Unique to vertebrates, the neural crest (NC) is an embryonic stem cell population that contributes to a greatly expanding list of derivatives ranging from neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous ...system, facial cartilage and bone, pigment cells of the skin to secretory cells of the endocrine system. Here, we focus on what is specifically known about establishment and maintenance of NC stemness and ultimate fate commitment mechanisms, which could help explain its exceptionally high stem cell potential that exceeds the “rules set during gastrulation.” In fact, recent discoveries have shed light on the existence of NC cells that coexpress commonly accepted pluripotency factors like Nanog, Oct4/PouV, and Klf4. The coexpression of pluripotency factors together with the exceptional array of diverse NC derivatives encouraged us to propose a new term “pleistopotent” (Greek for abundant, a substantial amount) to be used to reflect the uniqueness of the NC as compared to other post‐gastrulation stem cell populations in the vertebrate body, and to differentiate them from multipotent lineage restricted stem cells. We also discuss studies related to the maintenance of NC stemness within the challenging context of being a transient and thus a constantly changing population of stem cells without a permanent niche. The discovery of the stem cell potential of Schwann cell precursors as well as multiple adult NC‐derived stem cell reservoirs during the past decade has greatly increased our understanding of how NC cells contribute to tissues formed after its initial migration stage in young embryos.
Neural crest stem cells possess exceptionally high stem cell potential post‐gastrulation. These cells give rise to a diverse range of derivatives of ectodermal, mesodermal‐like, and endodermal‐like origin, either directly from the initial embryonic neural crest cells or later in development through an intermediate stem cell stage such as the Schwann Cell Precursors and postnatal neural crest‐derived stem cell reservoirs.
Integrating climate-sensitive design with the local planning process is fundamental to managing the warming trend in the growing high-density tropical cities. However, the current planning regime is ...yet to address the challenges posed by local, regional and global warming. An in-depth understanding of the interaction between the physical form and the climatic context is beginning to emerge but, data needs and methods of analysis remain problematic at present to translate this into practical planning applications. In this paper, we showcase a simpler method of contextual analysis using the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) system and draw lessons for climate-sensitive planning in warm humid Colombo, Sri Lanka and other data-poor developing cities.
•A simpler method of contextual analysis using the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) system is presented.•The LCZ classification system has significant advantages for climate sensitive urban planning even in data poor regions.•LCZ classification could help identify hot spots where further planning interventions may be needed.•Simplification of the LCZ classification/sub-classification may be needed in data poor regions to enhance applicability.
•We tested a reciprocal effects model of teacher self-efficacy, engagement and satisfaction.•Analyses were conducted using fully-latent simultaneous equations models.•Self-efficacy and engagement ...were reciprocally linked over time.•Engagement and satisfaction were reciprocally linked over time.•Self-efficacy and satisfaction were reciprocally linked indirectly via engagement.
Although recent research has examined the links between (a) teacher self-efficacy and teacher engagement and (b) teacher engagement and job satisfaction, comparatively little is known about the longitudinal interplay among teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs, work engagement, and job satisfaction. Using short-term longitudinal data from almost 600 teachers, we redress this gap in the literature by examining a social cognitive reciprocal-effects model linking teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs, engagement, and satisfaction directly and indirectly. Results of fully-latent simultaneous equations analyses, establishing requisite levels of longitudinal measurement invariance, showed that teacher self-efficacy and work engagement were reciprocally linked over time. Teacher work engagement and job satisfaction were also found to be reciprocally linked over time. In addition, reciprocal indirect relations were obtained, such that (a) initial teacher self-efficacy predicted later work satisfaction via engagement and (b) initial work satisfaction predicted later teacher self-efficacy via engagement. Notably, the directional and reverse directional pathways constituting these reciprocal relations were found to be equal, suggesting that these constructs are mutually reinforcing in the motivational process shaping teachers’ capability beliefs, engagement, and satisfaction at work. Notably, all predictive effects were observed while accounting for prior variance in outcomes as well as the predictive effects of other substantive variables. The present findings contribute to understandings of the motivational processes underlying teachers’ development of their capability self-beliefs, engagement, and satisfaction at work.
