diagnosis of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used motif and discord extraction techniques, alongside long short-term memory networks, to analyse 12-lead, 10-s ECG tracings to detect CAN in patients with diabetes. The performance of these methods with the support vector machine classification model was evaluated using 10-fold cross validation with the following metrics: accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Among 205 patients (mean age 54 ± 17 years, 54% female), 100 were diagnosed with CAN, including 38 with definite or severe CAN (dsCAN) and 62 with early CAN (eCAN). The best model performance for dsCAN classification was achieved using both motifs and discords, with an accuracy of 0.92, an F1 score of 0.92, a recall at 0.94, a precision of 0.91, and an excellent AUC of 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-0.94). For the detection of any stage of CAN, the approach combining motifs and discords yielded the best results, with an accuracy of 0.65, F1 score of 0.68, a recall of 0.75, a precision of 0.68, and an AUC of 0.68 (95% CI 0.54-0.81).

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the potential of using ML techniques, particularly motifs and discords, to effectively detect dsCAN in patients with diabetes. This approach could be applied in large-scale screening of CAN, particularly to identify definite/severe CAN where cardiovascular risk factor modification may be initiated.

Machine learning accelerates pharmacophore-based virtual screening of MAO inhibitors

Nowadays, an efficient and robust virtual screening procedure is crucial in the drug discovery process, especially when performed on large and chemically diverse databases. Virtual screening methods, like molecular docking and classic QSAR models, are limited in their ability to handle vast numbers of compounds and to learn from scarce data, respectively. In this study, we introduce a universal methodology that uses a machine learning-based approach to predict docking scores without the need for time-consuming molecular docking procedures. The developed protocol yielded 1000 times faster binding energy predictions than classical docking-based screening. The proposed predictive model learns from docking results, allowing users to choose their preferred docking software without relying on insufficient and incoherent experimental activity data. The methodology described employs multiple types of molecular fingerprints and descriptors to construct an ensemble model that further reduces prediction errors and is capable of delivering highly precise docking score values for monoamine oxidase ligands, enabling faster identification of promising compounds. An extensive pharmacophore-constrained screening of the ZINC database resulted in a selection of 24 compounds that were synthesized and evaluated for their biological activity. A preliminary screen discovered weak inhibitors of MAO-A with a percentage efficiency index close to a known drug at the lowest tested concentration. The approach presented here can be successfully applied to other biological targets as target-specific knowledge is not incorporated at the screening phase.

Molecular Dynamics of Steroidal Rotors Probed by Theoretical, Spectroscopic and Dielectric Methods

Our study focuses on molecular rotors with fast-moving rotators and their potential applications in the development of new amphidynamic crystals. Steroidal molecular rotors with a dipolar fluorine-substituted phenyl group as the rotator were synthesized and characterized. Three different rotors were investigated with varying numbers of fluorine atoms. A comprehensive analysis was performed using vibrational spectroscopy (Raman, FT-IR), electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and dielectric response to understand the behavior of the investigated model rotors. The results were supported by theoretical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods. The angle-dependent polarized Raman spectra confirmed the crystallinity of the samples. Nearly frequency and temperature-independent permittivity suggest low-frequency librational motion of stators. An in-depth analysis of ECD spectra revealed high conformational flexibility in solution, resulting in low ECD effects, while in the solid-state with restricted rotation, significant ECD effects were observed. These findings shed light on the conformational behavior and potential applications of the studied steroidal molecular rotors.

The invasive land flatworm Arthurdendyus triangulatus has repeated sequences in the mitogenome, extra-long cox2 gene and paralogous nuclear rRNA clusters

Using a combination of short- and long-reads sequencing, we were able to sequence the complete mitochondrial genome of the invasive 'New Zealand flatworm' Arthurdendyus triangulatus (Geoplanidae, Rhynchodeminae, Caenoplanini) and its two complete paralogous nuclear rRNA gene clusters. The mitogenome has a total length of 20,309 bp and contains repetitions that includes two types of tandem-repeats that could not be solved by short-reads sequencing. We also sequenced for the first time the mitogenomes of four species of Caenoplana (Caenoplanini). A maximum likelihood phylogeny associated A. triangulatus with the other Caenoplanini but Parakontikia ventrolineata and Australopacifica atrata were rejected from the Caenoplanini and associated instead with the Rhynchodemini, with Platydemus manokwari. It was found that the mitogenomes of all species of the subfamily Rhynchodeminae share several unusual structural features, including a very long cox2 gene. This is the first time that the complete paralogous rRNA clusters, which differ in length, sequence and seemingly number of copies, were obtained for a Geoplanidae.

SATB2, CKAE1/AE3, and synaptophysin as a sensitive immunohistochemical panel for the detection of lymph node metastases of Merkel cell carcinoma

Histopathological evaluation of lymph nodes in Merkel cell carcinoma has become crucial in progression estimation and treatment modification. This study was undertaken to determine the most sensitive immunohistochemical panel for detecting MCC nodal metastases. We included 56 patients with 102 metastatic MCC lymph nodes, which were tested with seven antibodies: cytokeratin (CKAE1/AE3), CK20, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, INSM1, SATB2, and neurofilament (NF). Tissue microarrays (TMA) composed of 2-mm tissue cores from each nodal metastasis were constructed. A semiquantitative 5-tier scoring system (0%, < 25%, 25-74%, 75-99%, 100% positive MCC cells with moderate to strong reactivity) was implemented. In the statistical assessment, we included Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) status and expression heterogeneity between lymph nodes from one patient. A cumulative percentage of moderate to strong expression ≥ 75% of tumoral cells was observed for single cell markers as follows: 91/102 (89.2%) SATB2, 85/102 (83%) CKAE1/AE3, 80/102 (78.4%) synaptophysin, 75/102 (75.5%) INSM1, 68/102 (66.7%) chromogranin A, 60/102 cases (58.8%) CK20, and 0/102 (0%) NF. Three markers presented a complete lack of immunoreactivity: 8/102 (7.8%) CK20, 7/102 (6.9%) chromogranin A, and 6/102 (5.9%) NF. All markers showed expression heterogeneity in lymph nodes from one patient; however, the most homogenous was INSM1. The probability of detecting nodal MCC metastases was the highest while using SATB2 as a first-line marker (89.2%) with subsequential adding CKAE1/AE3 (99%); these results were independent of MCPyV status. Synaptophysin showed a superior significance in confirming the neuroendocrine origin of metastatic cells. This comprehensive analysis allows us to recommend simultaneous evaluation of SATB2, CKAE1/AE3, and synaptophysin in the routine pathologic MCC lymph node protocol.

