Cyclic di-AMP Rescues Porphyromonas gingivalis-Aggravated Atherosclerosis

Growing evidence demonstrates the relationship between periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) has been shown to contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. Cyclic diadenylate monophosphate (c-di-AMP) has been widely studied as an immune adjuvant for tumor immunotherapy, given its ability to activate the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and regulate trained immunity. This study sought to elucidate the role of c-di-AMP in Pg-associated atherosclerosis. Periodontitis and atherosclerosis mouse models were established by ligature application around maxillary second molars and feeding ApoE knockout mice with a high-fat diet. We found that periodontitis and atherosclerosis were more severe in mice exposed to Pg than mice that underwent ligature placement only, while prophylactic treatment with c-di-AMP activated trained immunity and elicited significant alleviation of alveolar bone resorption, as well as reduced blood lipid levels and atherosclerotic plaque accumulation. After 3 mo of intervention, c-di-AMP limited the elevation of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon β; extracellular matrix remodeling enzymes MMP-2 and MMP-9; and adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 gene expression. The mechanism underlying Pg-aggravated atherosclerosis may be attributed to changes in microbiota composition in oral and aortic plaques and excess inflammatory response, whereas c-di-AMP could prevent the effects of Pg infection due to its potential ability to activate trained immunity and regulate microecological balance. Our findings suggest a positive role of c-di-AMP in alleviating Pg-aggravated atherosclerosis by regulating the immune response and influencing the local microenvironment.

Octahedral Distortion and Displacement-Type Ferroelectricity with Switchable Photovoltaic Effect in a 3d^{3}-Electron Perovskite System

Because of the half-filled t_{2g}-electron configuration, the BO_{6} octahedral distortion in a 3d^{3} perovskite system is usually very limited. In this Letter, a perovskitelike oxide Hg_{0.75}Pb_{0.25}MnO_{3} (HPMO) with a 3d^{3} Mn^{4+} state was synthesized by using high pressure and high temperature methods. This compound exhibits an unusually large octahedral distortion enhanced by approximately 2 orders of magnitude compared with that observed in other 3d^{3} perovskite systems like RCr^{3+}O_{3} (R=rare earth). Essentially different from centrosymmetric HgMnO_{3} and PbMnO_{3}, the A-site doped HPMO presents a polar crystal structure with the space group Ama2 and a substantial spontaneous electric polarization (26.5  μC/cm^{2} in theory) arising from the off-center displacements of A- and B-site ions. More interestingly, a prominent net photocurrent and switchable photovoltaic effect with a sustainable photoresponse were observed in the current polycrystalline HPMO. This Letter provides an exceptional d^{3} material system which shows unusually large octahedral distortion and displacement-type ferroelectricity violating the "d^{0}-ness" rule.

PGRMC1 promotes triple-negative breast cancer cell growth via suppressing ferroptosis

OBJECTIVE

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant form of breast cancer with increasing incidence and mortality worldwide. The progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (PGRMC1) is a well-identified hormone receptor with unknown functions in TNBC. The current study aims to explore the involvement of PGRMC1 in regulation of glutathione metabolism and ferroptosis during development of TNBC, providing new therapy options for TNBC patients.

METHODS

Bioinformatic analysis, cell proliferation assay, western blot assay and other biochemistry methods were performed in TNBC cells.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the expression of PGRMC1 is higher in TNBC than the other subtypes of breast cancer. Interestingly, as an iron binding protein, increased PGRMC1 expression in TNBC cells leads to resistance to ferroptosis inducer. On the contrary, silenced PGRMC1 expression enhanced sensitivity of MDA-MB231 cells to Erastin. Mechanistically, overexpression of PGRMC1 decreased the intracellular free iron concentration, which was reduced by AG205 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

PGRMC1 increases the possibility of TNBC development through binding to intracellular iron and suppressing ferroptosis, providing the molecular basis of combined treatment for TNBC.

