Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 70
Filter
Add more filters

Country/Region as subject
Publication year range
1.
Yeast ; 41(4): 148-157, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38238962

ABSTRACT

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a highly abundant and evolutionarily conserved messenger RNA (mRNA) modification. This modification is installed on RRACH motifs on mRNAs by a hetero-multimeric holoenzyme known as m6A methyltransferase complex (MTC). The m6A mark is then recognised by a group of conserved proteins known as the YTH domain family proteins which guide the mRNA for subsequent downstream processes that determine its fate. In yeast, m6A is installed on thousands of mRNAs during early meiosis by a conserved MTC and the m6A-modified mRNAs are read by the YTH domain-containing protein Mrb1/Pho92. In this review, we aim to delve into the recent advances in our understanding of the regulation and roles of m6A in yeast meiosis. We will discuss the potential functions of m6A in mRNA translation and decay, unravelling their significance in regulating gene expression. We propose that yeast serves as an exceptional model organism for the study of fundamental molecular mechanisms related to the function and regulation of m6A-modified mRNAs. The insights gained from yeast research not only expand our knowledge of mRNA modifications and their molecular roles but also offer valuable insights into the broader landscape of eukaryotic posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression.


Subject(s)
Adenosine/analogs & derivatives , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Saccharomycetales , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism , Saccharomycetales/genetics , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Gene Expression
2.
Microb Cell Fact ; 22(1): 217, 2023 Oct 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37865739

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Identification and characterization of novel, faithful and processive DNA polymerases is a driving force in the development of DNA amplification methods. Purification of proteins from natural phages is often time-consuming, cumbersome and low yielding. Escherichia coli is a host bacterium widely used for the production of recombinant proteins, is the cell factory of choice for in vitro studies of phage protein function. RESULTS: We expressed the gene encoding Enterococcus faecium phage IME199 DNA polymerase (IME199 DNAP) in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), and characterized protein function. IME199 DNAP has 3'-5' exonuclease activity, but does not have 5'-3' exonuclease activity. In addition, IME199 DNAP has dNTP-dependent 5'-3' polymerase activity and can amplify DNA at 15-35 °C and a pH range of 5.5-9.5. The amino acid residues Asp30, Glu32, Asp112 and Asp251 are the 3'-5' exonuclease active sites of IME199 DNAP, while residues Asp596 and Tyr639 are essential for DNA synthesis by IME199 DNAP. More importantly, the IME199 DNAP has strand displacement and processive synthesis capabilities, and can perform rolling circle amplification and multiple displacement amplification with very low error rates (approximately 3.67 × 10-6). CONCLUSIONS: A novel family B DNA polymerase was successfully overproduced in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Based on the characterized properties, IME199 DNAP is expected to be developed as a high-fidelity polymerase for DNA amplification at room temperature.


Subject(s)
Bacteriophages , Escherichia coli , Escherichia coli/genetics , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Bacteriophages/genetics , Enterococcus/metabolism , Phosphodiesterase I , DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/chemistry , DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/genetics , DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/metabolism , DNA
3.
Arch Microbiol ; 204(8): 455, 2022 Jul 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35788908

ABSTRACT

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum is one of the most serious diseases impairing watermelon yield and quality. Inducer of meiosis 2 (Ime2) is the founding member of a family of serine/threonine protein kinases and plays important roles in yeasts and other filamentous fungi. In this study, we analyzed the functions of FoIme2, the ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ime2 in F. oxysporum f.sp. niveum. The FoIme2-deleted mutants exhibited obvious morphological abnormalities, including slower vegetative growth, more branches in the edge hyphae and a reduction in conidia production. Compared to the wild type, the mutants were hypersensitive to the osmotic stressor NaCl but were more insensitive to the membrane stressor SDS. The deletion of FoIme2 also caused a reduction in pathogenicity. Transcriptional analysis revealed that FoIme2 acts downstream of FoOpy2 which is an upstream sensor of the MAPK kinase cascade. These results indicate that FoIme2 is important in the development and pathogenicity of F. oxysporum, and provide new insight for the analysis of the pathogenic mechanism of F. oxysporum.