Application of the Heavy-Atom Effect for (Sub)microsecond Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence and an All-Organic Light-Emitting Device with Low-Efficiency Roll-off

The feature of abundant and environmentally friendly heavy atoms (HAs) like bromine to accelerate spin-forbidden transitions in organic molecules has been known for years. In combination with the easiness of incorporation, bromine derivatives of organic emitters showing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emerge as a cheap and efficient solution for the slow reverse intersystem crossing (rISC) problem in such emitters and strong efficiency roll-off of all-organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Here, we present a comprehensive photophysical study of a tri-PXZ-TRZ emitter reported previously and its hexabromo derivative showing a remarkable enhancement of rISC of up to 9 times and a short lifetime of delayed fluorescence of 2 μs. Analysis of the key molecular vibrations and TADF mechanism indicates almost compete blockage of the spin-flip transition between the charge-transfer states of different multiplicity 3CT → 1CT. In such a case, rISC as well as its enhancement by the HA is realized via the 3LE → 1CT transition, where 3LE is the triplet state localized on the same brominated phenoxazine donor involved in the formation of the 1CT state. Interestingly, the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) with two other 3LE states is negligible because they are localized on different donors and not involved in 1CT. We consider this as an example of an additional "localization" criterion that completes the well-known El Sayed rule on the different nature of states for nonzero SOC. The applicative potential of such a hexabromo emitter is tested in a "hyperfluorescent" system containing a red fluorescent dopant (tetraphenyldibenzoperiflanthene, DBP) as an acceptor of Förster resonance energy transfer, affording a narrow-band red-emitting system, with most of the emission in the submicrosecond domain. In fact, the fabricated red OLED devices show remarkable improvement of efficiency roll-off from 2-4 times depending on the luminance, mostly because of the increase of the rISC constant rate and the decrease of the overall delayed fluorescence lifetime thanks to the HA effect.

Evolution, types, and distribution of flight control devices on wings and elytra in bark beetles

Gaining the ability to fly actively was a ground-breaking moment in insect evolution, providing an unprecedented advantage over other arthropods. Nevertheless, active flight was a costly innovation, requiring the development of wings and flight muscles, the provision of sufficient energetic resources, and a complex flight control system. Although wings, flight muscles, and the energetic budget of insects have been intensively studied in the last decades, almost nothing is known regarding the flight-control devices of many crucial insect groups, especially beetles (Coleoptera). Here, we conducted a phylogenetic-informed analysis of flight-related mechanosensors in 28 species of bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae, Platypodinae), an economically and ecologically important group of insects characterized by striking differences in dispersal abilities. The results indicated that beetle flight apparatus is equipped with different functional types of mechanosensors, including strain- and flow-encoding sensilla. We found a strong effect of allometry on the number of mechanosensors, while no effect of relative wing size (a proxy of flight investment) was identified. Our study constitutes the first step to understanding the drivers and constraints of the evolution of flight-control devices in Coleoptera, including bark beetles. More research, including a quantitative neuroanatomical analysis of beetle wings, should be conducted in the future.

Analysis of the air stream flow parameters generated by the positive pressure ventilator-full scale experiment and CFD simulation

Positioning the positive pressure ventilator in front of the door opening affects the effectiveness of the rescue operation carried out during a fire. An important factor determining the effectiveness of the positive pressure ventilator is also the layout of the rooms within the gas exchange path and the obstacles present there. The purpose of this article is to assess the feasibility of using analyses such as large eddy simulation (LES) to verify the efficiency of mobile fans under simulation conditions, without the need for time-consuming experimentation (also for complex room volumes of buildings). The article presents a comparative analysis to assess the degree of convergence of flow parameters obtained during an experiment (in a multi-story building) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. For volumetric flow rate, convergence was achieved at levels ranging from 0.4% (for 5 m) to 11.5% (1 m), and for pressure values, the differences achieved ranged from 0.6% (5 m) to 30.1% (4 m). This paper demonstrates that the LES model can be used to perform CFD simulations in the area of assessing the performance of a positive pressure ventilator. The article also describes a test methodology for determining the flow parameters of an air stream, which can be used to perform numerical simulations.

Occurrence of plant hormones in composts made from organic fraction of agri-food industry waste

Utilizing the organic fraction of agri-food industry waste for fertilization represents one approach to waste management, with composting emerging as a popular method. Composts derived from this waste may contain plant hormones alongside primary macronutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the content of plant hormones in composts crafted from the organic fraction of agri-food industry waste. The presence of these substances was ascertained using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, applied to extracted samples from three composts produced in a bioreactor and three obtained from companies. The results indicate the presence of 35 compounds, which belong to six types of plant hormones: auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, brassinosteroids, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid, in composts for the first time. The highest amount of plant hormones was noted in buckwheat husk and biohumus extract (35 compounds), and the lowest in hemp chaff and apple pomace (14 compounds). Brassinosteroids (e.g., brassinolide, 28-homobrassinolide, 24-epicastasterone, 24-epibrassinolide, and 28-norbrassinolide) and auxins (e.g., indolilo-3-acetic acid) are dominant. The highest concentration of total phytohormones was reported in biohumus extract (2026.42 ng g-1 dry weight), and the lowest in organic compost (0.18 ng g-1 dry weight).

Optical method supported by machine learning for dynamics of C-reactive protein concentrations changes detection in biological matrix samples

In this article we present the novel spectroscopy method supported with machine learning for real-time detection of infectious agents in wastewater. In the case of infectious diseases, wastewater monitoring can be used to detect the presence of inflammation biomarkers, such as the proposed C-reactive protein, for monitoring inflammatory conditions and mass screening during epidemics for early detection in communities of concern, such as hospitals, schools, and so on. The proposed spectroscopy method supported with machine learning for real-time detection of infectious agents will eliminate the need for time-consuming processes, which contribute to reducing costs. The spectra in range 220-750 nm were used for the study. We achieve accuracy of our prediction model up to 68% with using only absorption spectrophotometer and machine learning. The use of such a set makes the method universal, due to the possibility of using many different detectors.

