Direct Involvement Research Articles

Translational Relevance of Secondary Intracellular Signaling Cascades Following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-threatening and life-altering condition that results in debilitating sensorimotor and autonomic impairments. Despite significant advances in the clinical management of traumatic SCI, many patients continue to suffer due to a lack of effective therapies. The initial mechanical injury to the spinal cord results in a series of secondary molecular processes and intracellular signaling cascades in immune, vascular, glial, and neuronal cell populations, which further damage the injured spinal cord. These intracellular cascades present promising translationally relevant targets for therapeutic intervention due to their high ubiquity and conservation across eukaryotic evolution. To date, many therapeutics have shown either direct or indirect involvement of these pathways in improving recovery after SCI. However, the complex, multifaceted, and heterogeneous nature of traumatic SCI requires better elucidation of the underlying secondary intracellular signaling cascades to minimize off-target effects and maximize effectiveness. Recent advances in transcriptional and molecular neuroscience provide a closer characterization of these pathways in the injured spinal cord. This narrative review article aims to survey the MAPK, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, Rho-ROCK, NF-κB, and JAK-STAT signaling cascades, in addition to providing a comprehensive overview of the involvement and therapeutic potential of these secondary intracellular pathways following traumatic SCI.

God’s acts in Lukan-Acts: God’s active involvement in the execution of the plan of salvation

Faced with the difficulty today of executing the church’s responsibility to be a witness to Jesus Christ in the world, I researched the way in which the Scriptures speak about the direct involvement of God in the implementation of his plan of salvation. In this research, I particularly focused on what is brought forward by Luke in his gospel and in the Book of Acts. Lukan-Acts has been examined for indications that point to the direct involvement of the triune God in the execution of his plan of salvation. I proceeded in a biblical-theological-exegetical manner, looking specifically at those indications that speak of the fulfilment of the Scriptures by God; of the continuing work of Jesus; of what Luke brings forth about the involvement of the Holy Spirit; and of what Luke wrote about the activities of angels, about words that were heard from heaven, and about the miracles that took place. In addition, specific words for witnessing and sending used by Luke, as well as the summary remarks he noted, particularly in the Book of Acts, were looked at. The aim of the article was to show how the triune God himself is fully involved in the execution of his plan of salvation. From studying the Lukan-Acts, it became clear that God himself is indeed the Actor in the execution of his plan of salvation – theologically referred to as the missio Dei. It became clear that God is still the Actor when he uses the service and engagement of people. He encouraged them to it in what Luke in his double-work brought forward, using people, guided by the Spirit, as instruments in the hand of Christ. In this, the work of Luke gained extra significance in that it encouraged its first readers, as well as the church today. Being involved in mission makes sense, because God is and will be directly involved in the execution of it.Contribution: This article was written to show the relevancy of the Book of Acts for the church in relation to its involvement in mission. This shows what is the foundation of all missionary efforts of the church, namely God’s own activity and direct involvement.

Central Roles of ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 in Nutrient Uptake and Storage during Maize Grain Filling

Grain filling is critical for determining yield and quality, raising the question of whether central coordinators exist to facilitate the uptake and storage of various substances from maternal to filial tissues. The duplicate NAC transcription factors ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 could potentially serve as central coordinators. By analyzing differentially expressed genes from zmnac128 zmnac130 mutants across different genetic backgrounds and growing years, we identified 243 highly and differentially expressed genes (hdEGs) as the core target genes. These 243 hdEGs were associated with storage metabolism and transporters. ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 play vital roles in storage metabolism, and this study revealed two additional starch metabolism-related genes, sugary enhancer1 and hexokinase1, as their direct targets. A key finding of this study was the inclusion of 17 transporter genes within the 243 hdEGs, with significant alterations in the levels of more than 10 elements/substances in mutant kernels. Among them, six out of the nine upregulated transporter genes were linked to the transport of heavy metals and metalloids (HMMs), which was consistent with the enrichment of cadmium, lead, and arsenic observed in mutant kernels. Interestingly, the levels of Mg and Zn, minerals important to biofortification efforts, were reduced in mutant kernels. In addition to their direct involvement in sugar transport, ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 also activate the expression of the endosperm-preferential nitrogen and phosphate transporters ZmNPF1.1 and ZmPHO1;2. This coordinated regulation limits the intake of HMMs, enhances biofortification, and facilitates the uptake and storage of essential nutrients.

