Interplay Of Mechanisms Research Articles

Interplay of geometry and mechanics in epithelial wound healing

Interplay of geometry and mechanics in epithelial wound healing

The Impact of Temperature on the Adiabaticity and Coverage of a Single Shallow Cumulus Cloud

AbstractThe uncertainty of climate projection is significantly related to warm cloud feedback, which involves a complex interplay of various mechanisms. However, it is hard to unentangle temperature's impact on a single cloud with experiments, since the cloud dynamics always covary with environmental thermodynamical conditions. In this study, we investigate a simulated single shallow cumulus cloud's response to temperature using two perturbation methods, namely “uniform” and “buoyancy‐fixed”, the latter of which keeps the buoyancy profile unchanged in temperature perturbation. High‐resolution large eddy simulations show that uniform warming significantly increases cloud buoyancy, reducing cloud adiabaticity. If buoyancy is fixed, warming only reduces cloud area, leaving adiabatic fraction almost unchanged. Such a response can be explained by the Clausius‐Clapeyron effect with an idealized 1D diffusion model, showing that warming increases the cloud‐environment absolute humidity difference more than the increase in cloud liquid water content, resulting in a faster loss in both cloud coverage and total liquid water solely by lateral mixing. The responses of cloud coverage and total liquid water counteract, making adiabatic fraction insensitive to temperature change. Our work shows that the cloud adiabatic fraction's response to temperature is sensitive to the perturbed structure of the boundary layer, and the cloud coverage reduction by diffusion acts as a positive cloud feedback mechanism in addition to the adjustment processes of the boundary layer.

Regulation of ferroptosis in osteoarthritis and osteoarthritic chondrocytes by typical MicroRNAs in chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disorder impacting bones and joints, worsened by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, mechanical stress, metabolic disturbances, and various other contributing factors. The complex interplay of cartilage damage, loss, and impaired repair mechanisms remains a critical and formidable aspect of OA pathogenesis. At the genetic level, multiple genes have been implicated in the modulation of chondrocyte metabolism, displaying both promotive and inhibitory roles. Recent research has increasingly focused on the influence of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of distinct cell types within bone tissue in OA. In particular, an expanding body of evidence highlights the regulatory roles of microRNAs in OA chondrocytes. This review aims to consolidate the most relevant microRNAs associated with OA chondrocytes, as identified in recent studies, and to elucidate their involvement in chondrocyte metabolic processes and ferroptosis. Furthermore, this study explores the complex regulatory interactions between long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in OA, with an emphasis on microRNA-mediated mechanisms. Finally, critical gaps in the current research are identified, offering strategic insights to advance the understanding of OA pathophysiology and guide therapeutic developments in this field.

Addressing gaps in pain research from an integrated whole person perspective

Abstract While our understanding of pain is rapidly growing, some areas of pain research are lagging behind. This article discusses two current and inter-related gaps in knowledge that are in need of addressing: first, the connections between “brain” and “body” components of pain; and second, the process of endogenous pain resolution. Historical reasons for these research gaps are discussed and solutions are outlined based on an integrative, whole person research approach. These include comprehensive mapping of the mechanosensory and nociceptive innervation of deep tissues; developing objective, non-invasive measurements to quantify the metabolic, structural and mechanical components of the peripheral tissue environment; integrating our understanding of pain pathophysiology, across whole organs and whole body, as well as across bio-psycho-social domains; and understanding the interplay of nervous system and peripheral tissue mechanisms that promote the endogenous resolution of pain and prevent its acute-to-chronic transition. Current NIH-led efforts in these areas are outlined, including several studies within the NIH HEAL (or Help End Addition Long Term) initiative and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health's strategic priorities in whole person research.

Проблемы социализации и инкультурации в современных условиях

Russian society today is influenced by the process of globalization, which is manifested in objective phenomena such as technical and technological development, as well as subjective manifestations-changes in the value-normative system. The consequence of these processes is an anthropological crisis, the replacement of traditional agents of socialization with new ones – information and telecommunication resources, the Internet. The young generation of Russians, who most actively use new technologies in their everyday and professional lives, is at risk. Using methods of document analysis, synthesis, and analogy, the author identifies permanent features of the processes of socialization and enculturation such as the interplay of conscious and unconscious mechanisms and the law of imitation/copying of the most significant models and values. The article points out that in the modern conditions of the information society, such a sought-after goal of socialization and enculturation as the formation of an integral personality capable of reproducing and transmitting basic values and norms to subsequent generations turns out to be difficult to achieve. The fact of modernity is also becoming the allocation of the Internet as an influential agent of socialization. Employing descriptive, comparative methods, and formal legal source analysis, the author concludes that, alongside the formal-legal influence of the state on the functioning of information and communication resources, there is a necessity for systemic influence from civil society institutions and the education sector as a whole, which can establish appropriate axiological foundations in society and the state.