On the Fate of Lithium Ions in Sol-Gel Derived Zinc Oxide Nanocrystals

Among diverse chemical synthetic approaches to zinc oxide nanocrystals (ZnO NCs), ubiquitous inorganic sol-gel methodology proved crucial for advancements in ZnO-based nanoscience. Strikingly, unlike the exquisite level of control over morphology and size dispersity achieved in ZnO NC syntheses, the purity of the crystalline phase, as well as the understanding of the surface structure and the character of the inorganic-organic interface, have been limited to vague descriptors until very recently. Herein, ZnO NCs applying the standard sol-gel synthetic protocol are synthesized with zinc acetate and lithium hydroxide and tracked the integration of lithium (Li) cations into the interior and exterior of nanoparticles by combining various techniques, including advanced solid-state NMR methods. In contrast to common views, it is demonstrated that Li+ ions remain kinetically trapped in the inorganic core, enter into a shallow subsurface layer, and generate "swelling" of the surface and interface regions. Thus, this work enabled both the determination of the NCs' structural imperfections and an in-depth understanding of the unappreciated role of the Li+ ions in impacting the doping and the passivation of sol-gel-derived ZnO nanomaterials.

Quantitative Evaluation of Stance as a Sensitive Biomarker of Postural Ataxia Development in Preclinical SCA1 Mutation Carriers

The aim of this study was to determine the time between the first detection of postural control impairments and the evident manifestation of ataxia in preclinical SCA1 individuals. Twenty five preclinical SCA1 mutation carriers: 13 with estimated disease onset ≤ 6 years (SCA1 +) aged 27.8 ± 8.1 years; 12 with expected disease onset > 6 years (SCA1-) aged 26.6 ± 3.1 years and 26 age and sex matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent static posturography during 5 years of observation. The movements of the centre of feet pressure (COP) during quiet standing with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC) were quantified by calculating the mean radius (R), developed surface area (A) and mean COP movement velocity (V). Ataxia was evaluated by use of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA).SCA1 + exhibited significantly worse quality of stance with EC vs. SCA1- (p < 0.05 for V) and HCs (p < 0.001) even 5 to 6 years before estimated disease onset. There were no statistically significant differences between SCA1- and HCs. A slow increase in Cohen's d effect size was observed for VEO up to the clinical manifestation of ataxia. VEO and AEC recorded in preclinical SCA1 individuals correlated slightly but statistically significantly with SARA (r = 0.47).The study confirms that static posturography detects COP sway changes in SCA1 preclinical gene carriers even 5 to 6 years before estimated disease onset. The quantitative evaluation of stance in preclinical SCA is a sensitive biomarker for the monitoring of the disease progression and may be useful in clinical trials.

Semantic segmentation of thermal defects in belt conveyor idlers using thermal image augmentation and U-Net-based convolutional neural networks

The belt conveyor (BC) is the main means of horizontal transportation of bulk materials at mining sites. The sudden fault in BC modules may cause unexpected stops in production lines. With the increasing number of applications of inspection mobile robots in condition monitoring (CM) of industrial infrastructure in hazardous environments, in this article we introduce an image processing pipeline for automatic segmentation of thermal defects in thermal images captured from BC idlers using a mobile robot. This study follows the fact that CM of idler temperature is an important task for preventing sudden breakdowns in BC system networks. We compared the performance of three different types of U-Net-based convolutional neural network architectures for the identification of thermal anomalies using a small number of hand-labeled thermal images. Experiments on the test data set showed that the attention residual U-Net with binary cross entropy as the loss function handled the semantic segmentation problem better than our previous research and other studied U-Net variations.

Synthesis of DNA-Boron Cluster Composites and Assembly into Functional Nanoparticles with Dual, Anti-EGFR, and Anti-c-MYC Oncogene Silencing Activity

A versatile method for the automated synthesis of composites containing DNA-oligonucleotides and boron cluster scaffolds and their assembly into functional nanoparticles is described. The obtained, torus-like nanoparticles carry antisense oligonucleotides that target two different oncogenes simultaneously. The nanoparticles exhibited notable silencing efficiency in vitro in a pancreatic carcinoma cell line PANC-1 toward EGFR and c-Myc genes at the mRNA level, and a significant efficiency at the protein level. The proposed approach may be an attractive alternative to methods currently used, including one therapeutic nucleic acid, one genetic target, or the use of cocktails of therapeutic nucleic acids.

Coprecipitation as a One-Step Se Separation for Determination of Isotope Ratios Completed with Revised Uncertainty Evaluation

This study introduces a simplified purification method for analyzing 82Se/78Se isotope ratios in diverse natural samples using hydride generation MC-ICP-MS. Unlike the thiol resin method, which is time-consuming and sensitive to the concentrations of reagents used at individual stages, our proposed alternative is quicker, simpler, and robust. The procedure involves coprecipitation of selenium with iron hydroxide and dissolution in hydrochloric acid. Combining hydride generation and a second cleanup stage achieves sufficient purification for Se isotope ratio measurements. The method is efficient, taking 3-4 h after sample decomposition, utilizing common reagents [HCl, Fe(NO3)3, NH4Cl] without evaporation or clean lab conditions. Results on 82Se/78Se isotope ratios in various matrices are presented, comparing them with literature data. All isotopic results have been subjected to a newly proposed state-of-the-art approach to uncertainty estimation dedicated to isotope ratio measurements. The approach is based on applying Monte Carlo simulations with consideration of different samples' results normalized by the expected value. By doing that, we obtained estimated uncertainty for any Se sample with the influence of particular measurements on the final estimation included. We employ a Monte Carlo simulation-based uncertainty estimation approach for isotope ratio measurements, providing estimated uncertainty for each selenium sample.

Description of Novel Molecular Factors in Lumbar DRGs and Spinal Cord Factors Underlying Development of Neuropathic Pain Component in the Animal Model of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint disorder, with pain accompanied by functional impairment, as the most pronounced clinical symptom. Currently used pharmacotherapy involves symptomatic treatment that do not always provide adequate pain relief. This may be due to concomitance of central sensitization and development of neuropathic features in OA patients. Here we performed studies in the animal model of OA to investigate of the neuropathic component. Intraarticular injection of monoiodoacetate (MIA, 1 mg) was used to induce OA in Wistar male rats. Development of pain phenotype was assessed by behavioral testing (PAM test and von Frey's test), while corresponding changes in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs L3-L5) and spinal cord (SC) gene expression were assessed by means of qRT-PCR technique. We also performed microtomography of OA-affected knee joints to correlate the level of bone degradation with observed behavioral and molecular changes. We observed gradually developing remote allodynia after MIA treatment, indicating the presence of neuropathic component. Our results showed that, among DRGs innervating knee joint, development of central sensitization is most likely due to peripheral input of stimuli through DRG L5. In SC, development of secondary hypersensitivity correlated with increased expression of TAC1 and NPY. Our studies provided molecular records on abnormal activation of pain transmission markers in DRG and SC during development of OA that are responsible for the manifestation of neuropathic features. The obtained results increase insight into molecular changes occurring in the neuronal tissue during OA development and may contribute to readdressing treatment paradigms.

