Touchless Thermosensation Enabled by Flexible Infrared Photothermoelectric Detector for Temperature Prewarning Function of Electronic Skin

Artificial skin, endowed with the capability to perceive thermal stimuli without physical contact, will bring innovative interactive experiences into smart robotics and augmented reality. The implementation of touchless thermosensation, responding to both hot and cold stimuli, relies on the construction of a flexible infrared detector operating in the long-wavelength infrared range to capture the spontaneous thermal radiation. This imposes rigorous requirements on the photodetection performance and mechanical flexibility of the detector. Herein, a flexible and wearable infrared detector is presented, on basis of the photothermoelectric coupling of the tellurium-based thermoelectric multilayer film and the infrared-absorbing polyimide substrate. By suppressing the optical reflection loss and aligning the destructive interference position with the absorption peak of polyimide, the fabricated thermopile detector exhibits high sensitivity to the thermal radiation over a broad source temperature range from -50 to 110 °C, even capable of resolving 0.05 °C temperature change. Spatially resolved radiation distribution sensing is also achieved by constructing an integrated thermopile array. Furthermore, an established temperature prewarning system is demonstrated for soft robotic gripper, enabling the identification of noxious thermal stimuli in a contactless manner. A feasible strategy is offered here to integrate the infrared detection technique into the sensory modality of electronic skin.

p53 promotes antiviral innate immunity by driving hexosamine metabolism

The tumor suppressor p53 controls cell fate decisions and prevents malignant transformation, but its functions in antiviral immunity remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that p53 metabolically promotes antiviral innate immune responses to RNA viral infection. p53-deficient macrophages or mice display reduced expression of glutamine fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase 2 (GFPT2), a key enzyme of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP). Through transcriptional upregulation of GFPT2, p53 drives HBP activity and de novo synthesis of UDP-GlcNAc, which in turn leads to the O-GlcNAcylation of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and UBX-domain-containing protein 1 (UBXN1) during virus infection. Moreover, O-GlcNAcylation of UBXN1 blocks its interaction with MAVS, thereby further liberating MAVS for tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 binding to activate TANK-binding kinase 1-interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 signaling cascades and IFN-β production. Genetic or pharmaceutical inhibition of GFPT efficiently reduces MAVS activation and abrogates the antiviral innate immunity promoted by p53 in vitro and in vivo. Our findings reveal that p53 drives HBP activity and O-GlcNAcylation of UBXN1 and MAVS to enhance IFN-β-mediated antiviral innate immunity.

"Multi-in-One" Yolk-Shell Structured Nanoplatform Inducing Pyroptosis and Antitumor Immune Response Through Cascade Reactions

Pyroptosis, a new mode of regulatory cell death, holds a promising prospect in tumor therapy. The occurrence of pyroptosis can trigger the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and activate the antitumor immune response. Moreover, enhancing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation can effectively induce pyroptosis. Herein, an integrated nanoplatform (hCZAG) based on zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) with Cu2+ and Zn2+ as active nodes and glucose oxidase (GOx) loading is constructed to evoke pyroptosis. GOx can effectively elevate intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) levels to regulate the unfavorable tumor microenvironment (TME). Cu2+ can be reduced to Cu+ by endogenous overexpressed GSH and both Cu2+ and Cu+ can exert Fenton-like activity to promote ROS generation and amplify oxidative stress. In addition, the accumulation of Cu2+ leads to the aggregation of lipoylated dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), thus resulting in cuproptosis. Notably, the outburst of ROS induced by hCZAG activates Caspase-1 proteins, leads to the cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD), and induces pyroptosis. Pyroptosis further elicits an adaptive immune response, leading to immunogenic cell death (ICD). This study provides effective strategies for triggering pyroptosis-mediated immunotherapy and achieving improved therapeutic effects.

Isoliquiritin counteracts cadmium-induced intestinal damage in mice through enhancing intestinal barrier function and inhibiting apoptosis

Cadmium (Cd), a crucial toxic environmental pollutant, can induce damage to many organs, especially the gastrointestinal tract. Isoliquiritin (ISO), a critical flavonoid glycoside compound isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant and other pharmaceutical value. However, the potential roles of ISO in Cd-induced intestinal damage have not been reported yet. This study aimed to research the beneficial effects of ISO on Cd-induced intestinal damage and identify its underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that ISO reduced inflammation by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activity of serum Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice with Cd exposure. In terms of mechanism, ISO administration protected the intestinal barrier function through increasing the expression of tight junction proteins and Muc2. Furthermore, ISO could significantly suppress Cd-induced intestinal apoptosis and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Interestingly, inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 by nigericin completely blocking the effect of ISO on apoptosis. Most importantly, ISO markedly abrogated Cd-induced cell damage and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vitro. Taken together, these findings suggest that ISO reduces Cd-induced intestinal damage by increasing the goblet cells, improving intestinal barrier, suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inhibiting apoptosis, which may offer a novel strategy against the toxic effects of heavy metals.

Recent Progress in Implantable Drug Delivery Systems

In recent years, tremendous effort is devoted to developing platforms, such as implantable drug delivery systems (IDDSs), with temporally and spatially controlled drug release capabilities and improved adherence. IDDSs have multiple advantages: i) the timing and location of drug delivery can be controlled by patients using specific stimuli (light, sound, electricity, magnetism, etc.). Some intelligent "closed-loop" IDDS can even realize self-management without human participation. ii) IDDSs enable continuous and stable delivery of drugs over a long period (months to years) and iii) to administer drugs directly to the lesion, thereby helping reduce dosage and side effects. iv) IDDSs enable personalized drug delivery according to patient needs. The high demand for such systems has prompted scientists to make efforts to develop intelligent IDDS. In this review, several common stimulus-responsive mechanisms including endogenous (e.g., pH, reactive oxygen species, proteins, etc.) and exogenous stimuli (e.g., light, sound, electricity, magnetism, etc.), are given in detail. Besides, several types of IDDS reported in recent years are reviewed, including various stimulus-responsive systems based on the above mechanisms, radio frequency-controlled IDDS, "closed-loop" IDDS, self-powered IDDS, etc. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of various IDDS, bottleneck problems, and possible solutions are analyzed to provide directions for subsequent research.

Requirement of microtubules for secretion of a micronemal protein CpTSP4 in the invasive stage of the apicomplexan Cryptosporidium parvum

The zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum is a global contributor to infantile diarrheal diseases and opportunistic infections in immunocompromised or weakened individuals. Like other apicomplexans, it possesses several specialized secretory organelles, including micronemes, rhoptry, and dense granules. However, the understanding of cryptosporidial micronemal composition and secretory pathway remains limited. Here, we report a new micronemal protein in C. parvum, namely, thrombospondin (TSP)-repeat domain-containing protein-4 (CpTSP4), providing insights into these ambiguities. Immunostaining and enzyme-linked assays show that CpTSP4 is prestored in the micronemes of unexcysted sporozoites but secreted during sporozoite excystation, gliding, and invasion. In excysted sporozoites, CpTSP4 is also distributed on the two central microtubules unique to Cryptosporidium. The secretion and microtubular distribution could be completely blocked by the selective kinesin-5 inhibitors SB-743921 and SB-715992, resulting in the accumulation of CpTSP4 in micronemes. These support the kinesin-dependent microtubular trafficking of CpTSP4 for secretion. We also localize γ-tubulin, consistent with kinesin-dependent anterograde trafficking. Additionally, recombinant CpTSP4 displays nanomolar binding affinity to the host cell surface, for which heparin acts as one of the host ligands. A novel heparin-binding motif is identified and validated biochemically for its contribution to the adhesive property of CpTSP4 by peptide competition assays and site-directed mutagenesis. These findings shed light on the mechanisms of intracellular trafficking and secretion of a cryptosporidial micronemal protein and the interaction of a TSP-family protein with host cells.IMPORTANCECryptosporidium parvum is a globally distributed apicomplexan parasite infecting humans and/or animals. Like other apicomplexans, it possesses specialized secretory organelles in the zoites, in which micronemes discharge molecules to facilitate the movement and invasion of zoites. Although past and recent studies have identified several proteins in cryptosporidial micronemes, our understanding of the composition, secretory pathways, and domain-ligand interactions of micronemal proteins remains limited. This study identifies a new micronemal protein, namely, CpTSP4, that is discharged during excystation, gliding, and invasion of C. parvum sporozoites. The CpTSP4 secretion depends on the intracellular trafficking on the two Cryptosporidium-unique microtubes that could be blocked by kinesin-5/Eg5 inhibitors. Additionally, a novel heparin-binding motif is identified and biochemically validated, which contributes to the nanomolar binding affinity of CpTSP4 to host cells. These findings indicate that kinesin-dependent microtubular trafficking is critical to CpTSP4 secretion, and heparin/heparan sulfate is one of the ligands for this micronemal protein.

