Ethylene induced AcNAC3 and AcNAC4 take part in ethylene synthesis through mediating AcACO1 during kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) ripening

BACKGROUND

Ethylene plays a vital role in the ripening process of kiwifruit. A terrific amount of transcription factors (TFs) have been shown to regulate ethylene synthesis in various fruits.

RESULTS

In this research, two new NAC TFs, named AcNAC3 and AcNAC4, were isolated from kiwifruit, which belonged to NAM subfamily. Bioinformatics analysis showed that both AcNAC3 and AcNAC4 were hydrophilic proteins with similar three-dimensional structures. The expression levels of AcNAC3, AcNAC4 and AcACO1 increased during kiwifruit ripening, as well as were induced by ethylene and repressed by 1-MCP. Correlation analysis exhibited that ethylene production was positively correlated with the expression levels of AcNAC3, AcNAC4 and AcACO1. Moreover, both AcNAC3 and AcNAC4 acted as transcriptional activators and could bind to and activate AcACO1 promoter.

CONCLUSION

All results unveiled that the ethylene-induced AcNAC3 and AcNAC4 were transcriptional activators, and might participate in kiwifruit ripening and ethylene biosynthesis through activating AcACO1, providing a new insight of ethylene synthetic regulation during kiwifruit ripening. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Gasdermin D drives focal Crystalline Thrombotic Microangiopathy by accelerating Immunothrombosis and Necroinflammation

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is characterized by immunothrombosis and life-threatening organ failure, but the precise underlying mechanism driving its pathogenesis remains elusive. In this study, we hypothesized that gasdermin D (GSDMD), a pore-forming protein serving as the final downstream effector of pyroptosis/interleukin (IL)-1pathway, contributes to TMA and its consequences by amplifying neutrophil maturation and subsequent necrosis. Using a murine model of focal crystalline TMA, we found that Gsdmd-deficiency ameliorated immunothrombosis, acute tissue injury and failure. Gsdmd-/- mice exhibited a decrease in mature IL-1, as well as in neutrophil maturation, 2 integrin activation, and recruitment to TMA lesions, where they formed reduced neutrophil extracellular traps both in arteries and interstitial tissue. The GSDMD inhibitor disulfiram dose-dependently suppressed human neutrophil pyroptosis in response to cholesterol crystals. Experiments with GSDMD-deficient human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neutrophils confirmed the involvement of GSDMD in neutrophil 2 integrin activation, maturation as well as pyroptosis. Both prophylactic and therapeutic administration of disulfiram protected mice from focal TMA, acute tissue injury and failure. Our data identify GSDMD as a key mediator of focal crystalline TMA and its consequences: ischemic tissue infarction and organ failure. GSDMD could potentially serve as a therapeutic target for systemic forms of TMA.

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) diet promotes innate immunity via histone H3K4me3 complex

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) was a methyl donor for modifying histones, which had crucial roles in lipid accumulation, tissue injury, and immune responses. SAM fluctuation might be linked to variations in histone methylation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of whether the SAM diet influenced the immune response via histone modification remained obscure. In this study, we utilized the Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to investigate the role of SAM diet in innate immunity. We found that 50 μM SAM increased resistance to Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 by reducing the bacterial burden in the intestine. Furthermore, through the genetic screening in C. elegans, we found that SAM functioned in germline to enhance innate immunity via an H3K4 methyltransferase complex to upregulate the immune response genes, including irg-1 and T24B8.5. Intriguingly, SAM also protected mice from P. aeruginosa PA14 infection by reducing the bacterial burden in lung. These findings provided insight into the mechanisms of molecular connections among SAM diet, histone modifications and innate immunity.

Oncolytic bacteria VNP20009 expressing IFNβ inhibits melanoma progression by remodeling the tumor microenvironment

In the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated NEs (TANs) have the potential to be protumorigenic or antitumorigenic within the TME in response to environmental cues. The diversity and plasticity of NEs (NEs) underlie the dual potential of TANs in the TME. Here, we utilized the tumor-targeting bacterium VNP20009 (VNP) to carry a plasmid expressed IFNβ (VNP-IFNβ), which can deliver IFNβ and remodel TANs to an antitumorigenic phenotype, and performed preclinical evaluations in the B16F10 lung metastasis model and the B16F10 subcutaneous xenograft model. Compared with VNP, VNP-IFNβ recruited more NEs and macrophages (Mφs) with antitumor phenotypes in lung metastases and activated dendritic cells (DCs) differentiation, which activated antitumor immune responses of CD4+ T cells, and ultimately inhibited melanoma progression. This study enriches the bacterial-mediated tumor therapy by using tumor-targeting bacteria to deliver IFNβ to the tumor site and inhibit melanoma growth and metastasis by remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment.

Coupling Ni Single Atomic Sites with Metallic Aggregates at Adjacent Geometry on Carbon Support for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis

Single atomic catalysts have shown great potential in efficiently electro-converting O2 to H2O2 with high selectivity. However, the impact of coordination environment and introduction of extra metallic aggregates on catalytic performance still remains unclear. Herein, first a series of carbon-based catalysts with embedded coupling Ni single atomic sites and corresponding metallic nanoparticles at adjacent geometry is synthesized. Careful performance evaluation reveals NiSA/NiNP-NSCNT catalyst with precisely controlled active centers of synergetic adjacent Ni-N4S single sites and crystalline Ni nanoparticles exhibits a high H2O2 selectivity over 92.7% within a wide potential range (maximum selectivity can reach 98.4%). Theoretical studies uncover that spatially coupling single atomic NiN4S sites with metallic Ni aggregates in close proximity can optimize the adsorption behavior of key intermediates *OOH to achieve a nearly ideal binding strength, which thus affording a kinetically favorable pathway for H2O2 production. This strategy of manipulating the interaction between single atoms and metallic aggregates offers a promising direction to design new high-performance catalysts for practical H2O2 electrosynthesis.

Occurrence and prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the sediment pore water of mariculture sites: Novel findings of PFASs from the Bohai and Yellow Seas using a newly established analytical method

A new method for the determination of 26 legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine sediment pore water was developed using online solid phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The proposed method requires only about 1 mL of pore water samples. Satisfactory recoveries of most target PFASs (83.55-125.30 %) were achieved, with good precision (RSD of 1.09-16.53 %), linearity (R2 ≥ 0.990), and sensitivity (MDLs: 0.05 ng/L-5.00 ng/L for most PFASs). Subsequently, the method was applied to determine PFASs in the sediment pore water of five mariculture bays in the Bohai and Yellow Seas of China for the first time. Fifteen PFASs were detected with total concentrations ranging from 150.23 ng/L to 1838.48 ng/L (mean = 636.80 ng/L). The ∑PFASs and PFOA concentrations in sediment pore water were remarkably higher than those in surface seawater (tens of ng/L), indicating that the potential toxic effect of PFASs on benthic organisms may be underestimated. PFPeA was mainly distributed in pore water, and the partition of PFHpA (50.99 %) and PFOA (49.01 %) was almost equal in the solid and liquid phases. The proportions of all other PFASs partitioned in marine sediments were significantly higher than those in pore water.

Zinc-ion Anchor Induced Highly Reversible Zn Anodes for High Performance Zn-ion Batteries

Unstable Zn interface with serious detrimental parasitic side-reactions and uncontrollable Zn dendrites severely plagues the practical application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The interface stability was closely related to the electrolyte configuration and Zn2+ depositional behavior. In this work, a unique Zn-ion anchoring strategy is originally proposed to manipulate the coordination structure of solvated Zn-ions and guide the Zn-ion depositional behavior. Specifically, the amphoteric charged ion additives (denoted as DM), which act as zinc-ion anchors, can tightly absorb on the Zn surface to guide the uniform zinc-ion distribution by using its positively charged -NR4+ groups. While the negatively charged -SO3- groups of DM on the other hand, reduces the active water molecules within solvation sheaths of Zn-ions. Benefiting from the special synergistic effect, Zn metal exhibits highly ordered and compact (002) Zn deposition and negligible side-reactions. As a result, the advanced Zn||Zn symmetric cell delivers extraordinarily 7000 hours long lifespan (0.25 mAh cm-2, 0.25 mAh cm-2). Additionally, based on this strategy, the NH4V4O10llZn pouch-cell with low negative/positive capacity ratio (N/P ratio=2.98) maintains 80.4% capacity retention for 180 cycles. A more practical 4 cm*4 cm sized pouch-cell could be steadily cycled in a high output capacity of 37.0 mAh over 50 cycles.