#2899 Role of the Th17.1 cells in IgA nephropathy

Abstract Background and Aims T helper (Th) cells play a crucial role in glomerulonephritis, including IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Recently identified Th17.1 cells, which are elevated in sarcoidosis, lupus, and Takayasu arteritis, express chemokine receptors CCR6 and CXCR3. These receptors are implicated in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis in glomerulonephritis models. Notably, Th17.1 cells express MDR-1 (multidrug resistance protein) and the drug efflux protein p-glycoprotein, associated with corticosteroid resistance. However, the exact role of Th17.1 cells in IgAN remains unclear. Intriguingly, Th17.1 cells produce INF-γ and IL-17, cytokines implicated in IgAN pathogenesis. Method In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we examined circulating Th17.1 cells in 18 confirmed IgAN patients. Antibodies such as anti-CXCR3-FITC and anti-CCR6-PCy7 (Biolegend, U.S.A.) were used to stain Th subpopulations. We also used combinations of the following antibodies: anti-CD45-FITC, anti-CD4-PE, anti-CD8-ECD, anti-CD3-PCy5, anti-CD56-PCy5, anti-CD3-PCy7, anti-CD19-ECD, anti-CD127-FITC, anti-CD25-PCy5, and anti-CD4-PCy7 (Coulter Immunotech, France) to evaluate T, B, NK, and Treg cells. Multicolor flow cytometry was performed using a Navios cytometer, and data were analyzed using Kaluza software (Beckman Coulter, U.S.A.). Th effector subpopulations of CD4+ lymphocytes were identified based on chemokine receptor expression: Th17.1 (CXCR3+CCR6+). Th17.1 cells were quantified as a percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes. Th1, Th2, and Treg cells were also evaluated. We explored correlations between Th17.1 cell counts, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, mL/min/1.73 m²), and proteinuria (24-hour collection). Among the patients, 5 were classified as refractory (progressive eGFR decline > 5 mL/min/1.73 m² and 24-hour proteinuria > 1g despite steroid and immunosuppressant therapy). Results The study included 18 patients. The mean (95% CI) Th17.1 cell count was 20% (16-23), and the 24-hour proteinuria was 2.1g (1.4-2.7). A significant direct correlation was observed between Th17.1 cells and proteinuria (g/L, adjusted for 24 hours) (r = 0.50, P = 0.03). Refractory patients exhibited higher Th17.1 levels compared to others (25% [95% CI: 17-33] vs. 18% [95% CI: 14-21], P = 0.02) (Fig. 1). Patients with proteinuria < 0.5g/24 h had lower Th17.1 cell counts compared to those with higher proteinuria (16% [95% CI: 12-20] vs. 21% [95% CI: 17-25], P = 0.06. No correlation was found between eGFR, proteinuria, and Th1, Th2, Th17, or Treg cells. Conclusion These findings suggest that Th17.1 cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of IgAN and could potentially indicate the response to steroids or immunosuppressants in treatment. While the direct involvement of Th17.1 cells in kidney tissue remains unexplored, further investigation is warranted due to its therapeutic and prognostic implications.

Transcriptome Analysis of BAFF/BAFF-R System in Murine Nephrotoxic Serum Nephritis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging cause for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute kidney injury (AKI) can transition to CKD and finally to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Targeted treatment is still unavailable. NF-κB signaling is associated with CKD and activated by B cell activating factor (BAFF) via BAFF-R binding. In turn, renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) are critical for the progression of fibrosis and producing BAFF. Therefore, the direct involvement of the BAFF/BAFF-R system to the pathogenesis of CKD is conceivable. We performed non-accelerated nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTN) as the CKD model in BAFF KO (B6.129S2-Tnfsf13btm1Msc/J), BAFF-R KO (B6(Cg)-Tnfrsf13ctm1Mass/J) and wildtype (C57BL/6J) mice to analyze the BAFF/BAFF-R system in anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease using high throughput RNA sequencing. We found that BAFF signaling is directly involved in the upregulation of collagen III as BAFF ko mice showed a reduced expression. However, these effects were not mediated via BAFF-R. We identified several upregulated genes that could explain the effects of BAFF in chronic kidney injury such as Txnip, Gpx3, Igfbp7, Ccn2, Kap, Umod and Ren1. Thus, we conclude that targeted treatment with anti-BAFF drugs such as belimumab may reduce chronic kidney damage. Furthermore, upregulated genes may be useful prognostic CKD biomarkers.

