Effects of pyriproxyfen on development and hormone of the aphis, Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

Pyriproxyfen (PPF) has been shown to affect the pupal stage and ecdysone levels in holometabolous insects, such as silkworms and mealworms. It remains unknown whether it affects hemimetabolous insects with their hormone levels in insects lacking a pupal stage. In this laboratory study, bioassays were conducted to investigate the effects of varying doses of PPF on Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to determine the types and titers of juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Additionally, the effects of PPF on A. craccivora reproduction and molting, as well as its influence on relevant gene expression, were examined. The results revealed LC50 and LC90 values of 3.84 and 7.49 mg/l for PPF, respectively, after 48 h of exposure. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the titer of JH III and a significant increase in the titer of 20E following treatment with PPF. However, there was no significant decrease observed in the titer of JH III skipped bisepoxide (JH SB3). A sublethal concentration of PPF was found to inhibit Krüppel homolog 1 (kr-h1) gene expression and reduce aphid reproduction, but it did not significantly impact ecdysone receptor expression and aphid molting. The results of this study demonstrate that PPF exhibits a lethal effect on aphids, thereby providing an effective means of control. Additionally, sublethal concentrations of PPF have been found to inhibit the JH in aphids, resulting in a decline in their reproductive ability and achieving the desired control objectives.

Miniaturized Multi-Cantilever MEMS Resonators with Low Motional Impedance.

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) cantilever resonators suffer from high motional impedance (Rm). This paper investigates the use of mechanically coupled multi-cantilever piezoelectric MEMS resonators in the resolution of this issue. A double-sided actuating design, which utilizes a resonator with a 2.5 µm thick AlN film as the passive layer, is employed to reduce Rm. The results of experimental and finite element analysis (FEA) show agreement regarding single- to sextuple-cantilever resonators. Compared with a standalone cantilever resonator, the multi-cantilever resonator significantly reduces Rm; meanwhile, the high quality factor (Q) and effective electromechanical coupling coefficient (Kteff2) are maintained. The 30 µm wide quadruple-cantilever resonator achieves a resonance frequency (fs) of 55.8 kHz, a Q value of 10,300, and a series impedance (Rs) as low as 28.6 kΩ at a pressure of 0.02 Pa; meanwhile, the smaller size of this resonator compared to the existing multi-cantilever resonators is preserved. This represents a significant advancement in MEMS resonators for miniaturized ultra-low-power oscillator applications.

Bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation of m6A and cuproptosis-related lncRNA NFE4 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to construct an m6A and cuproptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) signature to accurately predict the prognosis of kidney clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) patients using the information acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. METHODS: First, the co-expression analysis was performed to identify lncRNAs linked with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and cuproptosis in ccRCC. Then, a model encompassing four candidate lncRNAs was constructed via univariate, least absolute shrinkage together with selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate regression analyses. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier, principal component, functional enrichment annotation, and nomogram analyses were performed to develop a risk model that could effectively assess medical outcomes for ccRCC cases. Moreover, the cellular function of NFE4 in Caki-1/OS-RC-2 cultures was elucidated through CCK-8/EdU assessments and Transwell experiments. Dataset outcomes indicated that NFE4 can have possible implications in m6A and cuproptosis, and may promote ccRCC progression. RESULTS: We constructed a panel of m6A and cuproptosis-related lncRNAs to construct a prognostic prediction model. The Kaplan-Meier and ROC curves showed that the feature had acceptable predictive validity in the TCGA training, test, and complete groups. Furthermore, the m6A and cuproptosis-related lncRNA model indicated higher diagnostic efficiency than other clinical features. Moreover, the NFE4 function analysis indicated a gene associated with m6A and cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in ccRCC. It was also revealed that the proliferation and migration of Caki-1 /OS-RC-2 cells were inhibited in the NFE4 knockdown group. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study indicated that NFE4 and our constructed risk signature could predict outcomes and have potential clinical value.