Safety assessment of transgenic maize CC-2 by 90-day feeding study in Sprague-Dawley rats

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of transgenic maize CC-2 through a 90-day feeding study in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods

Transgenic maize CC-2 and its parental counterpart maize Zhengdan 958 were respectively incorporated into diets at levels of 70%, 35% or 17.5% (w/w) and were administrated to rats (n = 10/sex/group) for 90 days. An additional control group of rats (n = 10/sex/group) were fed with the AIN93 breeding diet. All formulated diets were nutritionally balanced.

Results

There was no death and obvious toxic symptom in all rats. Food consumption, body weight, total food consumption rate, hematology, urinalysis, organ weight and organ coefficient were comparable between transgenic groups and the corresponding dose parental groups. There were significant differences of food consumption rate on some timepoint between high dose transgenic group and high dose parental group; male rats in high dose transgenic group showed significantly higher ALT/AST than high dose parental group on the middle or end of the experiment; but the differences showed no biological significance. There were no significant differences of other serum biochemistry parameters and pathological changes.

Conclusion

The results in this study demonstrated that the transgenic maize CC-2 didn't cause any related toxicity in rats.

Two NAC transcription factors regulated fruit softening through activating xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase genes during kiwifruit ripening

Kiwifruit is a climacteric fruit that is prone to ripening and softening. Understanding molecular regulatory mechanism of kiwifruit softening, is helpful to ensure long-term storage of fruit. In the study, two NAC TFs and two XTH genes were isolated from kiwifruit. Phylogenetic tree showed that both AcNAC1 and AcNAC2 belonged to NAP subfamily, AcXTH1 belong to I subfamily, and AcXTH2 belong to III subfamily. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that AcNAC1 and AcNAC2 possessed similar three-dimensional structural, and belonged to hydrophilic proteins. AcXTH1 and AcXTH2 were hydrophilic proteins and contained signal peptides. AcXTH1 had a transmembrane structure, but AcXTH2 did not. qRT-PCR results showed that AcNAC1, AcNAC2, AcXTH1 and AcXTH2 were increased during kiwifruit ripening. Correlation analysis showed that kiwifruit softening was closely related to endotransglucosylase/hydrolase genes and NAC TFs, as well as there was also a close relationship between AcXTHs and AcNACs. Moreover, both AcNAC1 and AcNAC2 were transcriptional activators located in nucleus, which bound to and activated the promoters of AcXTH1 and AcXTH2. In shortly, we proved that the roles of NAC TFs in mediating fruit softening during kiwifruit ripening. Altogether, our results clarified that AcNAC1 and AcNAC2 were transcriptional activators, and took part in kiwifruit ripening and softening through activating endotransglucosylase/hydrolase genes, providing a new insight of fruit softening network in kiwifruit ripening.

Sialic Acid Conjugate-Modified Cationic Liposomal Paclitaxel for Targeted Therapy of Lung Metastasis in Breast Cancer: What a Difference the Cation Content Makes

Cationic lipids play a pivotal role in developing novel drug delivery systems for diverse biomedical applications, owing to the success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 and the Phase III antitumor agent EndoTAG-1. However, the therapeutic potential of these positively charged liposomes is limited by dose-dependent toxicity. While an increased content of cationic lipids in the formulation can enhance the uptake and cytotoxicity toward tumor-associated cells, it is crucial to balance these advantages with the associated toxic side effects. In this work, we synthesized the cationic lipid HC-Y-2 and incorporated it into sialic acid (SA)-modified cationic liposomes loaded with paclitaxel to target tumor-associated immune cells efficiently. The SA-modified cationic liposomes exhibited enhanced binding affinity toward both RAW264.7 cells and 4T1 tumor cells in vitro due to the increased ratios of cationic HC-Y-2 content while effectively inhibiting 4T1 cell lung metastasis in vivo. By leveraging electrostatic forces and ligand-receptor interactions, the SA-modified cationic liposomes specifically target malignant tumor-associated immune cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), reduce the proportion of cationic lipids in the formulation, and achieve dual objectives: high cellular uptake and potent antitumor efficacy. These findings highlight the potential advantages of this innovative approach utilizing cationic liposomes.

Retraction Note: Long non-coding RNA DLEU7-AS1 promotes the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer via Wnt/β-catenin pathway

The article "Long non-coding RNA DLEU7-AS1 promotes the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer via Wnt/β-catenin pathway", by X.-B. Liu, C. Han, C.-Z. Sun, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (1): 110-117-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201801_14107-PMID: 29364477 has been retracted by the authors as the data cannot be reproduced by further research. This paper has been questioned on PubPeer (https://pubpeer.com/publications/AC72791669051B50085FEC00D0EF8F). In particular, concerns were raised about Table I and the originality of Figures 3A and 3C. The corresponding author states some data cannot be repeated by further research due to some inaccuracies and therefore decided to withdraw the manuscript. This article has been retracted. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/14107.

Interaction of microorganisms with carbonates from the micro to the macro scales during sedimentation: Insights into the early stage of biodegradation

The assembly process of Organic Matter (OM) from single molecules to polymers and the formation process of Ca-CO3 ion-pairs are explored at the micro-scale, and then the relationship between OM and carbonate based on the results of microbially-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) laboratory experiments is established at the macro-scale. Molecular dynamics (MD) is used to model the assembly of OM (a) in an aqueous solution, (b) on surfaces of calcite (10 1‾ 4) crystals and (c) on defective calcite (101‾ 4) crystal surfaces. From the MICP experiments, carbonate minerals containing abundant OM were precipitated and were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of the MD show that OM is assembled into polymers in all three simulation systems. Although the Ca-CO3 ion-pairs and OM were briefly combined, the aggregation assembly of OM molecules and the precipitation of carbonate calcium are not related in the long run. The highly specific surface area of the defective calcite shows an increase in the adsorption of OM. The van der Waals forces, which are primarily responsible for controlling the assembly of OM molecules, increase with the degree of aggregation. According to the MICP experiments, OM is enriched on the mineral surfaces, and more OM is found at the steps of defective crystals with their larger surface areas. Through MD and MICP laboratory experiments, this work systematically describes the interaction of OM and carbonate minerals from the micro to the macro scales, and this provides insight into the interaction between OM and carbonates and biogeochemical processes related to the accumulation of OM in sediments.

Physiological and biochemical response analysis of Styrax tonkinensis seedlings to waterlogging stress

Climate change is increasing flooding in provinces of the south of the Yangtze River, posing challenges for promoting Styrax tonkinensis seedlings in these areas. To understand the physiological reasons for this species' intolerance to waterlogging, we observed biochemical parameters in one-year-old S. tonkinensis seedlings during two seasons. For 4 and 12 days in summer and winter experiments, respectively, we subjected seedlings to a pot-in-pot waterlogging treatment. Control groups were established at 0 h and 0 days. We examined indicators related to root vigor, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzymes, fermentative pathways, and more. The results displayed that decreased abscisic acid accumulation in roots inhibited water transport. Increased dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase activity in roots promoted alcohol and lactate fermentation, causing toxic damage and reduced root vigor, impeding water absorption. In leaves, high ROS levels led to lipid peroxidation, exacerbating water loss from continuous transpiration. The high relative electric conductivity and low leaf relative water content indicated water loss, causing leaf wilting and shriveling. Conversely, winter seedlings, devoid of leaves, significantly reduced transpiration, and dormancy delayed root fermentation. With less ROS damage in roots, winter seedlings exhibited greater waterlogging tolerance. In summary, excessive water loss from leaves and inhibited vertical water transport contributed to low summer survival rates, while winter leafless dormancy and reduced ROS damage enhanced tolerance. Our findings provide insights for enhancing waterlogging resistance in S. tonkinensis amidst climate change challenges.

