Quantum Dots-caused Retinal Degeneration in Zebrafish Regulated by Ferroptosis and Mitophagy in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells through Inhibiting Spliceosome.

Quantum dots (QDs) are widely used, but their health impact on the visual system is little known. This study aims to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of typical metallic QDs on retinas using zebrafish. Comprehensive histology, imaging, and bulk RNA sequencing reveal that InP/ZnS QDs cause retinal degeneration. Furthermore, single-cell RNA-seq reveals a reduction in the number of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) and short-wave cone UV photoreceptor cells (PR(UV)), accompanied by an increase in middle- and long-wave cone red, green, and blue photoreceptor cells [PR(RGB)]. Mechanistically, after endocytosis by RPE, InP/ZnS QDs inhibit the expression of splicing factor prpf8, resulting in gpx4b mRNA unsplicing, which finally decrease glutathione and induce ferroptosis and mitophagy. The decrease of RPE fails to engulf the damaged outer segments of PR, possibly promoting the differentiation of PR(UV) to PR(RGB). Knockout prpf8 or gpx4b with CRISPR/Cas9 system, the retinal damage is also observed. Whereas, overexpression of prpf8 or gpx4b, or supplement of glutathione can rescue the retinal degenerative damage caused by InP/ZnS QDs. In conclusion, this study illustrates the potential health risks of InP/ZnS QDs on eye development and provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of InP/ZnS QDs-caused retinal degeneration.

Exploration of transcriptional regulation network between buffalo oocytes and granulosa cells and its impact on different diameter follicles.

BACKGROUND: Buffalo is a globally important livestock species, but its reproductive performance is relatively low than cattles. At present, dominant follicle development specific process and mechanistic role of follicular growth related genes in water buffaloes are not well understood. Therefore, we comprehensively performed transcriptomics of granulosa cells and oocytes from different-sized follicles in water buffalo to identify key candidate genes that influence follicle development and diameter, and further explored the potential regulatory mechanisms of granulosa cells and oocytes in the process of water buffalo follicle development. RESULTS: In this study, we found918 granulosa cell transcripts and 1401 oocyte transcripts were correlated in follicles of different diameters, and the expression differences were significant. Subsequent enrichment analysis of the co-expressed differentially expressed transcripts identified several genes targeted by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and associated with follicular development. Notably, the upregulation of BUB1 regulated by MSTRG.41325.4 and interactive action of SMAD2 and SMAD7 might have key regulatory role in follicular development. Additionally, we also detected key differentially expressed genes that potentially influence follicular hormone metabolism and growth, like ID2, CHRD, TGIF2 and MAD2L1, and constructed an interaction network between lncRNA transcripts and mRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study preliminarily revealed the differences in gene expression patterns among buffalo follicles of different sizes and their potential molecular regulatory mechanisms. It provides a new perspective for exploring the mechanism of buffalo follicular dominance and improving buffalo reproductive performance.

Acupuncture for migraine: A systematic review and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship between the dose of acupuncture sessions, acupuncture frequency, and acupuncture duration and its effects on migraine. METHODS: Eight databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of penetrating manual acupuncture for migraine published in English and Chinese from inception to June 20, 2024. The robust-error meta-regression (REMR) approach and non-linear meta-regression with restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to investigate the dose-response association between acupuncture sessions, acupuncture frequency, and acupuncture duration and the frequency of migraine attacks. The potential nonlinear relationships was tested by restricting the regression coefficient to zero and a P value＜0.1. The statistical analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0. The risk of bias was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Cochrane tool. The reporting quality for acupuncture procedures was evaluated by STRICTA criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-two RCTs involving 1562 participants were included, and the results showed a J-shaped dose-response association between acupuncture sessions, acupuncture frequency, and acupuncture duration and migraine attack frequency. After 16 acupuncture sessions, the change in the frequency of migraine attacks was 3.95 (95 %CI: 3.13 to 4.77). Three sessions of acupuncture a week resulted in a significant decrease in the frequency of migraine attacks, reaching 4.04 (95 % CI: 2.49 to 5.58). After two months of acupuncture, the frequency of migraine attacks decreased significantly, showing a difference of 4.05 (95 % CI: 3.61 to 4.49). Subsequently, the improvement trend gradually flattened, yielding diminishing benefits to patients. The risk of bias showed that seven studies were rated as "low risk", two were rated as "high risk", and the others were rated as "unclear risk". The reporting quality of RCTs of acupuncture for migraine remain suboptimal. CONCLUSIONS: A non-linear dose-response relationship was found between acupuncture sessions, acupuncture frequency, and acupuncture duration and migraine attack frequency. The results of our study recommend 16 sessions of acupuncture with a frequency of 3 sessions/week and a treatment duration of 1.5 to 2 months. REGISTRATION NUMBER: This meta-analysis has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023400493).