Diagnostic Performance of High-Resolution Vessel Wall MR Imaging Combined with TOF-MRA in the Follow-up of Intracranial Vertebrobasilar Dissecting Aneurysms after Reconstructive Endovascular Treatment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Few studies have reported the utility of high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging in the follow-up of endovascularly treated vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging combined with TOF-MRA in the follow-up of intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms after reconstructive endovascular treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms with reconstructive endovascular treatment and followed up with TOF-MRA, high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging, and DSA were included. With DSA as the criterion standard, the diagnostic performance of TOF-MRA, high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging, and high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging combined with TOF-MRA in the evaluation of aneurysm occlusion status and parent artery patency was assessed. Visualization of the stented artery on TOF-MRA and high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging was rated on a 5-point scale.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients with 29 aneurysms were included. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of TOF-MRA, high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging, and high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging combined with TOF-MRA for diagnosing aneurysm remnants were 80.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 82.4%; 53.3%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 66.7%; and 93.3%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 93.3%, respectively. For the visualization of the stented artery, the mean score of high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging was significantly higher than that of TOF-MRA (4.88 [SD, 0.32] versus 2.53 [SD, 1.25], P < .001). In the evaluation of parent artery patency (normal or pathologic), whereas TOF-MRA had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 100.0%, 8.0%, 14.8%, and 100.0%, respectively, high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging was completely consistent with the DSA.

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution vessel wall MR imaging combined with TOF-MRA at 3T showed good diagnostic performance in the follow-up of intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms after reconstructive endovascular treatment.

Vanadium Oxide Nanozymes with Multiple Enzyme-Mimic Activities for Tumor Catalytic Therapy

Using tumors containing high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to design nanozymes is a new and effective strategy, and vanadium-based nanomaterials receive increasing attention. In this paper, four kinds of vanadium oxide nanozymes with different valences of vanadium are synthesized by a simple method to verify the effect of valence on enzyme activity. Vanadium oxide nanozyme-III (Vnps-III) with a low valence of vanadium (V⁴⁺) exhibits good peroxidase (POD) and oxidase (OXD) activities, which can effectively produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tumor microenvironment for tumor treatment. In addition, Vnps-III can also consume glutathione (GSH) to reduce ROS consumption. Vanadium oxide nanozyme-I (Vnps-I) containing a high valence of vanadium (V⁵⁺) has catalase (CAT) activity, which can catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into oxygen (O₂), which is beneficial to alleviate the hypoxic environment of solid tumors. Finally, a vanadium oxide nanozyme with both trienzyme simulation activity and GSH consumption ability was screened out by adjusting the ratio of V⁴⁺ to V⁵⁺ in vanadium oxide nanozymes. In cell and animal experiments, we successfully demonstrate that vanadium oxide nanozymes have excellent antitumor ability and high safety, which may bring great potential for clinical cancer treatment.

Non-Newtonian fluid gating membranes with acoustically responsive and self-protective gas transport control

Control of gas transport through porous media is desired in multifarious processes such as chemical reactions, interface absorption, and medical treatment. Liquid gating technology, based on dynamically adaptive interfaces, has been developed in recent years and has shown excellent control capability in gas manipulation-the reversible opening and closing of a liquid gate for gas transport as the applied pressure changes. Here, we report a new strategy to achieve self-protective gas transport control by regulating the dynamic porous interface in a non-Newtonian fluid gating membrane based on the shear thickening fluid. The gas transport process can be suspended and restored via modulation of the acoustic field, owing to the transition of particle-to-particle interactions in a confined geometry. Our experimental and theoretical results support the stability and tunability of the gas transport control. In addition, relying on the shear thickening behaviour of the gating fluid, the transient response can be achieved to resist high-impact pressure. This strategy could be utilized to design integrated smart materials used in complex and extreme environments such as hazardous and explosive gas transportation.

Efficacy of topical 30% salicylic acid in combination with minocycline in moderate to severe acne

To evaluate the efficacy of topical 30% salicylic acid plus minocycline in moderate to severe acne. One hundred patients with moderate to severe acne from February 2020 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were assigned (1:1) to receive either topical 30% salicylic acid plus minocycline (combination group) or minocycline (mono therapy group). The acne scores, physician subjective and objective scores, efficacy, quality of life, incidence of adverse reactions, recurrence and satisfaction in both groups were compared. The combination group had lower Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) scores, erythema scores and papulopustular scores than the mono therapy group. Combined therapy was associated with lower erythema absolute value and erythema index, more skin water content and less transcutaneous water loss versus minocycline. Higher efficacy, acne symptoms scores, and quality of life were observed with combination therapy versus mono therapy (P<0.05). The two groups had a similar incidence of adverse reactions and recurrence. Combination therapy showed a higher appearance satisfaction versus mono therapy. The efficacy of topical 30% salicylic acid plus minocycline for moderate to severe acne was better versus minocycline.

