Effect of Starch and Paperboard Reinforcing Structures on Insulative Fiber Foam Composites.

Single-use plastic foams are used extensively as interior packaging to insulate and protect items during shipment but have come under increasing scrutiny due to the volume sent to landfills and their negative impact on the environment. Insulative compression molded cellulose fiber foams could be a viable alternative, but they do not have the mechanical strength of plastic foams. To address this issue, a novel approach was used that combined the insulative properties of cellulose fiber foams, a binder (starch), and three different reinforcing paperboard elements (angular, cylindrical, and grid) to make low-density foam composites with excellent mechanical strength. Compression molded foams and composites had a consistent thickness and a smooth, flat finish. Respirometry tests showed the fiber foams mineralized in the range of 37 to 49% over a 46 d testing period. All of the samples had relatively low density (Dd) and thermal conductivity (TC). The Dd of samples ranged from 33.1 to 64.9 kg/m3, and TC ranged from 0.039 to 0.049 W/mk. The addition of starch to the fiber foam (FF+S) and composites not only increased Dd, drying time (Td), and TC by an average of 18%, 55%, and 5.5%, respectively, but also dramatically increased the mechanical strength. The FF+S foam and paperboard composites had 240% and 350% higher average flexural strength (σfM) and modulus (Ef), respectively, than the FF-S composites. The FF-S grid composite and all the FF+S foam and composite samples had equal or higher σfM than EPS foam. Additionally, FF+S foam and paperboard composites had 187% and 354% higher average compression strength (CS) and modulus (Ec), respectively, than the FF-S foam and composites. All the paperboard composites for both FF+S and FF-S samples had comparable or higher CS, but only the FF+S cylinder and grid samples had greater toughness (Ωc) than EPS foam. Fiber foams and foam composites are compatible with existing paper recycling streams and show promise as a biodegradable, insulative alternative to EPS foam internal packaging.

A Template for Translational Bioinformatics: Facilitating Multimodal Data Analyses in Preclinical Models of Neurological Injury.

Background: Pediatric neurological injury and disease is a critical public health issue due to increasing rates of survival from primary injuries (e.g., cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury) and a lack of monitoring technologies and therapeutics for the treatment of secondary neurological injury. Translational, preclinical research facilitates the development of solutions to address this growing issue but is hindered by a lack of available data frameworks and standards for the management, processing, and analysis of multimodal data sets. Methods: Here, we present a generalizable data framework that was implemented for large animal research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to address this technological gap. The presented framework culminates in an interactive dashboard for exploratory analysis and filtered data set download. Results: Compared with existing clinical and preclinical data management solutions, the presented framework accommodates heterogeneous data types (single measure, repeated measures, time series, and imaging), integrates data sets across various experimental models, and facilitates dynamic visualization of integrated data sets. We present a use case of this framework for predictive model development for intra-arrest prediction of cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcome. Conclusions: The described preclinical data framework may serve as a template to aid in data management efforts in other translational research labs that generate heterogeneous data sets and require a dynamic platform that can easily evolve alongside their research.

Enhancement of Antibiotic Activity by 1,8-Naphthyridine Derivatives against Multi-Resistant Bacterial Strains.

The search for new antibacterial agents has become urgent due to the exponential growth of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Nitrogen-containing heterocycles such as 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives have been shown to have excellent antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiotic-modulating activities of 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives against multi-resistant bacterial strains. The broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the following compounds: 7-acetamido-1,8-naphthyridin-4(1H)-one and 3-trifluoromethyl-N-(5-chloro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide. The antibiotic-modulating activity was analyzed using subinhibitory concentrations (MIC/8) of these compounds in combination with norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and lomefloxacin. Multi-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were used in both tests. Although the compounds had no direct antibacterial activity (MIC ≥ 1.024 µg/mL), they could decrease the MIC of these fluoroquinolones, indicating synergism was obtained from the association of the compounds. These results suggest the existence of a structure-activity relationship in this group of compounds with regard to the modulation of antibiotic activity. Therefore, we conclude that 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives potentiate the activity of fluoroquinolone antibiotics against multi-resistant bacterial strains, and thereby interesting candidates for the development of drugs against bacterial infections caused by multidrug resistant strains.