A multilayer network model of interaction between rumor propagation and media influence.

Rumors spread among the crowd have an impact on media influence, while media influence also has an impact on rumor dissemination. This article constructs a two-layer rumor media interaction network model, in which the rumors spread in the crowd are described using the susceptibility-apathy-propagation-recovery model, and the media influence is described using the corresponding flow model. The rationality of the model is studied, and then a detailed analysis of the model is conducted. In the simulation section, we undertake a sensitivity analysis of the crucial parameters within our model, focusing particularly on their impact on the basic reproduction number. According to data simulation analysis, the following conclusion can be drawn: First, when the media unilaterally influences the crowd and does not accept feedback from the crowd, the influence of the media will decrease to zero over time, which has a negative effect on the spread of rumors among the crowd (the degree of rumor dissemination decreases). Second, when the media does not affect the audience and accepts feedback from the audience, this state is similar to the media collecting information stage, which is to accept rumors from the audience but temporarily not disclose their thoughts. At this time, both the media influence and the spread of rumors in the audience will decrease. Finally, the model is validated using an actual dataset of rumors. The simulation results show an R-squared value of 0.9606, indicating that the proposed model can accurately simulate rumor propagation in real social networks.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab combined with nab-paclitaxel, lobaplatin, and S-1 in neoadjuvant and conversion therapy for advanced gastric cancer: A study protocol of prospective single-center, randomized controlled and open label clinical trial (RNPLS-01).

Objective: Ramucirumab is a VEGFR2 antagonist. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab combined with nab-paclitaxel, lobaplatin and S-1 in neoadjuvant and conversion therapy for advanced gastric cancer. Methods: and analysis: This study is a prospective single-center, randomized controlled and open label clinical study, enrolling a total of 140 patients with advanced gastric cancer distributed across two distinct cohorts (Cohort A n = 70; Cohort B n = 70). The central focus of the study lies in evaluating the pathological complete response (pCR) of the cancer post-neoadjuvant or conversion therapy. Secondary endpoints encompass the assessment of the R0 resection rate subsequent to the aforementioned therapies, the occurrence of adverse events (AE), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), the objective response rate (ORR), the total response rate and its duration, the disease control rate (DCR), and the duration of overall response (DOR). Ethics: Ethics approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee at the First Affiliated Hospital (Xijing Hospital) of Air force Military Medical University (KY20232220-F-1). Trial registration: This trial has been registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06169410 (registration date: December 5, 2023).

Comparative transcriptome analysis provides insights into the resistance regulation mechanism and inhibitory effect of fungicide phenamacril in Fusarium asiaticum.

Fusarium asiaticum is a destructive phytopathogenic fungus that causes Fusarium head blight of wheat (FHB), leading to serious yield and economic losses to cereal crops worldwide. Our previous studies indicated that target-site mutations (K216R/E, S217P/L, or E420K/G/D) of Type I myosin FaMyo5 conferred high resistance to phenamacril. Here, we first constructed one sensitive strain H1S and three point mutation resistant strains HA, HC and H1R. Then we conducted comparative transcriptome analysis of these F. asiaticum strains after 1 and 10 µg·mL-1 phenamacril treatment. Results indicated that 2135 genes were differentially expressed (DEGs) among the sensitive and resistant strains. The DEGs encoding ammonium transporter MEP1/MEP2, nitrate reductase, copper amine oxidase 1, 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase, amino-acid permease inda1, succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase, 2, 3-dihydroxybenzoic acid decarboxylase, etc., were significantly up-regulated in all the phenamacril-resistant strains. Compared to the control group, a total of 1778 and 2097 DEGs were identified in these strains after 1 and 10 µg·mL-1 phenamacril treatment, respectively. These DEGs involved in 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase, chitin synthase 1, multiprotein-bridging factor 1, transcriptional regulatory protein pro-1, amino-acid permease inda1, ATP-dependent RNA helicase DED1, acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2, etc., showed significantly down-regulated expression in phenamacril-sensitive strain but not in resistant strains after phenamacril treatment. In addition, cyanide hydratase, mating-type protein MAT-1, putative purine nucleoside permease, plasma membrane protein yro2, etc., showed significantly co-down-regulated expression in all the strains after phenamacril treatment. Taken together, This study provides deep insights into the resistance regulation mechanism and the inhibitory effect of fungicide phenamacril and these new annotated proteins or enzymes are worth for the discovery of new fungicide targets.

