Design of p-n heterojunction between CoWO4 and Zn-defective Zn0.3Cd0.7S for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution

To enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic H2 evolution, numerous methods are employed by increasing the utilization of photogenerated charge carriers (PCCs), including catalyst design, defect regulation, and selection of suitable H+ resources. Using self-assembly method, CoWO4/ZnxCd1-xS with p-n heterojunction was synthesized. Although CoWO4 (CW) cannot produce H2 under visible light irradiation, it can provide photogenerated electrons (e-) to Zn0.3Cd0.7S (ZCS), and largely increase the photocatalytic activity of ZCS. The optimal CW/ZCS composite can reach 15.58 mmol·g-1·h-1, which is 45.8 and 24.3 times higher than the values of the pure CdS and ZCS, respectively. The largely enhanced photocatalytic H2 production is attributed to the Zn vacancies (VZn), p-n heterojunction, and p-chlorobenzyl alcohol (Cl-PhCH2OH) as the H+ source of H2 production. VZn on the ZCS surface as the capture center of photogenerated holes (h+), can regulate the carrier distribution, which results in more photogenerated e- and less generated h+. The combination of p-n heterojunction and VZn can enhance the separation and transfer efficiency of PCCs, and effectively inhibit the recombination of charge carriers. To further improve the utilization rate of PCCs, the photocatalytic H2 evolution is proceeded by Cl-PhCH2OH oxidation in N,N-dimethylformamide solution, with 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (Cl-PhCHO) generated. The separated photogenerated e- and h+ both participated in the redox reaction of H+ reduction and Cl-PhCH2OH oxidation, considering that the amount of H2 and Cl-PhCHO products are close to 1:1. This work not only facilitates the separation and transfer of PCCs, but also provides directions for the design of efficient photocatalysts and H2 evolution in the organic phase.

Effect of total flavonoids of Dracocephalum moldavica L. On neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease model amyloid-β (Aβ1-42)-peptide-induced astrocyte activation

One of the main pathological features noted in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the presence of plagues of aggregated β-amyloid (Aβ1-42)-peptides. Excess deposition of amyloid-β oligomers (AβO) are known to promote neuroinflammation. Sequentially, following neuroinflammation astrocytes become activated with cellular characteristics to initiate activated astrocytes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether total flavonoids derived from Dracocephalum moldavica L. (TFDM) inhibited Aβ1-42-induced damage attributed to activated C8-D1A astrocytes. Western blotting and ELISA were used to determine the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and complement C3 to establish the activation status of astrocytes following induction from exposure to Aβ1-42. Data demonstrated that stimulation of C8-D1A astrocytes by treatment with 40 μM Aβ1-42 for 24 hr produced significant elevation in protein expression and protein levels of acidic protein (GFAP) and complement C3 accompanied by increased expression and levels of inflammatory cytokines. Treatment with TFDM or the clinically employed drug donepezil in AD therapy reduced production of inflammatory cytokines, and toxicity initiated following activation of C8-D1A astrocytes following exposure to Aβ1-42. Therefore, TFDM similar to donepezil inhibited inflammatory secretion in reactive astrocytes, suggesting that TFDM may be considered as a potential compound to be utilized in AD therapy.

Engineered lactococcus lactis intrapleural therapy promotes regression of malignant pleural effusion by enhancing antitumor immunity

Intrapleural immunotherapies have emerged as a prominent field in treating malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Among these, bacteria-based intrapleural therapy has exerted an anti-MPE effect by immuno-stimulating or cytotoxic properties. We previously engineered a probiotic Lactococcus lactis (FOLactis) expressing a fusion protein of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 and co-stimulator OX40 ligands. FOLactis activates tumor antigen-specific immune responses and displays systemic antitumor efficacy via intratumoral delivery. However, no available lesions exist in the pleural cavity of patients with MPE for intratumoral administration. Therefore, we further optimize FOLactis to treat MPE through intrapleural injection. Intrapleural administration of FOLactis (I-Pl FOLactis) not only distinctly suppresses MPE and pleural tumor nodules, but also significantly extends noticeable survival in MPE-bearing murine models. The proportion of CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) in tumor-draining lymph nodes increases three-fold in FOLactis group, compared to the wild-type bacteria group. The enhanced DCs recruitment promotes the infiltration of effector memory T and CD8+ T cells, as well as the activation of NK cells and the polarization of macrophages to M1. Programmed death 1 blockade antibody combination further enhances the antitumor efficacy of I-Pl FOLactis. In summary, we first develop an innovative intrapleural strategy based on FOLactis, exhibiting remarkable efficacy and favorable biosafety profiles. These findings suggest prospective clinical translation of engineered probiotics for managing MPE through direct administration into the pleural cavity.

Dual Nonradical Catalytic Pathways Mediated by Nanodiamond-Derived sp2/sp3 Hybrids for Sustainable Peracetic Acid Activation and Water Decontamination

Peracetic acid (PAA) oxidation catalyzed by metal-free carbons is promising for advanced water decontamination. Nevertheless, developing reaction-oriented and high-performance carbocatalysts has been limited by the ambiguous understanding of the intrinsic relationship between carbon chemical/molecular structure and PAA transformation behavior. Herein, we comprehensively investigated the PAA activation using a family of well-defined sp2/sp3 carbon hybrids from annealed nanodiamonds (ANDs). The activity of ANDs displays a volcano-type trend, with respect to the sp2/sp3 ratio. Intriguingly, sp3-C-enriched AND exhibits the best catalytic activity for PAA activation and phenolic oxidation, which is different from persulfate chemistry in which the sp2 network normally outperforms sp3 hybridization. At the electron-rich sp2-C site, PAA undergoes a reduction reaction to generate a reactive complex (AND-PAA*) and induces an electron-transfer oxidation pathway. At the sp3-C site adjacent to C═O, PAA is oxidized to surface-confined OH* and O* successively, which ultimately evolves into singlet oxygen (1O2) as the primary reactive species. Benefiting from the dual nonradical regimes on sp2/sp3 hybrids, AND mediates a sustainable redox recycle with PAA to continuously generate reactive species to attack water contaminants, meanwhile maintaining structural/chemical integrity and exceptional reusability in cyclic runs.

Characterizing the dynamic learning process: Implications of a quantitative analysis

Understanding the neural mechanisms involved in learning processes is crucial for unraveling the complexities of behavior and cognition. Sudden change from the untrained level to the fully-learned level is a pivotal feature of instrumental learning. However, the concept of change point and suitable methods to conveniently analyze the characteristics of sudden change in groups remain elusive, which might hinder a fuller understanding of the neural mechanism underlying dynamic leaning process. In the current study, we investigated the learning processes of mice that were trained in an aversive instrumental learning task, and introduced a novel strategy to analyze behavioral variations in instrumental learning, leading to improved clarity on the concept of sudden change and enabling comprehensive group analysis. By applying this novel strategy, we examined the effects of cocaine and a cannabinoid receptor agonist on instrumental learning. Intriguingly, our analysis revealed significant differences in timing and occurrence of sudden changes that were previously overlooked using traditional analysis. Overall, our research advances understanding of behavioral variation during instrumental learning and the interplay between learning behaviors and neurotransmitter systems, contributing to a deeper comprehension of learning processes and informing future investigations and therapeutic interventions.