Can the improvement of the social credit environment enhance corporate ESG scores?

The ESG scores of corporations is a crucial manifestation of their long-term strategic goals, attracting significant attention from society. The impact and underlying mechanisms of the enhancement of the social credit atmosphere on the ESG performance of corporations remain unclear. This study utilizes a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2020, employing the Difference-in-Differences (DID) methodology to investigate the relationship of the establishment of the social credit system on company ESG scores. This study reveals that the establishment of the social credit system significantly advances corporate ESG scores. Heterogeneity results indicate that the positive effect is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises or companies having substantial institutional shareholding. Furthermore, the implementation of the social credit system amplifies corporate ESG scores through three key mechanisms: fostering green technology innovation, cultivating ethical and moral corporate cultures, and optimizing the overall business environment. This paper enriches the informal institutional researches about the driving factors of corporate ESG scores, providing valuable insights for policymakers and corporate decision-makers.

Predictive value of estimated plasma volume for postoperative hypotension in percutaneous intramyocardial septal radiofrequency ablation treating for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Estimated plasma volume status (ePVS) estimated by the Duarte formula is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. It remains unclear the predictive value of the ePVS to the postoperative hypotension (POH) in percutaneous intramyocardial septal radiofrequency ablation (PIMSRA) treating hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).

METHODS

Data of HOCM patients who underwent PIMSRA were retrospectively collected. Preoperative ePVS was calculated using the Duarte formulas which derived from hemoglobin and hematocrit ratios. Clinical variables including physical assessment, biological and echocardiographic parameters were recorded. Patients were labeled with or without POH according to the medical record in the hospital. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to evaluate the association between ePVS and POH. Using different thresholds derived from quartiles and the best cutoff value of the receiver operating characteristic curve, the diagnostic performance of ePVS was quantified.

RESULTS

Among the 405 patients included in this study, 53 (13.1%) patients were observed with symptomatic POH. Median (IQR) of ePVS in overall patients was 3.77 (3.27~4.40) mL/g and in patients with POH were higher than those without POH. The ePVS was associated with POH, with the odds ratio of 1.669 (95% CI 1.299 ~ 2.144) per mL/g. After adjusted by potential confounders, ePVS remained independently associated with POH, with the approximate odds ratio in different models.

CONCLUSION

The preoperative ePVS derived from the Duarte formulas was independently associated with postoperative hypotension in HOCM patients who underwent PIMSRA and showed prognostic value to the risk stratification of postoperative management.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT06003478 (22/08/2023).

[Influences and mechanism of extracellular vesicles from dermal papilla cells of mice on human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts]

Objective: To investigate the influences and mechanism of extracellular vesicles from dermal papilla cells (DPC-EVs) of mice on human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs). Methods: The study was an experimental research. The primary dermal papilla cells (DPCs) of whiskers were extracted from 10 6-week-old male C57BL/6J mice and identified successfully. The DPC-EVs were extracted from the 3rd to 5th passage DPCs by ultracentrifugation, and the morphology was observed through transmission electron microscope and the particle diameter was detected by nanoparticle tracking analyzer (n=3) at 24 h after culture. The 3rd passage of HSFs were divided into DPC-EV group and phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group, which were cultured with DPC-EVs and PBS, respectively. The cell scratch test was performed and cell migration rate at 24 h after scratching was calculated (n=5). The cell proliferation levels at 0 (after 12 h of starvation treatment and before adding DPC-EVs or PBS), 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after culture were detected by using cell counting kit 8 (n=4). The protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen typeⅠ (ColⅠ) in cells at 24 h after culture were detected by immunofluorescence method and Western blotting, and the protein expression of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in cells at 24 h after culture was detected by Western blotting. After the 3rd passage of HSFs were cultured with DPC-EVs for 24 h, the cells were divided into blank control group, KLF4 knockdown group, and KLF4 overexpression group according to the random number table. The cells in blank control group were only routinely cultured for 48 h. The cells in KLF4 knockdown group and KLF4 overexpression group were incubated with KLF4 knockdown virus for 24 h, then the cells in KLF4 knockdown group were routinely cultured for 24 h while the cells in KLF4 overexpression group were incubated with KLF4 overexpression virus for 24 h. The protein expressions of KLF4, α-SMA, and ColⅠ in cells were detected by Western blotting at 48 h after culture. Results: At 24 h after culture, the extracted DPC-EVs showed vesicular structure with an average particle diameter of 108.8 nm. At 24 h after scratching, the migration rate of HSFs in PBS group was (54±10)%, which was significantly higher than (29±8)% in DPC-EV group (t=4.37, P<0.05). At 48, 72, and 96 h after culture, the proliferation levels of HSFs in DPC-EV group were significantly lower than those in PBS group (with t values of 4.06, 5.76, and 6.41, respectively, P<0.05). At 24 h after culture, the protein expressions of α-SMA and ColⅠ of HSFs in DPC-EV group were significantly lower than those in PBS group, while the protein expression of KLF4 was significantly higher than that in PBS group. At 48 h after culture, compared with those in blank control group, the protein expression of KLF4 of HSFs in KLF4 knockdown group was down-regulated, while the protein expressions of α-SMA and ColⅠ were both up-regulated; compared with those in KLF4 knockdown group, the protein expression of KLF4 of HSFs in KLF4 overexpression group was up-regulated, while the protein expressions of ColⅠ and α-SMA were down-regulated. Conclusions: The DPC-EVs of mice can inhibit the proliferation and migration of human HSFs and significantly inhibit the expressions of fibrosis markers α-SMA and ColⅠ in human HSFs by activating KLF4.

Inhibition Effect of Coal Spontaneous Combustion by Composite Inhibitory Foam Based on CaCl2-Melatonin Inhibitor

Inhibitory foam technology plays an important role in inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion. To enhance the stability and inhibitory performance of inhibitory foam for coal spontaneous combustion, a novel physicochemical composite inhibitor was developed in this work. CaCl2 was chosen as an inorganic salt physical inhibitor to compound with the chemical inhibitor melatonin (MLT) due to its corresponding good foam stability. When the mass ratio of CaCl2 to MLT was 4:1, the lowest CO release concentration of 7337.06 ppm at 200 °C was observed in the composite inhibitor-treated coal. Furthermore, the addition of 20 wt % of the composite inhibitor resulted in a foam half-life of 3067 min, which was 5.89 times longer than that of the water-based foam. In comparison with the water-based foam, the inhibitory foam based on 20 wt % CaCl2-MLT composite inhibitor exhibited more excellent foam stability, wetting ability, and inhibition performance. The release of CO at 200 °C was 7854.6 ppm, showing a reduction of 63.2% compared to the raw coal. Moreover, the composite inhibitory foam could significantly delay the onset of the characteristic temperature and reduce the weight change during the decomposition stage by 12.8%.

The role of DGAT1 and DGAT2 in regulating tumor cell growth and their potential clinical implications

Lipid metabolism is widely reprogrammed in tumor cells. Lipid droplet is a common organelle existing in most mammal cells, and its complex and dynamic functions in maintaining redox and metabolic balance, regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress, modulating chemoresistance, and providing essential biomolecules and ATP have been well established in tumor cells. The balance between lipid droplet formation and catabolism is critical to maintaining energy metabolism in tumor cells, while the process of energy metabolism affects various functions essential for tumor growth. The imbalance of synthesis and catabolism of fatty acids in tumor cells leads to the alteration of lipid droplet content in tumor cells. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2, the enzymes that catalyze the final step of triglyceride synthesis, participate in the formation of lipid droplets in tumor cells and in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration and invasion, chemoresistance, and prognosis in tumor. Several diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 inhibitors have been developed over the past decade and have shown anti-tumor effects in preclinical tumor models and improvement of metabolism in clinical trials. In this review, we highlight key features of fatty acid metabolism and different paradigms of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 activities on cell proliferation, migration, chemoresistance, and prognosis in tumor, with the hope that these scientific findings will have potential clinical implications.