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in traumatic brain injury: a review.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, characterized by a complex interplay of primary and secondary injury mechanisms. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play a crucial role in the inflammatory response following TBI. To review the current understanding of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in TBI, exploring its dual nature as a protective and detrimental process. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Relevant studies investigating the role of microglia in TBI were included. In the early stages of TBI, microglia exhibit a protective response, releasing cytokines and chemokines to promote neuronal survival and tissue repair. However, prolonged or excessive microglial activation can lead to neurotoxicity and exacerbate secondary injury. Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation involves complex signaling pathways, including Toll-like receptors, purinergic receptors, and the complement system. Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in TBI is a double-edged sword. While acute microglial activation can promote repair, chronic or excessive inflammation contributes to neuronal damage and functional deficits. Understanding the temporal and molecular dynamics of microglial responses is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to modulate neuroinflammation and improve outcomes after TBI.

From microbes to mind: germ-free models in neuropsychiatric research.

The gut-microbiota-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication system between the gut, its microbial community, and the brain. This interaction involves a complex interplay of neural pathways, chemical transmitters, and immunological mechanisms. Germ-free animal models have been extensively employed to investigate gut-microbiota-brain interactions, significantly contributing to our current understanding of the role of intestinal microbes in brain function. However, despite the many benefits, this absence of microbiota is not futile. Germ-free animals present physiological and neurodevelopmental alterations that can persist even after reconstitution with normal microbiota. Therefore, the main goal of this minireview is to discuss how some of the inherent limitations of this model can interfere with the conclusion obtained when using these animals to study the complex nature of neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, we examine the inclusion and use of antibiotic-based treatments as an alternative in the research of gut-brain interactions.

Drosophila Cul3 contributes to Diap2-mediated innate immune signaling for antimicrobial defense

The host antimicrobial immune response relies on a complex interplay of molecular mechanisms to effectively combat microbial infections. Herein, we investigate the functional role of Cullin-3 (Cul3), one critical constituent of cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases, in the Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) antimicrobial immune defense. We show that silencing of Cul3 leads to a decreased induction of antimicrobial peptides and high mortality in adult flies after bacterial infection. Through biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that Cul3 predominantly relies on its BTB-binding domain and neddylation domain to physically associate with death-associated inhibitor of apoptosis 2 (Diap2). Importantly, Cul3 ameliorates the Diap2-mediated ubiquitination of death-related ced-3/Nedd2-like caspase (Dredd), a process essential for robust immune deficiency signaling upon bacterial infection. Taken together, our findings highlight a previously unrecognized regulatory axis of Cul3/Diap2/Dredd in the fly antimicrobial immune defense, providing potential insights into therapeutic strategies for combating bacterial infections in humans.

Systematic simulation of tumor cell invasion and migration in response to time-varying rotating magnetic field.

Cancer invasion and migration play a pivotal role in tumor malignancy, which is a major cause of most cancer deaths. Rotating magnetic field (RMF), one of the typical dynamic magnetic fields, can exert substantial mechanical influence on cells. However, studying the effects of RMF on cell is challenging due to its complex parameters, such as variation of magnetic field intensity and direction. Here, we developed a systematic simulation method to explore the influence of RMF on tumor invasion and migration, including a finite element method (FEM) model and a cell-based hybrid numerical model. Coupling with the data of magnetic field from FEM, the cell-based hybrid numerical model was established to simulate the tumor cell invasion and migration. This model employed partial differential equations (PDEs) and finite difference method to depict cellular activities and solve these equations in a discrete system. PDEs were used to depict cell activities, and finite difference method was used to solve the equations in discrete system. As a result, this study provides valuable insights into the potential applications of RMF in tumor treatment, and a series of in vitro experiments were performed to verify the simulation results, demonstrating the model's reliability and its capacity to predict experimental outcomes and identify pertinent factors. Furthermore, these findings shed new light on the mechanical and chemical interplay between cells and the ECM, offering new insights and providing a novel foundation for both experimental and theoretical advancements in tumor treatment by using RMF.