Zinc-doped hydroxyapatite as a pH responsive drug delivery system for anticancer drug 6-mercaptopurine

6-Mercaptopurine (6MP) is commonly used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia as an important agent in maintenance therapy. Despite its therapeutic benefits, 6MP has some limitations during therapy. Taking into account the disadvantages during 6MP therapy, there is a great need to create an appropriate delivery system for this drug. 6MP contains in its structure nitrogen and sulfur atoms capable of forming coordination compounds with metal ions, for example zinc. Therefore, in this work, we prepared biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HAp) doped with zinc ions, and used it as a carrier for 6MP. Doped HAp has not been used as a carrier for this drug before. The work proved that the prepared carrier-drug system has a particle size of about 130 nm, which indicates its potential for intravenous delivery. In addition, in an acidic environment (imitating cancer cells), the carrier agglomerates allow targeted release of the drug. The drug is evenly distributed, which indicates that the doses released from it will always be comparable. The release of the drug in a neutral environment is long-lasting in controlled doses, whereas in an acidic environment it is immediate. The obtained results indicate the high potential of the material in both slow-release and cancer-targeted release of 6MP.

People Declare Lowered Levels of Sociosexual Desire in the Presence of an Attractive Audience

Due to social desirability bias, people tend to self-present themselves in the presence of others in a favorable light, which sometimes may lead to deviations from reality. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced when controversial or strictly norm-bounded matters are considered. Here, we tested how a presence of an attractive model-either male or female-influences people's declarations on their sociosexual orientation-the degree of their sexual permissiveness in terms of their past behavior, attitudes toward uncommitted sex, and desire for sexual intercourse with individuals they are not in a relationship with. The participants (N = 244, 52% men) answered questions about their sociosexuality in solitude, or out loud with an attractive model present. The results show that both men and women declare lowered levels of their desire, but not behavior or attitude, in the presence of both male and female attractive models. A follow-up study (N = 188, 51% men) showed that this effect was not due to the differing conditions of responding (out loud vs written down). The research points out to an area of human sexuality that is prone to being falsified in research and which serves as an important factor in self-presentation.

Impact of Synthesis Parameters upon the Electronic Structure in PVD-Deposited CdxZn1-xO Composite Thin Films: An XPS-XANES Investigation

The impact of different synthesis parameters, such as thickness, postsynthesis annealing temperature, and oxygen gas flow rate, upon the electronic structure is discussed in detail in the present experimental investigation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy techniques are used to evaluate the surface electronic properties along with the presence and stability of the CdO2 surface oxide in CdxZn1-xO (x = 0.4) composite thin films. The thin films were synthesized with varying thicknesses using a Cd0.4Zn0.6O (CZO) ceramic and Cd0.4Zn0.6 (CZ) metallic targets and oxygen gas flow rates during magnetron sputtering. The Zn L3,2 edge and O K edge XANES spectra are affected by the oxygen gas flow rate. For the zero rate, an increase in intensity is observed in the Zn L3,2 edge, and notable changes occur in the overall spectral features of the O K edge. In the films synthesized in the presence of oxygen, highly probable O 2p → antibonding Zn 3d electronic transitions decrease the probability of the Zn 2p1/2 → antibonding Zn 3d electronic transition by filling the vacant antibonding Zn 3d states, leading to the reduction in overall intensity in the Zn L3,2 edge. Scanning electron microscopy reveals grain growth with increasing annealing temperature. The annealing induces orbital hybridization, generating new electronic states with higher transition probabilities and intensity enhancement in both Zn L3,2 and O K edges. The presence of the CdO2 surface phase is confirmed by analyzing the Cd 3d5/2 and O 1s XPS core levels. The CdO2 surface phase is observed in the films synthesized using the CZO target for all thicknesses, while the CZ target is only observed for higher thicknesses. Further postsynthesis annealing treatment results in the disappearance of the CdO2 phase. The CdO2 surface phase can be controlled by varying the film thickness and postsynthesis annealing temperature.

The effect of caraway oil-loaded bio-nanoemulsions on the growth and performance of barnyard grass and maize

A proper formulation is crucial to improve the herbicidal effects of essential oils and their selectivity. In this study, we investigated the physicochemical properties of bio-based nanoemulsions (CNs) containing several concentrations of caraway (Carum carvi) essential oil stabilized with Eco Tween 80, as a surfactant, maintaining 1:1 proportions. Detailed physicochemical characteristics of the CNs revealed that their properties were most desired at 2% of the oil and surfactant, i.e., the smallest droplet size, polydispersity index, and viscosity. The CNs caused biochemical changes in maize and barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) seedlings, however, to a different extent. Barnyard grass has overall metabolism (measured as a thermal power) decreased by 39-82% when exposed to the CNs. The CNs triggered changes in the content and composition of carbohydrates in the endosperm of both species' seedlings in a dose-response manner. The foliar application of CNs caused significant damage to tissues of young maize and barnyard grass plants. The effective dose of the CN (ED50, causing a 50% damage) was 5% and 17.5% oil in CN for barnyard grass and maize tissues, respectively. Spraying CNs also decreased relative water content in leaves and affected the efficiency of photosynthesis by disturbing the electron transport chain. We found that barnyard grass was significantly more susceptible to the foliar application of CNs than maize, which could be used to selectively control this species in maize crops. However, further studies are needed to verify this hypothesis under field conditions.

Physicochemical Features and Applicability of Newly Fabricated Phytopharmaceutical-Loaded Hydrogel Alginate Microcarriers with Viscoelastic Polyelectrolyte Coatings

The design of novel polymeric carrier systems with functional coatings is of great interest for delivering various bioactive molecules. Microcapsules coated with polyelectrolyte (PE) films provide additional functionality and fine-tuning advantages essential for controlled drug release. We developed hydrogel microcarriers coated with functional PE films with encapsulated substances of natural origin, resveratrol (RES), curcumin (CUR), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have cytotoxic and chemopreventive properties. Alginate (ALG) based microparticles were loaded with phytopharmaceuticals using the emulsification method, and then their surface was modified with PE coatings, such as chitosan (CHIT) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). The morphology and mean diameter of microcarriers were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, encapsulation efficiency was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy, whereas the physicochemical properties of functional PE layers were studied using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and streaming potential measurements. The release profiles of active compounds from the hydrogel microparticles were described using the Peppas-Sahlin model. The cytotoxic effect of designed delivery systems was studied by evaluating their impact on the proliferation, mitochondrial metabolic function, and lipid peroxidation level of 5637 human bladder cancer cells. The present work demonstrates that the physicochemical and biological features of fabricated microcarriers can be controlled by the type of encapsulated anti-cancer agent and PE coating.

