Insulin resistance, coronary artery lesion complexity and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) is linked to both the complexity of coronary artery lesions and the prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the precise extent of this correlation and its impact on adverse cardiovascular outcomes in ACS patients remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the intricate relationship between IR, coronary artery lesion complexity, and the prognosis of ACS through a cohort design analysis.

METHOD

A total of 986 patients with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included in this analysis. IR was assessed using the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, while coronary artery lesion complexity was evaluated using the SYNTAX score. Pearson's correlation coefficients were utilized to analyze the correlations between variables. The association of the TyG index and SYNTAX score with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in ACS was investigated using the Kaplan-Meier method, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and adjusted Cox regression. Additionally, a novel 2-stage regression method for survival data was employed in mediation analysis to explore the mediating impact of the SYNTAX score on the association between the TyG index and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including MACEs and unplanned revascularization.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 30.72 months, 167 cases of MACEs were documented, including 66 all-cause deaths (6.69%), 26 nonfatal myocardial infarctions (MIs) (2.64%), and 99 unplanned revascularizations (10.04%). The incidence of MACEs, all-cause death, and unplanned revascularization increased with elevated TyG index and SYNTAX score. Both the TyG index (non-linear, P = 0.119) and SYNTAX score (non-linear, P = 0.004) displayed a positive dose-response relationship with MACEs, as illustrated by the RCS curve. Following adjustment for multiple factors, both the TyG index and SYNTAX score emerged as significant predictors of MACEs across the total population and various subgroups. Mediation analysis indicated that the SYNTAX score mediated 25.03%, 18.00%, 14.93%, and 11.53% of the correlation between the TyG index and MACEs in different adjusted models, respectively. Similar mediating effects were observed when endpoint was defined as unplanned revascularization.

CONCLUSION

Elevated baseline TyG index and SYNTAX score were associated with a higher risk of MACEs in ACS. Furthermore, the SYNTAX score partially mediated the relationship between the TyG index and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Unconventional PDZ Recognition Revealed in α7 nAChR-PICK1 Complexes

PDZ domains are modular domains that conventionally bind to C terminal or internal motifs of target proteins to control cellular functions through the regulation of protein complex assemblies. Almost all reported structures of PDZ-target protein complexes rely on fragments or peptides as target proteins. No intact target protein complexed with PDZ was structurally characterized. In this study, we used NMR spectroscopy and other biochemistry and biophysics tools to uncover insights into structural coupling between the PDZ domain of protein interacting with C-kinase 1 (PICK1) and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChR). Notably, the intracellular domains of both α7 nAChR and PICK1 PDZ exhibit a high degree of plasticity in their coupling. Specifically, the MA helix of α7 nAChR interacts with residues lining the canonical binding site of the PICK1 PDZ, while flexible loops also engage in protein-protein interactions. Both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions mediate the coupling. Overall, the resulting structure of the α7 nAChR-PICK1 complex reveals an unconventional PDZ binding mode, significantly expanding the repertoire of functionally important PDZ interactions.

Abnormal degree centrality as a potential imaging biomarker for ischemic stroke: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study

OBJECTIVE

To explore degree centrality (DC) abnormalities in ischemic stroke patients and determine whether these abnormalities have potential value in understanding the pathological mechanisms of ischemic stroke patients.

METHODS

Sixteen ischemic stroke patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scanning, and the resulting data were subjected to DC analysis. Then we conducted a correlation analysis between DC values and neuropsychological test scores, including Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Finally, extracted the abnormal DC values of brain regions and defined them as features for support vector machine (SVM) analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with HCs, ischemic stroke patients showed increased DC in the bilateral supplementary motor area, and median cingulate and paracingulate gyri and decreased DC in the left postcentral gyrus, right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, lingual gyrus, and orbital parts of the right superior frontal gyrus and bilateral cuneus. Correlation analyses revealed that DC values in the right lingual gyrus, calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, and orbital parts of the right superior frontal gyrus were positively correlated with the MMSE scores. The SVM classification of the DC values achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93, an accuracy of 89.47%.

CONCLUSION

Our research results indicate that ischemic stroke patients exhibit abnormalities in the global connectivity mechanisms and patterns of the brain network. These abnormal changes may provide neuroimaging evidence for stroke-related motor, visual, and cognitive impairments, contribute to a deeper comprehension of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in ischemic stroke.