Positive correlation between NLR and PLR in 10,458 patients with endometriosis in reproductive age in China

OBJECTIVE

The platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which can be easily measured from whole blood counts, are composite reflections of significant inflammatory response pathways. However, the relationship between PLR and NLR in patients with ovarian endometriosis is only partially supported by clinical evidence. This study aimed at identifying useful markers for early diagnosis by examining the relationship between PLR and NLR in patients with ovarian endometriosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between June 2015 and December 2022, we gathered clinical data of 10,458 endometriosis patients who visited the Gynecology Division of the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University. All statistical analyses were performed using the R statistical package.

RESULTS

The results of the univariate analysis, smoothed curve fitting, multiple regression analysis, and subgroup analysis revealed that NLR was always positively correlated with PLR. Further analysis based on the curve fitting threshold effect revealed a significant positive correlation between NLR and PLR when NLR < 2.07 (β: 34.49). Furthermore, when NLR > 2.07, there was a significant positive correlation between NLR and PLR (β: 16.93).

CONCLUSIONS

The finding that NLR and PLR have a positive correlation confirms that inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis. Therefore, PLR and NLR could be used as new biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Chrysanthemum sporopollenin: A novel vaccine delivery system for nasal mucosal immunity

Objective

Mucosal immunization was an effective defender against pathogens. Nasal vaccines could activate both systemic and mucosal immunity to trigger protective immune responses. However, due to the weak immunogenicity of nasal vaccines and the lack of appropriate antigen carriers, very few nasal vaccines have been clinically approved for human use, which was a major barrier to the development of nasal vaccines. Plant-derived adjuvants are promising candidates for vaccine delivery systems due to their relatively safe immunogenic properties. In particular, the distinctive structure of pollen was beneficial to the stability and retention of antigen in the nasal mucosa.

Methods

Herein, a novel wild-type chrysanthemum sporopollenin vaccine delivery system loaded with a w/o/w emulsion containing squalane and protein antigen was fabricated. The unique internal cavities and the rigid external walls within the sporopollenin skeleton construction could preserve and stabilize the inner proteins. The external morphological characteristics were suitable for nasal mucosal administration with high adhesion and retention.

Results

Secretory IgA antibodies in the nasal mucosa can be induced by the w/o/w emulsion with the chrysanthemum sporopollenin vaccine delivery system. Moreover, the nasal adjuvants produce a stronger humoral response (IgA and IgG) compared to squalene emulsion adjuvant. Mucosal adjuvant benefited primarily from prolongation of antigens in the nasal cavity, improvement of antigen penetration in the submucosa and promotion of CD8+ T cells in spleen.

Disccusion

Based on effective delivering both the adjuvant and the antigen, the increase of protein antigen stability and the realization of mucosal retention, the chrysanthemum sporopollenin vaccine delivery system has the potential to be a promising adjuvant platform. This work provide a novel idea for the fabrication of protein-mucosal delivery vaccine.

Orthogonal and complementary measurements of properties of drug products containing nanomaterials

Quality control of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products, and verification of their safety and efficacy, depends on reliable measurements of critical quality attributes (CQAs). The task becomes particularly challenging for drug products and vaccines containing nanomaterials, where multiple complex CQAs must be identified and monitored. To reduce (i) the risk of measurement bias and (ii) the uncertainty in decision-making during product development, the combination of orthogonal and complementary analytical techniques are generally recommended by regulators. However, despite frequent reference to "orthogonal" and "complementary" in guidance documents, neither term is clearly defined. How does one determine if two analytical methods are orthogonal or complementary to one another? Definitions are needed to design a robust characterization strategy aligned to regulatory needs. Definitions for "orthogonal" and "complementary" are proposed that are compatible with existing metrological terminology and are applicable to complex measurement problems. Orthogonal methods target the quantitative evaluation of the true value of a product attribute to address unknown bias or interference. Complementary measurements include a broader scope of methods that reinforce each other to support a common decision. Examples of the application of these terms are presented, with a focus on measurement of physical properties of nano-enabled drug products, including liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles for cancer treatment, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) and virus-like particles for nucleic acid delivery. The proposed framework represents a first step in advancing the assessment of the orthogonality and complementarity of two measurements and it can potentially serve as the basis for a future international standard. This framework may help product developers to implement more efficient product characterization strategies, accelerate the introduction of novel medicines to the clinic and be applicable to other therapeutics beyond nanomaterial-containing pharmaceuticals.