Bacterial biota associated with the invasive insect pest Tuta absoluta (Meyrick)

Tuta absoluta (the tomato pinworm) is an invasive insect pest with a highly damaging effect on tomatoes causing between 80 and 100% yield losses if left uncontrolled. Resistance to chemical pesticides have been reported in some T. absoluta populations. Insect microbiome plays an important role in the behavior, physiology, and survivability of their host. In a bid to explore and develop an alternative control method, the associated microbiome of this insect was studied. In this study, we unraveled the bacterial biota of T. absoluta larvae and adults by sequencing and analyzing the 16S rRNA V3-V4 gene regions using Illumina NovaSeq PE250. Out of 2,092,015 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) recovered from 30 samples (15 larvae and 15 adults), 1,268,810 and 823,205 ASVs were obtained from the larvae and adults, respectively. A total of 433 bacterial genera were shared between the adults and larval samples while 264 and 139 genera were unique to the larvae and adults, respectively. Amplicon metagenomic analyses of the sequences showed the dominance of the phylum Proteobacteria in the adult samples while Firmicutes and Proteobacteria dominated in the larval samples. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) comparison revealed the genera Pseudomonas, Delftia and Ralstonia to be differentially enriched in the adult samples while Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Lactococcus, Klebsiella and Wiessella were differentially abundant in the larvae. The diversity indices showed that the bacterial communities were not different between the insect samples collected from different geographical regions. However, the bacterial communities significantly differed based on the sample type between larvae and adults. A co-occurrence network of significantly correlated taxa revealed a strong interaction between the microbial communities. The functional analysis of the microbiome using FAPROTAX showed that denitrification, arsenite oxidation, methylotrophy and methanotrophy as the active functional groups of the adult and larvae microbiomes. Our results have revealed the core taxonomic, functional, and interacting microbiota of T. absoluta and these indicate that the larvae and adults harbor a similar but transitory set of bacteria. The results provide a novel insight and a basis for exploring microbiome-based biocontrol strategy for this invasive insect pest as well as the ecological significance of some of the identified microbiota is discussed.

The global prevalence of and risk factors for fear of falling among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

As a common psychological problem among older adults, fear of falling was found to have a wide range prevalence in different studies. However, the global prevalence of it was unknown and a lack of the large sample confirmed its risk factors.

OBJECTIVES

To report the global prevalence of fear of falling and to explore its risk factors among older adults for further developing precise interventions to systematically manage FOF.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted by PRISMA guidelines.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and the manual search in August 20, 2022, updated to September 2, 2023. Observational studies published in English were included and two researchers independently screened and extracted the data. Fixed or random effects mode was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of and risk factors for fear of falling. Heterogeneity resources were analyzed by subgroup and sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots, Egger's test and Begg's test.

RESULTS

A total of the 153 studies with 200,033 participants from 38 countries worldwide were identified. The global prevalence of fear of falling was 49.60%, ranging from 6.96-90.34%. Subgroup analysis found the estimates pooled prevalence of it was higher in developing countries (53.40%) than in developed countries (46.7%), and higher in patients (52.20%) than in community residents (48.40%). In addition, twenty-eight risk factors were found a significant associations with fear of falling, mainly including demographic characteristics, physical function, chronic diseases and mental problems.

CONCLUSION

The global prevalence of FOF was high, especially in developing countries and in patients. Demographic characteristics, Physical function, chronic diseases and mental problems were a significant association with FOF. Policy-makers, health care providers and government officials should comprehensively evaluate these risk factors and formulate precise intervention measures to reduce FOF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the International Database of Prospectively Registered Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42022358031.

Functionally responsive hydrogels with salt-alkali sensitivity effectively target soil amelioration

The long-standing crisis of soil salinization and alkalization poses a significant challenge to global agricultural development. High soil salinity-alkalinity, water dispersion, and nutrient loss present major hurdles to soil improvement. Novel environmentally friendly gels have demonstrated excellent water retention and slow-release capabilities in agricultural enhancement. However, their application for improving saline-alkali soil is both scarce and competitive. This study proposes a new strategy for regulating saline-alkali soil using gel-coated controlled-release soil modifiers (CWR-SRMs), where radical-polymerized gels are embedded on the surface of composite gel beads through spray coating. Characterization and performance analysis reveal that the three-dimensional spatial network structure rich in hydrophilic groups exhibits good thermal stability (first-stage weight loss temperature of 257.7 °C in thermogravimetric analysis) and encapsulation efficiency for fulvic acid‑potassium (FA-K), which can enhance soil quality in saline-alkali environments. The molecular chain relaxation under saline-alkali conditions promotes a synergistic effect of swelling and slow release, endowing it with qualifications as a water reservoir, Ca2+ source unit, and slow-release body. The results of a 6 weeks incubation experiment on 0-20 cm saline-alkaline soil with different application gradients showed that the gradient content had a significant effect on the soil improvement effect. Specifically, the T2 (the dosage accounted for 1 % of soil mass) treatment significantly increases water retention (30 % ~ 90 %), and nutrient levels (30 % ~ 50 %), while significantly decreasing soil sodium colloid content (30 % ~ 60 %) and soil pH (10 % ~ 15 %). Furthermore, PCA analysis indicates that the addition of 1 % CWR-SRMs as amendments can significantly adjust the negative aspects of soil salinity and alkalinity. This highlights the excellent applicability of CWR-SRMs in improving saline-alkali agricultural ecosystems, demonstrating the potential value of novel environmentally friendly gels as an alternative solution for soil challenges persistently affected by adverse salinity and alkalinity.

First-principles predictions of room-temperature ferromagnetism in orthorhombic MnX2 (X = O, S) monolayers

Two-dimensional ferromagnets with high spin-polarization at ambient temperature are of considerable interest because they might be useful for making nanoscale spintronic devices. We report that even though bulk phases of MnO2 are generally antiferromagnetic with low ordering temperatures, the corresponding MnO2 and MnS2 monolayers are ferromagnetic, and MnS2 is a high temperature half metallic ferromagnet. Based on first-principles calculations, we find that the MnO2 monolayer is an intrinsic ferromagnetic semiconductor with a Curie temperature TC of ∼300 K, while the half-metallic MnS2 monolayer has a remarkably high TC of ∼1150 K. Both compounds have substantial magnetocrystalline anisotropy, out of plane in the case of MnO2 monolayers, and in plane along the b-axis of orthorhombic MnS2 monolayer. Interestingly, a metal-insulator phase transition occurs in the MnS2 monolayer when the applied biaxial strain is beyond -2%. Tuning near this metal-insulator transition offers additional possibilities for devices. The present work shows that MnX2 (X = O, S) monolayers have the properties required for ultrathin nano-spintronic devices.

Transformative Removal of Aqueous Micropollutants into Polymeric Products by Advanced Oxidation Processes

This perspective presents the latest advancements in selective polymerization pathways in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for removal of featured organic pollutants in wastewater. In radical-based homogeneous reactions, SO4• --based systems exhibit superior oxidative activity toward aromatics with electron-donating substituents via single electron transfer and radical adduct formation (RAF). The produced organic radical cations subsequently undergo coupling and polymerization reactions to produce polymers. For •OH-based oxidation, metal ions facilitate the production of monomer radicals via RAF. Additionally, heterogeneous catalysts can mediate both coupling and polymerization reactions via persulfate activation without generating inorganic radicals. Metal-based catalysts will mediate a direct oxidation pathway toward polymerization. In contrast, carbon-based catalysts will induce coupling reactions to produce low-molecular-weight oligomers (≤4 units) via an electron transfer process. In comparison to mineralization, polymerization pathways remarkably reduce peroxide usage, quickly separate pollutants from the aqueous phase, and generate polymeric byproducts. Thus, AOP-driven polymerization systems hold significant promise in reducing carbon emission and realizing carbon recycling in water treatment processes.

Quantum cascade laser absorption sensor for in-situ, real-time and sensitive measurement of high-temperature SO2 and SO3

We report a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser absorption sensor capable of measuring SO2 and SO3 simultaneously and sensitively at elevated temperatures. In the sensor development, the intense transitions of SO2 and SO3 in the mid-infrared region of 1129 cm-1 and 1398 cm-1 were exploited by two quantum cascade lasers. A high-temperature multipass cell was adopted to increase the absorption path length to 10 m. The quantitative concentrations of SOx were directly obtained from the calibration-free wavelength modulation spectroscopic method, which was validated at varied temperature and pressure conditions. From Allan deviation analysis, we achieved a minimum detection limit of 8 parts per billion (ppb) for SO2 and 3 ppb for SO3, with an average time of 100 s. Lastly, we successfully demonstrated the real-time and sensitive measurement of SO2 and SO3 during the oxidation reaction of SO2 by O3 at 460 K. Our laser sensor shows great potential for in-situ and real-time monitoring of SOx from combustion emissions.

