Multiple Congenital Granular Cell Epulis Involving Different Parts of the Oral Cavity: A Case Report

Congenital granular cell epulis (CGCE) is a rare disease, particularly when it affects multiple oral and maxillofacial regions. We present the case of a female neonate with 4 asymptomatic masses attached to the maxillary and mandibular gingiva as well as the tongue. Due to the size of the masses causing feeding and respiratory difficulties, lesion removal was performed under general anesthesia. Histopathological analysis revealed tightly arranged polygonal cells with abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, the cells were negative for Smur100 (S-100), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cluster of differentiation (CD) 68, and Sry-related HMG box (SOX)-10, and positive for alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) and vimentin. The diagnosis of multiple CGCEs was established through clinical examinations, histomorphometrical, and immunohistochemical analyses. In conclusion, CGCE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraoral lesions in neonates.

Examining the safety of mirabegron: an analysis of real-world pharmacovigilance data from the US FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database

Background: Mirabegron, the first β-3 adrenergic receptor agonist, received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012 for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). This pharmacovigilance study investigated the safety profile of mirabegron treatment using the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Methods: This study employed disproportionality analyses, including the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN) algorithm, to quantify signals of adverse events associated with mirabegron. Results: From the first quarter of 2012 to the third quarter of 2023, a comprehensive total of 14,356,234 adverse event (AE) reports were submitted to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database. Within this dataset, encompassing 18,763 reports specifically associated with mirabegron, healthcare professionals notably contributed 2,902 of these reports. A total of 80 preferred terms (PTs) of interest were identified using both the ROR and information component algorithms. The most common AEs included blood pressure increased, urinary retention, atrial fibrillation, dry mouth, and tachycardia, which were consistent with the product instructions. Unexpected significant AEs, such as arrhythmia, palpitations, dementia, transient ischemic attack, Parkinson's disease, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive vasculitis, lip swelling, and swollen tongue, were also identified. The study findings indicated that the majority of onset time occurred within 30 days (n = 358, 55.68%). However, AEs were still possible after 1 year of mirabegron treatment. Conclusion: This study provided valuable evidence for the real-world safety of mirabegron, helping clinical professionals enhance their understanding of mirabegron's safety in clinical practice. It also contributed valuable evidence for further safety studies on mirabegron.

Large-scale generation of IL-12 secreting macrophages from human pluripotent stem cells for cancer therapy

Genetically engineered macrophages (GEMs) have emerged as an appealing strategy to treat cancers, but they are largely impeded by the cell availability and technical challenges in gene transfer. Here, we develop an efficient approach to generate large-scale macrophages from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Starting with 1 T150 dish of 106 hiPSCs, more than 109 mature macrophages (iMacs) could be generated within 1 month. The generated iMacs exhibit typical macrophage properties such as phagocytosis and polarization. We then generate hiPSCs integrated with an IL-12 expression cassette in the AAVS1 locus to produce iMacs secreting IL-12, a strong proimmunity cytokine. hiPSC-derived iMacs_IL-12 prevent cytotoxic T cell exhaustion and activate T cells to kill different cancer cells. Furthermore, iMacs_IL-12 display strong antitumor effects in a T cell-dependent manner in subcutaneously or systemically xenografted mice of human lung cancer. Therefore, we provide an off-the-shelf strategy to produce large-scale GEMs for cancer therapy.

High-performance n-type organic thermoelectrics enabled by modulating cyano-functionalized polythiophene backbones

The scarcity of n-type polymers with high electrical conductivity (σ) and power factor (PF) is the major challenge for organic thermoelectrics (OTEs). By integrating cyano functionalities and an intramolecular conformation lock, we herein synthesize a new electron-deficient building block, CNg4T2, bearing long 1,4,7,10-tetraoxahendecyl side chains, and then further develop two n-type polythiophene derivatives, CNg4T2-2FT and CNg4T2-CNT2, with 3,4-difluorothiophene and 3,3'-dicyano-2,2'-bithiophene as co-units, respectively. Compared with CNg4T2-2FT, CNg4T2-CNT2 features a deeper-positioned lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) while maintaining a high degree of backbone coplanarity. As a consequence, the CNg4T2-CNT2 film with molecular dopant N-DMBI delivered an impressive σ of 13.2 S cm-1 and a high PF of up to 10.84 μW m-1 K-2, significantly outperforming CNg4T2-2FT and benchmark n-type polymer N2200 films. To the best of our knowledge, this PF of CNg4T2-CNT2 devices is the highest value for n-type polythiophenes in OTEs. Further characterizations indicate that the high performance of CNg4T2-CNT2-based devices is attributed to the high doping efficiency and ordered packing of polymer chains. Our study demonstrates that CNg4T2 is a highly appealing electron-deficient building block for n-type OTE polymers and also suggests that fine-tuning of the polymer backbone is a powerful approach to accessing high-performance n-type polymers for OTE devices.