Blockade of C5a receptor unleashes tumor-associated macrophage antitumor response and enhances CXCL9-dependent CD8+ T cell activity

Macrophages play a crucial role in shaping the immune state within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are often influenced by tumors to hinder antitumor immunity. However, the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we observed abnormal expression of complement 5a receptor (C5aR) in human ovarian cancer (OC), and identified high levels of C5aR expression on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which led to the polarization of TAMs toward an immunosuppressive phenotype. C5aR knockout or inhibitor treatment restored TAM antitumor response and attenuated tumor progression. Mechanistically, C5aR deficiency reprogrammed macrophages from a protumor state to an antitumor state, associating with the upregulation of immune response and stimulation pathways, which in turn resulted in the enhanced antitumor response of cytotoxic T cells in a manner dependent on chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9). The pharmacological inhibition of C5aR also improved the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In patients, C5aR expression associated with CXCL9 production and infiltration of CD8+ T cells, and a high C5aR level predicted poor clinical outcomes and worse benefits from anti-PD-1 therapy. Thus, our study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the modulation of TAM antitumor immune response by the C5a-C5aR axis and highlights the potential of targeting C5aR for clinical applications.

Tuning oxidant and antioxidant activities of ceria by anchoring copper single-site for antibacterial application

The reaction system of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) catalyzed by nanozyme has a broad prospect in antibacterial treatment. However, the complex catalytic activities of nanozymes lead to multiple pathways reacting in parallel, causing uncertain antibacterial results. New approach to effectively regulate the multiple catalytic activities of nanozyme is in urgent need. Herein, Cu single site is modified on nanoceria with various catalytic activities, such as peroxidase-like activity (POD) and hydroxyl radical antioxidant capacity (HORAC). Benefiting from the interaction between coordinated Cu and CeO2 substrate, POD is enhanced while HORAC is inhibited, which is further confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Cu-CeO2 + H2O2 system shows good antibacterial properties both in vitro and in vivo. In this work, the strategy based on the interaction between coordinated metal and carrier provides a general clue for optimizing the complex activities of nanozymes.

Steroidal saponins from the roots of Paris verticillata and their anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities

Thirteen previously undescribed steroidal saponins, named parisverticilloside A-M (1-13) and twenty known steroidal saponins (14-33) were isolated from ethanol extract of the roots of Paris verticillata. Their structures were identified by a series of spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, optical rotatory dispersion and chemical processes. The anti-proliferative activities of all compounds against LN229, HepG2, MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cell lines were evaluated using the CCK8 assay with cisplatin or capecitabine as the positive control. The anti-inflammatory activities of all compounds were measured by inhibition of LPS-induced NO release from BV2 cell lines, with dexamethasone as the positive control.

Trichinella spiralis cathepsin B bound and degraded host's intestinal type I collagen

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that poses threats to human health, the meat industry, food safety, and huge financial losses. The critical stage of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) infection is the invasion of intestinal larvae into the host's intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). T. spiralis Cathepsin B (TsCB) specifically interacts with IECs to facilitate the invasion of larvae. This study aims to look at how TsCB affects mouse IECs. TsCB was successfully cloned, expressed, and characterized, demonstrating its natural cysteine protease hydrolysis activity. A total of 140 proteins that interact with rTsCB were identified by GST pull-down combined with LC-MS/MS, including type I collagen, an essential component of the host's intestinal epithelial barrier system and intimately related to intestinal epithelial damage. TsCB transcription and expression levels rise, whereas type I collagen in the host's intestinal mucosa declines when the T. spiralis larvae invaded. Besides, it was discovered that TsCB bound to and degraded type I collagen of the host's intestine. This research can serve as a foundation for clarifying how T. spiralis invades the host's intestinal barrier and might provide information on potential targets for the creation of novel treatments to treat parasite illnesses.

Co-based Nanozymatic Profiling: Advances Spanning Chemistry, Biomedical, and Environmental Sciences

Nanozymes, next-generation enzyme-mimicking nanomaterials, have entered an era of rational design; among them, Co-based nanozymes have emerged as captivating players over times. Co-based nanozymes have been developed and have garnered significant attention over the past five years. Their extraordinary properties, including regulatable enzymatic activity, stability, and multifunctionality stemming from magnetic properties, photothermal conversion effects, cavitation effects, and relaxation efficiency, have made Co-based nanozymes a rising star. This review presents the first comprehensive profiling of the Co-based nanozymes in the chemistry, biology, and environmental sciences. The review begins by scrutinizing the various synthetic methods employed for Co-based nanozyme fabrication, such as template and sol-gel methods, highlighting their distinctive merits from a chemical standpoint. Furthermore, a detailed exploration of their wide-ranging applications in biosensing and biomedical therapeutics, as well as their contributions to environmental monitoring and remediation is provided. Notably, drawing inspiration from state-of-the-art techniques such as omics, a comprehensive analysis of Co-based nanozymes is undertaken, employing analogous statistical methodologies to provide valuable guidance. To conclude, a comprehensive outlook on the challenges and prospects for Co-based nanozymes is presented, spanning from microscopic physicochemical mechanisms to macroscopic clinical translational applications.

[Retracted] Intracisternal administration of an interleukin‑6 receptor antagonist attenuates surgery‑induced cognitive impairment by inhibition of neuroinflammatory responses in aged rats

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3892/etm.2014.2149.].

α-Lipoic acid alleviates dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced ulcerative colitis via modulating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting ferroptosis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronically relapsing inflammatory disease with severe diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. α-Lipoic acid (LA), a well-known antioxidant, is able to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintain a healthy cellular redox state. However, the role of LA in protecting IBD is still unclear. Hence the aim of this research was to investigate the protective effect of LA on dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and its underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

Here, our findings showed that LA significantly alleviated UC symptoms and the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in UC mice. In addition, LA treatment inhibited intestinal cell apoptosis by regulating the expression levels of p53/caspase-3 pathway-related protein in UC mice. Meanwhile, the inhibitory effects of LA on colonic oxidative stress and ferroptosis were revealed. Our study further demonstrated that LA treatment could regulate the Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Interestingly, we confirmed that LA inhibited ferroptosis by attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress and suppressing apoptosis in erastin-induced ferroptosis model in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, this study's findings suggest that LA could be considered as a therapeutic agent protecting against IBD. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of nitrogen fertilization combined with subsurface irrigation on alfalfa yield, water and nitrogen use efficiency, quality, and economic benefits