Electron doping as a handle to increase the Curie temperature in ferrimagnetic Mn3Si2X6 (X = Se, Te)

By analysing the results of ab initio simulations performed for Mn3Si2X6 (X = Se, Te), we first discuss the analogies and the differences in electronic and magnetic properties arising from the anion substitution, in terms of size, electronegativity, band widths of p electrons and spin-orbit coupling strengths. For example, through mean-field theory and simulations based on density functional theory, we demonstrate that magnetic frustration, known to be present in Mn3Si2Te6, also exists in Mn3Si2Se6 and leading to a ferrimagnetic ground state. Building on these results, we propose a strategy, electronic doping, to reduce the frustration and thus to increase the Curie temperature (TC). To this end, we first study the effect of electronic doping on the electronic structure and magnetic properties and discuss the differences in the two compounds, along with their causes. Secondly, we perform Monte-Carlo simulations, considering from the first to the fifth nearest-neighbor magnetic interactions and single-ion anisotropy, and show that electron doping efficiently raises the TC.

Diagnostic value of a novel salivary gland ultrasound scoring system in IgG4-related sialadenitis

OBJECTIVES

To develop a novel ultrasound scoring system for the major salivary glands in patients with immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) and assess its diagnostic value in a multicenter cohort of Chinese patients.

METHODS

Twenty clinicians (rheumatologists, stomatologists, and radiologists) participated. The study was conducted in four steps: (1) defining the ultrasonography (US) elements, (2) developing a novel ultrasound scoring system for US of the salivary glands, (3) evaluation of inter- and intra-reader reliabilities using the new ultrasound scoring system, and (4) assessing the diagnostic value of this novel ultrasound scoring system in IgG4-RS patients in a Chinese multicenter cohort.

RESULTS

A novel ultrasound scoring system for the salivary glands was developed, with total scores ranging from 0 to 34. The inter- and intra-reader reliabilities of the ultrasound scoring system were excellent (0.972 and 0.940, respectively). A total of 470 people were recruited in this study; 187 patients were diagnosed with IgG4-RS, and the remaining 283 people were diagnosed with non-IgG4-RS. Patients with IgG4-RS had significantly higher US scores than the non-IgG4-RS group (mean US score=16 vs. 4, P < 0.001). The calculated area under the curve (AUC) for the total US score was 0.852 (95% CI: 0.814-0.891). The total US scores≥9 showed a sensitivity of 75.4% and a specificity of 91.9%. Association analysis showed a positive correlation between total US scores and serum IgG4 levels and hypocomplementemia (r=0.221, r=0.349; P = 0.002) and a negative correlation between total US scores and serum C3 and C4 levels (r=-0.210, r=-0.303; P = 0.005, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A novel semiquantitative ultrasound scoring system for patients with IgG4-RS was developed, with good diagnostic performance. The inter- and intra-reader reliabilities were excellent. US scores were correlated with IgG4, C3, and C4 levels and hypocomplementemia.

Tight coupling between leaf δ13 C and N content along leaf ageing in the N2 -fixing legume tree black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)

N2 -fixing legumes can strongly affect ecosystem functions by supplying nitrogen (N) and improving the carbon-fixing capacity of vegetation. Still, the question of how their leaf-level N status and carbon metabolism are coordinated along leaf ageing remains unexplored. Leaf tissue carbon isotopic composition (δ13 C) provides a useful indicator of time-integrated intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi). Here, we quantified the seasonal changes of leaf δ13 C, N content on a mass and area basis (Nmass , Narea , respectively), Δ18 O (leaf 18 O enrichment above source water, a proxy of time-integrated stomatal conductance) and morphological traits in an emblematic N2 -fixing legume tree, the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), at a subtropical site in Southwest China. We also measured xylem, soil and rainwater isotopes (δ18 O, δ2 H) to characterize tree water uptake patterns. Xylem water isotopic data reveal that black locust primarily used shallow soil water in this humid habitat. Black locust exhibited a decreasing δ13 C along leaf ageing, which was largely driven by decreasing leaf Nmass , despite roughly constant Narea . In contrast, the decreasing δ13 C along leaf ageing was largely uncoupled from parallel increases in Δ18 O and leaf thickness. Leaf N content is used as a proxy of leaf photosynthetic capacity; thus, it plays a key role in determining the seasonality in δ13 C, whereas the roles of stomatal conductance and leaf morphology are minor. Black locust leaves can effectively adjust to changing environmental conditions along leaf ageing through LMA increases and moderate stomatal conductance reduction while maintaining constant Narea to optimize photosynthesis and carbon assimilation, despite declining leaf Nmass and δ13 C.

Utilizing mobile digital radiography for detection of thoracolumbar vertebrae traits in live donkeys

It has been well-established that the number of vertebrae is associated with body size and meat productivity. In current study we utilized a digital radiography (DR) technology to detect the number of thoracolumbar vertebrae in live donkeys. For this purpose, we introduced for the first time a groundbreaking device designed by our team for assessing thoracolumbar vertebrae number traits in equids, employing a sample of 1,000 donkeys sourced from five distinct donkey farms. This assessment incorporates a range of crucial body metrics, including body height, length, and various other measurements. Subsequently, our study determined the number of thoracolumbar vertebrae in 112 donkeys, utilizing the DR system. These findings were further validated through post-mortem evaluations conducted by slaughtering the donkeys. Our findings demonstrated a remarkable resemblance between the thoracolumbar vertebrae numbers visualized through the DR system in live donkeys and those obtained via slaughter verification. In conclusion, this research underscores the accuracy and effectiveness of the DR system for the detection of thoracolumbar vertebrae in live donkeys, which might be helpful for assessing the body size and meat productivity. We also recommended the utilization of DR system for counting thoracolumbar vertebrae in other animals in live state and could be a useful addition to livestock business industry for the prediction of body size and meat productivity efficiency.

Spin-Chirality-Driven Multiferroicity in van der Waals Monolayers

Driven by the expected contribution of two-dimensional multiferroic systems with strong magnetoelectric coupling to the development of multifunctional nanodevices, here we propose, by means of first-principles calculations, vanadium-halide monolayers as a new class of spin-chirality-driven van der Waals multiferroics. The frustrated 120-deg magnetic structure in the triangular lattice induces a ferroelectric polarization perpendicular to the spin-spiral plane, whose sign is switched by a spin-chirality change. It follows that, in the presence of an applied electric field perpendicular to the monolayers, one magnetic chirality can be stabilized over the other, thereby allowing the long-sought electrical control of spin textures. Moreover, we demonstrate the remarkable role of spin-lattice coupling on magnetoelectricity, which adds to the expected contribution of spin-orbit interaction determined by an anion. Indeed, such compounds exhibit sizeable spin-driven structural distortions, thereby promoting the investigation of multifunctional spin-electric-lattice couplings.

A study of the biological effects of low-level light

Low-level light therapy (LLLT), also known as photo biomodulation (PBM), is a type of optical therapy that uses red or near-infrared lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for medical treatment. The laser wavelengths involved in PBM typically range between 600-700 nm and 780-1100 nm, with power densities ranging between 5 mW/cm2 and 5 W/cm2. PBM is a series of biochemical cascades exhibited by biological tissues after absorbing a certain amount of energy from light. PBM has been widely used in clinical practice in the past 20 years, and numerous clinical trials have demonstrated its biological efficacy. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully explored. In this paper, we have summarized the research into PBM over the past two decades, to identify the important mechanisms of the biological effects of PBM from the perspective of molecular mechanisms, cellular levels, and tissue changes. We hope our study provide a theoretical basis for future investigations into the underlying mechanisms.

Inhibition of cannabinoid degradation enhances hippocampal contextual fear memory and exhibits anxiolytic effects

Recent studies have demonstrated the pivotal involvement of endocannabinoids in regulating learning and memory, but the conclusions obtained from different paradigms or contexts are somewhat controversial, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we show that JZL195, a dual inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, can enhance the performance of mice in a contextual fear conditioning task and increase the time spent in open arms in the elevated zero maze (EZM). Although the effect of JZL195 on fear memory could not be inhibited by antagonists of cannabinoid receptors, the effect on the EZM seems to be mediated by CB1R. Simultaneously, hippocampal neurons are hyperactive, and theta oscillation power is significantly increased during the critical period of memory consolidation upon treatment with JZL195. These results suggest the feasibility of targeting the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of various mental disorders.

Causal Relationship Between Sleep Traits and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Target Gland Axis Function: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Background

In recent years, multiple observational studies have confirmed the association between sleep traits and various human physiopathological states. However, the causal relationship between sleep traits and hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axis (HPTGA) function remains unknown.