Cyano-Functionalized Pyrazine: A Structurally Simple and Easily Accessible Electron-Deficient Building Block for n-Type Organic Thermoelectric Polymers

Developing low-cost and high-performance n-type polymer semiconductors is essential to accelerate the application of organic thermoelectrics (OTEs). To achieve this objective, it is critical to design strong electron-deficient building blocks with simple structure and easy synthesis, which are essential for the development of n-type polymer semiconductors. Herein, we synthesized two cyano-functionalized highly electron-deficient building blocks, namely 3,6-dibromopyrazine-2-carbonitrile (CNPz) and 3,6-Dibromopyrazine-2,5-dicarbonitrile (DCNPz), which feature simple structures and facile synthesis. CNPz and DCNPz can be obtained via only one-step reaction and three-step reactions from cheap raw materials, respectively. Based on CNPz and DCNPz, two acceptor-acceptor (A-A) polymers, P(DPP-CNPz) and P(DPP-DCNPz) are successfully developed, featuring deep-positioned lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels, which are beneficial to n-type organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) and OTEs performance. An optimal unipolar electron mobility of 0.85 and 1.85 cm2  V-1  s-1 is obtained for P(DPP-CNPz) and P(DPP-DCNPz), respectively. When doped with N-DMBI, P(DPP-CNPz) and P(DPP-DCNPz) show high n-type electrical conductivities/power factors of 25.3 S cm-1 /41.4 μW m-1  K-2 , and 33.9 S cm-1 /30.4 μW m-1  K-2 , respectively. Hence, the cyano-functionalized pyrazine CNPz and DCNPz represent a new class of structurally simple, low-cost and readily accessible electron-deficient building block for constructing n-type polymer semiconductors.

[Correlation of 1p/16q loss of heterozygosity and 1p gain with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in Wilms tumor]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between 1p/16q loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and 1p gain in Wilms tumor and their clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis. Methods: A total of 175 Wilms tumor samples received from the Department of Pathology, Beijing Children's Hospital from September 2019 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The histopathologic type and presence of lymph node involvement were evaluated by two pathologists. The clinical data including patients'gender, age, tumor location, preoperative chemotherapy, and tumor stage were summarized. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was done to detect 1p/16q LOH and 1p gain and their correlation with the clinicopathological features and prognosis were analyzed. Results: Among the 175 samples, 86 cases (49.1%) were male and 89 (50.9%) were female. The mean age was (3.5±2.9) years, and the median age was 2.6 years. There were 26 (14.9%) cases with 1p LOH, 28 (16.0%) cases with 16q LOH, 10 (5.7%) cases of LOH at both 1p and 16q, and 53 (30.3%) cases with 1q gain. 1q gain was significantly associated with 1p LOH (P<0.01) and 16q LOH (P<0.01). There were significant differences (P<0.01) between 1q gain, 1p LOH and 16q LOH among different age groups. The rate of 16q LOH in the high-risk histopathological subtype (50.0%) was significantly higher than that in the intermediate-risk subtype (13.6%, P<0.05). The frequency of 1q gain, 1p LOH, and 16q LOH in children with advanced clinical stages (Ⅲ and Ⅳ) was significantly higher than that in children with early clinical stages (Ⅰ and Ⅱ). 1q gain, 1p LOH, and 16q LOH showed no significant correlation with gender, unilateral or bilateral disease, chemotherapy, or lymph node metastasis. The progression-free survival (PFS) time for patients with 1q gain and 1p LOH was significantly shorter than those without these aberrations (P<0.05). Additionally, the PFS time of patients with 16q LOH was slightly shorter than those with normal 16q, although the difference was not statistically significant. Patients with stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ disease exhibiting 1q gain or 1p LOH had a significantly higher relative risk of recurrence, metastasis, and mortality. Conclusions: 1p/16q LOH and 1q gain are associated with age, high-risk histological type, and clinical stage in Wilms tumor. 1q gain and 1p LOH are significantly correlated with the prognosis of Wilms tumor.

Association between TV and/or video time and nocturia in adults: An analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

AIMS

This study aimed to examine the correlation between television (TV) and/or video viewing time and the occurrence of nocturia in adults.