Proper water and fertilizer management strategies are essential for alfalfa cultivation in arid areas. However, at present, the optimal amounts of subsurface irrigation and nitrogen (N) supply for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivation are still unclear. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in 2022 in Yinchuan, Ningxia, China, to explore the effects of different subsurface irrigation levels (W1, 50% of ETC (crop evapotranspiration); W2, 75% of ETC; W3, 100% of ETC) and N application rates (N0, 0 kg/ha; N1, 75 kg/ha; N2, 150 kg/ha; N3, 225 kg/ha; N4, 300 kg/ha) on alfalfa yield, crop water productivity (CWP), N use efficiency (NUE), quality, and economic benefits. Besides, the least squares method and multiple regression analysis were used to explore the optimal water and N combination for alfalfa cultivation under subsurface irrigation. The results showed that the alfalfa yield, crude ash content, and partial factor productivity from applied N (PFPN) were the highest under W2 level, but there was no difference in PFPN compared with that under W3 level. The branch number (BN), leaf area index (LAI), yield, CWP, irrigation water productivity (IWP), crude protein content (CPC), and economic benefits increased and then decreased with the increase of N application rate, reaching a maximum at the N2 or N3 level, while the NUE and PFPN decreased with the increase of N application rate. Considering the yield, CWP, NUE, quality, and economic benefits, W2N2 treatment was the optimal for alfalfa cultivation under subsurface irrigation. Besides, when the irrigation volume and N application rate were 69.8 ~ 88.7% of ETC and 145 ~ 190 kg/ha, respectively (confidence interval: 85%), the yield, CPC, and economic benefits reached more than 85% of the maximum. This study will provide technique reference for the water and N management in alfalfa cultivation in Northwest China.

Piezoelectric Polymer Solid Electrolyte Integrating Electromechanical Coupling and Ferroelectric Polarization Effects

The unsatisfactory lithium-ion conductivity (σ) and limited mechanical strength of polymer solid electrolytes hinder their wide applications in solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). Here, a thin piezoelectric polymer solid electrolyte integrating electromechanical coupling and ferroelectric polarization effects has been designed and prepared to achieve long-term stable cycling of SSLMBs. The ferroelectric Bi4 Ti3 O12 nanoparticle (BIT NPs) loaded poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) piezoelectric nanofibers (B-P NFs) membranes are introduced into the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix, endowing the composite electrolyte with unique polarization and piezoelectric effects. The piezoelectric nanofiber membrane with a 3D network structure not only promotes the dissociation of lithium (Li) salts through the polarization effect but also cleverly utilizes the coupling effect of a mechanical stress-local electric field to achieve dynamic regulation of the Li electroplating process. Through the corresponding experimental tests and density functional theory calculations, the intrinsic mechanism of piezoelectric electrolytes improving σ and suppressing Li dendrites is fully revealed. The obtained piezoelectric electrolyte has achieved stable cycling of LiFePO4 batteries over 2000 cycles and has also shown good practical application potential in flexible pouch batteries.

The relationship between circulating metabolites and prostate hyperplasia: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Circulating metabolites (CM) play a pivotal role in our overall health, yet the current evidence concerning the involvement of diverse CM in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains limited. Mendelian randomization (MR) offers a promising avenue to explore the potential impact of CM on BPH.

METHODS

In a forward MR analysis, a cohort of 249 circulating metabolites was employed as exposures to investigate their potential associations with BPH risk. Conversely, in a reverse MR analysis, BPH was employed as an exposure to assess its effects on CM.

RESULTS

The forward MR analysis discerned a linkage between six metabolites and BPH, with careful consideration to excluding heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Subsequently, the reverse MR analysis unveiled that nine metabolic compounds, mainly comprising phospholipids and triglycerides, potentially exhibit elevated levels in BPH patients.

CONCLUSION

Bidirectional MR analysis furnishes genetic insight into the interplay between CM and BPH. The prominence of lipids and triglycerides emerges as significant factors intricately linked to BPH risk.

AKT1 phosphorylation of cytoplasmic ME2 induces a metabolic switch to glycolysis for tumorigenesis

Many types of tumors feature aerobic glycolysis for meeting their increased energetic and biosynthetic demands. However, it remains still unclear how this glycolytic phenomenon is achieved and coordinated with other metabolic pathways in tumor cells in response to growth stimuli. Here we report that activation of AKT1 induces a metabolic switch to glycolysis from the mitochondrial metabolism via phosphorylation of cytoplasmic malic enzyme 2 (ME2), named ME2fl (fl means full length), favoring an enhanced glycolytic phenotype. Mechanistically, in the cytoplasm, AKT1 phosphorylates ME2fl at serine 9 in the mitochondrial localization signal peptide at the N-terminus, preventing its mitochondrial translocation. Unlike mitochondrial ME2, which accounts for adjusting the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, ME2fl functions as a scaffold that brings together the key glycolytic enzymes phosphofructokinase (PFKL), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), as well as Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), to promote glycolysis in the cytosol. Thus, through phosphorylation of ME2fl, AKT1 enhances the glycolytic capacity of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, revealing an unexpected role for subcellular translocation switching of ME2 mediated by AKT1 in the metabolic adaptation of tumor cells to growth stimuli.

DDK-Linker: a network-based strategy identifies disease signals by linking high-throughput omics datasets to disease knowledge

The high-throughput genomic and proteomic scanning approaches allow investigators to measure the quantification of genome-wide genes (or gene products) for certain disease conditions, which plays an essential role in promoting the discovery of disease mechanisms. The high-throughput approaches often generate a large gene list of interest (GOIs), such as differentially expressed genes/proteins. However, researchers have to perform manual triage and validation to explore the most promising, biologically plausible linkages between the known disease genes and GOIs (disease signals) for further study. Here, to address this challenge, we proposed a network-based strategy DDK-Linker to facilitate the exploration of disease signals hidden in omics data by linking GOIs to disease knowns genes. Specifically, it reconstructed gene distances in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network through six network methods (random walk with restart, Deepwalk, Node2Vec, LINE, HOPE, Laplacian) to discover disease signals in omics data that have shorter distances to disease genes. Furthermore, benefiting from the establishment of knowledge base we established, the abundant bioinformatics annotations were provided for each candidate disease signal. To assist in omics data interpretation and facilitate the usage, we have developed this strategy into an application that users can access through a website or download the R package. We believe DDK-Linker will accelerate the exploring of disease genes and drug targets in a variety of omics data, such as genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics data, and provide clues for complex disease mechanism and pharmacological research. DDK-Linker is freely accessible at http://ddklinker.ncpsb.org.cn/.

TRUST Technique for Neurointervention: A Promising Alternative for Complex Cases

BACKGROUND

Neurointervention via Transradial Access (TRA) is becoming increasingly popular as experience with this technique increases. However, approximately 8.6-10.3% of complex TRA cases are converted to femoral access due to a lack of support or radial artery spasm. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the TRUST (trans-radial coaxial catheter technique using a short sheath, Simmons catheter, and Tethys intermediate catheter) technique in interventional procedures via TRA.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective analysis of 16 patients admitted to our institute between January 2023 to May 2023 to undergo endovascular interventions with the TRUST technique via the TRA.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 63.8 years, and 62.5% were male (10/16). The most common procedure was intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (93.75%, 15/16). All procedures were performed successfully, and the most common procedures in our cohort were ballooning (50.0%, 8/16), stenting (18.75%, 3/16), and both procedures combined (31.25%, 1/16). All procedures were performed using the TRA, and the distal and proximal radial arteries were used for access in 31.35% (5/16) and 68.75% (11/16) of the cases, respectively. Technical success was achieved in all patients and most cases demonstrated mTICI ≥2b recanalization (93.75%, 15/16). In this case, no major access-site complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

The TRUST technique is technically safe and feasible and had a high technical success rate and low complication rate in our study. These results demonstrate that the TRUST technique is a promising alternative for patients undergoing complex neurointerventions.

Comparison of a covered stent and pipeline embolization device in intracranial aneurysm: a propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

The Willis covered stent (WCS) and pipeline embolization device (PED) have partly overlapping therapeutic indications. However, the differences of effect between these two treatments remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical outcome, angiographic outcome, and complications following treatment with a WCS versus PED.