Subject(s)
Fusarium , Osmoregulation , Fusarium/genetics , Protein Kinases/genetics , Virulence
4.
Plant Cell Rep ; 40(9): 1735-1749, 2021 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34308490

ABSTRACT

KEY MESSAGE: Overexpression of the naturally occurring intron-retained (IR) forms of radish RsMYB1 and RsTT8 transcripts in Arabidopsis causes a substantial increase in anthocyanin accumulation. The production of anthocyanins in plants is tightly controlled by the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex. In this study, analysis of four radish (Raphanus sativus L.) inbred lines with different colored taproots revealed that regulatory genes of anthocyanin biosynthesis, RsMYB1 and RsTT8, produce three transcripts, one completely spliced and two intron retention (IR1 and IR2) forms. Transcripts RsMYB1-IR1 and RsMYB1-IR2 retained the 1st (380 nt) and 2nd (149 nt) introns, respectively; RsTT8-IR1 retained the 4th intron (113 nt); RsTT8-IR2 retained both the 3rd (128 nt) and 4th introns. Levels of most IR forms were substantially low in radish samples, but the RsTT8-IR2 level was higher than RsTT8 in red skin/red flesh (RsRf) root. Since all IR forms contained a stop codon within the intron, they were predicted to encode truncated proteins with defective interaction domains, resulting in the inability to form the MBW complex in vivo. However, tobacco leaves transiently co-expressing RsMYB1-IRs and RsTT8-IRs showed substantially higher anthocyanin accumulation than those co-expressing their spliced forms. Consistently, co-expression of constructs encoding truncated proteins with spliced or IR forms of their interaction partner in tobacco leaves did not result in anthocyanin accumulation. Compared with RsMYB1, the overexpression of RsMYB1-IRs in Arabidopsis pap1 mutant increased anthocyanin accumulation by > sevenfold and upregulated the expression of Arabidopsis flavonoid biosynthesis genes including AtTT8. Our results suggest that the stable co-expression of RsMYB1-IRs in fruit trees and vegetable crops could be used to increase their anthocyanin contents.


Subject(s)
Anthocyanins/metabolism , Arabidopsis/metabolism , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism , Raphanus/genetics , Alternative Splicing , Arabidopsis/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Introns , Pigmentation/genetics , Plant Leaves/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Plant Roots/genetics , Plant Roots/metabolism , Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics , Nicotiana/genetics
5.
Dis Aquat Organ ; 147: 97-109, 2021 Dec 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34913439

ABSTRACT

Enterobacter hormaechei is an important emerging pathogen, often exhibiting resistance to multiple clinically important antibiotics. In this study, E. hormaechei was found, for the first time, to be lethal to fish. Bacteriophages are considered potential treatments for bacterial infections. The lytic phage vB_EhoM-IME523 (abbreviated 'IME523') infecting multidrug-resistant E. hormaechei was isolated from hospital sewage. IME523 exhibits T4-like morphology, including a prolate icosahedral head 110 ± 1.89 nm (mean ± SD) long and 82 ± 0.75 nm wide, and a contractile tail of ca. 110 ± 0.91 nm in length. The complete genome length of phage IME523 is 172763 bp, with a G + C content of 39.97%. The whole genome sequence of IME523 has a 93.10% average nucleotide identity (ANI) and a 53.3% in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH) value with the closest-related Enterobacter phage vB_EclM_CIP9 ('CIP9'). ANI and isDDH values between IME523 and other phages were lower than 78 and 22%, respectively. IME523 and CIP9 formed a monophyletic branch in a phylogenetic tree based on the terminase large subunit, DNA polymerase protein and whole genome phylogenetic analysis. Results suggest that IME523 is a novel species in the subfamily Tevenvirinae and forms a novel genus together with CIP9. No IME523 open reading frame was found to be associated with virulence factors or antibiotic resistance genes. IME523 showed promising protection to zebrafish and brocade carp against E. hormaechei challenge.