HbA1c variability is associated with adverse outcomes in heart failure patients with and without diabetes

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Glycemic control is an important clinical issue in the management of patients with heart failure (HF). Variability of Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has been proven to be a predictor of cardiovascular events. However, previous studies mainly focused on general population and patients with coronary artery disease, while less is known about the effect of long-term HbA1c variability on clinical outcomes in HF patients.

Purpose

To evaluate the association of HbA1c variability and the risk of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization in patients with HF irrespective of their diabetic status.

Methods

By using the data from the well-validated Clinical Data Analysis Reporting System (CDARS), HF patients from 2003-2020 who had more than 3 times HbA1c measurements after the diagnosis of HF were included (N=65950, mean age was 66.5±12.0 years and 39409 (52.9%) were male). Average successive variability (ASV) ( average absolute difference between successive values), standard deviation (SD) of HbA1c were calculated. Hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization were estimated using competing risk regression with Cox proportional-hazard model.

Results

During a median follow-up of 7.2 years, 52446 (79.5%) patients developed HF rehospitalization and 34508 (52.3%) died. After adjusting for confounders, each unit change of HbA1c ASV or SD was significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality, as well as higher risk of HF-rehospitalization (Figure 1). Among the study population, 48673 (73.8%) was diabetic while the remaining 17277 (26.2%) were non-diabetic. Interestingly, HbA1c variability had a stronger impact to non-diabetic compared to diabetic patients (P for interaction &lt;0.001) in predicting all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization (Table 1).

Conclusion

In patients with HF, a greater HbA1c variability was associated with an increased risk of HF rehospitalization and all-cause mortality. Such effect was stronger in non-diabetic compared with diabetic. HbA1c variability, irrespective of baseline diabetic status, should be evaluated in HF patients for better risk-stratification.

[Correlation between intestinal and respiratory flora and their metabolites in a rat pneumoconiosis model]

Objective: Differential flora and differential metabolites shared by the intestinal and respiratory tracts of rats were screened to analyze the possible role of changes in intestinal flora and metabolites in the progression of pneumoconiosis in rats. Methods: In April 2020, 18 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (control group, coal mine dust group and silica group, 6 in each group) , rats in the coal mine dust group and silica group were perfused with 1 ml of 50 mg/ml coal mine well dust suspension and silica suspension by nontracheal exposure, respectively. While rats in the control group were perfused with an equal dose of sterilized normal saline. Twenty four weeks after dust staining, rat feces, throat swabs, and lung lavages were collected. 16SrDNA gene sequencing and UHPLC-QTOF-MS untargeted metabolomics were used to analyze the flora and metabolites in feces, throat swabs and lung lavage fluid of rats in each group, to screen for shared differential flora and shared differential metabolites in intestinal and respiratory tract, and the correlation analysis between the differential flora and metabolites was performed using Spearman's statistics. Results: Compared with the control group, a total of 9 species shared differential flora between intestinal and respiratory tract were screened at phylum level, and a total of 9 species shared differential genus between intestinal and respiratory tract were screened at genus level in the coal mine dust group, mainly Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, etc. Compared with the control group, a total of 9 shared differential flora were screened at the phylum level, and a total of 5 shared differential genus were screened at the genus level in the silica group, mainly Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Allobactera, Mucilaginibacter, etc. Compared with the control group, a total of 7 shared differential metabolites were screened for up-regulation of Stigmatellin, Linalool oxide and Isoleucine-leucine in both intestinal and respiratory tract in the coal mine dust group. Compared with the control group , a total of 19 shared differential metabolites werescreened in the silica group, of which Diethanolamine, 1-Aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid, Isoleucine-leucine, Sphingosine, Palmitic acid, D-sphinganine, 1, 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine, and 1-Stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphocholine were up-regulated in both the intestinal and respiratory tract. Conclusion: There is a translocation of intestinal and respiratory flora in pneumoconiosis rats, and rats have an imbalance of lipid metabolism during the progression of pneumoconiosis.

