EGC enhances tumor antigen presentation and CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity via targeting oncoprotein SND1.

The Staphylococcal nuclease and Tudor domain containing 1 (SND1) has been identified as an oncoprotein. Our previous study demonstrated that SND1 impedes the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) assembly by hijacking the nascent heavy chain of MHC-I to endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation. Herein, we aimed to identify inhibitors to block SND1-MHC-I binding, to facilitate the MHC-I presentation and tumor immunotherapy. Our findings validated the importance of the K490-containing sites in SND1-MHC-I complex. Through structure-based virtual screening and docking analysis, (-)-Epigallocatechin (EGC) exhibited the highest docking score to prevent the binding of MHC-I to SND1 by altering the spatial conformation of SND1. Additionally, EGC treatment resulted in increased expression levels of membrane-presented MHC-I in tumor cells. The C57BL/6J murine orthotopic melanoma model validated that EGC increases infiltration and activity of CD8+ T cells in both the tumor and spleen. Furthermore, the combination of EGC with programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody demonstrated a superior antitumor effect. In summary, we identified EGC as a novel inhibitor of SND1-MHC-I interaction, prompting MHC-I presentation to improve CD8+ T cell response within the tumor microenvironment. This discovery presents a promising immunotherapeutic candidate for tumors.

Efficacy of scleral buckling for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using a novel foldable capsular buckle.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of scleral buckling for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) using a novel foldable capsular buckle (FCB). METHODS: This was a series of case observation studies. Eighteen patients (18 eyes) who visited our ophthalmology department between August 2020 and August 2022 and were treated for RRD with scleral buckling using FCB were included. The procedure was similar to conventional scleral buckling, while a balloon-like FCB was placed onto the retinal break with balanced salt solution filling for a broad, external indentation instead of the silicone buckle. The retinal reattachment rate, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), refractive dioptre and astigmatism degree, and complications were evaluated and recorded. RESULTS: There were 7 males and 11 females aged 19-58y. The average time course of RRD was 12d, ranging from 7-20d. The retinal break was located in the superior quadrants in 8 eyes and in the inferior quadrants in 10 eyes, with macula-off detachments in 12 eyes. The patients were followed-up for at least 6mo. The final retinal reattachment rate was 100%. The BCVA was significantly improved compared with the baseline (P<0.05). There was no significant change in refractive dioptre or astigmatism degree at each follow-up (all P>0.05). Three patients had transiently high IOPs within one week after surgery. Mild diplopia occurred in 5 patients after surgery and then disappeared after the balloon fluid was removed. CONCLUSION: The success rate of FCB scleral buckling for RRD is satisfactory. This procedure can be expected to be applied in new, uncomplicated cases of RRD.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of DEAD-box RNA helicases in Gossypium hirsutum.

DEAD-box RNA helicases, a prominent subfamily within the RNA helicase superfamily 2 (SF2), play crucial roles in the growth, development, and abiotic stress responses of plants. This study identifies 146 DEAD-box RNA helicase genes (GhDEADs) and categorizes them into four Clades (Clade A-D) through phylogenetic analysis. Promoter analysis reveals cis-acting elements linked to plant responses to light, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), low temperature, and drought. RNA-seq data demonstrate that Clade C GhDEADs exhibit elevated and ubiquitous expression across different tissues, validating their connection to leaf development through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. Notably, over half of GhDEADs display up-regulation in the leaves of virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) plants of GhVIR-A/D (members of m6A methyltransferase complex, which regulate leaf morphogenesis). In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive insight into GhDEADs, emphasizing their potential involvement in leaf development.

Qifu Yixin Formula Improves Heart Failure by Enhancing ß-Arrestin2 Mediated the SUMOylation of SERCA2a.