Subject(s)
Bacteriophages , Animals , Bacteriophages/genetics , Enterobacter , Genome, Viral , Phylogeny , Zebrafish
6.
J Biol Chem ; 292(33): 13727-13744, 2017 08 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28655762

ABSTRACT

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is among the most common modifications in eukaryotic mRNA. The role of yeast m6A methyltransferase, Ime4, in meiosis and sporulation in diploid strains is very well studied, but its role in haploid strains has remained unknown. Here, with the help of an immunoblotting strategy and Ime4-GFP protein localization studies, we establish the physiological role of Ime4 in haploid cells. Our data showed that Ime4 epitranscriptionally regulates triacylglycerol metabolism and vacuolar morphology through the long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase Faa1, independently of the RNA methylation complex (MIS complex). The MIS complex consists of the Ime4, Mum2, and Slz1 proteins. Our affinity enrichment strategy (methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assays) using m6A polyclonal antibodies coupled with mRNA isolation, quantitative real-time PCR, and standard PCR analyses confirmed the presence of m6A-modified FAA1 transcripts in haploid yeast cells. The term "epitranscriptional regulation" encompasses the RNA modification-mediated regulation of genes. Moreover, we demonstrate that the Aft2 transcription factor up-regulates FAA1 expression. Because the m6A methylation machinery is fundamentally conserved throughout eukaryotes, our findings will help advance the rapidly emerging field of RNA epitranscriptomics. The metabolic link identified here between m6A methylation and triacylglycerol metabolism via the Ime4 protein provides new insights into lipid metabolism and the pathophysiology of lipid-related metabolic disorders, such as obesity. Because the yeast vacuole is an analogue of the mammalian lysosome, our findings pave the way to better understand the role of m6A methylation in lysosome-related functions and diseases.


Subject(s)
Activating Transcription Factor 2/metabolism , Coenzyme A Ligases/metabolism , Methyltransferases/metabolism , RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/metabolism , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/physiology , Vacuoles/metabolism , Activating Transcription Factor 2/genetics , Amino Acid Substitution , Cell Cycle Proteins/chemistry , Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism , Coenzyme A Ligases/genetics , Diploidy , Epigenesis, Genetic , Gene Deletion , Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal , Haploidy , Luminescent Proteins/genetics , Luminescent Proteins/metabolism , Methylation , Methyltransferases/chemistry , Methyltransferases/genetics , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Mutagenesis, Site-Directed , Mutation , Organelle Size , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/ultrastructure , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/chemistry , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics , Triglycerides/metabolism , Vacuoles/ultrastructure
7.
Curr Genet ; 64(2): 353-357, 2018 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28975387

ABSTRACT

In eukaryotes, the precise transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations of gene expression are crucial for the developmental processes. More than 100 types of post-transcriptional RNA modifications have been identified in eukaryotes. The deposition of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) into mRNA is among the most common post-transcriptional RNA modifications known in eukaryotes. It has been reported that m6A RNA modification can regulate gene expression. The role of yeast m6A methyltransferase (Ime4) in meiosis and sporulation in diploid cells is very well proven, but its physiological role in haploid cells has remained unknown until recently. Previously, we have shown that Ime4 epitranscriptionally regulates triacylglycerol (TAG) metabolism and vacuolar morphology in haploid cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to TAG accumulation as lipid droplets (LDs) in the cells; besides, LDs are physically connected to the mitochondria. As of now there are no reports on the role of Ime4 in mitochondrial biology. Here we report the important role played by Ime4 in the mitochondrial morphology and functions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The confocal microscopic analysis showed that IME4 gene deletion causes mitochondrial fragmentation; besides, the ime4Δ cells showed a significant decrease in cytochrome c oxidase and citrate synthase activities compared to the wild-type cells. IME4 gene deletion causes mitochondrial dysfunction, and it will be interesting to find out the target genes of Ime4 related to the mitochondrial biology. The determination of the role of Ime4 and its targets in mitochondrial biology could probably help in formulating potential cures for the mitochondria-linked rare genetic disorders.