METHODS

An analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2011-2016 was conducted, involving 13 294 adults aged 20 and older. The main outcome was specified as nocturia, which refers to the requirement of urinating two or more times during the night. Initially, baseline characteristics were contrasted between individuals with and without nocturia. The effects of TV and/or video viewing time on nocturia were further explored using multivariable logistic regression models. To acknowledge the variation in baseline data regarding the prevalence of nocturia, subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that individuals in the group with the longest TV and/or video viewing time had a significantly 48% higher risk of experiencing nocturia compared to those with the shortest TV and/or video viewing time. The results of subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences in the interaction tests between TV and/or video viewing time and nocturia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research showed that individuals who spent 5 or more hours a day watching TV and/or videos were significantly more likely to develop nocturia.

Interfacial π-p Electron Coupling Prompts Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity in Acidic Electrolyte

The thermodynamically stable 2H-phase MoS2 is a brilliant material toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) owing to its excellent Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption. Nevertheless, the poor intrinsic properties of 2H-MoS2 limit its electrocatalytic performances toward HER. In this work, graphitic carbon nitride covalently bridging 2H-MoS2 (MoS2/GCN) is proposed to construct robust HER electrocatalysts. The strong π-p electron coupling between the delocalized π electrons of GCN and the localized p electrons of S atoms sufficiently expose active sites and accelerate the reaction kinetics. To be specific, MoS2/GCN exhibits remarkable HER activity (160 mV at 10 mA·cm-2) and long-term durability. Importantly, MoS2/GCN also provides great potential for industrial application. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations disclose that the π-p electron coupling at the MoS2/GCN interface regulates the electronic structure of S atoms, consequently providing enhanced HER performance. This work presents a feasible pathway to develop advanced electrocatalysts for energy conversions.

Autophagy is essential for human myelopoiesis

Emergency myelopoiesis (EM) is essential in immune defense against pathogens for rapid replenishing of mature myeloid cells. During the EM process, a rapid cell-cycle switch from the quiescent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to highly proliferative myeloid progenitors (MPs) is critical. How the rapid proliferation of MPs during EM is regulated remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that ATG7, a critical autophagy factor, is essential for the rapid proliferation of MPs during human myelopoiesis. Peripheral blood (PB)-mobilized hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) with ATG7 knockdown or HSPCs derived from ATG7-/- human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) exhibit severe defect in proliferation during fate transition from HSPCs to MPs. Mechanistically, we show that ATG7 deficiency reduces p53 localization in lysosome for a potential autophagy-mediated degradation. Together, we reveal a previously unrecognized role of autophagy to regulate p53 for a rapid proliferation of MPs in human myelopoiesis.

Evaluation of physical fitness and health of young children aged between 3 and 6 based on cluster and factor analyses

BACKGROUND

As life improves and sedentary time increases, young children's physical fitness gradually declines.

METHODS

Multi-stage stratified whole cluster sampling was utilized to sample 5584 preschoolers. Young infants' morphology, function, and quality were revealed using cluster and factor analysis.

RESULTS

The cluster analysis separated 3-6-year-olds into two genders: 1,551 men in group A "high physical fitness" 1,499 men in group B "low physical fitness"; 1,213 women in group A and 1,321 women in group B. Young children's fitness was measured by standing long jump(1.00), weight(1.00), and height(1.00). A cluster analysis of 3-4-year-olds classified them into three groups: 272 "muscular strength," 75 "average physical fitness," and 250 "low agility." Young children's health depends on weight (1.00), height (0.57), and chest circumference (0.54). A cluster analysis of the 4-5-year-olds classified them into two groups: 1070 "balance" and 806 "muscular strength." Young children's health depends on weight (1.00), height (0.74), and chest circumference (0.71). A cluster analysis of the 5-6-year-olds divided them into three groups: 1762 "high physical fitness," 384 "obese," and 105 "low physical fitness." Young children's physical health depends on BMI (1.00), weight (1.00), and chest circumference (1.00). Factor analysis demonstrated that muscle strength, body shape, cardiovascular variables, and physical fitness composite components affected young children's health.

CONCLUSION

Women should focus on motor function and strength, while men on flexibility. Male group B "low physical fitness" should focus on strength, motor function, and balance, whereas male group A "high physical fitness" should focus on flexibility. Then, female group A "high physical fitness" should emphasize variety.2) For 3-4-year-olds, group A "muscular strength" should focus on flexibility, and group C "low agility" on motor function. 3) For 4-5-year-olds, group A "balanced" should focus on strength and motor function; 4) For 5-6-year-olds, group B "obese" should emphasize weight loss, and group C "low fitness" should emphasize strength, motor function, and flexibility; 5) Young children's physical fitness depends on muscle strength, body shape, cardiovascular factors, and physical fitness composite.