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the protective mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Qifu Yixin formula (QFYXF) to improve heart failure (HF) by promoting ß-arrestin2 (ß-arr2)-mediated SERCA2a SUMOylation. Materials and Methods: The transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced HF mice were treated with QFYXF or carvedilol for 8 weeks. ß-arr2-KO mice and their littermate wild-type (WT) mice were used as controls. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were used in vitro. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and serum NT-proBNP. Myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis were assessed by histological staining. ß-arr2, SERCA2a, SUMO1, PLB and p-PLB expressions were detected by Western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. SERCA2a SUMOylation was detected by Co-IP. The molecular docking method was used to predict the binding ability of the main active components of QFYXF to ß-arr2, SERCA2a, and SUMO1, and the binding degree of SERCA2a to SUMO1 protein. Results: The HF model was constructed 8 weeks after TAC. QFYXF ameliorated cardiac function, inhibiting myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. QFYXF promoted SERCA2a expression and SERCA2a SUMOylation. Further investigation showed that QFYXF promoted ß-arr2 expression, whereas Barbadin (ß-arr2 inhibitor) or ß-arr2-KO reduced SERCA2a SUMOylation and attenuated the protective effect of QFYXF improved HF. Molecular docking showed that the main active components of QFYXF had good binding activities with ß-arr2, SERCA2a, and SUMO1, and SERCA2a had a high binding degree with SUMO1 protein. Conclusion: QFYXF improves HF by promoting ß-arr2 mediated SERCA2a SUMOylation and increasing SERCA2a expression.

Investigating the Mechanism of Chinese Medicine Formula AACO Against Chronic Heart Failure by Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation.

Background: A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, containing Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Aconitum wilsonii Stapf ex Veitch, Curcuma longa L., and Radix ophiopogonis (AACO), has therapeutic value for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). Objective: This study intends to explore the pharmacological mechanism underlying the activity of the AACO formula against CHF. Materials and Methods: Using the TCM Systems Pharmacology database and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of TCM, the active ingredients contained in the herbs of the AACO formula were screened. Meanwhile, the target genes related to these active ingredients were identified and genes correlated with CHF were screened. Protein-protein interaction networks were built to elucidate the relationships between the AACO formula and CHF. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signal pathway enrichment analysis were carried out using the DAVID database. A "drug-component-target-disease" network was constructed with Cytoscape 3.7.0. The therapeutic effect of the AACO formula was proven by hemodynamic study, echocardiography evaluation, and histological analysis in transverse aortic constriction-induced CHF mice and was validated in vitro. Results: A total of 105 active ingredients and 1026 related targets were screened and identified, and 240 related targets overlapping with CHF were selected. According to GO analysis, the enriched genes participated in gene expression and cardiac contraction regulation by Ca2+ regulation. From KEGG analysis, the calcium axis was identified as one of the main mechanisms through which the AACO formula exerts an anti-CHF effect. AACO was validated to significantly improve cardiac diastolic and systolic functions in vivo via an increase in the rate of Ca2+ reuptake of the myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum and improved myocardial contractility in vitro. Conclusions: Network pharmacology is a convenient method to study the complex pharmacological mechanisms of TCM. The calcium axis likely participates in the anti-CHF mechanism of AACO.

HPLC and LC-MS/MS-Based Quantitative Characterization of Related Substances Associated with Sotalol Hydrochloride.

In total, three related substances (RS) associated with sotalol hydrochloride (STHCl) were herein identified with a novel gradient high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) protocol. Further characterization of these substances was then performed via liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approaches. For these analyses, commercial STHCl samples were used for quantitative HPLC studies and the degradation of STHCl under acidic (1M HCl), alkaline (1M NaOH), oxidative (30% H2O2), photolytic (4500 Lx), and thermal stress conditions (100 °C) was assessed. This approach revealed this drug to be resistant to acidic, alkaline, and high-temperature conditions, whereas it was susceptible to light and oxidation as confirmed through long-term experiments. The putative mechanisms governing RS formation were also explored, revealing that RS3 was derived from the manufacturing process, whereas RS2 was generated via oxidation and RS1 was generated in response to light exposure. The cytotoxicity of these RS compounds was then assessed using MTT assays and acute toxicity test. Overall, this study provides details regarding the characterization, isolation, quantification, and toxicological evaluation of STHCl and associated RS compounds together with details regarding the precise, specific, and reliable novel HPLC technique, thus providing the requisite information necessary to ensure STHCl purity and safety.