Mode I crack propagation in polydimethylsiloxane-short carbon fiber composites

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of reinforcement toughening and failure mechanisms in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-carbon fiber (CF) composites employing an approach combining experiments and numerical simulations. Through a series of meticulously designed mechanical experiments, the behavior of the composite material under varying conditions is thoroughly examined. The introduction of CFs enhances the stiffness of the material while also leading to debonding and an increased Mullins effect. A constitutive model replicating the observed reinforcement and damage behavior is implemented. Our investigation extends to the analysis of crack growth through both numerical simulations and microscopic morphological examinations. A cohesive zone model is subsequently utilized to simulate crack propagation, providing enhanced understanding of the relationship between structural characteristics and mechanical behaviors. The process of crack propagation subjects the materials to cycles of loading and unloading, highlighted by the reinforcing action of CF pinning and stress transfer, alongside toughening mechanisms attributed to a variety of dissipative processes: interfacial debonding damage, energy loss due to CF pull-out, the Mullins effect, and viscous energy dissipation. This study elucidates the complex mechanical interplay within PDMS-CF composites and suggests pathways for their design optimization, significantly broadening their applicability in numerous domains.

Hyperglycosylation as an Indicator of Aging in the Bone Metabolome of Oryzias latipes.

Chronological aging of bone tissues is a multi-faceted process that involves a complex interplay of cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms. Metabolites play a crucial role for bone homeostasis, and a changed metabolome is indicative for bone aging, although bone metabolomics are currently understudied. The vertebral bone metabolome of the model fish Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) was employed to identify sex-specific markers of bone aging. 265 and 213 metabolites were differently expressed in 8-month-old vs. 3-month-old female and male fish, respectively. The untargeted metabolomics pathway enrichment analysis indicated a sex-independent increased hyperglycosylation in 8-month-old individuals. The upregulated glycosylation pathways included glycosphingolipids, glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors, O-glycans, and N-glycans. UDP-sugars and sialic acid were found to be major drivers in regulating glycosylation pathways and metabolic flux. The data indicate a disruption of protein processing at the endoplasmic reticulum and changes in O-glycan biosynthesis. Dysregulation of glycosylation, particularly through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, may contribute to bone aging and age-related bone loss. The results warrant further investigation into the functional involvement of increased glycosylation in bone aging. The potential of glycan-based biomarkers as early warning systems for bone aging should be explored and would aid in an advanced understanding of the progression of bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

The Interplay of Epistemic Trust, Defensive Mechanisms, Interpersonal Problems, and Symptomatology: An Empirical Investigation

Epistemic trust has emerged as a promising construct in understanding psycho(patho)logical functioning. However, its interplay with other dimensions that may contribute to developing specific symptom patterns remains underexplored. This study sought to investigate how epistemic trust, mistrust, and credulity relate to relational difficulties, defense mechanisms, and psychological symptoms to enrich the comprehension of their impact on mental health. A sample of 385 Italian individuals (60 % females and 40 % males, Mage = 28.2, SDage = 9.6, 18–65 years) completed an online survey including self-report questionnaires: Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire, Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale-Self-Report-30, Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-32, and Brief Symptom Inventory. Results showed that epistemic disruptions were associated with severe interpersonal problems, more primitive defense mechanisms, and greater levels of psychopathology. Moreover, epistemic mistrust and lower defensive functioning strongly predicted higher levels of symptomatology, underscoring their detrimental effect on processes underlying mental health. These findings highlight the critical role of epistemic disruptions as risk factors for psychological distress, offering vital insights into the dynamic mechanisms underpinning mental health, as well as implications for intervention protocols and clinical practice.

New perspectives on the role of platelet factors in enhancing wound regeneration

Aim. To analyze the use of biological factors in the stimulation of the wound healing process. In the course of the study, we analysed relevant domestic and foreign literature sources on the given topic.Methods. The literature was reviewed using the key query ‘the role of biological factors in wound healing stimulation’ through the eLIBRARY and PubMed databases.Results. Currently, the range of therapeutic approaches is broad and diverse, incorporating both traditional and experimental methods such as advanced dressings, tissue matrices, growth factors (GFs), cell therapy, and nanotechnology. The wound healing process is regulated by a complex interplay of intercellular, intracellular, and extracellular signalling mechanisms across various phases of healing.Conclusion. The application of platelet-based therapies in different medical fields has shown promising outcomes in certain conditions, such as acute and chronic injuries of bone and cartilage. However, platelet-based preparations have yet to gain widespread clinical use. Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of platelets and related products, such as platelet microparticles (PMPs) and exosomes, in multiple phases of wound healing. The presence of a substantial number of biologically active molecules within platelet granules—exhibiting anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, proliferative, and other properties—renders platelets particularly attractive for use in regenerative medicine, including the stimulation of wound healin

Dysfunctional cardiac energy transduction, mitochondrial oxidative stress, oncogenic and apoptotic signaling in DiNP-induced asthma in murine model.

Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) has been associated with the development of allergies, asthma, and allergic airway inflammation. Through a complex interplay of signals and feedback mechanisms, the lungs communicate with the heart to ensure maintenance of homeostasis and supporting the body's metabolic demands. In the current study, we assessed the crosstalk between DiNP-induced asthma and cardiac cellular respiration, oxidative stress, apoptotic potential, and induction of oncogenic factors. Ten male BALB/c mice with a weight range of 20-30g were divided into two groups, each comprising five mice. Group 1 (control), was administered saline orally for a duration of 30days. In contrast, group 2 (DiNP group), received 50mg/kg of DiNP to induce asthma. After the final administration and asthma induction, the mice were euthanized, and their hearts were excised, processed, and subjected to biochemical analyses. The DiNP group had downregulated (P < 0.05) activities of the enzymes of glycolysis, tricyclic acid cycle, and electron transport chain except the hexokinase and succinate dehydrogenase activity which were upregulate relative to control. Also, oxidative distress markers (GSH, CAT, and MDA and SOD) were also perturbed. Biomarkers of inflammation (MPO and NO) were considerably higher (P < 0.05) in the heart of DiNP-induced asthma mice as compared with the control group. Furthermore, DiNP-induced asthma group has an increased cardiac caspase-3, Bax, c-Myc and K-ras, and p53 while the Bcl2 decreased when compared with control. Overall, the findings indicate that DiNP-induced asthma impairs cardiac functions by induction of key cardiac oncogenes, downregulation of cardiac energy, transduction of enzymes, and promotion of oxidative stress and cellular death.

Determinants of tweens’ saving intentions: a cross-sectional study

PurposeChildren are beginning to socialize as consumers earlier than ever, highlighting the importance of their saving behavior as an effective form of consumer protection. The paper explored the influence of parents, peers, attitudes, knowledge, past behavior, allowance and self-efficacy on saving intention.Design/methodology/approachWith the aim to explore a range of determinants of adolescent saving and to specify the potential mechanisms through which different determinants operate, we adopted a multitheoretical approach based on theories of planned behavior, consumer and financial socialization, and self-efficacy. The paper investigates the formation of the saving intentions on a sample of 1,476 children 10–15 years old in Croatia.FindingsThe results indicate strong importance of parental influence and self-efficacy, implying that saving intention among tweens requires a supportive family structure as well as beliefs in the tweens themselves that they are able to save money and face difficulties.Originality/valueThis paper investigates the very nature of saving intention formation at a crucial developmental stage; it investigates the interplay of mechanisms through which determinants of savings operate at that developmental stage; and it explores the age-variance of the mechanism and the interplay of relevant variables, shedding light on the nature of the mechanism of development.

Unravelling the interplay of Statistical Learning, Top-Down, and Bottom-Up Mechanisms during target selection: Insights from Behavioural and EEG Experiments

Unravelling the interplay of Statistical Learning, Top-Down, and Bottom-Up Mechanisms during target selection: Insights from Behavioural and EEG Experiments

Survival of infection with TEM β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli with Pan-β-lactam resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global health issue, significantly contributing to patient mortality. Recent antibiotic developments have aimed to counteract carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales; however, the impact of their use on the emergence of antibiotic resistance is unknown. This study investigates the first case of a non-carbapenemase-producing, pan-β-lactam-resistant Escherichia coli strain from a patient previously treated with ceftolozane-tazobactam and cefiderocol. This study describes the clinical progression of a 39-year-old ICU patient who developed multiple infections, culminating in the isolation of a pan-β-lactam-resistant E. coli strain (EC554). The resistance profile was characterised through MIC determination, whole-genome sequencing, the use of the β-lactam inactivation method, RT-qPCR, efflux pump inhibition assays, outer membrane protein analysis, and blaTEM transformation. The EC554 isolate displayed resistance to all tested β-lactams and β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Whole-genome sequencing revealed four plasmids in EC554, with the only β-lactamase gene being blaTEM-252 on the pEC554-PBR-X1-X1 plasmid. We found that the extremely resistant phenotype was attributable to a combination of different mechanisms: a high expression of TEM-252, efflux pump activity, porin loss, and PBP3 mutations. The findings illustrate the complex interplay of multiple resistance mechanisms in E. coli, highlighting the potential for high-level resistance even without carbapenemase production. This study underscores the importance of comprehensively characterising resistance mechanisms in order to inform effective treatment strategies and mitigate the spread of resistant strains.