METHODS

Patients with intracranial aneurysms treated by a WCS or PED between January 2015 and December 2020 were included. The primary outcomes were complications, clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >2), and angiographic outcome (incomplete aneurysm occlusion). Propensity score matching was conducted to adjust for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

A total of 94 aneurysms treated by WCS and 698 aneurysms by PED were included. Compared with the PED group, patients in the WCS group are younger, a greater number have a poor condition at admission, a larger proportion of ruptured, non-saccular, and anterior circulation aneurysms, a smaller aneurysm neck width, and less coiling assistance is required. A total of 42 (44.7%) branches were covered by WCS. After adjustment for age, sex, aneurysm type, rupture status, neck size, aneurysm location, and coiling, 50 WCS and PED pairs were examined for internal carotid artery aneurysms. No significant differences were observed in clinical (10.4% vs 2.1%, P=0.206) and angiographic outcomes (12.8% vs 18.2%, P=0.713). However, 27 branches covered by WCS, including 22 ophthalmic arteries and five posterior communicating arteries. Patients in the WCS group had a higher intraoperative complication rate than those in the PED group (28% vs 6%, P=0.008), especially in the occlusion rate of covered branches (51.9% vs 11.1%, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The comparable clinical and angiographic outcomes of WCS or PED demonstrate the therapeutic potential of WCS as a viable alternative for aneurysms. However, the complication of occlusion of covered branches might not be negligible.

Self-healing electrical bioadhesive interface for electrophysiology recording

Electrical bioadhesive interfaces (EBIs) are standing out in various applications, including medical diagnostics, prosthetic devices, rehabilitation, and human-machine interactions. Nonetheless, crafting a reliable and advanced EBI with comprehensive properties spanning electrochemical, electrical, mechanical, and self-healing capabilities remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we develop a self-healing EBI by thoughtfully integrating conducting polymer nanofibers and a typical bioadhesive within a robust hydrogel matrix. The accomplished EBI demonstrates extraordinary adhesion (lap shear strength of 197 kPa), exceptional electrical conductivity (2.18 S m-1), and outstanding self-healing performance. Taking advantage of these attributes, we integrated the EBI into flexible skin electrodes for surface electromyography (sEMG) signal recording from forearm muscles. The engineered skin electrodes exhibit robust adhesion to the skin even when sweating, rapid self-healing from damage, and seamless real-time signal recording with a higher signal-to-noise ratio (39 dB). Our EBI, along with its skin electrodes, offers a promising platform for tissue-device integration, health monitoring, and an array of bioelectronic applications.

Uncovering environmental performance patterns of plastic packaging waste in high recovery rate countries: An example of EU-27

Plastic consumption and its end-of-life management pose a significant environmental footprint and are energy intensive. Waste-to-resources and prevention strategies have been promoted widely in Europe as countermeasures; however, their effectiveness remains uncertain. This study aims to uncover the environmental footprint patterns of the plastics value chain in the European Union Member States (EU-27) through exploratory data analysis with dimension reduction and grouping. Nine variables are assessed, ranging from socioeconomic and demographic to environmental impacts. Three clusters are formed according to the similarity of a range of characteristics (nine), with environmental impacts being identified as the primary influencing variable in determining the clusters. Most countries belong to Cluster 0, consisting of 17 countries in 2014 and 18 countries in 2019. They represent clusters with a relatively low global warming potential (GWP), with an average value of 2.64 t CO2eq/cap in 2014 and 4.01 t CO2eq/cap in 2019. Among all the assessed countries, Denmark showed a significant change when assessed within the traits of EU-27, categorised from Cluster 1 (high GWP) in 2014 to Cluster 0 (low GWP) in 2019. The analysis of plastic packaging waste statistics in 2019 (data released in 2022) shows that, despite an increase in the recovery rate within the EU-27, the GWP has not reduced, suggesting a rebound effect. The GWP tends to increase in correlation with the higher plastic waste amount. In contrast, other environmental impacts, like eutrophication, abiotic and acidification potential, are identified to be mitigated effectively via recovery, suppressing the adverse effects of an increase in plastic waste generation. The five-year interval data analysis identified distinct clusters within a set of patterns, categorising them based on their similarities. The categorisation and managerial insights serve as a foundation for devising a focused mitigation strategy.

[Thinking on ideological and political education in Medical Parasitology teaching]

With the deepening reform of ideological and political education, Medical Parasitology teaching needs to update the teaching concept, change the teaching ideas, as well as keep trying to combine ideological and political education with the curriculum content closely. In addition to teaching students' basic knowledge and practical skills, teachers are needed to cultivate their moral literacy and political awareness through course teaching, so as to provide the basis for students' subsequent adaptations to social environments and jobs. Currently, the study of ideological and political education in Medical Parasitology teaching is still in the exploratory stage. Therefore, colleges and universities need to carry out effective construction of ideological and political education in Medical Parasitology teaching, in order to achieve good teaching outcomes and provide insights into ideological and political education in teaching.

p53 suppresses lipid droplet-fueled tumorigenesis through phosphatidylcholine

Choline deficiency causes disorders including hepatic abnormalities and is associated with an increased risk of multiple types of cancer. Here, by choline-free diet-associated RNA-Seq analyses, we found that the tumor suppressor p53 drives the Kennedy pathway via PCYT1B to control the growth of lipid droplets (LDs) and their fueling role in tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, through upregulation of PCYT1B, p53 channeled depleted choline stores to phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis during choline starvation, thus preventing LD coalescence. Cells lacking p53 failed to complete this response to choline depletion, leading to hepatic steatosis and tumorigenesis, and these effects could be reversed by enforcement of PCYT1B expression or restoration of PC abundance. Furthermore, loss of p53 or defects in the Kennedy pathway increased surface localization of hormone-sensitive lipase on LDs to release specific fatty acids that fueled tumor cells in vivo and in vitro. Thus, p53 loss leads to dysregulation of choline metabolism and LD growth and couples perturbed LD homeostasis to tumorigenesis.

BATMAN-TCM 2.0: an enhanced integrative database for known and predicted interactions between traditional Chinese medicine ingredients and target proteins

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly recognized and utilized worldwide. However, the complex ingredients of TCM and their interactions with the human body make elucidating molecular mechanisms challenging, which greatly hinders the modernization of TCM. In 2016, we developed BATMAN-TCM 1.0, which is an integrated database of TCM ingredient-target protein interaction (TTI) for pharmacology research. Here, to address the growing need for a higher coverage TTI dataset, and using omics data to screen active TCM ingredients or herbs for complex disease treatment, we updated BATMAN-TCM to version 2.0 (http://bionet.ncpsb.org.cn/batman-tcm/). Using the same protocol as version 1.0, we collected 17 068 known TTIs by manual curation (with a 62.3-fold increase), and predicted ∼2.3 million high-confidence TTIs. In addition, we incorporated three new features into the updated version: (i) it enables simultaneous exploration of the target of TCM ingredient for pharmacology research and TCM ingredients binding to target proteins for drug discovery; (ii) it has significantly expanded TTI coverage; and (iii) the website was redesigned for better user experience and higher speed. We believe that BATMAN-TCM 2.0, as a discovery repository, will contribute to the study of TCM molecular mechanisms and the development of new drugs for complex diseases.

Vinpocetine improves dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease rats by reducing oxidative stress and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the commonest neurodegenerative disorder. It reduces motor and cognitive function in patients. Vinpocetine (Vinp) has the effects of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and could improve cognitive function in patients. This study was aimed to investigating the therapeutic effects of Vinp on dyskinesia in a 6-Hydroxydopamine hydrobromide (6-OHDA)-induced PD rat model. We constructed a PD rat model by injecting 6-OHDA, and intervened with Vinp for 7 days. The motor function of the rats was evaluated by an open-field test and rotation test. Besides, H&E staining was applied to observe the changes of dopaminergic neurons in the striatum. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat striatum were detected. We assessed the impact of Vinp on α-synuclein (α-Syn) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related molecules by western blot and qRT-PCR. Rats in the PD group showed reduced horizontal movement frequency and number of squares crossed, increased contact time and rotation frequency, and reduced number of dopaminergic neurons accompanied by severe morphological damage. Vinp treatment increased the horizontal movement frequency and number of squares crossed, reduced the contact time, and rotation frequency in PD rats. Also, Vinp downregulated α-Syn protein expression and MDA level, while upregulated SOD activity in the striatum of PD rats. Furthermore, Vinp treatment activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the striatum of PD rats. In conclusion, Vinp improved the dyskinesia in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats by alleviating oxidative stress, and these effects may be associated with activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

CD-MOFs: From preparation to drug delivery and therapeutic application

Cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOFs) show considerable advantages of edibility, degradability, low toxicity, and high drug loading, which have attracted enormous interest, especially in drug delivery. This review summarizes the typical synthesis approaches of CD-MOFs, the drug loading methods, and the mechanism of encapsulation and release. The influence of the structure of CD-MOFs on their drug encapsulation and release is highlighted. Finally, the challenges CD-MOFs face are discussed regarding biosafety assessment systems, stability in aqueous solution, and metal ion effect.

Advances in polysaccharides for probiotic delivery: Properties, methods, and applications

Probiotics are essential to improve the health of the host, whereas maintaining the viability of probiotics in harsh environments remains a challenge. Polysaccharides have non-toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and outstanding biodegradability, which can protect probiotics by forming a physical barrier and show a promising prospect for probiotic delivery. In this review, we summarize polysaccharides commonly used for probiotic microencapsulation and introduce the microencapsulation technologies, including extrusion, emulsion, spray drying, freeze drying, and electrohydrodynamics. We discuss strategies for better protection of probiotics and introduce the applications of polysaccharides-encapsulated probiotics in functional food, oral formulation, and animal feed. Finally, we propose the challenges of polysaccharides-based delivery systems in industrial production and application. This review will help provide insight into the advances and challenges of polysaccharides in probiotic delivery.

Neoadjuvant sintilimab plus chemotherapy for locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical trial (CY-NICE)

Background

Adding immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to the chemotherapy has shown significant clinical benefits in neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Sintilimab is one such ICI used for treatment. Herein, we designed a trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sintilimab combined with paclitaxel and platinum for locally advanced resectable ESCC.

Methods

Patients with locally advanced resectable (stage II-III) ESCC were enrolled and received at least two cycles of neoadjuvant therapy with sintilimab (200 mg on day 1) plus platinum-based chemotherapy in each 3-week cycle followed by esophagectomy. The primary endpoint of the trial was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. The secondary endpoints were the major pathological response (MPR) rate, the objective response rate (ORR), the treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), the immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and quality of life (QOL). Besides, relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) were exploratory endpoints. Forty-three cases were needed to be enrolled in this trial. It was assumed the regimen of the neoadjuvant sintilimab plus chemotherapy would achieve a pCR rate of 30.5%.

Results

Between March 2021 and January 2023, a total of 43 patients (41 men and 2 women) were enrolled, including 11 cases (25.6%) of clinical stage II and 32 cases (74.4%) of clinical stage III at baseline. All the 43 patients completed two cycles of neoadjuvant therapy, and 32 patients received McKeown radical resection for esophageal cancer. The pCR rate was 28.1% (9/32), which was below the 30.5% reference cutoff value, and the MPR rate was 37.5% (12/32). According to RECIST 1.1, four patients (4/43, 9.3%) had a complete response (CR), 21 patients (21/43, 48.8%) had a partial response (PR), ORR was 58.1% (25/43). The incidence of ≥ grade 3 TRAEs was 23.3% (10/43) and there were no ≥ grade 4 TRAEs.

Conclusions

Sintilimab plus platinum-based chemotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy is safe, feasible and effective in locally advanced resectable ESCC, suggesting a supportive rationale for its further evaluation in randomized clinical trials.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR2200056558.

Simulation and prediction of changes in maximum freeze depth in the source region of the Yellow River under climate change

The source region of the Yellow River (SRYR) is located at the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), which is completely covered by frozen ground. Due to relatively higher temperatures, the frozen ground in the SRYR is particularly fragile and susceptible to the impacts of global climate change. This study discusses the maximum freeze depth (MFD) of frozen ground in the SRYR, including analysis of measured data at the stations, comparison of simulation models, and projection of future changes. The MFD of frozen ground recorded at nine meteorological stations within the SRYR ranged from a few tens of centimeters to more than two meters. The decreasing trend of MFD was recorded except for a few stations from 1997 to 2017, with a maximum rate of -22.8 cm/10a. The decreasing rate of MFD for the whole SRYR from 1997 to 2017 is -10.8 cm/10a. Furthermore, we assessed the performance of three simulation methods: Stefan equation, multiple linear regression, and BP neural network predicting the MFD using the measured data. The Stefan equation exhibited limited accuracy in simulating the MFD, while the BP neural network demonstrated remarkable performance, with a correlation coefficient R of 0.949. In addition, we evaluated the applicability of different global climate models (GCMs) in the SRYR, identified the optimal model, and combined it with the BP neural network model to predict future MFD change. Among the five climate models, the BCC-CSM2-MR model and ensemble model fit the measured precipitation and air temperature well. The projected results based on the BCC-CSM2-MR model and ensemble model indicate that the MFD of different stations in the SRYR and the whole region will still tend to decrease in the future. Our results contribute to understanding the response of cold region frozen ground to climate change and provide available data.

A Mechanistic Understanding of the Distinct Regio- and Chemoselectivity of Multifunctional P450s by Structural Comparison of IkaD and CftA Complexed with Common Substrates

Regio- and chemoselective C-H activation at multi-positions of a single molecule is fascinating but chemically challenging. The homologous cytochrome P450 enzymes IkaD and CftA catalyze multiple C-H oxidations on the same polycyclic tetramate macrolactam (PoTeM) ikarugamycin, with distinct regio- and chemoselectivity. Herein we provide mechanistic understanding of their functional differences by solving crystal structures of IkaD and CftA in complex with ikarugamycin and unnatural substrates. Distinct conformations of the F/G region in IkaD and CftA are found to differentiate the orientation of PoTeM substrates, by causing different binding patterns with polar moieties to determine site selection, oxidation order, and chemoselectivity. Fine-tuning the polar subpocket altered the regioselectivity of IkaD, indicating that substrate re-orientation by mutating residues distal to the oxidation site could serve as an important method in future engineering of P450 enzymes.

A novel DNA methylation signature revealed GDF6 and RCC1 as potential prognostic biomarkers correlated with cell proliferation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for the majority (80%-90%) of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients at the time of diagnosis, and approximately 15% of ccRCC patients will develop distant metastasis or recurrence during their lifetime. Increasing number of studies have revealed that the aberrant DNA methylations is closely correlated with the tumorigenesis in ccRCC.

RESULTS

In this study, we utilized a LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) model to identify a combination of 13 probes-based DNA methylation signature that associated with the progression-free survival (PFS) of ccRCC patients. First, differentially methylated regions (CpGs) related to PFS and phenotypes were identified. Next, prognostic DNA methylation probes were selected from the differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and calculated risk scores to stratify patients with ccRCC. The performance of this signature was validated in an independent testing set using various analyses, including Kaplan-Meier analysis for PFS and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Based on our 13-DNA methylation probes signature, ccRCC patients were successfully stratified into high- and low-risk groups. Combining DNA methylation signature with clinical variables such as T stage, M stage and tumor grade could further improve the accuracy of prediction. Moreover, we highlight two molecular biomarkers (RCC1 and GDF6) corresponding to our probes. Invitro experiments showed that knockdown of RCC1 or GDF6 in ccRCC cell lines reduced cell proliferation, which indicated that both biomarkers are associated with tumorigenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The 13-probes-based DNA methylation signature has the potential to serve as an independent tool for survival outcome improvement and treatment strategy selection for ccRCC patients. In addition, our findings suggest that RCC1 and GDF6 may serve as promising markers for ccRCC.

Identification of SLC2A3 as a prognostic indicator correlated with the NF-κB/EMT axis and immune response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

SLC2A3 is an important member of the glucose transporter superfamily. It has been recently suggested that upregulation of SLC2A3 is associated with poor survival and acts as a prognostic marker in a variety of tumors. Unfortunately, the prognostic role of SLC2A3 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is less known. In the present study, we analyzed SLC2A3 expression in HNSC and its correlation with prognosis using TCGA and GEO databases. The results showed that SLC2A3 mRNA expression was higher in HNSC compared with adjacent normal tissues, which was validated with our 9 pairs of HNSC specimens. Moreover, high SLC2A3 expression predicted poor prognosis in HNSC patients. Mechanistically, GSEA revealed that high expression of SLC2A3 was enriched in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and NF-κB signaling. In HNSC cell lines, SLC2A3 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and migration. In addition, NF-κB P65 and EMT-related gene expression was suppressed upon SLC2A3 knockdown, indicating that SLC2A3 may play a preeminent role in the progression of HNSC through the NF-κB/EMT axis. Meanwhile, the expression of SLC2A3 was negatively correlated with immune cells, suggesting that SLC2A3 may be involved in the immune response in HNSC. The correlation between SLC2A3 expression and drug sensitivity was further assessed. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that SLC2A3 could predict the prognosis of HNSC patients and mediate the progression of HNSC via the NF-κB/EMT axis and immune responses.

Hypoxia-induced the upregulation of NDUFA4L2 promoted colon adenocarcinoma progression through ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway

The NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex 4-like 2 (NDUFA4L2) gene has been reported to be upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with worse prognosis. However, the specific function and underlying mechanism of NDUFA4L2 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) under hypoxia has never been investigated. Our study discovered that hypoxia promoted the viability, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of COAD cells. Besides, hypoxia-induced HIF-1α upregulated the expression of NDUFA4L2 which served as an oncogene and an independent diagnostic and prognostic marker in COAD. Under hypoxic environment, NDUFA4L2 mediated the viability, metastasis, and epithelial-EMT of COAD cells. Additionally, the ROS-dependent PI3K/Akt signaling was activated by NDUFA4L2 in COAD in hypoxia and NDUFA4L2 facilitated the malignant behaviors of hypoxia-treated COAD cells by elevating ROS production. Collectively, abundant NDUFA4L2 expression induced by HIF-1α under hypoxia promoted the development of COAD through activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling in a ROS-dependent manner, indicating NDUFA4L2 as a promising target in COAD diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention of Rectal Stenosis After Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids by Anastomotic Thread-Drawing and Anal Enlargement

PURPOSE

to investigate preventive measures of rectal stricture after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) and to intervene early.

METHODS

A total of 400 patients with severe mixed hemorrhoids hospitalized in the [anonymous hospital] from January 2018 to February 2022 were randomly divided into the experimental group and control group A, B, and C, with 100 patients in each group. Experimental group: Thread-drawing during operation and anal enlargement after PPH. Group A: Thread-drawing during PPH surgery, group B: Anal enlargement after PPH, and group C: PPH alone. The anastomotic sites of the 4 groups were observed for 1-2 months and followed up for 1-3 years.

RESULTS

The effective rate of mixed hemorrhoid treatment in the 4 groups was 100%. There was no rectal stenosis in the experimental group, 11% in group A, 7% in group B, and 14% in group C.

CONCLUSION

Multipoint thread-drawing and anal enlargement after PPH can avoid postoperative rectal stenosis and can strengthen anastomosis and reduce bleeding, while being a simple procedure that can be easily popularized.

Curcumin Alleviates Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Formation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common innate immune-mediated sterile inflammatory response in liver transplantation and liver tumor resection. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can aggravate liver injury and activates innate immune response in the process of liver IRI. However, Curcumin (Cur) can reverse this damage and reduce NETs formation. Nevertheless, the specific regulatory mechanism is still unclear in liver IRI. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms that how does Cur alleviate hepatic IRI by inhibits NETs production and develop novel treatment regimens.

METHODS

We established a hepatic IRI model by subjecting C57BL/6J mice to 60 min of ischemia, followed by reperfusion for 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h respectively. Subsequently, we were separated into 5 groups, namely the I/R group, Cur group, DNase-1 group, Cur + DNase1 group and sham operation group. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunofluorescence, and TUNEL analysis were applied to assess liver injury degree and NETs levels. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein levels of apoptosis-related proteins and MEK pathway proteins.

RESULTS

Cur could alleviate hepatic IRI by inhibiting the generation of NETs via suppressing the MEK/ERK pathway. In addition, this study also revealed that DNase-1 is vital for alleviating hepatic IRI by reducing the generation of NETs.

CONCLUSIONS

Cur combined with DNase-1 was more effective than the two drugs administered alone in alleviating hepatic IRI by inhibiting the generation of NETs. These results also suggested that curcumin combined with DNase-1 was a potential therapeutic strategy to mitigate hepatic IRI.

Analyzing Temperature Distribution Patterns on the Facing and Backside Surface: Investigating Combustion Performance of Flame-Retardant Particle Boards Using Aluminum Hypophosphite, Intumescent, and Magnesium Hydroxide Flame Retardants

Particle boards are manufactured through a hot pressing process using wood materials (natural polymer materials) and adhesive, which find common usage in indoor decorative finishing materials. Flame-retardant particleboard, crucial for fire safety in such applications, undergoes performance analysis that includes assessing temperature distribution across its facing surface and temperature increase on the backside surface during facade combustion, yielding critical insights into fire scenario development. In this study, a compact flame spread apparatus is utilized to examine the flame retardancy and combustion behavior of particle boards, with a specific emphasis on the application of cost-effective flame retardants, encompassing aluminum hypophosphite (ALHP), an intumescent flame retardant (IFR) comprising ammonium polyphosphate (APP), melamine (MEL), and Dipentaerythritol (DPE), alongside magnesium hydroxide (MDH), and their associated combustion characteristics. The D300°C values, representing the vertical distance from the ignition point (IP) to P300°C (the temperature point at 300 °C farthest from IP), are measured using a compact temperature distribution measurement platform. For MDH/PB, APP + MEL + DPE/PB, and ALHP/PB samples, the respective D300°C values of 145.79 mm, 117.81 mm, and 118.57 mm indicate reductions of 11.11%, 28.17%, and 27.71%, compared to the untreated sample's value of 164.02 mm. The particle boards treated with ALHP, IFR, and MDH demonstrated distinct flame-retardant mechanisms. MDH/PB relied on the thermal decomposition of MDH to produce MgO and H2O for flame retardancy, while APP + MEL + DPE/PB achieved flame retardancy through a cross-linked structure with char expansion, polyphosphate, and pyrophosphate during combustion. On the other hand, ALHP/PB attained flame retardancy by reacting with wood materials and adhesives, forming a stable condensed P-N-C structure. This study serves as a performance reference for the production of cost-effective flame-resistant particleboards and offers a practical method for assessing its fire-resistant properties when used as a decorative finishing material on facades in real fire situations.

Modulating Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Microenvironment Alters Exosome RNA Content and Ligament Healing Capacity

Although mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) based therapies hold promise in regenerative medicine, their applications in clinical settings remain challenging due to issues such as immunocompatibility and cell stability. MSC-derived exosomes, small vesicles carrying various bioactive molecules, are a promising cell-free therapy to promote tissue regeneration. However, it remains unknown mainly regarding the ability to customize the content of MSC-derived exosomes, how alterations in the MSC microenvironment influence exosome content, and the effects of such modifications on healing efficiency and mechanical properties in tissue regeneration. In this study, we used an in vitro system of human MSC-derived exosomes and an in vivo rat ligament injury model to address these questions. We found a context-dependent correlation between exosomal and parent cell RNA content. Under native conditions, the correlation was moderate but heightened with microenvironmental changes. In vivo rat ligament injury model showed that MSC-derived exosomes increased ligament max load and stiffness. We also found that changes in the MSCs' microenvironment significantly influence the mechanical properties driven by exosome treatment. Additionally, a link was identified between altered exosomal microRNA levels and expression changes in microRNA targets in ligaments. These findings elucidate the nuanced interplay between MSCs, their exosomes, and tissue regeneration.

Study on the Treatment of ITP Mice with IVIG Sourced from Distinct Sex-Special Plasma (DSP-IVIG)

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a first-line drug prepared from human plasma for the treatment of autoimmune diseases (AIDs), especially immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Significant differences exist in protein types and expression levels between male and female plasma, and the prevalence of autoimmune diseases varies between sexes. The present study seeks to explore potential variations in IVIG sourced from distinct sex-specific plasma (DSP-IVIG), including IVIG sourced from female plasma (F-IVIG), IVIG sourced from male plasma (M-IVIG), and IVIG sourced from a blend of male and female plasma (Mix-IVIG). To address this question, we used an ITP mouse model and a monocyte-macrophage inflammation model treated with DSP IVIG. The analysis of proteomics in mice suggested that the pathogenesis and treatment of ITP may involve FcγRs mediated phagocytosis, apoptosis, Th17, cytokines, chemokines, and more. Key indicators, including the mouse spleen index, CD16+ macrophages, M1, M2, IL-6, IL-27, and IL-13, all indicated that the efficacy in improving ITP was highest for M-IVIG. Subsequent cell experiments revealed that M-IVIG exhibited a more potent ability to inhibit monocyte phagocytosis. It induced more necrotic M2 cells and fewer viable M2, resulting in weaker M2 phagocytosis. M-IVIG also demonstrated superiority in the downregulation of surface makers CD36, CD68, and CD16 on M1 macrophages, a weaker capacity to activate complement, and a stronger binding ability to FcγRs on the THP-1 surface. In summary, DSP-IVIG effectively mitigated inflammation in ITP mice and monocytes and macrophages. However, M-IVIG exhibited advantages in improving the spleen index, regulating the number and typing of M1 and M2 macrophages, and inhibiting macrophage-mediated inflammation compared to F-IVIG and Mix-IVIG.

Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block for Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the perioperative analgesic effects of anterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) for total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred patients undergoing TLH were randomized to receive an anterior QLB or placebo before general anesthesia. The primary and secondary outcomes were postoperative sufentanil consumption, intraoperative remifentanil demand, time to first opioid demand, numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and complications within 24 hours after surgery.

RESULTS

No significant intergroup differences were observed in sufentanil consumption within 24 hours after surgery. Remifentanil consumption during surgery was lower in the QLB group than in the placebo group. At 1 hour after surgery, the NRS scores of abdominal visceral pain at rest and during activity were 1.26 and 1.41 points lower than those in the placebo group. In other time points, the differences in abdominal visceral pain were neither statistically significant nor clinically significant (pain difference <1) or both. No significant differences in NRS scores of shoulder pain, abdominal incisional pain, and perineal pain were observed between the 2 groups, at rest or during activity. There were no significant differences in other secondary outcome variables between the 2 groups.

DISCUSSION

Preoperative bilateral anterior QLB only reduced intraoperative opioid demand and postoperative abdominal visceral pain scores at 1 hour after surgery. Thus, the clinical significance of anterior QLB in TLH may be limited.

Multi-omics analysis of expression profile and prognostic values of connexin family in LUAD

PURPOSE

Our study first explored the expression differences and prognostic significance of Cx genes in pan-cancer and then focused on LUAD. Our objectives were to conducted a comprehensive analysis of the expression profile, prognostic significance, genetic alterations, potential biological functions and drug sensitivity of the Connexin gene family in LUAD.

METHODS

We developed a comprehensive prognostic model for LUAD by combining risk scores with clinical features and created a nomogram to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival. Using single-cell sequencing, we examined the expression and biological functions of the identified prognostic markers.

RESULTS

Our risk model revealed that GJB2-5 play a critical role in the prognosis of LUAD patients, associated with many biological processes such as cell cycle, DNA damage, EMT, hypoxia, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, the connexin gene family is linked to transcriptional mechanisms such as the extracellular matrix (ECM), migration, mobility, angiogenesis, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genetic program.

CONCLUSION

The risk model can be used as a potential prognostic factor for LUAD patients and may provide new insights into cancer treatment from perspective of the expression of Cx genes.

Artificial Intelligence Optical Biopsy for Evaluating the Functional State of Wounds

INTRODUCTION

The clinical characterization of the functional status of active wounds in terms of their driving cellular and molecular biology remains a considerable challenge that currently requires excision via a tissue biopsy. In this pilot study, we use convolutional Siamese neural network (SNN) architecture to predict the functional state of a wound using digital photographs of wounds in a canine model of volumetric muscle loss (VML).

METHODS

Digital images of VML injuries and tissue biopsies were obtained in a standardized fashion from an established canine model of VML. Gene expression profiles for each biopsy site were obtained using RNA sequencing. These profiles were converted to functional profiles by a manual review of validated gene ontology databases in which we determined a hierarchical representation of gene functions based on functional specificity. An SNN was trained to regress functional profile expression values, informed by an image segment showing the surface of a small tissue biopsy.

RESULTS

The SNN was able to predict the functional expression of a range of functions based with error ranging from ∼5% to ∼30%, with functions that are most closely associated with the early state of wound healing to be those best-predicted.

CONCLUSIONS

These initial results suggest promise for further research regarding this novel use of machine learning regression on medical images. The regression of functional profiles, as opposed to specific genes, both addresses the challenge of genetic redundancy and gives a deeper insight into the mechanistic configuration of a region of tissue in wounds.

Plasma metabolomics supports non-fasted sampling for metabolic profiling across a spectrum of glucose tolerance in the Nile rat model for type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a challenge in modern healthcare, and animal models are necessary to identify underlying mechanisms. The Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) develops diet-induced diabetes rapidly on a conventional rodent chow diet without genetic or chemical manipulation. Unlike common laboratory models, the outbred Nile rat model is diurnal and has a wide range of overt diabetes onset and diabetes progression patterns in both sexes, better mimicking the heterogeneous diabetic phenotype in humans. While fasted blood glucose has historically been used to monitor diabetic progression, postprandial blood glucose is more sensitive to the initial stages of diabetes. However, there is a long-held assumption that ad libitum feeding in rodent models leads to increased variance, thus masking diabetes-related metabolic changes in the plasma. Here we compared repeatability within triplicates of non-fasted or fasted plasma samples and assessed metabolic changes relevant to glucose tolerance in fasted and non-fasted plasma of 8-10-week-old male Nile rats. We used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry lipidomics and polar metabolomics to measure relative metabolite abundances in the plasma samples. We found that, compared to fasted metabolites, non-fasted plasma metabolites are not only more strongly associated with glucose tolerance on the basis of unsupervised clustering and elastic net regression model, but also have a lower replicate variance. Between the two sampling groups, we detected 66 non-fasted metabolites and 32 fasted metabolites that were associated with glucose tolerance using a combined approach with multivariable elastic net and individual metabolite linear models. Further, to test if metabolite replicate variance is affected by age and sex, we measured non-fasted replicate variance in a cohort of mature 30-week-old male and female Nile rats. Our results support using non-fasted plasma metabolomics to study glucose tolerance in Nile rats across the progression of diabetes.

Development of a novel Fc fusion protein dual glucagon-like peptide-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor agonists

AIM

To develop and investigate an imbalanced dual gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR)/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1 R) agonist with Fc fusion protein structure.

METHODS

We designed and constructed an Fc fusion protein that is a dual agonist (HEC-CG115) with an empirically optimized potency ratio for GLP-1R and GIPR. The long-term effects of HEC-CG115 on body weight and glycaemic control were evaluated in diet-induced obese mice and diabetic db/db mice. Repeat dose toxicity assays were performed to investigate the safety profile of HEC-CG115 in Sprague-Dawley rats.

RESULTS

HEC-CG115 displayed high potency for GIPR and relatively low potency for GLP-1R, and we labelled it 'imbalanced'. In animal models, HEC-CG115 (3 nmol/kg) led to more weight loss than semaglutide at a higher dose (10 nmol/kg) in diet-induced obese model mice. HEC-CG115 (one dose every 3 days) reduced fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels similar to those after semaglutide (once daily) at the same dose. In a 4-week subcutaneous toxicity study conducted to assess the biosafety of HEC-CG115, the no observed adverse effect level was determined to be 3 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

HEC-CG115 is a novel Fc fusion protein with imbalanced dual agonism that shows superior weight loss, glycaemic control and metabolic improvement in animal models, and has an optimal safety profile according to a repeat-dose toxicity study. Therefore, the use of HEC-CG115 appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Nuciferine protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced endometritis via inhibiting ferroptosis and modulating AMPKα/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling axis

Nuciferine (NF) is an alkaloid isolated from Nelumbo nucifera and has been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological effects. However, whether NF treatment exhibits a protective effect in endometritis remains unclear. Here, the protective effects of NF on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endometritis in mice were investigated in our research. The results showed that NF significantly reversed the uterine histopathological changes, inflammatory factor levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity caused by LPS. Furthermore, we found that NF administration improved the reproductive capacity of mice with endometritis. Mechanistically, the expression of MyD88/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and MAPK-related proteins in uterine tissue were decreased by NF treatment. Moreover, we observed the occurrence of ferroptosis in the LPS-induced endometritis mouse model, which was noticeably inhibited by NF treatment. In addition, we showed that NF exhibited anti-endometritis activity by modulating AMPKα/mTOR/HIF1α signaling axis. Finally, the molecular mechanism of the NF anti-inflammatory effect was clarified in mouse endometrial epithelial cells (mEECs). NF inhibited the releases of pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-induced mEECs via inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway. All these findings suggest that NF may ameliorate LPS-induced endometritis caused by LPS, the mechanism of action is related to the ferroptosis, MyD88/NF-κB, MAPK and AMPKα/mTOR/HIF1α signaling pathway.

Dysregulated neuroimmune interactions and sustained type I interferon signaling after human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection of human iPSC derived microglia and cerebral organoids

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) affects up to half of HIV-1 positive patients with long term neurological consequences, including dementia. There are no effective therapeutics for HAND because the pathophysiology of HIV-1 induced glial and neuronal functional deficits in humans remains enigmatic. To bridge this knowledge gap, we established a model simulating HIV-1 infection in the central nervous system using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived microglia combined with sliced neocortical organoids. Upon incubation with two replication-competent macrophage-tropic HIV-1 strains (JRFL and YU2), we observed that microglia not only became productively infected but also exhibited inflammatory activation. RNA sequencing revealed a significant and sustained activation of type I interferon signaling pathways. Incorporating microglia into sliced neocortical organoids extended the effects of aberrant type I interferon signaling in a human neural context. Collectively, our results illuminate the role of persistent type I interferon signaling in HIV-1 infected microglial in a human neural model, suggesting its potential significance in the pathogenesis of HAND.

Dynamic changes in the suitable areas for the pinewood nematode in the Sichuan-Chongqing Region of China

The pine wood nematode (PWN), one of the largest alien forestry pests in China, has caused numerous deaths of conifer forests in Europe and Asia, and is spreading to other suitable areas worldwide. Information on the spatial distribution of the PWN can provide important information for the management of this species. Here, the current and future geographical distributions of PWN were simulated in the Sichuan-Chongqing region of China in detail based on the MaxEnt model. The results indicated excellent prediction performance, with an area under curve score of more than 0.9. The key factors selected were the altitude, maximum temperature of the warmest month, annual precipitation, precipitation of the wettest quarter, and minimum temperature of the coldest month, with thresholds of < 400 m, > 37.5 °C, 1100-1250 mm, 460-530 mm and > 4.0 °C, respectively, indicating that the PWN can live in low-altitude, warm, and humid areas. The suitable region for the PWN is mainly concentrated in the metropolitan area, northeast of Chongqing, and the southeastern and eastern parts of Sichuan Province. Most importantly, in addition to their actual distribution area, the newly identified suitably distribution areas A, B, C, and D for the coming years and E, F, G, and H for the period-2041-2060 (2050s) should be strictly monitored for the presence of PWNs. Altogether, the suitable distribution ranges of the PWN in the Sichuan-Chongqing region show an increasing trend; therefore, owing to its inability to disperse by itself, human activities involving pine trees and vectors of the Japanese pine sawyer should be intensively controlled to prevent the PWN from spreading to these newly discovered suitable areas.

Trichinella spiralis-Secreted Products Promote Collagen Capsule Formation through TGF-β1/Smad3 Pathway

Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) muscle larvae colonize in the host's skeletal muscle cells, which are surrounded by collagen capsules. The mechanism underlying muscle stage larva-induced collagen capsule formation remains unknown. To clarify the mechanism, a T. spiralis muscular-infected mouse model was established by a single lateral tail vein injection with 20,000 T. spiralis newborn larvae (NBL). The infected mice were treated with or without SB525334 (TGF-β1 receptor type I inhibitor). Diaphragms were obtained post-infection, and the expression levels of the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway-related genes and collagen genes (type IV and VI) were observed during the process of collagen capsule formation. The changes in myoblasts under stimulation of the excretory-secretory (ES) products of NBL with or without SB525334 were further investigated. Results showed that the expression levels of type IV collagen gene, type VI collagen gene, Tgfb1, and Smad3 were significantly increased in infected mice muscle cells. The expression levels of all the above genes were enhanced by the products of NBL in myoblast cells. These changes were reversed by co-treatment with SB525334 in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway can be activated by T. spiralis infection in muscle cells. The activated TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway can stimulate the secretion of collagens by myocytes and plays a promoting role in the process of collagen capsule formation. The research has the limitation that the protein identification of the products of NBL has yet to be performed. Therefore, the specific components in the T. spiralis ES products that induce collagen synthesis should be further investigated.

Realizing tunneling electroresistance effect in the Au/h-BN/In2Se3/Au vertical ferroelectric tunnel junction

Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) have great potential in the design of non-volatile memory devices due to the tunneling electroresistance (TER) effect and the fact that it is not constrained by critical thickness. Incorporation of 2D ferroelectric materials in realistic FTJs inevitably involves the contacts to the traditional three-dimensional (3D) metals. However, how to design the FTJs by combining the 2D ferroelectric materials with the 3D metals still needs to be studied. In this work, we design a vertical 3D FTJ by adopting the 3D metal Au as the left and right electrodes and the 2D ferroelectric material In2Se3 together with h-BN as the central scattering region. By density functional theory combined with the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method, we demonstrate that the h-BN intercalation with a large bandgap plays the role of good "insulator," which breaks the symmetry of the left and right electrodes. As a result, we obtain the TER ratio of about 170%, and it can be further improved to about 1200% if two layers of In2Se3 (2L-In2Se3) are adopted as the tunneling barrier layer. Our results provide another way for the design and application of ferroelectric memory devices based on 2D ferroelectric materials.