Subject(s)
Methyltransferases/genetics , RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional/genetics , Transcription, Genetic , Adenosine/analogs & derivatives , Adenosine/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal , Meiosis/genetics , Mitochondria/genetics , Mitochondria/metabolism , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics , Spores, Fungal/genetics , Spores, Fungal/growth & development , Triglycerides/metabolism , Vacuoles/genetics , Vacuoles/metabolism
8.
Curr Genet ; 64(2): 417-422, 2018 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29043484

ABSTRACT

The precise and controlled regulation of gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels is crucial for the eukaryotic cell survival and functions. In eukaryotes, more than 100 types of post-transcriptional RNA modifications have been identified. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in mRNA is among the most common post-transcriptional RNA modifications known in eukaryotic organisms, and the m6A RNA modification can regulate gene expression. The role of yeast m6A methyltransferase (Ime4) in meiosis, sporulation, triacylglycerol metabolism, vacuolar morphology, and mitochondrial functions has been reported. Stress triggers triacylglycerol accumulation as lipid droplets. Lipid droplets are physically connected to the different organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and peroxisomes. However, the physiological relevance of these physical interactions remains poorly understood. In yeast, peroxisome is the sole site of fatty acid ß-oxidation. The metabolic status of the cell readily governs the number and physiological function of peroxisomes. Under low-glucose or stationary-phase conditions, peroxisome biogenesis and proliferation increase in the cells. Therefore, we hypothesized a possible role of Ime4 in the peroxisomal functions. There is no report on the role of Ime4 in peroxisomal biology. Here, we report that IME4 gene deletion causes peroxisomal dysfunction under stationary-phase conditions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; besides, the ime4Δ cells showed a significant decrease in the expression of the key genes involved in peroxisomal ß-oxidation compared to the wild-type cells. Therefore, identification and determination of the target genes of Ime4 that are directly involved in the peroxisomal biogenesis, morphology, and functions will pave the way to better understand the role of m6A methylation in peroxisomal biology.


Subject(s)
Adenosine/analogs & derivatives , Fatty Acids/genetics , Methyltransferases/genetics , Peroxisomes/genetics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics , 3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenases/genetics , Acetyl-CoA C-Acyltransferase/genetics , Adenosine/genetics , Adenosine/metabolism , Carbon-Carbon Double Bond Isomerases/genetics , Enoyl-CoA Hydratase/genetics , Fatty Acids/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal/genetics , Lipid Metabolism/genetics , Methyltransferases/metabolism , Mitochondria/genetics , Mitochondria/metabolism , Peroxisomes/enzymology , RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional/genetics , Racemases and Epimerases/genetics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics , Vacuoles/enzymology , Vacuoles/genetics
9.
J Basic Microbiol ; 58(11): 968-976, 2018 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30146706

ABSTRACT

Advances in phage therapy and its application require more information on phage genome characteristics and host-phage interaction mechanisms. In this study, a so far unknown T1-like Escherichia coli phage was identified and named vB_EcoS_IME347 (IME347). The genome length of phage IME347 is 50,048 bp with a G + C content of 49.7%. BLASTn alignment showed that the phage has its highest homology (identity 78%, query cover 72%) with phage SRT8 (GenBank: MF996376). Electron microscopy showed that phage IME347 has an icosahedral head and a long non-contractiled tail, features of the family Siphoviridae. Phylogenetic analysis of the large subunit of the terminal enzyme and tail fiber protein revealed that phage IME347 is a novel member of the T1 virus. Furthermore, through comparative genomics, silencing mutation, phage spotting assay, and phage adsorption assay, an E. coli BL21 TonB-dependent receptor YncD was identified to be responsible for phage IME347 adsorption and entry. The identification of the phage receptor YncD enriches the phage receptor database and provides a theoretical basis for bacteriophage therapy.


