Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mudassar Ali Khan, M. Quadir Siddiqui, Ekaterina Kuligina, Ashok K. Varma
Summary: The BRCA2 Arg2502Cys mutation perturbs the structural integrity and conformational dynamics of BRCA2, decreasing the alpha-helical/beta-sheet propensity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Zhenming Qi, Xiaosai Hu
Summary: This study introduces a novel cross-linker, sulfanilic acid (SA), to improve the mechanical performance of hydrogels. SA overcomes the heterogeneity of cross-links in the topological structure of gels and forms multiple hydrogen bonds with poly(acrylamide) (PAM) chains, resulting in a distinct energy dissipation mode. The PAM/SA gel exhibits good self-recoverability and remarkable fatigue resistance.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Breanna Dixon, Waqar M. Ahmed, Abubaker A. Mohamed, Tim Felton, Stephen J. Fowler
Summary: This study aimed to assess the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of ampicillin-resistant and -susceptible Escherichia coli and found that resistant strains exhibited distinct VOC profiles compared to susceptible strains, indicating fundamental differences in their metabolisms. The results suggest that machine-learning models using VOC signatures may have diagnostic applicability for the rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yahan Cui, Zhongyu He, Yang Xu, Yu Su, Lan Ding, Yi Li
Summary: The study successfully developed solvent-responsive molecularly imprinted polymers using dynamic solvent-responsive poly (ethylene glycol) unit-containing chain for the selective and efficient removal of bisphenol A (BPA) from urine samples. The materials showed excellent recognition capability and selectivity towards BPA in 25% methanol solution, demonstrating high potential for practical applications in sample analysis in complex biological matrices.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Hongzeng Fan, Jibin Wang, Songhao Shen, Mingchong Yang, Suli Li, Bihong Feng, Ruimin Zhong, Chongjian Ma, Jihong Wang, Ruohan Xie, Lingqiang Wang
Summary: Stalk lodging is a major constraint for high crop yield. This study investigated the relationship between anatomical aspects and stalk mechanical traits in sorghum, and classified sorghum germplasm resources into two contrasting categories. The findings provide methodology and information for studying stem anatomical parameters in crops and facilitate the selective breeding of sorghum.
Article
Cell Biology
Ni Zuo, Wei-Zhen Bai, Wan-Qian Wei, Ting-Lu Yuan, Dong Zhang, Yan-Zhang Wang, Wei-Hua Tang
Summary: This study found that a group of CFEM proteins of F. graminearum are required for full virulence in maize stalk infection and that they interact with two secreted maize proteins, ZmLRR5 and ZmWAK17ET. The study also found that ZmWAK17 mediates resistance to stalk rot in maize.
Article
Agronomy
Ioannis Zafeiriou, Michalia Sakellariou, Photini V. Mylona
Summary: This study assessed the genetic diversity of 87 cowpea landraces from Greece. It revealed significant diversity in the local germplasm and detected high levels of genetic polymorphism. The study also identified alleles conferring aphid resistance in some landraces. This highlights the importance of cowpea germplasm collection for breeding efforts and food security in the face of climate change.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nur Syakirah Nabilah Saipul Bahri, Tue Tri Nguyen, Tomoyuki Hirano, Kouhei Matsumoto, Mai Watanabe, Yuko Morita, Takashi Ogi
Summary: This study explores the use of oxazoline-containing polymers as cross-linking agents to improve the water stability of TOCN particles while preserving their particle shape. The results demonstrate that the oxazoline-cross-linked TOCN particles have good stability in water and can be used in practical applications.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Wenwen Wang, Liting Yi, Yuzhu Zheng, Jing Lu, Aisen Jiang, Dong Wang
Summary: Rewritable materials are important in reducing paper production and consumption, as well as in information storage and anti-counterfeiting. There has been little research on developing a photochromic and mechanochromic dual-stimuli responsive fabric as a flexible rewritable media or display substrate.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Basharat Ul Islam, Saba Mir, Mohammad Saleem Dar, Gazala H. Khan, Asif B. Shikari, Najeeb Ul Rehman Sofi, Fayaz Mohiddin, Mohammad Ashraf Ahangar, Intikhab Aalum Jehangir, Satish Kumar, Gyanendra Singh, Shabir H. Wani
