Outer Compartment Research Articles

Controlled Release of Felodipine from 3D-Printed Tablets with Constant Surface Area: Influence of Surface Geometry.

In this study, 3D-printed tablets with a constant surface area were designed and fabricated using polylactic acid (PLA) in the outer compartment and polyvinyl alcohol and felodipine (FDP) in the inner compartment. The influences of different surface geometries of the inner compartment, namely, round, hexagon, square, and triangle, on drug release from 3D-printed tablets were also studied. The morphology and porosity of the inner compartment were determined using scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy, respectively. Additionally, drug content and drug release were also evaluated. The results revealed that the round-shaped geometry seemed to have the greatest total surface area of the inner compartment, followed by square-shaped, hexagon-shaped, and triangle-shaped geometries. FDP-loaded 3D-printed tablets with triangle and hexagon surface geometries had the slowest drug release (about 80% within 24 h). In the round-shaped and square-shaped 3D-printed tablets, complete drug release was observed within 12 h. Furthermore, the drug release from triangle-shaped 3D-printed tablets with double the volume of the inner compartment was faster than that of a smaller volume. This was due to the fact that a larger tablet volume increased the surface area contacting the medium, resulting in a faster drug release. The findings indicated that the surface geometry of 3D-printed tablets with a constant surface area affected drug release. This study suggests that 3D printing technology may be used to develop oral solid dosage forms suitable for customized therapeutic treatments.

Targeting of Hmo1 to subcompartments of the budding yeast nucleolus.

The nucleolus is a multilayered, membraneless organelle made up of liquidlike biogenesis compartments surrounding an array of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA). Biogenesis factors accumulate in the outer compartments through RNA binding and phase separation promoted by intrinsically disordered protein regions. In contrast, the nucleolar localization of rDNA-binding proteins, which reside in the central chromatin compartment, is less well characterized. To gain mechanistic insight, we analyzed the localization, mitotic segregation, nucleic acid binding, and nuclear dynamics of the budding yeast rDNA-binding protein Hmo1. Deletion of the main DNA-binding domain, the HMG boxB, compromised Hmo1 transfer to daughter cells in mitosis and transcription-independent rDNA association but still allowed nucleolar localization. The C-terminal lysine-rich region turned out to be a combined nuclear and nucleolar localization sequence (NLS-NoLS). Its integrity was required for maximal enrichment and efficient retention of Hmo1 in the nucleolus and nucleolar localization of the ΔboxB construct. Moreover, the NLS-NoLS region was sufficient to promote nucleolar accumulation and bound nucleic acids in vitro with some preference for RNA. Bleaching experiments indicated mobility of Hmo1 inside the nucleolus but little exchange with the nucleoplasm. Thus, a bilayered targeting mechanism secures proper localization of Hmo1 to the nucleolus.

As soft as silk: structural and chemical traits can help with the identification of Niphidium crassifolium (Polypodiaceae) gall inducers

Abstract Ferns have been poorly reported as hosts of gall inducers, and their multitrophic interactions and relationships are practically unknown to science. We focused on Niphidium crassifolium (Polypodiaceae) that hosts globoid leaf galls. The galls on N. crassifolium have only reported for the South and Southeast regions of Brazil, with a discussion regarding the identity of the gall inducer: is it a Cecidomyiidae-Diptera or to Coccidae-Hemiptera? These two insect groups have distinct characteristics and consequently their galls must have distinct anatomical and histochemical traits. Such traits may work out as functional tools to be used to confirm the taxa of the associated galling herbivore and to evaluate their geographic distribution. Our study aimed to expand the known distribution of N. crassifolium and its interactions based on an inventory of scientific articles and on herbarium data, and also to test the usefulness of anatomical and histochemical traits for proposing the identity of the gall inducer. The geographic distribution of N. crassifolium galls involves five South American countries, i.e., Bolivia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, and Brazil. The development of an outer tissue compartment with phenolic-rich cell layers and an inner nutritive tissue leads us to infer that the inducer belongs to the Cecidomyiidae family.

Combined effects of the lewis acidity and electric field of proximal redox innocent metal ions on the redox potential of vanadyl Schiff base complexes: an experimental and theoretical study.