[Application of modified urethral separation method in artificial urethral sphincter implantation and its influence on intraoperative urethral pressure profilometry]

Objective: To explore the application of modified urethral separation method in artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implantation in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and its influence on the results of urethral pressure profilometry. Methods: A prospective collection of clinical data was conducted on 25 patients with stress urinary incontinence who underwent modified urethral separation method in AUS implantation and underwent urethral pressure profilometry in Beijing Hospital, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University and the Second Hospital Affiliated to Tianjin Medical University from March 2019 to June 2023. The improved urethral separation method was to borrow part of the white membrane tissue of the cavernous body while freeing the dorsal side of the cavernous body of the urethra. The circumference of the urethra, sleeve size, and urethral pressure were recorded, the patient's autonomous urinary control before and after surgery and the changes of the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICI-Q-SF) score, incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QoL) score, urinary frequency score, nocturia score were compared. Follow-up was conducted in the clinic or by telephone at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after activation of the device, and once a year thereafter. Local skin status and urine control were assessed, residual urine volume was measured by ultrasound and subjective score scale was completed. Results: All patients were male, aged 27-85 (65.8±15.7) years old. The circumference of the cuff used in this study was 4.0 cm in 4 patients (16.0%), 4.5 cm in 16 patients (64.0%), 5.0 cm in 4 patients (16.0%), and 5.5 cm in 1 patient (4.0%). Among them, the urethral circumference matched the cuff size in 14 cases (56.0%), the urethral circumference was smaller than the cuff size in 4 cases (16.0%), and the urethral circumference was larger than the cuff size in 7 cases (28.0%). Preoperative urodynamic examination showed that the maximum urethral pressure (MUP) was (78.0±25.9) cmH2O, (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa) and the maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) was (53.4±26.6) cmH2O. The MUP of AUS device in the inactivated state was (88.0±26.5) cmH2O, which was not significantly higher than that before operation (P>0.05). The MUCP was (68.2±24.5) cmH2O, which was significantly higher than that before operation (P<0.05). The MUP and MUCP of the AUS device in the activated state were (146.6±25.2) cmH2O and (123.0±28.3) cmH2O, which were significantly higher than those before surgery and in the inactivated state (both P<0.001). All patients in the group reached the social urinary control standards at the first month of device activation. During a follow-up period of 2-50 months, 22 patients (88.0%) used the initial AUS device and all met social urinary control standards. The AUS device was replaced in 1 case. One patient died of cerebrovascular accident. One patient removed the device due to complications. The number of pads [M (Q1, Q3)] used in 25 patients before and after operation was 4.5 (3.0, 6.5) and 1 (0, 1) respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). ICI-Q-SF score, I-QoL score, urinary frequency score and nocturia score of 25 patients were significantly improved after surgery (all P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 20.0% (5/25), including 2 cases of painless hematuria, 1 case of infection, 1 case of urethral erosion, and 1 case of dysuria. Except for one patient who experienced urethral erosion and had his sleeve removed, the remaining four patients regained social urination control with active support treatment, and no symptoms recurred until the last follow-up. Conclusion: The modified urethral separation method has no significant effect on urethral pressure in patients with SUI, and can increase the volume of peri-urethral tissue in the cuff, thereby reducing the risk of intraoperative urethral injury and the incidence of postoperative urethral erosion.

Quantitative Risk Assessment of Salmonella in Breaded Pork Products in China

Pork products were the most common media of Salmonella in China, breaded pork products as a very popular meat presently, whose Salmonella risk should be drawn to attention. Given that quantitative risk assessment is a more scientific method for risk evaluation, a quantitative risk assessment model of Salmonella in breaded pork products was first constructed from processing to consumption, and was used for assessing the risk and the effective interventions in this study. The data of Salmonella contamination in breaded pork products during processing were obtained from the actual detection data of samples from a representative meat processing plant. With combining the predictive microbial modeling and dose-response relationship, the risk of Salmonella in breaded pork products was charactered, and the probability of Salmonella infection per meal was found to be 5.585 × 10-9. Based on the results of sensitivity analysis, the curing and seasoning process was found to be the key control point for Salmonella contamination during the processing, and consumer behavior was the key control point affecting the probability of Salmonella infection from processing to consumption. The model was also applied for assessing the effectiveness of risk interventions, and among the nine interventions given, control of thawing temperature before cooking such as microwave thawing could reduce the risk of infection by 30.969-fold, while cooking the products thoroughly, Salmonella would not pose a pathogenic hazard to consumers. The model and the assessed results in this study may provide guidance on microbial control in producing process and safety consumption of breaded pork products.

