Water-based synthesis and nitrate release properties of a ZrIV-based metal–organic framework derived from L-aspartic acid

We report the synthesis and characterisation of a cationic metal–organic framework (MOF) based on ZrIV and L-aspartate and containing nitrate as an extra framework counter anion, named MIP-202-NO3. The ion exchange properties of MIP-202-NO3 were preliminarily investigated to evaluate its potential as a platform for controlled release of nitrate, finding that it readily releases nitrate in aqueous solution

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs target TWISTED DWARF1-regulated actin dynamics and auxin transport-mediated plant development

The widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are derivatives of the phytohormone salicylic acid (SA). SA is well known to regulate plant immunity and development, whereas there have been few reports focusing on the effects of NSAIDs in plants. Our studies here reveal that NSAIDs exhibit largely overlapping physiological activities to SA in the model plant Arabidopsis. NSAID treatments lead to shorter and agravitropic primary roots and inhibited lateral root organogenesis. Notably, in addition to the SA-like action, which in roots involves binding to the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), NSAIDs also exhibit PP2A-independent effects. Cell biological and biochemical analyses reveal that many NSAIDs bind directly to and inhibit the chaperone activity of TWISTED DWARF1, thereby regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and subsequent endosomal trafficking. Our findings uncover an unexpected bioactivity of human pharmaceuticals in plants and provide insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the cellular action of this class of anti-inflammatory compounds

Toll-like receptor signaling in thymic epithelium controls monocyte-derived dendritic cell recruitment and Treg generation

The development of thymic regulatory T cells (Treg) is mediated by Aire-regulated self-antigen presentation on medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and dendritic cells (DCs), but the cooperation between these cells is still poorly understood. Here we show that signaling through Toll-like receptors (TLR) expressed on mTECs regulates the production of specific chemokines and other genes associated with post-Aire mTEC development. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we identify a new thymic CD14(+)Sirp alpha (+) population of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (CD14(+)moDC) that are enriched in the thymic medulla and effectively acquire mTEC-derived antigens in response to the above chemokines. Consistently, the cellularity of CD14(+)moDC is diminished in mice with MyD88-deficient TECs, in which the frequency and functionality of thymic CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs are decreased, leading to aggravated mouse experimental colitis. Thus, our findings describe a TLR-dependent function of mTECs for the recruitment of CD14(+)moDC, the generation of Tregs, and thereby the establishment of central tolerance. Immune tolerance is mediated by the deletion of autoreactive T cells via medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) and dendritic cells (DC), and by the induction of regulatory T cells (Treg). Here the authors show that mTEC receiving toll-like receptor signaling control the recruitment of CD14(+)Sirp alpha (+) DC population that is capable of inducing Treg for establishing tolerance

Salicylic acid targets protein phosphatase 2A to attenuate growth in plants

Plants, like other multicellular organisms, survive through a delicate balance between growth and defense against pathogens. Salicylic acid (SA) is a major defense signal in plants, and the perception mechanism as well as downstream signaling activating the immune response are known. Here, we identify a parallel SA signaling that mediates growth attenuation. SA directly binds to A subunits of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), inhibiting activity of this complex. Among PP2A targets, the PIN2 auxin transporter is hyperphosphorylated in response to SA, leading to changed activity of this important growth regulator. Accordingly, auxin transport and auxin-mediated root development, including growth, gravitropic response, and lateral root organogenesis, are inhibited. This study reveals how SA, besides activating immunity, concomitantly attenuates growth through crosstalk with the auxin distribution network. Further analysis of this dual role of SA and characterization of additional SA-regulated PP2A targets will provide further insights into mechanisms maintaining a balance between growth and defense