Convergent High O2 Affinity but Distinct ATP-Mediated Allosteric Regulation of Hemoglobins in Oviparous and Viviparous Eremias Lizards from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The functional adaptation and underlying molecular mechanisms of hemoglobins (Hbs) have primarily concentrated on mammals and birds, with few reports on reptiles. This study aimed to investigate the convergent and species-specific high-altitude adaptation mechanisms of Hbs in two Eremias lizards from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The Hbs of high-altitude E. argus and E. multiocellata were characterized by significantly high overall and intrinsic Hb-O2 affinity compared to their low-altitude populations. Despite the similarly low Cl- sensitivities, the Hbs of high-altitude E. argus exhibited higher ATP sensitivity and ATP-dependent Bohr effects than that of E. multiocellata, which could facilitate O2 unloading in respiring tissues. Eremias lizards Hbs exhibited similarly low temperature sensitivities and relatively high Bohr effects at lower temperatures, which could help to stably deliver and release O2 to cold extremities at low temperatures. The oxygenation properties of Hbs in high-altitude populations might be attributed to varying ratios of β2/β1 globin and substitutions on the β2-type globin. Notably, the Asn12Ala in lowland E. argus could cause localized destabilization of the E-helix in the tetrameric Hb by elimination of hydrogen bonds, thereby resulting in its lowest O2 affinity. This study provides a valuable reference for the high-altitude adaptation mechanisms of hemoglobins in reptiles.

Effects of hibernation on two important contractile tissues in tibetan frogs, Nanorana parkeri: a perspective from transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches

BACKGROUND

In response to seasonal cold and food shortage, the Xizang plateau frogs, Nanorana parkeri (Anura: Dicroglossidae), enter a reversible hypometabolic state where heart rate and oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle are strongly suppressed. However, the effect of winter hibernation on gene expression and metabolic profiling in these two tissues remains unknown. In the present study, we conducted transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of heart and skeletal muscle from summer- and winter-collected N. parkeri to explore mechanisms involved in seasonal hibernation.

RESULTS

We identified 2407 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in heart and 2938 DEGs in skeletal muscle. Enrichment analysis showed that shared DEGs in both tissues were enriched mainly in translation and metabolic processes. Of these, the expression of genes functionally categorized as "response to stress", "defense mechanisms", or "muscle contraction" were particularly associated with hibernation. Metabolomic analysis identified 24 and 22 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in myocardium and skeletal muscle, respectively. In particular, pathway analysis showed that DEMs in myocardium were involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, glycerolipid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. By contrast, DEMs in skeletal muscle were mainly involved in amino acid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, natural adaptations of myocardium and skeletal muscle in hibernating N. parkeri involved transcriptional alterations in translation, stress response, protective mechanisms, and muscle contraction processes as well as metabolic remodeling. This study provides new insights into the transcriptional and metabolic adjustments that aid winter survival of high-altitude frogs N. parkeri.

The step-by-step assembly mechanism of secreted flavivirus NS1 tetramer and hexamer captured at atomic resolution

Flaviviruses encode a conserved, membrane-associated nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) with replication and immune evasion functions. The current knowledge of secreted NS1 (sNS1) oligomers is based on several low-resolution structures, thus hindering the development of drugs and vaccines against flaviviruses. Here, we revealed that recombinant sNS1 from flaviviruses exists in a dynamic equilibrium of dimer-tetramer-hexamer states. Two DENV4 hexameric NS1 structures and several tetrameric NS1 structures from multiple flaviviruses were solved at atomic resolution by cryo-EM. The stacking of the tetrameric NS1 and hexameric NS1 is facilitated by the hydrophobic β-roll and connector domains. Additionally, a triacylglycerol molecule located within the central cavity may play a role in stabilizing the hexamer. Based on differentiated interactions between the dimeric NS1, two distinct hexamer models (head-to-head and side-to-side hexamer) and the step-by-step assembly mechanisms of NS1 dimer into hexamer were proposed. We believe that our study sheds light on the understanding of the NS1 oligomerization and contributes to NS1-based therapies.

