Effects of hypoxic compound exercise to promote HIF-1α expression on cardiac pumping function, sleep activity behavior, and exercise capacity in Drosophila.

Alteration of HIF-1α expression levels under hypoxic conditions affects the sequence of its downstream target genes thereby producing different effects. In order to investigate whether the effect of hypoxic compound exercise (HE) on HIF-1α expression alters cardiac pumping function, myocardial structure, and exercise capacity, we developed a suitable model of hypoxic exercise using Drosophila, a model organism, and additionally investigated the effect of hypoxic compound exercise on nocturnal sleep and activity behavior. The results showed that hypoxic compound exercise at 6% oxygen concentration for five consecutive days, lasting 1 h per day, significantly improved the cardiac stress resistance of Drosophila. The hypoxic complex exercise promoted the whole-body HIF-1α expression in Drosophila, and improved the jumping ability, climbing ability, moving speed, and moving distance. The expression of HIF-1α in the heart was increased after hypoxic exercise, which made a closer arrangement of myofilaments, an increase in the diameter of cardiac tubules, and an increase in the pumping function of the heart. The hypoxic compound exercise improved the sleep quality of Drosophila by increasing its nocturnal sleep time, the number of deep sleeps, and decreasing its nocturnal awakenings and activities. Therefore, we conclude that hypoxic compound exercise promoted the expression of HIF-1α to enhance the exercise capacity and heart pumping function of Drosophila, and improved the quality of sleep.

Adipose Tissue Exosome circ_sxc Mediates the Modulatory of Adiposomes on Brain Aging by Inhibiting Brain dme-miR-87-3p.

Aging of the brain usually leads to the decline of neurological processes and is a major risk factor for various neurodegenerative diseases, including sleep disturbances and cognitive decline. Adipose tissue exosomes, as adipocyte-derived vesicles, may mediate the regulatory processes of adipose tissue on other organs, including the brain; however, the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We analyzed the sleep-wake behavior of young (10 days) and old (40 days) Drosophila and found that older Drosophila showed increased sleep fragmentation, which is similar to mammalian aging characteristics. To investigate the cross-tissue regulatory mechanisms of adiposity on brain aging, we extracted 10-day and 40-day Drosophila adipose tissue exosomes and identified circRNAs with age-dependent expression differences by RNA-seq and differential analysis. Furthermore, by combining data from 3 datasets of the GEO database (GSE130158, GSE24992, and GSE184559), circ_sxc that was significantly downregulated with age was finally screened out. Moreover, dme-miR-87-3p, a conserved target of circ_sxc, accumulates in the brain with age and exhibits inhibitory effects in predicted binding relationships with neuroreceptor ligand genes. In summary, the current study showed that the Drosophila brain could obtain circ_sxc by uptake of adipose tissue exosomes which crossed the blood-brain barrier. And circ_sxc suppressed brain miR-87-3p expression through sponge adsorption, which in turn regulated the expression of neurological receptor ligand proteins (5-HT1B, GABA-B-R1, Rdl, Rh7, qvr, NaCP60E) and ensured brain neuronal synaptic signaling normal function of synaptic signaling. However, with aging, this regulatory mechanism is dysregulated by the downregulation of the adipose exosome circ_sxc, which contributes to the brain exhibiting sleep disturbances and other "aging" features.

Cardiac Timeless Trans-Organically Regulated by miR-276 in Adipose Tissue Modulates Cardiac Function.

The interconnection between cardiac function and circadian rhythms is of great importance. While the role of the biological clock gene Timeless (Tim) in circadian rhythm has been extensively studied, its impact on cardiac function remains largely been unexplored. Previous research has provided experimental evidence for the regulation of the heart by adipose tissue and the targeting of miR-276a/b on Timeless. However, the extent to which adipose tissue regulates cardiac Timeless genes trans-organically through miR-276a/b, and subsequently affects cardiac function, remains uncertain. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential trans-organ modulation of the Timeless gene in the heart by adipose tissue through miR-276a/b. We found that cardiac-specific Timeless knockdown and overexpression resulted in a significant increase in heart rate (HR) and a significant decrease in Heart period (HP), diastolic intervals (DI), systolic intervals (SI), diastolic diameter (DD), and systolic diameter (SD). miR-276b systemic knockdown resulted in a significant increase in DI, arrhythmia index (AI), and fractional shortening (FS) significantly increased and SI, DD and SD significantly decreased. Adipose tissue-specific miR-276a/b knockdown and miR-276a overexpression resulted in a significant increase in HR and a significant decrease in DI and SI, which were improved by exercise intervention. This study presents a novel finding that highlights the significance of the heart circadian clock gene Timeless in heart function. Additionally, it demonstrates that adipose tissue exerts trans-organ modulation on the expression of the heart Timeless gene via miR-276a/b.

Development of europium(III) complex functionalized silica nanoprobe for luminescence detection of tetracycline.

Increasing awareness of the health and environment impacts of the antibiotics misuse or overuse, such as tetracycline (TC) in treatment or prevention of infections and diseases, has driven the development of robust methods for their detection in biological, environmental and food systems. In this work, we report the development of a new europium(III) complex functionalized silica nanoprobe (SiNPs-Eu3+) for highly sensitive and selective detection of TC residue in aqueous solution and food samples (milk and meat). The nanoprobe is developed by immobilization of Eu3+ ion onto the surface of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) as the emitter and TC recognition unit. The ß-diketone configuration of TC can further coordinate with Eu3+ steadily on the surface of nanoprobe, facilitating the absorption of light excitation for Eu3+ emitter activation and luminescence "off-on" response. The dose-dependent luminescence enhancement of SiNPs-Eu3+ nanoprobe exhibits good linearities, allowing the quantitative detection of TC. The SiNPs-Eu3+ nanoprobe shows high sensitivity and selectivity for TC detection in buffer solution. Time resolved luminescence analysis enables the elimination of autofluorescence and light scattering for highly sensitive detection of TC in milk and pork mince with high accuracy and precision. The successful development of SiNPs-Eu3+ nanoprobe is anticipated to provide a rapid, economic, and robust approach for TC detection in real world samples.

Multifunctional and Multicolor Perovskite-CdSe Quantum Dots Diodes for Pulse Oximetry.

A conventional pulse oximeter system is composed of two light sources with different peak emission wavelengths and a photodetector. Integrating these three independent components into one single device will absolutely simplify the system design and create a miniaturized size of the product. Here, we demonstrate a bilayer perovskite-CdSe quantum dot (hereafter perovskite-QD) diode capable of voltage-tunable green/red emission and photodetection. The proposed diode also presents an intriguing feature of simultaneous light emission and detection, which is explored as regards the diode being used as a photoconductor when the positive bias is larger than the built-in voltage. The multifunctional and multicolor diode is further employed in a reflective pulse oximeter system, as either the multicolor light sources or the sensing unit in the system provide accepted and trustful results for heart rate and arterial blood oxygenation. Our work provides a possible avenue for the simplification of the pulse oximetry with a compact and miniaturized design in the future.

Two-dimensional nanomaterials for tumor microenvironment modulation and anticancer therapy.

The development of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials for cancer therapy has attracted increasing attention due to their high specific surface area, unique ultrathin structure, electronic and photonic properties. For biomedical applications, investigations into the family of 2D materials have been sparked by graphene and its derivatives. Many 2D nanomaterials, including layered double hydroxides, transition metal dichalcogenides, nitrides and carbonitrides, black phosphorus nanosheets, and metal-organic framework nanosheets, are extensively explored as cancer theranostic platforms. In addition to the high drug loading, 2D nanomaterials are featured with improved physiological properties of drugs, prolonged blood circulation, and increased tumor accumulation and bioavailability. As a consequence, 2D nanomaterials have been widely examined in pre-clinical tumor therapy, particularly through the tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation. This review summarizes recent progresses in developing 2D nanomaterials for TME modulating-based cancer diagnosis and therapy. It is anticipated that this review will benefit researchers to obtain a deeper understanding of interactions between 2D nanomaterials and TME components and develop rational and reliable 2D nanomedicines for pre/clinical cancer theranostics.

Analysis of Etiology and Risk Factors of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection in Critically Ill Patients and Research on Corresponding Prevention and Nursing Measures.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most common complication in patients with indwelling catheterization. The incidence of CAUTI in my country is still at a relatively high level compared with foreign countries, especially for the ICU, which has a high usage rate of urinary catheters, to focus on prevention and control. This article focuses on studying the risk factors of CAUTI in critically ill patients and discusses targeted preventive care measures. This article investigates and examines the clinical data of CAUTI in critically ill patients. After statistical analysis, the risk factors that affect CAUTI are summarized, so as to derive the cause of CAUTI in order to strengthen clinical care and to further study the prevention, control, and nursing of CAUTI to provide reference. Clinical data shows that the CAUTI infection rate of patients with catheter indwelling ≥7 days is greater than that of patients with catheter indwelling days less than 7 days. The CAUTI infection rate of the patients who change the urine collection bag every day or ≥7 days is greater than that of the patients who change the urine collection bag within 2 to 4 days.

Genome analysis of Salmonella phage vB_SalM_8-19 (genus Rosemountvirus).

This work describes the characterization and genome annotation of Salmonella phage vB_SalM_8-19 (referred to as 8-19) isolated from sewage samples collected in a pig farm in Jilin, China. This phage was capable of infecting 60% Salmonella strains in our lab stock. The genome of phage 8-19 is composed of linear double-stranded DNA that is 52,648 bp in length with a G + C content of 46.02%; containing 74 ORFs and no tRNA genes. In October 2019, phylogenetic analyses indicated that phage 8-19 might belong to a novel cluster among the other similar phages which have not been specifically classified within some new genus in family Myoviridae. Recently, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) defined phage 8-19 and its related phages as genus Rosemountvirus, family Myoviridae. This new genus, known as Rosemountvirus, is rarely reported in the literature.

AMI, an Indazole Derivative, Improves Parkinson's Disease by Inhibiting Tau Phosphorylation.

Dopaminergic neuronal loss is the main pathological character of Parkinson's disease (PD). Abnormal tau hyperphosphorylation will lead to dopaminergic neuronal loss. An indazole derivative 6-amino-1-methyl-indazole (AMI) successfully synthesized to inhibit tau hyperphosphorylation may exert a neuroprotective effect. The in vitro study showed that AMI effectively increased cell viability and alleviated the apoptosis induced by MPP+ in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, AMI treatment significantly decreased the expression of p-tau and upstream kinases GSK-3ß. In the MPTP-induced PD mice models, we found AMI apparently preserved dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and improved the PD behavioral symptoms. Our results demonstrate that AMI exerts a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation, representing a promising new candidate for PD treatment.

"Short circuit" of power flux of light in near-zero refractive index metamaterials.

An interesting phenomenon of "short circuit" of the power flux of light arising from the electromagnetic decoupling has been discovered in a composite structure composed of epsilon-mu-near-zero medium (EMNZ) and epsilon-near-zero (ENZ). In the composite structure, the power flux of light goes around the ENZ components with any shapes and sizes and perfectly passes through the composite structure via the EMNZ until the connection of the EMNZ is broken. The ENZ components can freely manipulate the power flux of light flowing along arbitrary paths inside the EMNZ without reflection. In addition, we discover that the embedded ENZ components enhance the stability of transmission property of impure EMNZ effectively. The arbitrarily-shaped non-ENZ dopants of EMNZ are able to be well hidden by coating an ENZ cladding with moderate thickness, which is demonstrated through an actual structure composed of photonic crystals. In the area of transmission and processing of optical signal in two-dimensional integrated optical systems, the EMNZ-ENZ composite structure we construct employs potential application prospects.

Light confining effect in a zero-index waveguide with unenclosed sidewalls and a design scheme of a reflectionless polarization converter.

In our work, we have demonstrated an interesting effect: the light confining effect in an epsilon-mu-near-zero (EMNZ) waveguide with unenclosed sidewalls. The EMNZ waveguide can have perfect transmittance even though the sidewalls are unenclosed. All of the light propagating in the EMNZ waveguide is confined to the EMNZ when the connection of each sidewall is not broken. We also demonstrate that even though most of the surfaces of EMNZ are exposed to air rather than covered by perfect electric conductor or perfect magnetic conductor side walls, it is still possible for the EMNZ waveguide to exhibit the light confining effect, which is quite different from a conventional waveguide. The light confining effect of the EMNZ waveguide has rarely been discussed in previous works. Based on the light confining effect, we propose a new design scheme of a reflectionless polarization converter without using an optical active medium or structures. Our proposal provides the possibility of the application of zero-index metamaterials in the field of modulation of optical polarization.

Genome-wide identification, phylogeny, and expression analysis of Sec14-like PITP gene family in sugarcane.