Identify CTBP1-DT as an immunological biomarker that promotes lipid synthesis and apoptosis resistance in KIRC.

Recently, mounting evidence has highlighted the essential function of the C-terminal binding protein-1 divergent transcript (CTBP1-DT) in malignancies. However, its role in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remains largely unknown. Our study aimed to identify the potential function of CTBP1-DT in KIRC. RT-qPCR, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox regression analysis, and nomogram analysis were utilized to determine the expression and effects of CTBP1-DT on survival. The subcellular localization of CTBP1-DT was determined using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). To investigate the functions of CTBP1-DT in regulating KIRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, lipid synthesis, and apoptosis, we conducted CCK8, EdU, Transwell, and Oil Red O staining and cell apoptosis staining assays. The relationships between CTBP1-DT and the tumor microenvironment were investigated with multiple bioinformatics analysis algorithms and databases, including CYBERSORT, TIMER2, Spearman correlation test, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immunophenoscore (IPS). According to our results, CTBP1-DT is a lncRNA located in the nucleus that is significantly upregulated in KIRC and is correlated with better clinical outcomes. Downregulating CTBP1-DT inhibited cell viability, migration, invasion, and lipid synthesis but triggered cell apoptosis. Additionally, we explored the potential effect of CTBP1-DT in regulating immune cell infiltration in KIRC and other malignancies. Furthermore, CTBP1-DT could be used to predict the effectiveness of targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In conclusion, we identified CTBP1-DT as a potential immunological biomarker and discovered the potential role of CTBP1-DT in regulating lipid synthesis and apoptosis resistance.

Isoliquiritigenin reduces experimental autoimmune prostatitis by facilitating Nrf2 activation and suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

BACKGROUND: Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) lead to severe irritation and impaired sperm quality in males. However, current therapeutic options often fail to achieve satisfactory effects. Consequently, the investigation of novel treatment strategies or remedies holds substantial clinical importance. As a flavonoid monomer, isoliquiritigenin (ISL) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity, especially in several chronic nonspecific-inflammatory conditions. Thus, an exploration of the possible anti-inflammatory effects of ISL on CP/CPPS, a chronic aseptic inflammation of the prostate, has significant potential. METHODS: An experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) model was used for the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of ISL. It was found that ISL treatment could reduce the secretion and invasion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in prostate tissue. In EAP mice, ISL treatment also reduced oxidative stress (OS) and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In vitro, ISL upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RESULTS: Treatment with ISL treatment relieved prostate inflammation and pelvic pain in EAP mice. Both in vivo and in vitro, ISL treatment activated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, which in turn inhibited oxidative stress and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Blockade of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling abolished the inhibitory effects of ISL on oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. CONCLUSIONS: Isoliquiritigenin reduced experimental autoimmune prostatitis by facilitating Nrf2 activation and suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Electronic Structure Regulated Nickel-Cobalt Bimetal Phosphide Nanoneedles for Efficient Overall Water Splitting.

Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have been widely studied for water decomposition for their monocatalytic property for anodic or cathodic reactions. However, their bifunctional catalytic activity still remains a major challenge. Herein, hexagonal nickel-cobalt bimetallic phosphide nanoneedles with 1-3 µm length and 15-30 nm diameter supported on NF (NixCo2-xP NDs/NF) with adjusted electron structure have been successfully prepared. The overall alkaline water electrolyzer composed of the optimal anode (Ni0.67Co1.33P NDs/NF) and cathode (Ni1.01Co0.99P NDs/NF) provide 100 mA cm-2 at 1.62 V. Gibbs Free Energy for reaction paths proves that the active site in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is Ni and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is Co in NixCo2-xP, respectively. In the HER process, Co-doping can result in an apparent accumulation of charge around Ni active sites in favor of promoting HER activity of Ni sites, and ΔGH* of 0.19 eV is achieved. In the OER process, the abundant electron transfer around Co-active sites results in the excellent ability to adsorb and desorb *O and *OOH intermediates and an effectively reduced ∆GRDS of 0.37 eV. This research explains the regulation of electronic structure change on the active sites of bimetallic materials and provides an effective way to design a stable and effective electrocatalytic decomposition of alkaline water.

A prognostic prediction model for ovarian cancer using a cross-modal view correlation discovery network.

Ovarian cancer is a tumor with different clinicopathological and molecular features, and the vast majority of patients have local or extensive spread at the time of diagnosis. Early diagnosis and prognostic prediction of patients can contribute to the understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of ovarian cancer and the improvement of therapeutic outcomes. The occurrence of ovarian cancer is influenced by multiple complex mechanisms, including the genome, transcriptome and proteome. Different types of omics analysis help predict the survival rate of ovarian cancer patients. Multi-omics data of ovarian cancer exhibit high-dimensional heterogeneity, and existing methods for integrating multi-omics data have not taken into account the variability and inter-correlation between different omics data. In this paper, we propose a deep learning model, MDCADON, which utilizes multi-omics data and cross-modal view correlation discovery network. We introduce random forest into LASSO regression for feature selection on mRNA expression, DNA methylation, miRNA expression and copy number variation (CNV), aiming to select important features highly correlated with ovarian cancer prognosis. A multi-modal deep neural network is used to comprehensively learn feature representations of each omics data and clinical data, and cross-modal view correlation discovery network is employed to construct the multi-omics discovery tensor, exploring the inter-relationships between different omics data. The experimental results demonstrate that MDCADON is superior to the existing methods in predicting ovarian cancer prognosis, which enables survival analysis for patients and facilitates the determination of follow-up treatment plans. Finally, we perform Gene Ontology (GO) term analysis and biological pathway analysis on the genes identified by MDCADON, revealing the underlying mechanisms of ovarian cancer and providing certain support for guiding ovarian cancer treatments.

Inhaled endotoxin induces a systemic neutrophil response without affecting cardiovascular measures in a randomized cross-over exposure study.

OBJECTIVE: The gram-negative bacterial cell wall component endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) is a key component of particulate matter (PM). PM exposure is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the contribution of individual components of PM to acute and chronic cardiovascular measures is not clear. This study examines whether systemic inflammation induced by LPS inhalation causes acute changes in cardiovascular physiology measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study, fifteen adult volunteers underwent inhalation exposure to 20,000 EU Clinical Center Reference Endotoxin (CCRE). Peripheral blood and induced sputum neutrophils were obtained at baseline and six hours post-exposure. Blood pressure, measures of left ventricular function (ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (LVGLS)), and indices of endothelial function (flow mediated dilation (FMD) and velocity time integral during hyperemia (VTIhyp)) were measured before and after treatment. Wilcoxon sign-rank tests and linear mixed models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In comparison with normal saline, LPS inhalation resulted in significant increases in peripheral blood and sputum neutrophils but was not associated with significant alterations in blood pressure, LVGLS, LVEF, FMD, or VTIhyp. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In healthy adults, systemic inflammation after LPS inhalation was not associated with acute changes in cardiovascular physiology. Larger studies are needed to investigate the effects of other PM components on inflammation induced cardiovascular dysfunction.

