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PLoS Computational Biology Jun 2024Biological structures are defined by rigid elements, such as bones, and elastic elements, like muscles and membranes. Computer vision advances have enabled automatic...
Biological structures are defined by rigid elements, such as bones, and elastic elements, like muscles and membranes. Computer vision advances have enabled automatic tracking of moving animal skeletal poses. Such developments provide insights into complex time-varying dynamics of biological motion. Conversely, the elastic soft-tissues of organisms, like the nose of elephant seals, or the buccal sac of frogs, are poorly studied and no computer vision methods have been proposed. This leaves major gaps in different areas of biology. In primatology, most critically, the function of air sacs is widely debated; many open questions on the role of air sacs in the evolution of animal communication, including human speech, remain unanswered. To support the dynamic study of soft-tissue structures, we present a toolkit for the automated tracking of semi-circular elastic structures in biological video data. The toolkit contains unsupervised computer vision tools (using Hough transform) and supervised deep learning (by adapting DeepLabCut) methodology to track inflation of laryngeal air sacs or other biological spherical objects (e.g., gular cavities). Confirming the value of elastic kinematic analysis, we show that air sac inflation correlates with acoustic markers that likely inform about body size. Finally, we present a pre-processed audiovisual-kinematic dataset of 7+ hours of closeup audiovisual recordings of siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) singing. This toolkit (https://github.com/WimPouw/AirSacTracker) aims to revitalize the study of non-skeletal morphological structures across multiple species.
PubMed: 38913743
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012222 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024The global health implications of fine particulate matter (PM) underscore the imperative need for research into its toxicity and chemical composition. In this study,...
Prediction of developmental toxic effects of fine particulate matter (PM) water-soluble components via machine learning through observation of PM from diverse urban areas.
The global health implications of fine particulate matter (PM) underscore the imperative need for research into its toxicity and chemical composition. In this study, zebrafish embryos exposed to the water-soluble components of PM from two cities (Harbin and Hangzhou) with differences in air quality, underwent microscopic examination to identify primary target organs. The Harbin PM induced dose-dependent organ malformation in zebrafish, indicating a higher level of toxicity than that of the Hangzhou sample. Harbin PM led to severe deformities such as pericardial edema and a high mortality rate, while the Hangzhou sample exhibited hepatotoxicity, causing delayed yolk sac absorption. The experimental determination of PM constituents was followed by the application of four algorithms for predictive toxicological assessment. The random forest algorithm correctly predicted each of the effect classes and showed the best performance, suggesting that zebrafish malformation rates were strongly correlated with water-soluble components of PM. Feature selection identified the water-soluble ions F and Cl and metallic elements Al, K, Mn, and Be as potential key components affecting zebrafish development. This study provides new insights into the developmental toxicity of PM and offers a new approach for predicting and exploring the health effects of PM.
PubMed: 38906297
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174027 -
Avian Diseases Jun 2024Manufacturers of (MG) modified live vaccines usually recommend a single application at 8 wk of age. This makes 12-16-wk-old layer pullets suitable for challenge studies...
Manufacturers of (MG) modified live vaccines usually recommend a single application at 8 wk of age. This makes 12-16-wk-old layer pullets suitable for challenge studies intended to evaluate these vaccines. Numerous challenge models in different poultry species and ages have been reported. However, there is not an established layer pullet challenge model for this age. The aim of this study is to develop a suitable challenge model in 12-wk-old layer pullets. MG R strain was used as the challenge strain, and its ability to induce clinical signs and lesions in 12-wk-old Hy-Line W-36 layer pullets was evaluated. Three different doses (low, 7.95 × 10 color-changing units [CCU]/bird; medium, 7.95 × 10 CCU/bird; and high, 7.95 × 10 CCU/bird) via three different routes (eye drop, fine spray, and contact infection) were compared and evaluated using different parameters. At 14 days post-challenge, there were no mortalities in any of the groups throughout the study. Layer pullets directly challenged with the high dose via the fine spray route showed the clearest and most consistent results (clinical signs, positive quantitative real-time PCR [qPCR], seroconversion, air sac scoring, and histopathological changes of the tracheal mucosa). Medium and low challenge doses applied via fine spray or eye drop did not show consistent results. R strain was able to spread to the contact infection birds, as confirmed by the positive qPCR results; however, none of the contact-infected birds showed any clinical signs or gross or microscopic lesions. Our results suggest that a high dose (7.95 × 10 CCU/bird) administered through a fine spray route is the model of choice in any future MG vaccine evaluation trials in 12-wk-old layer pullets.
Topics: Mycoplasma gallisepticum; Animals; Poultry Diseases; Mycoplasma Infections; Chickens; Bacterial Vaccines; Female
PubMed: 38885057
DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-D-23-00045 -
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Jun 2024Single-atom catalysts (SACs), with precisely controlled metal atom distribution and adjustable coordination architecture, have gained intensive concerns as efficient...
Vapor deposition strategy for implanting isolated Fe sites into papermaking nanofibers-derived N-doped carbon aerogels for liquid Electrolyte-/All-Solid-State Zn-Air batteries.
