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Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Targeted herbicide application refers to precise application of herbicides in weed-infested areas according to the location and density of farmland weeds. At present,...
INTRODUCTION
Targeted herbicide application refers to precise application of herbicides in weed-infested areas according to the location and density of farmland weeds. At present, targeted herbicide application in wheat fields generally faces problems including the low herbicide adhesion rate, leading to omission and excessive loss of herbicides.
METHODS
To solve these problems, changes in the impact force of herbicide and the weed leaves in the operation process of a spraying system were studied from the interaction between weeds and herbicides applied. A dynamic model of weed leaves was established. On this basis, the research indicated that the herbicide adhesion rate is highest under spraying pressure of 0.4 MPa and flow rate of 0.011 kg/s when the spray height is 300 mm. To study the dynamic deformation of weed leaves and the distribution of liquid herbicides in the external flow field under weed-herbicide interaction, a dynamic simulation model of herbicide application was built using the finite element method.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results show that when the spray height is 300 mm, the maximum weed leaf deformation index (LDI) is 0.43 and the velocity in the external flow field is 0 m/s under spraying pressure of 0.4 MPa and flow rate of 0.011 kg/s. This finding indicates that the herbicide is not splashed elsewhere and the turbulence intensity in the weed area is 2%, implying steady flow of the herbicide, most of which can be retained on weed leaves. Field test results of application quality of the herbicide show that the maximum LDI is 0.41 and the coverage of the herbicide in the sheltered area below the leaves is 19.02% when the spraying pressure is 0.4 MPa, flow rate is 0.011 kg/s, and spray height is 300 mm. This solves the problem of a low rate of utilization of herbicides because the herbicide passes through weed plants, and achieves the precision herbicide application in wheat fields.
PubMed: 38947943
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1420649 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric hepatic malignancy. Despite the progress in HB treatment, investigating HB pathomechanisms to optimize stratification...
BACKGROUND
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric hepatic malignancy. Despite the progress in HB treatment, investigating HB pathomechanisms to optimize stratification and therapies remains a focal point to improve the outcome for high-risk patients.
METHODS
Here, we pointed to explore the impact of these mechanisms in HB. An observational study was performed on liver samples from a cohort of 17 patients with a diagnosis of HB and two normal liver samples. The experiments were executed on the Huh6 human HB cell line treated with the FAK inhibitor TAE226.
RESULTS
Our results highlight a significant up-regulation of mRNA and protein expression of FAK in livers from HB with respect to normal livers. The increased protein expression of total and Tyr397 phosphorylated FAK (pTyr397FAK) was significantly correlated with the expression of some epigenetic regulators of histone H3 methylation and acetylation. Of note, the expression of pTyr397FAK, N-methyltransferase enzyme (EZH2) and tri-methylation of the H3K27 residue correlated with tumor size and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Finally, TAE226 caused a significant reduction of pTyr397FAK, epigenetic regulators, , , , and , in association with anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on HB cells.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest a role of FAK in HB that requires further investigations mainly focused on the exploration of its effective diagnostic and therapeutic translatability.
PubMed: 38947885
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1397647 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024Toluene is a common and significant volatile organic compound (VOC). Although it finds extensive application in various industrial processes (chemical manufacturing,... (Review)
Review
Toluene is a common and significant volatile organic compound (VOC). Although it finds extensive application in various industrial processes (chemical manufacturing, paint and adhesive production, and as a solvent), it creates a huge environmental impact when emitted freely into the atmosphere. Two solutions were found to mitigate the emission of this pollutant: the total oxidation to CO and HO and the selective oxidation into benzaldehyde. This review discusses the two main alternatives for tackling this problem: converting the toluene into carbon dioxide by total oxidation or into benzaldehyde by selective oxidation. It presents new catalytic advances, new trends, and the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
PubMed: 38947821
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01023 -
Cureus May 2024Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) stands as a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by blistering and erosion of mucocutaneous membranes. The pathogenesis of PV implicates both B...
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) stands as a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by blistering and erosion of mucocutaneous membranes. The pathogenesis of PV implicates both B and T cells, which target cell-to-cell adhesion molecules within the epithelia of the skin and oral mucosa, leading to acantholysis. Typically, the presentation involves blistering of the oral mucosa, often followed by cutaneous lesions. Given the considerable risk of morbidity and mortality associated with PV, early diagnosis is crucial, typically relying on a combination of clinical features, histopathology, and direct immunofluorescence. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases and inflammation. Herein, we present a case of PV that demonstrated resistance to first-line therapy with steroids. Subsequently, treatment with the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib was initiated, yielding favorable outcomes. This case underscores the potential of targeted therapies, such as BTK inhibitors, in managing PV refractory to conventional treatment modalities.
