Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tatsuyuki Ishii, Ikkei Takashimizu, Martin Miguel Casco-Robles, Yuji Taya, Shunsuke Yuzuriha, Fubito Toyama, Fumiaki Maruo, Kazuo Kishi, Chikafumi Chiba
Summary: The study on adult newts reveals that their skin can achieve scarless regeneration through unique processes, making them an ideal model for research on skin wound healing and regeneration in humans.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Go Kawahara, Yuta Takayama, Makoto Sugiyama, Hiromi Ikadai, Osamu Hashimoto
Summary: A new infectious disease was reported in wild-caught Japanese fire-bellied newts, exhibiting skin lesions that were caused by dermocystid infection. Further studies are required to prevent epidemics and establish diagnostic and treatment methods.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xutong Chen, Ryo Ando, Roman Martin Casco-Robles, Martin Miguel Casco-Robles, Fumiaki Maruo, Shuichi Obata, Chikafumi Chiba
Summary: In adult newts, a cell mass called the blastema forms on the stump when a limb is amputated. The blastema contains polychromatic normoblasts (PcNobs) that release growth factors and express the orphan gene Newtic1. This study found that the Newtic1 protein is localized in globular structures along the equator of PcNobs, which are associated with microtubules and potentially incorporate TGF beta 1.
Article
Cell Biology
Ami Iwasa, Naoki Hanaoka, Kosuke Ohwada, Shawichi Iwamuro, Fumiyo Toyoda, Sakae Kikuyama, Itaru Hasunuma
Summary: This study focused on investigating the proliferative and neurogenic zones in the adult brain of Japanese red-bellied newt and the fate of proliferated cells. The study found that the proximal region of the lateral ventricles and the preoptic area were the main sites of continuous cell proliferation. The newly generated neurons were also found to potentially affect reproductive behavior.
DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Zhi-Yong Yuan, Yun-Ke Wu, Fang Yan, Robert W. Murphy, Theodore J. Papenfuss, David B. Wake, Ya-Ping Zhang, Jing Che
Summary: In this study, researchers used multi-locus genetic data and environmental data to explore the shared phylogeographic patterns of three Asian endemic newt genera in southern China. The results indicated a common basal split among the three genera, which corresponded to the separation of two geographic terrains in southern China. The fluctuations of Asian summer monsoons during the Miocene likely played a significant role in shaping the diversification of these newts. There was no evidence for divergence in fundamental niches, suggesting that the region acts as both museums and cradles of speciation.
ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Atsushi Tominaga, Masafumi Matsui, Masamichi Matsui
Summary: The study explores the genetic relationship between different mitochondrial DNA lineages of the Japanese newt Cynops pyrrhogaster and reveals the presence of a hybrid zone maintained by selection against hybrids and invasion by parental individuals. The two parental lineages are genetically moderately isolated, suggesting they may be biologically independent species. Dispersal rates are higher from the parental lineages to the hybrid populations, and there is evidence of genetic introgression from the northern lineage into the central lineage within the hybrid zone.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Atsushi Tominaga, Natsuhiko Yoshikawa, Masafumi Matsui, Nobuaki Nagata, Yukuto Sato
Summary: Discrepancies in geographic variation patterns between nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA are key to understanding the true evolutionary processes of organisms. Through the study of the genetic differentiation of the northern and Southern-Izu lineages of the Japanese newt, researchers found three genetic groups (Tohoku, N-Kanto, and S-Kanto) in the northern lineage that were not detected by mitochondrial DNA variations. These genetic groups are moderately isolated from each other and have unique genetic characteristics. The evolutionary history estimation suggests that Tohoku diverged from the common ancestor of S-Kanto and S-Izu, and recent hybridization between Tohoku and S-Kanto gave rise to N-Kanto. The origin of N-Kanto through hybridization seems to be relatively young and related to climatic oscillation in the Pleistocene.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Yangyao Shi, Xinchen Zhuang, Tianxiang Yu, Zijian Zhuang
Summary: Previous studies assumed a balanced system with multiple identical units symmetrically distributed. If a unit in the system failed, the symmetrically distributed unit would be shut down to maintain balance. However, in real engineering cases, system redundancy is often low, making the existing model inapplicable. To address this, a new balance system model is proposed, where units change their output load instead of completely shutting down to re-establish balance. Additionally, the relationship between different output loads and unit reliability is studied using accelerated failure time model and power law principle. A new reliability evaluation method is established using Markov-Chain approach, and its effectiveness is verified through a case study on a solar UAV's propulsion subsystem.