Summary: This study evaluated the resistance of 192 wheat genotypes against stripe rust disease under field and laboratory conditions and identified resistant genotypes with specific resistance genes. These resistant genotypes can be used in breeding programs to develop stripe rust-resistant wheat varieties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Suzanne Morsch, Charlie R. Wand, Simon Gibbon, Mark Irwin, Flor Siperstein, Stuart Lyon
Summary: Understanding the interactions at the polymer/metal oxide interface is crucial for improving the performance of corrosion resistant coatings. In this study, we investigated how the structure of a crosslinker affects its adsorption and incorporation into the network. We found that the crosslinker has two distinct binding modes on both hematite and goethite, with hydrogen bonding modes observed on goethite limiting interconversion between the two. Additionally, we discovered that binding persists in fully cured composite samples, determining the levels of residual amine. Unlike previous studies using a different crosslinker, we found that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composite specimens is independent of the added hematite and goethite volumes.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Hui Wang, Hongyan Wang, Jingjing Liao, Xiaojian Zhou, Guanben Du
Summary: In order to improve the performance of low-molar-ratio urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin in wood bonding, a branched polymer-based functional agent (BPG) was synthesized as a crosslinker. The BPG-cured UF resin showed a lower curing temperature, faster curing rate, and superior wet bonding strength compared to traditional curing agents. Furthermore, the UF/BPG mixture exhibited excellent thermostability and compact microstructure, indicating improved bonding strength and water resistance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Madhusudan Rajendran, Gregory A. Babbitt
Summary: The widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among humans highlights the significant consequences of virus spillover from wildlife and the potential risk of reverse spillovers. A statistical analysis of molecular dynamics simulations was conducted to examine the cross-species infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to bats. The study found that the bat progenitor strain RaTG13 shows some pre-adaption binding to human ACE2 receptors, but exhibits stronger affinity to bat ACE2 receptors. Emerging human strains and variants of concern (VOCs) demonstrate robust binding to both human and bat ACE2 receptors. However, there is still a significant risk of mammalian cross-species infectivity during the transition of COVID-19 from a pandemic to endemic status.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Angelina Malysheva, Alma Kokhmetova, Rakhym Urazaliev, Madina Kumarbayeva, Zhenis Keishilov, Makpal Nurzhuma, Ardak Bolatbekova, Assiya Kokhmetova
Summary: This study evaluated the resistance of 70 uncharacterized wheat cultivars and promising lines with unknown leaf rust resistance genes (Lr genes) to Kazakhstani Puccinia triticina (Pt) races. Thirteen wheat genotypes (18.6%) exhibited high resistance at both seedling and adult plant stages, with breeding materials from international nurseries showing higher resistance. Molecular screening identified nine Lr genes in 47 genotypes, with Lr37, Lr34, and Lr46 being the most common. These findings will facilitate wheat resistance breeding programs in Kazakhstan.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anahid Amiri, Christian Dietz, Alexander Rapp, Robert W. Stark, M. Cristina Cardoso
Summary: Atomic force microscopy reveals the softer nature of cancer cells compared to normal cells. This study investigates the mechanism behind the softening of cancer cells, focusing on the location of microtubule network and the mis-localization of cytoskeleton scaffolding protein in invasive ductal carcinoma. It is found that cancer cells have shorter microtubule persistence length, which promotes invasiveness and tissue infiltration.