Effects of γ-polyglutamic acid on grassland sandy soil properties and plant functional traits exposed to drought stress

The current study provides field experimental data that support the use of γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) in drought stress and proposes its application in grassland management. We hypothesized that water treatment combined with PGA application to sandy soil would reduce drought stress in grasslands more effectively than watering alone. A randomized block design was used, with three replicate watering blocks (no watering, weekly watering, and monthly watering) and PGA treatments at four different concentrations (0%, 0.3%, 1%, and 2% PGA). The results showed that PGA acts as a biostimulant, alleviating the effects of stress in plants by: (1) increasing the availability of ions, especially K+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Fe2+/3+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, as well as N-NH4+, and N-NO3-, (2) elongating plant roots, (3) increasing the aboveground biomass, (4) improving the resprouting capacity of the dominant grass Nardus stricta, and (5) improving the regeneration of dicotyledons. In the case of meadows on sandy soils, the use of low PGA concentrations (0.3% or 1%) was the most beneficial for the availability of macro- and microelements and improving the functional traits of plants. Irrigation had a greater effect than using PGA only for the dicotyledon to monocotyledon ratio.

Breeding behavior analysis in a large captive colony of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) and its implications for population management and conservation

The African penguin Spheniscus demersus, frequently housed in zoos, holds potential for future reintroduction efforts due to its declining wild population. This paper aims to explore various aspects of reproductive performance in African penguins within a large ex situ colony at Zoo Wrocław in Poland, covering 9 years of breeding behaviors. The analysis reveals parallels in colony growth and partner change patterns with those observed in the wild. Positive correlations were found between breeding success and pair-bond duration, with the increasing colony size influencing reproductive performance. Contrary to their wild counterparts, captive African penguins initiate breeding attempt and produce a fertilized egg at a younger age. However, successful breeding still requires gaining experience or forming pairs with more experienced partners. Our research indicates that providing captive African penguins with unlimited food resources and sufficient nesting space results in rapid colony growth. The increased colony size facilitates breeding behaviors that positively influence population dynamics, particularly through the maintenance of long-term pair bond relationships and the potential for partner changes when necessary or desirable to enhance breeding success. We present compelling case studies in pair fidelity, offering valuable insights and implications for the management of captive populations and conservation efforts.

Biomechanical comparison of two surgical methods for Hallux Valgus deformity: Exploring the use of artificial neural networks as a decision-making tool for orthopedists

Hallux Valgus foot deformity affects gait performance. Common treatment options include distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy and chevron osteotomy. Nonetheless, the current process of selecting the appropriate osteotomy method poses potential biases and risks, due to its reliance on subjective human judgment and interpretation. The inherent variability among clinicians, the potential influence of individual clinical experiences, or inherent measurement limitations may contribute to inconsistent evaluations. To address this, incorporating objective tools like neural networks, renowned for effective classification and decision-making support, holds promise in identifying optimal surgical approaches. The objective of this cross-sectional study was twofold. Firstly, it aimed to investigate the feasibility of classifying patients based on the type of surgery. Secondly, it sought to explore the development of a decision-making tool to assist orthopedists in selecting the optimal surgical approach. To achieve this, gait parameters of twenty-three women with moderate to severe Hallux Valgus were analyzed. These patients underwent either distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy or chevron osteotomy. The parameters exhibiting differences in preoperative and postoperative values were identified through various statistical tests such as normalization, Shapiro-Wilk, non-parametric Wilcoxon, Student t, and paired difference tests. Two artificial neural networks were constructed for patient classification based on the type of surgery and to simulate an optimal surgery type considering postoperative walking speed. The results of the analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between surgery type and postoperative gait parameters, with the first neural network achieving a remarkable 100% accuracy in classification. Additionally, cases were identified where there was a mismatch with the surgeon's decision. Our findings highlight the potential of artificial neural networks as a complementary tool for surgeons in making informed decisions. Addressing the study's limitations, future research may investigate a wider range of orthopedic procedures, examine additional gait parameters and use more diverse and extensive datasets to enhance statistical robustness.

Developing strategies to optimize the anchorage between electrospun nanofibers and hydrogels for multi-layered plasmonic biomaterials

Polycaprolactone (PCL), a recognized biopolymer, has emerged as a prominent choice for diverse biomedical endeavors due to its good mechanical properties, exceptional biocompatibility, and tunable properties. These attributes render PCL a suitable alternative biomaterial to use in biofabrication, especially the electrospinning technique, facilitating the production of nanofibers with varied dimensions and functionalities. However, the inherent hydrophobicity of PCL nanofibers can pose limitations. Conversely, acrylamide-based hydrogels, characterized by their interconnected porosity, significant water retention, and responsive behavior, present an ideal matrix for numerous biomedical applications. By merging these two materials, one can harness their collective strengths while potentially mitigating individual limitations. A robust interface and effective anchorage during the composite fabrication are pivotal for the optimal performance of the nanoplatforms. Nanoplatforms are subject to varying degrees of tension and physical alterations depending on their specific applications. This is particularly pertinent in the case of layered nanostructures, which require careful consideration to maintain structural stability and functional integrity in their intended applications. In this study, we delve into the influence of the fiber dimensions, orientation and surface modifications of the nanofibrous layer and the hydrogel layer's crosslinking density on their intralayer interface to determine the optimal approach. Comprehensive mechanical pull-out tests offer insights into the interfacial adhesion and anchorage between the layers. Notably, plasma treatment of the hydrophobic nanofibers and the stiffness of the hydrogel layer significantly enhance the mechanical effort required for fiber extraction from the hydrogels, indicating improved anchorage. Furthermore, biocompatibility assessments confirm the potential biomedical applications of the proposed nanoplatforms.