BLVRA exerts its biological effects to induce malignant properties of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

The function of Biliverdin Reductase A (BLVRA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells proliferation, invasion and migration remains unclear. Therefore, this research intends to explore the effect of BLVRA on HCC cells growth and metastasis. BLVRA expression was analyzed in public dataset and examined by using western blot. The malignant function of BLVRA in HCC cell lines and its effect on Wnt/ß-catenin pathway were measured. Analysis from GEPIA website showed that BLVRA expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues, and high expression of BLVRA resulted in worse prognosis of HCC patients. Results from western blot showed that BLVRA expression was obviously increased in HCC cell lines. Moreover, HepG2 and Hep3B cells in si-BLVRA-1 or si-BLVRA-2 group displayed an obvious reduction in its proliferation, cell cycle, invasion and migration compared to those in the si-control group. Additionally, si-BLVRA-1 or si-BLVRA-2 transfection significantly reduced the protein levels of Vimentin, Snail1 and Snail2, as well as decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased Bax and cleaved-caspase 3 expression. Furthermore, si-BLVRA treatment inhibited the protein levels of c-MYC, ß-catenin, and Cyclin D1. After IWP-4 (Wnt/ß-catenin inhibitor) treatment, the proliferation ability of HCC cells was significantly reduced. BLVRA expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues and cell lines, and knocked down of BLVRA could suppress the proliferation, invasion and migration in HCC cell lines, as well as induce cell apoptosis. Moreover, si-BLVRA transfection blocked the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

LuQi formula attenuates Cardiomyocyte ferroptosis via activating Nrf2/GPX4 signaling axis in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The terminal stage of all cardiovascular diseases typically culminates in heart failure (HF), with no effective intervention available to halt its progression. LuQi formula (LQF) has been employed in clinical for numerous years to significantly ameliorate cardiac function in HF patients. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of LQF's efficacy remains inadequately comprehended. Cardiomyocyte ferroptosis has served as a pathogenic mechanism in HF. The goal of the current experiment was to ascertain whether LQF ameliorates HF by preventing cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and to elucidate the intrinsic mechanism involved. PURPOSE: This research objective is to investigate the impact and underlying mechanism of LQF attenuating cardiomyocyte ferroptosis in heart failure. METHODS: Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was performed to construct the HF mouse model. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were subjected to in vitro experiments. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified the bioactive compounds in LQF. Transcriptomic and quantitative proteomic analyses revealed the potential targets of LQF anti-HF. Specifically, histological staining evaluated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observed mitochondrial morphology. The content of Fe2+, ROS, MDA, GSH, and GSSH was detected using kits. Molecular docking evaluated the binding activities between essential active ingredients of LQF and critical proteins of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. Mechanistically, the expression levels of Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, SLC7A11, and GPX4 were evaluated using qPCR, Western blot (WB), or immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The primary nine active ingredients in LQF were detected. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses demonstrated that LQF may ameliorate HF by preventing cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. Histomorphometric analyses revealed that LQF attenuates myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. TEM revealed that LQF diminished mitochondrial shrinkage and increased membrane density in myocardial tissue. Additionally, LQF diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in cardiomyocytes and suppressed cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. Furthermore, the molecular docking technique revealed that the primary active ingredients of LQF had suitable binding activities with Nrf2, GPX4, and SLC7A11. Western analysis further verified that LQF activated the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling axis. decreased SLC7A11 and HO-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that LQF prevents cardiomyocyte ferroptosis via activating Nrf2/GPX4 signaling axis and suppressing SLC7A11 and HO-1 expression. Concurrently, it contributed to elucidating the intrinsic mechanism of LQF and provided a scientific rationale for its development as a novel cardiovascular therapeutic drug.

Mechanisms and heterogeneity in the construction of network infrastructure to help rural households bridge the "digital divide".