A Novel Pan-RAS Inhibitor with a Unique Mechanism of Action Blocks Tumor Growth in Mouse Models of GI Cancer

Here we characterize a novel pan-RAS inhibitor, ADT-007, that potently and selectively inhibited the growth of histologically diverse cancer cell lines with mutant or activated RAS irrespective of the RAS mutation or isozyme. Growth inhibition was dependent on activated RAS and associated with reduced GTP-RAS levels and MAPK/AKT signaling. ADT-007 bound RAS in lysates from sensitive cells with sub-nanomolar EC 50 values but did not bind RAS in lysates from insensitive cells with low activated RAS. Insensitivity to ADT-007 was attributed to metabolic deactivation by UGT-mediated glucuronidation, providing a detoxification mechanism to protect normal cells from pan-RAS inhibition. Molecular modeling and experiments using recombinant RAS revealed that ADT-007 binds RAS in a nucleotide-free conformation to block GTP activation. Local injection of ADT-007 strongly inhibited tumor growth in syngeneic immune competent and xenogeneic immune deficient mouse models of colorectal and pancreatic cancer and activated innate and adaptive immunity in the tumor microenvironment.

SIGNIFICANCE

ADT-007 is a novel pan-RAS inhibitor with a unique mechanism of action having potential to circumvent resistance to mutant-specific KRAS inhibitors and activate antitumor immunity. The findings support further development of ADT-007 analogs and/or prodrugs with oral bioavailability as a generalizable monotherapy or combined with immunotherapy for RAS mutant cancers.

BACKGROUND

It is projected that colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) will cause 52,580 and 49,830 deaths in the US in 2023, respectively (1). The 5-year survival rates for CRC and PDA are 65% and 12%, respectively (1). Over 50% of CRC and 90% of PDA patients harbor mutations in KRAS genes that are associated with poor prognosis, making the development of novel KRAS inhibitors an urgent unmet medical need (2).

NAD+ dependent UPRmt activation underlies intestinal aging caused by mitochondrial DNA mutations

Aging in mammals is accompanied by an imbalance of intestinal homeostasis and accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. However, little is known about how accumulated mtDNA mutations modulate intestinal homeostasis. We observe the accumulation of mtDNA mutations in the small intestine of aged male mice, suggesting an association with physiological intestinal aging. Using polymerase gamma (POLG) mutator mice and wild-type mice, we generate male mice with progressive mtDNA mutation burdens. Investigation utilizing organoid technology and in vivo intestinal stem cell labeling reveals decreased colony formation efficiency of intestinal crypts and LGR5-expressing intestinal stem cells in response to a threshold mtDNA mutation burden. Mechanistically, increased mtDNA mutation burden exacerbates the aging phenotype of the small intestine through ATF5 dependent mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) activation. This aging phenotype is reversed by supplementation with the NAD+ precursor, NMN. Thus, we uncover a NAD+ dependent UPRmt triggered by mtDNA mutations that regulates the intestinal aging.

[An analysis of the etiology composition and clinical characteristics of bilateral optic disc swelling]

Objective: To investigate the etiology composition and clinical characteristics of bilateral optic disc swelling(ODS). Methods: The medical records of all newly diagnosed bilateral ODS patients admitted to the neurology ward of Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively searched to classify the etiology, obtain demographic and clinical information, and compare the differences in clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 131 patients with bilateral ODS were included, including 56 males and 75 females, aged 15-73 (39±14) years. The most common cause of the bilateral ODS was increased intracranial pressure (ICP)(56/131, 42.7%), followed by optic neuritis (ON)(40/131, 30.5%). Other causes included vascular optic neuropathy (13/131, 9.9%), pseudopilledema (9/131, 6.9%); uveitis (6/131, 4.6%), toxic optic neuropathy (3/131, 2.3%) and unknown causes (4/131, 3.1%). Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) (43/56, 76.8%) was the most common etiology for papilledema. In the comparison of the two main causes of intracranial hypertension and the clinical characteristics of ON in ODS, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of age, gender, complaints of ocular pain or headache, and hemorrhage of optic disc(P>0.05). Visual acuity abnormalities and low vision were more common in ON group than the increased ICP group[36/40(90%) vs 33/56(58.9%), P=0.001; 35/80(43.8%) vs 22/112(19.6%), P<0.001], while severe papilledema was more common in increased ICP group[38/112(33.9%)vs 9/80(11.3%), P<0.001]. Conclusions: The most common cause for bilateral ODS is increased ICP, but it can also be triggered by a variety of other causes. Optic neuritis(ON) is the most important differentiating disease in the study of Chinese patients.