Development and validation of an in situ high-resolution technique for measuring antibiotics in sediments

Important biogeochemical processes occur in sediments at fine scales. Sampling techniques capable of yielding information with high resolution are therefore needed to investigate chemical distributions and fluxes and to elucidate key processes affecting chemical fates. In this study, a high-resolution diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) technique was systematically developed and tested in a controlled sediment system to measure organic contaminants, antibiotics, for the first time. The DGT probe was used to resolve compound distributions at the mm scale. It also reflected the fluxes from the sediment pore-water and remobilization from the solid phase, providing more dynamic information. Through the fine scale detection, a reduction of re-supply was observed over time, which was concentration and location dependent. Compared to the Rhizon sampling method, antibiotic concentrations obtained by DGT probes were less than the pore-water concentrations, as DGT measures the labile fraction of the compounds. The DGT probe was also tested on an intact sediment core sampled from a lake in China and used to measure the distribution of labile antibiotics with depth in the core at the mm scale. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The abuse of antibiotics and widespread of their residues influences the ecosystem, induces the generation of super-bacteria, and finally poses threat to human health. Sediments adsorbs pollutants from the aquatic environment, while may also release them back to the environment. We systematically developed DGT probe approach for measuring antibiotics in sediment in situ in high resolving power, it provides information at fine scale to help us investigate biogeochemical processes take place in sediment and sediment-water interface.

Microbial-mineral interaction experiments and density functional theory calculations revealing accelerating effects for the dolomitization of calcite surfaces by organic components

Carbonates represent major sedimentary rocks in on the continental and oceanic crust of Earth and are often closely related to microbial activities. However, the origin of magnesium-containing carbonates, such as dolomites, has not yet been fully resolved and was debated for many years. In order to reveal the specific role of organic components and microbes on the precipitation of magnesium ions, different dolomitization experiments were carried out with various setups for the presence of eight amino acids and microbes. The Gibbs free energy for dehydration of Mg[6(H2O)]2+ and organic‑magnesium complexes (OMC) at the calcite (101¯4) step edges were calculated by density functional theory (DFT). Combined results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope-energy disperse spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) indicated that magnesium ions were incorporated into the crystal lattice of calcite after calcite reacting with organic‑magnesium solutions (OMS). Dolomite was formed on the surface of calcite under the presence of microbes. The Gibbs free energy barrier of asp, glu, gly, thr, tyr, lys, ser, and ala bonding to Mg[6(H2O)]2+ were 17.8, 16.2, 14.8, 16.5, 19.2, 14.5, 19.0, 17.0 kcal/mol, those are lower than that of the direct dehydration of Mg[6(H2O)]2+ of 19.45 kcal/mol. The Gibbs free barrier of OMC bonding at the acute step ([481¯] and [4¯41]) of 29.7/34.25 kcal/mol are lower than that of Mg[6(H2O)]2+ of 32.45/36.7 kcal/mol and the Gibbs free barrier of OMC bonding at the obtuse step ([481¯] and [4¯41]) of 42.07/47.6 kcal/mol are lower than that of Mg[6(H2O)]2+ of 55.4/60.34 kcal/mol. The enhancing effects of organic components and microbes on the precipitation of magnesium ions were collectively determined through experimental and theoretical calculation, thus setting up a new direction for future studies of dolomitization with a focus on microbial- mineral interactions.

Reactive oxygen species: Multidimensional regulators of plant adaptation to abiotic stress and development

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as undesirable by-products of metabolism in various cellular compartments, especially in response to unfavorable environmental conditions, throughout the life cycle of plants. Stress-induced ROS production disrupts normal cellular function and leads to oxidative damage. To cope with excessive ROS, plants are equipped with a sophisticated antioxidative defense system consisting of enzymatic and non-enzymatic components that scavenge ROS or inhibit their harmful effects on biomolecules. Nonetheless, when maintained at relatively low levels, ROS act as signaling molecules that regulate plant growth, development, and adaptation to adverse conditions. Here, we provide an overview of current approaches for detecting ROS. We also discuss recent advances in understanding ROS signaling, ROS metabolism, and the roles of ROS in plant growth and responses to various abiotic stresses.

[Association of polymorphisms in SEC16B, DNAJC27, FTO and MC4R genes with overweight and obesity in Han preschool children]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of polymorphisms in SEC16B rs633715, DNAJC27 rs713586, FTO rs11642015 and MC4R rs6567160 with overweight and obesity in Han Chinese preschool children.

METHODS

A total of 749 Han Chinese preschool children from Henan and Guizhou Province of Long-term Health Effects Assessment Project of Infants and Toddlers Nutritional Pack were selected for the study and divided into an overweight and obese group and a normal control group in 2022. rs633715, rs713586, rs11642015 and rs6567160 were genotyped using Kompetitive allele-specific PCR(KASP) technology. The distribution of genotypic polymorphisms was compared using the χ~2 test. The association between the four loci and overweight and obesity in preschool children was analyzed using a multifactorial logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis revealed a significant disparity(P<0.05) in the distribution of genotypic polymorphisms of rs633715 and rs6567160 among preschoolers in Henan and Guizhou Province. CC heterozygous mutant and recessive models at rs633715 locus were associated with susceptibility to overweight and obesity in preschool children [OR and 95% CI 2.915(1.163-7.305), and 2.997(1.226-7.323), respectively, both P<0.05]. TC heterozygous mutant and dominant models at rs713586 locus were also associated susceptibility to overweight and obesity in preschool children(OR and 95% CI were 2.362(1.054-5.289)and 2.362(1.054-5.289), respectively, both P<0.05). rs11642015 and rs6567160 loci were not associated with susceptibility to overweight and obesity in preschool children(P>0.05). The result of the analysis of the cumulative effect of rs633715 and rs713586 showed that the number of genotypes carrying the risk genotype was positively associated with the risk of overweight and obesity in preschool children(P_(trend)<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Among Han Chinese preschool children, SEC16B rs633715 and DNAJC27 rs713586 were associated with susceptibility to overweight and obesity in preschool children. Moreover, rs633715 and rs713586 had a cumulative effect on susceptibility to overweight and obesity in preschool children, the number of risk genotypes carried was positively associated with childhood overweight and obesity risk.

Basiliximab Induction and Postoperative Steroid-free Immunosuppression With Tacrolimus in Pediatric Liver Transplantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Optimizing the immunosuppressive regimen is essential to improve the long-term outcomes of pediatric liver transplant recipients.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label study to compare the safety and efficacy of 2 treatment approaches during pediatric liver transplantation: tacrolimus monotherapy following basiliximab induction (the study group) and a dual regimen of tacrolimus plus steroids (the control group). A total of 150 patients were enrolled, with 75 patients allocated to each group.

RESULTS

In both groups, recipients achieved graft and recipient overall survival rates exceeding 93%, with no statistically significant differences between them. However, the study group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of acute cellular rejection (ACR), delayed occurrence of ACR, and an improved ACR-free survival rate at 2 y compared with the control group. Notably, the study group also showed a significant reduction in the incidence of de novo donor-specific antibodies at 3-mo and 2-y posttransplant. Furthermore, 6 mo after the transplant, the study group demonstrated significant improvements in weight-for-age Z score and height-for-age Z score. No notable differences were observed in postoperative complications or the incidence of liver fibrosis between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Basiliximab induction combine with tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy is a safe and effective immunosuppressive regimen to reduce the episodes of ACR without influencing the development of liver fibrosis and graft and recipient survival rate after pediatric liver transplantation.

