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[Objective] To optimize flow cytometry based methods and standards for crustacean blood cell classification. [ Method] Imaging flow cytometry and microscopic observation were compared on blood cell classification of Portunus trituberculatus and Oratosquilla oratoria. [Result] Three cell types could be separated from both animals based on microscopic observation, which referred to the differences of distinguishable intracellular particles, but the results were fluctuated by batch. Flow cytometry, based on more objective measurement of intensity and area of side scattering, could clearly divide blood cells into four populations of non-granular hemocyte (NG), small-granular hemocyte (SG), intermediate-granular hemocyte (MG), and large-granular hemocyte (LG). According to flow cytometry measurement, about 30% were non-granular hemocytes in both animals, cells with refractive structures count for the main part of whole blood cells, which was similar to that of microscopic observation results. In terms of cell size, both methods showed the same results. On one the hand, cell size increased gradually from non-granular hemocyte to large-granular hemocyte; On the other hand, all hemocytes of Oratosquilla oratoria were larger than those in Portunus trituberculatus. [Conclusion] Microscopic observation and flow cytometry were complementarity for each other; flow cytometry could distinguish more cell populations, was more reliable due to its objectivity, and suitable for high throughput fine analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The potential role of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.pn) in hypertension development has been emphasized, although the specific mechanisms have not been well understood. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) released by Gram-negative bacteria modulate host cell functions by delivering bacterial components to host cells. Endothelial dysfunction is an important early event in the pathogenesis of hypertension, yet the impact of K.pn-secreted EVs (K.pn EVs) on endothelial function remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of K.pn EVs on endothelial function and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: K.pn EVs were purified from the bacterial suspension using ultracentrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy nanoparticle tracking analysis, and EV marker expression. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was measured using a wire myograph after in vivo or ex vivo treatment with K.pn EVs. Superoxide anion production was measured by confocal microscopy and HUVEC senescence was assessed by SA-β-gal activity. SIRT1 overexpression or activator was utilized to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Results: Our data showed that K.pn significantly impaired acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation and increased superoxide anion production in endothelial cells in vivo. Similarly, in vivo and ex vivo studies showed that K.pn EVs caused significant endothelial dysfunction, endothelial provocation, and increased blood pressure. Further examination revealed that K.pn EVs reduced the levels of SIRT1 and p-eNOS and increased the levels of NOX2, COX-2, ET-1, and p53 in endothelial cells. Notably, overexpression or activation of SIRT1 attenuated the adverse effects and protein changes induced by K.pn EVs on endothelial cells. Conclusion: This study reveals a novel role of K.pn EVs in endothelial dysfunction and dissects the relevant mechanism involved in this process, which will help to establish a comprehensive understanding of K.pn EVs in endothelial dysfunction and hypertension from a new scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new three-dimensional (3D) cocrystals of trithiocyanuric acid (TTCA) with hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) have been synthesized and characterized. In the cocrystal, the monolayer structure forms through N–H⋯N hydrogen bonds due to the establishment of recognition between the thioamide moiety and the N-hetero atom and is further enhanced by the in-plane C–H⋯S hydrogen bonds. Simultaneously, the lamellas consist of two layers, which are recognized by lone-pair⋯π interactions between TTCA molecules, and assembled by the out-of-plane C–H⋯S hydrogen bonds in combination with the spatial van der Waals repulsion between HMTA. Then, the π–hole-based recognizing interaction between the HMTA and TTCA in the neighbouring lamellas, which was assisted by multiple adaptive C–H⋯S hydrogen bonds, contributed to the enhancement of 3D directionality, leading to the construction of 3D structures. And the study found that the stacking types between the lamellas could change due to the competing intermolecular interactions and adaptive C–H⋯S hydrogen bonds, yielding the unit cell structures of two different molecular packing parameters. Thus, two 3D structures of cocrystals, the octahedral (Phpm-o) and polyhedral (Phpm-p), are generated. The growth of these cocrystals was systematically evaluated by predicting the BFDH morphology. Moreover, the importance of each type of intermolecular interaction was quantified by Hirshfeld surface analysis, especially the N–H⋯N, C–H⋯S, etc. Combined with Hirshfeld analysis, the important role of non-covalent forces in the construction of 3D structures was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-covalent interactions of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) facilitate condensate formation, yet the impact of these interactions on condensate properties remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that PAR-mediated interactions through PARP13, specifically the PARP13.2 isoform, are essential for modulating the dynamics of stress granules—a class of cytoplasmic condensates that form upon stress, including types frequently observed in cancers. Single amino acid mutations in PARP13, which reduce its PAR-binding activity, lead to the formation of smaller yet more numerous stress granules than observed in the wild-type. This fragmented stress granule phenotype is also apparent in PARP13 variants with cancer-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that disrupt PAR binding. Notably, this fragmented phenotype is conserved across a variety of stresses that trigger stress granule formation via diverse pathways. Furthermore, this PAR-binding mutant diminishes condensate dynamics and impedes fusion. Overall, our study uncovers the important role of PAR-protein interactions in stress granule dynamics and maturation, mediated through PARP13. Stress granules, cellular structures essential for stress response, require poly(ADP-ribose) as a multivalent scaffold. Here, the authors show that disrupting poly(ADP-ribose) binding to PARP13 alters granule size, dynamics, and maturation, despite PARP13 lacking ADPribosyltransferase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells have shown remarkable results for the treatment of selected hematological malignancies, but recapitulating these results in solid cancers has been a major challenge. In this review, we discuss lessons learned from recent clinical trials, mechanisms of tumor immune evasion in solid cancers and strategies to alleviate these effects through advanced engineering strategies to augment the efficacy of CAR-T cell products. Summary: Despite early signs of clinical efficacy, CAR-T cells have repeatedly failed to achieve curative responses in solid cancers. While a major bottleneck remains the availability of tumor-specific antigens, recent studies suggest that conventional CAR-T cell products are not sufficiently well equipped to deal with the challenges encountered in the context of solid cancers. Various approaches to augment the potency and clinical efficacy of CAR-T cells are currently being evaluated, but the majority is yet to reach clinical trials. Moving forward, promising approaches include the use of next-generation CAR-T cell products, targeting physical barriers or cellular components within the tumor microenvironment (TME), and leveraging advanced engineering strategies to shield immune cells from the TME. These techniques aim to address current challenges and significantly improve the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapies in treating solid tumors. Key Messages: Extensive research efforts have been made to understand the underlying mechanisms impeding curative treatment outcomes for CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors. Early clinical trials, predominantly using second-generation CAR-T cell products, have shown promising signs of early clinical efficacy in the absence of consistent curative effects. Based on these data, it has become apparent that strategies to augment the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy need to be implemented. Various approaches are currently being developed and are expected to enter clinical trials in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Nanosecond pulse electric field (nsPEF) therapy has attracted attention in recent years as a noninvasive cancer treatment with minimal side effects. However, the relationship between the electrical stress induced in cells by