KEY MESSAGE: Six Sec14-like PITP genes from sugarcane were identified, two of them were cloned, and their biological functions were characterized indicating their involvement in plant defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Sec14, a phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) is widely present in eukaryotes. In this study, the structure and expression patterns of six Sec14-like PITP genes (ScSEC14-1, ScSEC14p, ScSFH1, ScSFH2, ScPATL1, and ScPATL2) from sugarcane were analyzed, and two of them (ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p) were cloned and functionally verified. Phylogenetic analysis divided these genes into four groups, including group I (ScSFH1 and ScSFH2), group II (ScPATL1 and ScPATL2), Group III (ScSEC14p), and group V (ScSEC14-1). qRT-PCR analysis showed tissue-specific expression of these genes, primarily in the root, leaf, and bud tissues. They responded differently to SA, MeJA, and ABA stresses. ScSEC14-1, ScSEC14p, and ScSFH2 were upregulated by CuCl2 and CdCl2, while ScSEC14-1, ScSFH1, ScSFH2, and ScPATL1 were upregulated by PEG and NaCl. When infected by Sporisorium scitamineum, the transcripts of ScSFH1, ScSFH2, ScPATL1, and ScPATL2 were upregulated in the resistant genotype Yacheng 05-179, while those of ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p were upregulated in the susceptible genotype ROC22. Subcellular localization showed that ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p were mainly localized in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm. Enhanced growth of Escherichia coli BL21 cells expressing ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p showed high tolerance to NaCl and mannitol stresses. The transient overexpression of ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves enhanced its resistance to the infection of tobacco pathogens Ralstonia solanacearum and Fusarium solani var. coeruleum. We can conclude the involvement of ScSEC14-1 and ScSEC14p in the defense against biotic and abiotic stresses, which should facilitate further research on Sec14-like PITP gene family, especially its regulatory mechanisms in sugarcane.

Influence of injection rates of calibrating standard solution on monitoring pulse indicator continuous cardiac output.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of injection rates of calibrating standard solution on monitoring pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PICCO, made in Germany), and thereby to provide significant references for clinical practice. METHODS: A total of 108 critical patients in stroke intensive care unit were identified. All these participants received transesophageal cardiac color Doppler ultrasound, and within 15 min PICCO equipment was utilized to monitor the relevant parameters, by means of 0 °C calibrating standard solution, and the injection speeds were 2-4, 5-7, and 8-10 s. Besides, the monitoring indicators were as follows, cardiac index, global ejection fraction, global end diastolic volume index. The potential correlations were evaluated between PICCO and transesophageal cardiac color Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: All the data was available, and the monitored parameters of PICOO at 2-4, 5-7, and 8-10 s were positively correlated with the parameters obtained from transesophageal cardiac color Doppler ultrasound (P < 0.05). Specially, it is worth emphasizing that the best correlation between them could be provided when the injection rate was 2-4 s. CONCLUSION: When the injection rate at 2-4 s, the parameters obtained by PICOO were much closer to that of transesophageal cardiac color Doppler ultrasound. Furthermore, the parameters of PICOO obtained at 2-4 s could better reflect cardiac function of patients.

Confronting the wildlife trade through public education at zoological institutions in Chengdu, P.R. China.

The wildlife trade poses substantial threats to global biodiversity. China is a significant source of threatened species and also a market for wildlife products. Zoological parks (zoos), which are a popular leisure attraction in China as elsewhere, are increasingly conceptualized as places to educate visitors about both animals and environmental threats more generally. This paper reports on an attempt to inform Chinese zoo visitors about the threats presented by the wildlife trade, and about the opportunity to take personal actions to help protect wildlife. Results from a baseline survey of attitudes among 524 adult visitors to animal exhibits in Chengdu, China showed a high degree of concern about wildlife paired with a lack of confidence about what could be done. A sense of connection to nature, along with a perception of personal efficacy, were the strongest predictors of concern about the wildlife trade. Based in part on these results, an informational exhibit was designed and implemented in two locations in Chengdu. A survey of 533 visitors to assess the impact of the new exhibit showed that connection and perceived efficacy continued to predict concern, and that talking about the exhibit was associated with increased knowledge and concern. Though causality cannot be definitively concluded, results suggest that zoos have the potential to influence attitudes and perceived norms regarding the wildlife trade. By affirming the importance of a feeling of connection, the findings indicate that animal facilities may have an important role in fostering the human relationship to the natural world.

[RETRACTED ARTICLE] Therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of pioglitazone in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

Caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (Card9) is located upstream of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inflammatory pathways. This study investigated the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of pioglitazone in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). SAP was induced by a retrograde infusion of 5.0% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct of Sprague Dawley rats (n=54), which were then treated with pioglitazone. Blood and pancreatic tissues were harvested at 3, 6, and 12 h after SAP induction. Pancreatic pathological damage was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum amylase, serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, and pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of Card9 mRNA and protein in pancreatic tissues was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Pioglitazone had a therapeutic effect in treating rats with SAP by decreasing the level of amylase activity, ameliorating pancreatic histological damage, decreasing serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and tissue MPO activity, and downregulating the expression of NF-κB, p38MAPK, and Card9 mRNAs and proteins (P<0.05). The present study demonstrated that the inhibition of Card9 expression could reduce the severity of SAP. Card9 has a role in the pathogenic mechanism of SAP.

Therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of pioglitazone in rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

Caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (Card9) is located upstream of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inflammatory pathways. This study investigated the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of pioglitazone in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). SAP was induced by a retrograde infusion of 5.0% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct of Sprague Dawley rats (n=54), which were then treated with pioglitazone. Blood and pancreatic tissues were harvested at 3, 6, and 12 h after SAP induction. Pancreatic pathological damage was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum amylase, serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, and pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of Card9 mRNA and protein in pancreatic tissues was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Pioglitazone had a therapeutic effect in treating rats with SAP by decreasing the level of amylase activity, ameliorating pancreatic histological damage, decreasing serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and tissue MPO activity, and downregulating the expression of NF-κB, p38MAPK, and Card9 mRNAs and proteins (P<0.05). The present study demonstrated that the inhibition of Card9 expression could reduce the severity of SAP. Card9 has a role in the pathogenic mechanism of SAP.

An artifact-suppressed stimulator for simultaneous neural recording and stimulation systems.

This paper proposes an artifact-suppressed stimulator with a referenced and tuned push-pull stimulation (RTPPS) scheme where a tri-polar electrode is employed. The stimulation pulses delivered to two working electrodes are complementary and thus one counteracts with the other to suppress the artifact at the recording site. The prototype stimulator chip is implemented in 0.18-µm CMOS process technology. In-vivo experiments are carried out with the chip to demonstrate the proposed artifact-suppression technique in a simultaneous neural recording and stimulation system. The results show that the stimulation artifact can be greatly reduced. The amplitude of the measured stimulation artifact is therefore constrained in a negligible level (10%-20%) compared to recorded neural spikes.

Appropriate indicated use for IVIG in neonatal infections / Uso indicado y apropiado de la inmunoglobulina G intravenosa para el tratamiento de infecciones neonatales

Infection is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the newborn and preterm neonates due to immuno-incompetence in these patients. Administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) provides immunoglobulin G (IgG) that can protect the body from infection. In theory, morbidity and mortality due to infections in newborns and preterm infants could be reduced by the administration of IVIG. Two meta-analyses were evaluated comparing IVIG to treat various infection versus conventional treatments. The results showed that IVIG is not effective as an adjunctive treatment for suspected or proven infections in neonates.

La infección es la causa principal de la mortalidad y de la morbilidad entre los recién nacidos y los neonatos prematuros debido a la incompetencia inmunológica de estos pacientes. El suministro de inmunoglobulina por vía intravenosa brinda la inmunoglobulina G que protege al cuerpo humano de las infecciones. En términos teóricos, la morbilidad y la mortalidad por infecciones en recién nacidos y en bebés prematuros, podrían reducirse si se administra inmunoglobulina G intravenosa. Se evaluaron dos meta-análisis que comparaban el uso de la inmunoglobulina G intravenosa para tratar diversas infecciones con los tratamientos convencionales. Los resultados demostraron que dicha inmunoglobulina no es eficaz como tratamiento adyuvante para combatir sospechas de infección o infecciones comprobadas en los recién nacidos.

The characteristics of steel slag and the effect of its application as a soil additive on the removal of nitrate from aqueous solution.

This study examined the characteristics of nitrate removal from aqueous solution by steel slag and the feasibility of using steel slag as a soil additive to remove nitrate. Steel slag adsorbents were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectrum (IR spectrum). Adsorption isotherms and kinetics were also analysed. Various parameters were measured in a series of batch experiments, including the sorbent dose, grain size of steel slag, reaction time, initial concentration of nitrate nitrogen, relationship between Al, Fe and Si ions leached from the steel slag and residual nitrate in the aqueous solution. The nitrate adsorbing capacity increased with increasing amounts of steel slag. In addition, decreasing the grain diameter of steel slag also enhanced the adsorption efficiency. Nitrate removal from the aqueous solution was primarily related to Al, Fe, Si and Mn leached from the steel slag. The experimental data conformed to second-order kinetics and the Freundlich isothermal adsorption equation, indicating that the adsorption of nitrate by steel slag is chemisorption under the action of monolayer adsorption. Finally, it was determined that using steel slag as a soil additive to remove nitrate is a feasible strategy.