Poor Sleep quality and health-related quality of life impact in adolescents with and without chronic immunosuppressive conditions during COVID-19 quarantine.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possible factors that influence sleep quality in adolescents with and without chronic immunosuppressive conditions quarantined during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 305 adolescents with chronic immunocompromised conditions and 82 healthy adolescents. Online surveys were completed, which included questions on socio-demographic data and self-rated healthcare routine during COVID-19 quarantine and the following validated questionnaires: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0), and Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). RESULTS: The median current age [14 (10-18) vs. 15 (10-18) years, p=0.847] and frequency of female sex (62% vs. 58%, p=0.571) were similar in adolescents with chronic conditions compared with healthy adolescents. The frequency of poor sleep quality was similar in both groups (38% vs. 48%, p=0.118). Logistic regression analysis, including both healthy adolescents and adolescents with chronic conditions (n=387), demonstrated that self-reported increase in screen time (odds ratio [OR] 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-6.8; p=0.008) and intrafamilial violence report (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-3.5; p=0.008) were independently associated with poor sleep quality in these adolescents. However, the PODCI global function score was associated with a lower OR for poor sleep quality (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94-0.99; p=0.001). Further logistic regression, including only adolescents with chronic conditions (n=305), demonstrated that self-reported increase in screen time (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.4-6.8; p=0.006) and intrafamilial violence report (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.4; p=0.011) remained independently associated with poor quality of sleep, whereas a lower PODCI global function score was associated with a lower OR for sleep quality (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.94-0.98; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Self-reported increases in screen time and intrafamilial violence report impacted sleep quality in both healthy adolescents and those with chronic conditions. Decreased health-related quality of life was observed in adolescents with poor sleep quality.

GTPases, genome, actin: A hidden story in DNA damage response and repair mechanisms.

The classical small Rho GTPase (Rho, Rac, and Cdc42) protein family is mainly responsible for regulating cell motility and polarity, membrane trafficking, cell cycle control, and gene transcription. Cumulative recent evidence supports important roles for these proteins in the maintenance of genomic stability. Indeed, DNA damage response (DDR) and repair mechanisms are some of the prime biological processes that underlie several disease phenotypes, including genetic disorders, cancer, senescence, and premature aging. Many reports guided by different experimental approaches and molecular hypotheses have demonstrated that, to some extent, direct modulation of Rho GTPase activity, their downstream effectors, or actin cytoskeleton regulation contribute to these cellular events. Although much attention has been paid to this family in the context of canonical actin cytoskeleton remodeling, here we provide a contextualized review of the interplay between Rho GTPase signaling pathways and the DDR and DNA repair signaling components. Interesting questions yet to be addressed relate to the spatiotemporal dynamics of this collective response and whether it correlates with different subcellular pools of Rho GTPases. We highlight the direct and indirect targets, some of which still lack experimental validation data, likely associated with Rho GTPase activation that provides compelling evidence for further investigation in DNA damage-associated events and with potential therapeutic applications in translational medicine.

Potentiation of Antibiotic Activity by a Meldrum's Acid Arylamino Methylene Derivative against Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Strains.

This study aimed to evaluate the intrinsic antibacterial activity and antibiotic-enhancing effect of an arylamino methylene derivative (MAD) in association with fluoroquinolones. The antibacterial activity against multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was analyzed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the broth micro dilution method. A reduction in the MIC of the fluoroquinolones against strains treated simultaneously with the MAD was interpreted as an enhanced antibiotic activity. While the MAD exhibited no clinically effective action (MIC ≥ 1.024 µg/mL), it was found to significantly potentiate the activity of norfloxacin, ofloxacin and lomefloxacin against all the strains, which may be related to structural similarities between the MAD and quinolones. Our findings suggest that Meldrum's acid arylamino derivatives may represent promising molecules in the elaboration of new drugs to reverse resistance to fluoroquinolones.

Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) characterization and evaluation of antibacterial bioactivities of the essential oils from Piper arboreum Aubl., Piper aduncum L. e Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth.

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical profile and to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Piper species and modulation of the antibiotic activity, using the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The chemical components were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, which revealed ß-copaen-4-α-ol (31.38%), spathulenol (25.92%), and germacrene B (21.53%) as major constituents of the essential oils of Piper arboreum, Piper aduncum, and Piper gaudichaudianum, respectively. The essential oils analyzed in this study did not present a clinically relevant activity against standard and multiresistant Escherichia coli. However, in the case of multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus, there was a significant activity, corroborating with reports in the literature, where Gram-positive bacteria are more susceptible to antimicrobial activity. The essential oils modulated the effect of the antibiotics norfloxacin and gentamicin, having on the latter greater modulating effect; however, for erythromycin, no statistically significant effect was observed. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study demonstrated that the essential oils of the analyzed Piper species present an inhibitory effect against S. aureus and modulate antibiotic activity, most of which presents synergistic activity.