Addressing the digital divide that plagues rural areas has become an important issue in narrowing the urban-rural gap and achieving common prosperity. This article examines the impact of network infrastructure on rural households' ability to cross the digital divide by using the "broadband rural" strategy as a proxy variable for network infrastructure and combining data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) with a score propensity matched difference-in-differences model (PSM-DID). The results show that network infrastructure can help farmers cross the access and use divide, but does not contribute significantly to crossing the ability divide in the current period. A triple difference model (DDD) was introduced to test the effect of network technology training on the contribution of network infrastructure to the ability gap, and the ability gap needs to be based on the use gap, so there is a delay in the response of the ability gap to policy. Further analysis reveals that network infrastructure mainly facilitates non-farm occupational groups to cross the capability divide, and facilitates middle-aged and young people to cross the digital divide, and does not have significant effects on groups involved in agricultural work and older people. In view of this, the network infrastructure should be continuously promoted, public service training on digital skills should be organized, electronic products and information services should be created exclusively for the elderly group and the group involved in agricultural production, and the ability of farmers to apply the network to their production life should be strengthened.

The Impact of Physical Activity Intensity on the Dynamic Progression of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: Prospective Cohort Study Using UK Biobank Data.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies have reported on the associations between the amount of physical activity (PA) and the transitions of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), the evidence for PA intensity has not been fully evaluated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the impact of PA intensity on the dynamic progression of CMM. METHODS: The prospective cohort of this study using data from the UK Biobank included 359,773 participants aged 37-73 years who were recruited from 22 centers between 2006 and 2010. The diagnoses of CMM, which included the copresence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), ischemic heart disease, and stroke, were obtained from first occurrence fields provided by the UK Biobank, which included data from primary care, hospital inpatient record, self-reported medical condition, and death registers. The PA intensity was assessed by the proportion of vigorous PA (VPA) to moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). Multistate models were used to evaluate the effect of PA intensity on the dynamic progression of CMM. The first model (model A) included 5 transitions, namely free of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) to first occurrence of CMD (FCMD), free of CMD to death, FCMD to CMM, FCMD to mortality, and CMM to mortality. The other model (model B) used specific CMD, namely T2D, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, instead of FCMD and included 11 transitions in this study. RESULTS: The mean age of the included participants (N=359,773) was 55.82 (SD 8.12) years at baseline, and 54.55% (196,271/359,773) of the participants were female. Compared with the participants with no VPA, participants with intensity levels of >0.75 to <1 for VPA to MVPA had a 13% and 27% lower risk of transition from free of CMD to FCMD (hazard ratio [HR] 0.87, 95% CI 0.83-0.91) and mortality (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.66-0.79) in model A, respectively. The HR for the participants with no moderate PA was 0.82 (95% CI 0.73-0.92) compared with no VPA. There was a substantially protective effect of higher PA intensity on the transitions from free of CMD to T2D and from T2D to mortality, which reveals the importance of PA intensity for the transitions of T2D. More PA and greater intensity had a synergistic effect on decreasing the risk of the transitions from free of CMD to FCMD and mortality. Male participants, younger adults, adults with a higher BMI, current or previous smokers, and excessive alcohol drinkers could obtain more benefits from higher PA intensity for the lower risk of at least 1 transition from free of CMD, then to CMM, and finally to mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that higher PA intensity is an effective measure for preventing CMM and mortality in the early period of CMM development. Relevant interventions related to higher PA intensity should be conducted.

What can we do to optimize mitochondrial transplantation therapy for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury?

Mitochondrial transplantation is a promising solution for the heart following ischemia-reperfusion injury due to its capacity to replace damaged mitochondria and restore cardiac function. However, many barriers (such as inadequate mitochondrial internalization, poor survival of transplanted mitochondria, few mitochondria colocalized with cardiac cells) compromise the replacement of injured mitochondria with transplanted mitochondria. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize mitochondrial transplantation therapy to improve clinical effectiveness. By analogy, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury is like a withered flower, it needs to absorb enough nutrients to recover and bloom. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of "nutrients" (source of exogenous mitochondria and different techniques for mitochondrial isolation), "absorption" (mitochondrial transplantation approaches, mitochondrial transplantation dose and internalization mechanism), and "flowering" (the mechanism of mitochondrial transplantation in cardioprotection) for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Directional regulation and mechanism analysis of the surface properties of hydrothermal carbon by circulating liquid in the hydrothermal carbonization procedure.