Subject(s)
Coliphages/classification , Coliphages/genetics , Escherichia coli/virology , Phylogeny , Adsorption , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Base Composition , Coliphages/ultrastructure , DNA, Viral/genetics , Escherichia coli/physiology , Genetic Complementation Test , Genome, Bacterial/genetics , Genome, Viral/genetics , Mutation , Receptors, Virus/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Siphoviridae , Viral Proteins/genetics
10.
Curr Genet ; 63(2): 325-329, 2017 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27520925

ABSTRACT

Cell fate decisions are controlled by multiple cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors. In budding yeast, the decision to enter gametogenesis or sporulation is dictated by nutrient availability and mating type. Recently, we showed that in diploid cells harbouring opposite mating types (MATa and MATα), the protein kinase A (PKA) and target of rapamycin complex I (TORC1) signalling pathways integrate at the promoter of the master regulatory transcription factor IME1 to control sporulation via nutrient availability (Weidberg, et al. 2016). In cells with a single mating type (MATa or MATα), however, IME1 is repressed by transcription through the IME1 promoter of a long non-coding RNA called IRT1, which prevents this cell type from undergoing sporulation. Here, we investigated the role of nutrient signalling in mating-type control of IME1. We find that expression of IRT1, like IME1 itself, depends on nutrient availability and the activities of PKA and TORC1. IRT1 transcription is repressed when nutrients are ample and TORC1 and PKA are active. In contrast, inhibition of PKA and TORC1 is sufficient to recruit Rme1 to the IRT1 promoter and induce IRT1-mediated repression of IME1. Finally, we provide evidence that IRT1 and IME1 are co-repressed by the Tup1-Cyc8 complex when nutrients are ample. Thus, in cells with a single mating-type nutrient availability regulates mating-type repression of IME1 and sporulation. Our results indicate that there is a hierarchy between nutrient and mating-type signals in controlling the decision to enter sporulation.


Subject(s)
Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases/genetics , Genes, Mating Type, Fungal/genetics , RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription, Genetic , Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal , Models, Genetic , Mutation , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Repressor Proteins/metabolism , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/physiology , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/metabolism , Signal Transduction/genetics , Spores, Fungal/genetics , Spores, Fungal/metabolism , Transcription Factors/metabolism
11.
Curr Genet ; 62(2): 467-73, 2016 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26743103

ABSTRACT

Across many phyla, a common aspect of multicellularity is the organization of different cell types into spatial patterns. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, after diploid colonies have completed growth, they differentiate to form alternating layers of sporulating cells and feeder cells. In the current study, we found that as yeast colonies developed, the feeder cell layer was initially separated from the sporulating cell layer. Furthermore, the spatial pattern of sporulation in colonies depended on the colony's nutrient environment; in two environments in which overall colony sporulation efficiency was very similar, the pattern of feeder and sporulating cells within the colony was very different. As noted previously, under moderately suboptimal conditions for sporulation-low acetate concentration or high temperature-the number of feeder cells increases as does the dependence of sporulation on the feeder-cell transcription factor, Rlm1. Here we report that even under a condition that is completely blocked sporulation, the number of feeder cells still increased. These results suggest broader implications to our recently proposed "Differential Partitioning provides Environmental Buffering" or DPEB hypothesis.


