scholarly journals Wetting of the tarsal adhesive fluid determines underwater adhesion in ladybug beetles

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pranav Sudersan ◽  
Michael Kappl ◽  
Bat-El Pinchasik ◽  
Hans-Jürgen Butt ◽  
Thomas Endlein
Keyword(s):  
Capillary Forces ◽  
Smooth Surfaces ◽  
Air Bubble ◽  
Underwater Adhesion ◽  
Wetting Properties ◽  
Adhesive Pads ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
Adhesive Fluid ◽  
Adhesive Forces

Many insects can climb smooth surfaces using hairy adhesive pads on their legs mediated by tarsal fluid secretions. It was previously shown that a terrestrial beetle can even adhere and walk underwater. The naturally hydrophobic hairs trap an air bubble around the pads, allowing the hairs to make contact to the substrate like in air. However, it remained unclear to what extent such an air bubble is necessary for underwater adhesion. To investigate the role of the bubble, we measured the adhesive forces inindividual legs of live but constrained ladybug beetles underwater in the presence and absence of a trapped bubble and compared it with its adhesion in air. Our experiments revealed that on a hydrophobic substrate, even without a bubble, the pads show adhesion comparable to that in air. On a hydrophilic substrate, underwater adhesion is significantly reduced, with or without a trapped bubble. We modelled the adhesion of a hairy pad using capillary forces. Coherent with our experiments, the model demonstrates that the wetting properties of the tarsal fluid alone can determine the ladybugs’ adhesion to smooth surfaces in both air and underwater conditions and that an air bubble is not a prerequisite for their underwater adhesion. The study highlights how such a mediating fluid can serve as a potential strategy to achieve underwater adhesion via capillary forces, which could inspire artificial adhesives for underwater applications.

Underwater adhesion of abalone: The role of van der Waals and capillary forces

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (14) ◽  
pp. 4178-4185 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.Y.M. Lin ◽  
R. Brunner ◽  
P.Y. Chen ◽  
F.E. Talke ◽  
M.A. Meyers
Keyword(s):  
Van Der Waals ◽  
Capillary Forces ◽  
Underwater Adhesion

MiRNA-145 and Its Direct Downstream Targets in Digestive System Cancers: A Promising Therapeutic Target

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yini Ma ◽  
Xiu Cao ◽  
Guojuan Shi ◽  
Tianlu Shi
Keyword(s):  
Digestive System ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Malignant Neoplasm ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Diagnostic Biomarkers ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Target ◽  
Direct Target ◽  
Potential Strategy

: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the onset and development of many diseases, including cancers. Emerging evidence shows that numerous miRNAs have the potential to be used as diagnostic biomarkers for cancers, and miRNA-based therapy may be a promising therapy for the treatment of malignant neoplasm. MicroRNA-145 (miR-145) has been considered to play certain roles in various cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, via modulating expression of direct target genes. Recent reports show that miR-145 participates in the progression of digestive system cancers, and plays crucial and novel roles for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledge concerning the function of miR-145 and its direct targets in digestive system cancers. We discuss the potential role of miR-145 as valuable biomarkers for digestive system cancers and how miR-145 regulates these digestive system cancers via different targets to explore the potential strategy of targeting miR-145.

scholarly journals Periprocedural Peritonitis Prophylaxis: A Summary of the Microbiology and the Role of Systemic Antimicrobials

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-99
Author(s):  
Leon Hsueh ◽  
Susie L. Hu ◽  
Ankur D. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Antibiotic Prophylaxis ◽  
Catheter Insertion ◽  
Antibiotic Regimen ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Intravenous Antibiotics ◽  
Skin Flora ◽  
Potential Strategy

Background: Peritonitis is a leading complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). One strategy that the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) has used to help mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with peritonitis is through prevention, including antibiotic prophylaxis utilization in high-risk situations. The aim of this study is to summarize our current understanding of postprocedural peritonitis and discuss the existing data behind periprocedural antibiotic prophylaxis, focusing primarily on PD catheter insertion, dental procedures, colonoscopies, upper endoscopies with gastrostomy, and gynecologic procedures. Summary: The ISPD currently recommends intravenous antibiotics prior to PD catheter insertion, colonoscopies, and invasive gynecologic procedures, though prophylaxis has only demonstrated benefit in a prospective, randomized control setting for PD catheter insertion. However, multiple retrospective studies exist that support the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for the other 2 procedures. No specific antibiotic regimen has been established as most optimal to prevent peritonitis for any of the 3 procedures. Antibiotic coverage should include the Enterobacteriaceae family, as well as Gram-positive organisms commonly found on the skin flora for PD catheter insertion, anaerobes for colonoscopies, and common organisms from the urogenital flora in gynecologic procedures. Additionally, the ISPD currently recommends oral amoxicillin prior to dental procedures. There is currently no ISPD recommendation to provide antibiotic prophylaxis prior to an upper endoscopy with or without gastrostomy, though this is a potential area for research. Key Messages: PD patients are at high risk for developing peritonitis after typical procedures. Antibiotic prophylaxis is a potential strategy that the ISPD utilizes to prevent these infections. However, further research needs to be done to determine the optimal antibiotic regimen.