the external electric field and the biological response has not been fully investigated quantitatively. We investigated the effects of nsPEF therapy on cancer cells using microgap electrodes under low‐voltage conditions. We developed an equivalent circuit model using intracellular components to determine the amount of stimulation of cellular components and performed frequency analysis of nsPEF. nsPEF applied to Jurkat cells activated caspase‐3 and induced apoptosis at shorter pulse widths. nsPEF induced biological responses and apoptosis in cancer cells. The relationship between the biological response induced by nsPEF and the amount of electrical stimulation was investigated by comparing the experimental results with frequency analysis. Using quantitative values for each cellular element, the relationship between the biological response and the amount of electrical stimulation can be integrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Lodging reduces grain yield and quality in cereal crops. Lodging resistance is affected by the strength of the culm, which is influenced by the culm diameter, culm wall thickness, and cell wall composition. To explore the genetic architecture of culm diameter in rice (Oryza sativa), we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). We identified STRONG CULM 2 (STRONG2), which encodes the mannan synthase CSLA5, and showed that plants that overexpressed this gene had increased culm diameter and improved lodging resistance. STRONG2 appears to increase the levels of cell wall components, such as mannose and cellulose, thereby enhancing sclerenchyma development in stems. SNP14931253 in the STRONG2 promoter contributes to variation in STRONG2 expression in natural germplasms and the transcription factor MYB61 directly activates STRONG2 expression. Furthermore, STRONG2 overexpressing plants produced significantly more grains per panicle and heavier grains than the wild‐type plants. These results demonstrate that the MYB61–STRONG2 module positively regulates culm diameter and lodging resistance, information that could guide breeding efforts for improved yield in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viscoelastic properties development during the reactive foaming of four standard polyurethane formulations was monitored using a flooded parallel plate rheometer. The measurements in situ demonstrated how foams of low catalyst content took longer than 10 min to increase their viscosity from 1 to 103 Pa s, while foams with higher catalysts reached this modulus in less than 4 min. This polymerization speed deeply impacted the evolution of the cellular structure during foaming, which was demonstrated through in situ x‐ray imaging and computer simulation. Foams with high catalyst stabilized in their final cell size in 4–5 min, concurring with the stage of largest viscosity buildup. In contrast, the foams of low catalyst content underwent strong degeneration as a result of the slow gelification and stiffening of the matrix. Simulation results also revealed that stabilization of the cellular structure happens faster when the catalyst and blowing agent contents are increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer remains an influential global health concern, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. The tumour stroma, which is known as tumour microenvironment (TME) has a central impact on tumour expansion and treatment resistance. The stroma of lung tumours consists of numerous cells and molecules that shape an environment for tumour expansion. This environment not only protects tumoral cells against immune system attacks but also enables tumour stroma to attenuate the action of antitumor drugs. This stroma consists of stromal cells like cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), suppressive immune cells, and cytotoxic immune cells. Additionally, the presence of stem cells, endothelial cells and pericytes can facilitate tumour volume expansion. Nanoparticles are hopeful tools for targeted drug delivery because of their extraordinary properties and their capacity to devastate biological obstacles. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary advancements in targeting the lung tumour stroma using nanoparticles. Various nanoparticle-based approaches, including passive and active targeting, and stimuli-responsive systems, highlighting their potential to improve drug delivery efficiency. Additionally, the role of nanotechnology in modulating the tumour stroma by targeting key components such as immune cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), hypoxia, and suppressive elements in the lung tumour stroma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel elastic metamaterial is proposed with the aim of achieving low-frequency broad bandgaps and bandgap regulation. The band structure of the proposed metamaterial is calculated based on the Floquet-Bloch theorem, and the boundary modes of each bandgap are analyzed to understand the effects of each component of the unit cell on the bandgap formation. It is found that the metamaterials with a low elastic modulus of ligaments can generate flexural wave bandgaps below 300 Hz. Multi-frequency vibrations can be suppressed through the selective manipulation of bandgaps. The dual-graded design of metamaterials that can significantly improve the bandgap width is proposed based on parametric studies. A new way that can regulate the bandgap is revealed by studying the graded elastic modulus in the substrate. The results demonstrate that the nonlinear gradient of the elastic modulus in the substrate offers better bandgap performance. Based on these analyses, the proposed elastic metamaterials can pave the way for multi-frequency vibration control, low-frequency bandgap broadening, and bandgap tuning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G‐quadruplex (G4) DNA structures are increasingly acknowledged as promising targets in cancer research, and the development of G4‐specific stabilizing compounds may lay a fundamental foundation in precision medicine for cancer treatment. Here, we propose a light‐responsive G4‐binder for precise modulation of drug activation, providing dynamic and spatiotemporal control over G4‐associated biological processes contributing to cancer cell death. We developed a specialized fluorinated azobenzene (AB) switch equipped with a quinoline unit and a positively charged carboxamide side chain, Q‐Azo4F‐C, designed for targeted binding to G4 structures within cells. Biophysical studies, combined with molecular dynamics simulations, provide insights into the unique coordination modes of the photoswitchable ligand in its trans and cis configurations when interacting with G4s. The observed variations in complexation processes between the two isomeric states in different cancer cell lines manifest in more than 25‐fold reversible cytotoxic activity. Immunostaining conducted with the structure‐specific G4 antibody (BG4), establishes a direct correlation between cytotoxicity and the varying extent of G4 induction regulated by the two isoforms. Finally, we demonstrate the photo‐driven reversible regulation of G4 structures in lung cancer cells by Q‐Azo4F‐C. Our findings highlight the potential of light‐responsive G4‐binders in advancing precision cancer therapy through dynamic control of G4‐mediated pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phospholipids (PhLs) are essential components of cell membranes, characterized by a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic headgroup. They play several roles in biological systems, including energy storage, protection, and antioxidant properties. PhLs are found naturally in foods such as egg yolks, milk, or vegetable oils. The composition and concentration of PhLs observed in these foods vary according to the analytical methodology applied, mainly in the extraction and sample treatment process. Analytical targeted approaches for characterized PhLs involve liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. These methods provide insights into the composition and content of PhLs in food matrices. However, there is limited research on using PhL profiles for food quality evaluation and authentication purposes. Untargeted approaches, such as fingerprinting, have the potential to assess the authenticity of food products by capturing analytical signals linked to the PhL fraction. This review focusses on recent analytical strategies used in characterizing PhLs in distinctive foodstuffs (eggs, milk, and vegetable oils). It discusses sample preparation, analytical separation, and detection techniques. The review also highlights the potential of multivariate approaches to incorporate information on PhL composition to assess the authenticity of food products, an area that has been largely overlooked in previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptidoglycan (PGN) is the primary component of bacterial cell walls, consisting of linear glycan chains formed by alternating linkages of N‐acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N‐acetylmuramic acid (NAM) through glycosidic bonds. It exhibits biological activity in various aspects, making it a biologically significant macromolecule with extensive