An in-depth examination of management interaction through employee voice dynamics in human resource management

Voice is a critical employee behavior that promotes ideas, concerns and ideas throughout the company. It is a frequent technique that learning the obstacles of leadership and issues that can affect the functioning of the corporation. In this paper, our primary goal of the research on employee voices, determine fields and the research findings on employee voice can be utilized as well as modified to be applied in other categories that illustrate the result in a more broad conception of employee voice. This review includes the fields of employee voice and Organizational Behavior (OB) coupled with Human Resource Management/Employment Relations (HRM/ER). It maintains by indicating the field's conceptions and assessments of employee voices that are distinct from one another. The impact of direct opinions from superiors, direct voice involvement and the mediating function that trust assumes are in those interactions. Based on significance, technique, process and voice management, it identifies their similarities and variations.

Teaching prudent antibiotic use on the go: a descriptive report on development, utilization and listener satisfaction of an educational podcast format for medical students and young professionals

BackgroundAn important component in fostering the responsible use of antibiotics is training of new and future prescribers in this interdisciplinary topic. Because podcasts are playing an increasing role in medical education, we aimed to develop and evaluate a podcast format with practice and guideline-oriented learning content on antibiotic therapy for medical students and young medical professionals.MethodsWe developed the concept for the podcast with the direct involvement of medical students and medical experts with teaching experience. We used video conferencing when recording the episodes in order to have quick, easy, and nationwide access to the experts involved. We released an episode every 2 to 4 weeks on the popular podcast platforms. The podcast was promoted through mailing lists, social and print media, and at conferences. The evaluation of episodes was based on user data provided by the platforms and an anonymous feedback questionnaire linked to each episode in the podcast notes.ResultsBetween December 2021 and December 2022 19 episodes of InfectEd: der Antibiotika-Podcast were released. The mean duration of an episode was 91 min. By March 9, 2023, a total of 38,829 downloads and streams had been recorded. The majority of users listened to the podcast on a mobile device. The average playing time per episode was 65%. The feedback questionnaire was completed 135 times. 60.7% of respondents were female, 38.5% male. The majority of respondents were in their twenties and thirties (66.7%). 31.1% were medical students, 25.9% were residents, and 25.2% were specialists. Listeners were asked to rate episodes on a scale from 1 to 6, where 1 was “very good” and 6 was “insufficient.” Ratings did not differ significantly between female and male respondents or between medical students and others. 118 respondents (87.4%) reported an increase in knowledge. Free-text feedback frequently emphasized clinical and also exam relevance.ConclusionOur podcast format, developed with a user-centered approach, was broadly distributed and has been well accepted by both medical students and physicians alike. It provides a large number of learners with low-threshold access to current, guideline-orientated content and could be a useful supplement to conventional teaching formats.

Enhanced generation of aromatic-enriched bio-oil from sewage sludge pyrolysis using zeolite-based catalysts under H2-rich conditions

Sewage sludge is solid waste resulting from wastewater treatment processes, and its improper management adversely affects the environment and human health. This study aims to convert sewage sludge into valuable aromatics, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, or BTEX, via the catalytic pyrolysis using mono- and bimetal-modified protonated Zeolite Socony Mobil–5, or HZSM-5, catalysts under nitrogen, methane and methane decomposition conditions. In the methane medium, HZSM-5 yielded more BTEX (20.91 wt%) compared to those obtained using protonated Y zeolite (HY) (17.24 wt%) and protonated beta zeolite (Hβ) (11.70 wt%) owing to its proper acidity, higher shape selectivity, and higher methane activation. When HZSM-5 is used, the BTEX yield increased considerably in the methane decomposition environment (27 wt%), 1.29 and 1.46 times higher than those produced under methane and nitrogen, respectively. This increase is attributed to the dual effects of the surplus in situ hydrogen (H2) and direct involvement of methane, which resulted in accelerated hydrocracking, hydrodeoxygenation, and co-aromatization reactions. Under methane decomposition conditions, the use of the Ni/HZSM-5, Mo/HZSM-5, and Ni-Mo/HZSM-5 catalysts led to 1.23-, 1.30-, and 1.66-fold increases in BTEX production, respectively, than that of the parent HZSM-5, owing to the dual effects of acidity enhanced by the newly formed Lewis acid sites, increased oxygen vacancies, and improved physical properties of the catalysts. Hence, the catalytic pyrolysis of sewage sludge using mono- and bimetal-modified HZSM-5 catalysts in a H2-rich environment proposed in this study is expected to be an efficient and sustainable method for converting undesirable materials into valuable biofuels.