scholarly journals Circadian Clock Regulates Inflammation and the Development of Neurodegeneration

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Lan Wang ◽  
Lianjian Li
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Clock ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Cellular Tissue ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Circadian Control ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
Peripheral Immune Cells

The circadian clock regulates numerous key physiological processes and maintains cellular, tissue, and systemic homeostasis. Disruption of circadian clock machinery influences key activities involved in immune response and brain function. Moreover, Immune activation has been closely linked to neurodegeneration. Here, we review the molecular clock machinery and the diurnal variation of immune activity. We summarize the circadian control of immunity in both central and peripheral immune cells, as well as the circadian regulation of brain cells that are implicated in neurodegeneration. We explore the important role of systemic inflammation on neurodegeneration. The circadian clock modulates cellular metabolism, which could be a mechanism underlying circadian control. We also discuss the circadian interventions implicated in inflammation and neurodegeneration. Targeting circadian clocks could be a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals How cancer cells remodel lipid metabolism: strategies targeting transcription factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Do-Won Jeong ◽  
Seulbee Lee ◽  
Yang-Sook Chun
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Modeling Techniques ◽  
Related Enzyme ◽  
Potential Strategy

AbstractReprogramming of lipid metabolism has received increasing recognition as a hallmark of cancer cells because lipid dysregulation and the alteration of related enzyme profiles are closely correlated with oncogenic signals and malignant phenotypes, such as metastasis and therapeutic resistance. In this review, we describe recent findings that support the importance of lipids, as well as the transcription factors involved in cancer lipid metabolism. With recent advances in transcription factor analysis, including computer-modeling techniques, transcription factors are emerging as central players in cancer biology. Considering the limited number and the crucial role of transcription factors associated with lipid rewiring in cancers, transcription factor targeting is a promising potential strategy for cancer therapy.

scholarly journals Chinese Paper Cutting: Opportunities for Revitalisation in Contemporary Design

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jieying Huang
Keyword(s):  
Universal Access ◽  
Folk Culture ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
The Public ◽  
Art Form ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
Traditional Patterns ◽  
Design Case Study

<p><b>As a result of globalised development and the rise of capitalism, the craft of traditional Chinese paper cutting is facing marginalisation. The loss of this craft has resulted in a loss of opportunities to share the valuable role of this art form: to bring good wishes to people. The revitalisation of paper cutting as a component of contemporary design offers a strategy to sustain the value and meaning of this craft.</b></p> <p>My research explores a potential strategy that supports the transformation of Chinese paper cutting in the contemporary context through its application in design practice. This research investigates the traditional patterns applied to Chinese paper cutting and their implication and symbolic meaning within Chinese folk culture. Through the development of a criteria-led design case study, this research aims to translate these concepts into the formation of new design outcomes applicable to product packaging.</p> <p>As an element of packaging design, this approach intends to take advantage of the democratisation of and universal access to this medium ensuring wide dissemination to the public.</p> <p>The purpose of this research is to translate traditional paper cutting into a contemporary design approach that enables the values of this special Chinese craft to prosper.</p>

scholarly journals MicroRNA-143/-145 in Cardiovascular Diseases

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wang Zhao ◽  
Shui-Ping Zhao ◽  
Yu-Hong Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Phenotypic Switching ◽  
Diagnostic Biomarkers ◽  
Potential Strategy

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in the onset and development of many cardiovascular diseases. Increasing evidence shows that miRNAs can be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases, and miRNA-based therapy may be a promising therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The microRNA-143/-145 (miR-143/-145) cluster is essential for differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and determines VSMC phenotypic switching. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in knowledge concerning the function of miR-143/-145 in the cardiovascular system and their role in cardiovascular diseases. We discuss the potential role of miR-143/-145 as valuable biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases and explore the potential strategy of targeting miR-143 and miR-145.

scholarly journals Inhibition of Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Attenuates Phosphate-Induced Vascular Calcification

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun-Joo Park ◽  
Yeon Kim ◽  
Mi-Kyoung Kim ◽  
Jae Joon Hwang ◽  
Hyung Joon Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Calcification ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Calcium Deposition ◽  
Gastrin Releasing Peptide ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
Grp Receptor

Vascular calcification is the pathological deposition of calcium/phosphate in the vascular system and is closely associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Here, we investigated the role of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in phosphate-induced vascular calcification and its potential regulatory mechanism. We found that the silencing of GRP gene and treatment with the GRP receptor antagonist, RC-3095, attenuated the inorganic phosphate-induced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This attenuation was caused by inhibiting phenotype change, apoptosis and matrix vesicle release in VSMCs. Moreover, the treatment with RC-3095 effectively ameliorated phosphate-induced calcium deposition in rat aortas ex vivo and aortas of chronic kidney disease in mice in vivo. Therefore, the regulation of the GRP-GRP receptor axis may be a potential strategy for treatment of diseases associated with excessive vascular calcification.

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