Discovering allatostatin type-C receptor specific agonists

Currently, there is no pesticide available for the selective control of the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa-specific), and conventional methods typically rely on mechanical techniques such as pheromone traps or broad-spectrum larvicidal chemicals. As climate change increases the range and dispersion capacity of crop and forest pests, outbreaks of the pine processionary occur with greater frequency and significantly impact forestry and public health. Our study is carried out to provide a T. pityocampa-specific pesticide targeting the Allatostatin Type-C Receptor (AlstR-C). We use a combination of computational biology methods, a cell-based screening assay, and in vivo toxicity and side effect assays to identify, for the first time, a series of AlstR-C ligands suitable for use as T. pityocampa-specific insecticides. We further demonstrate that the novel AlstR-C targeted agonists are specific to lepidopteran larvae, with no harmful effects on coleopteran larvae or adults. Overall, our study represents an important initial advance toward an insect GPCR-targeted next-generation pesticide design. Our approach may apply to other invertebrate GPCRs involved in vital metabolic pathways.

Protective effect of PDE4B subtype-specific inhibition in an App knock-in mouse model for Alzheimer's disease

Meta-analysis of genome-wide association study data has implicated PDE4B in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of senile dementia. PDE4B encodes one of four subtypes of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-specific phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4A-D). To interrogate the involvement of PDE4B in the manifestation of AD-related phenotypes, the effects of a hypomorphic mutation (Pde4bY358C) that decreases PDE4B's cAMP hydrolytic activity were evaluated in the AppNL-G-F knock-in mouse model of AD using the Barnes maze test of spatial memory, 14C-2-deoxyglucose autoradiography, thioflavin-S staining of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, and inflammatory marker assay and transcriptomic analysis (RNA sequencing) of cerebral cortical tissue. At 12 months of age, AppNL-G-F mice exhibited spatial memory and brain metabolism deficits, which were prevented by the hypomorphic PDE4B in AppNL-G-F/Pde4bY358C mice, without a decrease in Aβ plaque burden. RNA sequencing revealed that, among the 531 transcripts differentially expressed in AppNL-G-F versus wild-type mice, only 13 transcripts from four genes - Ide, Btaf1, Padi2, and C1qb - were differentially expressed in AppNL-G-F/Pde4bY358C versus AppNL-G-F mice, identifying their potential involvement in the protective effect of hypomorphic PDE4B. Our data demonstrate that spatial memory and cerebral glucose metabolism deficits exhibited by 12-month-old AppNL-G-F mice are prevented by targeted inhibition of PDE4B. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a protective effect of PDE4B subtype-specific inhibition in a preclinical model of AD. It thus identifies PDE4B as a key regulator of disease manifestation in the AppNL-G-F model and a promising therapeutic target for AD.

The effect of family integrated care on preparing parents with premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit for discharge

OBJECTIVE

The study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial to determine the effect of the Family Integrated Care (FICare) model on the readiness of parents whose infants were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for discharge and home care of the infants.

STUDY DESIGN

Parents in the intervention group received FICare, and parents in the control group received standard care.

RESULTS

The total mean score of the mothers and fathers in the intervention group regarding readiness for discharge and home care was higher than that of the control group, and a significant difference was observed. A statistically significant difference was found in terms of discharge weight, the day of first enteral feeding, and first breast milk.

CONCLUSION

The FICare model was observed to enhance the readiness of mothers and fathers for discharge and home care and positively affect the infant's weight gain, the status of breastfeeding and the continuation of nutrition.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifiers: NCT04478162 Unique Protocol ID: 16214662/050.01.04/14) on 17/07/2020.

Deep photonic network platform enabling arbitrary and broadband optical functionality

Expanding applications in optical communications, computing, and sensing continue to drive the need for high-performance integrated photonic components. Designing these on-chip systems with arbitrary functionality requires beyond what is possible with physical intuition, for which machine learning-based methods have recently become popular. However, computational demands for physically accurate device simulations present critical challenges, significantly limiting scalability and design flexibility of these methods. Here, we present a highly-scalable, physics-informed design platform for on-chip optical systems with arbitrary functionality, based on deep photonic networks of custom-designed Mach-Zehnder interferometers. Leveraging this platform, we demonstrate ultra-broadband power splitters and a spectral duplexer, each designed within two minutes. The devices exhibit state-of-the-art experimental performance with insertion losses below 0.66 dB, and 1-dB bandwidths exceeding 120 nm. This platform provides a tractable path towards systematic, large-scale photonic system design, enabling custom power, phase, and dispersion profiles for high-throughput communications, quantum information processing, and medical/biological sensing applications.