HIF-2α/LINC02609/APOL1-mediated lipid storage promotes endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and regulates tumor progression in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The VHL-HIF pathway and lipid droplet accumulation are the main characteristics of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the connection between the two features is largely unknown. METHODS: We used transcriptional sequencing and TCGA database analysis to identify APOL1 as a novel therapeutic target for ccRCC. The oncogenic functions of APOL1 were investigated by cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion assays in ccRCC cells in vitro and xenografts derived from ccRCC cells in vivo. Oil red O staining and quantification were used to detect lipid droplets. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and luciferase reporter assays were carried out to identify HIF-2α bound to the promoter of APOL1 and lncRNA LINC02609. RNA-FISH and luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine that LncRNA LINC02609 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate APOL1 expression by sponging miR-149-5p. FINDINGS: RNA-seq data revealed that HIF2α can regulate APOL1 and lncRNA LINC02609 expression. We also found that HIF-2α can bind to the promoter of APOL1 and lncRNA LINC02609 and transcriptionally regulate their expression directly. We further demonstrated that LncRNA LINC02609 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate APOL1 expression by sponging miR-149-5p in ccRCC. Mechanistically, APOL1-dependent lipid storage is required for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and cell viability and metastasis in ccRCC. We also showed that high APOL1 expression correlated with worse clinical outcomes, and knockdown of APOL1 inhibited tumor cell lipid droplet formation, proliferation, metastasis and xenograft tumor formation abilities. Together, our studies identify that HIF2α can regulate the expression of the lipid metabolism related gene APOL1 by direct and indirect means, which are essential for ccRCC tumorigenesis. INTERPRETATION: Based on the experimental data, in ccRCC, the HIF-2α/LINC02609/APOL1 axis can regulate the expression of APOL1, thus interfering with lipid storage, promoting endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and regulating tumor progression in ccRCC. Together, our findings provide potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for future studies in ccRCC.

Understanding the Electrical Mechanisms in Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries: From Electrostatic Interactions to Electric Field Regulation.

Aqueous Zn metal batteries are considered as competitive candidates for next-generation energy storage systems due to their excellent safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the inevitable dendrite growth, severe hydrogen evolution, surface passivation, and sluggish reaction kinetics of Zn metal anodes hinder the practical application of Zn metal batteries. Detailed summaries and prospects have been reported focusing on the research progress and challenges of Zn metal anodes, including electrolyte engineering, electrode structure design, and surface modification. However, the essential electrical mechanisms that significantly influence Zn2+ ions migration and deposition behaviors have not been reviewed yet. Herein, in this review, the regulation mechanisms of electrical-related electrostatic repulsive/attractive interactions on Zn2+ ions migration, desolvation, and deposition behaviors are systematically discussed. Meanwhile, electric field regulation strategies to promote the Zn2+ ions diffusion and uniform Zn deposition are comprehensively reviewed, including enhancing and homogenizing electric field intensity inside the batteries and adding external magnetic/pressure/thermal field to couple with the electric field. Finally, future perspectives on the research directions of the electrical-related strategies for building better Zn metal batteries in practical applications are offered.

A short neuropeptide F analog (sNPF), III-2 may particularly regulate juvenile hormone III to influence Spodoptera frugiperda metamorphosis and development.

Allatostatin (AS) or Allatotropin (AT) is a class of insect short neuropeptide F (sNPF) that affects insect growth and development by inhibiting or promote the synthesis of juvenile hormone (JH) in different insects. III-2 is a novel sNPF analog derived from a group of nitroaromatic groups connected by different amino acids. In this study, we found that III-2 showed high insecticidal activity against S. frugiperda larvae with a LC50 of 18.7 mg L-1. As demonstrated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), III-2 particularly facilitated JH III and hindered 20E synthesis in S. frugiperda. The results of RNA-Seq and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed that III-2 treatment promoted the expression of key genes such as SfCYP15C1 in JH synthesis pathway and inhibited the expression of SfCYP314A1 and other genes in the 20E synthetic pathway. Significant differences were also observed in the expression of the genes related to cuticle formation. We report for the first time that sNPF compounds specifically interfere with the synthesis and secretion of a certain JH in insects, thus affecting the ecdysis and growth of insects, and leading to death. This study may provide a new plant conservation concept for us to seek the targeted control of certain insects based on specific interference with different JH.