The TaSnRK1-TabHLH489 module integrates brassinosteroid and sugar signalling to regulate the grain length in bread wheat

Regulation of grain size is a crucial strategy for improving the crop yield and is also a fundamental aspect of developmental biology. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms governing grain development in wheat remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified a wheat atypical basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, TabHLH489, which is tightly associated with grain length through genome-wide association study and map-based cloning. Knockout of TabHLH489 and its homologous genes resulted in increased grain length and weight, whereas the overexpression led to decreased grain length and weight. TaSnRK1α1, the α-catalytic subunit of plant energy sensor SnRK1, interacted with and phosphorylated TabHLH489 to induce its degradation, thereby promoting wheat grain development. Sugar treatment induced TaSnRK1α1 protein accumulation while reducing TabHLH489 protein levels. Moreover, brassinosteroid (BR) promotes grain development by decreasing TabHLH489 expression through the transcription factor BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1 (BZR1). Importantly, natural variations in the promoter region of TabHLH489 affect the TaBZR1 binding ability, thereby influencing TabHLH489 expression. Taken together, our findings reveal that the TaSnRK1α1-TabHLH489 regulatory module integrates BR and sugar signalling to regulate grain length, presenting potential targets for enhancing grain size in wheat.

Management of chronic pancreatitis: recent advances and future prospects

As a progressive fibroinflammatory disease, chronic pancreatitis (CP) often manifests as recurrent bouts of abdominal pain with or without complications, causing a heavy burden of health care. In recent years, some meaningful insights into the management of CP have been obtained from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, which were of great importance. Based on this research, it is shown that there are various treatments for CP. Therefore, it is of great importance to choose a suitable strategy for patients with CP individually. Relevant evidence on the management of CP was summarized in this review, including nutrition supplements, medication, endoscopy, surgery, exploration of novel therapies as well as evaluation and prediction of treatment response.

The oncolytic bacteria-mediated delivery system of CCDC25 nucleic acid drug inhibits neutrophil extracellular traps induced tumor metastasis

BACKGROUND

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), antibacterial weapons of neutrophils (NEs), have been found to play a crucial role in cancer metastasis in recent years. More and more cancer research is focusing on anti-NETs. However, almost all anti-NETs treatments have limitations such as large side effects and limited efficacy. Therefore, exploring new anti-NETs therapeutic strategies is a long-term goal.

RESULTS

The transmembrane protein coiled-coil domain containing 25 (CCDC25) on tumor cell membranes can bind NETs-DNA with high specificity and affinity, enabling tumor cells to sense NETs and thus promote distant metastasis. We transformed shCCDC25 into VNP20009 (VNP), an oncolytic bacterium, to generate VNP-shCCDC25 and performed preclinical evaluation of the inhibitory effect of shCCDC25 on cancer metastasis in B16F10 lung metastasis and 4T1 orthotopic lung metastasis models. VNP-shCCDC25 effectively blocked the downstream prometastatic signaling pathway of CCDC25 at tumor sites and reduced the formation of NETs while recruiting more neutrophils and macrophages to the tumor core, ultimately leading to excellent metastasis inhibition in the two lung metastasis models.

CONCLUSION

This study is a pioneer in focusing on the effect of anti-NET treatment on CCDC25. shCCDC25 is effectively delivered to tumor sites via the help of oncolytic bacteria and has broad application in the inhibition of cancer metastasis via anti-NETs.

Design and Synthesis of Dual-Targeting Inhibitors of sEH and HDAC6 for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mortality

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids with anti-inflammatory effects are inactivated by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Both sEH and histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitors are being developed as neuropathic pain relieving agents. Based on the structural similarity, we designed a new group of compounds with inhibition of both HDAC6 and sEH and obtained compound M9. M9 exhibits selective inhibition of HDAC6 over class I HDACs in cells. M9 shows good microsomal stability, moderate plasma protein binding rate, and oral bioavailability. M9 exhibited a strong analgesic effect in vivo, and its analgesic tolerance was better than gabapentin. M9 improved the survival time of mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and reversed the levels of inflammatory factors induced by LPS in mouse plasma. M9 represents the first sEH/HDAC6 dual inhibitors with in vivo antineuropathic pain and anti-inflammation.

Potential role of APOE ɛ4 allele as a modifier for the association of BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms and cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults

Objective

To determine whether the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism is associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in community-dwelling Chinese older adults, and to investigate whether this relationship is modified by the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele.

Methods

The study is a secondary analysis of 703 participants aged ≥60 years randomly enrolled from the Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging II prospective cohort. The education-adjusted Mini-Mental State Examination and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale were used to measure the cognitive performance of the subjects. The main effects and interactions (additive and multiplicative) of the BDNF Met and the APOE ε4 alleles on CI were estimated by logistic regression models.

Results

In total, 84 out of 703 older adults aged ≥60 years old had CI. No significant difference was observed in the risk of CI between participants with the BDNF Met allele and that of subjects without the BDNF Met allele (p = 0.213; p = 0.164). Individuals carrying both the BDNF Met and APOE ε4 alleles had an almost 1.5-fold increased odds of CI compared with carriers of the BDNF Met allele but without the APOE ε4 allele. The additive association indicated a positive interaction of both BDNF Met and APOE ε4 alleles with wide CIs (p = 0.021; p = 0.018).

Conclusion

The results suggest that the APOE ε4 allele may be a potential modifier for the association of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with CI in community-dwelling older adults.

Copper-coordinated nanoassemblies based on photosensitizer-chemo prodrugs and checkpoint inhibitors for enhanced apoptosis-cuproptosis and immunotherapy

Cuproptosis is a recently identified copper-dependent form of nonapoptotic cell death and holds great prospect in cancer treatment. One of the most intriguing aspects of cuproptosis is its ability to synergize with apoptosis-based cancer treatments. Herein, we presented a novel approach using copper-coordinated nanoassemblies (CCNAs) that were constructed by incorporating a photosensitizer Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc)-chemotherapeutic (DOX) prodrug with a thioketal (TK) spacer and an IDO inhibitor (1-methyl tryptophan, 1-MT) as building blocks for Cu2+-coordination self-assembly to achieve combinational apoptosis-cuproptosis and immunotherapy. Upon NIR laser irradiation, the ZnPc component of CCNAs exhibited a photodynamic effect that generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). This triggered the release of DOX, leading to enhanced tumor cell apoptosis. Additionally, the presence of Cu2+ in the CCNAs not only enhanced the photodynamic process by catalyzing oxygen generation but also promoted the aggregation of toxic mitochondrial proteins, leading to cell cuproptosis. Importantly, the intensified cuproptosis-apoptosis effect triggered an immunogenic cell death (ICD) response. The released 1-MT complemented this response by reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM), synergistically amplifying anti-tumor immunity and suppressing the growth of primary and distant tumors. The findings of this study provide a new perspective on potential cancer treatments based on cuproptosis-apoptosis synergistic immunotherapy and stimulate further research in the design of advanced metal-coordinated nanomedicines. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The combination of cuproptosis and apoptosis that act with different mechanisms holds enormous potential in cancer treatment. Here, copper-coordinated nanoassemblies (CCNAs) based on photosensitizer-chemo prodrugs and checkpoint inhibitors were constructed for mediating cuproptosis-apoptosis and subsequently promoting cancer immunotherapy. CCNAs not only promoted the photodynamic effect and activation of chemotherapy through catalyzing the generation of oxygen but also induced toxic mitochondrial protein aggregation, leading to cell cuproptosis. These synergistic antitumor effects triggered robust immune responses with the aid of immune checkpoint blockade, almost eradicating primary tumors and inhibiting distant tumors by around 83 % without systemic toxicity.