High-resolution temporal gravity field data products: Monthly mass grids and spherical harmonics from 1994 to 2021

Since April 2002, Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE-FO (FollowOn) satellite gravimetry missions have provided precious data for monitoring mass variations within the hydrosphere, cryosphere, and oceans with unprecedented accuracy and resolution. However, the long-term products of mass variations prior to GRACE-era may allow for a better understanding of spatio-temporal changes in climate-induced geophysical phenomena, e.g., terrestrial water cycle, ice sheet and glacier mass balance, sea level change and ocean bottom pressure (OBP). Here, climate-driven mass anomalies are simulated globally at 1.0° × 1.0° spatial and monthly temporal resolutions from January 1994 to January 2021 using an in-house developed hybrid Deep Learning architecture considering GRACE/-FO mascon and SLR-inferred gravimetry, ECMWF Reanalysis-5 data, and normalized time tag information as training datasets. Internally, we consider mathematical metrics such as RMSE, NSE and comparisons to previous studies, and externally, we compare our simulations to GRACE-independent datasets such as El-Nino and La-Nina indexes, Global Mean Sea Level, Earth Orientation Parameters-derived low-degree spherical harmonic coefficients, and in-situ OBP measurements for validation.

Neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer networks share pathways, but differ in mechanisms, signaling strength, and outcome

Epidemiological studies suggest that individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are more prone to develop certain types of cancer. Notably, however, the case statistics can be impacted by late discovery of cancer in individuals afflicted with NDDs, such as intellectual disorders, autism, and schizophrenia, which may bias the numbers. As to NDD-associated mutations, in most cases, they are germline while cancer mutations are sporadic, emerging during life. However, somatic mosaicism can spur NDDs, and cancer-related mutations can be germline. NDDs and cancer share proteins, pathways, and mutations. Here we ask (i) exactly which features they share, and (ii) how, despite their commonalities, they differ in clinical outcomes. To tackle these questions, we employed a statistical framework followed by network analysis. Our thorough exploration of the mutations, reconstructed disease-specific networks, pathways, and transcriptome levels and profiles of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cancers, point to signaling strength as the key factor: strong signaling promotes cell proliferation in cancer, and weaker (moderate) signaling impacts differentiation in ASD. Thus, we suggest that signaling strength, not activating mutations, can decide clinical outcome.

In situ synthesis and dynamic simulation of molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles on a micro-reactor system

Current practices in synthesizing molecularly imprinted polymers face challenges-lengthy process, low-productivity, the need for expensive and sophisticated equipment, and they cannot be controlled in situ synthesis. Herein, we present a micro-reactor for in situ and continuously synthesizing trillions of molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles that contain molecular fingerprints of bovine serum albumin in a short period of time (5-30 min). Initially, we performed COMSOL simulation to analyze mixing efficiency with altering flow rates, and experimentally validated the platform for synthesizing nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 52-106 nm. Molecular interactions between monomers and protein were also examined by molecular docking and dynamics simulations. Afterwards, we benchmarked the micro-reactor parameters through dispersity and concentration of molecularly imprinted polymers using principal component analysis. Sensing assets of molecularly imprinted polymers were examined on a metamaterial sensor, resulting in 81% of precision with high selectivity (4.5 times), and three cycles of consecutive use. Overall, our micro-reactor stood out for its high productivity (48-288 times improvement in assay-time and 2 times improvement in reagent volume), enabling to produce 1.4-1.5 times more MIPs at one-single step, and continuous production compared to conventional strategy.

A physiological signal database of children with different special needs for stress recognition

This study presents a new dataset AKTIVES for evaluating the methods for stress detection and game reaction using physiological signals. We collected data from 25 children with obstetric brachial plexus injury, dyslexia, and intellectual disabilities, and typically developed children during game therapy. A wristband was used to record physiological data (blood volume pulse (BVP), electrodermal activity (EDA), and skin temperature (ST)). Furthermore, the facial expressions of children were recorded. Three experts watched the children's videos, and physiological data is labeled "Stress/No Stress" and "Reaction/No Reaction", according to the videos. The technical validation supported high-quality signals and showed consistency between the experts.

Nonlinear restructuring of patterned thin films by residual stress engineering into out-of-plane wavy-shaped electrostatic microactuators for high-performance radio-frequency switches

Electrostatic microelectromechanical (MEMS) switches are the basic building blocks for various radio-frequency (RF) transceivers. However, conventional cantilever-based designs of MEMS switches require a large actuation voltage, exhibit limited RF performance, and suffer from many performance tradeoffs due to their flat geometries restricted in two dimensions (2D). Here, by leveraging the residual stress in thin films, we report a novel development of three-dimensional (3D) wavy microstructures, which offer the potential to serve as high-performance RF switches. Relying on standard IC-compatible metallic materials, we devise a simple fabrication process to repeatedly manufacture out-of-plane wavy beams with controllable bending profiles and yields reaching 100%. We then demonstrate the utility of such metallic wavy beams as RF switches achieving both extremely low actuation voltage and improved RF performance owing to their unique geometry, which is tunable in three dimensions and exceeds the capabilities of current state-of-the-art flat-cantilever switches with 2D-restricted topology. As such, the wavy cantilever switch presented in this work actuates at voltages as low as 24 V while simultaneously exhibiting RF isolation and insertion loss of 20 dB and 0.75 dB, respectively, for frequencies up to 40 GHz. Wavy switch designs with 3D geometries break through the design limits set by traditional flat cantilevers and provide an additional degree of freedom or control knob in the switch design process, which could enable further optimization of switching networks used in current 5G and upcoming 6G communication scenarios.