Cultural adaptation and evaluation of a school-based positive psychology intervention among Chinese middle school students: A mixed methods program design study.

With the recognition of positive psychology within China, there is a pressing need for evidence-based positive psychology interventions (PPIs) tailored to the cultural context of Chinese schools. The goals of the present study were to (a) culturally adapt the Well-Being Promotion Program using the ecological validity model and (b) conduct a preliminary evaluation of its effectiveness. Within a randomized controlled trial, we collected data from 107 eighth-grade students randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 55) or control group (n = 52). A mixed methods approach was used, with analysis of covariance to assess program effectiveness, and content analyses of students' short-answer responses collected from the intervention group. Qualitatively, more than half of students reported having positive feelings and an increase in happiness due to the program. Quantitatively, the study found that the intervention was associated with a significant increase in adaptability, a subcategory of psychological suzhi, following the intervention. Gender breakdown revealed that the intervention had a significant positive effect on boys' cognitive quality, but not girls'. Additionally, it marginally impacted girls' self-management and boys' adaptability quality. However, caution is warranted in interpreting the quantitative results due to limitations, such as a small sample size and a relatively low response rate at Time 2. This pilot study contributes to the literature by bridging the gap between evidence-based PPIs developed in Western contexts and their culturally responsive implementation in Chinese schools. Consequently, the results should be considered as initial evidence warranting further examination of effectiveness, yet with significant potential to advance future cultural adaptations of PPIs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Predicting invasiveness of ground-glass nodules in lung adenocarcinoma: based on preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography and high-resolution computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to explore the differential diagnostic value of PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) combined with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in predicting the invasiveness of ground-glass nodules (GGNs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 67 patients (mean age 62.5 ±â€…8.4, including 45 females and 22 males) with GGNs who underwent preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT and HRCT examinations between January 2018 and October 2022. Based on the postoperative pathological results of lung adenocarcinoma, the patients were classified into two groups: invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) and non-IAC. Besides, the clinical and imaging information of these patients was collected. HRCT signs include the existence of air bronchial signals, vascular convergence, pleural indentation, lobulation, and spiculation. Moreover, the diameter of solid components (DSolid), diameter of ground-glass nodules (DGGN), and computed tomography values of ground-glass nodules (CTGGN) were measured concurrently. Furthermore, the mean standardized uptake value, maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis were assessed during PET/CT. Associations between invasiveness and these factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The results of logistic regression analysis demonstrated that DGGN, DSolid, consolidation tumor ratio (CTR), CTGGN, and SUVmax were independent predictors in the IAC group. The combined diagnosis based on these five predictors revealed that area under the curve was 0.825. CONCLUSION: The DGGN, DSolid, CTR, CTGGN, and SUVmax in GGNs were independent predictors of IAC, and combining 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters with HRCT may improve the predictive value of pathological classification in lung adenocarcinoma.

Schisanhenol ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via inhibiting miR-802 activation of AMPK-mediated modulation of hepatic lipid metabolism.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatic steatosis, is a common metabolic liver disease worldwide. Currently, satisfactory drugs for NAFLD treatment remain lacking. Obesity and diabetes are the leading causes of NAFLD, and compounds with anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities are considered suitable candidates for treating NAFLD. In this study, biochemical and histological assays revealed that a natural lignan schisanhenol (SAL) effectively decreased lipid accumulation and improved hepatic steatosis in free fatty acid (FFA)-treated HepG2 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mice. Further, molecular analyses, microRNA (miRNA)-seq, and bioinformatics analyses revealed that SAL may improve NAFLD by targeting the miR-802/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. Liver-specific overexpression of miR-802 in NAFLD mice significantly impaired SAL-mediated liver protection and decreased the protein levels of phosphorylated (p)-AMPK and PRKAB1. Dual-luciferase assay analysis further confirmed that miR-802 inhibits hepatic AMPK expression by binding to the 3' untranslated region of mouse Prkab1 or human PRKAA1. Additionally, genetic silencing of PRKAA1 blocked SAL-induced AMPK pathway activation in FFA-treated HepG2 cells. The results demonstrate that SAL is an effective drug candidate for treating NAFLD through regulating miR-802/AMPK-mediated lipid metabolism.

Synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of glycosylated resveratrol derivatives as antioxidative neuroprotection agents against cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion injury.

Resveratrol (Res) has long been discovered to have antioxidant effects to prevent such as oxidation, inflammation, neurodegeneration and age-related diseases. However, its poor water solubility, low bioavailability and instability have become a barrier to its pharmaceutical application. In order to improve the neuroprotective effects and develop more potential usage of Res, three Res derivatives containing one or two glucose groups, i.e., Res-Glu1, Res-Glu2 and Res-Glu3, were designed and synthesized through click reaction. Res-Glu1, Res-Glu2 and Res-Glu3 were tested being better water solubility and stability compared to Res. Res derivatives reduced •OH radicals-induced DNA damage. PC12 assays indicated that glucosylated Res derivatives could alleviate H2O2-induced neurotoxicity and reduce intracellular ROS generation, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. In addition, Res derivatives enhanced the protective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Res-Glu3 displayed the best neuroprotective effects among the three derivatives.

The co-dispersal strategy of Endocarpon (Verrucariaceae) shapes an unusual lichen population structure.

The reproduction and dispersal strategies of lichens play a major role in shaping their population structure and photobiont diversity. Sexual reproduction, which is common, leads to high lichen genetic diversity and low photobiont selectivity. However, the lichen genus Endocarpon adopts a special co-dispersal model in which algal cells from the photobiont and ascospores from the mycobiont are released together into the environment. To explore the dispersal strategy impact on population structures, a total of 62 Endocarpon individuals and 12 related Verrucariaceae genera individuals, representing co-dispersal strategy and conventional independent dispersal mode were studied. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Endocarpon, with a large-scale geographical distribution, showed an extremely high specificity of symbiotic associations with their photobiont. Furthermore, three types of group I intron at 1769 site have been found in most Endocarpon mycobionts, which showed a high variety of group I intron in the same insertion site even in the same species collected from one location. This study suggested that the ascospore-alga co-dispersal mode of Endocarpon resulted in this unusual mycobiont-photobiont relationship; also provided an evidence for the horizontal transfer of group I intron that may suggest the origin of the complexity and diversity of lichen symbiotic associations.

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapy to delay lung function decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether acupuncture, as an adjunctive therapy to COPD-guided medication, could prevent lung function decline. METHODS: This randomised, two-centre study was conducted between February 2022 and July 2023. Men and women aged 40-80 years with COPD were recruited. Participants received active or sham acupuncture three times a week (36 sessions total). The primary outcome was the change in the percentage of forced expiratory volume for 1 s to the predicted value (FEV1%) between the baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: Overall, 238 participants were screened, and 74 (58 men [78.4%]; mean [standard deviation] age, 69.6 [7.2] years) were randomised into the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups (37 per group). After the intervention, the change in FEV1% was 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.47 to 3.17) and -2.44 (95% CI: -4.56 to -0.33) in the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups, respectively. The difference was -3.97 (95% CI: -6.2 to -1.74), and the adjusted difference was -3.46 (95% CI: -5.69 to -1.24, P = 0.003) between the groups. A significantly less decline was found in forced expiratory volume for 1 s in the acupuncture group. All treatment-related adverse events (acupuncture = 11, sham = 2) were mild. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture plus medication may delay lung function decline. However, further studies with a larger sample size and longer-term follow-up are needed to clarify the effects.

Evolution of the Black solider fly larvae gut antibiotic resistome during kitchen waste disposal.

Kitchen waste (KW) is an important reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Black solider fly larvae (BSFL) are extensively employed in KW disposal, closely linking to their robust gut microbes. However, antibiotic resistome in BSFL gut during the KW disposal processes and the mechanism remain unclear. In the present study, the antibiotic resistome in BSFL gut within the 12 days KW disposal processes were investigated. Results showed that, ARGs abundance initially increased and subsequently decreased, the five most prevalent core ARG classes were tetracycline, aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, lincosamide and multidrug. A total of 7 MGE types were observed and the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs was predominantly mediated by plasmids. Host microbes were mainly categorized into Proteobacteria (98.12 %) and their assemblies were mainly classified into the deterministic processes. To elucidate the driving mechanisms, the mantel test and the structural equation model (SEM) were developed. Results indicated that microbial functions (0.912, p < 0.0001) and microbial community (1.014, p = 0.036), consistently showed very significant relationships with the patterns of ARGs, which presented higher direct effects than indirect effects. Overall, this study makes an initial contribution to a more deepgoing comprehension of the gut antibiotic resistome of BSFL during KW disposal.

Identification of candidate genes and genomic prediction of soybean fatty acid components in two soybean populations.

Soybean, a source of plant-derived lipids, contains an array of fatty acids essential for health. A comprehensive understanding of the fatty acid profiles in soybean is crucial for enhancing soybean cultivars and augmenting their qualitative attributes. Here, 180 F10 generation recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from the cross-breeding of the cultivated soybean variety 'Jidou 12' and the wild soybean 'Y9,' were used as primary experimental subjects. Using inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM), this study undertook a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis on five distinct fatty acid components in the RIL population from 2019 to 2021. Concurrently, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 290 samples from a genetically diverse natural population to scrutinize the five fatty acid components during the same timeframe, thereby aiming to identify loci closely associated with fatty acid profiles. In addition, haplotype analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were performed to predict candidate genes. The QTL analysis elucidated 23 stable QTLs intricately associated with the five fatty acid components, exhibiting phenotypic contribution rates ranging from 2.78% to 25.37%. In addition, GWAS of the natural population unveiled 102 significant loci associated with these fatty acid components. The haplotype analysis of the colocalized loci revealed that Glyma.06G221400 on chromosome 6 exhibited a significant correlation with stearic acid content, with Hap1 showing a markedly elevated stearic acid level compared with Hap2 and Hap3. Similarly, Glyma.12G075100 on chromosome 12 was significantly associated with the contents of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, suggesting its involvement in fatty acid biosynthesis. In the natural population, candidate genes associated with the contents of palmitic and linolenic acids were predominantly from the fatty acid metabolic pathway, indicating their potential role as pivotal genes in the critical steps of fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, genomic selection (GS) for fatty acid components was conducted using ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction based on both random single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and SNPs significantly associated with fatty acid components identified by GWAS. GS accuracy was contingent upon the SNP set used. Notably, GS efficiency was enhanced when using SNPs derived from QTL mapping analysis and GWAS compared with random SNPs, and reached a plateau when the number of SNP markers exceeded 3,000. This study thus indicates that Glyma.06G221400 and Glyma.12G075100 are genes integral to the synthesis and regulatory mechanisms of fatty acids. It provides insights into the complex biosynthesis and regulation of fatty acids, with significant implications for the directed improvement of soybean oil quality and the selection of superior soybean varieties. The SNP markers delineated in this study can be instrumental in establishing an efficacious pipeline for marker-assisted selection and GS aimed at improving soybean fatty acid components.

Follicular Atresia in Buffalo: Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART) and the Underlying Mechanisms.

Atresia is a process in ovarian follicles that is regulated by hormone-induced apoptosis. During atresia, granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis is a key mechanism orchestrated through diverse signaling pathways. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) signaling within ovarian GCs has been demonstrated to play a key role in the regulation of follicular atresia in cattle, pigs, and sheep. The present work aimed to investigate the potential local regulatory role of CART in GC apoptosis-induced follicular atresia in buffalo, focusing on the modulation of the AKT/GSK3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathways, which are the intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell viability. Our findings revealed increased expression of CARTPT and BAX and decreased levels of AKT, ß-catenin, and CYP19A1 genes in atretic follicles compared to healthy follicles. Subsequently, CART treatment in the presence of FSH inhibited the FSH-induced increase in GC viability by reducing estradiol production and increasing apoptosis. This change was accompanied by an increase in the gene expression levels of both CARTPT and BAX. At the protein level, treatment with CART in the presence of FSH negatively affected the activity of AKT, ß-catenin, and LEF1, while the activity of GSK3ß was enhanced. In conclusion, our study shows how CART negatively influences buffalo GC viability, underlying the modulation of the AKT/GSK3ß/ß-catenin pathway and promoting apoptosis-a key factor in follicular atresia.

The trajectory of vesicular proteomic signatures from HBV-HCC by chitosan-magnetic bead-based separation and DIA-proteomic analysis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent primary liver cancer often associated with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB) and liver cirrhosis (LC), underscoring the critical need for biomarker discovery to improve patient outcomes. Emerging as a promising avenue for biomarker development, proteomic technology leveraging liquid biopsy from small extracellular vesicles (sEV) offers new insights. Here, we evaluated various methods for sEV isolation and identified polysaccharide chitosan (CS) as an optimal approach. Subsequently, we employed optimized CS-based magnetic beads (Mag-CS) for sEV separation from serum samples of healthy controls, CHB, LC, and HBV-HCC patients. Leveraging data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry coupled with machine learning, we uncovered potential vesicular protein biomarker signatures (KNG1, F11, KLKB1, CAPNS1, CDH1, CPN2, NME2) capable of distinguishing HBV-HCC from CHB, LC, and non-HCC conditions. Collectively, our findings highlight the utility of Mag-CS-based sEV isolation for identifying early detection biomarkers in HBV-HCC.

CX43 and oxidative stress are the targets of BCB staining to predict the developmental potential of buffalo oocytes.

This study used the brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining method to group buffalo oocytes (BCB+ and BCB-) and perform in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture. At the same time, molecular biology techniques were used to detect gap junction protein expression and oxidative stress-related indicators to explore the molecular mechanism of BCB staining to predict oocyte developmental potential. The techniques of buffalo oocytes to analyse their developmental potential and used immunofluorescence staining to detect the expression level of CX43 protein, DCFH-DA probe staining to detect ROS levels and qPCR to detect the expression levels of the antioxidant-related genes SOD2 and GPX1. Our results showed that the in vitro maturation rate, embryo cleavage rate and blastocyst rate of buffalo oocytes in the BCB+ group were significantly higher than those in the BCB- group and the control group (p < .05). The expression level of CX43 protein in the BCB+ group was higher than that in the BCB- group both before and after maturation (p < .05). The intensity of ROS in the BCB+ group was significantly lower than that in the BCB- group (p < .05), and the expression levels of the antioxidant-related genes SOD2 and GPX1 in the BCB+ group were significantly higher than those in the BCB- group (p < .05). Brilliant cresyl blue staining could effectively predict the developmental potential of buffalo oocytes. The results of BCB staining were positively correlated with the expression of gap junction protein and antioxidant-related genes and negatively correlated with the reactive oxygen species level, suggesting that the mechanism of BCB staining in predicting the developmental potential of buffalo oocytes might be closely related to antioxidant activity.

Identification of QTLs and candidate genes for water-soluble protein content in soybean seeds.

Soybean represents a vital source of premium plant-based proteins for human nutrition. Importantly, the level of water-soluble protein (WSP) is crucial for determining the overall quality and nutritional value of such crops. Enhancing WSP levels in soybean plants is a high-priority goal in crop improvement. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic basis of WSP content in soybean seeds by identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and set the foundation for subsequent gene cloning and functional analysis. Using 180 F10 recombinant inbred lines generated by crossing the high-protein soybean cultivar JiDou 12 with the wild variety Ye 9, our researcher team mapped the QTLs influencing protein levels, integrating Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and gene expression profiling to identify candidate genes. During the 2020 and 2022 growing seasons, a standard bell-shaped distribution of protein content trait data was observed in these soybean lines. Eight QTLs affecting protein content were found across eight chromosomes, with LOD scores ranging from 2.59 to 7.30, explaining 4.15-11.74% of the phenotypic variance. Notably, two QTLs were newly discovered, one with a elite allele at qWSPC-15 from Ye 9. The major QTL, qWSPC-19, on chromosome 19 was stable across conditions and contained genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and signaling. Two genes from this QTL, Glyma.19G185700 and Glyma.19G186000, exhibited distinct expression patterns at maturity, highlighting the influence of these genes on protein content. This research revealed eight QTLs for WSP content in soybean seeds and proposed a gene for the key QTL qWSPC-19, laying groundwork for gene isolation and enhanced soybean breeding through the use of molecular markers. These insights are instrumental for developing protein-rich soybean cultivars.

Zinc finger translocation­associated protein promotes ferroptosis through the upregulation of ACSL4 expression in vascular endothelial cells.

Numerous studies have reported the potential involvement of ferroptosis in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). Acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) is an essential component in the promotion of ferroptosis. The present study aimed to investigate the role of ACSL4 and zinc finger translocation-associated protein (ZFTA) in the regulation of endothelial cell ferroptosis in AS. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with ACSL4 knockout were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. To assess ferroptosis, malondialdehyde concentration, iron content and reactive oxygen species levels were quantified in the present study. In addition, western blot analysis was conducted to explore the potential mechanisms underlying ACSL4 and ZFTA in the modulation of ferroptosis in HUVECs. The results of the present study demonstrated that the expression levels of ACSL4 and ZFTA were significantly increased in human atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, ACSL4 knockout led to a reduced susceptibility to ferroptosis, while ZFTA contributed to ferroptosis in HUVECs. Results of the present study also demonstrated that ZFTA overexpression upregulated ACSL4 expression in HUVECs, whereas ZFTA knockdown led to decreased ACSL4 expression. Co-transfection experiments demonstrated that the ZTFA overexpression-mediated increase in ferroptosis was reversed following ACSL4 knockdown. Collectively, results of the present study highlighted that ACSL4 mediated the effects of ZFTA on the ferroptosis of HUVECs. Thus, the present study demonstrated the potential role of ACSL4 and ZFTA in the regulation of ferroptosis, and highlighted that ferroptosis-related pathways may act as potential targets in the treatment of AS.

High-Efficiency Photo-Fenton-like Catalyst of FeOOH/g-C3N4 for the Degradation of PNP: Characterization, Catalytic Performance and Mechanism Exploration.

The composite photocatalyst FeOOH/g-C3N4 was prepared through thermal polycondensation and co-precipitation methods, followed by XRD, SEM and UV-vis characterization. The stability of FeOOH/g-C3N4 was explored by the recycling test. The active species in the reaction system were investigated by the capture experiment. The results indicated that the optimal preparation condition for g-C3N4 involved calcination at 600 °C for 4 h. XRD analysis revealed that g-C3N4 exhibits a high-purity phase, and Fe in FeOOH/g-C3N4 exists in a highly dispersed amorphous state. SEM analysis showed that FeOOH/g-C3N4 has a rough surface with an irregular layered structure. Element composition analysis confirmed that the content of elements in the prepared catalyst is consistent with the theoretical calculation. FeOOH/g-C3N4 possesses the largest specific surface area of 143.2 m2/g and a suitable pore distribution. UV-vis DRS analysis showed that the absorption intensity of FeOOH/g-C3N4 is stronger than that of g-C3N4. When the catalyst dosage was 1.0 g/L, the H2O2 dosage was 4 mmol/L, the PNP initial concentration was 10 mg/L and the initial pH value was 5, the PNP removal could reach 92% in 120 min. Even after 5 cycles, the efficiency of PNP removal by FeOOH/g-C3N4 remains nearly 80%. The capture experiment indicated that both •OH and •O2- play roles in the photocatalytic degradation of PNP, with •OH being more significant. These findings affirm that FeOOH has been successfully incorporated into g-C3N4, resulting in a conspicuous catalytic effect on the degradation of PNP in the visible light-assisted Fenton-like reaction.