Selenophene Substitution Enabled High-Performance n-Type Polymeric Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conductors for Organic Electrochemical Transistors and Glucose Sensors

High-performance n-type polymeric mixed ionic-electronic conductors (PMIECs) are essential for realizing organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs)-based low-power complementary circuits and biosensors, but their development still remains a great challenge. Herein, by devising two novel n-type polymers (f-BTI2g-SVSCN and f-BSeI2g-SVSCN) containing varying selenophene contents together with their thiophene-based counterpart as the control, it is demonstrated that gradually increasing selenophene loading in polymer backbones can simultaneously yield lowered lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels, boosted charge-transport properties, and improved ion-uptake capabilities. Therefore, a remarkable volumetric capacitance (C*) of 387.2 F cm-3 and a state-of-the-art OECT electron mobility (µe,OECT ) of 0.48 cm2 V-1 s-1 are synchronously achieved for f-BSeI2g-SVSCN having the highest selenophene content, yielding an unprecedented geometry-normalized transconductance (gm,norm ) of 71.4 S cm-1 and record figure of merit (µC*) value of 191.2 F cm-1 V-1 s-1 for n-type OECTs. Thanks to such excellent performance of f-BSeI2g-SVSCN-based OECTs, a glucose sensor with a remarkably low detection limit of 10 nMm and decent selectivity is further implemented, demonstrating the power of selenophene substitution strategy in enabling high-performance n-type PMIECs for biosensing applications.

Mechanism of Huaiqihuang in treatment of diabetic kidney disease based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiment

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the active components, key targets, and potential molecular mechanisms Huaiqihuang (HQH) in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments.

METHODS

The active components and potential targets of HQH were obtained from the TCMSP and HERB databases. The potential targets of DKD were obtained from the GeneCards, OMIM, DrugBank, and TTD databases. Protein interaction relationships were obtained from the STRING database, and a protein interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape software. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis was performed using the Metascape database. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock software to verify the binding between key compounds and core target genes. In vitro experiments were conducted using human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells and various methods, such as CCK8, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot, to evaluate the effects of HQH on inflammatory factors, key targets, and pathways.

RESULTS

A total of 48 active ingredients, 168 potential targets of HQH, and 1073 potential targets of DKD were obtained. A total of 118 potential targets, 438 biological processes, and 187 signal pathways were identified for the treatment of DKD. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that HQH may exert its therapeutic effects on DKD by regulating the expression of inflammatory factors through the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. The molecular docking results showed that β-sitosterol and baicalein had the highest binding affinity with key targets such as AKT1, IL6, TNF, PTGS2, IL1B, and CASP3, suggesting that they may be the most effective active ingredients of HQH in the treatment of DKD. In vitro experimental results demonstrated that HQH could enhance the viability of human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells inhibited by high glucose, decrease the levels of AKT1, TNF, IL6, PTGS2, IL1B, and CASP3, reduce the expression of NF-κB-P65 (P < .01), inhibit NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation, and decrease chemokine expression (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

HQH may exert its therapeutic effects on DKD by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and alleviating the high glucose-induced injury of renal tubular epithelial cells.

Transcriptomics reveals a core transcriptional network of K-type cytoplasmic male sterility microspore abortion in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

BACKGROUND

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) plays a crucial role in hybrid production. K-type CMS, a cytoplasmic male sterile line of wheat with the cytoplasms of Aegilops kotschyi, is widely used due to its excellent characteristics of agronomic performance, easy maintenance and easy restoration. However, the mechanism of its pollen abortion is not yet clear.

RESULTS

In this study, wheat K-type CMS MS(KOTS)-90-110 (MS line) and it's fertile near-isogenic line MR (KOTS)-90-110 (MR line) were investigated. Cytological analysis indicated that the anthers of MS line microspore nucleus failed to divide normally into two sperm nucleus and lacked starch in mature pollen grains, and the key abortive period was the uninucleate stage to dinuclear stage. Then, we compared the transcriptome of MS line and MR line anthers at these two stages. 11,360 and 5182 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the MS and MR lines in the early uninucleate and binucleate stages, respectively. Based on GO enrichment and KEGG pathways analysis, it was evident that significant transcriptomic differences were "plant hormone signal transduction", "MAPK signaling pathway" and "spliceosome". We identified 17 and 10 DEGs associated with the IAA and ABA signal transduction pathways, respectively. DEGs related to IAA signal transduction pathway were downregulated in the early uninucleate stage of MS line. The expression level of DEGs related to ABA pathway was significantly upregulated in MS line at the binucleate stage compared to MR line. The determination of plant hormone content and qRT-PCR further confirmed that hormone imbalance in MS lines. Meanwhile, 1 and 2 DEGs involved in ABA and Ethylene metabolism were also identified in the MAPK cascade pathway, respectively; the significant up regulation of spliceosome related genes in MS line may be another important factor leading to pollen abortion.