PubMed: 38947690
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61317 -
IScience Jun 2024Stem cell therapy for intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) has been widely used in clinical treatment. However, intravenous injection lacks sufficient targeting capabilities,...
Stem cell therapy for intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) has been widely used in clinical treatment. However, intravenous injection lacks sufficient targeting capabilities, while injection poses challenges in ensuring the effective survival of stem cells. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the interaction between stem cells and endometrial cells remains poorly understood, and there is a lack of suitable models for studying these problems. Here, we designed an extracellular matrix (ECM)-adhesion mimic hydrogel for intrauterine administration, which was more effective than direct injection in treating IUAs. Additionally, we analyzed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and confirmed that the activation of endometrial epithelial stem cells is pivotal. Our findings demonstrated that umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) secrete WNT7A to activate endometrial epithelial stem cells, thereby accelerating regeneration of the endometrial epithelium. Concurrently, under transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) stimulation secreted by the EMT epithelium, UC-MSCs upregulate E-cadherin while partially implanting into the endometrial epithelium.
PubMed: 38947517
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109888 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings currently have limited therapeutic applications because they lack anti-infection, osteoinductivity, and poor mechanical characteristics. On...
Hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings currently have limited therapeutic applications because they lack anti-infection, osteoinductivity, and poor mechanical characteristics. On the titanium substrate, electrochemical deposition (ECD) was used to construct the strontium (Sr)-featuring hydroxyapatite (HAp)/graphene oxides (GO)/linezolid (LZ) nanomaterial coated with antibacterial and drug delivery properties. The newly fabricated nanomaterials were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis and morphological features were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The results reveal multiple nucleation sites for SrHAp/GO/LZ composite coatings due to oxygen-comprising moieties on the 2D surface of GO. It was shown to be favorable for osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. The elastic modulus and hardness of LZ nanocomposite with SrHAp/GO/LZ coatings were increased by 67 % and 121 %, respectively. An initial 5 h burst of LZ release from the SrHAp/GO/LZ coating was followed by 14 h of gradual release, owing to LZ's physical and chemical adsorption. The SrHAp/GO/LZ coating effectively inhibited both and , and the inhibition lasted for three days, as demonstrated by the inhibition zone and colony count assays. When MG-63 cells are coated with SrHAp/GO/LZ composite coating, their adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation greatly improve when coated with pure titanium. A novel surface engineering nanomaterial for treating and preventing osteoporotic bone defects, SrHAp/GO/LZ, was shown to have high mechanical characteristics, superior antibacterial abilities, and osteoinductivity.
PubMed: 38947479
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31638 -
Journal of Cancer 2024Although fangchinoline has been widely used as an adjunct therapy for a variety of inflammatory and cancerous diseases, its mechanism of action on tumor cells remains...
Although fangchinoline has been widely used as an adjunct therapy for a variety of inflammatory and cancerous diseases, its mechanism of action on tumor cells remains unclear. Fangchinoline derivative LYY-35 reduced the number of A549 cells, deformed cell morphology and increased cell debris. Cell viability was significantly reduced, while the same concentration of LYY-35 had little effect on BEAS-2B viability of normal lung epithelial cells. In addition, LYY-35 can also reduce the migration, proliferation and invasion ability of A549 cells. Levels of β-catenin, ZO-1 and ZEB-1 proteins, biomarkers of cell adhesion and epithelial mesenchymal transformation, were significantly reduced. The levels of superoxide dismutase and lactate dehydrogenase decreased gradually, while the levels of glutathione, malondialdehyde and intracellular and extracellular ROS increased significantly. At the same time, LYY-35 induced increased apoptosis, increased expression of Bax, cleaved caspase3, cleaved PARP1, and decreased expression of Bcl-xl, which blocked the cell cycle to G0/G1 phase. The expressions of cell cycle checkpoint proteins Cyclin B1, Cyclin E1, CDK6, PCNA and PICH were significantly decreased. With the increase of LYY-35 concentration, the trailing phenomenon was more obvious in single cell gel electrophoresis. DNA damage repair proteins: BLM, BRCA-1 and PARP-1 expression decreased gradually.LYY-35 can inhibit the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells, block cell cycle, promote apoptosis, increase ROS production, cause DNA damage and interfere with DNA replication. LYY-35 is promising for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in the future.