Poor Sleep quality and health-related quality of life impact in adolescents with and without chronic immunosuppressive conditions during COVID-19 quarantine

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possible factors that influence sleep quality in adolescents with and without chronic immunosuppressive conditions quarantined during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 305 adolescents with chronic immunocompromised conditions and 82 healthy adolescents. Online surveys were completed, which included questions on socio-demographic data and self-rated healthcare routine during COVID-19 quarantine and the following validated questionnaires: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0), and Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). RESULTS: The median current age [14 (10-18) vs. 15 (10-18) years, p=0.847] and frequency of female sex (62% vs. 58%, p=0.571) were similar in adolescents with chronic conditions compared with healthy adolescents. The frequency of poor sleep quality was similar in both groups (38% vs. 48%, p=0.118). Logistic regression analysis, including both healthy adolescents and adolescents with chronic conditions (n=387), demonstrated that self-reported increase in screen time (odds ratio [OR] 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-6.8; p=0.008) and intrafamilial violence report (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-3.5; p=0.008) were independently associated with poor sleep quality in these adolescents. However, the PODCI global function score was associated with a lower OR for poor sleep quality (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94-0.99; p=0.001). Further logistic regression, including only adolescents with chronic conditions (n=305), demonstrated that self-reported increase in screen time (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.4-6.8; p=0.006) and intrafamilial violence report (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.4; p=0.011) remained independently associated with poor quality of sleep, whereas a lower PODCI global function score was associated with a lower OR for sleep quality (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.94-0.98; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Self-reported increases in screen time and intrafamilial violence report impacted sleep quality in both healthy adolescents and those with chronic conditions. Decreased health-related quality of life was observed in adolescents with poor sleep quality.

Author Correction: Baroreceptor denervation reduces inflammatory status but worsens cardiovascular collapse during systemic inflammation.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

GC-MS Profile and Enhancement of Antibiotic Activity by the Essential Oil of Ocotea odorífera and Safrole: Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus Efflux Pumps.

Considering the evidence that essential oils, as well as safrole, could modulate bacterial growth in different resistant strains, this study aims to characterize the phytochemical profile and evaluate the antibacterial and antibiotic-modulating properties of the essential oil Ocotea odorífera (EOOO) and safrole against efflux pump (EP)-carrying strains. The EOOO was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the phytochemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial and antibiotic-modulating activities of the EOOO and safrole against resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were analyzed through the broth microdilution method. The EP-inhibiting potential of safrole in association with ethidium bromide or antibiotics was evaluated using the S. aureus 1199B and K2068 strains, which carry genes encoding efflux proteins associated with antibiotic resistance to norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. A reduction in the MIC of ethidium bromide or antibiotics was used as a parameter of EP inhibition. The phytochemical analysis identified 16 different compounds in the EOOO including safrole as the principal constituent. While the EOOO and safrole exerted clinically relevant antibacterial effects against S. aureus only, they potentiated the antibacterial activity of norfloxacin against all strains evaluated by our study. The ethidium bromide and antibiotic assays using the strains of S. aureus SA1119B and K2068, as well as molecular docking analysis, indicated that safrole inhibits the NorA and MepA efflux pumps in S. aureus. In conclusion, Ocotea odorifera and safrole presented promising antibacterial and antibiotic-enhancing properties, which should be explored in the development of drugs to combat antibacterial resistance, especially in strains bearing genes encoding efflux proteins.

Baroreceptor denervation reduces inflammatory status but worsens cardiovascular collapse during systemic inflammation.