Article
Ophthalmology
Lucinda J. Teoh, Ameenat Lola Solebo, Jugnoo S. Rahi
Summary: This study investigates the changing epidemiology of severe visual impairment (SVI) and blindness (BL) in children in the UK in the 21st century. The overall incidence rates remained stable, with higher rates in infancy. Mortality among children diagnosed in infancy declined, despite an increase in the overall proportion with non-ophthalmic impairments/disorders. The relative contribution of different groups of disorders changed over time, with an increase in cerebral visual impairment and hereditary conditions. The study highlights the increasing complexity and heterogeneity of childhood visual disability.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arun Prakash Mishra, Suzanne A. Hartford, Sounak Sahu, Kimberly Klarmann, Rajani Kant Chittela, Kajal Biswas, Albert B. Jeon, Betty K. Martin, Sandra Burkett, Eileen Southon, Susan Reid, Mary E. Albaugh, Baktiar Karim, Lino Tessarollo, Jonathan R. Keller, Shyam K. Sharan
Summary: The presence of homologous chromosomes in close proximity to the DNA double strand breaks compensates for the defect in the interaction between tumor suppressor BRCA2 and DSS1, allowing for normal RAD51 recruitment during meiosis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Bing Xia, Kajal Biswas, Tzeh K. Foo, Thiago T. Gomes, Maximilian Riedel-Topper, Eileen Southon, Zhihua Kang, Yanying Huo, Susan Reid, Stacey Stauffer, Weiyin Zhou, Bin Zhu, Hela Koka, Sally Yepes, Seth A. Brodie, Kristine Jones, Aurelie Vogt, Bin Zhu, Brian Carter, Neal D. Freedman, Belynda Hicks, Meredith Yeager, Stephen J. Chanock, Fergus Couch, Dilys M. Parry, Alvaro N. Monteiro, Alisa M. Goldstein, Marcelo A. Carvalho, Shyam K. Sharan, Xiaohong R. Yang
Summary: A study identified rare germline variants in PALB2 and BRCA2 genes that are associated with chordoma susceptibility. These genes play essential roles in homologous recombination and tumor suppression. The study also found a significantly increased burden of rare variants in both genes in chordoma cases compared to population controls. Experimental assays showed that some of these variants affected HR function. These findings contribute to our understanding of chordoma etiology and suggest potential therapeutic options for chordoma patients, such as PARP-1 inhibitors.
Review
Oncology
Kajal Biswas, Altaf Mohammed, Shyam K. Sharan, Robert H. Shoemaker
Summary: Advances in molecular diagnostics have improved the diagnosis and understanding of hereditary cancers. Preclinical experimental models, such as genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, play a crucial role in studying and preventing cancer in high-risk populations.
Article
Archaeology
K. N. White, D. Chiasserini, R. Loynes, A. R. David, B. E. van Dongen, K. Drosou, R. Forshaw, S. Fraser, P. Causey-Freeman, J. Metcalfe, E. Murphy, M. Regan, P. J. Reimer, D. G. Tosh, A. Whetton, A. J. Freemont
Summary: Scientific examination of mummies provides insights into human ancestry, diet, disease, cultures, and societies. However, invasive methods have raised concerns. A minimally invasive approach using imaging techniques and biopsy sampling allows for the collection of valuable data without significant disturbance to the mummy. This study on Takabuti demonstrates the potential of such methods.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kelechi Njoku, Andrew Pierce, Bethany Geary, Amy E. Campbell, Janet Kelsall, Rachel Reed, Alexander Armit, Rachel Da Sylva, Liqun Zhang, Heather Agnew, Ivona Baricevic-Jones, Davide Chiasserini, Anthony D. Whetton, Emma J. Crosbie
Summary: This study aimed to identify urine-based proteomic signatures that can differentiate endometrial cancer patients from symptomatic controls. Through mass spectrometry and machine learning techniques, a 10-marker protein panel was discovered that accurately detected endometrial cancer. This study provides a potential urine-based detection tool for non-invasive endometrial cancer detection.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Developmental Biology
Joanne Muter, Vincent J. Lynch, Rajiv C. McCoy, Jan J. Brosens
Summary: Embryo implantation in humans is a complex process involving the transformation of the endometrium into a placental bed and interactions between the embryo and the decidualising endometrium. This review examines the evolutionary context of implantation and discusses the remodeling of the uterus before and after conception. It highlights the precarious but adaptable nature of the implantation process.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Fiskani J. M. Kondowe, Peter Clayton, Matthew Gittins, Stephen W. D'Souza, Daniel R. Brison, Stephen A. Roberts
Summary: Assessments at 6-8 weeks old and at school entry show that ART twins conceived from frozen embryo transfer (FET) grow faster than both NC twins and ART twins conceived from fresh embryo transfer (ET).