Target Separation and Potential Anticancer Activity of Withanolide-Based Glucose Transporter Protein 1 Inhibitors from Physalis angulata var. villosa

The glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) protein is involved in the basal-level absorption of glucose in tumor cells. Inhibiting GLUT1 decreases tumor cell proliferation and induces tumor cell damage. Natural GLUT1 inhibitors have been studied only to a small extent, and the structures of known natural GLUT1 inhibitors are limited to a few classes of natural products. Therefore, discovering and researching other natural GLUT1 inhibitors with novel scaffolds are essential. Physalis angulata L. var. villosa is a plant known as Mao-Ku-Zhi (MKZ). Withanolides are the main phytochemical components of MKZ. MKZ extracts and the components of MKZ exhibited antitumor activity in recent pharmacological studies. However, the antitumor-active components of MKZ and their molecular mechanisms remain unknown. A cell membrane-biomimetic nanoplatform (CM@Fe3O4/MIL-101) was used for target separation of potential GLUT1 inhibitors from MKZ. A new withanolide, physagulide Y (2), together with six known withanolides (1, 3-7), was identified as a potential GLUT1 inhibitor. Physagulide Y was the most potent GLUT1 inhibitor, and its antitumor activity and possible mechanism of action were explored in MCF-7 human cancer cells. These findings advance the development of technologies for the targeted separation of natural products and identify a new molecular framework for the investigation of natural GLUT1 inhibitors.

Energy level measurement for organic semiconductors

Along with the miniaturization and versatility of organic optoelectronic devices, it is desired to achieve a profound comprehension of the charge transport mechanism and even the basic device physics. The basis of these studies is the acquisition of relevant information about energy levels. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of five commonly-used techniques, including cyclic voltammetry, ultraviolet electron spectroscopy, inverse photoemission electron spectroscopy, low energy inverse photoemission spectroscopy and hot electron spectroscopy. According to the advantages and disadvantages, working mechanism, and application conditions, researchers will screen out a reliable and suitable characterization method, quickly and accurately. This should be beneficial for the efficient promotion of organic electronics and save valuable time for the related research studies.

Transcriptional profile of human thymus reveals IGFBP5 is correlated with age-related thymic involution

Thymus is the main immune organ which is responsible for the production of self-tolerant and functional T cells, but it shrinks rapidly with age after birth. Although studies have researched thymus development and involution in mouse, the critical regulators that arise with age in human thymus remain unclear. We collected public human single-cell transcriptomic sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets containing 350,678 cells from 36 samples, integrated them as a cell atlas of human thymus. Clinical samples were collected and experiments were performed for validation. We found early thymocyte-specific signaling and regulons which played roles in thymocyte migration, proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. Nevertheless, signaling patterns including number, strength and path completely changed during aging, Transcription factors (FOXC1, MXI1, KLF9, NFIL3) and their target gene, IGFBP5, were resolved and up-regulated in aging thymus and involved in promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), responding to steroid and adipogenesis process of thymic epithelial cell (TECs). Furthermore, we validated that IGFBP5 protein increased at TECs and Hassall's corpuscle in both human and mouse aging thymus and knockdown of IGFBP5 significantly increased the expression of proliferation-related genes in thymocytes. Collectively, we systematically explored cell-cell communications and regulons of early thymocytes as well as age-related differences in human thymus by using both bioinformatic and experimental verification, indicating IGFBP5 as a functional marker of thymic involution and providing new insights into the mechanisms of thymus involution.

RNF183 Promotes Colon Cancer Cell Stemness through Fatty Acid Oxidation

Colon cancer (COAD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal tumor, composed of a few cancer stem cells (CSCs). High expression of RNF183 drives colorectal cancer metastasis, but its role in COAD cell stemness is still unclear. Bioinformatics analyzed expression and enriched pathway of RNF183 in COAD tissue. IHC analyzed RNF183 protein expression in tumor tissue. CD133 + CD44+ CSCs were sorted by flow cytometry, and RNF183 expression in COAD cells or CSCs was detected by qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. CCK-8 assay assessed cell viability, and sphere formation assay tested cell sphere-forming ability. Western blot measured protein expression of stem cell markers. qPCR assayed expression of fatty acid oxidation genes. The ability of fatty acid oxidation was analyzed by detecting fatty acid metabolism. RNF183 was highly expressed in COAD and CD133 + CD44+ CSCs, and was enriched in fatty acid metabolism pathway. RNF183 expression was positively correlated with enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation. RNF183 could promote COAD stemness and fatty acid oxidation. Rescue experiments showed that Orlistat (a fatty acid oxidation inhibitor) reversed stimulative impact of RNF183 overexpression on COAD stemness. RNF183 promoted COAD stemness by affecting fatty acid oxidation, which may be a new therapeutic target for inhibiting COAD development.

A Case of Intractable Hypophosphatemia in a Patient with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Encephalitis after SARS-CoV-2 Infection

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection attacks the respiratory and nervous systems. Among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, cases with simultaneous central and peripheral nervous system damage are rare, and those with intractable hypophosphatemia and hypokalemia complicating the former have not been reported yet.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 59-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with incoherent speech evolving for 3 days. She had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay 8 days earlier. Her physical examination showed progressive limb weakness with diminished tendon reflexes and normal sensory examination. Cranial MRI revealed multiple abnormal signals in the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and electromyography revealed acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), further diagnosed as encephalitis combined with Guillain‑Barré syndrome (GBS). The patient received glucocorticoid therapy, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), and rehabilitation therapy. The patient experienced an intractable hypophosphatemia and hypokalemia during the treatment period, which was not effectively corrected several times. The symptoms improved after 1 month of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis is important for the management of Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, in order to prevent life-threatening long-term persistent electrolyte disturbances in non-seriously ill patients, clinicians should pay particular attention to their electrolyte status.

Providing holistic care to children with cerebral palsy treated with transnasal neural stem cell transplantation

Objective

Holistic care is a key element in nursing care. Aiming at the heterogeneous disease of cerebral palsy, researchers focused on children with cerebral palsy who received transnasal transplantation of neural stem cells as a specific group. Based on establishing a multidisciplinary team, comprehensive care is carried out for this type of patient during the perioperative period to improve the effectiveness and safety of clinical research and increase the comfort of children.

Methods

Between January 2018 and June 2023, 22 children with cerebral palsy underwent three transnasal transplants of neural stem cells.

Results

No adverse reactions related to immune rejection were observed in the 22 children during hospitalization and follow-up. All children tolerated the treatment well, and the treatment was superior. One child developed nausea and vomiting after sedation; three had a small amount of bleeding of nasal mucosa after transplantation. Two children had a low fever (≤38.5°C), and one had a change in the type and frequency of complex partial seizures. Moreover, 3 children experienced patch shedding within 4 h of patch implantation into the nasal cavity.

Conclusion

The project team adopted nasal stem cell transplantation technology. Based on the characteristics of transnasal transplantation of neural stem cells in the treatment of neurological diseases in children, a comprehensive and novel holistic care plan is proposed. It is of great significance to guide caregivers of children to complete proper care, further improve the safety and effectiveness of treatment, and reduce the occurrence of complications.

STAT3 and SOX-5 induce BRG1-mediated chromatin remodeling of RORCE2 in Th17 cells

Retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) is the lineage-specific transcription factor for T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Our previous study demonstrated that STAT3 likely participates in the activation of RORCE2 (a novel enhancer of the RORγt gene) in Th17 cells. However, the detailed mechanism is still unclear. Here, we demonstrate that both STAT3 and SOX-5 mediate the enhancer activity of RORCE2 in vitro. Deletion of the STAT3 binding site (STAT3-BS) in RORCE2 impaired RORγt expression and Th17 differentiation, resulting in reduced severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Mechanistically, STAT3 and SOX-5 bind the RORCE2 region and recruit the chromatin remodeling factor BRG1 to remodel the nucleosomes positioned at this region. Collectively, our data suggest that STAT3 and SOX-5 mediate the differentiation of Th17 cells through the induction of BRG1-mediated chromatin remodeling of RORCE2 in Th17 cells.