The reactivity of biological or synthetic metalloenzymes is modulated in the presence of redox innocent Lewis acidic metal ions as they change the redox potential of the redox active metal ions present in the active site of metalloenzymes. To study this effect, we synthesised a mono-nuclear V(IV) complex (VOL, 1) with an N2O4 donor bicompartmental ligand, characterized it by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and recorded its cyclic voltammogram in acetonitrile. The CV revealed a reversible redox process for the V(IV)/V(V) couple. The potential of the V(IV)/V(V) couple shifted to a more positive value when equivalent amounts of Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Ba2+ ions were added separately to its acetonitrile solution, but the extent of shift for Li+ and Mg2+ was much less than that of the other metal ions. The guest metal ions except Li+ and Mg2+ were accommodated in the outer compartment of VOL as confirmed by IR and UV-Vis spectral analysis. Single-crystal structural analysis of [(VOL)KPF6]2, (1·K) and [(VOL)Ba(ClO4)2(H2O)]n, (1·Ba) also confirmed the hetero-metallic adduct formation. The correlation of the shift of the V(IV/V) redox potential with the Lewis acidity of respective metal ions deviated appreciably from linearity. DFT calculations suggest that the shift in potential is probably controlled by local electric fields induced by those ions, as indicated by 2D vector electric field maps.

Molecular Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Quality Control in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is a special type of coronary heart disease or an advanced stage of the disease, which is related to the pathological mechanism of primary dilated cardiomyopathy. Ischemic cardiomyopathy mainly occurs in the long-term myocardial ischemia, resulting in diffuse myocardial fibrosis. This in turn affects the cardiac ejection function, resulting in a significant impact on myocardial systolic and diastolic function, resulting in a decrease in the cardiac ejection fraction. The pathogenesis of ICM is closely related to coronary heart disease. Mainly due to coronary atherosclerosis caused by coronary stenosis or vascular occlusion, causing vascular inflammatory lesions and thrombosis. As the disease progresses, it leads to long-term myocardial ischemia and eventually ICM. The pathological mechanism is mainly related to the mechanisms of inflammation, myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and vascular remodeling. Mitochondria are organelles with a double-membrane structure, so the composition of the mitochondrial outer compartment is basically similar to that of the cytoplasm. When ischemia-reperfusion induces a large influx of calcium into the cell, the concentration of calcium ions in the mitochondrial outer compartment also increases. The subsequent opening of the membrane permeability transition pore in the inner mitochondrial membrane and the resulting calcium overload induces the homeostasis of cardiomyocytes and activates the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Mitochondrial Quality Control (MQC), as an important mechanism for regulating mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes, affects the morphological structure/function and lifespan of mitochondria. In this review, we discuss the role of MQC (including mitophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitochondrial biosynthesis) in the pathogenesis of ICM and provide important evidence for targeting MQC for ICM.

USE OF ANTICOAGULANT DRUGS IN THE COMPLEX TREATMENT OF NONUNION OF TIBIA BONES

Relevance. Today there is no generally accepted scope of treatment for nonunion of the tibia. Treatment results are often unsatisfactory. The incomplete process of bone tissue repair is due to the presence of metabolic changes and vascular disorders. This suggests that the use of anti-clotting drugs in the complex treatment may contribute to better treatment results.
 Objective: to study the effectiveness of the use of antiplatelet drugs bemiparin and tranexamic acid in the complex repair of bone tissue.
 Materials and methods. 36 patients with tibia nonunion were treated. Complex therapy included surgical treatment (rehabilitation of inflammation and, if present, fistula sequestrectomy), fixation of fragments with ring fixators, antibacterial therapy according to generally accepted principles, conservative therapy of vascular disorders, correction of homeostasis. The comparison group consisted of 42 victims.
 To correct homeostasis before surgery, 750 mg of tranexamic acid solution was administered intravenously to reduce the risk of bleeding. In 6 hours after surgery, in order to prevent thrombosis, a prophylactic dose of bemiparin (Cibor) 25000 units was administered. The administration was carried out for 7 days. The state of blood homeostasis was assessed on 1, 3 and 7 days after surgery by the following indicators: platelet count, level of soluble fibrin-monomer complexes, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio.
 The condition of the tibia was assessed by the following indicators: the presence of fluid in the subfascial space, the condition of the fascia, muscles and blood vessels (assessed by ultrasound); asymmetry of the temperature of the feet and legs of healthy and injured limbs (using an infrared non-contact thermometer); the value of intratissue pressure on the tibia (using the Striker apparatus at certain points).
 The results of tibia treatment after fractures were evaluated using the anatomical and functional scale Modified Functional Evaluation System by Karlstrom-Olerud.
 Results. There was no significant blood loss during surgery and thromboembolic complications. Clinical data and indicators of intrafascial pressure in the outer and superficial posterior fascial compartments indicated the development of local hypertensive ischemic syndrome. The dynamics of foot thermoasymmetry, ultrasound data are characteristic of subcompensated functional disorders with the theoretical possibility of their recovery. The obtained data indicate a violation of blood flow with a high risk of possible thrombosis, which is an objective basis for the appointment of low molecular weight heparin. The dynamics of most of the examined indicators of blood homeostasis during the prescribed therapy did not differ statistically, but there was a tendency to shift the indicators to the recommended safe zone.
 Conclusions. Clinical data indicate the high efficacy of Cibor in the complex therapy of septic nonunions.