industrial application. This review aims to explore the latest research advancements in the extraction techniques, structural characterization, functions, and applications of PGN. The review compares the advantages and limitations of traditional chemical lysis methods with modern mechanical‐assisted and bio‐assisted extraction techniques, discusses chemical composition analysis techniques and structural characterization methods of PGN. The review emphasizes the potential of PGN in immune modulation, specific recognition, and adsorption functions. Furthermore, the review examines potential applications of PGN in vaccine development, the livestock industry, the removal of harmful substances, and protein bioprocessing. In the end, based on the current development trend, future research directions for PGN are proposed, including in‐depth studies on the mechanisms of PGN in different hosts and its immunomodulatory effects in various disease models. It is expected that a comprehensive reference framework for the research and application of PGN will be provided through this review, offering ideas and directions for further development and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionPeriodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by periodontopathogenic bacteria, and its progression leads to periodontal tissue destruction and tooth loss. Zerumbone is a bioactive substance found in ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) and is known to have bioactive effects such as anticancer effects, but there have been no attempts to use it for periodontitis treatment. In addition, there have been no reports examining its effects on periodontal tissue component cells. In this experiment, we aimed to determine whether zerumbone affects the production of inflammatory mediators induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs), including its effects on signaling pathways.HPDLCs were stimulated by TNF-α (10 ng/ml) with or without zerumbone (6.25, 12.5, or 25 µM). Cytokine production in supernatant was determined using ELISA. Activation of signal transduction pathways and intracellular protein expression were investigated using the western blot analysis.Zerumbone significantly suppressed TNF-α-induced production of CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL20, CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in HPDLCs. In addition, zerumbone decreased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in TNF-α-stimulated HPDLCs. Furthermore, zerumbone suppressed activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways in TNF-α-treated HPDLCs. Finally, zerumbone enhanced the production of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an antioxidant enzyme, in HPDLCs.These results suggest that zerumbone suppressed the production of several inflammatory mediators by inhibiting the NF-κB and STAT3 pathways in HPDLCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decellularized tissue hydrogels, especially that mimic the native tissue, have a high potential for tissue engineering, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, bioprinting, and therapeutic agent encapsulation due to their excellent biocompatibility and ability to facilitate the growth of cells. It is important to note that the decellularization process significantly affects the structural integrity and properties of the extracellular matrix, which in turn shapes the characteristics of the resulting hydrogels at the macromolecular level. Therefore, our study aims to identify an effective chemical decellularization method for sheep lung tissue, using a mixing/agitation technique with a range of detergents, including commonly [Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X-100, and 3-((3-cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio)-1-propanesulfonate] (CHAPS), and rarely used (sodium cholate hydrate, NP-40, and 3-[N,N-Dimethyl(3-myristoylaminopropyl)ammonio]propanesulfonate) (ASB-14). After the effectiveness of the used detergents on decellularization was determined by histological and biochemical methods, lung derived decellularized extracellular matrix was converted into hydrogel. We investigated the interactions between lung cells and decellularized extracellular matrix using proliferation assay, scanning electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence microscopy methods on BEAS-2B cells in air-liquid interface. Notably, this study emphasizes the effectiveness of ASB-14 in the decellularization process, showcasing its crucial role in removing cellular components while preserving vital extracellular matrix biological macromolecules, including glycosaminoglycans, collagen, and elastin. The resulting hydrogels demonstrated favorable mechanical properties and are compatible with both cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of primary cilia has recently garnered significant attention in the field of neurodegeneration. This review explores the diversity of primary cilia in the mature brain and their interrelationships with a multitude of cellular structures, including axons and synapses. Importantly, an overview of the growing prominence of ciliary-related dysfunctions in neurodegenerative diseases is summarized, with a special emphasis on Parkinson's disease (PD) and neuropsychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Application of decellularization biomaterials in tendon-bone healing, including decellularized grafts, decellularized patches, and bioactive scaffolds. • Decellularization biomaterials can rationalize rapid and functional healing of the tendon-bone interface by influencing the behavior of stem cells, modulating macrophage polarization, protecting bioactive molecules, and enhancing osseointegration. The tendon or ligament is attached to the bone by a triphasic but continuous area of heterogeneous tissue called the tendon-bone interface (TBI). The rapid and functional regeneration of TBI is challenging owing to its complex composition and difficulty in self-healing. The development of new technologies, such as decellularization, has shown promise in the regeneration of TBI. Several ex vivo and in vivo studies have shown that decellularized grafts and decellularized biomaterial scaffolds achieved better efficacy in enhancing TBI healing. However further information on the type of review that is available is needed. In this review, we discuss the current application of decellularization biomaterials in promoting TBI healing and the possible mechanisms involved. With this work, we would like to reveal how tissues or biomaterials that have been decellularized can improve tendon-bone healing and to provide a theoretical basis for future related studies. Decellularization is an emerging technology that utilizes various chemical, enzymatic and/or physical strategies to remove cellular components from tissues while retaining the structure and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). After decellularization, the cellular components of the tissue that cause an immune response are removed, while various biologically active biofactors are retained. This review further explores how tissues or biomaterials that have been decellularized improve TBI healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterozygous R391 TUBB4B pathogenic variations are responsible for an association of hearing loss and retinal dystrophy in human. With the goal of understanding the functions of TuBB4b and the pathogenic role of R391 variations, we characterized tubB4B in zebrafish and identified the gene regulatory elements necessary and sufficient for expression of TubB4b as in endogenous tissues. Using knock-out and transgenic approaches, we determined that R391 mutations impair neither localization of TubB4B within sensory hair cells (SHC) nor their structure, but induced to a small decrease in SHC number from anterior crista. Expression of R391 mutations in sensory hair cells has no effect on zebrafish audition, suggesting a different equilibrium between various tubulin isotypes in zebrafish possibly due to compensatory mechanisms. The careful expression analysis and transgenic tools generated in this study could help understand how recently described pathogenic variants lead to more severe clinical forms of TUBB4B-related diseases. [Display omitted] • Tubulin code indicates that three TubB4b genes are present in zebrafish genome. • Zebrafish Chr5 Tub4b gene is specifically expressed in sensory systems. • Promoter together with first intron recapitulate TubB4b genes expression patterns. • TubB4b is located in kinocilium, apex and body of sensory hair cells. • R391 human variant does not lead to hearing loss or balance defect in zebrafish. Characterization of zebrafish TubB4b family and analysis of the function of TubB4b variants using transient expression and transgenesis in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface of epithelial tissues is covered by an apical extracellular matrix (aECM). The aECMs of different tissues have distinct compositions to serve distinct functions, yet how a particular cell type assembles the proper aECM is not well understood. We used the cell type-specific matrix of the C. elegans vulva to investigate the connection