Miniaturized wireless sensor enables real-time monitoring of food spoilage

Food spoilage results in food waste and food-borne diseases. Yet, standard laboratory tests to determine spoilage (mainly volatile biogenic amines) are not performed regularly by supply chain personnel or end customers. Here we developed a poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)-based, miniature (2 × 2 cm²) sensor for on-demand spoilage analysis via mobile phones. To demonstrate a real-life application, the wireless sensor was embedded into packaged chicken and beef; consecutive readings from meat samples using the sensor under various storage conditions enabled the monitoring of spoilage. While samples stored at room temperature showed an almost 700% change in sensor response on the third day, those stored in the freezer resulted in an insignificant change in sensor output. The proposed low-cost, miniature wireless sensor nodes can be integrated into packaged foods, helping consumers and suppliers detect spoilage of protein-rich foods on demand, and ultimately preventing food waste and food-borne diseases.

A single-amino acid substitution in the adaptor LAT accelerates TCR proofreading kinetics and alters T-cell selection, maintenance and function

Mature T cells must discriminate between brief interactions with self-peptides and prolonged binding to agonists. The kinetic proofreading model posits that certain T-cell antigen receptor signaling nodes serve as molecular timers to facilitate such discrimination. However, the physiological significance of this regulatory mechanism and the pathological consequences of disrupting it are unknown. Here we report that accelerating the normally slow phosphorylation of the linker for activation of T cells (LAT) residue Y136 by introducing an adjacent Gly135Asp alteration (LATG135D) disrupts ligand discrimination in vivo. The enhanced self-reactivity of LATG135D T cells triggers excessive thymic negative selection and promotes T-cell anergy. During Listeria infection, LATG135D T cells expand more than wild-type counterparts in response to very weak stimuli but display an imbalance between effector and memory responses. Moreover, despite their enhanced engagement of central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms, mice bearing LATG135D show features associated with autoimmunity and immunopathology. Our data reveal the importance of kinetic proofreading in balancing tolerance and immunity.

EPIKOL, a chromatin-focused CRISPR/Cas9-based screening platform, to identify cancer-specific epigenetic vulnerabilities

Dysregulation of the epigenome due to alterations in chromatin modifier proteins commonly contribute to malignant transformation. To interrogate the roles of epigenetic modifiers in cancer cells, we generated an epigenome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout library (EPIKOL) that targets a wide-range of epigenetic modifiers and their cofactors. We conducted eight screens in two different cancer types and showed that EPIKOL performs with high efficiency in terms of sgRNA distribution and depletion of essential genes. We discovered novel epigenetic modifiers that regulate triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and prostate cancer cell fitness. We confirmed the growth-regulatory functions of individual candidates, including SS18L2 and members of the NSL complex (KANSL2, KANSL3, KAT8) in TNBC cells. Overall, we show that EPIKOL, a focused sgRNA library targeting ~800 genes, can reveal epigenetic modifiers that are essential for cancer cell fitness under in vitro and in vivo conditions and enable the identification of novel anti-cancer targets. Due to its comprehensive epigenome-wide targets and relatively high number of sgRNAs per gene, EPIKOL will facilitate studies examining functional roles of epigenetic modifiers in a wide range of contexts, such as screens in primary cells, patient-derived xenografts as well as in vivo models.

Novel light-driven functional AgNPs induce cancer death at extra low concentrations

The current study is aimed at preparing light-driven novel functional AgNPs- bio-hydrogel and evaluating anticancer potency against human melanoma cells. With an average size of 16-18 nm, the hydrogel nano-silver particle composite (AgNPs@C_MA_O) was synthesized using a soft white LED approach and analyzed by UV-Vis, DLS, FTIR, X-ray, SEM-EDX and TEM techniques. The anticancer activity of the obtained novel functionalized AgNPs@C_MA_O was tested in-vitro in the A375 melanoma cell line. Dose-response analysis showed that AgNPs at 0.01 mg/mL and 0.005 mg/mL doses reduced the viability of A375 cells by 50% at 24 and 48-h time-points, respectively. A375 cells treated with AgNPs@C_MA_O for 24 h at IC50 displayed abnormal morphology such as detachment edges and feet, shrinkage, membrane damage, and the loss of contact with adjacent cells. Our work is the first study showing that non-ionizing radiation mediated biofunctionalized AgNPs have an anti-tumoral effect at such a low concentration of 0.01 mg/mL. Our approach of using harmless wLED increased synergy between soft biopolymer compounds and AgNPs, and enhanced anticancer efficiency of the AgNPs@C_MA_O biohydrogel. Ultimately, the AgNPs accessed through the use of the wLED approach in colloidal syntheses can open new applications and combinatorial advanced cancer treatments and diagnostics.