The complexity of the chemistry behind the hydrothermal conversion is enormous. Components interact with their own physical and chemical structure, making it harsh to understand the conversion as a whole. Herein, the six-water recirculation and loading nano SiO2 experiment in a one-pot hydrothermal carbonization procedure was designed to elucidate the mechanism of regulating the functional groups and microporous structure of the hydrochar surface. The hydrochar prepared by the second circulating liquid and loading nano-SiO2 (HBC-R2/Si) was equipped most enriched functional groups (carboxyl = 11.48 µmol/g, phenolic hydroxyl = 52.98 µmol/g, lactone groups = 46.52 µmol/g) and suitable pore size (1.90 nm-1.93 nm) as a sorbent riched in hemicellulose. The sorption kinetics (equilibrium reached ≈ 480 min) are approximately evenly fitted by the pseudo-second-order, Weber and Morris, and Elovich models, indicating that membranes and particles diffusion, pore diffusion, and surface sorption coexisted in the sorption of methylene blue (MB) on the hydrochar materials. Simultaneously, all hydrochar materials achieved over 25% MB removal within 90 min (liquid membrane diffusion) and over 40% for HBC-R2 and HBC-R2/Si, suggesting that liquid membrane diffusion is the predominant rate-limiting step. Pearson's correlation analysis and Mantel's analysis announced that the cation exchange capacity (CEC), pore size, and carboxyl groups on the hemicellulose affect the sorption capacity by limiting the pore diffusion procedure. However, the CEC and the phenolic hydroxyl groups on the cellulose and hemicellulose affect the sorption rate by limiting membrane diffusion. Three consecutive sorption/desorption cycles confirmed the high stability and reusability of HBC-R2/Si composites.

[Simultaneous determination of 22 antibiotics in environmental water samples by solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

The widespread and frequent use of antibiotics to treat diseases or encourage animal growth has resulted in their persistence and accumulation in water, soil, and sediments. As a typical emerging pollutant in the environment, antibiotics have become an important research focus in recent years. Antibiotics are commonly found at trace levels in water environments. Unfortunately, the determination of various types of antibiotics, all of which exhibit different physicochemical properties, remains a challenging endeavor. Thus, developing pretreatment and analytical techniques to achieve the rapid, sensitive, and accurate analysis of these emerging contaminants in various water samples is an essential undertaking.In this paper, a solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-HPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of 22 antibiotics including 4 penicillins, 12 quinolones and 6 macrolides in environmental water samples was developed. Based on the characteristics of the screened antibiotics and sample matrix, the pretreatment method was optimized, focusing on the SPE column, pH of the water sample, and amount of ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid disodium (Na2EDTA) added to the water sample. Prior to extraction, a 200 mL water sample was added with 0.5 g of Na2EDTA and pH-adjusted to 3 using sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide solution. Water sample enrichment and purification were achieved using an HLB column. HPLC separation was carried out on a C18 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 3.5 µm) via gradient elution with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 0.15% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode using an electrospray ionization source. The results showed correlation coefficients greater than 0.995, indicating good linear relationships. The method detection limits (MDLs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were in the ranges of 2.3-10.7 ng/L and 9.2-42.8 ng/L, respectively. The recoveries of target compounds in surface water at three spiked levels ranged from 61.2% to 157%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.0%-21.9%. The recoveries of target compounds in wastewater at three spiked levels were 50.1%-129%, with RSDs of 1.2%-16.9%. The method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of antibiotics in reservoir water, surface water, sewage treatment plant outfall, and livestock wastewater. Most of the antibiotics were detected in watershed and livestock wastewater. Lincomycin was detected in 10 surface water samples, with a detection frequency of 90%, and ofloxacin showed the highest contents (127 ng/L) in livestock wastewater. Therefore, the present method exhibits excellent performance in terms of MDLs and recoveries compared with previously reported methods. The developed method presents the advantages of small water sample volumes, wide applicability, and fast analysis times; thus, it can be considered a rapid, efficient, and sensitive analytical method with excellent potential for monitoring emergency environmental pollution. The method could also provide a reliable reference for formulating antibiotic residue standards. The results provide strong support for and an improved understanding of the environmental occurrence, treatment, and control of emerging pollutants.