Bone Bruise Patterns in Ligamentous Injuries of the Knee With Focus on Anterior Cruciate Ligament.

Introduction After sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the bone bruises seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could reveal plenty of information regarding the loading mechanisms causing injury to the ACL. The current study was conducted to evaluate the common distribution patterns of bone bruises following an ACL injury and understand the loading mechanisms. Methods The knee MRI sequences of the patients operated arthroscopically for an injured ACL between August 2016 to August 2018 were selected for the study. The distribution pattern of the bone bruises was determined using the sagittal and coronal sections of MRI. The pattern of distribution of the bone bruises was categorized and analyzed by two independent observers. Results Twenty-two patients were found to have bone bruises diagnosed in the MRI scans. The mean age of the patients was 27.8 ± 8.7 years. The pattern of a bone bruises in only the lateral femoral and tibial compartments was the most typical pattern observed in this study. The study pattern has a significant anterior distribution of bone bruises on the outer (lateral) compartment of both the femur and tibia as compared to the inner (medial) compartment (p< .05 and p > .05, respectively). The inter-rater reliability between the two observers by Cronbach's Alpha was 93.2%. Conclusion Having the appropriate information regarding the pattern distribution of bone bruises and the concomitant injuries associated with it furthers our knowledge and helps us understand the loading mechanisms of ACL tears. A combination of coup forces acting on the lateral compartment and the contrecoup varus force on the medial compartment of the knee during the primary pivot-shift injury suggests an an involvement of multiplanar loading patterns at the point of sustaining ACL tear.

Performance of a pilot Gradual Concentric Chambers (GCC) reactor treating low-strength sewage at a psychrophilic temperature

Proper sewage treatment is challenging for developing countries, demanding compact and simple designs. This study describes the design and operation of a pilot-scale GCC reactor, treating a rural discharge at 15 °C. The integrated system consisted of a concrete homogenization-decantation tank and a polyethylene-made GCC reactor composed of an inner anaerobic and an outer aerobic compartment. The anaerobic chamber worked at an HRT of 6 h and accomplished 63 % COD removal efficiency. Combined with the open aerated chamber, it achieved 83 % COD removal efficiency, surpassing the lowest rural discharge standards regarding COD and TSS levels. In addition, the reactor attained a decrease of 46 % for TAN and 14 % for PO43−-P. For cost analysis, the fixed percentage annual depreciation method was applied. The total budget and Opex yielded 0.14 and 0.06 USD per m3 of treated water, respectively. Given the costs and functionality, GCC appears promising for developing countries.

Bacterial envelope stress responses: Essential adaptors and attractive targets

Millions of deaths a year across the globe are linked to antimicrobial resistant infections. The need to develop new treatments and repurpose of existing antibiotics grows more pressing as the growing antimicrobial resistance pandemic advances. In this review article, we propose that envelope stress responses, the signaling pathways bacteria use to recognize and adapt to damage to the most vulnerable outer compartments of the microbial cell, are attractive targets. Envelope stress responses (ESRs) support colonization and infection by responding to a plethora of toxic envelope stresses encountered throughout the body; they have been co-opted into virulence networks where they work like global positioning systems to coordinate adhesion, invasion, microbial warfare, and biofilm formation. We highlight progress in the development of therapeutic strategies that target ESR signaling proteins and adaptive networks and posit that further characterization of the molecular mechanisms governing these essential niche adaptation machineries will be important for sparking new therapeutic approaches aimed at short-circuiting bacterial adaptation.