Selenium and toxic metals in human hair of the Dashan Region, China: Concentrations, sources, and antagonism effect

The Dashan Region was a Se-rich region of China. In this study, 131 residents' human hair samples were collected. The concentrations of Se and toxic metals were analyzed, and the health risk was estimated using the concentration data. Cd and As concentrations were significantly higher than in East China. Se and most toxic metal concentrations increased with age (except for the aged people). Furthermore, gender and smoking habits might have a significant impact on toxic metals and Se levels. Multivariable statistics analysis revealed that Se and toxic metals primarily originate in the environment and are then transferred to the human body via the food chain. Dietary habits had an effect on the Se and As concentrations in hair, according to the results of stable isotope analysis. To assess detoxification ability, the Se/ toxic metal molar ratio was used as an indicator. The results demonstrated that the antagonistic effect of Se and Cd, As, Cr, and Hg (molar ratio > 1) could effectively protect residents in the study area from Cd and As pollution in daily life.

Folic acid attenuates chronic visceral pain by reducing clostridiales abundance and hydrogen sulfide production

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) related chronic visceral pain affects 20% of people worldwide. The treatment options are very limited. Although the scholarly reviews have appraised the potential effects of the intestinal microbiota on intestinal motility and sensation, the exact mechanism of intestinal microbiota in IBS-like chronic visceral pain remains largely unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Folic Acid (FA) attenuated visceral pain and its possible mechanisms. Chronic visceral hyperalgesia was induced in rats by neonatal colonic inflammation (NCI). 16S rDNA analysis of fecal samples from human subjects and rats was performed. Patch clamp recording was used to determine synaptic transmission of colonic-related spinal dorsal horn. Alpha diversity of intestinal flora was increased in patients with IBS, as well as the obviously increased abundance of Clostridiales order (a main bacteria producing hydrogen sulfide). The hydrogen sulfide content was positive correlation with visceral pain score in patients with IBS. Consistently, NCI increased Clostridiales frequency and hydrogen sulfide content in feces of adult rats. Notably, the concentration of FA was markedly decreased in peripheral blood of IBS patients compared with non-IBS human subjects. FA supplement alleviated chronic visceral pain and normalized the Clostridiales frequency in NCI rats. In addition, FA supplement significantly reduced the frequency of sEPSCs of neurons in the spinal dorsal horn of NCI rats. Folic Acid treatment attenuated chronic visceral pain of NCI rats through reducing hydrogen sulfide production from Clostridiales in intestine.

Serum metabolite differences detected by HILIC UHPLC-Q-TOF MS in systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by extensive fibrosis and vascular damage. Vasculopathy, activation of the immune system, and diffuse fibrosis are all involved in the fatal pathogenesis of SSc. However, little metabolomic research has been conducted in SSc.

METHODS

This study included 30 SSc patients and 30 healthy individuals. The metabolite differences in serum samples were analyzed using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography and quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, serum metabolites were analyzed in patients with systemic involvement (lung or skin fibrosis).

RESULTS

A total of 2360 ion peaks were detected, all of which were attributable to 38 metabolites. These metabolites primarily consisted of fatty acids, amino acids, and glycerophospholipids, which were the major metabolic pathways altered in SSc patients. Glutamine metabolism was the main pathway altered in SSc patients with lung involvement, whereas amino acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis were the main pathways altered in SSc patients with skin involvement.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that metabolic profiles and pathways differed between SSc patients and healthy people, potentially providing new targets for SSc-directed therapeutics and diagnostics. Key Points • Metabolic profiles and pathways differed between SSc patients and healthy people. • The levels of trans-dehydroandrosterone are substantially lower in lcSSc than in dcSSc, potentially providing new targets for SSc patients with skin involvement. • L-glutamine could be used as a serum metabolic marker and a therapeutic target for SSc patients with lung involvement.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of miR-140-3p in BMSCs-Exosomes on Osteoarthritis