A phenomenological model of pulsatile blood pressure-affected degradation of polylactic acid (PLA) vascular stent

The stent implantation may alter the post-operative patient's blood pressure, and bioresorbable vascular stents (BVS) as a candidate to treat vascular diseases, its degradation is affected by mechanical stress, thus, the altered pressure representing varying stress level will result in different degradation behaviors of the BVS. This paper first proposed a novel stress-regulated PLA degradation model that included swelling factor, and then the degradation evolutions of a PLA BVS within 180 days under normal and high blood pressures were simulated by finite element method, and more four degradation indexes were defined to study the effects of the two blood pressures on the degradation of the PLA BVS. The results showed that the high pressure weakly accelerated the degradation of the PLA BVS with respect to the normal pressure by examining the four indexes, e.g., the residual stent volumev r ( t ) decreased to 0.72 and 0.69, respectively for the normal and high pressures at day 180. The current finding provided a theoretical understanding of the PLA BVS degradation, and hinted that the PLA BVS may not need to be elaborately selected in clinical practices for treating hypertensive patients.

Realization of qualitative to semi-quantitative trace detection via SERS-ICA based on internal standard method

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can quickly identify molecular fingerprints and has been widely used in the field of rapid detection. However, the non-uniformity inherent in SERS substrate signals, coupled with the finite nature of the detection object, significantly hampers the advancement of SERS. Nowadays, the existing mature immunochromatographic assay (ICA) method is usually combined with SERS technology to address the defects of SERS detection. Nevertheless, the porous structure of the strip will also affect the signal uniformity during detection. Obviously, a method using SERS-ICA is needed to effectively solve signal fluctuations, improve detection accuracy, and has certain versatility. This paper introduces an internal standard method combining deep learning to predict and process Raman data. Based on the signal fluctuation of single-antigen SERS-ICA test strip, the double-antigen SERS-ICA test strip was constructed. The full spectrum Raman data of double-antigen SERS-ICA test strip was normalized by the sum of two characteristic peaks of internal standard molecules, and then processed by deep learning algorithm. The Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) of Raman data of bisphenol A was compared before and after internal standard normalization of double-antigen SERS-ICA test strip. The RSD processed by this method was increased by 3.8 times. After normalization, the prediction accuracy of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is improved by 2.66 times, and the prediction accuracy of R-square (R2) is increased from 0.961 to 0.994. The results showed that RMSE and R2 were used to comprehensively predict the collected data of double-antigen SERS-ICA test strip, which could effectively improve the prediction accuracy. The internal standard algorithm can effectively solve the challenges of uneven hot spots and poor signal reproducibility on the test strip to a certain extent, so as to improve the semi-quantitative accuracy.

Serum PRO-C3 is useful for risk prediction and fibrosis assessment in MAFLD with chronic kidney disease in an Asian cohort

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is an emerging risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). N-terminal propeptide of collagen type 3 (PRO-C3) is a biomarker of advanced fibrosis in MAFLD and PRO-C3 may be involved in renal fibrosis. We aimed to use PRO-C3 measurements to generate a new algorithmic score to test the prediction of MAFLD with chronic kidney disease (MAFLD-CKD).

METHODS

A derivation and independent validation cohort of 750 and 129 Asian patients with biopsy-confirmed MAFLD were included. Serum PRO-C3 concentration was measured and regression analyses were performed to examine associations with MAFLD-CKD. A derivative algorithm for MAFLD-CKD risk prediction was evaluated with receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

The study included two Asian cohorts (n = 180 with MAFLD-CKD; mean-eGFR: 94.93 mL/min/1.73 m2; median-urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio: 6.58 mg/mmol). PRO-C3 was associated with the severity of MAFLD-CKD and independently associated with MAFLD-CKD (adjusted odds ratio = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.23, p < .001). A new non-invasive score (termed PERIOD) including PRO-C3 efficiently predicted MAFLD-CKD (AUROC = .842, 95% CI: .805-.875). Accuracy, specificity and negative predictive values were 80.2%, 85.1% and 88.4%, respectively. In the validation cohort, the PERIOD score had good diagnostic performance (AUROC = .807, 95% CI: .691-.893) with similar results in all patient subgroups. In the MAFLD-CKD subgroup, the accuracy for identifying advanced fibrosis was further improved by combining the PRO-C3-based ADAPT with the Agile 3+ scores (AUROC = .90, 95% CI: .836-.964).