Beyond the regulation of cardiovascular function, baroreceptor afferents play polymodal roles in health and disease. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic inflammation (SI) and hemodynamic dysfunction. We hypothesized that baroreceptor denervation worsens lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced-hemodynamic collapse and SI in conscious rats. We combined: (a) hemodynamic and thermoregulatory recordings after LPS administration at a septic-like non-lethal dose (b) analysis of the cardiovascular complexity, (c) evaluation of vascular function in mesenteric resistance vessels, and (d) measurements of inflammatory cytokines (plasma and spleen). LPS-induced drop in blood pressure was higher in sino-aortic denervated (SAD) rats. LPS-induced hemodynamic collapse was associated with SAD-dependent autonomic disbalance. LPS-induced vascular dysfunction was not affected by SAD. Surprisingly, SAD blunted LPS-induced surges of plasma and spleen cytokines. These data indicate that baroreceptor afferents are key to alleviate LPS-induced hemodynamic collapse, affecting the autonomic control of cardiovascular function, without affecting resistance blood vessels. Moreover, baroreflex modulation of the LPS-induced SI and hemodynamic collapse are not dependent of each other given that baroreceptor denervation worsened hypotension and reduced SI.

Cardiac sympathetic drive is increased in cafeteria diet-fed rats independent of impairment in peripheral baroreflex and chemoreflex functions.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Consumption of a high caloric diet induces autonomic imbalance, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. Impaired arterial baroreflex control is suggested to play an important role in cardiovascular autonomic imbalance, often seen in obesity. We previously demonstrated that cafeteria diets increase the sympathetic drive to white and brown adipose tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS: After feeding a cafeteria diet to rats for 26 days, we evaluated: (i)heart rate (HR) and arterial pressure (AP); (ii)baroreflex and chemoreflex function; and (iii) autonomic modulation of the heart and vessels, measured through pulse interval (PI) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) variability analyses and following administration of autonomic blockers. The cafeteria diet increased body fat mass and serum insulin, leptin, triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels. Baseline HR (15%) was also increased, accompanied by increased power in the low frequency band (60%) and in the low frequency/high frequency ratio (104%) in the PI spectra. Nonlinear analysis revealed an increased occurrence of 0V (39%) and decreased occurrence of 2UV (18%) patterns. Following administration of autonomic blockers, we observed an increase in cardiac sympathetic tone (425%) in cafeteria diet-fed rats. The cafeteria diet had no effect on AP, SAP variability, baroreflex and chemoreflex control. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that consumption of a cafeteria diet increases sympathetic drive to the heart but not to the blood vessels, independent of impairment in baroreflex and chemoreflex functions. Other mechanisms may be involved in the increased cardiac sympathetic drive, and compensatory vascular mechanisms may prevent the development of hypertension in this model of obesity.

Essential Oil of Croton ceanothifolius Baill. Potentiates the Effect of Antibiotics against Multiresistant Bacteria.

This study is a pioneer in reporting the antibacterial properties of the species Croton ceanothifolius Baill. The genus Croton belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae composed of numerous species with documented biological activities. However, the pharmacological properties of C. ceanothifolius remain poorly understood. The leaves of this plant were submitted to hydrodistillation for essential oil (CcEO) extraction and the phytochemical characterization of the oil was performed by GC/MS. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the CcEO was determined for the evaluation of antibacterial activity against multiresistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The antibiotic-modulating activity of the oil, in combination with antibiotics, was also evaluated. The combination of the CcEO with penicillin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin presented a synergistic effect. This effect was more significant for the association with antibiotics of the quinolone and aminoglycoside classes against Escherichia coli. The association of oil with gentamicin showed better results with regard to the Gram-positive strain. The association of the oil with norfloxacin against P. aeruginosa also showed synergism, but the association with penicillin did not change the effect of this antibiotic. Thus, it is concluded that C. ceanothifolius essential oil selectively potentiates the action of antibiotics against multiresistant strains.

Reusable polymer optical fiber strain sensor with memory capability based on ABS crazing.

A reusable memory capable polymer optical fiber (POF) strain sensor is reported. The fiber consists of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) core and polymethylmethacrylate cladding. The memory capability is derived from stress whitening due to crazing of the ABS core, which can be reversed by heating the fiber close to the ABS glass transition temperature. The probe was characterized under transverse compressive load, macrobending, and tensile loading. Testing shows that the optical properties of the fiber can be reversed to near pristine ABS conditions after thermal recovery and that the POF can be used on the accurate assessment of indentation, flexural and tensile loading, static or cyclical, even after removal of the load. The reusability of the proposed sensor combined with a deeper understanding of the memory mechanisms in POFs are of great interest for the development of new large-strain sensors for modern applications.