Mn2+ recycling in hypersaline wastewater: unnoticed intracellular biomineralization and pre-cultivation of immobilized bacteria

Microbially induced manganese carbonate precipitation has been utilized for the treatment of wastewater containing manganese. In this study, Virgibacillus dokdonensis was used to remove manganese ions from an environment containing 5% NaCl. The results showed a significant decrease in carbonic anhydrase activity and concentrations of carbonate and bicarbonate ions with increasing manganese ion concentrations. However, the levels of humic acid analogues, polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA in EPS were significantly elevated compared to those in a manganese-free environment. The rhodochrosite exhibited a preferred growth orientation, abundant morphological features, organic elements including nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, diverse protein secondary structures, as well as stable carbon isotopes displaying a stronger negative bias. The presence of manganese ions was found to enhance the levels of chemical bonds O-C=O and N-C=O in rhodochrosite. Additionally, manganese in rhodochrosite exhibited both + 2 and + 3 valence states. Rhodochrosite forms not only on the cell surface but also intracellularly. After being treated with free bacteria for 20 days, the removal efficiency of manganese ions ranged from 88.4 to 93.2%, and reached a remarkable 100% on the 10th day when using bacteria immobilized on activated carbon fiber that had been pre-cultured for three days. The removal efficiency of manganese ions was significantly enhanced under the action of pre-cultured immobilized bacteria compared to non-pre-cultured immobilized bacteria. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the mineralization mechanism of rhodochrosite, thereby providing an economically and environmentally sustainable biological approach for treating wastewater containing manganese.

Proto-dolomite spherulites with heterogeneous interior precipitated in brackish water cultivation of freshwater cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya boryana

Primary dolomite is believed to be formed through cyanobacterial calcification, yet the details and mechanisms of this process are not fully understood. In this study, a freshwater filamentous cyanobacterium, Leptolyngbya boryana, was cultured and domesticated in artificial freshwater and brackish solutions with various Mg/Ca ratios. The hydrochemistry, the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) composition, and precipitate mineralogy in the medium were monitored. The results showed that the L. boryana induced proto-dolomite precipitation in brackish medium with salinity of 1.5 % and Mg/Ca ratio of 5. The proto-dolomite in this study has a "double spherical" appearance and a hollow core, which may have originally been filled by the complex composed of EPS and amorphous CaMg carbonate. With regard to elemental composition, the cyanobacterially-induced proto-dolomite is rich in calcium inside and magnesium-rich on the surface, and cyanobacterial organic matter is sealed inside the particles during spherulite growth. In this study, the accelerators for Mg2+ to enter the carbonate lattice mainly include extracellular acidic amino acids and polysaccharides. The changes of these promoters among different cultures were related to the growth state of cyanobacteria under salinity stress. The polysaccharides concentration has a significant increasing in the dolomite-precipitating medium, indicating that it may be the main promoter of proto-dolomite precipitation and significantly increases the amount of Mg2+ precipitation. At the meantime, the amount of precipitated Ca2+ was suppressed by increasing salinity and Mg2+, thus leading to the precipitation of proto-dolomite in this shifting process. This study can potentially provide a reference for explaining the dolomite (proto-dolomite) precipitation in aerobic brackish environment where cyanobacteria thrive.

Clinical phenotypic characteristics in patients carrying MYH7-R143Q mutation with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) represents one of the most common inherited cardiac conditions, and more than 50 % have a tendency of familial aggregation. However, there is a lack of plenty pedigrees to analyze the clinical characteristics. This study collected 1023 unrelated HCM probands, conducted Sanger sequencing on whom carrying MYH7-R143Q and analyzed the clinical data. The detection rate of MYH7-R143Q was 2.54 % (26/1023). In patients with HCM carrying MYH7-R143Q, the diagnosis age is often concentrated in 31-40 years with moderate hypertrophy and fibrosis, which usually concentrate in the anterior and inferior septum of the basal and mid regions, representing moderate risk of SCD. Besides, this variant represented different genetic characteristics, including incomplete penetrance of autosomal dominant inheritance, polygenic cumulative effect and et al. It is the first time to investigate clinical phenotypes in multiple families carrying the same variant locus MYH7-R143Q, providing a theoretical basis for genetic counseling in clinical practice.

Two-dimensional, high-resolution imaging of pH dynamics in the phyllosphere of submerged macrophyte using a new Nano-optode

The phyllosphere pH helps shape the plant microbiome and strongly influences aboveground interactions in plant canopies. Yet little is known about the distribution of pH at a microscale within the macrophyte phyllosphere and the factors promoting them because achieving high-resolution quantitative imaging of phyllosphere pH is a great challenge. Here, new ratiometric pH nano-optodes were prepared by firstly encapsulating the self-synthesized lipophilic dyes (8-acetoxypyrene-N1, N3, N6-trioctadecyl-1, 3, 6-tri-trisulfonamide) to poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-styrene) nanoparticles, and then immobilizing the resulting nanoparticles in polyurethane hydrogel on transparent foils. The nano-optodes presented reversible and fast response (t95 < 80 s) to the pH range from 7.0 to 11.0, with merits of good spatial resolution, photobleaching/leaching resistance and negligible cross-sensitives toward temperature, O2 and ionic strength (< 100 mM). The nano-optodes together with a self-designed phyllosphere chamber were further applied to directly measure the pH distributions at a microscale around single leaves of V. spiralis grown in natural sediment. The pronounced pH microheterogeneity and leaf basification within the V. spiralis phyllosphere were quantitatively visualized. We also provided direct empirical evidence that the dynamic of the phyllosphere pH at high resolution was significantly controlled by the shifting light intensity and temperature. Implementation of the nano-optodes holds great potential for various laboratory applications, which will provide an in-depth insight into phyllosphere activities on the microscale.

Lonicerae flos polysaccharides improve nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by activating the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway and reshaping gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer. Lonicerae flos polysaccharides (LPs) have been shown to be effective in treating metabolic diseases; however, the therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of LPs in NAFLD remain unclear.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate the morphological characterization of Lonicerae flos polysaccharides (LPs) and the mechanism of LPs in relieving NAFLD.

METHODS

The morphology of LPs was observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal weight (TG), and thermal weight derivative (DTG); NAFLD mice were treated with LPs at the same time as they were induced with a Western diet, and then the indexes related to glycolipid metabolism, fibrosis, inflammation, and autophagy in the serum and liver of the mice were detected.

RESULTS

The atomic force microscope analysis results indicated that the LPs displayed sugar-chain aggregates, exhibited an amorphous structure, and were relatively stable in thermal cracking at 150 °C. It was also found that LPs exerted therapeutic effects in NAFLD. The LPs prevented high-fat and -cholesterol diet-induced NAFLD progression by regulating glucose metabolism dysregulation, insulin resistance, lipid accumulation, inflammation, fibrosis, and autophagy. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor compound C abrogated LP-induced hepatoprotection in mice with NAFLD. The LPs further treated NAFLD by reshaping the structure of the gut microbiota, in which Desulfovibrio bacteria plays a key roles.

CONCLUSION

Lonicerae flos polysaccharides exert protective effects against NAFLD in mice by improving the structure of the intestinal flora and activating the AMPK signaling pathway. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

In-situ integrated electrodes of FeM-MIL-88/CP for simultaneous ultra-sensitive detection of dopamine and acetaminophen based on crystal engineering strategy

Designing and exploiting integrated electrodes is the current inevitable trend to realize the sustainable development of electrochemical sensors. In this work, a series of integrated electrodes prepared by in situ growing the second metal ion-modulated FeM-MIL-88 (M = Mn, Co and Ni) on carbon paper (CP) (FeM-MIL-88/CP) were constructed as the electrochemical sensing platforms for the simultaneous detection of dopamine (DA) and acetaminophen (AC). Among them, FeMn-MIL-88/CP exhibited the best sensing behaviors and achieved the trace detection for DA and AC owing to synergistic catalysis between Fe3+, Mn2+ and CP. The electrochemical sensor based on FeMn-MIL-88/CP showed ultra-high sensitivities of 2.85 and 7.46 μA μM-1 cm-2 and extremely low detection limits of 0.082 and 0.015 μM for DA and AC, respectively. The FeMn-MIL-88/CP also exhibited outstanding anti-interference ability, repeatability and stability, and satisfactory results were also obtained in the detection of actual samples. The mechanism of Mn2+ modulation on the electrocatalytic activity of FeMn-MIL-88/CP towards DA and AC was revealed for the first time through the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Good adsorption energy and rapid electron transfer worked synergistically to improve the sensing performances of DA and AC. This work not only provided a high-performance integrated electrode for the sensing field, but also demonstrated the influencing factors of electrochemical sensing at the molecular levels, laying a theoretical foundation for the sustainable development of subsequent electrochemical sensing.