Support Materials of Organic and Inorganic Origin as Platforms for Horseradish Peroxidase Immobilization: Comparison Study for High Stability and Activity Recovery

In the presented study, a variety of hybrid and single nanomaterials of various origins were tested as novel platforms for horseradish peroxidase immobilization. A thorough characterization was performed to establish the suitability of the support materials for immobilization, as well as the activity and stability retention of the biocatalysts, which were analyzed and discussed. The physicochemical characterization of the obtained systems proved successful enzyme deposition on all the presented materials. The immobilization of horseradish peroxidase on all the tested supports occurred with an efficiency above 70%. However, for multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hybrids made of chitosan, magnetic nanoparticles, and selenium ions, it reached up to 90%. For these materials, the immobilization yield exceeded 80%, resulting in high amounts of immobilized enzymes. The produced system showed the same optimal pH and temperature conditions as free enzymes; however, over a wider range of conditions, the immobilized enzymes showed activity of over 50%. Finally, a reusability study and storage stability tests showed that horseradish peroxidase immobilized on a hybrid made of chitosan, magnetic nanoparticles, and selenium ions retained around 80% of its initial activity after 10 repeated catalytic cycles and after 20 days of storage. Of all the tested materials, the most favorable for immobilization was the above-mentioned chitosan-based hybrid material. The selenium additive present in the discussed material gives it supplementary properties that increase the immobilization yield of the enzyme and improve enzyme stability. The obtained results confirm the applicability of these nanomaterials as useful platforms for enzyme immobilization in the contemplation of the structural stability of an enzyme and the high catalytic activity of fabricated biocatalysts.

The role of bidirectional communication between the adipokines and the endogenous opioid system in an experimental mouse model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death globally. Multiple factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of CRC, including the abnormalities in the functioning of the endogenous opioid system (EOS) or adiponectin-related signaling. The aim of our study was to evaluate if differences in the expression of opioid receptors (ORs) influence the development of CRC and if modulation of adiponectin receptors using AdipoRon, a selective AdipoR1 receptor agonist, affects colorectal carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, was injected intraperitoneally every second day for 2 weeks, at the dose of 1 mg/kg in healthy Balb/C mice to induce changes in ORs expression. CRC was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM) and the addition of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) into drinking water in three-week cycles. The development of CRC was assessed using macro- and microscopic scoring and molecular analysis (RT qPCR, ELISA) after 14 weeks.

RESULTS

Naltrexone significantly increased the mRNA expression of Oprm1, Oprd1, and Oprk1 in the mouse colon and in the brain (non-significantly). The pretreatment of mice with naltrexone aggravated the course of CRC (as indicated by tumor area, colon thickness, and spleen weight). The level of circulatory adiponectin was lowered in mice with CRC and increased in the colon as compared with healthy mice. The β-endorphin level was increased in the plasma of mice with CRC and decreased in the colon as compared to healthy mice. AdipoRon, AdipoR1 agonist, worsened the CRC development, and pretreatment with naltrexone enhanced this negative effect in mice. CRC did not affect the expression of the Adipor1 gene, but the Adipor1 level was increased in mice pretreated with naltrexone (AOM/DSS and healthy mice). AdipoRon did not influence the expression of opioid receptors at the mRNA level in the colon of mice with CRC. The mRNA expression of Ptgs2, Il6, Nos2, Il1b, Il18, Gsdmd, and Rela was increased in mice with CRC as compared to the healthy colon. AdipoRon significantly decreased mRNA expression of Ptgs2, Il6, Il1b, and Il18 as compared to CRC mice.

CONCLUSION

EOS and adiponectin-related signaling may play a role in the pathogenesis of CRC and these systems may present some additivity during carcinogenesis.

Expression of semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) in breast cancer subtypes

Breast cancer is a major health concern, and its accurate diagnosis and management depend on identifying its histological type and biological subtype. Semaphorin-3A (SEMA3A) is a membrane protein with diverse roles in cellular processes, including cancer progression and angiogenesis regulation. However, its role in breast cancer remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate SEMA3A expression in breast cancer and investigate its distribution across breast cancer subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Immunohistochemical evaluation was performed on 98 breast cancer patients' tumor specimens, and SEMA3A expression was assessed in tumor cells and vessels. The study included the analysis of the Ki67 proliferation index, estrogen receptor (ER) expression, progesterone receptor (PR) expression, and HER2 status in conjunction with SEMA3A expression. Analysis indicated positive expression of SEMA3A in breast cancer cells in 60 out of 98 cases. SEMA3A expression correlated positively with Ki67 levels in tumor cells (p = 0.0005, R Spearman 0.338). Notably, a negative correlation was found between SEMA3A expression and ER and PR levels in tumor cells (p = 0.04, Spearman's R = - 0.21 and p = 0.016, Spearman's R = - 0.25 respectively). HER2 status did not significantly influence SEMA3A expression. The study demonstrated positive SEMA3A expression in tumor vessels across all subtypes in 91 out of 98 cases, suggesting its involvement in endothelial cell function. However, no significant differences in SEMA3A expression were observed between breast cancer subtypes either in vessels or tumor cells. These findings suggest that elevated SEMA3A expression may be associated with worse prognosis in breast cancer, especially in ER- and PR-negative tumors. Further investigations are warranted to fully comprehend the role of SEMA3A in breast cancer biology, which may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and personalized treatment strategies for breast cancer patients.

Stability of Viscoelastic Solutions: BrijL4 and Sodium Cholate Mixtures with Metal Ions Across a Broad pH and Temperature Range

The impact of pH, temperature, and metal ions on the rheological and interfacial properties of aqueous mixed surfactant solutions composed of anionic NaC (sodium cholate) and nonionic BrijL4 [polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether] surfactants has been investigated. The various compound systems were analyzed, considering variations in each selected factor. The results highlight the unique characteristics of the BrijL4/NaC mixture, suggesting its potential as a viable alternative to other existing surfactants. The synergistic effect between BrijL4 and NaC significantly reduces the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and improves the wetting properties on hydrophobic surfaces, surpassing those of single-component solutions. Additionally, sodium, calcium, and magnesium ions enhance surface wetting and decrease the CMC. Besides, the BrijL4/NaC solutions exhibit viscoelastic fluid behavior at higher surfactant concentrations. These viscoelastic BrijL4/NaC solutions demonstrate stability over various pH and temperature variations, exhibiting lower flow activation and scission energy values than those of other viscoelastic surfactant solutions. Notably, the BrijL4/NaC mixture has potential applications in gel-based foliar fertilizers and drug delivery systems. Furthermore, the rheological studies examine the impact of humic acid on the rheological properties of BrijL4/NaC mixture solutions, revealing that incorporating additional humic acids can achieve stable rheological properties.

Signatures of local adaptation to current and future climate in phenology-related genes in natural populations of Quercus robur

BACKGROUND

Local adaptation is a key evolutionary process that enhances the growth of plants in their native habitat compared to non-native habitats, resulting in patterns of adaptive genetic variation across the entire geographic range of the species. The study of population adaptation to local environments and predicting their response to future climate change is important because of climate change.