Methods

We obtained summary statistics on sleep traits (insomnia, chronotype, and sleep duration (long and short)) from the UK Biobank database. Data related to the HPTGA functions were obtained from the publicly available database. Subsequently, a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to investigate the causal relationship between different sleep traits and the HPTGA function. Reverse MR analysis was conducted to examine the direction of causality.

Results

The MR analysis results suggested that chronotype is associated with decreased levels of six hormones in HPTGA. Sleep duration was causally associated with decreased levels of free thyroxine and progesterone. Both long and short sleep durations are detrimental to the secretion of prolactin-releasing peptide, somatostatin, and plasma cortisol, while short sleep duration can promote progesterone secretion. After gender stratification, we found that female reproductive function is more susceptible to the influence of unfavorable sleep traits.

Conclusion

Our MR analysis indicated a significant causal association between chronotype and suppressed gonadal function in healthy adult humans, with no apparent gender-specific effect. Extreme sleep durations were also found to be detrimental to the maintenance of normal HPTGA secretion function. Compared to males, gonadal function in the female cohort is more susceptible to extreme sleep habits. Subsequent observational studies are urgently needed to confirm the underlying mechanisms.

Spectral tweezers: Single sample spectroscopy using optoelectronic tweezers

A scheme that combines optoelectronic tweezers (OET) with spectroscopic analysis is presented. Referred to as spectral tweezers, the approach uses a single focused light beam that acts both as the trapping beam for OET and the probe beam for spectroscopy. Having simultaneous manipulation and spectral characterization ability, the method is used to isolate single micro-samples from clusters and perform spectral measurements. Experimental results show that a characteristic spectral signature can be obtained for a given sample. The proposed approach can be easily integrated into the optical setups used for conventional OETs with only a few additional optical components, making it a convenient tool for bio-analytical applications.

Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis unveils the interplay of mRNA and LncRNA expression in shaping collagen organization and skin development in Dezhou donkeys

The primary focus of donkey hide gelatin processing lies in the dermal layer of donkey hide due to its abundant collagen content. However, the molecular mechanism involved in collagen organization and skin development in donkey skin tissue across various developmental stages remains incomplete. The current study aims to investigate the transcriptomic screening of lncRNAs and mRNA associated with skin development and collagen organization across different ages in Dezhou donkeys' skin. In the pursuit of this objective, we used nine skin tissue samples obtained from Dezhou donkeys at various ages including 8-month fetal stage, followed by 2 and 8 years. RNA-seq analysis was performed for the transcriptomic profiling of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs associated with skin development in different age groups. Our investigation revealed the presence of 6,582, 6,455, and 405 differentially expressed genes and 654, 789, and 29 differentially expressed LncRNAs within the skin tissues of Dezhou donkeys when comparing young donkeys (YD) vs. middle-aged donkeys (MD), YD vs. old donkeys (OD), and MD vs. OD, respectively. Furthermore, we identified Collagen Type I Alpha 1 Chain (COL1A1), Collagen Type III Alpha 1 Chain (COL3A1), and Collagen Type VI Alpha 5 Chain (COL6A5) as key genes involved in collagen synthesis, with COL1A1 being subject to cis-regulation by several differentially expressed LncRNAs, including ENSEAST00005041187, ENSEAST00005038497, and MSTRG.17248.1, among others. Interestingly, collagen organizational and skin development linked pathways including Protein digestion and absorption, metabolic pathways, Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Protein Kinase B signaling pathway (PI3K-Akt signaling pathway), Extracellular Matrix-Receptor Interaction (ECM-receptor interaction), and Relaxin signaling were also reported across different age groups in Dezhou donkey skin. These findings enhance our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying Dezhou donkey skin development and collagen biosynthesis and organization, thus furnishing a solid theoretical foundation for future research endeavors in this domain.

π Phase Interlayer Shift and Stacking Fault in the Kagome Superconductor CsV_{3}Sb_{5}

The stacking degree of freedom is a crucial factor in tuning material properties and has been extensively investigated in layered materials. The kagome superconductor CsV_{3}Sb_{5} was recently discovered to exhibit a three-dimensional CDW phase below T_{CDW}∼94  K. Despite the thorough investigation of in-plane modulation, the out-of-plane modulation has remained ambiguous. Here, our polarization- and temperature-dependent Raman measurements reveal the breaking of C_{6} rotational symmetry and the presence of three distinct domains oriented at approximately 120° to each other. The observations demonstrate that the CDW phase can be naturally explained as a 2c staggered order phase with adjacent layers exhibiting a relative π phase shift. Further, we discover a first-order structural phase transition at approximately 65 K and suggest that it is a stacking order-disorder phase transition due to stacking fault, supported by the thermal hysteresis behavior of a Cs-related phonon mode. Our findings highlight the significance of the stacking degree of freedom in CsV_{3}Sb_{5} and offer structural insights to comprehend the entanglement between superconductivity and CDW.

Mineralization versus polymerization pathways in heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions

Fenton reaction has been widespread application in water purification due to the excellent oxidation performances. However, the poor cycle efficiency of Fe(III)/Fe(II) is one of the biggest bottlenecks. In this study, graphite (GP) was used as a green carbon catalyst to accelerate Fenton-like (H2O2/Fe3+ and persulfate/Fe3+) reactions by promoting ferric ion reduction and intensifying diverse peroxide activation pathways. Significantly, the carboxyl group on GP anchors iron ions to form GP-COOFe(III) which promote persulfate adsorption to form surface complexes and induce an electron transfer pathway (ETP). While the electron-rich hydroxyl and carbonyl groups will combine to from GP-COFe(II), a reductive intermediate to activate peroxide to generate free radicals (from H2O2 and PDS) or high-value iron [Fe(IV)] (from PMS). Consequently, different pathways lead to distinct degree of oxidation: i) radicals in H2O2/Fe3+/GP prefer to mineralize bisphenol A (BPA) with no selectivity; ii) Fe(IV) in PMS/Fe3+/GP partially oxidizes BPA but cannot open the aromatic ring; iii) ETP in PMS/ or PDS/Fe3+/GP drives coupling reactions to form polymeric products covered on catalyst surface. Thus, rational engineering surface functionality of graphite and selecting proper peroxides can realize on-demand selectivity and oxidation capacity in Fenton-like systems.

Response of tomatoes to inactivated endophyte LSE01 under combined stress of high-temperature and drought

Endophytes can assist crops in adapting to high temperatures and drought conditions, thereby reducing agricultural losses. However, the mechanism through which endophytes regulate crop resistance to high temperatures and drought stress remains unclear, and concerns regarding safety and stability exist with active endophytes. Thus, heat-treated endophytic bacteria LSE01 (HTB) were employed as a novel microbial fertilizer to investigate their effects on plant adaptation to high temperatures and drought conditions. The results indicated that the diameter and weight of tomatoes treated with HTB under stress conditions increased by 23.04% and 71.15%, respectively, compared to the control. Tomato yield did not significantly decrease compared to non-stress conditions. Additionally, the contents of vitamin C, soluble sugars, and proteins treated with HTB increased by 18.81%, 11.54%, and 99.75%, respectively. Mechanistic research revealed that HTB treatment enhances tomato's stress resistance by elevating photosynthetic pigment and proline contents, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, and reducing the accumulation of MDA. Molecular biology research demonstrates that HTB treatment upregulates the expression of drought-resistant genes (GA2ox7, USP1, SlNAC3, SlNAC4), leading to modifications in stomatal conductance, plant morphology, photosynthetic intensity, and antioxidant enzyme synthesis to facilitate adaptation to dry conditions. Furthermore, the upregulation of the heat-resistant gene (SlCathB2-2) can increases the thickness of tomato cell walls, rendering them less vulnerable to heat stress. In summary, HTB endows tomatoes with the ability to adapt to high temperatures and drought conditions, providing new opportunities for sustainable agriculture.

Predictive value of peripheral blood biomarkers in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer responding to anti-PD-1-based treatment

BACKGROUND

The introduction of the anti-PD-1 antibody has greatly improved the clinical outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of PD-1 antibody-based therapy in patients with locally advanced inoperable or metastatic NSCLC and reported an association between peripheral blood biomarkers and clinical response in these patients.