Interventions aiming to improve advance care planning uptake in oncology: a scoping review of recent randomized controlled trials.

The evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions aiming to improve ACP uptake appears mixed. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize findings from recent RCTs assessing the efficacy of interventions designed to increase ACP uptake in cancer care. The PubMed database was searched for studies published between 2021 and 2023. Ten RCTs were identified that evaluated a wide range of interventions aimed at encouraging or facilitating ACP communication among patients with advanced cancer, caregivers, and HCPs. Three RCTs developed ACP facilitation tools for patients and sometimes caregivers. Six RCTs involved integrating trained ACP facilitators into patient care, and one RCT used nudges to encourage oncologists trained in ACP discussions to initiate discussions with patients at highest risk of short-term mortality. Most of the reviewed interventions were based on previously tested intervention approaches or tools. The key effects identified in this review are the facilitation of ACP discussions among patients, caregivers, and HCPs, and the documentation of patient preferences in the medical record. The direct involvement of facilitators in ACP document drafting and inclusion in patient files, as well as interventions prompting end-of-life discussions, contributed to this effect.

THE SOUTH DOES ALSO EXIST: THE CONTINENTAL DRIFT DEBATE IN THE ACCOUNT OF THE SOUTH-AFRICAN PALEOBOTANIST EDNA PLUMSTEAD

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes a letter sent by the South African paleobotanist Edna Plumstead in 1982 to the US philosopher of science Henry Frankel, in answer to his questions about her involvement in the early debates on the concept of continental drift. Her response gave a biographical account of her life and explained in what context she first became acquainted with the themes that would become her life's work, and the scientific network of people who influenced her along the way. Beginning with her undergraduate years in the 1920s, Plumstead was aware that continental drift was being discussed in scientific circles in South Africa, earlier than in the northern hemisphere. This was followed by her more direct involvement in paleontological studies on fossils of the seed-plant Glossopteris, her important description of Glossopteris reproductive organs in direct attachment to the leaves, and how the distribution of these fossils contributed to the concept of Gondwanaland and the continental drift theory. These contributions, although extremely relevant to science, were mostly ignored in the Global North.

Emerging technologies in citizen science and potential for insect monitoring.

Emerging technologies are increasingly employed in environmental citizen science projects. This integration offers benefits and opportunities for scientists and participants alike. Citizen science can support large-scale, long-term monitoring of species occurrences, behaviour and interactions. At the same time, technologies can foster participant engagement, regardless of pre-existing taxonomic expertise or experience, and permit new types of data to be collected. Yet, technologies may also create challenges by potentially increasing financial costs, necessitating technological expertise or demanding training of participants. Technology could also reduce people's direct involvement and engagement with nature. In this perspective, we discuss how current technologies have spurred an increase in citizen science projects and how the implementation of emerging technologies in citizen science may enhance scientific impact and public engagement. We show how technology can act as (i) a facilitator of current citizen science and monitoring efforts, (ii) an enabler of new research opportunities, and (iii) a transformer of science, policy and public participation, but could also become (iv) an inhibitor of participation, equity and scientific rigour. Technology is developing fast and promises to provide many exciting opportunities for citizen science and insect monitoring, but while we seize these opportunities, we must remain vigilant against potential risks. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.

Involving Young Learners in Mind, Brain and Education Research

ABSTRACTFor two decades, the field of Mind, Brain and Education (MBE) has shed light on learning mechanisms. However, the direct involvement of young learners in the design and creation of research projects, while steadily emerging, is still rare. More researchers are beginning to see the benefits of co‐construction of not only research questions but also experimental design and analysis based on young learners' ideas. Recognizing that learning is inseparable from social relationships and well‐being, the papers in this special issue respond to two main questions: (1) Why co‐production? (2) How is co‐production achieved? We hope that this special issue will invite discussions about the different domains within MBE research in which learners' input and collaboration can be valuable. We invite readers to take into consideration the diversity of methods which are represented in this special issue to engage young learners and collect their perspectives.