OR04-2 WNT2B Deficiency Results in Hyperreninemic Hypoaldosteronism in Humans and Mice

Abstract Proper development and zonation of the adrenal cortex is intimately connected with its lifelong capacity to produce steroid hormones. Both adrenocortical development and homeostasis are mediated in part by paracrine WNT/β-catenin signaling, an essential pathway for zonal maintenance and aldosterone production. Patients harboring homozygous or compound heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in the WNT ligand WNT2B present with congenital diarrhea and require parenteral nutrition. Despite evidence for euvolemia, WNT2B-null patients exhibit markedly elevated plasma renin levels with no corresponding increase in aldosterone, suggesting a primary adrenal defect in aldosterone synthesis. To test this hypothesis, we generated both global and conditional Wnt2b knockout mouse models. In the mouse adrenal, Wnt2b is expressed exclusively in the capsule, the outer compartment of mesenchymal cells that overlay and signal to the subcapsular zona glomerulosa (zG), the adrenocortical zone that harbors aldosterone-producing cells and critical long-term progenitor cells. Global loss of Wnt2b from early mouse development results in a near-complete absence of the histological zG. Moreover, Wnt2b-null mice exhibit significantly increased plasma renin but normal aldosterone levels compared to wild-type controls. These data suggest that WNT2B-null patients indeed have an adrenocortical phenotype caused by apparent zG hypofunction. To further define the mechanism(s) by which Wnt2b LOF leads to zG hypofunction, we temporally deleted Wnt2b in the adrenal capsule of adult mice. Wnt2b conditional knockout (cKO) adrenals exhibit a zG-restricted decrease in Wnt/β-catenin signaling as determined by decreased β-catenin activity and target gene expression. Moreover, Wnt2b cKO mice demonstrated a disorganized zG and disrupted adrenocortical zonation. To determine the contribution of WNT2B to aldosterone production, we administered a sodium-deficient diet to control and Wnt2b cKO mice to activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Indeed, while control mice exhibited the expected increase in both plasma renin and aldosterone, Wnt2b cKO mice showed marked elevation of renin despite normal aldosterone compared to controls, consistent with hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism. Together, our work supports a WNT2B-dependent mechanism for adrenal zG development and maintenance in mice and humans and provides relevant models to study the consequences of WNT2B deficiency within the zG. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian finite element analysis of penetration processes in silty clay for bucket foundation

ABSTRACT Bucket foundations, as an innovative type of offshore wind turbine foundation, have been widely adopted for their cost competitiveness and time effectiveness in construction and installation. For a successful installation, the penetration process prediction is crucial. This paper investigates the penetration process of both thin-walled and thick-walled bucket foundations in silty clay through small-scale experiments. Based on the experimental results, empirical formulas of penetration resistance are modified. Next, a Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) numerical method is validated and used to simulate the sinking process of engineering prototypes. The penetration resistance obtained by the calculated and numerical methods is in good agreement. Additionally, through the 3D CEL analysis, the disturbance of bulkheads and skirts on soil plugs is gained. The Eulerian volume fraction shows that the soil surface within the outer compartments is prone to rise to form a soil plug, which will bring out a sudden sharp increase in the penetration resistance due to the contact of lid and soil, and consequently affect the ultimate installation depth.

DFT study on CH⋯O, CH···SCN and S···π interaction energies in three dinuclear mixed valence cobalt(III/II) complexes with secondary diamine ligands having inner N2O2 and outer O4 compartments

Three dinuclear cobalt(III/II) mixed valence reduced Schiff base complexes, [(N3)CoIIIL(μ-O2CR1)CoII(N3)] (1), [(SCN)CoIIIL(μ-O2CR2)CoII(NCS)] (2) and [(SCN)CoIIIL(μ-O2CR3)CoII(NCS)] (3) {H2L= (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(iminomethylene)bis(6-ethoxyphenol); R1CO2H = 4-methyl-3-nitrobenzoic acid; R2CO2H = benzoic acid; R3CO2H = 3-methyl-4-nitrobenzoic acid} have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectral study. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to determine the structures of all three complexes. Spin density calculations have been used to determine the location of the paramagnetic cobalt(II) center in each of the dinuclear complexes. Moreover, several supramolecular assemblies (formed by CH⋯O, CH···SCN and S··· π and other interactions) observed in the solid state of the three complexes involving the pseudohalide as electron donors have been analysed using DFT calculations, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces and characterized using the noncovalent interaction plot (NCI Plot) index.