RELIABILITY ENGINEERING & SYSTEM SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Mamoru Takahashi, Hisao Tamura, Yumi Baba, Hitoko Misumi
Summary: This study identified and collected one Amblyomma testudinarium nymphal hard tick and two larval Eutrombicula wichmanni mites from a Sword-tail newt specimen in Okinawa, Japan, confirming their presence in amphibian fauna.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
H. Hottenroth, C. Sutardhio, A. Weidlich, I. Tietze, S. Simon, W. Hauser, T. Naegler, L. Becker, J. Buchgeister, T. Junne, U. Lehr, O. Scheel, R. Schmidt-Scheele, P. Ulrich, T. Viere
Summary: When assessing the sustainability of energy systems, it is important to consider not only greenhouse gas emissions, but also other environmental and socio-economic impacts, as well as requirements for supply security and cost efficiency. Multi-attribute decision making methods can be used to holistically compare alternative pathways. In the case of transformation scenarios for Germany, rankings varied across different assessment methods, but clusters of high, medium, and low-ranked scenarios were identified.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Yixin Zhao, Valerio Cozzani, Tianqi Sun, Jorn Vatn, Yiliu Liu
Summary: Many industrial facilities are susceptible to failure interactions and degradation interactions between components. These interactions are characterized by failure dependences that can accelerate component degradation. Due to system layout and functional interactions, not all components have the same failure dependence. This study developed a framework and a maintenance optimization model to evaluate and address heterogeneous failure dependences in multi-component systems.
RELIABILITY ENGINEERING & SYSTEM SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ajay Bedi, Vijay Bedi, Sarbani Nag, Robin Suyesh
Summary: This study provides a description of reproductive behavior and vocalization in Tylototriton himalayanus, a species recently discovered in Eastern India and Nepal. The study shows that courtship and mating in this species occur both during the day and night, with males competing for females in a skewed sex ratio breeding population. The in-situ observations recorded in this study may contribute to conservation management plans for the species.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Jun Guo, Junfeng Zou, Baigang Du, Kaipu Wang
Summary: This paper proposes a novel integrated scheduling method for remanufacturing system, considering component commonality and minimizing completion time and total energy consumption. An improved multi-objective genetic algorithm (IMOGA) is developed to handle the problem, along with heuristic strategies for solution improvement. Comparative experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of IMOGA in tackling this scheduling problem.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Huifang Niu, Jianchao Zeng, Hui Shi, Xiaohong Zhang, Jianyu Liang
Summary: The study investigates the effects of stochastic dependence between components on the degradation process and remaining useful life (RUL) of a system. A degradation model considering the stochastic dependence between components is formulated. The probability density function of the RUL is derived for multi-component systems with different structures. The dependent degradation state and unknown parameters of the model are estimated simultaneously and recursively using Kalman filtering in conjunction with the expectation maximization algorithm. The superiority of the presented method is confirmed through numerical examples and case studies of an aircraft turbine engine and a gearbox system.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Demet Ozgur-Unluakin, Busenur Turkali
Summary: A dynamic Bayesian network-based maintenance decision framework was proposed to evaluate proactive maintenance policies for complex systems. Different scenarios in a real-life system were compared, showing that predictive maintenance strategy can provide the lowest cost and maintenance number in most cases.