Nuclear mTOR Signaling Orchestrates Transcriptional Programs Underlying Cellular Growth and Metabolism.

mTOR is a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism in response to mitogenic and nutrient signals. Notably, mTOR is not only found in the cytoplasm but also in the nucleus. This review highlights direct involvement of nuclear mTOR in regulating transcription factors, orchestrating epigenetic modifications, and facilitating chromatin remodeling. These effects intricately modulate gene expression programs associated with growth and metabolic processes. Furthermore, the review underscores the importance of nuclear mTOR in mediating the interplay between metabolism and epigenetic modifications. By integrating its functions in nutrient signaling and gene expression related to growth and metabolism, nuclear mTOR emerges as a central hub governing cellular homeostasis, malignant transformation, and cancer progression. Better understanding of nuclear mTOR signaling has the potential to lead to novel therapies against cancer and other growth-related diseases.

Exploring Salivary Epithelial Dysfunction in Sjögren's Disease.

Sjögren's Disease (SjD) is an autoimmune disease of the exocrine tissues. Etiological events result in the loss of epithelial homeostasis alongside extracellular matrix (ECM) destruction within the salivary and lacrimal glands, followed by immune cell infiltration. In this review, we have assessed the current understanding of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated changes within the salivary epithelium potentially involved in salivary dysfunction and SjD pathogenesis. We performed a PubMed literature review pertaining to the determination of pathogenic events that lead to EMT-related epithelial dysfunction and signaling in SjD. Molecular patterns of epithelial dysfunction in SjD salivary glands share commonalities with EMT mediating wound healing. Pathological changes altering salivary gland integrity and function may precede direct immune involvement while perpetuating MMP9-mediated ECM destruction, inflammatory mediator expression, and eventual immune cell infiltration. Dysregulation of EMT-associated factors is present in the salivary epithelium of SjD and may be significant in initiating and perpetuating the disease. In this review, we further highlight the gap regarding mechanisms that drive epithelial dysfunction in salivary glands in the early or subclinical pre-lymphocytic infiltration stages of SjD.

Abstract PO2-24-08: GD3 Synthase is a Master Regulator of Wild-Type p53–Mediated Apoptosis and Mutant p53–Mediated Tumorigenesis

Abstract The tumor suppressor protein p53 is essential for maintaining genomic stability and regulating cellular responses to stress. TP53 mutations are common in breast cancer (BC) and other malignancies. We previously showed that ganglioside GD2 identifies BC stem-like cells (BCSCs) and that GD3 synthase (GD3S/ST8SIA1) is upregulated in breast tumors with TP53 mutations. Here, we demonstrate the direct involvement of p53 in the transcriptional regulation of GD3S in the GD2 biosynthesis pathway. Our results uncover a novel role of GD3S in inhibiting p53-mediated apoptosis and promoting mutant p53–induced tumor initiation. To investigate the p53-mediated regulation of GD3S expression, we used the TCGA and METABRIC datasets and examined GD3S mRNA expression in breast tumors with different p53 mutation status. GD3S expression was significantly upregulated in BC patients with hotspot (HS) p53 mutations compared to those with wild-type (WT) p53 or non-HS p53 mutations (P< 0.0001). Immuno-histochemical analysis of GD3S and p53 in FFPE primary tumor tissues from BC patients (n=84) with varying p53 expression status demonstrated that patients with HS p53 mutations had higher histological scores for GD3S than did patients with WT p53 (P< 0.0001) or non-HS p53 mutations (P=0.009). GD3S and p53 expression were significantly positively correlated in patients with HS p53 mutations (r=0.735; P=0.006) but not in patients with WT p53 (r=–0.09) or non-HS p53 mutations (r=0.14). Consistent with these patient data, BC cells harboring HS p53 mutations had significantly upregulated and positively correlated expressions of GD3S and p53 (n=8; r=0.85). Moreover, compared to those with WT p53, the cells with HS p53 mutations had substantially greater populations of GD2+ BCSCs (P=0.02) and GD3+ BCSCs (P=0.01). Subsequently, we investigated the regulatory role of p53 in the GD2 biosynthetic pathway by stabilizing WT p53 expression by nutlin-3a treatment in 4 BC cell lines and suppressing the expression of HS p53 mutants by p53 knockdown in their respective cell lines (n=4). In cell lines with WT p53, nutlin-3a significantly decreased GD3S expression and GD2 levels (P< 0.05 and P< 0.0001, respectively), suggesting that WT p53 inhibits GD3S expression. In cell lines with p53 mutations, p53 knockdown significantly inhibited GD3S expression. In both cells with WT p53 (MCF7 and ZR751) and cells with HS p53 mutations (Hs578T and BT549), the stable overexpression of GD3S effectively suppressed apoptosis even when WT p53 was stabilized or HS p53 mutant expression was depleted. Consistent with these results, in mice bearing MCF7 cell–derived xenografts, the overexpression of GD3S counteracted the effect of stabilized WT p53–mediated apoptosis and facilitated tumor growth (P< 0.0001). The results of a promoter-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that nutlin-3a reduced GD3S promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner in MCF7 and ZR751 cells (P< 0.0001), whereas doxycycline (1µM) significantly reduced GD3S promoter activity in Hs578T and BT549 cells with inducible p53 knockdown (P< 0.001). ChIP-qPCR analysis confirmed specific enrichment of WT p53 at the 300-bp upstream regions and additional enrichment of HS p53 mutants at the downstream regions of the GD3S promoter, indicating that WT p53 and HS p53 mutations have distinct promoter regulation patterns. In summary, our study reveals that GD3S has a previously unknown anti-apoptotic function in BC, in that it helps attenuate p53-mediated apoptosis while activating tumor-promoting pathways that operate independently of p53. Citation Format: Vivek Anand, FOUAD EL-DANA, JENNY BORGMAN, MICHAEL ANDREEFF, Venkata Lokesh Battula. GD3 Synthase is a Master Regulator of Wild-Type p53–Mediated Apoptosis and Mutant p53–Mediated Tumorigenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-24-08.