Subject(s)
Saccharomyces cerevisiae/cytology , Microscopy, Confocal , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/growth & development , Spores, Fungal
12.
Environ Technol ; 36(5-8): 1001-7, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25270868

ABSTRACT

In this study, a coupled process of coagulation and aerated internal micro-electrolysis (IME) with the in situ addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was investigated for the treatment of nanofiltration (NF) concentrate from mature landfill leachate. The acceptable operating conditions were determined as follows: initial pH 4, polymeric aluminium chloride dosage of 525 mg-Al2O3/L in the coagulation process, H2O2 dosage of 0.75 mM and an hydraulic retention time of 2 h in an aerated IME reactor. As a result, the removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon, UV254 and colour were 79.2%, 79.6%, 81.8% and 90.8%, respectively. In addition, the ratio of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5)/COD in the final effluent increased from 0.03 to 0.31, and that of E2/E4 from 12.4 to 38.5, respectively. The results indicate that the combined process is an effective and economical way to remove organic matters and to improve the biodegradability of the NF concentrate. Coagulation process reduces the adverse impact of high-molecular-weight organic matters such as humic acids, on the aerated IME process. A proper addition of H2O2 in the aerated IME can promote the corrosion of solid iron (Fe2+/Fe3+) and cause a likely domino effect in the enhancement of removal efficiencies.


Subject(s)
Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods , Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry , Aluminum Chloride , Aluminum Compounds , Chlorides , Electrolysis , Hydrogen Peroxide , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
13.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 17568, 2024 Jul 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39080304

ABSTRACT

The Island Mass Effect (IME) around the Maldives is responsible for intense blooms with distinct seasonal patterns. These blooms sustain the fishing industry of the archipelagic nation, a vital source of income that occupies about 30% of the population. Through high resolution ocean simulations, we explore the physical processes responsible for the increased productivity and its observed variability, and their sensitivity to changes in land distribution. Year-round the frictional break of the currents in the presence of shallow bathymetry produces a strong vertical shear in the flow that favors vertical mixing, independently of the currents direction. The impact of this mixing is visible at the ocean surface during March and April, when the mixed-layer is shallow and the ocean currents are generally weak. A different mechanism than observed in spring modulates the IME during the monsoon seasons, in both winter and summer, when the zonal currents forced by the strong winds cross the archipelago: the flow accelerates while squeezing between the atolls, giving rise to intense wakes, and strong upwelling originates in the lees in response to the kilometer-scale flow divergence. This upwelling creates an asymmetric cooling signal in the lee of the islands and obfuscates the effects of the enhanced vertical mixing. The land reclamation efforts being planned on some of the islands may undercut the upwelling that drives the blooms during the monsoon seasons.

14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39044094

ABSTRACT

Resuming the theoretical and historical conceptualization of mindfulness research is of utmost importance if we want to transcend the positivistic and instrumental trend in the present field and to understand better what mindfulness is and how mindfulness works. Based on von Fircks (2023)'s introduction of Daosim's wu wei into Meadian Social Psychology, this commentary continues dialoguing the two different traditions for understanding mindfulness's functioning by exploring the systematic principle underlying wu wei. From the systematic perspective, we can distinguish: 1) two focus of meaning in wu wei: (a) not forcing/interfering and (b) the existence of a spontaneously evolving system; 2) two positions a person can take faced with the spontaneous system: (a) as stepping back and not interfering; (b) as actively connecting and cultivating new relations into systems. Based on the two positions, the dynamic emergence of altered I from mindfulness is also approached in two different ways.

15.
J Am Psychoanal Assoc ; : 30651241257263, 2024 Jun 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38877745

ABSTRACT

In this essay the author describes some of the transformations that occur as one moves from preverbal functioning to verbally symbolic language. In preverbal experience, there is a direct connection between the sign and what is signified. An infant or child signifies displeasure by throwing his food or other objects to the floor. Much of the emotional tie between mother and infant and patient and analyst is communicated in this way. When a transformation occurs from preverbal to verbally symbolic language, as occurs in early development and as one interprets a dream, meaning is not merely translated, meaning is created. On acquiring verbally symbolic language, a "space" mediated by an interpreting subject opens between the symbol (for instance, the word guilt) and the symbolized (the experience of guilt) and a new subjectivity is created. On entry into verbally symbolic language, one becomes able to experience oneself in a qualitatively different way; one becomes both subject and object, I and me; one becomes able to experience a far broader range of feelings and types of thinking. Helen Keller's account of her experience of acquiring verbally symbolic language is drawn upon.

