MATRIN3 deficiency triggers autoinflammation via cGAS-STING activation.

Interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) comprise a program of immune effectors important for host immune defense. When uncontrolled, ISGs play a central role in interferonopathies and other inflammatory diseases. The mechanisms responsible for turning on ISGs are not completely known. By investigating MATRIN3 (MATR3), a nuclear RNA-binding protein mutated in familial ALS, we found that perturbing MATR3 results in elevated expression of ISGs. Using an integrative approach, we elucidate a pathway that leads to activation of cGAS-STING. This outlines a plausible mechanism for pathogenesis in a subset of ALS, and suggests new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this fatal disease.

Advancements in algal membrane bioreactors: Overcoming obstacles and harnessing potential for eliminating hazardous pollutants from wastewater.

This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of algal-based membrane bioreactors (AMBRs) and their potential for removing hazardous and toxic contaminants from wastewater. Through an identification of contaminant types and sources, as well as an explanation of AMBR operating principles, this study sheds light on the promising capabilities of AMBRs in eliminating pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, while generating valuable biomass and energy. However, challenges and limitations, such as the need for process optimization and the risk of algal-bacterial imbalance, have been identified. To overcome these obstacles, strategies like mixed cultures and bioaugmentation techniques have been proposed. Furthermore, this study explores the wider applications of AMBRs beyond wastewater treatment, including the production of value-added products and the removal of emerging contaminants. The findings underscore the significance of factors such as appropriate algal-bacterial consortia selection, hydraulic and organic loading rate optimization, and environmental factor control for the success of AMBRs. A comprehensive understanding of these challenges and opportunities can pave the way for more efficient and effective wastewater treatment processes, which are crucial for safeguarding public health and the environment.

Use of Telehealth to Address Depression and Anxiety in Low-income US Populations: A Narrative Review.

Symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders have been increasing substantially among adults in the United States (US) during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for low-income populations. Under-resourced communities have difficulties accessing optimal treatment for anxiety and depression due to costs as well as the result of limited access to health care providers. Telehealth has been growing as a digital strategy to treat anxiety and depression across the country but it is unclear how best to implement telehealth interventions to serve low-income populations. A narrative review was conducted to evaluate the role of telehealth in addressing anxiety and depression in low-income groups in the US. A PubMed database search identified a total of 14 studies published from 2012 to 2022 on telehealth interventions that focused on strengthening access to therapy, coordination of care, and medication and treatment adherence. Our findings suggest that telehealth increases patient engagement through virtual therapy and the use of primarily telephone communication to treat and monitor anxiety and depression. Telehealth seems to be a promising approach to improving anxiety and depressive symptoms but socioeconomic and technological barriers to accessing mental health services are substantial for low-income US populations.

Epidermal cell-patterning genes of the stem parasitic plant Cuscuta campestris are involved in the development of holdfasts.

Cuscuta campestris, a stem parasitic plant, commences its parasitic behavior by forming a specialized disk-like adhesive structure called a holdfast, which facilitates tight adhesion to the stem surface of the host plant. The morphology of epidermal cells in the holdfast is similar to that of the leaf trichome and root hairs of dicotyledonous plants. However, the regulatory network underlying the development of the holdfast has not been elucidated to date. In this study, we assessed the roles of epidermal cell-patterning genes in the development of a holdfast. Epidermal cell-patterning genes of C. campestris, including CcWER, CcGL3, CcTTG1, CcGL2, and CcJKD, were expressed slightly before the initiation of the outgrowth of stem epidermal cells. CcJKD-silencing repressed CcJKD, CcWER, CcGL3, CcTTG1, CcGL2; therefore, CcJKD is an upstream regulator of other epidermal cell-patterning genes. Unlike other genes, CcCPC was not upregulated after attachment to the host, and was not repressed by CcJKD-silencing. Protein interaction assays demonstrated that CcJKD interacted with CcTTG1 and CcCPC. Furthermore, CcJKD-silencing repressed the outgrowth of holdfast epidermal cells. Therefore, C. campestris invokes epidermal cell-patterning genes for the outgrowth of holdfast epidermal cells, and their regulatory mechanism is different from those for leaf trichome or root hairs.