Extracellular vesicles mediate biological information delivery: A double-edged sword in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a severe ischemic disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Maladaptive cardiac remodeling is a series of abnormalities in cardiac structure and function that occurs following myocardial infarction (MI). The pathophysiology of this process can be separated into two distinct phases: the initial inflammatory response, and the subsequent longer-term scar revision that includes the regression of inflammation, neovascularization, and fibrotic scar formation. Extracellular vesicles are nano-sized lipid bilayer vesicles released into the extracellular environment by eukaryotic cells, containing bioinformatic transmitters which are essential mediators of intercellular communication. EVs of different cellular origins play an essential role in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. In this review, we first introduce the pathophysiology of post-infarction cardiac remodeling, as well as the biogenesis, classification, delivery, and functions of EVs. Then, we explore the dual role of these small molecule transmitters delivered by EVs in post-infarction cardiac remodeling, including the double-edged sword of pro-and anti-inflammation, and pro-and anti-fibrosis, which is significant for post-infarction cardiac repair. Finally, we discuss the pharmacological and engineered targeting of EVs for promoting heart repair after MI, thus revealing the potential value of targeted modulation of EVs and its use as a drug delivery vehicle in the therapeutic process of post-infarction cardiac remodeling.

Targeting regulatory T cells for cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The CVDs are accompanied by inflammatory progression, resulting in innate and adaptive immune responses. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an immunosuppressive function and are one of the subsets of CD4+T cells that play a crucial role in inflammatory diseases. Whether using Tregs as a biomarker for CVDs or targeting Tregs to exert cardioprotective functions by regulating immune balance, suppressing inflammation, suppressing cardiac and vascular remodeling, mediating immune tolerance, and promoting cardiac regeneration in the treatment of CVDs has become an emerging research focus. However, Tregs have plasticity, and this plastic Tregs lose immunosuppressive function and produce toxic effects on target organs in some diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of Tregs' role and related mechanisms in CVDs, and reports on the research of plasticity Tregs in CVDs, to lay a foundation for further studies targeting Tregs in the prevention and treatment of CVDs.

The Mediating Effect of Stress between Extracurricular Activities and Suicidal Ideation in Chinese College Students.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between extracurricular activities, stress, and suicidal ideation and to examine the mediating effect of stress between extracurricular activities and suicidal ideation in Chinese college students. METHOD: A total of 6446 college students were surveyed with a web-based online data collection system using the self-made demographic questionnaire, Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), and the 21-Item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). SPSS 24.0 was used for descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, and the bootstrap method in the process procedure for SPSS Version 3.4.1 was used to construct the mediating effect model. RESULTS: Gender, school grades, living area, and family income status were influencing factors for suicidal ideation, stress, and extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities were negatively correlated with stress (r = -0.083, p < 0.001) and suicidal ideation (r = -0.039, p < 0.01). Extracurricular activities had no direct predictive effect on college students' suicidal ideation (c = -0.198, CI: -0.418, 0.023), while stress had a mediating effect between extracurricular activities and suicidal ideation; the indirect mediating effect was 0.159. CONCLUSIONS: Extracurricular activities indirectly predict college students' suicidal ideation through stress. A variety of extracurricular activities can decrease the stress and suicidal ideation of college students and benefit their mental health.

Hourglass shaped polyoxometalate-based materials as electrochemical sensors for the detection of trace Cr(VI) in a wide pH range.