The presence of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as forever chemicals, in aquatic systems is a serious global health problem. While the remediation of PFAS from ...aqueous media has been extensively investigated, their interactions with and removal from biological systems have received far less attention. We report herein structural alterations to human serum albumin (HSA) upon addition of perfluoro(2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic) acid (Gen X) monitored by changes to the fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectra of HSA. The equilibrium association constant for Gen X binding to HSA is 7( ± 1) × 103 M−1 determined from changes in HSA fluorescence emission data during titration. Site-specific HSA binding fluorophores, 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (1,8-ANS), warfarin and dansyl-L-proline were used to investigate the specific binding sites of Gen X on HSA. A competitive displacement study yields association constants for Gen X to HSA at the 1,8-ANS, warfarin, and dansyl-L-proline binding sites to be 6.25 ( ± 0.5) × 104 M−1, 1.1 × 106 M−1, and 2.5( ± 0.2) × 109 M−1 respectively. Addition of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and heptakis(6-deoxy-6-amino)-β-cyclodextrin heptahydrochloride to the HSA:Gen X complex leads to the effective extraction of Gen X from the complex with the return of HSA in its native form. Gen X also leads to displacement of site-specific binding fluorophores bound to HSA, while subsequent addition of β-CD extracts Gen X from HSA with the return of the characteristic fluorescence of the HSA bound site-specific agent. These results illustrate the strong and specific binding sites of Gen X on HSA and demonstrate the principles for the potential application of β-CD for the remediation of PFAS from biological systems.
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•Gen X caused pronounced structural and conformational changes to the HSA protein.•Gen X strongly binds to HSA sites critical to transport of important biological substrates.•HSA bound drugs, 1,8-ANS and warfarin, are replaced by Gen X on the protein surface.•β-CD effectively extracts Gen X from HSA restoring normal HSA binding properties.
ListShield™, a commercially available bacteriophage cocktail that specifically targets Listeria monocytogenes, was evaluated as a bio-control agent for L. monocytogenes in various Ready-To-Eat foods. ...ListShield™ treatment of experimentally contaminated lettuce, cheese, smoked salmon, and frozen entrèes significantly reduced (p < 0.05) L. monocytogenes contamination by 91% (1.1 log), 82% (0.7 log), 90% (1.0 log), and 99% (2.2 log), respectively. ListShield™ application, alone or combined with an antioxidant/anti-browning solution, resulted in a statistically significant (p < 0.001) 93% (1.1 log) reduction of L. monocytogenes contamination on apple slices after 24 h at 4 °C. Treatment of smoked salmon from a commercial processing facility with ListShield™ eliminated L. monocytogenes (no detectable L. monocytogenes) in both the naturally contaminated and experimentally contaminated salmon fillets. The organoleptic quality of foods was not affected by application of ListShield™, as no differences in the color, taste, or appearance were detectable. Bio-control of L. monocytogenes with lytic bacteriophage preparations such as ListShield™ can offer an environmentally-friendly, green approach for reducing the risk of listeriosis associated with the consumption of various foods that may be contaminated with L. monocytogenes.
•ListShield™ reduced L. monocytogenes in lettuce, cheese, apples and smoked salmon.•ListShield™ reduced L. monocytogenes in frozen food entrées.•ListShield™ eliminated L. monocytogenes from naturally contaminated smoked salmon.•ListShield™ did not change the organoleptic qualities of ready to eat deli meats.
Although athletic endeavours are associated with a high amount of physical stress and injury, the prevalence of pain is underreported in the sports medicine literature with only a few studies ...reporting pain on collegiate athletes or exploring sex difference of pain. Impact of pain on athlete availability, training and performance can be mitigated when key epidemiological information is used to inform adequate pain management strategies. This study aims to 1) provide an epidemiological profile of self-reported pain experienced by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes by sex during the first half of the 2019 season, 2) describe their self-reported non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use.
Online survey was completed by athletes at three NCAA institutions from 1 August to 30 September 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe player demographic data, self-reported pain and self-reported NSAID use. Pain incidence proportion were calculated.
Two hundred thirty female athletes and 83 male athletes completed the survey. Self-reported pain incidence proportion for female athletes was 45.0 (95% CI 41.5-48.5) vs 34.9 (95% CI 29.4-40.4) for male athletes. Majority of the athletes did not report pain (55% female vs 62% male) during the first half of the 2019 season. Female athletes reported pain in their back (35%), knee (26%), and ankle/foot (23%) whilst male athletes reported pain in their knee (35%), back (28%), and shoulder (24%). Of all athletes, 28% female vs 20% male athletes reported currently taking NSAIDs. Of athletes that reported pain, 46% female vs 38% male athletes currently took NSAIDs. 70% female vs 61% male athletes self-purchased NSAIDs, and 40% female vs 55% male athletes consumed alcohol.
Half of female athletes and one in three male athletes reported pain. Most commonly back, knee and foot/ankle pain and knee, back and shoulder pain was reported in female and male athletes respectively. One in four female athletes and one in five male athletes use NSAIDs for pain or prophylactic purpose. Majority self-purchase these medications indicating need for health literacy interventions to mitigate potential adverse effects.