CONCLUSIONS

The PERIOD score is helpful for accurately predicting the risk of MAFLD-CKD. PRO-C3 can also be used to assess liver fibrosis in people with MAFLD-CKD.

Strategies for Enhancing the Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Efficiency of Covalent Triazine Frameworks for CO2 Reduction

Converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into fuel and high-value-added chemicals is considered a green and effective way to solve global energy and environmental problems. Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) are extensively utilized as an emerging catalyst for photo/electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) recently recognized for their distinctive qualities, including excellent thermal and chemical stability, π-conjugated structure, rich nitrogen content, and a strong affinity for CO2, etc. Nevertheless, single-component CTFs have the problems of accelerated recombination of photoexcited electron-hole pairs and restricted conductivity, which limit their application for photo/electrocatalytic CO2RR. Therefore, emphasis will then summarize the strategies for enhancing the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic efficiency of CTFs for CO2RR in this paper, including atom doping, constructing a heterojunction structure, etc. This review first illustrates the synthesis strategies of CTFs and the advantages of CTFs in the field of photo/electrocatalytic CO2RR. Subsequently, the mechanism of CTF-based materials in photo/electrocatalytic CO2RR is described. Lastly, the challenges and future prospects of CTFs in photo/electrocatalytic CO2RR are addressed, which offers a fresh perspective for the future development of CTFs in photo/electrocatalytic CO2RR.

A Nanographene-Porphyrin Hybrid for Near-Infrared-Ii Phototheranostics

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI)-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) in the second near-infrared (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) window has been attracting attention as a promising cancer theranostic platform. Here, it is reported that the π-extended porphyrins fused with one or two nanographene units (NGP-1 and NGP-2) can serve as a new class of NIR-responsive organic agents, displaying absorption extending to ≈1000 and ≈1400 nm in the NIR-I and NIR-II windows, respectively. NGP-1 and NGP-2 are dispersed in water through encapsulation into self-assembled nanoparticles (NPs), achieving high photothermal conversion efficiency of 60% and 69%, respectively, under 808 and 1064 nm laser irradiation. Moreover, the NIR-II-active NGP-2-NPs demonstrated promising photoacoustic responses, along with high photostability and biocompatibility, enabling PAI and efficient NIR-II PTT of cancer in vivo.

Comparison of Novel Proteomic Expression Profiles for Radiation Exposure in Male and Female C57BL6 Mice

There is a need for point-of-care diagnostics for future mass casualty events involving radiation exposure. The development of radiation exposure and dose prediction algorithms for biodosimetry is needed for screening of large populations during these scenarios, and exploration of the potential effects which sex, age, genetic heterogeneity, and physiological comorbidities may have on the utility of biodosimetry diagnostics is needed. In the current study, proteomic profiling was used to examine sex-specific differences in age-matched C57BL6 mice on the blood proteome after radiation exposure, and the usefulness of development and application of biodosimetry algorithms using both male and female samples. Male and female mice between 9-11 weeks of age received a dose of total-body irradiation (TBI) of either 2, 4 or 8 Gy and plasma was collected at days 1, 3 and 7 postirradiation. Plasma was then screened using the SomaScan v4.1 assay for ∼7,000 protein analytes. A subset panel of protein biomarkers demonstrated significant (FDR < 0.05 and |logFC| > 0.2) changes in expression after radiation exposure. All proteins were used for feature selection to build predictive models of radiation exposure using different sample and sex-specific cohorts. Both binary (prediction of any radiation exposure) and multidose (prediction of specific radiation dose) model series were developed using either female and male samples combined or only female or only male samples. The binary series (models 1, 2 and 3) and multidose series (models 4, 5 and 6) included female/male combined, female only and male only respectively. Detectable values were obtained for all ∼7,000 proteins included in the SomaScan assay for all samples. Each model algorithm built using a unique sample cohort was validated with a training set of samples and tested with a separate new sample series. Overall predictive accuracies in the binary model series was ∼100% at the model training level, and when tested with fresh samples, 97.9% for model 1 (female and male) and 100% for model 2 (female only) and model 3 (male only). When sex-specific models 2 and 3 were tested with the opposite sex, the overall predictive accuracy rate dropped to 62.5% for model 2 and remained 100% for model 3. The overall predictive accuracy rate in the multidose model series was 100% for all models at the model training level and, when tested with fresh samples, 83.3%, 75% and 83.3% for Multidose models 4-6, respectively. When sex-specific model 5 (female only) and model 6 (male only) were tested with the opposite sex, the overall predictive accuracy rate dropped to 52.1% and 68.8%, respectively. These models represent novel predictive panels of radiation-responsive proteomic biomarkers and illustrate the utility and necessity of considering sex-specific differences in development of radiation biodosimetry prediction algorithms. As sex-specific differences were observed in this study, and as use of point-of-care radiation diagnostics in future mass casualty settings will necessarily include persons of both sexes, consideration of sex-specific variation is essential to ensure these diagnostic tools have practical utility in the field.