Precise Regulation of Juvenile Hormone III R-Stereoisomer Synthesis by Apis mellifera through Specifically Binding Methyl-(2E,6E)-farnesoate and Strictly Controlling Its Titer.

Juvenile hormone III (JH III) is a crucial hormone synthesized exclusively as R-stereoisomer in most insects. Herein, we established a mature Tris-HCl culture system for essential biochemical reactions and applied stable instrumental detection methods to analyze JH III, methyl farnesoate (MF) and juvenile hormone acid (JHA) using UPLC-MS/MS. Our results revealed that the R-JH III terminal synthesis pathway in Apis mellifera follows the "esterify then epoxidize" sequence, with precise methyl-(2E,6E)-farnesoate titer regulation and its spatial cis-trans isomerism, achieving selective R-JH III synthesis. Furthermore, we observed that the preferred generation of S/R-JH III chiral enantiomers varied depending on the spatial cis-trans isomerism of different MFs. Our results suggest that S-JH III could theoretically exist in insects, offering a novel perspective for understanding the synthesis mechanism of diverse complex juvenile hormones in different insect species.

First description study on molecular characterization of Hemiclepsis khankiana (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) in China.

BACKGROUND: Leeches are an integral component of aquatic biocenosis and can be found in a wide range of ecosystems such as freshwater, saltwater, flowing, and still-water ecosystems. It especially plays an important role in the freshwater benthic community and is an important part of the food web. In this study, a leech species was found in the mantle cavity of wild freshwater mussels in Zigong City, Sichuan Province, China, and its identity was determined through morphological analysis and molecular biological analysis. RESULTS: The leech is Hemiclepsis khankiana, a new species of Hemiclepsis that has been discovered in Russia in recent years. Through morphological analysis, the current survey observed that the morphological characteristics of Hemiclepsis khankiana eyespots were significantly different from the first reported description. The first pair of eyespots on the leech were separated and clear, while it had been reduced to unclear shadows in the previous report. The phylogenetic tree based on the COI gene showed that the COI gene sequence obtained in this study was in the same evolutionary branch as Hemiclepsis khankiana (MN295420, MN295421). Genetically, it was most closely related to Hemiclepsis kasmiana (mean COI p-distance = 3.98%). CONCLUSIONS: The current study reported on the new distribution range of Hemiclepsis khankiana, which was initially discovered in China. This study indicates that the distribution range of the leech species has expanded, laying a foundation for further studies in China.

A pilot randomized clinical trial of γ-tocopherol supplementation on wood smoke-induced neutrophilic and eosinophilic airway inflammation.

Background: Air pollutants, including particulates from wood smoke, are a significant cause of exacerbation of lung disease. γ-Tocopherol is an anti-inflammatory isoform of vitamin E that has been shown to reduce allergen-, ozone-, and endotoxin-induced inflammation. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether γ-tocopherol would prevent experimental wood smoke-induced airway inflammation in humans. Methods: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial testing the effect of a short course of γ-tocopherol-enriched supplementation on airway inflammation following a controlled exposure to wood smoke particulates. Results: Short-course γ-tocopherol intervention did not reduce wood smoke-induced neutrophilic airway inflammation, but it did prevent wood smoke-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation. Conclusion: γ-Tocopherol is a potential intervention for exacerbation of allergic airway inflammation, but further study examining longer dosing periods is required.

Swelling-induced patterning in soft microchannels.