Inhibitory effects of calcium or magnesium ions on PDI

Photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms (PDI) finds use in a variety of applications. Several studies report on substances enhancing or inhibiting PDI. In this study, we analyzed the inhibitory potential of ubiquitous salts like CaCl2 and MgCl2 on PDI against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells using five cationic photosensitizers methylene blue, TMPyP, SAPYR, FLASH-02a and FLASH-06a.TMPyP changed its molecular structure when exposed to MgCl2, most likely due to complexation. CaCl2 substantially affected singlet oxygen generation by MB at small concentrations. Elevated concentrations of CaCl2 and MgCl2 impaired PDI up to a total loss of bacterial reduction, whereas CaCl2 is more detrimental for PDI than MgCl2. Binding assays cannot not explain the differences of PDI efficacy. It is assumed that divalent ions tightly bind to bacterial cells hindering close binding of the photosensitizers to the membranes. Consequently, photosensitizer binding might be shifted to outer compartments like teichoic acids in Gram-positives or outer sugar moieties of the LPS in Gram-negatives, attenuating the oxidative damage of susceptible cellular structures.In conclusion, CaCl2 and MgCl2 have an inhibitory potential at different phases in PDI. These effects should be considered when using PDI in an environment that contains such salts like in tap water or different fields of food industry.

Distinctive anatomical and histochemical responses of Nothofagus obliqua (Mirb.) Oerst (Nothofagaceae) to two galling Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) in Chile

Nothofagus obliqua (Nothofagaceae) is a native tree to Chile, which hosts at least seven gall morphotypes, two of them induced by Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae. The life cycle of these pteromalids, particularly the feeding activity of their larvae, has a high impact on host plant tissues toward new shapes and functions, leading the gall formation. The Pteromalidae genus are mostly parasitoids of other insects, rarely inducing galls. This rare phenomenon is herein addressed in two models of study, the galls induced by Espinosa nothofagi and Plastobelyta gallicola on N. obliqua in Chilean flora. We assume that the two pteromalids have a similar impact over their host plant tissues, inducing similar galls regarding their anatomical and histochemical profiles. Our results confirm that E. nothofagi induces a clavate bud gall (CG), but P. gallicola induces a stem globoid gall (GG) herein describeb for the first time. Our premise is not supported, because the CG follows the structural and histochemical patterns described for hymenopteran galls, but the GG is peculiarly different. The CG has concentric layers of specialized tissues around the larval chamber, where lipids, proteins, and starch accumulate, while starch, alkaloids, proanthocyanidins, and lignins accumulate in the outer tissue compartment. The GG is simpler than the CG on the anatomical basis as it does not develop specialized tissue layers, and in addition, it does not accumulate starch and proanthocyanidins in any tissue layers. The distinct anatomical and histochemical profiles of the two galls indicate the specific impact of E. nothofagi and P. gallicola in the inner tissue layers. The similarities of the outer tissue layers between the two galls relate to the host stem morphogenetical constraints and lower plasticity.

Collaboration between 3d-4f metal centers of heterodimetallic Ni(II)-Gd(III) complex in catecholase activity and interaction with FS-DNA & BSA

In this study, catecholase activity and biomolecular interaction of a new heterodimetallic Ni(II)-Gd(III) complex were reported. X-ray crystallography revealed that in the [(valdap)2NiIIGdIII(O2NO)3] complex, (H-valdap = 2-(((3 aminopropyl)imino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol), inner (N2O2) and outer (O2O’2) compartments could be distinguished, the former containing 3d NiII ion, and the latter accommodating the larger 4f GdIII. Besides the crystallography, UV-Vis, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis confirmed the structure. Method of initial rate by using UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to explore the catecholase activity of the complex. The Ni-Gd complex had an acceptable turnover number for this process. Various experimental methods like fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and viscosity measurements were applied to survey the interaction of the Ni-Gd complex with FS-DNA. Intercalation mode was suggested from these methods as the main mode of binding. Fluorescence quenching experiment, site marker studies, synchronous fluorescence and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy were other techniques for finding the mechanism, type, site and extent of complex-BSA interaction. The dynamic mechanism was confirmed for this system, and the Ni-Gd complex mostly preferred site I of BSA with hydrophobic type of interaction. Theoretical docking studies were done to investigate the complex-biomolecule interaction, and results confirmed experimental investigations. The in vitro genotoxicity of the Ni-Gd complex was also done that indicated the intercalation affinity of the complex. The antineoplastic ability and basal cell toxicity of the Ni-Gd complex were also examined against two cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and A549. The complex showed anticancer activity against both of the cell lines.