METHODS

This single-center study included medical record data of patients with NSCLC treated with the PD-1 antibody as a first-line or subsequent line of treatment, either as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. The patients were enrolled from 2020 to 2022. We dynamically evaluated multiple Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the blood serum and analyzed the phenotype of T cells from the peripheral blood to explore the correlation between cytokine levels, T cell phenotypes, and clinical response.

RESULTS

A total of 88 patients with stage IIIA-IV NSCLC were enrolled, out of which 60 (68.18%) achieved a partial response (PR), 13 (14.77%) had stable disease (SD), and 15 (17.05%) experienced disease progression (PD). The disease control rate was 82.95%. Our results suggested a significant reduction (P = 0.002, P < 0.005) in lymphocyte absolute counts after treatment in patients with PD. Higher levels of IFN-γ (P = 0.023, P < 0.05), TNF-α (P = 0.00098, P < 0.005), IL-4 (P = 0.0031, P < 0.005), IL-5 (P = 0.0015, P < 0.005), and IL-10 (P = 0.036, P < 0.05) were detected in the peripheral blood before treatment in the PR group compared to the PD group. Moreover, patients with high levels of IL-5, IL-13, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α (> 10 ng/mL) had superior progression-free survival compared to those with low levels (< 10 ng/mL). Furthermore, PD-1 expression on CD8+ T cells was higher in patients who showed a PR than in those who did not show a response (SD + PD; P = 0.042, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study imply that the decrease in absolute blood lymphocyte counts after treatment is correlated with disease progression. Serum cytokine levels may predict the effectiveness and survival rates of anti-PD-1 blockade therapy in patients with NSCLC. In addition, PD-1 expression on CD8+ T cells was positively associated with better clinical response. Our findings highlight the potential of peripheral blood biomarkers to predict the effectiveness of PD-1-targeted treatments in patients with NSCLC. Larger prospective studies are warranted to further clarify the value of these biomarkers.

Distinct processing of the state prediction error signals in frontal and parietal correlates in learning the environment model

Goal-directed reinforcement learning constructs a model of how the states in the environment are connected and prospectively evaluates action values by simulating experience. State prediction error (SPE) is theorized as a crucial signal for learning the environment model. However, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Here, using electroencephalogram, we verified in a two-stage Markov task two neural correlates of SPEs: an early negative correlate transferring from frontal to central electrodes and a late positive correlate over parietal regions. Furthermore, by investigating the effects of explicit knowledge about the environment model and rewards in the environment, we found that, for the parietal correlate, rewards enhanced the representation efficiency (beta values of regression coefficient) of SPEs, whereas explicit knowledge elicited a larger SPE representation (event-related potential activity) for rare transitions. However, for the frontal and central correlates, rewards increased activities in a content-independent way and explicit knowledge enhanced activities only for common transitions. Our results suggest that the parietal correlate of SPEs is responsible for the explicit learning of state transition structure, whereas the frontal and central correlates may be involved in cognitive control. Our study provides novel evidence for distinct roles of the frontal and the parietal cortices in processing SPEs.

Value of blood oxygenation level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging in early evaluation of the response and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

To find a useful hypoxia non-invasive biomarker for evaluating early treatment response and prognosis to definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), using blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

The R2* values were obtained pre- and 2-3 weeks post-dCRT in 28 patients with ESCC using BOLD MRI. Independent samples t-test (normality) or Mann-Whitney U test (non-normality) was used to compare the differences of R2*-related parameters between the complete response (CR) and the non-CR groups. Diagnostic performance of parameters in predicting response was tested with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The 3-year overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Kaplan Meier curve, log rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

RESULTS

The post-R2*, ∆R2*, and ∆%R2* in the CR group were significantly higher than those in the non-CR group (P = 0.002, 0.003, and 0.006, respectively). The R2*-related parameters showed good prediction of tumor response, with AUC ranging from 0.813 to 0.829. The 3-year OS rate in patients with ∆R2* >-7.54 s- 1 or CR were significantly longer than those with ∆R2* ≤ -7.54 s- 1 (72.37% vs. 0.00%; Hazard ratio, HR = 0.196; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 0.047-0.807; P = 0.024) or non-CR (76.47% vs. 29.27%; HR = 0.238, 95% CI = 0.059-0.963; P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary results demonstrated that the R2* value might be a useful hypoxia non-invasive biomarker for assessing response and prognosis of ESCC treated with dCRT. BOLD MRI might be used as a potential tool for evaluating tumor oxygenation metabolism, which is routinely applied in clinical practice and beneficial to clinical decision-making. A large sample size was needed for further follow-up studies to confirm the findings.

Multipiezo Effect in Altermagnetic V2SeTeO Monolayer

Strain engineering has been used as an efficient method to modulate various properties of quantum materials and electronic devices. One may establish piezo effects based on a disciplined response to the strain in multifunctional nanosystems. Inspired by a recent theoretical proposal on the interesting piezomagnetism and C-paired valley polarization in the V2Se2O monolayer, we predict a stable altermagnetic Janus monolayer V2SeTeO using density functional theory calculations. It exhibits a novel "multipiezo" effect combining piezoelectricity, piezovalley, and piezomagnetism. Most interestingly, the valley polarization and the net magnetization under strain in V2SeTeO exceed these in V2Se2O, along with the additional large piezoelectric coefficient. The "multipiezo" effect makes Janus monolayer V2SeTeO as a tantalizing material for potential applications in nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, spintronics, and valleytronics.

Hidden Valley Polarization, Piezoelectricity, and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interactions of Janus Vanadium Dichalcogenides

Due to the lack of inversion symmetry and the discovery of room-temperature ferromagnetism, two-dimensional semiconducting vanadium-based van der Waals transition-metal dichalcogenides (V-TMDs) are drawing attention for their possible application in spintronics and valleytronics. Here, we show the functional properties enriched by the broken inversion, out-of-plane mirror, and time-reversal symmetries of Janus H-VXY TMDs (X, Y = S, Se, Te). By first-principles calculations, we reveal the intrinsic xy easy-plane magnetism of the Janus vanadium-based TMD monolayers and systematically study their hidden valley polarization and giant magneto band structure. Their strong nearest-neighbor exchange strengths lead to near-room-temperature magnetic phase transitions. The Janus H-VXY system also exhibits piezoelectricity with nonzero e31 and e21. Interestingly, it is found that the right-handed Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction has nonzero in-plane components in our Janus system, with fluctuating magnitudes determined by competence between relaxed bond-angle and atomic index of ligands.

Cavity-enhanced photoacoustic dual-comb spectroscopy

Photoacoustic dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS), converting spectral information in the optical frequency domain to the audio frequency domain via multi-heterodyne beating, enables background-free spectral measurements with high resolution and broad bandwidth. However, the detection sensitivity remains limited due to the low power of individual comb lines and the lack of broadband acoustic resonators. Here, we develop cavity-enhanced photoacoustic DCS, which overcomes these limitations by using a high-finesse optical cavity for the power amplification of dual-frequency combs and a broadband acoustic resonator with a flat-top frequency response. We demonstrate high-resolution spectroscopic measurements of trace amounts of C2H2, NH3 and CO in the entire telecommunications C-band. The method shows a minimum detection limit of 0.6 ppb C2H2 at the measurement time of 100 s, corresponding to the noise equivalent absorption coefficient of 7 × 10-10 cm-1. The proposed cavity-enhanced photoacoustic DCS may open new avenues for ultrasensitive, high-resolution, and multi-species gas detection with widespread applications.

Association of mean pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation with different demographic factors in a subgroup of patients without coronary artery disease stratified by sex, body mass index, and age

Background

In patients without coronary artery disease (CAD), few studies have evaluated the association between mean pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATMA) and patient-based demographic factors, for example, age or sex. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the association between PCATMA and various demographic factors in patients without CAD.

Methods

In this case-control study, the 806 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography and were not diagnosed with CAD between July 2020 and July 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Their PCATMA values of the proximal right coronary artery were measured automatically. Patients without CAD were stratified according to sex, body mass index (BMI), and age, and the relationship between PCATMA and different clinical characteristics was explored using Fisher's exact test or Chi-squared test and independent t-tests or Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results

Compared to non-smoking women [-88.00 (-95.00, -81.00) HU], women who smoked [-84.00 (-94.00, -78.00) HU, P=0.037] had higher PCATMA values and a positive correlation with PCATMA (rs=0.101, P=0.036). Compared to non-hypertensive patients with BMI ≥24.91 kg/m2 [-87.00 (-95.00, -81.00) HU], hypertensive patients with BMI ≥24.91 kg/m2 [-84.00 (-92.00, -78.00) HU, P=0.004] had higher PCATMA values, and a positive correlation with PCATMA (rs=0.144, P=0.004). In a subgroup of patients without CAD stratified by sex, BMI, and age, PCATMA values were all higher in patients with dyslipidemia (women, men, BMI ≥24.91 kg/m2, BMI <24.91 kg/m2, age ≥55 years, and age <55 years: -82.00, -82.00, -81.50, -82.00, -81.00 and -83.50 HU, respectively) than in those without dyslipidemia (-89.00, -89.00, -89.00, -90.00, -90.00 and -88.00 HU, respectively; all P<0.001) and showed a positive relationship (rs=0.328, 0.339, 0.342, 0.326, 0.367, and 0.298, respectively; all P<0.001).

Conclusions

Higher PCATMA attenuation values were observed in patients with dyslipidemia, smoking women, and hypertensive patients with BMI ≥24.91 kg/m2, suggesting that PCATMA values can be used to detect patients at high risk for future events with CAD even if they do not currently have atherosclerosis.

Physalin B Reduces Tau Phosphorylation and Cell Apoptosis in HEK293 Cells by Activating FoxO1

BACKGROUND

Physalin B (PB) is one of the main active compounds of Solanaceae plants, with a wide range of biological activities. PB reportedly has the potential to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD).

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated the effect of PB on Tau phosphorylation and cell apoptosis using Tau-expressing HEK293 cells (HEK293/Tau) as a cellular model.

METHODS

The optimum concentration of PB to treat HEK293/Tau cells was determined using the CCK-8 assay. Additionally, the expression of FoxO1, Tau-5, p-Tau (T231, S262, and S404), ERK, p-ERK, GSK-3β, and p-GSK-3β was detected using western blotting to determine the effect of PB on Tau phosphorylation. The apoptosis rate was detected using flow cytometry, and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was detected using western blotting and verified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Moreover, cells were transfected with FoxO1 siRNA to downregulate FoxO1 expression, and the expression of the above-mentioned proteins was detected to verify the effect of PB on Tau phosphorylation and cell apoptosis.

RESULTS

After 24 h of PB treatment, the phosphorylation levels of Tau at S404, S262, and T231 sites decreased significantly, and the activities of GSK-3β and ERK were inhibited. PB also reduced cell apoptosis by reducing the expression of Bax and increasing the expression of Bcl-2. In addition, PB decreased Tau phosphorylation and cell apoptosis by upregulating FoxO1.

CONCLUSION

The natural compound PB exhibited a protective effect in the AD cell model by increasing FoxO1 expression and reducing Tau phosphorylation and cell apoptosis.

Characterization of Volatile Compounds in Donkey Meat by Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS) Combined with Chemometrics

Volatile compounds (VOCs) are an important factor affecting meat quality. However, the characteristic VOCs in different parts of donkey meat remain unknown. Accordingly, this study represents a preliminary investigation of VOCs to differentiate between different cuts of donkey meat by using headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) combined with chemometrics analysis. The results showed that the 31 VOCs identified in donkey meat, ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, and esters were the predominant categories. A total of 10 VOCs with relative odor activity values ≥1 were found to be characteristic of donkey meat, including pentanone, hexanal, nonanal, octanal, and 3-methylbutanal. The VOC profiles in different parts of donkey meat were well differentiated using three- and two-dimensional fingerprint maps. Nine differential VOCs that represent potential markers to discriminate different parts of donkey meat were identified by chemometrics analysis. These include 2-butanone, 2-pentanone, and 2-heptanone. Thus, the VOC profiles in donkey meat and specific VOCs in different parts of donkey meat were revealed by HS-GC-IMS combined with chemometrics, whcih provided a basis and method of investigating the characteristic VOCs and quality control of donkey meat.

B-cell specific Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1 contributes to invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma

Background/purpose

Upregulation of B-cell specific Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1 (BMI-1) has been involved in the invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis of many cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels and clinical significance of BMI-1 in saliva of patients with salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC), and to analyze biological function and mechanism of BMI-1 in the invasion and metastasis of SACC.

Materials and methods

The levels of BMI-1 in saliva and tumor tissues of SACC patients were determined. The correlation of salivary BMI-1 levels with clinicopathological parameters and clinical outcomes in patients with SACC was analyzed. Additionally, the effects of BMI-1 on wound-healing, transwell invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein expression in vitro as well as on tumorigenicity and experimental lung metastasis in vivo were investigated through exogenous overexpression and silencing of BMI-1 in SACC cells.

Results

BMI-1 levels increased in saliva and tumor tissues in SACC patients with invasion or metastasis. High salivary BMI-1 levels were correlated with poor TNM stage, poor overall survival, and disease-free survival. Exogenous expression of BMI-1 in SACC-83 promoted its migration and invasion, while silencing BMI-1 in SACC-LM inhibited its migration and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumorigenesis and lung metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, BMI-1 regulated the expression of EMT-related proteins in SACC.

Conclusion

Our study shows that BMI-1 can serve as a valuable biomarker to identify tumor invasion and metastasis in SACC, predict its prognosis, and act as a promising therapeutic target for SACC.

Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule alleviates myocardial fibrosis by improving endothelial cell dysfunction

Background and aim

Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu (ZL) capsule is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with satisfactory curative effects. Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction plays an important role during myocardial fibrosis (MF). But the therapeutic effect of ZL capsule on EC dysfunction remains unknown in the development of MF. This study aims to investigate the effect of ZL capsule on EC dysfunction during MF in vivo.

Experimental procedure

The model of MF is established in vivo by injecting isoproterenol for 14 days, simultaneously, we examined the therapeutic effect of ZL capsule on MF in vivo. An integrative approach combining biomarker examination, echocardiography and myocardial fibrosis condition using Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, and Sirius red staining were performed to assess the efficacy of ZL capsule against MF. Subsequently, comprehensive immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of ZL capsule on EC dysfunction.

Results and conclusion

Prior to experiments, analysis of the published single-cell sequencing data was performed and it was discovered that EC dysfunction plays an important role. Further pharmacological results showed that ZL capsule could alleviate fibrosis injury and collagen fiber deposition. The mechanism investigation results showed that the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and MHC class-II (MHC-II) expression in EC were improved. In addition, ZL capsule can attenuate the inflammatory response during MF by intervening the activation of CD4+T cell mediated by EC. For the first time, we provided evidence that ZL capsule could improve MF by alleviating EC dysfunction via the regulation of EndMT and expression of MHC-II.

Taxonomy classification by evise

Myocardial fibrosis, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Endothelium, dysfunction, Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

A novel chemokine biomarker to distinguish active tuberculosis from latent tuberculosis: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs), which are widely used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB), cannot effectively discriminate latent TB infection (LTBI) from active TB (ATB). This study aimed to identify potential antigen-specific biomarkers for differentiating LTBI cases from ATB cases.

METHODS

Ongoing recruitment was conducted of individuals meeting study inclusion criteria at Beijing Chest Hospital from May 2020 to April 2022; 208 participants were enrolled and assigned to three groups: HC (60 healthy controls), LTBI (52 subjects with LTBI) and ATB (96 ATB patients). After participants were assigned to the discovery cohort (20 or 21 subjects/group), all others were assigned to the verification cohort. Discovery cohort blood levels of 40 chemokines were measured using Luminex assays to identify chemokines that could be used to discriminate LTBI cases from ATB cases; candidate biomarkers were verified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based testing of validation cohort samples.

RESULTS

Luminex results revealed highest ATB group levels of numerous cytokines, growth factors and chemokines. Receiving operating characteristic curve-based analysis of 40 biomarkers revealed CCL8 (AUC = 0.890) and CXCL9 (AUC = 0.883) effectively discriminated between LTBI and TB cases; greatest diagnostic efficiency was obtained using both markers together (AUC = 0.929). Interpretation of CCL8 and CXCL9 levels for validation cohort IGRA-positive subjects (based on a 0.658-ng/ml cutoff) revealed ATB group CCL8-based sensitivity and specificity rates approaching 90.79% and 100.00%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

TB-specific chemokines hold promise as ATB diagnostic biomarkers. Additional laboratory confirmation is needed to establish whether CCL8-based assays can differentiate between ATB and LTBI cases, especially for bacteriologically unconfirmed TB cases.