between cell identity and matrix assembly. The vulva is an epithelial tube composed of seven cell types descending from EGFR/Ras-dependent (1°) and Notch-dependent (2°) lineages. Vulva aECM contains multiple Zona Pellucida domain (ZP) proteins, which are a common component of aECMs across life. ZP proteins LET-653 and CUTL-18 assemble on 1° cell surfaces, while NOAH-1 assembles on a subset of 2° surfaces. All three ZP genes are broadly transcribed, indicating that cell type-specific ZP assembly must be determined by features of the destination cell surface. The paired box (Pax) transcription factor EGL-38 promotes assembly of 1° matrix and prevents inappropriate assembly of 2° matrix, suggesting that EGL-38 promotes expression of one or more ZP matrix organizers. Our results connect the known signaling pathways and various downstream effectors to EGL-38/Pax expression and the ZP matrix component of vulva cell fate execution. We propose that dedicated transcriptional networks may contribute to cell-appropriate assembly of aECM in many epithelial organs. [Display omitted] • C. elegans vulva apical extracellular matrix is cell-type specific. • Broadly transcribed Zona Pellucida domain proteins assemble in specific matrices. • The Pax2/5/8 homolog EGL-38 promotes assembly of the 1° vulva cell matrix. • EGL-38 expression and 1° cell matrix assembly depend on EGFR signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• LPS and lipase inhibition lead to lipid droplet accumulation in primary microglia. • Inhibition of ATGL alleviates LPS-induced cytokines expression and secretion. • ATGL inhibition reduces the generation of prostanoids and alters ceramides profile in response to LPS. • Microglial-specific deletion of ATGL dampens pro-inflammatory cytokine responses to LPS and consequent anxiety- and sickness-like behaviours. • Blockage of ATGL in microglia mitigates acute neuroimmune and behavioural responses to LPS. Lipid droplets (LD) are triglyceride storing organelles that have emerged as an important component of cellular inflammatory responses. LD lipolysis via adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), the enzyme that catalyses the rate-limiting step of triglyceride lipolysis, regulates inflammation in peripheral immune and non-immune cells. ATGL elicits both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in the periphery in a cell-type dependent manner. The present study determined the impact of ATGL inhibition and microglia-specific ATGL genetic loss-of-function on acute inflammatory and behavioural responses to pro-inflammatory insult. First, we evaluated the impact of lipolysis inhibition on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression and secretion of cytokines and phagocytosis in mouse primary microglia cultures. Lipase inhibitors (ORlistat and ATGListatin) and LPS led to LD accumulation in microglia. Pan-lipase inhibition with ORlistat alleviated LPS-induced expression of IL-1β and IL-6. Specific inhibition of ATGL had a similar action on CCL2, IL-1β and IL-6 expression in both neonatal and adult microglia cultures. CCL2 and IL-6 secretion were also reduced by ATGListatin or knockdown of ATGL. ATGListatin increased phagocytosis in neonatal cultures independently from LPS treatment. Second, targeted and untargeted lipid profiling revealed that ATGListatin reduced LPS-induced generation of pro-inflammatory prostanoids and modulated ceramide species in neonatal microglia. Finally, the role of microglial ATGL in neuroinflammation was assessed using a novel microglia-specific and inducible ATGL knockout mouse model. Loss of microglial ATGL in adult male mice dampened LPS-induced expression of IL-6 and IL-1β and microglial density. LPS-induced sickness- and anxiety-like behaviours were also reduced in male mice with loss of ATGL in microglia. Together, our results demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory effects produced by pharmacological or genetic inhibition of ATGL-mediated triglyceride lipolysis and thereby propose that supressing microglial LD lipolysis has beneficial actions in acute neuroinflammatory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, novel strategies have been developed to analyze protein-protein interactions without disrupting the cellular structure. This review shows an overview of these strategies. We compared different fluorescent techniques of molecular complementation and energy transfer, as well as their combination in the analysis of protein-protein interactions. Advantages and disadvantages are presented, as well as novel applications in cell culture and living organisms, focusing on fluorescence, luminescence, and their combination to detect multiproteic interactions. The application of genetic labeling with fluorescent and luminescent labels as well as their creative combinations, have displaced the classic approaches, leading to the detection of multiprotein complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers play a crucial role in modern construction, particularly in the context of underground engineering structures. Foamable polymer (FP) is commonly used for grouting to remediate civil engineering construction. The foaming expansion process produced different microstructures based on the surrounding geological conditions, resulting in the appearance of a crystal structure and cellular structure at the interface in turn. When the crystal structure was located at the interface of the concrete or rock, it was known as a molded skin. To study the water-plugging effect of FP applied in underground structures, this study visualized water intrusion into FP by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis and determined the sealing pressure threshold. Two empirical formulas were obtained to verify the sealing pressures of FP. The water infiltration process was observed as "microfoamed molded skin to polymer cellular structure to partial foamed cracks to microfoamed molded skin." When there was preexisting damage on the polymer surface, water directly contacted the cellular structure and accumulated on the molded skin, decreasing the sealing pressure threshold. The maximum sealing threshold pressure of the polymer was approximately 1.50 MPa, increasing exponentially with density, while foaming reduced density. In simulated crack grouting tests, that threshold of polymers increased from 0.74 MPa with the increased polymer density. This study provided a means of verifying the water-plugging effect of grouting in geological engineering structure disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulva fasciata, a green seaweed, is emerging as a promising food source. The present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and functional effects of incorporating U. fasciata into wheat breads as a value-addition. The dried powder of U. fasciata exhibited a crude protein content of 16.38 ± 0.38% (dry weight basis), phenolic content of 309.47 ± 23 mg GAE/ 100 g dried samples and a DPPH antioxidant activity of 5.49%. It was observed that incorporation of U. fasciata into bread increased the total phenolic content by 20 times. Sensory analysis revealed that the breads produced with U. fasciata have a favourable green colour, odour and taste. However, respondents were not satisfied with the bread containing 5% (the maximum level) due to an undesirable odour. When the texture of the bread was evaluated, hardness increased with the addition of dried U. fasciata powder due to high fibre and protein content. Moreover, the addition of U. fasciata in breads altered the cellular structure of crumb, resulting in more gas cells during fermentation. The water holding capacity of the breads incorporated with U. fasciata were not significantly different (p-value > 0.05) from the control. The oil holding capacity was higher and significantly different (p-value < 0.05) from the control bread. Furthermore, the shelf-life was observed as 5 days without addition of any preservative. This study highlights the nutritional and biochemical properties resulting from the incorporation of U. fasciata in a baked product. These findings will be valuable in identifying and addressing challenges in the development of future baked goods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly aggressive and malignant tumor of oral cavity with a poor prognosis and high mortality due to the limitations of existing therapies. The significant role of tumor microenvironment (TME) in the initiation, development, and progression of OSCC has been widely recognized. Various cells in TME, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), T lymphocytes, tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and dendritic cells (DCs), form a complicated and important cellular network to modulate OSCC proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis by secreting RNAs, proteins, cytokines, and metabolites. Understanding the interactions among cells in TME provides the foundation for advanced clinical diagnosis and therapies. This review summarizes the current literature that describes the role of various cellular components and other TME factors in the progression of OSCC, hoping to provide new ideas for the novel OSCC treatment strategies targeting