Enhancing impact resistance in E‐glass fabric composites through shear thickening fluids and functionalized polyethylene glycol

AbstractIn this study, we delved into innovative strategies to make neat E‐glass fabrics (NGFs) more impact‐ and tensile‐resistant by using shear‐thickening fluids (STFs). To achieve this goal, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) in STFs has been modified. Subsequently, the STF‐impregnated fabric composites were prepared from unmodified PEG and functionally modified PEGs using malonic and tartaric acids, V/S/GF, M/S/GF, and T/S/GF composites, respectively. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was conducted to confirm the chemical modification of PEGs. The rheological tests showed a significant improvement in the peak viscosity of modified STFs compared with virgin STF. Dynamic rheological analysis also studied media‐particle interaction, revealing improved media‐particle interaction in STFs due to abundant H‐bonding. In addition, a series of experimental tests, namely compressive impact resistance and strip tensile strength tests, have been conducted to investigate the effect of STF modification on the NGF. The results revealed notable improvements in tensile strength and energy dissipation in the T/S/GF and M/S/GF composites compared with V/S/GF and NGF. Importantly, this improvement extended to the impact performance of single, triple, and quintuple layers. Notably, we found that the peak load of 5 T/S/GF was 37.71%, 18.57%, and 11.87% lower than that of 5NGF, 5 V/S/GF, and 5 M/S/GF, respectively. The idea that made these improvements possible came from PEG functionalization, which helps hydrogen bonds form between the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium, leading to higher viscosity. This, in turn, increases inter‐yarn friction, effectively enhancing the spring‐like properties of T/S/GF and M/S/GF compared with V/S/GF. A two‐step artificial intelligence regression analysis underpinned these findings, elucidating the interplay of molecular mechanisms in high‐performance fabric composites.

Land cover is the main driver of the distribution patterns of larval Odonata assemblages in freshwater wetlands of the Brazilian Pampa

AbstractAquatic insects are key to wetland ecological functioning, and the distribution of amphibious insects such as Odonata jointly depends on environmental conditions in the aquatic and terrestrial settings. Therefore, untangling the relative effects of within‐wetland and landscape composition can help predict the responses of Odonata to environmental alterations in wetlands. Using data from 19 wetlands spanning over the southern Brazilian Pampa (center‐western Rio Grande do Sul state), we assessed the relative importance of water chemistry and land‐cover variables to the richness and composition of larval Odonata assemblages (and suborders Anisoptera and Zygoptera). Anisoptera richness decreased with pH and bare soil area. Water pH and areas of bare soil, mosaic of agricultural land use, and waterbodies land cover were the main drivers of Odonata and Zygoptera composition. Our results indicate that land cover is the main driver of the assemblage structure of larval Odonata, although a complex interplay of mechanisms associated with land conversion and water quality drive the distribution of larval Odonata in freshwater wetlands of the Brazilian Pampa. The major implication of our findings is that land cover modification is the major threat to Odonata distribution in Pampean wetlands, with potential impacts on the trophic structure and functioning of these ecosystems.

Plant Defense Mechanisms against Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contamination: Insights into the Role of Extracellular Vesicles.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants that pose significant environmental and health risks. These compounds originate from both natural phenomena, such as volcanic activity and wildfires, and anthropogenic sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial processes, and fossil fuel combustion. Their classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic substances link them to various cancers and health disorders. PAHs are categorized into low-molecular-weight (LMW) and high-molecular-weight (HMW) groups, with HMW PAHs exhibiting greater resistance to degradation and a tendency to accumulate in sediments and biological tissues. Soil serves as a primary reservoir for PAHs, particularly in areas of high emissions, creating substantial risks through ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. Coastal and aquatic ecosystems are especially vulnerable due to concentrated human activities, with PAH persistence disrupting microbial communities, inhibiting plant growth, and altering ecosystem functions, potentially leading to biodiversity loss. In plants, PAH contamination manifests as a form of abiotic stress, inducing oxidative stress, cellular damage, and growth inhibition. Plants respond by activating antioxidant defenses and stress-related pathways. A notable aspect of plant defense mechanisms involves plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs), which are membrane-bound nanoparticles released by plant cells. These PDEVs play a crucial role in enhancing plant resistance to PAHs by facilitating intercellular communication and coordinating defense responses. The interaction between PAHs and PDEVs, while not fully elucidated, suggests a complex interplay of cellular defense mechanisms. PDEVs may contribute to PAH detoxification through pollutant sequestration or by delivering enzymes capable of PAH degradation. Studying PDEVs provides valuable insights into plant stress resilience mechanisms and offers potential new strategies for mitigating PAH-induced stress in plants and ecosystems.