16.
Pathology ; 56(5): 643-652, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38816309

ABSTRACT

The objective of this investigation was to analyse the correlation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) status in the immune microenvironment (IME) and the prognostic outcomes of patients who have undergone radical surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). In light of the continued prevalence of CRC in China, this study utilised Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses to assess the prognostic relevance of NLR status in IME among patients with CRC. Furthermore, cellular experiments, such as cell scratching, were conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of NLR's impact on CRC. The NLR status in IME has been found to have a significant impact on the prognosis of patients with CRC. Patients who exhibit elevated intratumoural and extratumoural NLR are associated with a poor prognosis. Experimental evidence indicates that tumour-associated neutrophil (TAN) augments the migratory, invasive, and proliferative potential of HT-29, HCT-116 and LOVO colorectal cancer cells, while concurrently reducing their sensitivity to oxaliplatin. Conversely, lymphocytes have demonstrated cytotoxic effects on HT-29 cells. The NLR status in IME may serve as a prognostic biomarker for resectable CRC.


Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms , Lymphocytes , Neutrophils , Humans , Neutrophils/pathology , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Lymphocytes/pathology , Prognosis , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Aged , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Adult
17.
Polymers (Basel) ; 16(17)2024 Sep 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39274138

ABSTRACT

Injection molding is an efficient and precise manufacturing technology that is widely used in the production of plastic products. In recent years, injection molding technology has made significant progress, especially with the combination of in-mold electronics (IME) technology, which makes it possible to embed electronic components directly into the surface of a product. IME technology improves the integration and performance of a product by embedding conductive materials and functional components in the mold. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are a rapidly growing field of research that aims to capture, analyze, and feedback brain signals by directly connecting the brain to external devices. The Utah array, a high-density microelectrode array, has been widely used for the recording and transmission of brain signals. However, the traditional fabrication method of the Utah array suffers from high cost and low integration, which limits its promotion in practical applications. The lines that receive EEG signals are one of the key parts of a brain-computer interface system. The optimization of injection molding parameters is particularly important in order to effectively embed these lines into thin films and to ensure the precise displacement of the line nodes and the stability of signal transmission during the injection molding process. In this study, a method based on the Kriging prediction model and sparse regression partial differential equations (PDEs) is proposed to optimize the key parameters in the injection molding process. This method can effectively predict and control the displacement of nodes in the film, ensure the stability and reliability of the line during the injection process, and improve the accuracy of EEG signal transmission and system performance. The optimal injection parameters were finally obtained: a holding pressure of 525 MPa, a holding time of 50 s, and a melting temperature of 285 °C. Under this condition, the average node displacement of UA was reduced from the initial 0.19 mm to 0.89 µm, with an optimization rate of 95.32%.

18.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2815: 79-91, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38884912

ABSTRACT

Multidrug resistance, due to acquired antimicrobial resistance genes, is increasingly reported in the zoonotic pathogen Streptococcus suis. Most of these resistance genes are carried by chromosomal Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs), in particular, Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICEs) and Integrative and Mobilizable Elements (IMEs). ICEs and IMEs frequently form tandems or nested composite elements, which make their identification difficult. To evaluate their mobility, it is necessary to (i) select the suitable donor-recipient pairs for mating assays, (ii) do PCR excision tests to confirm that the genetic element is able to excise from the chromosome as a circular intermediate, and (iii) evaluate the transfer of the genetic element by conjugation by doing mating assays. In addition to a dissemination of resistance genes between S. suis strains, MGEs can lead to a spreading of resistance genes in the environment and toward pathogenic bacteria. This propagation had to be considered in a One Health perspective.