Carbonized Platycladus orientalis Derived Carbon Dots Accelerate Hemostasis through Activation of Platelets and Coagulation Pathways

Achieving rapid and effective hemostasis remains a multidisciplinary challenge. Here, distinctive functional carbon dots derived from carbonized Platycladus orientalis (CPO-CDs) are developed using one-step hydrothermal method. The negatively charged surface of CPO-CDs retains partial functional groups from CPO precursor, exhibiting excellent water solubility and high biocompatibility. Both rat liver injury model and tail amputation model have confirmed the rapid and effective hemostatic performance of CPO-CDs on exogenous hemorrhage. Further, on endogenous blood-heat hemorrhage syndrome rat model, CPO-CDs could inhibit hemorrhage and alleviate inflammation response. Interestingly, the excellent hemostasis performance of CPO-CDs is ascribed to activate exogenous coagulation pathway and common coagulation pathway. More importantly, metabolomics of rat plasma suggests that the hemostasis effect of CPO-CDs is closely related to platelet functions. Therefore, the designed in vitro experiments are performed and it is discovered that CPO-CDs significantly promote platelets adhesion, activation, and aggregation. Further, the underlying mechanism investigation suggests that Src/Syk signal pathway plays a key role in platelets activation triggered by CPO-CDs. Overall, CPO-CDs with rapid and excellent hemostatic performance are discovered for the first time, which could be an excellent candidate for the treatment of hemorrhagic diseases.

Effect of oral probiotics on clinical efficacy and intestinal flora in elderly severe pneumonia patients

Complex microbial ecosystems in both gastrointestinal and respiratory systems have been found to have a significant impact on human health. Growing evidence has demonstrated that intestinal dysbiosis can increase vulnerability to pulmonary infections. However, changes in the composition and activity of the intestinal flora after probiotic supplementation may alter the disease state of the host. The effects of probiotics on the improvement of diseases, such as severe pneumonia (SP), in intensive care units (ICUs) remain controversial. We retrospectively included 88 patients diagnosed with severe pneumonia between April 2021 and June 2022. The patients were divided into 2 groups: a probiotic group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 48). In addition, changes in CRP, PCT, WBC, IL-6, Clostridium difficile toxin, and PSI pneumonia scores were assessed. Changes in the gut microbiome of the patients were assessed using amplicon sequencing. Compared to the control group, a significant reduction in the incidence of length of hospital stay was observed in the probiotic group, but there were no significant differences in the mortality rate, duration of fever, diarrhea, and constipation. After probiotic treatment, CRP, PCT, WBC, and PSI score were significantly lower than before, and better clinical efficacy was achieved in the probiotic group for the duration of antibiotic therapy. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that the abundance of opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Massilia) increased remarkably at the genus level in the control group, and a significant increase in Erysipelotrichaceae_ge was observed after probiotic intervention. The control group showed an increase in opportunistic pathogens (Citrobacter, Massilia) during the antibiotic treatment. Probiotics interventions inhibit the growth of opportunistic pathogens. In addition, we found that the population of butyrate-producing bacteria (e.g., Ruminococcaceae UCG-005) increased following probiotic treatment.

Niraparib restrains prostate cancer cell proliferation and metastasis and tumor growth in mice by regulating the lncRNA MEG3/miR-181-5p/GATA6 pathway

Background

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi), have gained approval for treating patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), plays a role in inhibiting tumorigenesis through regulating DNA repair genes. This study aimed to investigate the association between the anti-prostate cancer (PCa) effect of niraparib, a representative PARPi, and MEG3 expression, as well as explore the downstream pathway involved.

Methods

The levels of MEG3, miR-181-5p, GATA binding protein 6 (GATA6) in clinical samples from PCa patients were accessed by RT-qPCR. PC3 cells were treated with niraparib, and the expression of MEG3, miR-181-5p, GATA6 expression was tested. PC3 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were tested by CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell assays, respectively. The bindings between miR-181-5p and MEG3/GATA6 were determined by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Furthermore, rescue experiments were conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism of MEG3/miR-181-5p/GATA6 axis in PCa progression. Additionally, mice were injected with PC3 cells transfected with sh-MEG3 and treated with niraparib, and the xenograft tumor growth was observed.

Results

MEG3 and GATA6 were upregulated and miR-181-5p was downregulated in PCa patients. Niraparib treatment substantially upregulated MEG3 and GATA6, and downregulated miR-181-5p expression in PCa cells. Niraparib effectively restrained PC3 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. MiR-181-5p targeted to MEG3, and the inhibitory effects of MEG3 overexpression on PC3 cell proliferation and metastasis were abrogated by miR-181-5p overexpression. Moreover, GATA6 was identified as a target of miR-181-5p, and GATA6 silencing abolished the inhibitory effects of miR-181-5p inhibition on PC3 cell proliferation and metastasis. Besides, MEG3 silencing could abrogate niraparib-mediated tumor growth inhibition in mice.

Conclusions

Niraparib restrains prostate cancer cell proliferation and metastasis and tumor growth in mice by regulating the lncRNA MEG3/miR-181-5p/GATA6 pathway.

Thermodynamic and Kinetic Behaviors of Persulfate-Based Electron-Transfer Regime in Carbocatalysis

A carbon-based advanced oxidation process is featured for the nonradical electron-transfer pathway (ETP) from electron-donating organic compounds to activated persulfate complexes, enabling it as a green technology for the selective oxidation of organic pollutants in complex water environments. However, the thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors of the nonradical electron-transfer regime had been ambiguous due to a neglect of the influence of pH on the mechanisms. In this study, three kinds of organic pollutants were divided in the carbon-based ETP regime: (i) physio-adsorption, (ii) adsorption-dominated ETP (oxidation rate slightly surpasses adsorption rate), and (iii) oxidation-dominated ETP (oxidation rate outpaces the adsorption rate). The differential kinetic behaviors were attributed to the physicochemical properties of the organic pollutants. For example, the hydrophobicity, molecular radius, and positive electrostatic potential controlled the mass-transfer process of the adsorption stage of the reactants (peroxydisulfate (PDS) and organics). Meanwhile, other descriptors, including the Fukui index, oxidation potential, and electron cloud density regulated the electron-transfer processes and thus the kinetics of oxidation. Most importantly, the oxidation pathways of these organic pollutants could be altered by adjusting the water chemistry. This study reveals the principles for developing efficient nonradical systems to selectively remove and recycle organic pollutants in wastewater.

Transcriptome analysis of the hepatopancreas from the Litopenaeus vannamei infected with different flagellum types of Vibrio alginolyticus strains

Vibrio alginolyticus, one of the prevalently harmful Vibrio species found in the ocean, causes significant economic damage in the shrimp farming industry. Its flagellum serves as a crucial virulence factor in the invasion of host organisms. However, the processes of bacteria flagella recognition and activation of the downstream immune system in shrimp remain unclear. To enhance comprehension of this, a ΔflhG strain was created by in-frame deletion of the flhG gene in V. alginolyticus strain HN08155. Then we utilized the transcriptome analysis to examine the different immune responses in Litopenaeus vannamei hepatopancreas after being infected with the wild type and the mutant strains. The results showed that the ΔflhG strain, unlike the wild type, lost its ability to regulate flagella numbers negatively and displayed multiple flagella. When infected with the hyperflagella-type strain, the RNA-seq revealed the upregulation of several immune-related genes in the shrimp hepatopancreas. Notably, two C-type lectins (CTLs), namely galactose-specific lectin nattectin and macrophage mannose receptor 1, and the TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6 gene were upregulated significantly. These findings suggested that C-type lectins were potentially involved in flagella recognition in shrimp and the immune system was activated through the TRAF6 pathway after flagella detection by CTLs.

Regulating steric hindrance in difunctionalized porous aromatic frameworks for the selective separation of Pb(II)

Efficient and selective removal of Pb(II) from wastewater with complex matrix remains a challenging task. Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) with predesigned functional building blocks provide a favorable platform for the selective separation of Pb(II). Herein, the bifunctional SPAFs with the introduction of -OH and -SO3H were synthesized through rationally optimizing their steric hindrance. As a result, the SPAF-0.75 exhibits favorable adsorption capacity of Pb(II) (212.34 mg g-1), which is 22 times larger than pristine framework. Competition experiment indicates that SPAF-0.75 possess the selective removal of Pb(II) without interfering from co-existing metal ions. The removal rate of SPAF-0.75 still retain at 100% after six successive cycles. The DFT calculation illustrates that -OH and -SO3H are co-participate in the process of capturing Pb(II), revealing SPAF-0.75 preferred removal of Pb(II) owing to the lowest adsorption energy (ΔEab = -3.99 eV). This study extend the understanding of the structure-property relationship and facilitate new possibilities for PAFs.

Composite Nanomaterials of Conjugated Polymers and Upconversion Nanoparticles for NIR-Triggered Photodynamic/Photothermal Synergistic Cancer Therapy

Phototherapies such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have attracted great attention in the field of cancer treatment. However, the individual PDT or PTT makes it difficult to achieve optimal antitumor effects compared to the PDT/PTT combined therapy. Also, the effect of PDT is usually limited by the penetration depth of the UV-vis light source. Herein, we designed and synthesized novel composite nanoparticles UCNPs-CPs, which are constructed from two conjugated polymers and upconversion nanoparticles β-NaYF4:Yb,Tm (UCNPs) via a coordination reaction. By virtue of the excellent spectral overlap between absorption of conjugated polymers and emission of UCNPs, the UCNPs can absorb NIR light and effectively excite conjugated polymers by energy transfer to produce massive reactive oxygen species under 980 nm excitation and heat energy under 808 nm laser irradiation, achieving photodynamic/photothermal synergistic therapy. The in vitro cellular investigation proves that the dual modal phototherapy exhibits enhanced antitumor ability compared to single PDT or PTT. Furthermore, UCNPs-CPs inhibit tumor growth 100% in a 4T1 breast tumor mice model with both NIR laser irradiation, indicating that UCNPs-CPs is an excellent platform for synergistic PDT/PTT treatment. Thus, this study provides a promising strategy for NIR-triggered dual modal phototherapy.

Association of cesarean section with asthma in children/adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on cohort studies

BACKGROUND

Whether cesarean section (CS) is a risk factor for asthma in offspring is controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between CS and asthma in children/adolescents.

METHODS

Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched for cohort studies on the relationship between mode of delivery and asthma in children/adolescents up to February 2023. Birth via CS was considered an exposure factor. Asthma incidence was taken as a result.

RESULTS

Thirty-five cohort studies (thirteen prospective and twenty-two retrospective cohort studies) were included. The results showed that the incidence of asthma was higher in CS offspring (odds ratio (OR) = 1.18, P < 0.001) than in the vaginal delivery (VD) group. Partial subgroup analyses showed a higher incidence of asthma in female offspring born via CS (OR = 1.26, P < 0.001) compared with the VD group, while there was no difference in males (OR = 1.07, P = 0.325). Asthma incidence was higher in CS offspring than in the VD group in Europe (OR = 1.20, P < 0.001), North America (OR = 1.15, P < 0.001), and Oceania (OR = 1.06, P = 0.008). This trend was not found in the Asian population (OR = 1.17, P = 0.102). The incidence of atopic asthma was higher in offspring born via CS (OR = 1.14, P < 0.001) compared to the VD group. The CS group had a higher incidence of persistent asthma, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (OR = 1.15, P = 0.063).

CONCLUSION

In this meta-analysis, CS may be a risk factor for asthma in offspring children/adolescents compared with VD. The relationship between CS and asthma was influenced by sex and region.

Insights into the proton-enhanced mechanism of hexavalent chromium removal by amine polymers in strong acid wastewater: Reduction of hexavalent chromium and sequestration of trivalent chromium

Adsorption is a green technology of treating heavy metal-contaminated strong acid wastewaters for the recycling of heavy metal and reuse of strong acid. Herein, three amine polymers (APs) with different alkalinities and electron donating abilities were prepared to investigate the adsorption-reduction processes of Cr(VI). It was found that the removal of Cr(VI) was controlled by the concentration of -NRH+ on the surface of APs at pH > 2, which relies on the alkalinity of APs. However, the high concentration of NRH+ significantly facilitated the adsorption of Cr(VI) on the surface of APs and accelerated the mass transfer between Cr(VI) and APs at strong acid environment (pH ≤ 2). More importantly, the reduction of Cr(VI) was enhanced at pH ≤ 2, due to the high reduction potential of Cr(VI) (E ≥ 0.437). The ratio of reduction to adsorption (α) of Cr(VI) was above 0.70, and the proportion of Cr(III) bonding on Ph-AP excessed 67.6 %. Finally, a proton-enhanced mechanism of Cr(VI) removal was verified by analyzing FTIR and XPS spectra as well as constructing DFT model. This study provides a theoretical basis for the removal of Cr(VI) in the strong acid wastewater.

Yeast polysaccharide supplementation: impact on lactation, growth, immunity, and gut microbiota in Dezhou donkeys

Introduction

The Dezhou donkey, a prominent Chinese breed, is known for its remarkable size, rapid growth, and resilience to tough feeding conditions, and disease resistance. These traits are crucial in meeting the growing demand for Ejiao and donkey meat. Yeast polysaccharide (YPS), a functional polysaccharide complex known for its immune-enhancing and growth-promoting properties in livestock and poultry, remains relatively understudied in donkeys.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the impact of YPS supplementation on lactating and growing Dezhou donkey jennies and foals.

Materials and methods

Twelve 45-day-old Dezhou donkey foals and their jennies, matched for body weight and age, were randomly allocated to two dietary groups: a control group receiving a basal diet and an experimental group receiving the basal diet supplemented with 10 g/pen of YPS. The experiment was conducted over a 23-day period, during which donkey foals and lactating jennies were co-housed.

Results and discussion

The findings revealed that YPS supplementation had no adverse effects on milk production or composition in Dezhou donkey jennies but significantly increased feed intake. Additionally, YPS was associated with increased plasma glucose and creatinine concentrations in foals, while tending to decrease alkaline phosphatase, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin levels (p < 0.10). Immune indices demonstrated that YPS supplementation elevated the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in jennies (p < 0.05) and increased complement component C4 concentrations in foals (p < 0.05). Moreover, YPS positively influenced the fecal microbiome, promoting the abundance of beneficial microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and Prevotella in donkey foals and Terriporobacter and Cellulosilyticum in jennies, all of which contribute to enhanced feed digestion. Additionally, YPS induced alterations in the plasma metabolome for both jennies and foals, with a predominant presence of lipids and lipid-like molecules. Notably, YPS increased the concentrations of specific lipid metabolites, including 13,14-Dihydro PGF2a, 2-Isopropylmalic acid, 2,3-Dinor-TXB2, Triterpenoids, Taurocholic acid, and 3b-Allotetrahydrocortisol, all of which are associated with improved animal growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study suggests that dietary supplementation of YPS enhances feed intake, boosts immunity by increasing immunoglobulin levels, stimulates the growth-promoting gut microbiota (Lactobacillus and Prevotella), and exerts no adverse effects on the metabolism of both Dezhou donkey jennies and foals.

Rational Design of Bioorthogonally Activatable PROTAC for Tumor-Targeted Protein Degradation

Protein degradation mediated by the proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) has emerged as an efficient strategy to accurately control intracellular protein levels. However, the development of PROTACs is limited by their systemic toxicity. Herein, we report a bioorthogonally activatable prodrug (BT-PROTAC) strategy to accurately control the activity of PROTACs. As a proof of concept, we introduced the highly reactive trans-cyclooctene into PROTAC molecule MZ1, the structure-acitivity relationships of which were well characterized previously, to construct the bioorthogonally activatable prodrug BT-PROTAC. Compared with MZ1, BT-PROTAC is incapable of degradation of BRD4 protein. However, BT-PROTAC can be activated by highly active tetrazine compound BODIPY-TZ in vitro. Furthermore, we could selectively degrade BRD4 protein in tumor tissue enabled by tumor-targeted tetrazine compound IR808-TZ. This strategy may represent an alternative to existing strategies and may be widely applied in the design of BT-PROTAC targeting other proteins.