RESULTS

Here, we explored the genetic diversity of candidate genes associated with bud burst in pedunculate oak individuals sampled from 6 populations in Poland. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity was assessed in 720 candidate genes using the sequence capture technique, yielding 18,799 SNPs. Using landscape genomic approaches, we identified 8 FST outliers and 781 unique SNPs in 389 genes associated with geography, climate, and phenotypic variables (individual/family spring and autumn phenology, family diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and survival) that are potentially involved in local adaptation. Then, using a nonlinear multivariate model, Gradient Forests, we identified vulnerable areas of the pedunculate oak distribution in Poland that are at risk from climate change.

CONCLUSIONS

The model revealed that pedunculate oak populations in the eastern part of the analyzed geographical region are the most sensitive to climate change. Our results might offer an initial evaluation of a potential management strategy for preserving the genetic diversity of pedunculate oak.

An improved limit on the neutrinoless double-electron capture of 36Ar with GERDA

The GERmanium Detector Array (Gerda) experiment operated enriched high-purity germanium detectors in a liquid argon cryostat, which contains 0.33% of 36 Ar, a candidate isotope for the two-neutrino double-electron capture (2ν ECEC) and therefore for the neutrinoless double-electron capture (0ν ECEC). If detected, this process would give evidence of lepton number violation and the Majorana nature of neutrinos. In the radiative 0ν ECEC of 36 Ar, a monochromatic photon is emitted with an energy of 429.88 keV, which may be detected by the Gerda germanium detectors. We searched for the 36 Ar 0ν ECEC with Gerda data, with a total live time of 4.34 year (3.08 year accumulated during Gerda Phase II and 1.26 year during Gerda Phase I). No signal was found and a 90% CL lower limit on the half-life of this process was established T 1 / 2 > 1.5 · 10 22  year.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1140/epjc/s10052-023-12280-6.

Thermal and optical properties of P3HT:PC70BM:ZnO nanoparticles composite films

The results of studies on the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the structural, thermal and optical properties of thin films of mixtures of phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) with poly[3-hexylthiophene] (P3HT) of various molecular weights are described in this article. The structural properties of the layers of: polymers, mixtures of polymers with fullerenes and their composites with ZnO-NPs were investigated using X-ray diffraction. Whereas their glass transition temperature and optical parameters have been determined by temperature-dependent spectroscopic ellipsometry. The presence of ZnO-NPs was also visible in the images of the surface of the composite layers obtained using scanning electron microscopy. These blends and composite films have also been used as the active layer in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic structures. The molecular weight of P3HT (Mw = 65.2; 54.2 and 34.1 kDa) and the addition of nanoparticles affected the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the obtained solar cells. The determined PCE was the highest for the device prepared from the blend of P3HT:PCBM with the polymer of the lowest molecular weight. However, solar cells with ZnO-NPs present in their active layer had lower efficiency, although the open-circuit voltage and fill factor of almost all devices had the same values whether they contained ZnO-NPs or not. It is worth noting that thermal studies carried out using temperature-dependent ellipsometry showed a significant effect of the presence of ZnO-NPs on the value of the glass transition temperature, which was higher for composite films than for films made of a polymer-fullerene blend alone.

Phyllite/bentonite mixture-an alternative effective buffer material for a geological disposal of radioactive waste

The use of phyllite (Phy) instead of quartz in mixtures with bentonite (B) is recommended as a buffer material for engineering barriers in a geological repository of nuclear waste. The recommendation is based on experimentally determined sorption properties of various Phy/B mixtures. The adsorption capacity of Phy/B mixtures (Phy/B: 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75), the removal efficacy of Eu(III) ions (an analog for fissiongenic lanthanides and actinides), and the rate of their binding reaction were studied using the batch adsorption equilibrium and kinetic experiments at different Eu(III) initial concentrations, solution pH, and solution to adsorbent (L/S) ratio. The adsorption capacity of the Phy/B mixtures increased with the increased bentonite content in the mixture depending on the L/S ratio and solution pH. The highest increase in the adsorption capacity of the Phy/B mixtures compared to phyllite was observed for the Phy/B proportions of 25/75 and 50/50. The rate of the Eu(III) adsorption was the best fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model indicating that the adsorption rate was controlled by chemisorption. The Sips model provided the best correlation of the adsorption experimental data, indicative of more than one adsorption site. The results of this study show the advantage of the Phy/B mixtures in immobilizing Eu and certain fission products by combining adsorption properties of the materials.

AlphaFold2 captures the conformational landscape of the HAMP signaling domain

In this study, we present a conformational landscape of 5000 AlphaFold2 models of the Histidine kinases, Adenyl cyclases, Methyl-accepting proteins and Phosphatases (HAMP) domain, a short helical bundle that transduces signals from sensors to effectors in two-component signaling proteins such as sensory histidine kinases and chemoreceptors. The landscape reveals the conformational variability of the HAMP domain, including rotations, shifts, displacements, and tilts of helices, many combinations of which have not been observed in experimental structures. HAMP domains belonging to a single family tend to occupy a defined region of the landscape, even when their sequence similarity is low, suggesting that individual HAMP families have evolved to operate in a specific conformational range. The functional importance of this structural conservation is illustrated by poly-HAMP arrays, in which HAMP domains from families with opposite conformational preferences alternate, consistent with the rotational model of signal transduction. The only poly-HAMP arrays that violate this rule are predicted to be of recent evolutionary origin and structurally unstable. Finally, we identify a family of HAMP domains that are likely to be dynamic due to the presence of a conserved pi-helical bulge. All code associated with this work, including a tool for rapid sequence-based prediction of the rotational state in HAMP domains, is deposited at https://github.com/labstructbioinf/HAMPpred.