Photoinduced Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oils from Eugenia brasiliensis Lam and Piper mosenii C. DC. by Blue Led Light.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and the antibacterial and antibiotic-modulating activities of the essential oils of Eugenia brasiliensis Lam (OEEb) and Piper mosenii C. DC (OEPm) singly or in association with blue LED (Light-emitting diode) light. The antibacterial and antibiotic-modulatory activities of the essential oils on the activity of aminoglycosides were evaluated to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, µg/mL) in the presence or absence of exposure to blue LED light. The chemical analysis showed α-pinene and bicyclogermacrene as major constituents of OEPm, whereas α-muurolol was the main compound of OEEb. Both OEEb and OEPm showed MIC ≥ 512 µg/mL against the strains under study. However, the association of these oils with the blue LED light enhanced the action of the aminoglycosides amikacin and gentamicin. In conclusion, the association of aminoglycosides with the blue LED light and essential oils was effective against resistant bacteria.

Effect of the essential oils from Piper sp. and blue led lights in the enhancement of the antibiotic activity of drugs against mdr bacterial strains.

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has made bacterial resistance an important public health problem, since many antibiotics have become ineffective. Phototherapy can be considered an alternative to reduce the abusive use of antimicrobials, thus impacting microbial resistance. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical profile and to evaluate the effect of blue LED lights on the antibacterial activity of essential oils from Piper species, as well as their aminoglycoside antibiotic activity modulation using the microdilution method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The antibiotic activity modulating effect of these oils was also determined using the broth microdilution method with 96-well plates which were exposed to LED light for 20 min. Chemical components were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, revealing ß-copaen-4-α-ol, germacrene A and germacrene B as major essential oil constituents for Piper arboreum (OEPar), Piper aduncum (OEPad) and Piper gaudichaudianum (OEPg), respectively. OEPar obtained a MIC of 512 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and a MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL against Escherichia coli. OEPad and OEPg showed MIC values ≥ 1024 µg/mL against the utilized strains. The essential oils modulated the effect of the antibiotics amikacin and gentamicin, with this effect being potentiated when exposed to blue LED. The blue LED light in the absence of the essential oil also showed an ability to modulate aminoglycoside antibiotic activity in this study, presenting mostly synergistic effects. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study demonstrate that photodynamic therapy using blue LED light interferes with the antibacterial action of P. arboreum, P. aduncum and P. gaudichaudianum essential oils and aminoglycoside antibiotic activity.

Proteomic and Interactome Approaches Reveal PAK4, PHB-2, and 14-3-3η as Targets of Overactivated Cdc42 in Cellular Responses to Genomic Instability.

Cdc42, a member of the Rho GTPase family, is an intracellular signaling protein known for its roles in cytoskeleton rearrangements and, more recently, in apoptosis/senescence triggered by genotoxic stress. In some tumor cells, the overactivation of Cdc42 through the expression of constitutively active mutants (G12V or Q61L), GEF activation, or GAP downregulation functions as an antiproliferative or pro-aging mechanism. In this study, human cell lines with different P53 protein profiles were exposed to UV radiation, and the interactions between Cdc42 and proteins that are putatively involved in the DNA damage response and repair mechanisms were screened. The affinity-purified proteins obtained through pull-down experiments of the cell lysates using the recombinant protein baits GST, GST-Cdc42-WT, or GST-Cdc42-G12V were identified by mass spectrometry. The resulting data were filtered and used for the construction of protein-protein interaction networks. Among several promising proteins, three targets, namely, PAK4, PHB-2, and 14-3-3η, which are involved in the cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair, and chromatin remodeling processes, were identified. Biochemical validation experiments showed physical and proximal interactions between Cdc42 and the three targets in the cells, particularly after exposure to UV. The results suggest that the molecular mechanisms coordinated by overactivated Cdc42 (with the G12V mutation) to increase the cellular sensitivity to UV radiation and the susceptibility to cell death are collectively mediated by these three proteins. Therefore, the Cdc42 GTPase can potentially be considered another player involved in maintenance of the genomic stability of human cells during exposure to genotoxic stress.