A preliminary prediction model of pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia based on routine blood parameters by using machine learning method.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and severity of pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) poses a significant threat to the health and lives of children. In this study, we aim to systematically evaluate the value of routine blood parameters in predicting MPP and develop a robust and generalizable ensemble artificial intelligence (AI) model to assist in identifying patients with MPP. METHODS: We collected 27 features, including routine blood parameters and hs-CRP levels, from patients admitted to The Affiliated Dazu's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University with or without MPP between January, 2023 and January, 2024. A classification model was built using seven machine learning (ML) algorithms to develop an integrated prediction tool for diagnosing MPP. It was evaluated on both an internal validation set (982 individuals) and an external validation set (195 individuals). The primary outcome measured the accuracy of the model in predicting MPP. RESULTS: The GBDT is state-of-the-art based on 27 features. Following inter-laboratory cohort testing, the GBDT demonstrated an AUC, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, PPV, NPV, and F1-score of 0.980 (0.938-0.995), 0.928 (0.796-0.970), 0.929 (0.717-1.000), 0.926 (0.889-0.956), 0.922 (0.727-1.000), 0.937 (0.884-0.963), and 0.923 (0.800-0.966) in stratified 10-fold cross-validation. A GBDT-based AI Lab was developed to facilitate the healthcare providers in remote and impoverished areas. CONCLUSIONS: The GBDT-based AI Lab tool, with high sensitivity and specificity, could help discriminate between pediatric MPP infection and non-MPP infection based on routine blood parameters. Moreover, a user-friendly webpage tool for AI Lab could facilitate healthcare providers in remote and impoverished areas where advanced technologies are not accessible.

Effects of whole life-cycle exposure to carbaryl on reproduction of female marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) and their offspring.

Carbaryl is widely used as a highly effective insecticide which harms the marine environment. This study aimed to assess the reproductive toxicity of chronic carbaryl exposure on female marine medaka and their female offspring. After a 180-day exposure from embryonic period to adulthood, females exhibited reduced attraction to males, decreased ovulation, increased gonadosomatic index and a higher proportion of mature and atretic follicles. These reproductive toxic effects of carbaryl may stem from changes in hormone levels and transcription levels of key genes along the HPG axis. Furthermore, maternal carbaryl exposure had detrimental effects on the offspring. F1 females showed the reproductive disorders similar to those observed in F0 females. The significant changes in the transcription levels of DNA methyltransferase and demethylase genes in the F0 and F1 generations of ovaries indicate changes in their DNA methylation levels. The changes in DNA methylation levels in F1 female marine medaka may lead to changes in the expression of certain reproductive key genes, such as an increase in the transcription level of cyp19a, which may be the reason for F1 reproductive toxicity. These findings indicate that maternal exposure may induce severe generational toxicity through alterations in DNA methylation levels. This study assesses the negative impacts of whole life-cycle carbaryl exposure on the reproductive and developmental processes of female marine medaka and its female offspring, while offering data to support the evaluation of the ecological risk posed by carbaryl in marine ecosystems.

Phenanthrene-induced hyperuricemia with intestinal barrier damage and the protective role of theabrownin: Modulation by gut microbiota-mediated bile acid metabolism.

Hyperuricemia is prevalent globally and potentially linked to environmental pollution. As a typical persistent organic pollutant, phenanthrene (Phe) poses threats to human health through biomagnification. Although studies have reported Phe-induced toxicities to multiple organs, its impact on uric acid (UA) metabolism remains unclear. In this study, data mining on NHANES 2001-2016 indicated a positive correlation between Phe exposure and the occurrence of hyperuricemia in population. Subsequently, adolescent Balb/c male mice were orally exposed to Phe at a dosage of 10 mg/kg bw every second day for 7 weeks, resulting in dysfunction of intestinal UA excretion and disruption of the intestinal barrier. Utilizing intestinal organoids, 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota, and targeted metabolomic analysis, we further revealed that an imbalance in bile acid metabolism derived from gut microbiota might mediate the intestinal barrier damage. Additionally, the tea extract theabrownin (TB) effectively improved Phe-induced hyperuricemia and intestinal dysfunction at a dose of 320 mg/kg bw per day. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Phe exposure is positively associated with hyperuricemia and intestinal damage, which provides new insights into the toxic effects induced by Phe. Furthermore, the present study proposes that supplementation with TB would be a healthy and effective improvement strategy for patients with hyperuricemia and intestinal injury caused by environmental factors.