Due to Chromium hexavalent Cr(VI) is one of the most carcinogenic toxic ions, it is essential for finding a low-cost, efficient and highly selective detection method. Considering the wide range of pH detection in water, a major issue is exploring high sensitive electrocatalyst. Thus, two crystalline materials with hourglass {P4Mo6} clusters in different metal centers were synthesized and had fabulous Cr(VI) detection performance in a wide pH range. At pH = 0, the sensitivities of CUST-572 and CUST-573 were 133.89 µA µM-1 and 30.05 µA µM-1, and the detection limits (LODs) of Cr(VI) were 26.81 nM and 50.63 nM which met World Health Organization (WHO) standard for drinking water. CUST-572 and CUST-573 also had good detection performance at pH = 1-4. In actual water samples, CUST-572 and CUST-573 also possessed sensitivities of 94.79 µA µM-1 and 20.09 µA µM-1 and LODs were 28.25 nM and 52.24 nM, showing high selectivity and chemical stability. The difference of the detection performance of CUST-572 and CUST-573 were mainly attributed to the interaction between {P4Mo6} and different metal centers of crystalline materials. In this work, electrochemical sensors for Cr(VI) detection in a wide pH range were explored, providing important guidance for the design of efficient electrochemical sensors for ultra-trace detection of heavy metal ions in practical environments.

Moxibustion improved the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation donor to dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is beneficial for several gastrointestinal diseases because it alters the intestinal microbiota of recipients. The efficacy of FMT is related to the microbial structure and composition of the donor. Mild moxibustion is a non-invasive and safe traditional Chinese therapy that can regulate the gut microbiota. In this study, we investigated whether moxibustion improved the efficacy of FMT in donors using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Normal mice were treated with mild moxibustion at acupoints ST25 and ST36 for 7 days. DSS (2%) was administered for 7 days to induce colitis. FMT was performed on Day 8 and lasted for 7 days. The effect of FMT on mice with DSS was observed on Day 21. Using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence, we analyzed the pathology and cell proliferation after FMT in DSS mice. In addition, using 16 S rDNA sequencing analysis, we investigated the gut microbiota of mice. The results indicated that moxibustion altered the colonic microbial community and increased the relative abundance of specific bacteria without changes in morphology and physiological function in normal mice. FMT using donors with moxibustion reduced body weight loss, inflammation, abnormal microbial community structure, and the relative abundance of some bacteria. These results provide potential strategies for the safe and targeted improvement of FMT donors.

Astragaloside IV ameliorates metabolic disorder in db/db obese mice as a PPARγ antagonist.

Metabolic disorder is highly related to obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. The present study found that astragaloside IV (ASI) attenuated metabolic disorder related symptoms and modulated hepatic lipid metabolism associated gene mRNA expression in db/db mice. ASI inhibited rosiglitazone-induced adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, and lipid accumulation in palmitic acid (PA)-induced HepG2 cells with down-regulated mRNA expression of lipogenesis-related genes. In addition, it was predicted to bind to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of PPARγ and inhibit its transactivity. Collectively, our study suggested that ASI improves lipid metabolism in obese mice probably through suppressing PPARγ activity.

HIV Status Disclosure and Associated Characteristics Among HIV-Positive MSM Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Jinan, China.

Disclosure of HIV status offers potential benefits to individuals and is also good for public health. Limited studies have been conducted to gain insight into the current situation and associated factors of HIV disclosure among HIV-positive Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) in the era of "treat all." We carried out a cross-sectional study among MSM receiving antiretroviral therapy from October 2020 to January 2021 at a hospital in Jinan, China. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression to examine the factors associated with general disclosure and disclosure to family, friends, and sexual partners. Of the 585 participants recruited, 62.2% reported HIV disclosure, among which 25.3% had disclosed their status to family members, 25.3% had disclosed it to friends, and 28.4% had disclosed it to partners. The findings suggest that HIV disclosure is more likely to occur among individuals who are younger, married/cohabiting, and who self-identify as homosexual/bisexual. Participants with higher education levels or personal monthly incomes are less likely to disclose their HIV status. Furthermore, related factors of disclosure vary across the types of disclosure targets. Given the positive outcomes of disclosure, interventions and implementation research to facilitate it are urgently needed for MSM.