Single-atom catalysts (SACs), with precisely controlled metal atom distribution and adjustable coordination architecture, have gained intensive concerns as efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts in Zn-air batteries (ZAB). The attainment of a monodispersed state for metallic atoms anchored on the carbonaceous substrate remains the foremost research priority; however, the persistent challenges lie in the relatively weak metal-support interactions and the instability of captured single atom active sites. Furthermore, in order to achieve rapid transport of O and other reactive substances within the carbon matrix, manufacturing SACs based on multi-stage porous carbon substrates is highly anticipated. Here, we propose a methodology for the fabrication of carbon aerogels (CA)-supported SACs utilizing papermaking nanofibers, which incorporates advanced strategies for N-atom self-doping, defect/vacancy introduction, and single-atom interface engineering. Specifically, taking advantages of using green and energy-efficient feedstocks, combining with a direct pore-forming template volatilization and chemical vapor deposition approach, we successfully developed N-doped carbon aerogels immobilized with separated iron sites (Fe-SAC@N/CA-Cd). The obtained Fe-SAC@N/CA-Cd exhibited substantially large specific surface area (S = 1173 m/g) and a multi-level pore structure, which can effectively mitigate the random aggregation of Fe atoms during pyrolysis. As a result, it demonstrated appreciable activity and stability in catalyzing the ORR progress (E = 0.88 V, E = 0.96 V). Furthermore, the assembled liquid electrolyte-state Zn-air batteries (LES-ZAB) and all-solid-state Zn-air battery (ASS-ZAB) also provides encouraging performance, with a peak power density of 169 mW cm for LES-ZAB and a maximum power density of 124 mW cm for ASS-ZAB.
PubMed: 38878379
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.100 -
Current Pharmaceutical Design Jun 2024It has been hypothesized that piperine, the main alkaloid component of black pepper, possesses a unique radioprotective effect. This study aimed to investigate the...
INTRODUCTION
It has been hypothesized that piperine, the main alkaloid component of black pepper, possesses a unique radioprotective effect. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of piperine against Radiation-Induced Lung Injury (RILI) in mice.
METHOD
Firstly, eighty male mice were divided into eight groups; the control group did not receive any dosage of piperine and radiation (6 Gy), and the other groups received piperine alone at doses 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg, radiation, and radiation-piperine combination (6 Gy + 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg). Animals received piperine by gavage for 7 consecutive days. To investigate the effect of piperine pretreatment in mice that were exposed to radiation, histopathological and biochemical evaluations (markers of oxidative stress) were performed. Irradiation led to an increase in oxidative stress (increase in MDA and PC). Pretreatment of piperine in all three doses in irradiated mice was able to reduce oxidative stress compared to mice that were only exposed to radiation.
RESULTS
Piperine at a dose of 25 mg/kg exhibited the highest protective effect as compared to other doses. Also, in the histopathological examination, it was seen that pretreatment with piperine was able to improve the infiltration of inflammatory cells and reduce the thickness of the alveolar septum and air sac damage.
CONCLUSION
The outcomes completely proved significant lung protection by piperine in mice through reducing oxidative stress. This natural compound could be considered a protective agent against lung injury induced by ionizing radiation.
PubMed: 38874044
DOI: 10.2174/0113816128296224240530060011 -
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and... Jun 2024The chromatin-remodeling enzymes BRG1 (brahma-related gene 1) and CHD4 (chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4) independently regulate the transcription of genes...
BACKGROUND
The chromatin-remodeling enzymes BRG1 (brahma-related gene 1) and CHD4 (chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4) independently regulate the transcription of genes critical for vascular development, but their coordinated impact on vessels in late-stage embryos has not been explored.
METHODS
In this study, we genetically deleted endothelial and in mixed background mice (), and littermates that were negative for Cre recombinase were used as controls. Tissues were analyzed by immunostaining, immunoblot, and flow cytometry. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to determine gene expression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed gene targets of BRG1 and CHD4 in cultured endothelial cells.
RESULTS
We found double mutants grew normally but died soon after birth with small and compact lungs. Despite having normal cellular composition, distal air sacs of the mutant lungs displayed diminished ECM (extracellular matrix) components and TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β) signaling, which typically promotes ECM synthesis. Transcripts for collagen- and elastin-related genes and the TGFβ ligand were decreased in mutant lung endothelial cells, but genetic deletion of endothelial failed to recapitulate the small lungs and ECM defects seen in mutants. We instead found several ECM genes to be direct targets of BRG1 and CHD4 in cultured endothelial cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Collectively, our data highlight essential roles for endothelial chromatin-remodeling enzymes in promoting ECM deposition in the distal lung tissue during the saccular stage of embryonic lung development.
PubMed: 38868942
DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.124.320881 -
Nature Jun 2024
Topics: Animals; Energy Metabolism; Flight, Animal; Birds
PubMed: 38867009
DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-01508-4 -
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach,... Jun 2024Single atom catalyst (SAC) is one of the most efficient and versatile catalysts with well-defined active sites. However, its facile and large-scale preparation, the...