We study the effect of inflation on the swelling-induced wrinkling of thin elastic membranes in a set-up that is commonly used to create microchannels in lab-on-chip applications. Using a combination of experiments and associated numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the out-of-plane deformation of the inflated membrane and the resulting anisotropic stress lead to two distinct instabilities as the swelling progresses. The membrane first develops small-amplitude wrinkles that retain the cross-channel symmetry. Their wavelength depends on the pressure and is set in a process similar to the axisymmetric buckling of pressurised, uni-axially compressed cylindrical shells. As swelling increases, the membrane undergoes a secondary instability during which the wrinkles coarsen into large-amplitude folds whose morphology can be controlled by the degree of pre-inflation. We elucidate the fundamental mechanisms responsible for this behaviour and explain how inflation can be used as a control mechanism in the manufacture of microchannels.

Resolvin D1 Attenuates Inflammation and Pelvic Pain Associated with EAP by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway.

Background: Resolvin D1 (RvD1), a member of the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators family, has a potent anti-inflammatory effect and alleviates tissue damage. The purpose of the current research was to study the effect of RvD1 on CP/CPPS and the underlying mechanisms using a mouse model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) mice. Materials and Methods: The EAP mouse model was successfully established, and was used to test the therapeutic effect of RvD1. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and dihydroethidium staining were used to evaluate the histological changes and oxidative stress levels of prostate tissues. Chronic pelvic pain was assessed by applying von Frey filaments to the lower abdomen. The superoxide dismutase enzyme and malondialdehyde levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of inflammation-related cytokines, including IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected by ELISA. Results: RvD1 treatment ameliorated prostatic inflammation and the pelvic pain of EAP mice. RvD1 treatment could inhibit activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and oxidative stress. RvD1 treatment could activate Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in mice with EAP. Blockade of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling abolished the RvD1-mediated inhibition of oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the anti-inflammatory effect of RvD1 in EAP. Conclusion: RvD1 treatment can reduce inflammatory cell infiltration in prostate tissue and attenuate pelvic pain associated with EAP by inhibiting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. These results provide new insights that RvD1 has the potential as an effective agent in the treatment of EAP.

APN Expression in Serum and Corpus Luteum: Regulation of Luteal Steroidogenesis Is Possibly Dependent on the AdipoR2/AMPK Pathway in Goats.

Adiponectin (APN) is an essential adipokine for a variety of reproductive processes. To investigate the role of APN in goat corpora lutea (CLs), CLs and sera from different luteal phases were collected for analysis. The results showed that the APN structure and content had no significant divergence in different luteal phases both in CLs and sera; however, high molecular weight APN was dominant in serum, while low molecular weight APN was more present in CLs. The luteal expression of both AdipoR1/2 and T-cadherin (T-Ca) increased on D11 and 17. APN and its receptors (AdipoR1/2 and T-Ca) were mainly expressed in goat luteal steroidogenic cells. The steroidogenesis and APN structure in pregnant CLs had a similar model as in the mid-cycle CLs. To further explore the effects and mechanisms of APN in CLs, steroidogenic cells from pregnant CLs were isolated to detect the AMPK-mediated pathway by the activation of APN (AdipoRon) and knockdown of APN receptors. The results revealed that P-AMPK in goat luteal cells increased after incubation with APN (1 µg/mL) or AdipoRon (25 µM) for 1 h, and progesterone (P4) and steroidogenic proteins levels (STAR/CYP11A1/HSD3B) decreased after 24 h. APN did not affect the steroidogenic protein expression when cells were pretreated with Compound C or SiAMPK. APN increased P-AMPK and reduced the CYP11A1 expression and P4 levels when cells were pretreated with SiAdipoR1 or SiT-Ca, while APN failed to affect P-AMPK, the CYP11A1 expression or the P4 levels when pretreated with SiAdipoR2. Therefore, the different structural forms of APN in CLs and sera may possess distinct functions; APN might regulate luteal steroidogenesis through AdipoR2 which is most likely dependent on AMPK.