the complicated cellular network and factors that mediate the interactive loops among cells in TME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute the primary cellular component of the stroma in chordomas, characterized by an abundance of mucinous stromal elements, potentially facilitating their initiation and progression; however, this inference has yet to be fully confirmed. In this study, single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq), spatial transcriptomics (ST), bulk RNA‐seq, multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF), and in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to determine the heterogeneity, spatial distribution, and clinical significance of CAFs in chordoma. ScRNA‐seq was performed on 87,693 single cells derived from seven tumor samples and four control nucleus pulposus samples. A distinct CAF cluster distinguished by the upregulated expression of inflammatory genes and enriched functionality in activating inflammation‐associated cells was identified. Pseudotime trajectory and cell communication analyses suggested that this inflammatory CAF (iCAF) subset originated from normal fibroblasts and interacted extensively with tumors and various other cell types. By integrating the scRNA‐seq results with ST, the presence of iCAF in chordoma tissue was further confirmed, indicating their positioning at a distance from the tumor cells. Bulk RNA‐seq data analysis from 126 patients revealed a correlation between iCAF signature scores, chordoma invasiveness, and poor prognosis. QIF validation involving an additional 116 patients found that although iCAFs were not in close proximity to tumor cells compared with other CAF subsets, their density correlated with malignant tumor phenotypes and adverse outcomes. In vivo and in vitro experiments further confirmed that iCAFs accelerate the malignant progression of chordomas. These findings could provide insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The albino northern snakehead (Channa argus) is an aquaculture species characterized by heritable albino body color, in contrast to the typical coloration. Additionally, there are gray- and golden-finned individuals, which exhibit distinct coloration in their caudal fins. We performed RNA-seq to profile the transcriptome of caudal fin tissues in albino gray-finned and golden-finned C. argus, contrasting these with normal morphs to elucidate the differences between the two groups. A total of 137,130 unigenes were identified in this study. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the identified DEGs were significantly enriched in cellular components related to cytoplasm. So far, 379 common DEGs have been identified in all three groups. Notably, we observed more DEGs in golden-finned individuals compared to gray-finned individuals. We also revealed that golden-finned individuals were enriched in collagen-related pathways compared with normal individuals. The enriched DEGs of collagen components include collagen I of COL1A1 and COL1A2, collagen II of COL2A1, collagen V of COL5A1 and COL5A2, collagen VI of COL6A1 and COL6A3, collagen IX of COL9A3, collagen X of COL10A1, collagen XI of COL11A2, collagen XII of COL12A1, collagen XVI of COL16A1, collagen XVIII of COL18A1 and decorin (DCN), all of which play a role in modulating the collagen matrix. In golden-finned albino fish, collagen-related genes were downregulated, suggesting that despite the abundance of collagen types in their caudal fin cells, gene expression was slightly limited. This work provides valuable genetic insights into collagen variation in albino C. argus, lays the foundation for research on collagen genes and is crucial for the development and utilization of fish-derived collagen as a biomaterial for tissue engineering and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous implants reduce stress-shielding within implanted bones. Body-centered-cubic (BCC) and cubic cellular structures were investigated in this study to mimic bone properties. For this purpose, CAD models (7 BCC and 7 cubic) with 50% to 80% porosity were designed and 3D-printed. Morphological analysis revealed minor dimensional deviations between the CAD and the 3D-printed models. Using finite element analysis, experimental approach, and regression analysis, an ideal porosity range to mimic the mechanical properties of bone has been established. Lattices with a porosity of 60%–65% and 50%–55% for cubic and BCC, respectively, can emulate the mechanical properties of cortical bones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To further improve the load-bearing capability and anti-impact properties of the auxetic structure, a novel enhanced auxetic honeycomb core (NEH) was introduced, and the bending resistance and crashworthiness of this sandwich beam (NEH-SWB) were analyzed through numerical simulation. First, bending tests on sandwich beams under different loading situations revealed that NEH-SWB was more susceptible to impact damage in three-point bending situations than those under four-point bending, and the influence of structural parameters were more pronounced. In addition, the impact of load position and structural parameters on the bending response and deformation pattern of NEH-SWB were investigated. NEH-SWB exhibited superior bending resistance when the punch was located in the S position. Furthermore, increasing the panel thickness and altering the panel thickness configuration both contributed to improving the flexural resistance of NEH-SWBs. At a certain mass, the configuration with T f / T b > 1 exhibited better bending resistance. Meanwhile, increasing both the cell angle (θ) and wall thickness-to-length ratio (t/l) enhanced load-carrying capability and energy absorption of NEH-SWB. Subsequently, further analysis showed that NEH had better bending performance compared to cell structures with reentrant (RH), star-shaped (SSH), and reentrant-star (RSH) honeycombs. Finally, the complex proportion assessment method was employed to examine the significance of structural parameters regarding the flexural behavior of the NEH-SWB. It was concluded that increasing the t/l value could be the best solution to enhance the bending performance of the NEH-SWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the use of Double Arrowhead (DAH) structures, known for their light weight, high compressive stiffness, and energy absorption. A novel truss-supported DAH structure with a circular node was investigated under compression loads. Samples were fabricated using FDM additive manufacturing with both reinforced and non-reinforced PLA filaments. The truss supported DAH structure with a circular node, made from Carbon Fiber reinforced PLA, demonstrated superior performance with a compression strength of 19.3780 MPa, a strength to weight ratio of 0.3561 MPa/g, and a total specific energy absorption of 13903.3367 J/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mature T-cell neoplasms arise from the neoplastic transformation of a single T lymphocyte, and all cells in a neoplastic clone share the same V segment in the beta chain of the T-cell receptor (TCR). These segments may represent an innovative target for the development of targeted therapies. Methods: A specific V segment of the TCR beta chain (TRBV5-1) was analyzed using bioinformatic tools, identifying three potential antigenic peptides. One of these peptides, selected for synthesis, was used to screen a library of human single-chain variable fragments (scFv) through phage display. One fragment demonstrated high affinity and specificity for the antigen and was used to produce a human monoclonal antibody of the IgG1 class. Results: Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies confirmed the high affinity of the monoclonal antibody for the antigen in the nanomolar range. Flow cytometry analysis on patients' samples demonstrated that the antibody, conjugated with a fluorochrome, selectively binds to tumor T lymphocytes expressing TRBV5-1, without binding to other lymphocytes or blood cell components. Conclusions: The development of fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibodies targeting specific V segments of the TCR beta chain represents a potential therapeutic option for patients with mature T-cell neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from two‐dimensional (2D) to physiologically relevant three‐dimensional (3D) cell models has revolutionized biomedical research. Hydrogels are frequently used to produce 3D models for tissue engineering, disease modeling, and high‐throughput screenings (HTS). However, integrating 3D cultures into HTS workflows presents challenges, including automation compatibility and cost constraints. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches that enable miniaturization, automation, and cost reduction while maintaining experimental fidelity. The Droplet Microarray platform, based on hydrophilic‐superhydrophobic surface patterning, facilitates the formation of nanoliter‐hydrogel arrays containing cells or spheroids. This method allows dispensing of hundreds of nanoliter‐hydrogel droplets with precise control over volume and cell density, reducing reagent consumption and offering high‐throughput applications. Here, we demonstrate stable nanoliter‐hydrogel arrays on a chip, enabling experimental procedures such as washing and medium immersion. Our approach demonstrates that spheroid‐containing droplets can be gelled at any point of the experiment, allowing for the fixation of cell structures on the surface. The selective gelation of individual droplets enables spheroid sorting by stabilizing desired droplets while pooling the others. This method holds the potential for HTS and miniaturized workflows in 3D microenvironments, thereby advancing research in different fields such as cell, cell spheroid, or organoid screenings, drug screenings, and precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low frequency sound transmission loss (STL) behavior of cellular truss-like auxetic structures is investigated. For this purpose, cellular truss-like auxetic structures are used as the core of sandwich panels and the two-dimensional in-plane STL of the sandwich structures are calculated using validated FE simulations. Significant superiority of the STL behavior in terms of high bandwidth at low frequency domain (1–1000 Hz) is observed compared with other cellular materials. The results of parametric studies demonstrate strong effects of geometric parameters on the STL of the structure and could allow for fine-tuning of the acoustic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties of matrix, fiber bundle, and chopped fiber felt are evaluated by means of micromechanical analysis. An equivalent matrix model composed of matrix and chopped fiber felt material is established, which together with fiber bundle is used as the basic component of single cell. Based on the mesostructural characteristics of NP C/C composites, the local structure is divided into five typical unit cells to characterize the five representative microstructures of NP C/C composites, and the mechanical properties of the five typical unit cells are calculated, respectively. According to the true distribution of needle holes, the five typical unit cells are arranged to form a representative volume element model of NP C/C composites. The Cai–Wu failure criterion is used to determine the failure of the five typical unit cells model, and the periodic boundary condition is applied to the tension and compression simulation of the NP C/C composites, the progressive damage law of the model is analyzed. The results show that the prediction of mechanical properties of the composites under unidirectional tensile load and unidirectional compression load are in good agreement with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lattice structures are an important class of architected cellular solids and structures with high potential for multifunctional and lightweight applications. Novel technologies such as additive manufacturing have vastly extended the design freedom to develop such architectures. In this work, a reliable theoretical model for optimizing unit cell design against buckling is developed for two different cell architectures: pyramidal and tetrahedral. The model's accuracy was evaluated through extensive finite element analysis and compared to existing methods available in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal structures essential for cell architecture, cellular transport, cell motility, and cell division. Due to their dynamic nature, known as dynamic instability, microtubules can spontaneously switch between phases of growth and shortening. Disruptions in microtubule functions have been implicated in several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and birth defects. The role of microtubules during various phases of the cell cycle, particularly in cell division, makes them attractive targets for drug development against cancer. Several successful drugs currently on the market are designed to target microtubules. However, the presence of cellular toxicity and the development of multidrug resistance necessitate the search for new microtubule-targeting drugs.Here, a library of 106 biologically active compounds were screened to identify potent microtubule assembly inhibitors. Out of all the screened compounds, the hydroxyethylamine (HEA) analogues are found to be the best hit.We identified three inhibitors, BKS3031A, BKS3045A and BKS3046A, that bind at the same site as the well-known microtubule targeting agent colchicine. These inhibitors were simulated for 100 ns with tubulin complexes, and the results indicated that they remain stable within the binding pocket of α-β tubulin complexes. In addition, we estimated the binding free energy of BKS3031A, BKS3045A and BKS3046A by using molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) calculations, and it was found to be -32.67 ± 6.01, -21.77 ± 5.12 and − 22.92 ± 5.09 kcal/mol, respectively. Our findings suggest that these novel inhibitors have potential to bind and perturb the microtubule network, positioning them as promising microtubule-targeting agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular responses to biotic stress frequently involve signaling pathways that are conserved across eukaryotes. These pathways include the cytoskeleton, a proteinaceous network that senses external cues at the cell surface and signals to interior cellular components. During biotic stress, dynamic cytoskeletal rearrangements serve as a platform from which early immune-associated processes are organized and activated. Bacterial pathogens of plants and animals use proteins called type III effectors (T3Es) to interfere with host immune signaling, thereby promoting virulence. We previously found that RipU, a T3E from the soilborne phytobacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum, co-localizes with the plant cytoskeleton. Here, we show that RipU from R. solanacearum K60 (RipUK60) associated with and altered the organization of both the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton. We found that pharmacological disruption of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cytoskeleton promoted R. solanacearum K60 colonization. Importantly, tomato plants inoculated with R. solanacearum K60 lacking RipUK60 (ΔripUK60) had reduced wilting symptoms and significantly reduced root colonization when compared to plants inoculated with wild-type R. solanacearum K60. Collectively, our data suggest that R. solanacearum K60 uses the type III effector RipUK60 to remodel cytoskeletal organization, thereby promoting pathogen virulence. Author summary: Pathogenic bacteria secrete dozens of proteins directly into plant and animal cells to interfere with host biology and promote disease. These proteins, termed effectors, target different host proteins to alter cellular processes and enable pathogen virulence. Understanding how distinct effectors manipulate host proteins is critical for developing new disease control strategies. The cytoskeleton is a protein network found across eukaryotic organisms that can sense external signals and transmit responses to the cell interior. Dynamic reorganization of the cytoskeleton is required for immune signaling. Here we showed that the cytoskeleton is critical for resistance to the soilborne phytobacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. We found that RipU, an R. solanacearum effector protein, physically associates with and alters the organization of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton in plants. We also found that RipU is required for full pathogen virulence. While an R. solanacearum mutant that is defective in ripU is unable to cause disease at the same level as wild type R. solanacearum, chemical disruption of the cytoskeleton restored full virulence to these mutants. Our study provides new insights into how pathogenic bacteria manipulate cellular targets to cause disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe cellular components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) comprise cancer cells and nonmalignant cells including stromal and immune cells. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by various types of cells that play a crucial role in intercellular communications within TME. The main goal of this study was to elucidate how exosomes of macrophage cells treated with doxorubicin (DOX) and DOX-loaded cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (DOX-CDNSs), affect melanoma cancer cell proliferation. For this aim, the exosomes of the murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) were isolated and characterized after treating the cells with DOX and DOX-CDNSs. The results demonstrated that DOX-CDNSs at a treatment concentration of 1 µg/mL, were nontoxic for macrophages and remarkably toxic against cancer cells. However, DOX was nontoxic for both cell types at the same treatment concentration. DOX and DOX-CDNSs remarkably declined the viability of both cell types at higher concentrations (25 and 50 µg/mL). Intriguingly, the exosomes of DOX-CD-NSs treated macrophages promoted the viability of cancer cells at the treatment concentrations of 1, 20, and 40 µg/mL. While the exosomes of DOX-treated macrophages increased cell viability of cancer cells only at the lowest concentration. In conclusion, this study suggests that utilization of CD-NSs may augment the toxicity of DOX against cancer cells, while it could direct macrophages toward secreting exosomes that favor the growth of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the determination of the equivalent elastic and strength properties of triply periodic minimal surfaces (TMPS) lattice structures. Specifically, primitive and gyroid TPMS are analyzed, and their macroscopic properties, in terms of stiffness and strength, are derived as a function of the relative density. These properties are derived through numerical homogenization on the representative volume element (RVE) and via numerical analyses on specimens composed of an array of RVEs and compared to data available in the literature. These findings may potentially aid the creation of functionally graded cellular materials with variable density, optimizing structural stiffness and mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous structures are useful elements in several applications, such as in tissue engineering and in the refinement of optimized elements, with the benefit of offering minimum weight, diminishing costs, and reducing material use. This paper presents a method to design porous structures in two dimensions based on grayscale images, in which the porosity and pore size can be changed as a function of a distribution of densities (gray intensity). Generative design tools, Voronoi diagrams and Delaunay triangulations, are developed in which the size of the cells is related to the gray intensity distribution within the image. The method was tested on grayscale images from X-ray and topological optimization algorithms to obtain CAD models suitable for additive manufacturing. These models were subsequently manufactured through an additive manufacturing process. The results show that the developed tool is able to successfully obtain cellular structures; moreover, the 3D-printed specimens were evaluated through both FEM and physical tests to compare which of the trabeculae shapes was better for loading transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking advantage of the good mechanical strength of expanded Drosophila brains and to tackle their relatively large size that can complicate imaging, we apply potassium (poly)acrylate-based hydrogels for expansion microscopy (ExM), resulting in a 40x plus increased resolution of transgenic fluorescent proteins preserved by glutaraldehyde fixation in the nervous system. Large-volume ExM is realized by using an axicon-based Bessel lightsheet microscope, featuring gentle multi-color fluorophore excitation and intrinsic optical sectioning capability, enabling visualization of Tm5a neurites and L3 lamina neurons with photoreceptors in the optic lobe. We also image nanometer-sized dopaminergic neurons across the same intact iteratively expanded Drosophila brain, enabling us to measure the 3D expansion ratio. Here we show that at a tile scanning speed of ~1 min/mm3 with 1012 pixels over 14 hours, we image the centimeter-sized fly brain at an effective resolution comparable to electron microscopy, allowing us to visualize mitochondria within presynaptic compartments and Bruchpilot (Brp) scaffold proteins distributed in the central complex, enabling robust analyses of neurobiological topics. Combining expansion microscopy (ExM) with lightsheet imaging can enable fast 3D visualisation of biological structures at high-resolution, but such approaches can be hindered by several limitations. By using potassium acrylate-based hydrogels, the authors perform large-volume ExM with Bessel lightsheet microscopy, achieving high-resolution imaging of cellular structures within the fly brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing and creating novel antibiotics is one of the most important targets in treating infectious diseases. Novel coumarins were synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Nuclear magnetic resonance1H and 13C and mass spectroscopy (MS). All of the synthesized compounds have been tested for activity and sensitivity against the microbial strains of B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, and C. albicans. All compounds showed substantial results against the tested microbes except S. typhi, which was not affected in any way by these coumarins. Exceptional results were shown by compounds 4, 6d, and 8b, which made them the best candidates for loading to the vicinity of nanostructure lipid carrier and coated by chitosan nanocapsule (NLC-Cs). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) confirmed spherical morphology with particles size less than 500 nm. Also, dynamic light scattering (DLS) were utilized to measure the average particle size (between 100 and 200 nm) and the stability assessed by zeta potential were found to be more positive confirming the chitosan encapsulation. Antimicrobial activity assessments were performed for both synthetic compounds and their NLCs analogues. The nanoformulation of 4-NLC-Cs, 6d-NLC-Cs, and 8b-NLC-Cs manifested unique biological results, especially 8b-NLC-Cs, which revealed powerful effects over all the tested organisms including S. typhi. The increasing biological effect of the drugs in their nanoscale form is reflected in the increasing value of inhibition zone diameter and suppressing the value of MIC to reach record levels like 8b-NLC-Cs disclosed MIC = 0.48 and 0.24 µg/ml against S. aureus and C. albicans, respectively, by the mean 8b-NLC-Cs nanoformulation suppressed the MIC by 65 folds of its initial value before nano. In continuation, it was proven that the compounds 4, 6d and 8b were found to make noticeable changes on the DNA-Gyrase levels with reduced IC50 values particularly 8b showed excellent inhibitory effect with IC50 = 4.56 µM. TEM was used to pursue the morphological changes that occur in bacterial cells of P. aeruginosa. The weakness of the cell wall in most bacterial cells treated with nanomaterials, 8b-NLC-Cs, has reached the point of the cell wall rupture and the cell components spilling out of the cells causing necrotic cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights With the advancement of technology, the demand for high‐performance stealth materials with complex structures has increased significantly. This study explores the integration of design, manufacturing, and evaluation of stealth structures using fused deposition modeling (FDM) combined with advanced absorbing materials. Focusing on nylon‐based filaments optimized for broadband absorption, the research is inspired by the microstructure of the weaver ant's back shell to create a thin‐layer, wideband absorbing structure with wide‐angle response, employing the trust region algorithm. This integration of high dielectric loss materials, bionic design, and FDM technology enhances manufacturing efficiency and reduces the structure's thickness. The resulting structure achieves broadband absorption from 3.56 to 40 GHz, excellent angular adaptability, and mechanical robustness. Compared to gradient cell structures, it reduces thickness by 33% and extends the absorption frequency range by 5%. This approach offers a lightweight, high‐performance solution for next‐generation stealth applications. Biomimetic inspired design‐manufacturing‐evaluation integration. Trust domain algorithm optimization. Improve absorption by combining the macro structure and micro materials. Additive manufacturing cross‐enabled functional material design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nHIGHLIGHTSWith numerous advantages over conventional techniques, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has become a viable method for the effective extraction of biomolecules from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The fundamentals and workings of UAE are examined in this review, focusing on current developments, including how these impact the extraction of proteins, lipids, enzymes, and other bioactive compounds. UAE not only enhances cell disruption and mass transfer, leading to improved extraction yields, but also preserves the integrity of the extracted bioactive molecules under optimized conditions, making it a preferred choice in Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Additionally, this review explores recent innovative approaches that combine ultrasound with other techniques like enzymatic digestion, supercritical CO2, deep eutectic solvents, and Three-Phase Partitioning (UA-TPP) etc, to further enhance extraction efficiency. The differences in extraction effectiveness between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are attributed to cellular structure and ultrasonic conditions. Overall, this review highlights UAE’s promise as a viable and efficient substitute for biomolecule extraction concerning prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells while bringing up areas that need additional research and development.Illustrates recent advances in Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods of biomolecules from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellsExamined the fundamental processes by which ultrasound affects prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.The paper underlines the sustainability aspect of ultrasound-assisted techniques.Highlights UAE