RELIABILITY ENGINEERING & SYSTEM SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandra De Zutter, Luna Dillemans, Nele Berghmans, Sam Noppen, Helena Crijns, Paulien Verscheure, Janne Verhaegen, Erik Martens, Lotte Vanbrabant, Noemie Portner, Dominique Schols, Paul Proost, Sofie Struyf
Summary: Glycosaminoglycans/proteoglycans (GAGs/PGs) play a crucial role in regulating tumor progression and can be potential targets for anti-cancer therapy. A D-amino acid version of CXCL9(74-103), called D-CXCL9(74-103), showed anti-angiogenic properties and inhibited endothelial spheroid sprouting and vessel formation. D-CXCL9(74-103) also exhibited anti-tumoral activity against heparan sulfate high B16-BL6 melanoma cells but had no effect on chondroitin sulfate high HCT116 colon carcinoma cells. These findings highlight the importance of tumor-associated GAGs in adhesion and metastasis and suggest the potential of D-CXCL9(74-103) as a therapeutic agent for heparan sulfate high tumors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Thompson, Chong Yun Pang, Krishna Mohan Sepuru, Seppe Cambier, Thomas P. Hellyer, Jonathan Scott, A. John Simpson, Paul Proost, John A. Kirby, Krishna Rajarathnam, Neil S. Sheerin, Simi Ali
Summary: Chemokine CXCL8 plays a crucial role in human immune response by mediating neutrophil migration and activation at sites of infection and injury. This study demonstrates that peroxynitrite can nitrate CXCL8, leading to impaired neutrophil migration and activation. The nitrated chemokine showed reduced ability to induce neutrophil migration in vitro and failed to promote leukocyte recruitment in vivo due to impaired receptor signaling and binding to glycosaminoglycans. The presence of nitrated CXCL8 was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from patients with pneumonia, providing the first direct evidence of chemokine nitration in human pathophysiology.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lisa Verhallen, Jarkko J. J. Lackman, Rikke Wendt, Martin Gustavsson, Zhang Yang, Yoshiki Narimatsu, Daniel M. M. Sorensen, Kato Mac Lafferty, Mieke Gouwy, Pedro E. E. Marques, Gertrud M. M. Hjorto, Mette M. M. Rosenkilde, Paul Proost, Christoffer K. K. Goth
Summary: Chemokine ligands and receptors play a role in regulating leukocyte migration. This study examined the post-translational modifications of chemokine receptors and their impact on ligand binding and signaling. The results indicated that O-glycosylation and tyrosine sulfation affect the recognition and signaling of chemokines with the receptor CCR5. The enzymes GalNAc-T1 and GalNAc-T11 were identified as being involved in the O-glycosylation process of chemokine receptors.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Karen Yu, Luna Dillemans, Mieke Gouwy, Helena Bessa, Mieke Metzemaekers, Erik Martens, Patrick Matthys, Xavier Bossuyt, Patrick Verschueren, Carine Wouters, Lien De Somer, Paul Proost
Summary: In this study, a fluorescent in vitro assay was improved to characterize endogenous PAD activity in complex samples. The results showed similar levels of PAD activity in synovial fluids of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients, while citrullination was limited in joints of patients with gout or Lyme's disease. Interestingly, a higher level of extracellular citrullination was only found in blood of anti-CCP-positive RA patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luna Dillemans, Lien De Somer, Barbara Neerinckx, Paul Proost
Summary: Chemokines play a crucial role in initiating and perpetuating synovitis by promoting leukocytes migration into inflamed joints. The interaction between CXCR3 and CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 regulates the trafficking of various immune cells towards inflammatory niches. These chemokines are involved in autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and their presence in bodily fluids of patients with inflammatory arthritis highlights their potential as therapeutic targets.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Carolina de Carvalho, Carlos Sato B. Dias, Lais D. Coimbra, Rebeca P. F. Rocha, Alexandre Borin, Marina A. Fontoura, Murilo Carvalho, Paul Proost, Mauricio L. Nogueira, Silvio R. Consonni, Renata Sesti-Costa, Rafael Elias Marques
Summary: Mayaro virus is an emerging arthropod-borne virus endemic in Latin America, causing arthritogenic febrile disease. In this study, a mouse model lacking type-I interferon receptor was used to explore the disease progression. The results showed that Mayaro virus infection in the hind paws of these mice led to visible inflammation, disseminated infection, and immune response activation. The histological analysis revealed edema in multiple tissues, which was associated with viral replication and the recruitment of immune cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lowie Adyns, Paul Proost, Sofie Struyf
Summary: This review provides insights into the role of defensins in tumor immunity. Defensins, besides their antimicrobial activities, can directly lyse tumor cells, induce tumor cell apoptosis, attract and activate immune cells, and generate pro-inflammatory signals, contributing to the activation of the adaptive immune system and anti-tumor immunity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mieke Metzemaekers, Bert Malengier-Devlies, Mieke Gouwy, Lien De Somer, Fernando de Queiroz Cunha, Ghislain Opdenakker, Paul Proost
Summary: Neutrophils are powerful effector cells that play crucial roles in fighting pathogens and modulating immune responses. Recent evidence suggests that these cells are more versatile and heterogeneous than previously thought, and are involved in various diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders. This review discusses the kinetics of neutrophils and their activation products, as well as their multifaceted functions in health and disease, focusing on studies using primary human cells.
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Bernard Grillet, Rafaela Vaz Sousa Pereira, Jo Van Damme, Ahmed Abu El-Asrar, Paul Proost, Ghislain Opdenakker
Summary: Proteolysis of the extracellular matrix is an irreversible post-translational modification in arthropathies like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to increased levels of matrix remodelling enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs destroy proteoglycans, collagens, and other ECM molecules and also control joint remodelling indirectly through cell-surface receptors and cytokines. Understanding the regulation and activities of MMPs can help develop better diagnostics and therapies for joint diseases. MMPs play a significant role in irreversible joint remodelling in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, making them important targets for precision medicine and diagnosis.
NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seppe Cambier, Fabio Beretta, Noemie Portner, Mieke Metzemaekers, Ana Carolina de Carvalho, Erik Martens, Janne Kaes, Celine Aelbrecht, Cato Jacobs, Pierre Van Mol, Els Wauters, Philippe Meersseman, Greet Hermans, Rafael Elias Marques, Bart Vanaudenaerde, Robin Vos, Joost Wauters, Mieke Gouwy, Paul Proost
Summary: CXCL12, which is present in the lungs and circulation of COVID-19 patients, undergoes rapid proteolytic processing and degradation. The proteolysis is mainly mediated by neutrophil elastase in COVID-19 BAL fluids with high proteolytic activity.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Toon Ieven, Lieve Coorevits, Martijn Vandebotermet, Sebastiaan Tuyls, Helene Vanneste, Lisa Santy, Dries Wets, Paul Proost, Glynis Frans, David Devolder, Christine Breynaert, Dominique M. A. Bullens, Rik Schrijvers
Summary: This study evaluated the tolerance of PEGylated lipid nanoparticle vaccine (BNT162b2) in patients with PEG and/or PS80 allergy and explored the mechanism of reactivity. The results showed that all PEG and/or PS80 allergic patients can safely receive SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Bruna M. Silva, Giovanni F. Gomes, Flavio P. Veras, Seppe Cambier, Gabriel V. L. Silva, Andreza U. Quadros, Diego B. Caetite, Daniele C. Nascimento, Camilla M. Silva, Juliana C. Silva, Samara Damasceno, Ayda H. Schneider, Fabio Beretta, Sabrina S. Batah, Icaro M. S. Castro, Isadora M. Paiva, Tamara Rodrigues, Ana Salina, Ronaldo Martins, Guilherme C. M. Cebinelli, Naira L. Bibo, Daniel M. Jorge, Helder I. Nakaya, Dario S. Zamboni, Luiz O. Leiria, Alexandre T. Fabro, Jose C. Alves-Filho, Eurico Arruda, Paulo Louzada-Junior, Rene D. Oliveira, Larissa D. Cunha, Pierre Van Mol, Lore Vanderbeke, Simon Feys, Els Wauters, Laura Brandolini, Andrea Aramini, Fernando Q. Cunha, Joerg Koehl, Marcello Allegretti, Diether Lambrechts, Joost Wauters, Paul Proost, Thiago M. Cunha
Summary: Activation of the C5a/C5aR1 pathway in COVID-19 patients can worsen the disease and lead to cytokine storm syndrome, organ dysfunction, and death. Inhibiting C5aR1 signaling can improve lung immunopathology, suggesting that C5aR1 antagonists may be useful for COVID-19 treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Seppe Cambier, Mieke Gouwy, Paul Proost
Summary: Chemokines play a crucial role in regulating leukocyte migration and activation in the immune system. CXCL8 is a potent chemokine that attracts neutrophils and is important in the response to infection and tissue injury. Its activity is dependent on interactions with specific chemokine receptors and glycosaminoglycans. Understanding the structure and regulation of CXCL8 is important for therapeutic development and managing inflammatory diseases and cancer.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Luna Dillemans, Youri Bekhuis, Albrecht Betrains, Karen Yu, Maarten van Hemelen, Noemie Portner, Lien De Somer, Patrick Matthys, Jeroen Breckpot, Thomas Tousseyn, Marijke Peetermans, Paul Proost, Carine Wouters, Steven Vanderschueren
Summary: We report a fatal case of a 20-year-old woman with refractory adult-onset Still's disease accompanied by fulminant macrophage activation syndrome and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. This case highlights the importance of prompt genetic assessment of complement-encoding alleles, in addition to HLH-related genes, in patients with severe adult-onset Still's disease with recurrent macrophage activation syndrome and features of thrombotic microangiopathy.
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olav Larsen, Sara Schuermans, Anna Walser, Stavroula Louka, Ida Aaberg Lillethorup, Jon Vabeno, Katrine Qvortrup, Paul Proost, Mette M. Rosenkilde
Summary: This study investigates the signaling capacity of peptides related to inflammatory chemokines. The peptides showed weak potency but retained their signaling on CCR1, while none of the peptides generated a signal on CCR5. However, a tetrapeptide derived from CCL3 acted as a positive modulator on CCR5.