Dopamine signaling enriched striatal gene set predicts striatal dopamine synthesis and physiological activity in vivo

The polygenic architecture of schizophrenia implicates several molecular pathways involved in synaptic function. However, it is unclear how polygenic risk funnels through these pathways to translate into syndromic illness. Using tensor decomposition, we analyze gene co-expression in the caudate nucleus, hippocampus, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of post-mortem brain samples from 358 individuals. We identify a set of genes predominantly expressed in the caudate nucleus and associated with both clinical state and genetic risk for schizophrenia that shows dopaminergic selectivity. A higher polygenic risk score for schizophrenia parsed by this set of genes predicts greater dopamine synthesis in the striatum and greater striatal activation during reward anticipation. These results translate dopamine-linked genetic risk variation into in vivo neurochemical and hemodynamic phenotypes in the striatum that have long been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

Early changes in cardiac troponin T and NT-proBNP levels in neonates receiving ECMO support: a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the changes in absolute value and decline rate of early serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in neonates who received veno-arterial (V-A) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support therapy within the first week of life.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected clinical data and laboratory test results of 18 neonates who underwent V-A ECMO support within one week of birth, from July 2021 to June 2023, using the electronic medical record system. These patients were categorized into survival and death groups. Comparative analyses of the absolute values and decline rates of cTnT and NT-proBNP were made between the groups at baseline, and at 24, 48, and 72 h post-ECMO initiation.

RESULTS

Out of the 18 neonates, 12 survived (survival rate: 66.7%), while 6 succumbed. The survival group exhibited significantly lower absolute values of cTnT and NT-proBNP than the death group, and their decline rates were significantly higher. Notably, all neonates without an early decline in cTnT and NT-proBNP levels were in the death group.

CONCLUSION

The early changes in the absolute value and decline rate of serum cTnT and NT-proBNP in neonates undergoing V-A ECMO may serve as predictors of their prognosis.

Confinement effects of mandrel degradation in ICF target fabrication

Understanding and further regulating the degradation of mandrel materials is a key aspect of target fabrication in inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Here, a quasi-one-dimensional confinement model is developed using a series of single-walled carbon nanotubes with varying diameters (Dm), and the degradation of poly-α-methylstyrene (PAMS) as a typical mandrel material is investigated under such confined conditions by using the combined method of quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics. In comparison to the isolated system, the calculations show that confinement can decrease or increase the energy barriers of PAMS degradation, which directly depends on Dm. Following which a clear exponential relationship between the degradation rate of PAMS and its own density is derived, indicating that the density of PAMS can be used to regulate mandrel degradation. This work highlights the important effects of confinement on degradation and provides a valuable reference for further development of polymer degradation technologies in ICF target fabrication and other fields.

Maternal cardiovascular health in early pregnancy and the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the predominant birth defect. This study aimed to explore the association between maternal cardiovascular health (CVH) and the CHD risk in offspring.