relevance across multiple disciplines, connecting industrial processing, chemistry, and biotechnology.Illustrates recent advances in Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods of biomolecules from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellsExamined the fundamental processes by which ultrasound affects prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.The paper underlines the sustainability aspect of ultrasound-assisted techniques.Highlights UAE relevance across multiple disciplines, connecting industrial processing, chemistry, and biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the tight relationship between the effective material qualities of honeycomb cellular structures and their geometric cell configurations, these attributes play an important role in isolating specific target sound frequencies to prevent transmission through cellular panels. In this study, we introduce a predictive model to investigate the structural-acoustic performance of sandwich panels featuring honeycomb cellular cores, employing a combination of finite element (FE) analysis and machine learning-based neural networks. Initially, Finite Structured Acoustic Element Analysis (FE) was employed to identify the natural frequencies arising from exposure to high noise levels in the sandwich panel. Subsequently, the outputs of the FE model (comprising 224 configurations) were used to train an artificial neural network (ANN) model, using the Levenberg-Marquardt method. The developed ANN model was then utilized to assess the impact of various parameters, including changes in inner cell angles (−45 to +45°), alterations in material composition, variations in skin thickness, and total mass, on the transmission characteristics of the sandwich structure. The results generated by the ANN model closely align with those obtained from the numerical model, exhibiting a small error tolerance of 0.483 and a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.99798. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Chondrocytes and synovial cells participate in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Nonetheless, the interactions and correlations between OA synovial cells and chondrocytes remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the interactions and correlations between OA synovial cells and chondrocytes, so as to deepen understanding of OA pathogenesis. Methods: Single-cell sequencing analysis was employed to analyze clusters of synovial and chondrocyte cells within the OA dataset. Through cell interaction analysis, the potential interactions between these two cell types were further explored. Differential gene expression analysis was used to examine the differences among synovial-related cell clusters. Results: The study identified specific characteristics of synovial fibroblasts through single-cell sequencing analysis. Subsequent cell interaction analysis revealed interactions and correlations between synovial fibroblast clusters and cell clusters in both damaged and non-damaged cartilages. CILP + fibroblasts showed significant interactions with non-damaged chondrocytes, while POSTN + fibroblasts exhibited significant interactions with damaged chondrocytes. Furthermore, differential gene expression analysis revealed that genes such as PRELP , CLU , COMP , TNFRSF12A , INHBA , CILP , and SERPINE2 , were significantly upregulated in CILP + fibroblasts. These genes are involved in promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting inflammatory pathways, and stabilizing cell structure, thereby exerting reparative and protective effects on chondrocytes. In contrast, COL6A3 , COL6A1 , COL1A2 , COL1A1 , COL3A1 , TGF-β1 , MMP2 , AEBP1 , SPARC , FNDC1 , and POSTN were upregulated in POSTN + fibroblasts. These genes may contribute to chondrocyte damage and further degeneration by promoting chondrocyte catabolism, driving inflammation, activating inflammatory pathways, and facilitating chondrocyte apoptosis and destruction. Conclusion: Our study elucidated the interactions and correlations between OA synovial cells and chondrocytes. CILP + synovial fibroblasts may exert reparative and protective effects on chondrocytes of patients with OA by promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting inflammation, and stabilizing cellular structures, thereby potentially mitigating the progression of cartilage lesions in affected patients. In contrast, POSTN + synovial fibroblasts may exacerbate chondrocyte deterioration in patients with OA by enhancing degradation, inflammation, and apoptosis, thereby exacerbating cartilage lesions. Investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms between OA synovial cells and chondrocytes refines the understanding of OA pathogenesis and provides valuable insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death in cancer patients. Tumor cells primarily spread through the hematogenous and lymphatic system. The underlying mechanisms of hematogenous metastasis have been well described over the past few decades. However, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in lymphatic metastasis is still at an early stage. Tumor microenvironment (TME), primarily consisting of T cells, B cells, tumor-associated macrophages, neutrophils, and cancer-associated fibroblasts, has been implicated in the development of lymphatic metastasis. Recent studies have been reported that the dynamic and complex interplay between these cellular components of TME has great effects on lymphatic metastasis. Here, we discussed the paradoxical roles of these cellular component within the TME during lymphatic metastasis, as well as potential therapeutic opportunities to re-educate these cells within the TME to have anti-tumorigenic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aging process is intricately linked to alterations in cellular and tissue structures, with the respiratory system being particularly susceptible to age-related changes. Therefore, this study aimed to profile the activity of proteases using activity-based probes in lung tissues of old and young rats, focusing on the expression levels of different, in particular cathepsins G and X and matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs). Additionally, the impact on extracellular matrix (ECM) components, particularly fibronectin, in relation to age-related histological and ultrastructural changes in lung tissues was investigated. Materials and methods: Lung tissues from old and young rats were subjected to activity-based probe profiling to assess the activity of different proteases. Expression levels of cathepsins G and X were quantified, and zymography was performed to evaluate matrix metalloproteinases activity. Furthermore, ECM components, specifically fibronectin, were examined for signs of degradation in the old lung tissues compared to the young ones. Moreover, histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural assessments of old and young lung tissue were also conducted. Results: Our results showed that the expression levels of cathepsins G and X were notably higher in old rat lung tissues in contrast to those in young rat lung tissues. Zymography analysis revealed elevated MMP activity in the old lung tissues compared to the young ones. Particularly, significant degradation of fibronectin, an essential ECM component, was observed in the old lung tissues. Numerous histological and ultrastructural alterations were observed in old lung tissues compared to young lung tissues. Discussion and conclusion: The findings indicate an age-related upregulation of cathepsins G and X along with heightened MMP activity in old rat lung tissues, potentially contributing to the degradation of fibronectin within the ECM. These alterations highlight potential mechanisms underlying age-associated changes in lung tissue integrity and provide insights into protease-mediated ECM remodeling in the context of aging lungs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the State-of-Health (SoH) of fuel cell systems during operation is vital for implementing model-based control strategies that aim to minimize degradation and extend the fuel cell lifetime. This paper introduces a novel observer architecture designed to estimate the internal states as well as the SoH of fuel cell systems in real time. The proposed observer offers three key advantages: (1) it decouples the dynamics of internal states from SoH, thus enhancing numerical stability, (2) by incorporating multiple measurement points, assessing the SoH for various components within the fuel cell (e.g. membrane, catalyst layer) becomes possible, and (3) in combination with the used physical real-time capable model, the observer architecture facilitates real-time evaluation of the SoH during dynamic operation. The observer's benefits are demonstrated through simulations and measurement data. • Decoupled estimation of internal states and State-of-Health parameters. • Physically meaningful estimation of internal states and State-of-Health. • State-of-Health estimation of multiple PEM fuel cell components (e.g. membrane). • Real-time evaluation for a wide range of operating points during dynamic operation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]