Single atom catalyst (SAC) is one of the most efficient and versatile catalysts with well-defined active sites. However, its facile and large-scale preparation, the prerequisite of industrial applications, has been very challenging. This dilemma originates from the Gibbs-Thomson effect, which renders it rather difficult to achieve high single atom loading (< 3 mol%). Further, most synthesizing procedures are quite complex, resulting in significant mass loss and thus low yields. Herein, a novel metal coordination route is developed to address these issues simultaneously, which is realized owing to the rapid complexation between ligands (e.g., biuret) and metal ions in aqueous solutions and subsequent in situ polymerization of the formed complexes to yield SACs. The whole preparation process involves only one heating step operated in air without any special protecting atmospheres, showing general applicability for diverse transition metals. Take Cu SAC for an example, a record yield of up to 3.565 kg in one pot and an ultrahigh metal loading 16.03 mol% on carbon nitride (Cu/CN) are approached. The as-prepared SACs are demonstrated to possess high activity, outstanding selectivity, and robust cyclicity for CO photoreduction to HCOOH. This research explores a robust route toward cost-effective, massive production of SACs for potential industrial applications.
PubMed: 38857942
DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404900 -
ELife Jun 2024Abnormal lung development can cause congenital pulmonary cysts, the mechanisms of which remain largely unknown. Although the cystic lesions are believed to result...
Abnormal lung development can cause congenital pulmonary cysts, the mechanisms of which remain largely unknown. Although the cystic lesions are believed to result directly from disrupted airway epithelial cell growth, the extent to which developmental defects in lung mesenchymal cells contribute to abnormal airway epithelial cell growth and subsequent cystic lesions has not been thoroughly examined. In the present study using genetic mouse models, we dissected the roles of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor 1a (Bmpr1a)-mediated BMP signaling in lung mesenchyme during prenatal lung development and discovered that abrogation of mesenchymal disrupted normal lung branching morphogenesis, leading to the formation of prenatal pulmonary cystic lesions. Severe deficiency of airway smooth muscle cells and subepithelial elastin fibers were found in the cystic airways of the mesenchymal knockout lungs. In addition, ectopic mesenchymal expression of BMP ligands and airway epithelial perturbation of the Sox2-Sox9 proximal-distal axis were detected in the mesenchymal knockout lungs. However, deletion of Smad1/5, two major BMP signaling downstream effectors, from the lung mesenchyme did not phenocopy the cystic abnormalities observed in the mesenchymal knockout lungs, suggesting that a Smad-independent mechanism contributes to prenatal pulmonary cystic lesions. These findings reveal for the first time the role of mesenchymal BMP signaling in lung development and a potential pathogenic mechanism underlying congenital pulmonary cysts.
Topics: Animals; Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I; Signal Transduction; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Lung; Mesoderm; Cysts; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; Lung Diseases; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38856718
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.91876 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Calvarial bone marrow has been found to be central in the brain immune response, being connected to the dura through channels which allow leukocyte trafficking. Temporal...
Calvarial bone marrow has been found to be central in the brain immune response, being connected to the dura through channels which allow leukocyte trafficking. Temporal bone marrow is thought to play important roles in relation to the inner ear, but is still largely uncharacterized, given this bone complex anatomy. We characterized the geometry and connectivity of rat temporal bone marrow using lightsheet imaging of cleared samples and microCT. Bone marrow was identified in cleared tissue by cellular content (and in particular by the presence of megakaryocytes); since air-filled cavities are absent in rodents, marrow clusters could be recognized in microCT scans by their geometry. In cleared petrosal bone, autofluorescence allowed delineation of the otic capsule layers. Within the endochondral layer, bone marrow was observed in association to the cochlear base and vestibule, and to the cochlear apex. Cochlear apex endochondral marrow (CAEM) was a separated cluster from the remaining endochondral marrow, which was therefore defined as "vestibular endochondral marrow" (VEM). A much larger marrow island (petrosal non-endochondral marrow, PNEM) extended outside the otic capsule surrounding semicircular canal arms. PNEM was mainly connected to the dura, through bone channels similar to those of calvarial bone, and only a few channels were directed toward the canal periosteum. On the contrary, endochondral bone marrow was well connected to the labyrinth through vascular loops (directed to the spiral ligament for CAEM and to the bony labyrinth periosteum for VEM), and to dural sinuses. In addition, CAEM was also connected to the tensor tympani fossa of the middle ear and VEM to the endolymphatic sac. Endochondral marrow was made up of small lobules connected to each other and to other structures by channels lined by elongated macrophages, whereas PNEM displayed larger lobules connected by channels with a sparse macrophage population. Our data suggest that the rat inner ear is surrounded by bone marrow at the junctions with middle ear and brain, most likely with "customs" role, restricting pathogen spread; a second marrow network with different structural features is found within the endochondral bone layer of the otic capsule and may play different functional roles.
PubMed: 38817550
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1386654