CONCLUSIONS

We proposed a transcriptome-mediated pollen abortion network for K-type CMS in wheat. The main idea is hormone imbalance may be the primary factor, MAPK cascade pathway and alternative splicing (AS) may also play important regulatory roles in this process. These findings provided intriguing insights for the molecular mechanism of microspore abortion in K-type CMS, and also give useful clues to identify the crucial genes of CMS in wheat.

Prognostic Value of Tumor Size in Colon Cancer-Smaller is Better?

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of tumor size in colon cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to reveal the correlation between tumor size and prognosis of colon cancer.

METHODS

A total of 491 patients with colon cancer were included in this study. The correlation of tumor size with prognosis, mismatch repair status, and other clinicopathological characteristics as well as tumor microenvironment was analyzed.

RESULTS

For stage IIA microsatellite stable (MSS) colon cancer, tumors sized <3.5 cm and ≥5 cm were associated with a poorer disease free survival (DFS) compared with tumors sized between 3.5 and 5 cm (P = .002). Small tumor size (HR = 5.098, P = .001) and large tumor size (HR = 2.749, P = .029) were found to be independent prognostic factors for stage IIA MSS colon cancer. Moreover, high expression of transgelin (TAGLN), a marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), was found to be an independent prognostic factor for poorer DFS (HR = 9.651, P = .009), which was also associated with smaller tumor size (P = .027).

CONCLUSION

Small (<3.5 cm) and large (≥5 cm) tumor sizes are associated with decreased DFS in stage IIA MSS colon cancer. Enrichment of TAGLN+ CAFs is associated with decreased DFS and small tumor size.

Ru nanoclusters anchored on boron- and nitrogen-doped carbon for a highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline seawater

Electrochemical seawater splitting is an intriguing strategy for green hydrogen production. Constructing advanced electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in seawater is extremely demanded for accelerating the sluggish kinetic process. Herein, a Ru nanocluster anchored on boron- and nitrogen-doped carbon (Ru/NBC) catalyst was successfully synthesized for the HER in alkaline/seawater electrolytes. Remarkably, Ru/NBC exhibits outstanding activity and durability, delivering low overpotentials@10 mA cm-2 in 1.0 M KOH (30 mV) and 1.0 M KOH + seawater electrolyte (35 mV), outperforming Pt/C, Ru/NC, Ru/BC and Ru/C. Additionally, Ru/NBC also provides a high specific activity of 0.093 mA cm-2ECSA at an overpotential of 150 mV, which is higher than those of Ru/NC, Ru/BC and Ru/C, respectively. Density functional theory calculation results demonstrate that the Ru-B formed interfacial chemical bond can regulate the electronic structure of Ru active sites of Ru/NBC, which can facilitate the adsorption of water and hydrogen in alkaline media. This work provides a feasible strategy to fabricate outstanding electrocatalysts for the HER in alkaline/alkaline seawater electrolytes.

[The analysis of features of first-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease within 1 year after delivery]

To explore the clinical features and influencing factors of first-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) within 1 year after delivery. A single center, observational cohort study was used to retrospectively analyze 12 patients with first-onset NMOSD within 1 year after delivery hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of Beijing Tong Ren Hospital from June 2015 to June 2018(short as the postpartum onset group). 12 patients with first-onset NMOSD without 1 year after delivery hospitalized in our department during the same period were selected (short as the control group). The results showed the next recurrence interval in the postpartum onset group was longer than the control group [the postpartum onset group: (6.1±3.5) years, the control group: (1.6±1.5) years, t=3.622,P=0.005], the times of relapses were less than the control group [the postpartum onset group: (1.8±1.4) times, the control group:4.0 (3.0, 7.3) times, Z=-3.122,P=0.002], and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) of the last follow-up was lower than the control group [the postpartum onset group: 3.0(2.3, 3.9), the control group: 4.5(4.0, 6.0), Z=-3.358,P=0.001] with statistically significant differences. The recurrence rates of 1 year, 3 years and 5 years in the postpartum onset group (0%, 16.7%, 33.3%) were lower than control group (58.3%, 83.3%, 91.7%) with statistically significant differences (χ2=8.000,P=0.014;χ2=10.667,P=0.003; χ2=8.711,P=0.009). After the second delivery, the recurrence rate in postpartum onset group was 100% (n=3) and in control group was 50%(n=2), but the difference was not statistically significant (χ2=2.100,P=0.429). In the postpartum onset group, combination of autoimmune disease was consistent with positive in serum AQP-4 antibody moderately (Kappa=0.5, P=0.046). Positive in other autoimmune antibodies were consistent with positive in serum AQP-4 antibody moderately (Kappa=0.5, P=0.046). Combination of autoimmune disease were consistent with positive in serum other autoimmune antibodies well (Kappa=0.667, P=0.021). In conclusion, the first-onset NMOSD within 1 year after delivery have longer next recurrence interval, less times of relapses, lower relapse rate, better long-term prognosis of central nervous system, and they have trend to suffering from recurrent after the second delivery. For the females, combined with autoimmune disease or autoimmune antibody, who are ready for pregnancy, could detect serum AQP-4; if serum AQP-4 positive, they are recommended to prevent the occurrence of NMOSD after delivery.