MEMPERKENALKAN LITERASI EKONOMI BERBASIS KULTURAL DI SD DAN SMP HKBP SIDORAME MEDAN

Program Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pelatihan peningkatan literasi bagi anak-anak Sekolah Dasar (SD) dan Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) yang berfokus memberikan pendampingan informasi kepada para siswa maupun tenaga pengajar tentang pentingnya literasi ekonomi dalam pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan di masyarakat indonesia. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan oleh dosen dan mahasiswa dari jurusan Pendidikan Ekonomi Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Universitas HKBP Nommensen Medan bersama dengan mahasiswa dari Universitas Czech. Pelaksanaan kegiatan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat dalam peningkatan literasi dimulai pada tanggal 25 juli 2022 dan selesai pada tanggal 26 juli 2022. Sebelumnya, telah dilakukan sosialisasi kepada SD 1 dan SMP Swasta HKBP Sidorame Medan mengenai kegiatan PKM Peningkatan Literasi. Berdasarkan kegiatan sosialisasi sebelumnya dapat di simpulkan bahwa penyebab rendahnya kemampuan literasi siswa adalah karena tradisi lisan yang masih mendarahdaging di masyarakat. Lebih jauh lagi, sistem pendidikan sekolah masih belum memberikan peluang tradisi literasi kepada siswa. Hal ini juga terjadi kepada siswa/siswi SD dan SMP HKBP Sidorame Medan. Masalah ini kemudian diminimalisir dengan melaksanakan kegiatan Program Pengabdian Masyarakat terkait literasi bagi siswa/siswi SD dan SMP. Program ini merupakan salah satu bidang penting dalam pengembangan literasi di sekolah. Hal positif yang akan diperoleh adalah bahwa ada sejumlah besar kelompok sasaran yang ter identifikasi, tidak hanya peserta didik tetapi juga pendidik. Guru sendiri harus mengekspos siswa untuk melek huruf serta literasi haruslah menjadi sebuah budaya

MENGGIATKAN LITERASI MATEMATIKA DI SMP HKBP SIDORAME MEDAN BERSAMA MAHASISWA DARI REPUBLIK CEKO

Program Kerjasama dalam Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini ditujukan agar dapat menggiatkan literasi matematika bagi siswa–siswi di SMP HKBP Sidorame Medan. Melakukan pendampingan pemberian informasi kepada siswa-siswi maupun guru-guru pentingnya menerapkan literasi sejak dini bagi siswa–siswi SMP mengingat rendahnya keinginan untuk membaca siswa–siswi saat sekarang ini, serta hal ini juga sangat bermanfaat untuk pengembangan pengetahuan di segala lapisan masyarakat. Program Kerjasama Pengabdian Masyarakat ini dilakukan oleh Dosen dan Mahasiswa dari Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas HKBP Nommensen Medan dengan Mahasiswa dari Czech University. Program Kerjasama ini dilaksanakan pada tanggal 25 Juli 2022 serta berakhir pada tanggal 26 Juli 2022. Tradisi lisan yang masih sangat kuat, pendidikan sekolah yang sistemnya masih belum melakukan aktivitas–aktivitas yang maksimal untuk menggiatkan tradisi literasi matematika kepada siswa–siswinya, addicted–nya dengan pemakaian gadget akibat dari terjadinya pandemi covid-19, merupakan beberapa penyebab rendahnya literasi matematis pada siswa–siswi di Indonesia, dimana hal ini juga terjadi pada siswa-siswi di SMP HKBP Sidorame Medan. Dari beberapa masalah ini dicoba untuk melakukan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat dengan aktivitas berbeda yang belum pernah dilakukan di sekolah tersebut yaitu dengan melibatkan pendampingan beberapa mahasiswa dari Czech University dengan harapan dapat menggugah siswa–siswi dalam meningkatkan keinginannya dalam melakukan literasi. Program Kerjasama ini menjadi salah satu aktivitas penting dalam peningkatan kegiatan literasi matematis di sekolah. Hal positif lain  adalah terdapatnya dalam jumlah yang cukup besar kelompok yang teridentifikasi minim literasi matematis, tidak hanya kelompok siswa-siswi, kelompok guru juga. Maka guru-guru juga harus membuat aktivitas kreatif yang membuat literasi matematis menjadi suatu budaya bagi siswa-siswinya

High proportion of recurrent germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene in breast and ovarian cancer patients from the Prague area

BACKGROUND: Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been shown to account for the majority of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The purpose of our study was to estimate the incidence and spectrum of pathogenic mutations in BRCA1/2 genes in high-risk Czech families. METHODS: A total of 96 Czech families with recurrent breast and/or ovarian cancer and 55 patients considered to be at high-risk but with no reported family history of cancer were screened for mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes. The entire coding sequence of each gene was analyzed using a combination of the protein truncation test and direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 35 mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes were identified in high-risk families (36.5%). Pathogenic mutations were found in 23.3% of breast cancer families and in 59.4% of families with the occurrence of both breast and ovarian cancer. In addition, four mutations were detected in 31 (12.9%) women with early onset breast cancer. One mutation was detected in seven (14.3%) patients affected with both a primary breast and ovarian cancer and another in three (33.3%) patients with a bilateral breast cancer. A total of 3 mutations in BRCA1 were identified among 14 (21.4%) women with a medullary breast carcinoma. Of 151 analyzed individuals, 35 (23.2%) carried a BRCA1 mutation and 9 (6.0%) a BRCA2 mutation. One novel truncating mutation was found in BRCA1 (c.1747A>T) and two in BRCA2 (c.3939delC and c.5763dupT). The 35 identified BRCA1 mutations comprised 13 different alterations. Three recurrent mutations accounted for 71.4% of unrelated individuals with detected gene alterations. The BRCA1 c.5266dupC (5382insC) was detected in 51.4% of mutation positive women. The mutations c.3700_3704del5 and c.181T>G (300T>G) contributed to 11.4% and 8.6% of pathogenic mutations, respectively. A total of eight different mutations were identified in BRCA2. The novel c.5763dupT mutation, which appeared in two unrelated families, was the only recurrent alteration of the BRCA2 gene identified in this study. CONCLUSION: Mutational analysis of BRCA1/2 genes in 151 high-risk patients characterized the spectrum of gene alterations and demonstrated the dominant role of the BRCA1 c.5266dupC allele in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer

Outcome in patients perceived as receiving excessive care across different ethical climates: a prospective study in 68 intensive care units in Europe and the USA

Purpose: Whether the quality of the ethical climate in the intensive care unit (ICU) improves the identification of patients receiving excessive care and affects patient outcomes is unknown. Methods: In this prospective observational study, perceptions of excessive care (PECs) by clinicians working in 68 ICUs in Europe and the USA were collected daily during a 28-day period. The quality of the ethical climate in the ICUs was assessed via a validated questionnaire. We compared the combined endpoint (death, not at home or poor quality of life at 1 year) of patients with PECs and the time from PECs until written treatment-limitation decisions (TLDs) and death across the four climates defined via cluster analysis. Results: Of the 4747 eligible clinicians, 2992 (63%) evaluated the ethical climate in their ICU. Of the 321 and 623 patients not admitted for monitoring only in ICUs with a good (n = 12, 18%) and poor (n = 24, 35%) climate, 36 (11%) and 74 (12%), respectively were identified with PECs by at least two clinicians. Of the 35 and 71 identified patients with an available combined endpoint, 100% (95% CI 90.0–1.00) and 85.9% (75.4–92.0) (P = 0.02) attained that endpoint. The risk of death (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.20–2.92) or receiving a written TLD (HR 2.32, CI 1.11–4.85) in patients with PECs by at least two clinicians was higher in ICUs with a good climate than in those with a poor one. The differences between ICUs with an average climate, with (n = 12, 18%) or without (n = 20, 29%) nursing involvement at the end of life, and ICUs with a poor climate were less obvious but still in favour of the former. Conclusion: Enhancing the quality of the ethical climate in the ICU may improve both the identification of patients receiving excessive care and the decision-making process at the end of life

A Machine Learning Approach for Gearbox System Fault Diagnosis

This study proposes a fully automated gearbox fault diagnosis approach that does not require knowledge about the specific gearbox construction and its load. The proposed approach is based on evaluating an adaptive filter’s prediction error. The obtained prediction error’s standard deviation is further processed with a support-vector machine to classify the gearbox’s condition. The proposed method was cross-validated on a public dataset, segmented into 1760 test samples, against two other reference methods. The accuracy achieved by the proposed method was better than the accuracies of the reference methods. The accuracy of the proposed method was on average 9% higher compared to both reference methods for different support vector settings

Comparison of Y-jet and OIL effervescent atomizers based on internal and external two-phase flow characteristics

Presented paper focuses on spraying of two viscous liquids (μ = 60 and 143 mPa·s) by two types of twinfluid atomizers with internal mixing. We compared the well-known Y-jet atomizer with the less known, “outside in liquid” (OIL), configuration of the effervescent atomizer. The required liquid viscosity was achieved by using the water-maltodextrin solutions of different concentrations. Both the liquids were sprayed at two gas inlet pressures (Δp = 0.14 and 0.28 MPa) and various gas-to-liquid ratios (GLR = 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 20%). The comparison was focused on four characteristics: liquid flow-rate (for the same working regimes, defined by Δp and GLR), internal flow regimes, Weber numbers of a liquid breakup (We) and droplet sizes. A high-speed camera and Malvern Spraytec laser diffraction system were used to obtain necessary experimental data. Comparing the results of our experiments, we can state that for both the liquids the OIL atomizer reached higher liquid flow-rates at corresponding working regimes, it was typical by annular internal flow and higher We in the near-nozzle region at all the working regimes. As a result, it produced considerably smaller droplets than the second tested atomizing device, especially for GLR < 10%