METHODS

We used the prospective data from the Fujian Birth Cohort Study, collected from March 2019 to December 2022 on pregnant women within 14 weeks of gestation. Overall maternal CVH was assessed by seven CVH metrics (including physical activity, smoking, sleep duration, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose), with each metric classified as ideal, intermediate or poor with specific points. Participants were further allocated into high, moderate and low CVH categories based on the cumulative CVH score. The association with offspring CHD was determined with log-binominal regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 19810 participants aged 29.7 (SD: 3.9) years were included, with 7846 (39.6%) classified as having high CVH, 10949 (55.3%) as having moderate CVH, and 1015 (5.1%) as having low CVH. The average offspring CHD rate was 2.52%, with rates of 2.35%, 2.52% and 3.84% across the high, moderate and low CVH categories, respectively (P = 0.02). Adjusted relative risks (RRs) of having offspring CHD were 0.64 (95% CI: 0.45-0.90, P = 0.001) for high CVH and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.48-0.93, P = 0.02) for moderate CVH compared to low CVH. For individual metrics, only ideal total cholesterol was significantly associated with lower offspring CHD (RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59-0.83, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women of high or moderate CVH categories in early pregnancy had reduced risks of CHD in offspring, compared to those of low CVH. It is important to monitor and improve CVH during pre-pregnancy counseling and early prenatal care.

Exosomes from MicroRNA-125b-Modified Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promote Wound Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

INTRODUCTION

Exosomes derived from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs-Exo) have been implicated in the enhancement of wound repair in Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU).

OBJECTIVE

The current research was designed to explore the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of ADSCs-Exo modified with microRNA-125b (miR-125b) in the context of DFU.

METHODS

Rat models with DFU and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) subjected to high glucose (HG) conditions served as experimental systems and were administered miR-125b-engineered ADSCs-Exo. Then, the expressions of CD34, Ki-67, angiogenesis-related factors (VEGF and TGFβ-1), angiogenesis inhibitor DLL-4, and inflammation-related proteins (TLR-4 and IL-6) were detected.

RESULTS

MiR-125b was upregulated in ADSCs-Exo. MiR-125b-mimics transfection in ADSCs- Exo reduced inflammatory infiltration and promoted granulation formation and wound healing in wound tissues. MiR-125b-mimics-modified ADSCs-Exo injection increased the expression of CD34, Ki-67, VEGF, and TGFβ-1, whereas decreased the expression of DLL-4, TLR-4, and IL-6 in wound tissues of DFU rats. In addition, miR-125b-mimics-ADSCs-Exo injection reversed the negative effects of HG on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HUVECs, as well as the positive effects of cell apoptosis. Moreover, miR-125b-inhibitor-ADSCs-Exo injection had the opposite effects to miR-125b-mimics-ADSCs-Exo.

CONCLUSION

ADSCs-Exo promoted wound healing of DFU rats, especially when overexpressing miR-125b.

Diet changes due to urbanization in South Africa are linked to microbiome and metabolome signatures of Westernization and colorectal cancer

Transition from traditional high-fiber to Western diets in urbanizing communities of Sub-Saharan Africa is associated with increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD), exemplified by colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. To investigate how urbanization gives rise to microbial patterns that may be amenable by dietary intervention, we analyzed diet intake, fecal 16 S bacteriome, virome, and metabolome in a cross-sectional study in healthy rural and urban Xhosa people (South Africa). Urban Xhosa individuals had higher intakes of energy (urban: 3,578 ± 455; rural: 2,185 ± 179 kcal/d), fat and animal protein. This was associated with lower fecal bacteriome diversity and a shift from genera favoring degradation of complex carbohydrates (e.g., Prevotella) to taxa previously shown to be associated with bile acid metabolism and CRC. Urban Xhosa individuals had higher fecal levels of deoxycholic acid, shown to be associated with higher CRC risk, but similar short-chain fatty acid concentrations compared with rural individuals. Fecal virome composition was associated with distinct gut bacterial communities across urbanization, characterized by different dominant host bacteria (urban: Bacteriodota; rural: unassigned taxa) and variable correlation with fecal metabolites and dietary nutrients. Food and skin microbiota samples showed compositional differences along the urbanization gradient. Rural-urban dietary transition in South Africa is linked to major changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome. Further studies are needed to prove cause and identify whether restoration of specific components of the traditional diet will arrest the accelerating rise in NCDs in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Cobalt Ion-Stabilized VO2 for Aqueous Ammonium Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors

Aqueous ammonium ion hybrid supercapacitor (A-HSC) is an efficient energy storage device based on nonmetallic ion carriers (NH4+), which combines advantages such as low cost, safety, and sustainability. However, unstable electrode structures are prone to structural collapse in aqueous electrolytes, leading to fast capacitance decay, especially in host materials represented by vanadium-based oxidation. Here, the Co2+ preintercalation strategy is used to stabilize the VO2 tunnel structure and improve the electrochemical stability of the fast NH4+ storage process. In addition, the understanding of the NH4+ storage mechanism has been deepened through ex situ structural characterization and electrochemical analysis. The results indicate that Co2+ preintercalation effectively enhances the conductivity and structural stability of VO2, and inhibits the dissolution of V in aqueous electrolytes. In addition, the charge storage mechanisms of NH4+ intercalation/deintercalation and the reversible formation/fracture of hydrogen bonds were revealed.

The Active Ingredient Catalpol in Rehmannia glutinosa Reduces Blood Glucose in Diabetic Rats via the AMPK Pathway

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a huge threat to population health globally, and more drugs need to be explored for treatment. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of active ingredient catalpol in Rehmannia glutinosa on reduces blood glucose in diabetic.

Methods

The T2DM model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin into Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, which were randomly grouped into diabetes model group, pioglitazone group, Rehmannia glutinosa group, catalpol high-dose group, catalpol low-dose group and normal control group.The intervention was continued for 28 d, and changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels were observed.

Results

Of all the drugs, pioglitazone had the most pronounced hypoglycemic effect, which began to decline after 2 weeks of treatment in the low-dose catalpol group and had no hypoglycemic effect in the high-dose catalpol group. Among them, Rehmannia glutinosa was able to increase serum triglyceride level, and pioglitazone effectively reduced total cholesterol level in rats. The low dose of catalpol decreased the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), while the high dose of catalpol increased the concentration of LDL.

Conclusion

As an active ingredient in Rehmannia glutinosa, catalpol has the potential to lower blood glucose and improve blood lipids in diabetes treatment, and its action may be achieved by regulating the adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, which provides a new idea for the development of new diabetes therapeutic approaches.

Regulatory role of BNP in the spinal center of rats with nonbacterial prostatitis

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence has shown that activating spinal cord glial cells (typically astrocytes and microglial cells) is closely related to hyperpathia and persistent pain.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of GFAP and CR3/CD11b in cornu dorsale medullae spinalis of rats with nonbacterial prostatitis, to explore the therapeutic efficacy and action mechanism of intrathecal injection of BNP alleviating chronic neuropathic pain.

METHODS

Eighteen male SPF SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation control group, nonbacterial prostatitis group (NBP) and intrathecal injection BNP group, the NBP model was established by intraprostatic injection of CFA, and the spinal cord of L6-S1 segment was extracted seven days after intrathecal injection of BNP; The expression of GFAP and CR3/CD11b in dorsal horn of spinal cord were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot.

RESULTS

The cumulative optical density values of GFAP and CR3/CD11b immunofluorescence assay in the NBP group were higher than those in the sham operation group, with statistical significance (p⁢ï⁢¼⁢ 0.01); The expression of GFAP and CR3/CD11b in intrathecal injection BNP group were lower than those in NBP group, the differences were statistically significant (p⁢ï⁢¼⁢ 0.01). Western blot results showed that the expression of GFAP and CR3/CD11B in NBP group were higher than those in sham operation group, with statistical significance (p⁢ï⁢¼⁢ 0.05). The expression of GFAP and CR3/CD11B in intrathecal injection BNP group were lower than those in NBP group, the differences were statistically significant (p⁢ï⁢¼⁢ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intrathecal injection of BNP can down-regulate the expressions of GFAP and CR3/CD11b in L6-S1 spinal cord of NBP rat model and to further inhibit chronic pain caused by NBP.

Haemophilus aphrophilus and Eikenella corrodens Coinfection of Brain: An Unusual Case from China

Background

The HACEK group comprises Haemophilus spp., Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, and Kingella kingae, are Gram-negative bacteria that are slow-growing and fastidious. These organisms are common causes of culture-negative endocarditis. However, brain abscesses caused by Haemophilus aphrophilus and E. corrodens have been rarely reported. The case we describe, which was promptly identified and successfully treated, will be meaningful for the diagnosis and treatment of such infectious diseases.