The ciliate protozoan Colpoda cucullus can improve maize growth by transporting soil phosphates

Little is known regarding the ability of protozoans to transfer phosphates and improve maize growth. The objective of this study was to determine whether Colpoda cucullus could improve the maize phosphorus (P) level by transferring phosphate. In this three-compartment root box study, the soil in the outer compartment was inoculated with the common ciliate, C. cucullus, together with the addition of either KH232PO4, rock phosphate (RP), super phosphate (SP) or ammonium phosphate (AP), and then maize was grown in the inner compartment. The results showed that the maize plants grown in the soil inoculated with C. cucullus had much higher 32P radioactivity than the control. Colpoda cucullus inoculation resulted in significant increases in dry matter by up to 25.07%, and nitrogen (N), P and potassium (K) absorption by 1–36% (P<0.05). Soil available P in the inner compartment of the root box was also enhanced by at least 30% due to the ciliate inoculation (P<0.05). It was therefore suggested that phosphates might be transported from the outer to inner compartments by the inoculated C. cucullus and then absorbed by the maize plant.

Experimental and theoretical study of a sandwich-like phenoxo-bridged heterobimetallic zinc(II)—manganese(III) 3-MeOSalphen complex

A novel sandwich-like heterotrinuclear [Zn(II)2Mn(III)] complex, [{Zn(L)Cl}2Mn]Cl, has been constructed successfully from a bicompartmental 3-MeOSalphen ligand (H2L), N,N'-bis(3-methoxy-salicylidene)phenylene-1,2-diamine. The chemically obained structure was determi­ned through single crystal X-ray diffraction and spectrochemical (IR and UV-Vis) analyses. The structural studies revealed that characteristic inner N2O2 compartment of H2L is occupied by Zn(II) atom and outer O2O2 compartment is coordinated by Mn(III) atom in the Zn(II)—Mn(III) complex. The Zn(II)—Mn(III) complex can be used as a potential light-emitting material owing to the fluorescent property. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations were performed to take insight of experimental electronic spectra. Interaction region indicator (IRI) analyses were calculated to show relative chemical bond changes before and after coordination.

Coordinate control of basal epithelial cell fate and stem cell maintenance by core EMT transcription factor Zeb1.

Maintenance of undifferentiated, long-lived, and often quiescent stem cells in the basal compartment is important for homeostasis and regeneration of multiple epithelial tissues, but the molecular mechanisms that coordinately control basal cell fate and stem cell quiescence are elusive. Here, we report an epithelium-intrinsic requirement for Zeb1, a core transcriptional inducer of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, for mammary epithelial ductal side branching and for basal cell regenerative capacity. Our findings uncover an evolutionarily conserved role of Zeb1 in promoting basal cell fate over luminal differentiation. We show that Zeb1 loss results in increased basal cell proliferation at the expense of quiescence and self-renewal. Moreover, Zeb1 cooperates with YAP to activate Axin2 expression, and inhibition of Wnt signaling partially restores stem cell function to Zeb1-deficient basal cells. Thus, Zeb1 is a transcriptional regulator that maintains both basal cell fate and stem cell quiescence, and it functions in part through suppressing Wnt signaling.

High antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds dampens oxidative stress in Espinosa nothofagi galls induced on Nothofagus obliqua buds

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered the first signaling molecules involved in gall development, linked to the establishment of cyto-histological gradients leading to gall tissue redifferentiation. ROS overproduction induces the failure of gall establishment or its premature senescence. Galls could therefore have efficient mechanisms of ROS dissipation and maintenance of homeostasis, such as polyphenol synthesis. The co-occurrence of ROS and polyphenols in the Espinosa nothofagi galls induced on Nothofagus obliqua buds was explored and was related to the antioxidant capacity of the inner (IC) and outer (OC) gall compartments. We hypothesize that: (i) ROS are produced and accumulated in both tissue compartments of E. nothofagi galls in co-occurrence with polyphenolic, flavonols, and lignin, conferring high antioxidant activity to inner and outer gall tissue compartment; (ii) antioxidant activity is higher in IC related to a higher polyphenol concentration in this compartment. The results show that ROS and polyphenols, mainly flavonols, are produced and accumulated in IC and OC, while lignin accumulated mainly in the IC. In both gall compartments, polyphenols mediate ROS elimination, confirmed by histochemical and spectrophotometry techniques. The IC extract has the highest antioxidant capacity, probably due to lignin deposition and a higher polyphenol concentration in this compartment.

Impacts of Microbial Food Safety in China and Beyond.

Impacts of Microbial Food Safety in China and Beyond.