The role of glial and neuronal Eph/ephrin signaling in Drosophila mushroom body development and sleep and circadian behavior

The Eph receptor, a prototypically large receptor protein tyrosine kinase, interacts with ephrin ligands, forming a bidirectional signaling system that impacts diverse brain functions. Eph receptors and ephrins mediate forward and reverse signaling, affecting neurogenesis, axon guidance, and synaptic signaling. While mammalian studies have emphasized their roles in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, the Drosophila counterparts are less studied, especially in glial cells, despite structural similarities. Using RNAi to modulate Eph/ephrin expression in Drosophila neurons and glia, we studied their roles in brain development and sleep and circadian behavior. Knockdown of neuronal ephrin disrupted mushroom body development, while glial knockdown had minimal impact. Surprisingly, disrupting ephrin in neurons or glial cells altered sleep and circadian rhythms, indicating a direct involvement in these behaviors independent from developmental effects. Further analysis revealed distinct sleep phenotypes between neuronal and glial knockdowns, underscoring the intricate interplay within the neural circuits that govern behavior. Glia-specific knockdowns showed altered sleep patterns and reduced circadian rhythmicity, suggesting an intricate role of glia in sleep regulation. Our findings challenge simplistic models of Eph/ephrin signaling limited to neuron-glia communication and emphasize the complexity of the regulatory networks modulating behavior. Future investigations targeting specific glial subtypes will enhance our understanding of Eph/ephrin signaling's role in sleep regulation across species.

Plastid Molecular Chaperone HSP90C Interacts with the SecA1 Subunit of Sec Translocase for Thylakoid Protein Transport.

The plastid stroma-localized chaperone HSP90C plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal proteostasis within chloroplasts and participates in protein translocation processes. While existing studies have revealed HSP90C's direct interaction with the Sec translocase-dependent client pre-protein PsbO1 and the SecY1 subunit of the thylakoid membrane-bound Sec1 translocase channel system, its direct involvement with the extrinsic homodimeric Sec translocase subunit, SecA1, remains elusive. Employing bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay and other in vitro analyses, we unraveled potential interactions between HSP90C and SecA1. Our investigation revealed dynamic interactions between HSP90C and SecA1 at the thylakoid membrane and stroma. The thylakoid membrane localization of this interaction was contingent upon active HSP90C ATPase activity, whereas their stromal interaction was associated with active SecA1 ATPase activity. Furthermore, we observed a direct interaction between these two proteins by analyzing their ATP hydrolysis activities, and their interaction likely impacts their respective functional cycles. Additionally, using PsbO1, a model Sec translocase client pre-protein, we studied the intricacies of HSP90C's possible involvement in pre-protein translocation via the Sec1 system in chloroplasts. The results suggest a complex nature of the HSP90C-SecA1 interaction, possibly mediated by the Sec client protein. Our studies shed light on the nuanced aspects of HSP90C's engagement in orchestrating pre-protein translocation, and we propose a potential collaborative role of HSP90C with SecA1 in actively facilitating pre-protein transport across the thylakoid membrane.