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Articular cartilage injury is a common disease in daily life, with a high incidence. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of miRNA-140-3p in bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived exosomes under hypoxia on inflammatory articular chondrocytes. MATERIAL AND METHODS To simulate the pathological status of arthritis, rat chondrocytes were used to establish the osteoarthritis (OA) model by IL-1β (10 μg/ml) as a modulating in vitro, and exosomes were isolated by differential ultra-high speed centrifugation. The cell counting kit-8, wound healing and flow cytometry assays were utilized to assess proliferation, migration and apoptosis of chondrocytes, respectively. Lipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of chondrocytes were detected by oil red O staining and toluidine blue staining individually. The expressions of miR-140-3p and chondrocyte-specific gene mRNA were investigated using qRT-PCR. Western blot was applied to assess chondrocyte associated proteins and BMSC-Exo surface protein markers, and immunohistochemistry was adopted to detect the staining of collagen I and II. RESULTS Under scanning electronic microscope, the shape of exosomes was almost round. Exosome treatment prominently impaired the inhibition of chondrocytes' proliferative and migrative ability by IL-1β. It was found hypoxia had a more marked impact on proliferation, expression of collagen II and apoptosis in OA chondrocytes than normoxia, as well as a stronger effect on weakening adipose differentiation and enhancing chondrogenic differentiation in inflammatory chondrocytes. Furthermore, incubation with BMSC-Exo overexpressing miR-140-3p can remarkably increase the survival rate and migration in inflammatory chondrocytes. In addition, overexpression of miR-140-3p was found to enhance the chondrogenic differentiation of inflammatory chondrocytes. Furthermore, we found that the healing effect of exosomes on inflammatory chondrocytes under hypoxic conditions was produced by a rise in miR-140-3p expression within them and that hypoxia-mediated upregulation of miR-140-3p expression occurred through HIF-1α. CONCLUSIONS Under hypoxia, BMSC-Exo enhanced the chondrogenic phenotype, increased the viability of inflammatory chondrocytes. The overexpression of miR-140-3p in BMSC-Exo is beneficial to protect joints and delaying the pathogenesis in OA. Key words: HIF-1α, apoptosis, lipogenic differentiation, chondrogenic differentiation.

Ingroup bias in a social learning experiment

Does social learning and subsequent private information processing differ depending on whether the observer shares the same group identity as the predecessor whose action is observed? In this paper, we conduct a lab experiment to answer this question, in which subjects first observe a social signal and then receive a private signal. We find that subjects put greater weights on the social signal if they share with the predecessor the same group identity that is induced in the experimental environment. We also provide suggestive evidence that such an ingroup-outgroup difference cannot be explained by individuals' beliefs of the predecessor's rationality. Moreover, heterogeneous effects of group identity exist in weights given to the subsequent private signal: Compared to when the predecessor is an outgroup, those who have learned from an ingroup predecessor put a greater (smaller) weight on the private signal if it contradicts (confirms) the social signal. We conjecture that such group effects are consistent with the perspective that group identity works as a framing device and brings about certain decision heuristics in the social signal phase, which no longer exist in the private signal phase.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10683-022-09788-1.

Extended p_{3/2} Neutron Orbital and the N=32 Shell Closure in ^{52}Ca

The one-neutron knockout from ^{52}Ca in inverse kinematics onto a proton target was performed at ∼230  MeV/nucleon combined with prompt γ spectroscopy. Exclusive quasifree scattering cross sections to bound states in ^{51}Ca and the momentum distributions corresponding to the removal of 1f_{7/2} and 2p_{3/2} neutrons were measured. The cross sections, interpreted within the distorted-wave impulse approximation reaction framework, are consistent with a shell closure at the neutron number N=32, found as strong as at N=28 and N=34 in Ca isotopes from the same observables. The analysis of the momentum distributions leads to a difference of the root-mean-square radii of the neutron 1f_{7/2} and 2p_{3/2} orbitals of 0.61(23) fm, in agreement with the modified-shell-model prediction of 0.7 fm suggesting that the large root-mean-square radius of the 2p_{3/2} orbital in neutron-rich Ca isotopes is responsible for the unexpected linear increase of the charge radius with the neutron number.