Fast Gas-Adsorption Kinetics in Supraparticle-Based MOF Packings with Hierarchical Porosity

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are microporous adsorbents for high-throughput gas separation. Such materials exhibit distinct adsorption characteristics owing to the flexibility of the crystal framework in a nanoparticle, which can be different from its bulk crystal. However, for practical applications, such particles need to be compacted into macroscopic pellets, creating mass-transport limitations. In this work, this problem is addressed by forming materials with structural hierarchy, using a supraparticle-based approach. Spherical supraparticles composed of nanosized MOF particles are fabricated by emulsion templating and they are used as the structural component forming a macroscopic material. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) particles are used as a model system and the gas-adsorption kinetics of the hierarchical material are compared with conventional pellets without structural hierarchy. It is demonstrated that a pellet packed with supraparticles exhibits a 30 times faster adsorption rate compared to an unstructured ZIF-8 powder pellet. These results underline the importance of controlling structural hierarchy to maximize the performance of existing materials. In the hierarchical MOFs, large macropores between the supraparticles, smaller macropores between individual ZIF-8 primary particles, and micropores inherent to the ZIF-8 framework collude to combine large surface area, defined adsorption sites, and efficient mass transport to enhance performance.

Identification of Diagnostic Biomarkers for Compensatory Liver Cirrhosis Based on Gut Microbiota and Urine Metabolomics Analyses

Liver cirrhosis is one of the most prevalent chronic liver disorders with high mortality. We aimed to explore changed gut microbiome and urine metabolome in compensatory liver cirrhosis (CLC) patients, thus providing novel diagnostic biomarkers for CLC. Forty fecal samples from healthy volunteers (control: 19) and CLC patients (patient: 21) were undertaken 16S rDNA sequencing. Chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed on 40 urine samples (20 controls and 20 patients). Microbiome and metabolome data were separately analyzed using corresponding bioinformatics approaches. The diagnostic model was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. The optimal diagnostic model was determined by five-fold cross-validation. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to clarify the relations among the diagnostic markers. 16S rDNA sequencing analyses showed changed overall alpha diversity and beta diversity in patient samples compared with those of controls. Similarly, we identified 841 changed metabolites. Pathway analysis revealed that the differential metabolites were mainly associated with pathways, such as tryptophan metabolism, purine metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. A 9-maker diagnostic model for CLC was determined, including 7 microorganisms and 2 metabolites. In this model, there were multiple correlations between microorganisms and metabolites. Subdoligranulum, Agathobacter, norank_f_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, Butyricicoccus, Lachnospiraceae_UCG_004, and L-2,3-Dihydrodipicolinate were elevated in CLC patients, whereas Blautia, Monoglobus, and 5-Acetamidovalerate were reduced. A novel diagnostic model for CLC was constructed and verified to be reliable, which provides new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of CLC.

Acteoside protects podocyte against apoptosis through regulating AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in db/db mice

BACKGROUND

Podocyte apoptosis is one of the important pathological mechanisms of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Acteoside (Act), a major active component of Rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside, has a strong renoprotective action. Our study aims to demonstrate Act's renoprotective actions in db/db mice.

METHODS

We adopted C57BLKS/J db/db mice as DKD animal models. After 8 weeks of Act administration, the 24-hour urine albumin, renal function index, and blood lipid levels were quantified using matching kits. Renal pathology was evaluated by HE and PAS staining. The podocyte damage and apoptosis-related signaling pathway were observed by using immunohistochemistry, western blot, and TUNEL staining.

RESULTS

The albuminuria of db/db mice was reduced from 391 ug/24 h to 152 ug/24 h, and renal pathology changes were alleviated after Act administration. The western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that Act treatment upregulated the synaptopodin and podocin expression compared with db/db mice, while the TUNEL staining indicated podocyte apoptosis was inhibited. The B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) level was upregulated in the Act group, but cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) expression declined, while the protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (AKT/GSK-3β) signaling pathway was repressed.

CONCLUSIONS

By inhibiting the AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway, Act protected podocytes from apoptosis, decreasing the urine albumin of db/db mice and delaying the course of DKD.