Achieving low carbon buildings is seen as a key concept in order to reduce carbon emission and mitigate climate change. In contrast to operational emission, material related embodied carbon (EC) in ...the built environment plays a pivotal role, with the continuous consumption of high carbon emitting materials. This research relates to the ‘Cradle-to-Gate’ system boundary, while limiting its focus on building design stage decisions. A hybrid analysis approach was adopted - a bottom-up process with steps encompassing mass analysis, EC calculation, highlighting carbon hotspots, and ultimately the identification of critical building components. As a case study, multi-storey housing was selected as a critical building typology, in Sri Lanka. The results reveal ‘walls’ as a carbon hotspot that needs to be explored in strategies for mitigation. Substantial EC savings were seen in the selection of fly ash blocks as an alternate material to clay brick or cement block. Changes to the configuration of walls, specifically, bonding patterns and non-inclusion of a plaster layer, also showed savings. This paper, contributes to the understanding of material selection implications - in the cradle-to-gate stage - for the reduction of carbon emissions in mid-rise housing, in the context of Sri Lanka.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition leading to significant distress and poor quality of life. Successful treatment of OCD is restricted by the limited knowledge about its ...pathophysiology. This study aimed to investigate the pathophysiology of OCD using electroencephalographic (EEG) event-related potentials (ERPs), elicited from multiple tasks to characterise disorder-related differences in underlying brain activity across multiple neural processes.
ERP data were obtained from 25 OCD patients and 27 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) by recording EEG during flanker and go/nogo tasks. Error-related negativity (ERN) was elicited by the flanker task, while N200 and P300 were generated using the go/nogo task. Primary comparisons of the neural response amplitudes and the topographical distribution of neural activity were conducted using scalp field differences across all time points and electrodes.
Compared to HCs, the OCD group showed altered ERP distributions. Contrasting with the previous literature on ERN and N200 topographies in OCD where fronto-central negative voltages were reported, we detected positive voltages. Additionally, the P300 was found to be less negative in the frontal regions. None of these ERP findings were associated with OCD symptom severity.
These results indicate that individuals with OCD show altered frontal neural activity across multiple executive function-related processes, supporting the frontal dysfunction theory of OCD. Furthermore, due to the lack of association between altered ERPs and OCD symptom severity, they may be considered potential candidate endophenotypes for OCD.
Pasta is a widely consumed food in all over the world. Coarse semolina obtained from durum wheat and water are the main ingredients of conventional pasta products. The amount of gluten and quality ...level of durum wheat, are two important factors for the superiority of finished pasta. Market price of durum wheat is higher than the common wheat and it contributes no more than 5% of the world wheat production. Thus, to come across the challenge of emerging pasta consumption, new field of research that is dealing with the incorporation of nonconventional ingredients to the conventional formula of pasta has initiated. The compositions of raw materials which are used for pasta preparation directly affect the physical, chemical, and textural properties of the product. Therefore, incorporation of nonconventional ingredients can lead to a contradictory effect of pasta quality. This review will focus on the various types of nonconventional ingredients that are being incorporated in pasta products and their effect on the quality attributes of different pasta products.
Reactive oxygen species, generated in all the aerobic organisms, can cause oxidative stress. Excessive ROS may become a source of carcinogen due to DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, cell injury, and ...cell death. In order to prevent these adverse effects of ROS, antioxidant enzymes have evolved in aerobic organisms. Catalase is a major antioxidant enzyme that breaks down excessive H2O2 and inhibits apoptotic cell death. Here we molecularly characterized catalase from red-lip mullet. The cDNA sequence of LhCAT consists of an ORF of 1545 bp, which encodes a 527 amino acid peptide (~60 kDa). Based on bioinformatics analysis, LhCAT possesses a domain architecture characteristic of catalases, including a catalase proximal active site signature and a catalase proximal heme-ligand signature. It also has heme and NADPH binding sites homologous to previously described catalases. Pairwise alignment with its homologs revealed that LhCAT shares 95.1% identity with Oplegnathus fasciatus catalase and 97.4% similarity with Sparus aurata catalase. An uprooted phylogenetic tree demonstrated that LhCAT resides in a clade with catalases from other teleosts and exhibits a close relationship with Oplegnathus fasciatus catalase. Among twelve tissue types, we observed the highest LhCAT mRNA expression in the liver, followed by blood. Immune challenge by Lactococcus garvieae, or Poly I:C in the blood or spleen resulted in up-regulation at 24 h post injection. We also tested the antioxidant activity of recombinant LhCAT against hydrogen peroxide and found its optimal concentration to be 12.5 μg/mL. Collectively, these data suggested that LhCAT play an important role in antioxidant defense and immune response of red-lip mullet.
•A catalase was identified and characterized from red-lip mullet (LhCAT).•Typical domain of catalase was conserved in LhCAT.•LhCAT involve in overcoming of oxidative stress•Spatial and temporal mRNA expression was evaluated.
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