Subject(s)
Conjugation, Genetic , Interspersed Repetitive Sequences , Interspersed Repetitive Sequences/genetics , Gene Transfer, Horizontal , Streptococcus suis/genetics , Streptococcus suis/drug effects , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Genes, Bacterial
19.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 20420, 2024 09 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39227389

ABSTRACT

Injection molding is a common plastic processing technique that allows melted plastic to be injected into a mold through pressure to form differently shaped plastic parts. In injection molding, in-mold electronics (IME) can include various circuit components, such as sensors, amplifiers, and filters. These components can be injected into the mold to form a whole within the melted plastic and can therefore be very easily integrated into the molded part. The brain-computer interface (BCI) is a direct connection pathway between a human or animal brain and an external device. Through BCIs, individuals can use their own brain signals to control these components, enabling more natural and intuitive interactions. In addition, brain-computer interfaces can also be used to assist in medical treatments, such as controlling prosthetic limbs or helping paralyzed patients regain mobility. Brain-computer interfaces can be realized in two ways: invasively and noninvasively, and in this paper, we adopt a noninvasive approach. First, a helmet model is designed according to head shape, and second, a printed circuit film is made to receive EEG signals and an IME injection mold for the helmet plastic parts. In the electronic film, conductive ink is printed to connect each component. However, improper parameterization during the injection molding process can lead to node displacements and residual stress changes in the molded part, which can damage the circuits in the electronic film and affect its performance. Therefore, in this paper, the use of the BCI molding process to ensure that the node displacement reaches the optimal value is studied. Second, the multistrategy differential evolutionary algorithm is used to optimize the injection molding parameters in the process of brain-computer interface formation. The relationship between the injection molding parameters and the actual target value is investigated through Latin hypercubic sampling, and the optimized parameters are compared with the target parameters to obtain the optimal parameter combination. Under the optimal parameters, the node displacement can be optimized from 0.585 to 0.027 mm, and the optimization rate can reach 95.38%. Ultimately, by detecting whether the voltage difference between the output inputs is within the permissible range, the reliability of the brain-computer interface after node displacement optimization can be evaluated.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Brain-Computer Interfaces , Electroencephalography , Electroencephalography/methods , Humans , Brain/physiology , Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
20.
J Exp Bot ; 64(14): 4255-70, 2013 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24006416

ABSTRACT

The mechanisms that underlie the ability of some introns to increase gene expression, a phenomenon called intron-mediated enhancement (IME), are not fully understood. It is also not known why introns localized in the 5'-untranslated region (5' UTR) are considerably longer than downstream eukaryotic introns. It was hypothesized that this extra length results from the presence of some functional intronic elements. However, deletion analyses studies carried out thus far were unable to identify specific intronic regions necessary for IME. Using deletion analysis and a gain-of-function approach, an internal element that considerably increases translational efficiency, without affecting splicing, was identified in the 5' UTR intron of the Arabidopsis thaliana MHX gene. Moreover, the ability of this element to enhance translation was diminished by a minor downstream shift in the position of introns containing it from the 5' UTR into the coding sequence. These data suggest that some of the extra length of 5' UTR introns results from the presence of elements that enhance translation, and, moreover, from the ability of 5' UTR introns to provide preferable platforms for such elements over downstream introns. The impact of the identified intronic element on translational efficiency was augmented upon removal of neighbouring intronic elements. Interference between different intronic elements had not been reported thus far. This interference may support the bioinformatics-based idea that some of the extra sequence of 5' UTR introns is also necessary for separating different functional intronic elements.


Subject(s)
5' Untranslated Regions/genetics , Antiporters/genetics , Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics , Arabidopsis/genetics , Genes, Plant/genetics , Introns/genetics , Protein Biosynthesis/genetics , Antiporters/metabolism , Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism , Base Sequence , Glucuronidase/genetics , Glucuronidase/metabolism , Molecular Sequence Data , Open Reading Frames/genetics , RNA Splicing/genetics , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Sequence Deletion/genetics
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL