Construction of poly (ionic liquid)-derived gold/silver alloy@nitrogen-doped carbon shell and its application for ratiometric electrochemical detection of nitric oxide

A nitrogen-doped carbon shell loaded with a gold and silver alloy (Au/Ag@NCS) was constructed for highly sensitive electrochemical detection of NO. The Au/Ag@NCS material was prepared by use of SiO2 particles as a template to polymerize imidazolium-based ionic liquids loaded with gold and silver salts, and subsequent carbonization treatment and template removal. The hollow structure of the carbon material acted as a carrier for electrochemical sensing, offering high specific surface area, large pore capacity, robust electron conductivity, and excellent mechanical stability. The inclusion of gold in the composite enhanced its catalytic and sensing capabilities, while silver oxidation was employed as a reference signal for accurate detection. By utilization of the Au/Ag@NCS-modified electrode, a wide detection range from 0.5 nM to 1.05 μM with a low detection limit of 0.32 nM was achieved for NO detection. The electrochemical sensor also exhibited high selectivity and excellent stability. The fabricated sensor was further utilized to explore the release of NO from breast cancer cells, revealing that the electrochemical platform could be regarded as an important method to study the daily tests of NO in clinical application.

Jiao-tai-wan and its effective component-berberine improve diabetes and depressive disorder through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jiao-tai-wan (JTW), a classic herbal formula of traditional Chinese medicine recorded in Han Shi Yi Tong, has been used to alleviate sleep disorders since ancient times. In modern pharmacological research, JTW has been adopted for treating diabetes mellitus and even exerts antidepressant effects. However, the potential mechanisms deserve further elucidation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus combined with depressive disorder (DD) is continuing to increase, yet it is currently under-recognized and its treatment remains inadequate. The present study aims to explore the underlying therapeutics and mechanisms of JTW on DD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chronic restraint stress was used on db/db mice to construct a mouse model of DD. The therapeutic effects of JTW were assessed by glucolipid metabolic indexes, behavioral tests, and depression-related neurotransmitter levels. The inflammatory status and cell apoptosis of different mice were investigated and the changes in the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway were detected. Combining the results of fingerprinting with molecular docking, the active components of JTW were screened. A cellular model was constructed by intervention of glucose combined with corticosterone (CORT). The levels of apoptosis and depression-related neurotransmitters in HT-22 cells were examined, and the changes in the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway were tested. Finally, the activator and inhibitor of the PKA protein were used for reverse validation experiments.

RESULTS

JTW could improve the impaired glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism disorders, and depression-like symptoms in DD mice. Meanwhile, JTW could alleviate the inflammatory status, suppress the microglia activation, and improve hippocampal neuron apoptosis in DD mice. The dual effects of JTW might be associated with the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Berberine (Ber) was identified for the in vitro experiment, it could reverse the apoptosis of HT-22 cells and up-regulate the depression-related neurotransmitter levels, and the effects of Ber were related to the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway as well.

CONCLUSION

JTW could exert both hypoglycemic and antidepressant effects through activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, its active component, Ber, could improve the damage to HT-22 cells induced by glucose combined with CORT via the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Ber may be one of the effective components of the dual effects of JTW.

Real-time imaging reveal anisotropic dissolution behaviors of silver nanorods

The morphology and size control of anisotropic nanocrystals are critical for tuning shape-dependent physicochemical properties. Although the anisotropic dissolution process is considered to be an effective means to precisely control the size and morphology of nanocrystals, the anisotropic dissolution mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, usingin situliquid cell transmission electron microscopy, we investigate the anisotropic etching dissolution behaviors of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized Ag nanorods in NaCl solution. Results show that etching dissolution occurs only in the longitudinal direction of the nanorod at low chloride concentration (0.2 mM), whereas at high chloride concentration (1 M), the lateral and longitudinal directions of the nanorods are dissolved. First-principles calculations demonstrate that PVP is selectively adsorbed on the {100} crystal plane of silver nanorods, making the tips of nanorods the only reaction sites in the anisotropic etching process. When the chemical potential difference of the Cl-concentration is higher than the diffusion barrier (0.196 eV) of Cl-in the PVP molecule, Cl-penetrates the PVP molecular layer of {100} facets on the side of the Ag nanorods. These findings provide an in-depth insight into the anisotropic etching mechanisms and lay foundations for the controlled preparation and rational design of nanostructures.

FLOURY ENDOSPERM24, a heat shock protein 101 (HSP101), is required for starch biosynthesis and endosperm development in rice

Endosperm is the main storage organ in cereal grain and determines grain yield and quality. The molecular mechanisms of heat shock proteins in regulating starch biosynthesis and endosperm development remain obscure. Here, we report a rice floury endosperm mutant flo24 that develops abnormal starch grains in the central starchy endosperm cells. Map-based cloning and complementation test showed that FLO24 encodes a heat shock protein HSP101, which is localized in plastids. The mutated protein FLO24T296I dramatically lost its ability to hydrolyze ATP and to rescue the thermotolerance defects of the yeast hsp104 mutant. The flo24 mutant develops more severe floury endosperm when grown under high-temperature conditions than normal conditions. And the FLO24 protein was dramatically induced at high temperature. FLO24 physically interacts with several key enzymes required for starch biosynthesis, including AGPL1, AGPL3 and PHO1. Combined biochemical and genetic evidence suggests that FLO24 acts cooperatively with HSP70cp-2 to regulate starch biosynthesis and endosperm development in rice. Our results reveal that FLO24 acts as an important regulator of endosperm development, which might function in maintaining the activities of enzymes involved in starch biosynthesis in rice.

Novel quantitative immunohistochemistry method using histone H3, family 3B as the internal reference standard for measuring human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an essential technique in surgical and clinical pathology for detecting diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for personalized cancer therapy. However, the lack of standardization and reference controls results in poor reproducibility, and a reliable tool for IHC quantification is urgently required. The objective of this study was to describe a novel approach in which H3F3B (histone H3, family 3B) can be used as an internal reference standard to quantify protein expression levels using IHC.

METHODS

The authors enrolled 89 patients who had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC). They used a novel IHC-based assay to measure protein expression using H3F3B as the internal reference standard. H3F3B was uniformly expressed at the protein level in all tumor regions in cancer tissues. HER2 expression levels were measured with the H-score using HALO software.

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that, among patients who had HER2-positive BC in The Cancer Genome Atlas data set and the authors' data set, the subgroup with low HER2 expression had a significantly better prognosis than the subgroup with high HER2 expression. Furthermore, the authors observed that HER2 expression levels were precisely evaluated using the proposed method, which can classify patients who are at higher risk of HER2-positive BC to receive trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy. Dual-color IHC with H3F3B is an excellent tool for internal and external quality control of HER2 expression assays.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed IHC-based quantification method accurately assesses HER2 expression levels and provides insights for predicting clinical prognosis in patients with HER2-positive BC who receive trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy.

Dual rare genetic diseases in five pediatric patients: insights from next-generation diagnostic methods

BACKGROUND

Clinicians traditionally aim to identify a singular explanation for the clinical presentation of a patient; however, in some cases, the diagnosis may remain elusive or fail to comprehensively explain the clinical findings. In recent years, advancements in next-generation sequencing, including whole-exome sequencing, have led to the incidental identification of dual diagnoses in patients. Herein we present the cases of five pediatric patients diagnosed with dual rare genetic diseases. Their natural history and diagnostic process were explored, and lessons learned from utilizing next-generation diagnostic technologies have been reported.

RESULTS

Five pediatric cases (3 boys, 2 girls) with dual diagnoses were reported. The age at diagnosis was from 3 months to 10 years. The main clinical presentations were psychomotor retardation and increased muscular tension, some accompanied with liver dysfunction, abnormal appearance, precocious puberty, dorsiflexion restriction and varus of both feet, etc. After whole-exome sequencing, nine diseases were confirmed in these patients: Angelman syndrome and Krabbe disease in case 1, Citrin deficiency and Kabuki syndrome in case 2, Homocysteinemia type 2 and Copy number variant in case 3, Isolated methylmalonic acidemia and Niemann-Pick disease type B in case 4, Isolated methylmalonic acidemia and 21-hydroxylase deficiency in case 5. Fifteen gene mutations and 2 CNVs were identified. Four novel mutations were observed, including c.15292de1A in KMT2D, c.159_164inv and c.1427G > A in SLC25A13, and c.591 C > G in MTHFR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underscore the importance of clinicians being vigilant about the significance of historical and physical examination. Comprehensive clinical experience is crucial for identifying atypical clinical features, particularly in cases involving dual rare genetic diseases.

Eimeria tenella pyrroline -5-carboxylate reductase is a secreted protein and involved in host cell invasion

Chicken coccidiosis, which caused by Eimeria spp, is a parasitic protozoal disease. At present, control measures of this disease depend mainly on anticoccidial drugs and live vaccines. But these control strategies have drawbacks such as drug resistance and limitations in live vaccines production. Therefore, novel control approaches are urgently need to study to control this disease effectively. In this study, the function and characteristics of the pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase of Eimeria tenella (EtPYCR) protein were preliminary analyzed. The transcription and translation level were analyzed by using qPCR and Western blot. The results showed that the mRNA transcription and translation levels of EtPYCR were higher in unsporulated oocysts (UO) and second generation merozoites (Mrz) than that in sporulated oocysts (SO) and sporozoites. Enzyme activity showed that the enzyme activity of EtPYCR was also higher in the UO and Mrz than that in the SO and sporozoites. Immunofluorescence localization showed EtPYCR was mainly located on the top of sporozoites and the whole cytoplasm and surface of Mrz. The secretion assay indicated that EtPYCR was secretion protein, but not from micronemes. Invasion inhibition assay showed that rabbit anti-rEtPYCR polyclonal antibodies can effectively inhibit sporozoite invasion of DF-1 cells. These results showed that EtPYCR possess several important roles that separate and distinct from its conversion 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) into proline and maybe involved in the host cell invasion and development of parasites in host cells.

Improved green and red GRAB sensors for monitoring spatiotemporal serotonin release in vivo

The serotonergic system plays important roles in both physiological and pathological processes, and is a therapeutic target for many psychiatric disorders. Although several genetically encoded GFP-based serotonin (5-HT) sensors were recently developed, their sensitivities and spectral profiles are relatively limited. To overcome these limitations, we optimized green fluorescent G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-activation-based 5-HT (GRAB5-HT) sensors and developed a red fluorescent GRAB5-HT sensor. These sensors exhibit excellent cell surface trafficking and high specificity, sensitivity and spatiotemporal resolution, making them suitable for monitoring 5-HT dynamics in vivo. Besides recording subcortical 5-HT release in freely moving mice, we observed both uniform and gradient 5-HT release in the mouse dorsal cortex with mesoscopic imaging. Finally, we performed dual-color imaging and observed seizure-induced waves of 5-HT release throughout the cortex following calcium and endocannabinoid waves. In summary, these 5-HT sensors can offer valuable insights regarding the serotonergic system in both health and disease.

Integrated application of transcriptomics and metabolomics provides insight into the mechanism of Eimeria tenella resistance to maduramycin

Avian coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria parasites, continues to devastate the poultry industry and results in significant economic losses. Ionophore coccidiostats, such as maduramycin and monensin, are widely used for prophylaxis of coccidiosis in poultry. Nevertheless, their efficacy has been challenged by widespread drug resistance. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been revealed. Understanding the targets and resistance mechanisms to anticoccidials is critical to combat this major parasitic disease. In the present study, maduramycin-resistant (MRR) and drug-sensitive (DS) sporozoites of Eimeria tenella were purified for transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The transcriptome analysis revealed 5016 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MRR compared to DS, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were involved in spliceosome, carbon metabolism, glycolysis, and biosynthesis of amino acids. In the untargeted metabolomics assay, 297 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified in MRR compared to DS, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these DEMs were involved in 10 pathways, including fructose and mannose metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. Targeted metabolomic analysis revealed 14 DEMs in MRR compared to DS, and KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these DEMs were involved in 20 pathways, including fructose and mannose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and carbon metabolism. Compared to DS, energy homeostasis and amino acid metabolism were differentially regulated in MRR. Our results provide gene and metabolite expression landscapes of E. tenella following maduramycin induction. This study is the first work involving integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to identify the key pathways to understand the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying drug resistance to polyether ionophores in coccidia.

Improved green and red GRAB sensors for monitoring dopaminergic activity in vivo

Dopamine (DA) plays multiple roles in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes via a large network of dopaminergic projections. To dissect the spatiotemporal dynamics of DA release in both dense and sparsely innervated brain regions, we developed a series of green and red fluorescent G-protein-coupled receptor activation-based DA (GRABDA) sensors using a variety of DA receptor subtypes. These sensors have high sensitivity, selectivity and signal-to-noise ratio with subsecond response kinetics and the ability to detect a wide range of DA concentrations. We then used these sensors in mice to measure both optogenetically evoked and behaviorally relevant DA release while measuring neurochemical signaling in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala and cortex. Using these sensors, we also detected spatially resolved heterogeneous cortical DA release in mice performing various behaviors. These next-generation GRABDA sensors provide a robust set of tools for imaging dopaminergic activity under a variety of physiological and pathological conditions.

Low-frequency magnetic field therapy for glioblastoma: Current advances, mechanisms, challenges and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumour of the central nervous system. Despite recent advances in multimodal GBM therapy incorporating surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy (chemotherapy, targeted therapy), and supportive care, the overall survival (OS) remains poor, and long-term survival is rare. Currently, the primary obstacles hindering the effectiveness of GBM treatment are still the blood-brain barrier and tumor heterogeneity. In light of its substantial advantages over conventional therapies, such as strong penetrative ability and minimal side effects, low-frequency magnetic fields (LF-MFs) therapy has gradually caught the attention of scientists.

AIM OF REVIEW

In this review, we shed the light on the current status of applying LF-MFs in the treatment of GBM. We specifically emphasize our current understanding of the mechanisms by which LF-MFs mediate anticancer effects and the challenges faced by LF-MFs in treating GBM cells. Furthermore, we discuss the prospective applications of magnetic field therapy in the future treatment of GBM. Key scientific concepts of review: The review explores the current progress on the use of LF-MFs in the treatment of GBM with a special focus on the potential underlying mechanisms of LF-MFs in anticancer effects. Additionally, we also discussed the complex magnetic field features and biological characteristics related to magnetic bioeffects. Finally, we proposed a promising magnetic field treatment strategy for future applications in GBM therapy.

Long Non-Coding RNA-Cardiac-Inducing RNA 6 Mediates Repair of Infarcted Hearts by Inducing Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation into Cardiogenic Cells through Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1

This study aims to investigate the induction effect of LncRNA-CIR6 on MSC differentiation into cardiogenic cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition to pretreatment with Ro-3306 (a CDK1 inhibitor), LncRNA-CIR6 was transfected into BMSCs and hUCMSCs using jetPRIME. LncRNA-CIR6 was further transfected into the hearts of C57BL/6 mice via 100 μL of AAV9-cTnT-LncRNA-CIR6-ZsGreen intravenous injection. After three weeks of transfection followed by AMI surgery, hUCMSCs (5 × 105/100 μL) were injected intravenously one week later. Cardiac function was evaluated using VEVO 2100 and electric mapping nine days after cell injection. Immunofluorescence, Evans blue-TTC, Masson staining, FACS, and Western blotting were employed to determine relevant indicators. LncRNA-CIR6 induced a significant percentage of differentiation in BMSCs (83.00 ± 0.58)% and hUCMSCs (95.43 ± 2.13)% into cardiogenic cells, as determined by the expression of cTnT using immunofluorescence and FACS. High cTNT expression was observed in MSCs after transfection with LncRNA-CIR6 by Western blotting. Compared with the MI group, cardiac contraction and conduction function in MI hearts treated with LncRNA-CIR6 or combined with MSCs injection groups were significantly increased, and the areas of MI and fibrosis were significantly lower. The transcriptional expression region of LncRNA-CIR6 was on Chr17 from 80209290 to 80209536. The functional region of LncRNA-CIR6 was located at nucleotides 0-50/190-255 in the sequence. CDK1, a protein found to be related to the proliferation and differentiation of cardiomyocytes, was located in the functional region of the LncRNA-CIR6 secondary structure (from 0 to 17). Ro-3306 impeded the differentiation of MSCs into cardiogenic cells, while MSCs transfected with LncRNA-CIR6 showed a high expression of CDK1. LncRNA-CIR6 mediates the repair of infarcted hearts by inducing MSC differentiation into cardiogenic cells through CDK1.

The Toxoplasma monocarboxylate transporters are involved in the metabolism within the apicoplast and are linked to parasite survival

The apicoplast is a four-membrane plastid found in the apicomplexans, which harbors biosynthesis and organelle housekeeping activities in the matrix. However, the mechanism driving the flux of metabolites, in and out, remains unknown. Here, we used TurboID and genome engineering to identify apicoplast transporters in Toxoplasma gondii. Among the many novel transporters, we show that one pair of apicomplexan monocarboxylate transporters (AMTs) appears to have evolved from a putative host cell that engulfed a red alga. Protein depletion showed that AMT1 and AMT2 are critical for parasite growth. Metabolite analyses supported the notion that AMT1 and AMT2 are associated with biosynthesis of isoprenoids and fatty acids. However, stronger phenotypic defects were observed for AMT2, including in the inability to establish T. gondii parasite virulence in mice. This study clarifies, significantly, the mystery of apicoplast transporter composition and reveals the importance of the pair of AMTs in maintaining the apicoplast activity in apicomplexans.

The plant-like protein phosphatase PPKL regulates parasite replication and morphology in Toxoplasma gondii

BACKGROUND

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii encodes dozens of phosphatases, among which a plant-like phosphatase absent from mammalian genomes named PPKL, which is involved in regulating brassinosteroid signaling in Arabidopsis, was identified in the genome. Among the Apicomplexa parasites, T. gondii is an important and representative pathogen in humans and animals. PPKL was previously identified to modulate the apical integrity and morphology of the ookinetes and parasite motility and transmission in another important parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. However, the exact function of PPKL in the asexual stages of T. gondii remains unknown.

METHODS

The plant auxin-inducible degron (AID) system was applied to dissect the phenotypes of PPKL in T. gondii. We first analyzed the phenotypes of the AID parasites at an induction time of 24 h, by staining of different organelles using their corresponding markers. These analyses were further conducted for the parasites grown in auxin for 6 and 12 h using a quantitative approach and for the type II strain ME49 of AID parasites. To further understand the phenotypes, the potential protein interactions were analyzed using a proximity biotin labeling approach. The essential role of PPKL in parasite replication was revealed.

RESULTS

PPKL is localized in the apical region and nucleus and partially distributed in the cytoplasm of the parasite. The phenotyping of PPKL showed its essentiality for parasite replication and morphology. Further dissections demonstrate that PPKL is required for the maturation of daughter parasites in the mother cells, resulting in multiple nuclei in a single parasite. The phenotype of the daughter parasites and parasite morphology were observed in another type of T. gondii strain ME49. The substantial defect in parasite replication and morphology could be rescued by genetic complementation, thus supporting its essential function for PPKL in the formation of parasites. The protein interaction analysis showed the potential interaction of PPKL with diverse proteins, thus explaining the importance of PPKL in the parasite.

CONCLUSIONS

PPKL plays an important role in the formation of daughter parasites, revealing its subtle involvement in the proper maturation of the daughter parasites during division. Our detailed analysis also demonstrated that depletion of PPKL resulted in elongated tubulin fibers in the parasites. The important roles in the parasites are potentially attributed to the protein interaction mediated by kelch domains on the protein. Taken together, these findings contribute to our understanding of a key phosphatase involved in parasite replication, suggesting the potential of this phosphatase as a pharmaceutic target.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Awareness of Tuberculosis Control Among Post-Treatment Tuberculosis Patients in a City in China

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate awareness of tuberculosis control among post-treatment tuberculosis patients, in order to provide a basis for future preventive and control work in this population.

Patients and Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on post-treatment patients with tuberculosis in seven districts of Jinan City between July 2021 and December 2022. A face-to-face or telephone interviews using structured questionnaires for the research subjects were conducted by data collectors. Analyses were carried out first for all subjects, and then separately for male and female subjects.

Results

A total of 837 valid questionnaires were collected, of which 495 were males and 342 were females. The awareness rate of the core TB knowledge was 82.46%. The ≥65 year group in the total group (OR=0.43, 95% CI: (0.28, 0.68)), male (OR=0.47, 95% CI: (0.27, 0.83)) and female group (OR=0.40, 95% CI: (0.19, 0.86)) was lower than that of the control group. Educational level and monthly income are the main factors of TB cognition in total group. People with university or higher education (OR=2.05, 95% CI: (1.38, 3.05)) and with a monthly income of ≥6,000 (OR=1.89, 95% CI: (1.10, 3.25)) had a higher awareness rate. The group with current residence in the city was more aware than the reference group.

Conclusion

In the future, the communication of the main transmission route, suspicious symptoms, and cure of TB needs to be strengthened for the post-treatment TB patients. The elderly, those with secondary school education or below, agricultural workers and low-income people are the groups with weak knowledge of TB, and they are also the groups that need to be focused on health education. The above information should be focused on the above groups of people in order to educate them in a way that is easily acceptable to them.

Clinical features, laboratory findings and treatment of juxtaglomerular cell tumors: a systemic review

Juxtaglomerular cell tumors (JGCTs) or reninoma are rare kidney tumors leading to secondary hypertension, and the non-specific clinical manifestations bring about challenges to the diagnosis. This study is to summarize the clinical features, laboratory findings, and treatment of JGCTs. The PubMed, EMBASE database, and manual search were utilized to find all cases, and 158 reports containing 261 patients were identified. Data on patients' demographics, clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment options were collected and analyzed. JGCTs occurred predominantly in female patients (female to male ratio, 2.1:1). The median age of patients was 25 years (IQR:18-34 years). Hypertension (97.24%) was the cardinal manifestation. Hypokalemia was reported in 78.71% (159/202) of subjects, and normal serum potassium accounted for 20.79% (42/202). In cases with assessed plasma renin activity (PRA) levels, the median PRA was 7.89 times the upper limit of normal (IQR:3.58-14.41), and 3.82% (5/131) of cases in the normal range. Tumors were detected in 97.8% (175/179) computed tomography (CT), 94.7% (72/76) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 81.5% (110/135) ultrasound, respectively. For 250/261 patients undergoing surgical procedures, 89.14% (197/221), 94.94% (150/158), and 100% (131/131) of patients were restored to normal blood pressure, PRA, and serum potassium, respectively. JGCTs are commonly associated with hypertension, hypokalemia, and hyperreninemia, whereas patients with normotension, normokalemia, and PRA should be systematically pursued after drug-elution lasting for 2 weeks. CT and MRI are more sensitive imaging diagnostic methods. The blood pressure and biochemical parameters of most patients returned to normal after surgery.

[IL-1β inhibits macrophage M2 polarization by down-regulating CD200 expression in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells]

Objective To investigate the regulation of IL-1β on the expression of CD200 in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs), its role in macrophage polarization and the underlying mechanism. Methods hUC-MSCs were isolated and cultured in serum-free medium. Morphological observation and the expressions of CD73, CD90, CD105, CD14, CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR were detected by flow cytometry to confirm the properties of mesenchymal stem cells. hUC-MSCs were treated with IL-1β at the final concentration of 20 ng/mL for 24 hours. The proportion of CD200 positive cells was measured by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect CD200 mRNA and protein expression levels. hUC-MSCs infected with CD200 overexpression (OE-CD200) and its negative control (OE-NC) lectin virus were treated with IL-1β and co-cultured with PMA-activated THP-1 macrophages. The proportion of CD11c and CD206 positive cells was measured by flow cytometry. hUC-MSCs were treated with IL-1β in combination with PD98059, and the expression of MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins and its effect on CD200 expression were detected by Western blot analysis. Results IL-1β significantly down-regulated the expression of CD200 protein and the proportion of CD200 positive cells. Overexpression of CD200 significantly up-regulated the expression of CD200 in hUC-MSCs, and increased the proportion of CD206-positive macrophages. IL-1β activated the ERK1/2 signaling pathway in hUC-MSCs, and PD98059 up-regulated the expression of CD200 protein in hUC-MSCs treated with IL-1β. Conclusion IL-1β inhibits the expression of CD200 by activating ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and reduces the immunosuppressive effect of hUC-MSCs on regulating the M2-type polarization of macrophages.

Ratiometric electrochemical biosensor based on lateral movement of multi-pedal DNA tetrahedron machine on biomimetic interface

In this work, a lateral moving multi-pedal DNA tetrahedron machine (MTM) is designed and coupled with dual-signal output system to construct a biomimetic electrochemical ratiometric strategy for ultrasensitive target DNA analysis. The tetrahedral structure provided rigid support for the pedal, ensuring efficient replacement of the rail chain modified with ferrocene. By conjugating cholesterol molecules to one vertex of MTM, it is decorated on a lipid bilayer. This molecular architecture confers lateral movement of MTM on an electrode surface while prevents its detachment from the system. The methylene blue tagged hairpin probe provides constant power to support MTM swim on lipid bilayer. Compared with the conventional motion mode, the lateral moving mechanism has the fastest reaction rate and the highest signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, the dual-signal reporting system further improves the accuracy of target detection on the basis of ensuring motion efficiency. The work improved movement efficiency and shortened time fragment. A linear relationship between the ratio value of two reporters and target DNA concentration was observed from 0.5 fM to 50 pM with a detection limit of 28 aM. The lateral motion mode of DNA machine coalescing with ratiometric system made this sensing platform ultrasensitive and accurate, which holds new avenue of early diagnosis.

The therapeutic effects of saikosaponins on depression through the modulation of neuroplasticity: From molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications

Depression is a major global health issue that urgently requires innovative and precise treatment options. In this context, saikosaponin has emerged as a promising candidate, offering a variety of therapeutic benefits that may be effective in combating depression. This review delves into the multifaceted potential of saikosaponins in alleviating depressive symptoms. We summarized the effects of saikosaponins on structural and functional neuroplasticity, elaborated the regulatory mechanism of saikosaponins in modulating key factors that affect neuroplasticity, such as inflammation, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, oxidative stress, and the brain-gut axis. Moreover, this paper highlights existing gaps in current researches and outlines directions for future studies. A detailed plan is provided for the future clinical application of saikosaponins, advocating for more targeted researches to speed up its transition from preclinical trials to clinical practice.

Porous Titanium Scaffolds with Mechanoelectrical Conversion and Photothermal Function: A Win-Win Strategy for Bone Reconstruction of Tumor-Resected Defects

Bone metastases severely threaten the lives of patients. Although surgical treatment combined with adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improves the survival rate of patients, tumor recurrence, or metastasis after surgical resection and bone defects caused by surgical treatment remain major challenges for clinicians. Given the abovementioned clinical requirements, barium titanate-containing iron-coated porous titanium alloy scaffolds have been proposed to promote bone defect repair and inhibit tumor recurrence. Fortunately, in vitro and in vivo experimental research confirms that barium titanate containing iron-coated porous titanium alloy scaffolds promote osteogenesis and bone reconstruction in defect repair via mechanoelectric conversion and inhibit tumor recurrence via photothermal effects. Furthermore, the underlying and intricate mechanisms of bone defect repair and tumor recurrence prevention of barium titanate-containing iron-coated porous titanium alloy scaffolds are explored. A win-win strategy for mechanoelectrical conversion and photothermal functionalization provides promising insights into bone reconstruction of tumor-resected defects.

Tumor diagnosis using carbon-based quantum dots: Detection based on the hallmarks of cancer

Carbon-based quantum dots (CQDs) have been shown to have promising application value in tumor diagnosis. Their use, however, is severely hindered by the complicated nature of the nanostructures in the CQDs. Furthermore, it seems impossible to formulate the mechanisms involved using the inadequate theoretical frameworks that are currently available for CQDs. In this review, we re-consider the structure-property relationships of CQDs and summarize the current state of development of CQDs-based tumor diagnosis based on biological theories that are fully developed. The advantages and deficiencies of recent research on CQDs-based tumor diagnosis are thus explained in terms of the manifestation of nine essential changes in cell physiology. This review makes significant progress in addressing related problems encountered with other nanomaterials.

Extracting double-quantum coherence in two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy under pump-probe geometry

Two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES) can be implemented with different geometries, e.g., BOXCARS, collinear, and pump-probe geometries. The pump-probe geometry has the advantage of overlapping only two beams and reducing phase cycling steps. However, its applications are typically limited to observing the dynamics with single-quantum coherence and population, leaving the challenge to measure the dynamics of the double-quantum (2Q) coherence, which reflects the many-body interactions. We demonstrate an experimental technique in 2DES under pump-probe geometry with a designed pulse sequence and the signal processing method to extract 2Q coherence. In the designed pulse sequence, with the probe pulse arriving earlier than the pump pulses, our measured signal includes the 2Q signal as well as the zero-quantum signal. With phase cycling and data processing using causality enforcement, we extract the 2Q signal. The proposal is demonstrated with rubidium atoms. We observe the collective resonances of two-body dipole-dipole interactions in both the D1 and D2 lines.

AI-enhanced biomedical micro/nanorobots in microfluidics

Human beings encompass sophisticated microcirculation and microenvironments, incorporating a broad spectrum of microfluidic systems that adopt fundamental roles in orchestrating physiological mechanisms. In vitro recapitulation of human microenvironments based on lab-on-a-chip technology represents a critical paradigm to better understand the intricate mechanisms. Moreover, the advent of micro/nanorobotics provides brand new perspectives and dynamic tools for elucidating the complex process in microfluidics. Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) has endowed micro/nanorobots (MNRs) with unprecedented benefits, such as material synthesis, optimal design, fabrication, and swarm behavior. Using advanced AI algorithms, the motion control, environment perception, and swarm intelligence of MNRs in microfluidics are significantly enhanced. This emerging interdisciplinary research trend holds great potential to propel biomedical research to the forefront and make valuable contributions to human health. Herein, we initially introduce the AI algorithms integral to the development of MNRs. We briefly revisit the components, designs, and fabrication techniques adopted by robots in microfluidics with an emphasis on the application of AI. Then, we review the latest research pertinent to AI-enhanced MNRs, focusing on their motion control, sensing abilities, and intricate collective behavior in microfluidics. Furthermore, we spotlight biomedical domains that are already witnessing or will undergo game-changing evolution based on AI-enhanced MNRs. Finally, we identify the current challenges that hinder the practical use of the pioneering interdisciplinary technology.

Expression of GPX4 by oncolytic vaccinia virus can significantly enhance CD8+T cell function and its impact against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently difficult to treat, even when therapies are combined with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). A novel strategy for immunotherapy would be to maximize the therapeutic potential of oncolytic viruses (OVs), which have been proven to engage the regulation of tumor microenvironment (TME) and cause-specific T-cell responses. To boost tumor sensitivity to ICB therapy, this study aimed to investigate how glutathione peroxide 4 (GPX4)-loaded OVs affect CD8+ T cells and repair the immunosuppressive environment. Here, we successfully constructed a novel recombinant oncolytic vaccinia virus (OVV) encoding the mouse GPX4 gene. We found the OVV-GPX4 effectively replicated in tumor cells and prompted the expression of GPX4 in T cells. Our research indicated that OVV-GPX4 could reshape the TME, rectify the depletion of CD8+T cells, and enhance the antitumor effects of ICB therapy.

Meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia is a common global disease. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal repair (RTAPP) and laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair (LTAPP) for inguinal hernia.

METHODS

We conducted a thorough search in Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed for relevant clinical studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the quality of selected studies was assessed using the Jadad scale for randomized controlled studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of ten studies were included, comprising two randomized controlled studies and eight non-randomized controlled studies. Meta-analysis results revealed no statistically significant differences between the RTAPP group and the LTAPP group regarding hospital stay [MD = 0.21 days, 95% CI (-0.09, 0.51), P = 0.17], incidence of seroma [OR = 0.85, 95% CI(0.45, 1.59), P = 0.61], overall complication rate [OR = 1.22, 95% CI(0.68, 2.18), P = 0.51], readmission rate [OR = 1.31, 95% CI(0.23, 7.47), P = 0.76], and recurrence rate [OR = 0.82, 95% CI(0.22, 3.07), P = 0.77]. However, the RTAPP group had longer operation time compared to the LTAPP group [MD = 14.02 minutes, 95% CI (6.65, 21.39), P = 0.0002], and the cost of the RTAPP procedure was higher than that of the LTAPP procedure [MD = $4.17 thousand, 95% CI (2.59, 5.76), P<0.00001].

CONCLUSION

RTAPP for inguinal hernia is a safe and feasible approach, however, it is associated with increased operation time and treatment costs.

Biomimetic Lung-Targeting Nanoparticles with Antioxidative and Nrf2 Activating Properties for Treating Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Acute Lung Injury

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) has a high mortality rate. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in causing cellular damage and death in IR-induced ALI. In this work, we developed a biomimetic lung-targeting nanoparticle (PC@MB) as an antioxidative lung protector for treating IR-induced ALI. PC@MBs showed excellent ROS scavenging and Nrf2 activation properties, along with a lung-targeting function through autologous cell membrane coating. The PC@MBs exhibited an impressive antioxidative and pulmonary protective role via redox homeostasis recovery through Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 activation. PC@MBs could maintain cell viability by effectively scavenging the intracellular ROS and restoring the redox equilibrium in the lesion. In the IR mouse model, the PC@MBs preferentially accumulated in the lung and distinctly repaired the pneumonic damage. Our strategy has the potential to offer a promising therapeutic paradigm for treating IR-induced ALI through the incorporation of different therapeutic mechanisms.

Symmetry-Triggered Tunable Phosphorescence Lifetime of Graphene Quantum Dots in a Solid State

Studying the phosphorescent mechanisms of carbon nanostructures synthesized by the "bottom-up" approach is key to understanding the structure modulation and the interfacial properties of carbon nanostructures. In this work, the relationships among symmetry of precursors in the "bottom-up" synthesis, structures of products, and phosphorescence lifetimes of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are studied. The symmetry matching of precursors in the formation of a D6h graphene-like framework is considered the key factor in controlling the separability of sp2 domains in GQDs. As the separability of sp2 domains in GQDs increases, the phosphorescence lifetimes (14.8-125.5 ms) of GQDs in the solid state can be tuned. Machine learning is used to define the degree of disorder (S) of the GQD structure, which quantitatively describes the different space groups of precursors. The negative correlation between S and the oscillator strength of GQDs is uncovered. Therefore, S can be recognized as reflective of oscillator strength in the GQD structure. Finally, based on the correlations found between the structures and phosphorescence lifetimes of GQDs, GQDs with an ultralong phosphorescence lifetime (28.5 s) are obtained. Moreover, GQDs with visible phosphorescence emission (435-618 nm) are synthesized.

A dual-ligand lanthanide-based metal-organic framework for highly selective and sensitive colorimetric detection of Fe2

Accumulation of heavy metals in humans and mammals causes health problems due to their abundance as transition metal ions. Iron (Fe2+) serves significantly in numerous biological processes as a heavy metal ion. In this study, we have designed and prepared a metal-organic framework (MOF) utilizing a one-step solvothermal process, incorporating a dual-ligand combination of terephthalic acid (H2BDC) and α,α',α''-tert-pyridine (TPY) with Eu3+ as the metal node. For this MOF, we termed it Eu-BDC/TPY. Eu-BDC/TPY has superior selectivity over other metal cations. It provides an accurate, sensitive, broad linear range colorimetric method for detecting Fe2+ in a concentration range of 1-50 μM with a modest limit of detection (0.33 μM). Eu-BDC/TPY detects the absence of Fe2+ quickly (within 5 seconds), which is very valuable in practical applications. In addition, the results can be used to create a digital image colorimetric card (DIC) using colorimetric software, enabling instantaneous detection of Fe2+ concentration using a smartphone.

Cortical structure and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Current observational studies indicate progressive brain atrophy is closely associated with the clinical feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, it is unclear whether the changes in cortical structure are the cause or result of ALS. Our study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between cortical structure and ALS risk using a bidirectional two-sample MR study.

METHODS

We collected publicly available genome-wide association studies' summary statistics for cortical structure from UK Biobank and ENIGMA consortium (n = 33,992) and ALS from the Project MinE (n = 138,086). We used the inverse variance weighted method (IVW) as primary analysis in order to evaluate the causal effects. In addition, the weighted median and MR Egger methods were performed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the IVW results.

RESULTS

We found the decreased surface of the paracentral lobule and thickness of the frontal pole and middle temporal lobe were suggestively associated with an increased risk of ALS as well as the increased surface of medial orbitofrontal and middle temporal lobe. In another aspect, the causalities between the susceptibility to ALS and the volume of the transverse temporal gyrus and superior temporal gyrus were negative. Besides, the susceptibility to ALS might also contribute to an increased thickness of the postcentral gyrus and superior parietal gyrus.

CONCLUSION

In this two-sample MR analysis, we observed that multiple cortical brain regions are associated with a higher ALS risk. Further research into the underlying mechanisms is required to back up our findings.

Ratiometric electrochemical determination of hydroxyl radical based on graphite paper modified with metal-organic frameworks and impregnated with salicylic acid

Hydroxyl radical (•OH) detection is pivotal in medicine, biochemistry and environmental chemistry. Yet, electrochemical method-specific detection is challenging because of hydroxyl radicals' high reactivity and short half-life. In this study, we aimed to modify the electrode surface with a specific recognition probe for •OH. To achieve this, we conducted a one-step hydrothermal process to fabricate a CoZnMOF bimetallic organic framework directly onto conductive graphite paper (Gp). Subsequently, we introduced salicylic acid (SA) and methylene blue (MB), which easily penetrated the pores of CoZnMOF. By selectively capturing •OH by SA and leveraging the electrochemical signal generated by the reaction product, we successfully developed an electrochemical sensor Gp/CoZnMOF/SA + MB. The prepared sensor exhibited a good linear relationship with •OH concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 1200 nM, with a detection limit of 0.2 nM. Additionally, the sensor demonstrated excellent reproducibility and accuracy due to the incorporation of an internal reference. It exhibited remarkable selectivity for •OH detection, unaffected by other electrochemically active substances. The establishment of this sensor provides a way to construct MOF-modified sensors for the selective detection of other reactive oxygen species (ROS), offering a valuable experimental basis for ROS-related disease research and environmental safety investigations.

Balance of Gata3 and Ramp2 in hepatocytes regulates hepatic vascular reconstitution in postoperative liver regeneration

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) leads to poor prognosis in patients undergoing hepatectomy, with hepatic vascular reconstitution playing a critical role. However, the regulators of hepatic vascular reconstitution remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of hepatic vascular reconstitution and identify biomarkers predicting PHLF in patients undergoing hepatectomy.

METHODS

Candidate genes that were associated with hepatic vascular reconstitution were screened using adeno-associated virus vectors in Alb-Cre-CRISPR/Cas9 mice subjected to partial hepatectomy. The biological activities of candidate genes were estimated using endothelial precursor transfusion and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) models. The level of candidates was detected in biopsies from patients undergoing ALPPS. Risk factors for PHLF were also screened using retrospective data.

RESULTS

Downregulation of Gata3 and upregulation of Ramp2 in hepatocytes promoted the proliferation of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic revascularization. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) played opposite roles in regulating the migration of endothelial precursors from bone marrow and the formation of new sinusoids after hepatectomy. Gata3 restricted endothelial cell function in patient-derived hepatic organoids, which was abrogated by a Gata3 inhibitor. Moreover, overexpression of Gata3 led to higher mortality in ALPPS mice, which was improved by a PEDF-neutralizing antibody. The expression of Gata3/RAMP and PEDF/VEGFA tended to have a negative correlation in patients undergoing ALPPS. A nomogram incorporating multiple factors, such as serum PEDF/VEGF index, was constructed and could efficiently predict the risk of PHLF.

CONCLUSIONS

The balance of Gata3 and Ramp2 in hepatocytes regulates the proliferation of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic revascularization via changes in the expression of PEDF and VEGFA, revealing potential targets for the prevention and treatment of PHLF.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

In this study, we show that the balance of Gata3 and Ramp2 in hepatocytes regulates hepatic vascular reconstitution by promoting a shift from pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) to vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression during hepatectomy- or ALLPS (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy)-induced liver regeneration. We also identified serum PEDF/VEGFA index as a potential predictor of post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients who underwent hepatectomy. This study improves our understanding of how hepatocytes contribute to liver regeneration and provides new targets for the prevention and treatment of post-hepatectomy liver failure.

Berberine promotes lacteal junction zippering and ameliorates diet-induced obesity through the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Obesity has emerged as a global epidemic. Recent research has indicated that diet-induced obesity can be prevented by promoting lacteal junction zippering. Berberine, which is derived from natural plants, is found to be promising in weight reduction, but the underlying mechanism remains unspecified.

PURPOSE

To determine whether berberine protects against obesity by regulating the lacteal junction and to explore potential molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Following the induction of the diet-induced obese (DIO) model, mice were administered low and high doses of berberine for 4 weeks. Indicators associated with insulin resistance and lipid metabolism were examined. Various methods, such as Oil Red O staining, transmission electron microscopy imaging, confocal imaging and others were used to observe the effects of berberine on lipid absorption and the lacteal junction. In vitro, human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs) were used to investigate the effect of berberine on LEC junctions. Western Blot and immunostaining were applied to determine the expression levels of relevant molecules.

RESULTS

Both low and high doses of berberine reduced body weight in DIO mice without appetite suppression and ameliorated glucolipid metabolism disorders. We also found that the weight loss effect of berberine might contribute to the inhibition of small intestinal lipid absorption. The possible mechanism was related to the promotion of lacteal junction zippering via suppressing the ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway. In vitro, berberine also promoted the formation of stable mature junctions in HDLECs, involving the same signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Berberine could promote lacteal junction zippering and ameliorate diet-induced obesity through the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

The Beaumont behavioral intervention in a Chinese amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohort

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of behavior impairment (27.38%) in the Chinese amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cohort is lower. We hypothesize that the screening scales used among studies might not be appropriate to diagnose behavioral disorders in ALS patients. So, we urgently need to find a behavior scale with a high detection rate designed specifically for ALS. This study aims to verify the Chinese translation of the Beaumont Behavioral Inventory (BBI) as an effective assessment in a Chinese ALS cohort.

METHODS

Ninety-eighty ALS patients and ninety-three healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants took emotional state, overall cognitive, sleep quality and gastroenteric function, and behavioral evaluation.

RESULTS

The BBI scores showed a strong association with the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Frontotemporal Dementia-Questionnaire (ALS-FTD-Q) (rs = 0.71, p < 0.001) as well as a moderate correlation with the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) (rs = 0.55, p < 0.001). High internal consistency was demonstrated in patients using BBI-after items (Cronbach's a = 0.89). When tested against clinical diagnoses, the optimal cutoff of total BBI score was identified at 5.5 (AUC = 0.95; SE = 0.02; 95% CI [0.91, 0.99]), the BBI reached optimal sensitivity and specificity values (91.5% and 87.2%). The BBI turned out to be more precise than the FBI (AUC = 0.76; SE = 0.05; 95% CI [0.66, 0.86]) and the ALS-FTD-Q (AUC = 0.84; SE = 0.04; 95% CI [0.77, 0.92]).

CONCLUSION

The Chinese version of BBI is a quicker and more efficient instrument for assessing behavioral impairment in the ALS population in China.

Exploring multistep bischofite waste pyrolysis: insights from advanced kinetic analysis and thermogravimetric techniques

Pyrolysis technology is crucial for realizing waste bischofite resource utilization. However, previous studies overlooked the complexity of multistep pyrolysis, resulting in a lack of thorough knowledge of the pyrolysis behavior and kinetics. The pyrolysis products were characterized using XRD and FTIR to indicate the bischofite pyrolysis behavior. Additionally, the multistep kinetics was studied using the segmented single-step reaction (SSSR) and Fraser-Suzuki combined kinetic (FSCK) methods. The results show that the bischofite pyrolysis is divided into dehydration and hydrolysis. The former refers to removing crystalline water from MgCl2·nH2O (n = 4,6). At the same time, the latter is related to the removal of HCl, characterized by the strengthening of the Mg-O bond in the FTIR analysis and the emergence of MgOHCl·1.5H2O in the XRD examination. The two main stages are divided into three dehydration reactions (D-1, D-2, D-3) and three hydrolysis reactions (H-1, H-2, H-3) by DTG-DDTG or Fraser-Suzuki deconvolution. Compared with the SSSR method, the FSCK method has improved model repeatability for multistep kinetic parameters. Following Fraser-Suzuki deconvolution, the FSCK method creates almost the same activation energy results when using the Friedman (FR), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), and Vyazovkin (VZK). This work provides fundamental data to promote the maximizing waste bischofite resource utilization.

Development and application of a multiplex PCR method for the simultaneous detection of goose parvovirus, waterfowl reovirus, and goose astrovirus in Muscovy ducks

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed to detect and distinguish goose parvovirus (GPV), waterfowl reovirus (WRV), and goose astrovirus (GAstV). Three pairs of primers were designed based on conserved regions in the genomic sequences of these enteric viruses and were used to specifically amplify targeted fragments of 493 bp from the viral protein 3 (VP3) gene of GPV, 300 bp from the sigma A-encoding gene of WRV, and 156 bp from the capsid protein-encoding gene of GAstV. The results showed that the primers can specifically amplify target fragments, without any cross-amplification with other viruses, indicating that the method had good specificity. A sensitivity test showed that the detection limit of the multiplex PCR method was 1 × 103 viral copies. A total of 102 field samples from Muscovy ducks with clinically suspected diseases were evaluated using the newly developed multiplex PCR method. The ratio of positive samples to total samples for GPV, WRV, and GAstV was 73.53% (75/102) for multiplex PCR and was 73.53% (75/102) for routine PCR. Seventy-five positive samples were detected by both methods, for a coincidence ratio of 100%. This multiplex PCR method can simultaneously detect GPV, WRV, and GAstV, which are associated with viral enteritis, thereby providing a specific, sensitive, efficient, and accurate new tool for clinical diagnosis and laboratory epidemiological investigations.

Genetic variation in targets of lipid-lowering drugs and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

The use of lipid-lowering drugs is still highly controversial in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We performed a drug-target Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the effect of targeted lipid-lowering drugs on the risk of ALS.

METHODS

First, we evaluated the causal relationship between HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors-taking trait and ALS using a bidirectional two-sample MR study. Second, we investigated the causal relationship between lipid-lowering drugs and ALS through a drug-target MR approach. The summary data for HMGCR inhibitors-taking traits were extracted from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of medication use and associated disease in the UK Biobank. The summary data for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were extracted from a meta-analysis of GWAS in individuals of European ancestry in the UKB. The GWAS summary data of ALS were obtained from the Project MinE.

RESULTS

Our bidirectional two-sample MR showed that genetically determined increased HMGCR inhibitors-taking trait was an independent risk factor for ALS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.090, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.035-1.150, p = 0.001). The results of drug-target MR showed that the increased expression of the HMGCR gene in blood with the higher risk of ALS (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01-1.46; p = 0.042) through SMR method and the apoB level mediated by the APOB gene increased the risk of ALS (OR = 1.15; 95% CI =1.05-1.25; p = 0.001) through inverse-variance weighted MR method.

CONCLUSION

This present study provides genetic support for a positive causal effect of HMGCR inhibitors-taking trait and ALS. The reason for this may be due to the underlying disease condition behind the medication, rather than the medication itself. Our findings also suggested that HMGCR and apoB inhibitors may have potential protective effects on ALS.

miR-214-3p promotes the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease by inhibiting autophagy

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuron death in the substantia nigra, leading to motor dysfunction. Autophagy dysregulation has been implicated in PD pathogenesis. This study explores the role of miR-214-3p in PD, focusing on its impact on autophagy and dopaminergic neuron viability. Using in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrate that miR-214-3p inhibits autophagy and promotes dopaminergic neuron apoptosis. Behavioral assessments and molecular analyses reveal exacerbation of PD symptoms upon miR-214-3p overexpression. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations identify ATG3 as a target, shedding light on miR-214-3p's regulatory role in autophagy. These findings enhance our understanding of PD pathogenesis and propose miR-214-3p as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for modulating autophagy and neuronal survival in PD.

Fast proton transport enables the magnetic relaxation response of graphene quantum dots for monitoring the oxidative environment in vivo

A magnetic relaxation switch (MRS) that targets small molecules such as H2O2 is difficult to realize because of the small size of the targets, which cannot gather enough MRS probes to form aggregates and generate a difference in magnetic relaxation times. Therefore, the development of small molecule-targeted MRS is strongly dependent on changes in the interfacial structure of the probe, which modulates the proton transport behavior near the probe. Herein, functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) consisting of GQDs with disulfide bonds, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and paramagnetic Gd3+ were used as the MRS probe to sense H2O2. The structure of GQDs changed after reacting with H2O2. The PEG assembled a tube for transmitting changes in GQDs via proton transport and thus enabled the magnetic relaxation response of the probe towards H2O2. Pentaethylene glycol was experimentally and theoretically proven to have the strongest ability to transport protons. Such a probe can be applied in the differentiation of healthy and senescent cells/tissues using in vitro fluorescent imaging and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging. This work provides a reliable solution for building a proton transport route, which not only enables the response of the MRS probe towards the targets but also demonstrates the design of carbon nanostructures with proton transport behaviors.

Comparative hemolymph proteomic analyses of the freezing and resistance-freezing Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)

The Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is one of the most harmful pests of maize in Asia. It poses a significant threat to maize production, causing economic losses due to its strong ecological adaptation. In this study, we compared and analyzed the hemolymph proteome between freezing and resistance-freezing O. furnacalis strains using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to gain insights into the mechanisms of cold resistance. The results revealed that 300-400 hemolymph protein spots were common, with 24 spots showing differences between the two strains. Spectrometry analysis revealed 21 protein spots, including 17 upregulated spots and 4 downregulated ones. The expression of upregulation/downregulation proteins plays a crucial role in the metabolism, energy supply, and defense reaction of insects. Proteomics research not only provides a method for investigating protein expression patterns but also identifies numerous attractive candidates for further exploration.

Exploring the transformative power of blended learning for Business English majors in China (2012-2022) - A bibliometric voyage

This paper thoroughly examines the time distribution, author collaboration, research institutions, research hotspots, theme clustering, and research changes and trends based on 345 CNKI literatures in the field of blended learning for Business English majors in China from 2012 to 2022. It reveals that: Research on blended learning for Business English majors in China from 2012 to 2022 can be divided into Steady Start Stage (2012-2017), Rapid Growth Stage (2018-2020) and Stable Development Stage (2021-2022). High-frequency keywords such as blended teaching mode, MOOC, flipped classroom, SPOC, etc. are hotspots of current scholars' attention. The themes of research on blended learning of business English majors in China mainly include Teaching Reform of Business English Majors, Exploration of Blended Teaching Mode and Design, and Application of Internet Teaching Platform. "Teaching Reform", "Online and Offline", "Application of Smart Platform" are the current research frontier issues in the development of blended learning for Business English majors in China. In general, China's research on blended learning for business English majors has achieved fruitful results under China's policies. Future research should concentrate on the construction of a technology environment for blended learning between learners, a variety of intelligent learning tools and mobile devices, and should be steadily bolstered in the field of blended learning for business English majors, particularly in practical application, effectiveness analysis, distance education, training and continuing education, innovation education, etc.

Cross-phase modulation in two-dimensional spectroscopy

Developing from transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy, two-dimensional (2D) spectroscopy with pump-probe geometry has emerged as a versatile approach for alleviating the difficulty in implementing 2D spectroscopy with other geometries. However, the presence of cross-phase modulation (XPM) in TA spectroscopy introduces significant spectral distortions, particularly when the pump and probe pulses overlap. We demonstrate that this phenomenon is extended to the 2D spectroscopy with pump-probe geometry and the XPM is induced by the interference of the two pump pulses. We present the oscillatory behavior of XPM in the 2D spectrum and its displacement with respect to the waiting time delay through both experimental measurements and numerical simulations. Additionally, we explore the influence of probe pulse chirp on XPM and discover that by compressing the chirp, the impact of XPM on the desired signal can be reduced.

Spatial multimodal analysis revealed tertiary lymphoid structures as a risk stratification indicator in combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma

The microenvironment created by tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) can support and regulate immune responses, affecting the prognosis and immune treatment of patients. Nevertheless, the actual importance of TLSs for predicting the prognosis of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) patients remains unclear. Herein, using spatial transcriptomic analysis, we revealed that a gene signature of TLSs specific to cHCC-CCA was associated with high-intensity immune infiltration. Then, a novel scoring system was developed to evaluate the distribution and frequency of TLSs in intra-tumoral and extra-tumoral regions (iTLS and eTLS scores) in 146 cHCC-CCA patients. iTLS score was positively associated with promising prognosis, likely due to the decreased frequency of suppressive immune cell like Tregs, and the ratio of CD163+ macrophages to macrophages in intra-tumoral TLSs via imaging mass cytometry, while improved prognosis is not necessarily indicated by a higher eTLS score. Overall, this study highlights the potential of TLSs as a prognostic factor and an indicator of immune therapy in cHCC-CCA.

Ellagic acid promotes osteoblasts differentiation via activating SMAD2/3 pathway and alleviates bone mass loss in OVX mice

Characterized by bone mass loss, osteoporosis is an orthopedic disease typically found in postmenopausal women and aging individuals. Consistent with its pathogenesis summarized as an imbalance in bone formation/resorption, current pharmacologically therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis mainly aim to promote bone formation or/and inhibit bone resorption. However, few effective drugs with mild clinical side effects have been developed, making it a well-concerned issue to seek appropriate drugs for osteoporosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of ellagic acid (EA) on osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo and searched for its molecular mechanism. Here, we showed that EA promoted osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, increased mRNA and protein expression levels of osteoblast marker genes Runt-related transcription factor2, Osterix, Alkaline phosphatase, Collagen type I alpha 1, Osteopontin and Osteocalcin. Furthermore, ovariectomized mice with orally administered EA (10 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg) had significantly higher bone mass than those in controls. And experiments such as fluorescence double-labeling and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay also demonstrated that EA could promote osteogenesis in vivo. To probe the molecular mechanism of EA, we performed RNA sequencing analysis using EA-treated BMSCs. Significant up-regulation of SMAD2/3 transcription factors was identified by RNA-seq, and it was confirmed in vitro that EA promoted bone formation by activating the SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. Evidence from our present experiments indicates that EA may be a promising candidate for clinical treatment for osteoporosis in future.

A Grading System of Microvascular Invasion for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Liver Resection with Curative Intent: A Multicenter Study

Background

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is closely correlated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A grading system of MVI is needed to assist in the management of HCC patient.

Methods

Multicenter data of HCC patients who underwent liver resection with curative intent was analyzed. This grading system was established by detected number and distance from tumor boundary of MVI. Survival outcomes were compared among patients in each group. This system was verified by time-receiver operating characteristic curve, time-area under the curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analyses. Cox regression analysis was performed to study the associated factors of prognosis. Logistic analysis was used to study the predictive factors of MVI.

Results

All patients were classified into 4 groups: M0: no MVI; M1: 1~5 proximal MVIs (≤1 cm from tumor boundary); M2a: >5 proximal MVIs (≤1 cm from tumor boundary); M2b: ≥1 distal MVIs (>1 cm from tumor boundary). The recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and early RFS rates among all the individual groups were significantly different. Based on the number of proximal MVI (0~5 vs >5), patients in the M2b group were further divided into two subgroups which also showed different prognosis. Multiple methods showed this grading system to be significantly better than the MVI two-tiered system in prognostic evaluation. Four multivariate models for RFS, OS, early RFS, late RFS, and a predictive model of MVI were then established and were shown to satisfactorily evaluate prognosis and have a great discriminatory power, respectively.

Conclusion

This MVI grading system could precisely evaluate prognosis of HCC patients after liver resection with curative intent and it could be employed in routine pathological reports. The severity of MVI from both adjacent and distant from tumor boundary should be stated. A hypothesis about two occurrence modes of distal MVI was proposed.