PubMed: 38947387
DOI: 10.7150/jca.96582 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2024Contact lenses (CL) have become an immensely popular means of vision correction, offering comfort to millions worldwide. However, the persistent issue of biofilm... (Review)
Review
Contact lenses (CL) have become an immensely popular means of vision correction, offering comfort to millions worldwide. However, the persistent issue of biofilm formation on lenses raises significant problems, leading to various ocular complications and discomfort. The aim of this review is to develop safer and more effective strategies for preventing and managing microbial biofilms on CL, improving the eye health and comfort of wearers. Taking these into consideration, the present study investigates the intricate mechanisms of biofilm formation, by exploring the interplay between microbial adhesion, the production of extracellular polymeric substances, and the properties of the lens material itself. Moreover, it emphasizes the diverse range of microorganisms involved, encompassing bacteria, fungi, and other opportunistic pathogens, elucidating their implications within lenses and other medical device-related infections and inflammatory responses. Going beyond the challenges posed by biofilms on CL, this work explores the advancements in biofilm detection techniques and their clinical relevance. It discusses diagnostic tools like confocal microscopy, genetic assays, and emerging technologies, assessing their capacity to identify and quantify biofilm-related infections. Finally, the paper delves into contemporary strategies and innovative approaches for managing and preventing biofilms development on CL. In Conclusion, this review provides insights for eye care practitioners, lens manufacturers, and microbiology researchers. It highlights the intricate interactions between biofilms and CL, serving as a foundation for the development of effective preventive measures and innovative solutions to enhance CL safety, comfort, and overall ocular health. Research into microbial biofilms on CL is continuously evolving, with several future directions being explored to address challenges and improve eye health outcomes as far as CL wearers are concerned.
PubMed: 38947374
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S463779 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Sialic acids are found as terminal sugars on glycan structures on cellular surfaces. T cells carry these sialoglycans abundantly, and they are thought to serve multiple...
Sialic acids are found as terminal sugars on glycan structures on cellular surfaces. T cells carry these sialoglycans abundantly, and they are thought to serve multiple functions in cell adhesion, cell migration, and protection from complement attack. We studied the role of sialoglycans on T cells in a mouse model with a T cell-specific deletion of cytidine monophosphate-sialic acid synthase (CMAS), the enzyme that is crucial for the synthesis of sialoglycans. These mice showed a T-cell deficiency in peripheral lymphoid organs. Many T cells with an undeleted allele were found in the periphery, suggesting that they escaped the Cre-mediated deletion. The remaining peripheral T cells of T cell-specific KO mice had a memory-like phenotype. Additional depletion of the complement factor C3 could not rescue the phenotype, showing that the T-cell defect was not caused by a host complement activity. -deficient T cells showed a high level of activated caspase 3, indicating an ongoing apoptosis. In bone marrow chimeric cellular transfer experiments, we observed a strong competitive disadvantage of -deficient T cells compared to wild-type T cells. These results show that sialoglycans on the surface of T cells are crucial for T-cell survival and maintenance. This function has not been recognized before and is similar to the function of sialoglycans on B cells.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Mice, Knockout; T-Lymphocytes; Sialic Acids; Cell Survival; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Apoptosis; Complement C3; Mixed Function Oxygenases
PubMed: 38947328
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359494 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Emerging evidence suggests a connection between vulnerability to infections and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The nectin cell adhesion molecule 2 gene coding for a membrane...
INTRODUCTION
Emerging evidence suggests a connection between vulnerability to infections and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The nectin cell adhesion molecule 2 gene coding for a membrane component of adherens junctions is involved in response to infection, and its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6859 was significantly associated with AD risk in several human cohorts. It is unclear, however, how exactly rs6859 influences the development of AD pathology. The aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein (pTau) is a key pathological feature of neurodegeneration in AD, which may be induced by infections, among other factors, and potentially influenced by genes involved in both AD and vulnerability to infections, such as .
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a causal mediation analysis (CMA) on a sample of 708 participants in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The relationship between rs6859 and Alzheimer's disease (AD), with AD (yes/no) as the outcome and pTau-181 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acting as a mediator in this association, was assessed. Adjusted estimates from the probit and linear regression models were used in the CMA model, where an additive model considered an increase in dosage of the rs6859 A allele (AD risk factor).
RESULTS
The increase in dose of allele A of the SNP rs6859 resulted in about 0.144 increase per standard deviation (SD) of pTau-181 (95% CI: 0.041, 0.248, p<0.01). When included together in the probit model, the change in A allele dose and each standard deviation change in pTau-181 predicted 6.84% and 9.79% higher probabilities for AD, respectively. In the CMA, the proportion of the average mediated effect was 17.05% and was higher for the risk allele homozygotes (AA), at 19.40% (95% CI: 6.20%, 43.00%, p<0.01). The sensitivity analysis confirmed the evidence of a robust mediation effect.
CONCLUSION
This study reported a new causal relationship between pTau-181 and AD. We found that the association between rs6859 in the gene and AD is partly mediated by pTau-181 levels in CSF. The rest of this association may be mediated by other factors. Further research, using other biomarkers, is needed to uncover the remaining mechanisms of the association between the gene and AD.
PubMed: 38947013
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.21.24309310