Serum IL-17 and TNFα as prognostic biomarkers in systemic sclerosis patients: a prospective study

Recent reports have demonstrated that endothelial injury is critical in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is associated with increased levels of circulating inflammatory biomarkers. This study aims to analyze the serum concentrations of selected cytokines and evaluate their relationship with SSc clinics and the long-term course of the disease. This study included 43 SSc patients and 24 matched healthy controls. In both groups, we measured serum levels of inflammatory cytokines related to the inflammatory response, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interferon (IFN)γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17, and fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Additionally, in SSc patients, we evaluated the presence of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the promotor region of the TNFA gene, namely rs361525, rs1800629, rs1799964, and rs1799724, which might be related to increased TNFα concentrations. The main aim consisted of associating inflammatory cytokines with (1) clinical disease characteristics and (2) longitudinal observation of survival and cancer prevalence. SSc patients were characterized by a 17% increase in serum TNFα. There was no other difference in serum cytokines between the studied groups and diffuse vs. limited SSc patients. As expected, evaluated serum cytokines correlated with inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., IL-6 and C-reactive protein). Interestingly, patients with higher IL-17 had decreased left ventricle ejection fraction. During the median 5-year follow-up, we recorded four cases of neoplastic diseases (lung cancer in two cases, squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin, and breast cancer with concomitant multiple myeloma) and nine deaths. The causes of death included lung cancer (n = 2), renal crisis (n = 1), multiple-organ failure (n = 1), and unknown reasons in five cases. Surprisingly, higher TNFα was associated with an increased cancer prevalence, while elevated IL-17 with death risk in the follow-up. Furthermore, the AG rs361525 genotype referred to higher TNFα levels than GG carriers. Both AG rs361525 and CT rs1799964 genotypes were associated with increased cancer risk. Higher serum concentrations of TNFα characterize the SSc patients, with the highest values associated with cancer. On the other hand, increased IL-17 in peripheral blood might predict poor SSc prognosis. Further research is needed to validate these findings.

Controls and significance of priming effects in lake sediments

Warming and eutrophication influence carbon (C) processing in sediments, with implications for the global greenhouse-gas budget. Temperature effects on sedimentary C loss are well understood, but the mechanism of change in turnover through priming with labile organic matter (OM) is not. Evaluating changes in the magnitude of priming as a function of warming, eutrophication, and OM stoichiometry, we incubated sediments with 13 C-labeled fresh organic matter (FOM, algal/cyanobacterial) and simulated future climate scenarios (+4°C and +8°C). We investigated FOM-induced production of CH4 and microbial community changes. C loss was primed by up to 17% in dominantly allochthonous sediments (ranging from 5% to 17%), compared to up to 6% in autochthonous sediments (-9% to 6%), suggesting that refractory OM is more susceptible to priming. The magnitude of priming was dependent on sediment OM stoichiometry (C/N ratio), the ratio of fresh labile OM to microbial biomass (FOM/MB), and temperature. Priming was strongest at 4°C when FOM/MB was below 50%. Addition of FOM was associated with activation and growth of bacterial decomposers, including for example, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, or Fibrobacteres, known for their potential to degrade insoluble and complex structural biopolymers. Using sedimentary C/N > 15 as a threshold, we show that in up to 35% of global lakes, sedimentation is dominated by allochthonous rather than autochthonous material. We then provide first-order estimates showing that, upon increase in phytoplankton biomass in these lakes, priming-enabled degradation of recalcitrant OM will release up to 2.1 Tg C annually, which would otherwise be buried for geological times.

An iron fist in a velvet glove: The cooperation of a novel pyoverdine from Pseudomonas donghuensis P482 with 7-hydroxytropolone is pivotal for its antibacterial activity

Pseudomonas donghuensis P482 exhibits broad antimicrobial activity against phytopathogens, including the soft rot bacteria of the Dickeya genus. Here, we report that under limited nutrient availability, the antibacterial activity of P. donghuensis P482 against Dickeya solani requires the reciprocal action of two iron scavengers: 7-hydroxytropolone (7-HT) and a newly characterized pyoverdine (PVDP482 ) and is quenched in the iron-augmented environment. Further, we show that the biosynthesis of pyoverdine and 7-HT is metabolically coordinated, and the functional BV82_4709 gene involved in 7-HT synthesis is pivotal for expressing the BV82_3755 gene, essential for pyoverdine biosynthesis and vice versa. The synthesis of both scavengers is under the control of Gac/Rsm, but only PVD is controlled by Fur. The isoelectric focusing profile of the P482 siderophore differs from that of the other Pseudomonas spp. tested. This finding led to the unveiling of the chemical structure of the new pyoverdine PVDP482 . To summarize, the antibacterial activity of P. donghuensis P482 is attributed to 7-HT and PVDP482 varies depending on the nutrient and iron availability, highlighting the importance of these factors in the competition between P482 and D. solani.

Fresh air in the city: the impact of air pollution on the pricing of real estate

This study investigates the impact of ambient air pollution on housing prices in Warsaw, Poland, by examining spatial dependencies. The high concentration of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) is expected to reduce real estate values. Using a hedonic model with approximately 15,000 observations and a spatial error model, we did not find evidence of this impact. Standard and premium housing submarkets differ in price determinants, but both are insensitive to environmental issues. This could be explained by the lack of comprehensive intra-urban historical information on air pollution, which limits investors' rationality and their ability to properly value real estate based on environmental issues. Additionally, measurement and aggregation issues, along with low pollution variability within the city, may contribute to the insignificance of this information in real estate sales prices. Our empirical research confirms a strong link between air pollution and weather conditions within the city, where low temperatures and low-speed southern winds worsen contamination levels, while high temperatures and westerly winds improve air quality. Furthermore, we find that incorporating pollution data using PM yearly mean concentration works better in modelling than the PCA-reduced air pollution index.

Copper foam supported g-C3N4-metal-organic framework bacteria biohybrid cathode catalyst for CO2 reduction in microbial electrosynthesis

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) presents a versatile approach for efficiently converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable products. However, poor electron uptake by the microorganisms from the cathode severely limits the performance of MES. In this study, a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-metal-organic framework (MOF) i.e. HKUST-1 composite was newly designed and synthesized as the cathode catalyst for MES operations. The physiochemical analysis such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy showed the successful synthesis of g-C3N4-HKUST-1, whereas electrochemical assessments revealed its enhanced kinetics for redox reactions. The g-C3N4-HKUST-1 composite displayed excellent biocompatibility to develop electroactive biohybrid catalyst for CO2 reduction. The MES with g-C3N4-HKUST-1 biohybrid demonstrated an excellent current uptake of 1.7 mA/cm2, which was noted higher as compared to the MES using g-C3N4 biohybrid (1.1 mA/cm2). Both the MESs could convert CO2 into acetic and isobutyric acid with a significantly higher yield of 0.46 g/L.d and 0.14 g/L.d respectively in MES with g-C3N4-HKUST-1 biohybrid and 0.27 g/L.d and 0.06 g/L.d, respectively in MES with g-C3N4 biohybrid. The findings of this study suggest that g-C3N4-HKUST-1 is a highly efficient catalytic material for biocathodes in MESs to significantly enhance the CO2 conversion.