Motoneuron expression profiling identifies an association between an axonal splice variant of HDGF-related protein 3 and peripheral myelination

Disorders that disrupt myelin formation during development or in adulthood, such as multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathies, lead to severe pathologies, illustrating myelin's crucial role in normal neural functioning. However, although our understanding of glial biology is increasing, the signals that emanate from axons and regulate myelination remain largely unknown. To identify the core components of the myelination process, here we adopted a microarray analysis approach combined with laser-capture microdissection of spinal motoneurons during the myelinogenic phase of development. We identified neuronal genes whose expression was enriched during myelination and further investigated hepatoma-derived growth factor-related protein 3 (HRP3 or HDGFRP3). HRP3 was strongly expressed in the white matter fiber tracts of the peripheral (PNS) and central (CNS) nervous systems during myelination and remyelination in a cuprizone-induced demyelination model. The dynamic localization of HPR3 between axons and nuclei during myelination was consistent with its axonal localization during neuritogenesis. To study this phenomenon, we identified two splice variants encoded by the HRP3 gene: the canonical isoform HRP3-I and a newly recognized isoform, HRP3-II. HRP3-I remained solely in the nucleus, whereas HRP3-II displayed distinct axonal localization both before and during myelination. Interestingly, HRP3-II remained in the nuclei of unmyelinated neurons and glial cells, suggesting the existence of a molecular machinery that transfers it to and retains it in the axons of neurons fated for myelination. Overexpression of HRP3-II, but not of HRP3-I, increased Schwann cell numbers and myelination in PNS neuron-glia co-cultures. However, HRP3-II overexpression in CNS co-cultures did not alter myelination.

Preparation and characterization of nanoclay-hydrogel composite support-bath for bioprinting of complex structures

Three-dimensional bioprinting of cell-laden hydrogels in a sacrificial support-bath has recently emerged as a potential solution for fabricating complex biological structures. Physical properties of the support-bath strongly influence the bioprinting process and the outcome of the fabricated constructs. In this study, we reported the application of a composite Pluronic-nanoclay support-bath including calcium ions as the crosslinking agent for bioprinting of cell-laden alginate-based hydrogels. By tuning the rheological properties, a shear-thinning composite support-bath with fast self-recovery behavior was yielded, which allowed continuous printing of complex and large-scale structures. The printed structures were easily and efficiently harvested from the support-bath without disturbing their shape fidelity. Moreover, the results showed that support-bath assisted bioprinting process did not influence the viability of cells encapsulated within hydrogel. This study demonstrates that Pluronic-nanoclay support-bath can be utilized for bioprinting of complex, cell-laden constructs for vascular and other tissue engineering applications.

The fungal metabolite chaetocin is a sensitizer for pro-apoptotic therapies in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Despite recent developments in surgery, chemo- and radio-therapy, a currently poor prognosis of GBM patients highlights an urgent need for novel treatment strategies. TRAIL (TNF Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand) is a potent anti-cancer agent that can induce apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. GBM cells frequently develop resistance to TRAIL which renders clinical application of TRAIL therapeutics inefficient. In this study, we undertook a chemical screening approach using a library of epigenetic modifier drugs to identify compounds that could augment TRAIL response. We identified the fungal metabolite chaetocin, an inhibitor of histone methyl transferase SUV39H1, as a novel TRAIL sensitizer. Combining low subtoxic doses of chaetocin and TRAIL resulted in very potent and rapid apoptosis of GBM cells. Chaetocin also effectively sensitized GBM cells to further pro-apoptotic agents, such as FasL and BH3 mimetics. Chaetocin mediated apoptosis sensitization was achieved through ROS generation and consequent DNA damage induction that involved P53 activity. Chaetocin induced transcriptomic changes showed induction of antioxidant defense mechanisms and DNA damage response pathways. Heme Oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) was among the top upregulated genes, whose induction was ROS-dependent and HMOX1 depletion enhanced chaetocin mediated TRAIL sensitization. Finally, chaetocin and TRAIL combination treatment revealed efficacy in vivo. Taken together, our results provide a novel role for chaetocin as an apoptosis priming agent and its combination with pro-apoptotic therapies might offer new therapeutic approaches for GBMs.