Case Presentation

Herein, we report a case of brain abscess in a young man who was infected with Haemophilus aphrophilus and E. corrodens. The patient was admitted to the hospital with sudden onset of vomiting, coma, and fever. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid cell counts suggested cerebral abscess, he underwent drainage of the abscess and empirical antimicrobial therapy of meropenem (2 g every 8 hours) and linezolid (0.6 g every 12 hours) for more than 10 days without significant improvement. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of drainage fluid and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) detection for isolated bacteria from samples suggested the presence of H. aphrophilus and E. corrodens. After 7 weeks of ceftriaxone (2 g every 12 hours) and meropenem (2 g every 8 hours) intravenously, the patient was discharged with a normal temperature and brain MRI showed improvement of the lesion.

Conclusion

Similar cases reported in previous studies were always associated with bacterial blood dissemination after dental surgery or myocarditis; however, the patient in our case had no any associated risk factors. As far as we know, this is the only case of central nervous system infection caused by H. aphrophilus and E. corrodens that has utilized combined mNGS and MALDI-TOF MS in the diagnosis.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis delineates adaptation strategies of Rana kukunoris toward cold stress on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

BACKGROUND

Cold hardiness is fundamental for amphibians to survive during the extremely cold winter on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Exploring the gene regulation mechanism of freezing-tolerant Rana kukunoris could help us to understand how the frogs survive in winter.

RESULTS

Transcriptome of liver and muscle of R. kukunoris collected in hibernation and spring were assisted by single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology. A total of 10,062 unigenes of R. kukunoris were obtained, and 9,924 coding sequences (CDS) were successfully annotated. Our examination of the mRNA response to whole body freezing and recover in the frogs revealed key genes concerning underlying antifreeze proteins and cryoprotectants (glucose and urea). Functional pathway analyses revealed differential regulated pathways of ribosome, energy supply, and protein metabolism which displayed a freeze-induced response and damage recover. Genes related to energy supply in the muscle of winter frogs were up-regulated compared with the muscle of spring frogs. The liver of hibernating frogs maintained modest levels of protein synthesis in the winter. In contrast, the liver underwent intensive high levels of protein synthesis and lipid catabolism to produce substantial quantity of fresh proteins and energy in spring. Differences between hibernation and spring were smaller than that between tissues, yet the physiological traits of hibernation were nevertheless passed down to active state in spring.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our comparative transcriptomic analyses, we revealed the likely adaptive mechanisms of R. kukunoris. Ultimately, our study expands genetic resources for the freezing-tolerant frogs.

A relatively rare traditional Chinese medicine pattern of primary Sjögren syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

This report presents a unique case of a patient diagnosed with Primary Sjögren's syndrome and a relatively rare traditional Chinese medicine pattern, known as the combined cold and heat pattern and cold-dampness syndrome. The patient's condition was successfully managed using Chinese herbal medicine, specifically the modified Da-Chai-Hu decoction and Linggui Zhugan decoction.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 56-year-old woman had chronic dry eye and mouth for over 10 years. She was initially managed with traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) prescriptions, including the Zengye decoction, but the therapeutic effects were unsatisfactory. As the disease progressed, she was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder due to symptoms of vexation and insomnia. Treatment with alprazolam and venlafaxine failed to alleviate these symptoms. Recently, her general condition gradually worsened, with symptoms including a bitter taste in her mouth, dizziness, hot flashes, chills, poor appetite, chest discomfort, and constipation.

DIAGNOSES

After a series of examinations, including a Schirmer test and labial gland biopsy, she was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome.

INTERVENTIONS

Despite regular treatment with pilocarpine, sodium hyaluronate eye drops, venlafaxine, and alprazolam, the dry mouth symptoms intensified. Consequently, she sought further intervention through the TCHM.

OUTCOMES

After 8 weeks of treatment with the modified Da-Chai-Hu decoction and Linggui Zhugan decoction, she reported a significant improvement in her dryness-related symptoms and sleep quality.

LESSONS

This case report demonstrates that TCHM can effectively treat Primary Sjögren's syndrome, and should be considered for broader applications. Furthermore, this underscores the importance of tailoring treatment formulas to patients by identifying their specific syndrome differentiation in a clinical setting.