Salt Anion Amphiphilicity-Activated Electrolyte Cosolvent Selection Strategy toward Durable Zn Metal Anode

One effective solution to inhibit side reactions and Zn dendrite growth in aqueous Zn-ion batteries is to add a cosolvent into the Zn(CF3SO3)2 electrolyte, which has the potential to form a robust solid electrolyte interface composed of ZnF2 and ZnS. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of discussion on a convenient selection method for cosolvents, which can directly reflect the interactions between solvent and solute to rationally design the electrolyte solvation structure. Herein, logP, where P is the octanol-water partition coefficient, a general parameter to describe the hydrophilicity and lipophilicity of chemicals, is proposed as a standard for selecting cosolvents for Zn(CF3SO3)2 electrolyte, which is demonstrated by testing seven different types of solvents. The solvent with a logP value similar to that of the salt anion CF3SO3- can interact with CF3SO3-, Zn2+, and H2O, leading to a reconstruction of the electrolyte solvation structure. To prove the concept, methyl acetate (MA) is demonstrated as an example due to its similar logP value to that of CF3SO3-. Both the experimental and theoretical results illustrate that MA molecules not only enter into the solvation shell of CF3SO3- but also coordinate with Zn2+ or H2O, forming an MA and CF3SO3- involved core-shell solvation structure. The special solvation structure reduces H2O activity and contributes to forming an anion-induced ZnCO3-ZnF2-rich solid electrolyte interface. As a result, the Zn||Zn cell and Zn||NaV3O8·1.5H2O cell with MA-involved electrolyte exhibit superior performances to that with the MA-free electrolyte. This work provides an insight into electrolyte design via salt anion chemistry for high-performance Zn batteries.

English Vowel Discrimination and Perceptual Assimilation by Japanese Listeners

This study examined whether the discrimination accuracy of nonnative vowels could be predicted by how listeners assimilate nonnative phones into their L1. The results demonstrated that Japanese listeners discriminated between English /æ/ and /ʌ/ better than they did between /ɑ/ and /ʌ/, although they categorized all those stimuli as the Japanese /a/. Given that the acoustic distance between stimuli was controlled to be identical, this result was attributed not to the acoustic difference but to the category-goodness difference. The goodness-of-fit to the Japanese /a/ phoneme differed between the English /æ/ and /ʌ/ but not between the English /ɑ/ and /ʌ/, suggesting that it is more difficult to discriminate between vowels when the category-goodness difference between two nonnative stimuli is smaller. In addition, this study examined the relationship between perceptual assimilation and the focalization effect. Focalization affects directional asymmetry in a manner that renders detecting a sound change from a more-focal to a less-focal vowel more difficult than detecting a change in the opposite direction. The results demonstrated that this directional asymmetry is only observed when listeners assimilate two nonnative phones into a single L1 phonemic category, with no category-goodness difference between the two nonnative phones.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Silver Closo-Dodecaborate Film for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution

The icosahedral closo dodecaborate cluster [B12 H12 ]2- is gaining increasing interest due to its unique properties including the ease of functionalization, 3D aromaticity, and formation of metal salts with high ion conductivity. In this work, simple and effective preparation of silver closo dodecaborte (Ag2 B12 H12 ) films is reported by an electrochemical route. The size of the Ag2 B12 H12 particles in the films can be tuned from nanometers to micrometers by varying the electrochemical parameters. Ag nanoclusters with controllable sizes are successfully generated via electrochemical reduction reactions or thermal anneal of the Ag2 B12 H12 films. When tested for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an acidic solution, the as-prepared Ag nanoparticles deliver a current density of 10 mA cm-2 at 376 mV overpotential. This research sheds light on a new synthesis of [B12 H12 ]2- based thin films, the generation of metal nano-powders, and their application in HER or other applications.

Observing the universal screening of a Kondo impurity

The Kondo effect, deriving from a local magnetic impurity mediating electron-electron interactions, constitutes a flourishing basis for understanding a large variety of intricate many-body problems. Its experimental implementation in tunable circuits has made possible important advances through well-controlled investigations. However, these have mostly concerned transport properties, whereas thermodynamic observations - notably the fundamental measurement of the spin of the Kondo impurity - remain elusive in test-bed circuits. Here, with a novel combination of a 'charge' Kondo circuit with a charge sensor, we directly observe the state of the impurity and its progressive screening. We establish the universal renormalization flow from a single free spin to a screened singlet, the associated reduction in the magnetization, and the relationship between scaling Kondo temperature and microscopic parameters. In our device, a Kondo pseudospin is realized by two degenerate charge states of a metallic island, which we measure with a non-invasive, capacitively coupled charge sensor. Such pseudospin probe of an engineered Kondo system opens the way to the thermodynamic investigation of many exotic quantum states, including the clear observation of Majorana zero modes through their fractional entropy.

Efficacy and safety of self-made covered coronary stent in the treatment of coronary artery perforation

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy and safety of self-made covered coronary stent in the treatment of coronary artery perforation.

METHODS

Covered coronary stent was prepared by wrapping 3 M film on the surface of coronary stents. The beagle dogs were divided into control group and experimental group. A drug-eluting stent (DES) was implanted in the control group. The covered stent was applied to block the coronary branches of beagle dogs. The CaIMR value after stent placement was calculated by FlashAngio software. The effect of blocking the coronary branches on blood flow was observed by coronary angiography (CAG). The condition of the implanted stent was observed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and the histopathologic examination of the coronary vessel implanted stent was performed by HE staining.

RESULTS

The best number of layers was 2. Compared with the control group, the CaIMR of the experimental group increased (p < 0.05). A lot of in-stent thrombosis were found in the experimental group and obvious blood flow obstruction during follow-up. HE staining showed that stents implanted in the two groups adhered well to the wall of the blood vessel, but in-stent thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia were founded in the experimental group, while the in-stent restenosis was not founded.

CONCLUSION

The self-made coronary covered stent can effectively block the leakage caused by coronary perforation, but the stent endothelialization is poor, which easily causes stent thrombosis and restenosis, so it is not recommended as a routine remedy.

Construction and validation of nomograms for predicting the prognosis of elderly patients with uterine serous carcinoma: a SEER-based study

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognostic indicators, develop and verify nomograms for predicting overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in elderly patients with uterine serous carcinoma (USC).

METHODS

Data of eligible USC patients aged ≥ 65 years from 2004 to 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database were collected for retrospective analysis. X-tile software was used to assess the optimal cut-off values. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to explore the prognostic factors. Nomograms were developed to predict the probability of 1-, 3- and 5-year OS and CSS. Concordance indexes (c-index), receiver operating characteristic analysis and calibration curves were used to evaluate the model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was introduced to examine the clinical value of the models.

RESULTS

Age, Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, N stage, tumor size, number of lymph nodes resected, and adjuvant therapy were independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS. The C-indexes were 0.736 (OS), 0.754 (CSS) in the training set and 0.731 (OS), 0.759 (CSS) in the validation set. The area under the curve (AUCs) of OS and CSS for 1-, 3-, and 5-years all exceeded 0.75. The calibration plots for the probability of survival were in good agreement. As shown in DCA curves, the nomograms showed better discrimination power and higher net benefits than the 6th American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomograms constructed based on prognostic risk factors could individually predict the prognosis of elderly USC patients and provide a reference for clinical decision-making.