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Katie Duckett, Alice Williamson, John W. R. Kincaid, Kara Rainbow, Laura J. Corbin, Hilary C. Martin, Ruth Y. Eberhardt, Qin Qin Huang, Matthew E. Hurles, Wen He, Raja Brauner, Angela Delaney, Leo Dunkel, Romina P. Grinspon, Janet E. Hall, Joel N. Hirschhorn, Sasha R. Howard, Ana C. Latronico, Alexander A. L. Jorge, Ken McElreavey, Veronica Mericq, Paulina M. Merino, Mark R. Palmert, Lacey Plummer, Rodolfo A. Rey, Raissa C. Rezende, Stephanie B. Seminara, Kathryn Salnikov, Indraneel Banerjee, Brian Y. H. Lam, John R. B. Perry, Nicholas J. Timpson, Peter Clayton, Yee-Ming Chan, Ken K. Ong, Stephen O'Rahilly
Summary: Deleterious variants in MC3R are more frequently found in patients with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) compared to normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH). However, these variants are not a common cause of CDGP.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Terence Garner, Ivan Wangsaputra, Andrew Whatmore, Peter Ellis Clayton, Adam Stevens, Philip George Murray
Summary: This study demonstrates highly accurate diagnosis of childhood growth hormone deficiency using a combination of gene expression data and random forest analysis.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ammara Muazzam, Matt Spick, Olivier N. F. Cexus, Bethany Geary, Fowz Azhar, Hardev Pandha, Agnieszka Michael, Rachel Reed, Sarah Lennon, Lee A. Gethings, Robert S. Plumb, Anthony D. Whetton, Nophar Geifman, Paul A. Townsend
Summary: Despite ongoing research, effective tools for detection and monitoring of prostate cancer are still lacking. This study aims to identify non-invasive biomarkers that can complement PSA in clinical decision-making. Novel prostate cancer protein signatures were discovered using an advanced analytical technique, and the results were validated using a second cohort of patients. The study provides a proteomic signature that can enhance the diagnosis and risk assessment of localized prostate cancer.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stella Pearson, Rognvald Blance, Fei Yan, Ya-Ching Hsieh, Bethany Geary, Fabio M. R. Amaral, Tim C. P. Somervaille, Kristina Kirschner, Anthony D. D. Whetton, Andrew Pierce
Summary: Myelofibrosis is a neoplasm that affects the bone marrow and results in reduced life quality and length. Existing drugs provide some benefit, but there is a need for new therapies to better treat myelofibrosis. By re-analyzing proteomic data, researchers identified CBL0137 as a potential drug to target Jak2 mutation-driven malignancies.
Article
Cell Biology
Peter W. West, Chiara Tontini, Haris Atmoko, Orsolya Kiss, Terence Garner, Rajia Bahri, Richard B. Warren, Christopher E. M. Griffiths, Adam Stevens, Silvia Bulfone-Paus
Summary: In this study, the role of mast cells in skin inflammation and itch in psoriasis was investigated. The density, distribution, and molecular signature of mast cells in psoriasis skin were examined and compared to healthy skin. The results showed that mast cells were spatially associated with nerve fibres and their increase in density correlated with disease severity. Moreover, the upregulation of cathepsin B in mast cells was found to be a reliable indicator of psoriasis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel M. Ripley, Terence Garner, Samantha A. Hook, Ana Verissimo, Bianka Grunow, Timo Moritz, Peter Clayton, Holly A. Shiels, Adam Stevens
Summary: Exposure to elevated temperatures during embryogenesis can alter the transcriptomic organization in later life, increasing the entropy of gene interaction networks and potentially impacting an individual's responsiveness to future temperature challenges.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)