Neuroinflammation in the NTS is associated with changes in cardiovascular reflexes during systemic inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation (SI) is associated with neuroinflammation in the brain, hypotension, tachycardia, and multiple organs dysfunctions. Considering that during SI these important cardiovascular and inflammatory changes take place, we measured the sensitivity of the cardiovascular reflexes baroreflex, chemoreflex, and Bezold-Jarisch that are key regulators of hemodynamic function. We also evaluated neuroinflammation in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), the first synaptic station that integrates peripheral signals arising from the cardiovascular and inflammatory status. METHODS: We combined cardiovascular recordings, immunofluorescence, and assays of inflammatory markers in male Wistar rats that receive iv administration of LPS (1.5 or 2.5 mg kg-1) to investigate putative interactions of the neuroinflammation in the NTS and in the anteroventral preoptic region of the hypothalamus (AVPO) with the short-term regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. RESULTS: LPS induced hypotension, tachycardia, autonomic disbalance, hypothermia followed by fever, and reduction in spontaneous baroreflex gain. On the other hand, during SI, the bradycardic component of Bezold-Jarisch and chemoreflex activation was increased. These changes were associated with a higher number of activated microglia and interleukin (IL)-1ß levels in the NTS. CONCLUSIONS: The present data are consistent with the notion that during SI and neuroinflammation in the NTS, rats have a reduced baroreflex gain, combined with an enhancement of the bradycardic component of Bezold-Jarisch and chemoreflex despite the important cardiovascular impairments (hypotension and tachycardia). These changes in the cardiac component of Bezold-Jarisch and chemoreflex may be beneficial during SI and indicate that the improvement of theses reflexes responsiveness though specific nerve stimulations may be useful in the management of sepsis.

Proteomic and interactome approaches reveal PAK4, PHB-2, and 14-3-3n as targets of overactivated Cdc42 in cellular responses to genomic instability

Cdc42, a member of the Rho GTPase family, is an intracellular signaling protein known for its roles in cytoskeleton rearrangements and, more recently, in apoptosis/senescence triggered by genotoxic stress. In some tumor cells, the overactivation of Cdc42 through the expression of constitutively active mutants (G12V or Q61L), GEF activation, or GAP downregulation functions as an antiproliferative or pro-aging mechanism. In this study, human cell lines with different P53 protein profiles were exposed to UV radiation, and the interactions between Cdc42 and proteins that are putatively involved in the DNA damage response and repair mechanisms were screened. The affinity-purified proteins obtained through pull-down experiments of the cell lysates using the recombinant protein baits GST, GST-Cdc42-WT, or GST-Cdc42-G12V were identified by mass spectrometry. The resulting data were filtered and used for the construction of protein–protein interaction networks. Among several promising proteins, three targets, namely, PAK4, PHB-2, and 14-3-3?, which are involved in the cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair, and chromatin remodeling processes, were identified. Biochemical validation experiments showed physical and proximal interactions between Cdc42 and the three targets in the cells, particularly after exposure to UV. The results suggest that the molecular mechanisms coordinated by overactivated Cdc42 (with the G12V mutation) to increase the cellular sensitivity to UV radiation and the susceptibility to cell death are collectively mediated by these three proteins. Therefore, the Cdc42 GTPase can potentially be considered another player involved in maintenance of the genomic stability of human cells during exposure to genotoxic stress.

Proteomic and interactome approaches reveal PAK4, PHB-2, and 14-3-3n as targets of overactivated Cdc42 in cellular responses to genomic instability

Cdc42, a member of the Rho GTPase family, is an intracellular signaling protein known for its roles in cytoskeleton rearrangements and, more recently, in apoptosis/senescence triggered by genotoxic stress. In some tumor cells, the overactivation of Cdc42 through the expression of constitutively active mutants (G12V or Q61L), GEF activation, or GAP downregulation functions as an antiproliferative or pro-aging mechanism. In this study, human cell lines with different P53 protein profiles were exposed to UV radiation, and the interactions between Cdc42 and proteins that are putatively involved in the DNA damage response and repair mechanisms were screened. The affinity-purified proteins obtained through pull-down experiments of the cell lysates using the recombinant protein baits GST, GST-Cdc42-WT, or GST-Cdc42-G12V were identified by mass spectrometry. The resulting data were filtered and used for the construction of protein–protein interaction networks. Among several promising proteins, three targets, namely, PAK4, PHB-2, and 14-3-3?, which are involved in the cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair, and chromatin remodeling processes, were identified. Biochemical validation experiments showed physical and proximal interactions between Cdc42 and the three targets in the cells, particularly after exposure to UV. The results suggest that the molecular mechanisms coordinated by overactivated Cdc42 (with the G12V mutation) to increase the cellular sensitivity to UV radiation and the susceptibility to cell death are collectively mediated by these three proteins. Therefore, the Cdc42 GTPase can potentially be considered another player involved in maintenance of the genomic stability of human cells during exposure to genotoxic stress.