Mechanisms of Ligand Hyperfine Coupling in Transition-Metal Complexes: σ and π Transmission Pathways.

Theoretical interpretation of hyperfine interactions was pioneered in the 1950s-1960s by the seminal works of McConnell, Karplus, and others for organic radicals and by Watson and Freeman for transition-metal (TM) complexes. In this work, we investigate a series of octahedral Ru(III) complexes with aromatic ligands to understand the mechanism of transmission of the spin density from the d-orbital of the metal to the s-orbitals of the ligand atoms. Spin densities and spin populations underlying ligand hyperfine couplings are analyzed in terms of π-conjugative or σ-hyperconjugative delocalization vs spin polarization based on symmetry considerations and restricted open-shell vs unrestricted wave function analysis. The transmission of spin density is shown to be most efficient in the case of symmetry-allowed π-conjugative delocalization, but when the π-conjugation is partially or fully symmetry-forbidden, it can be surpassed by σ-hyperconjugative delocalization. Despite a lower spin population of the ligand in σ-hyperconjugative transmission, the hyperfine couplings can be larger because of the direct involvement of the ligand s-orbitals in this delocalization pathway. We demonstrate a quantitative correlation between the hyperfine couplings of aromatic ligand atoms and the characteristics of the metal-ligand bond modulated by the trans substituent, a hyperfine trans effect.

Quantitative proteomics reveals the complex regulatory networks of LTTR-type regulators in pleiotropic functions of Aeromonas hydrophila

LysR-type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) are ubiquitously distributed and abundant transcriptional regulators in prokaryotes, playing pivotal roles in diverse physiological processes. Nonetheless, despite their prevalence, the intricate functionalities and physiological implications of this protein family remain incompletely elucidated. In this study, we employed a comprehensive approach to deepen our understanding of LTTRs by generating a collection of 20 LTTR gene-deletion strains in Aeromonas hydrophila, accounting for 42.6 % of the predicted total LTTR repertoire, and subjected them to meticulous assessment of their physiological phenotypes. Leveraging quantitative proteomics, we conducted a comparative analysis of protein expression variations between six representative mutants and the wild-type strain. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis unveiled the involvement of these LTTRs in modulating a wide array of biological processes, notably including two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) and intracellular central metabolism. Moreover, employing subsequent microbiological methodologies, we experimentally verified the direct involvement of at least six LTTRs in the regulation of galactose metabolism. Importantly, through ELISA and competitive ELISA assays, we demonstrated the competitive binding capabilities of these LTTRs with the promoter of the α-galactosidase gene AHA_1897 and identified that four LTTRs (XapR, YidZ, YeeY, and AHA_1805) do not engage in competitive binding with other LTTRs. Overall, our comprehensive findings not only provide fundamental insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing crucial physiological functions of bacteria through LTTR family proteins but also uncover an intricate and interactive regulatory network mediated by LTTRs.

‘Seeking Justice, Not Charity’. Medical Experiment Victims’ Struggle with Purposefully Inadequate Compensation

Abstract Germany’s initial Wiedergutmachung process did little good for survivors of Nazi medical experiments who struggled with uniquely devastating circumstances. Unable to navigate the nascent post-war compensation bureaucracy, many were left with shockingly little financial assistance, or none at all. That was even the case for one of the victims, Haim Nahon, who had the leadership of the primary restitution agency personally fighting on his behalf. Despite the focus of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany on communal relief and rehabilitation and not on individual compensation, Nahon’s plight was taken up by Benjamin Ferencz, Saul Kagan and other senior figures involved in Wiedergutmachung. Yet even their direct involvement in early compensation efforts, documented in this article in granular first-person accounts, could do little to help Nahon’s case. Nahon’s failed attempts to obtain “adequate” post-war compensation from Germany’s Ministry of Finance offer an unsettling case study of how willfully limited interpretations of the initial 1951 restitution fund had a lifelong cost for survivors of Nazi medical experiments.