High carrier mobility along the [111] orientation in Cu2O photoelectrodes.

Solar fuels offer a promising approach to provide sustainable fuels by harnessing sunlight1,2. Following a decade of advancement, Cu2O photocathodes are capable of delivering a performance comparable to that of photoelectrodes with established photovoltaic materials3-5. However, considerable bulk charge carrier recombination that is poorly understood still limits further advances in performance6. Here we demonstrate performance of Cu2O photocathodes beyond the state-of-the-art by exploiting a new conceptual understanding of carrier recombination and transport in single-crystal Cu2O thin films. Using ambient liquid-phase epitaxy, we present a new method to grow single-crystal Cu2O samples with three crystal orientations. Broadband femtosecond transient reflection spectroscopy measurements were used to quantify anisotropic optoelectronic properties, through which the carrier mobility along the [111] direction was found to be an order of magnitude higher than those along other orientations. Driven by these findings, we developed a polycrystalline Cu2O photocathode with an extraordinarily pure (111) orientation and (111) terminating facets using a simple and low-cost method, which delivers 7 mA cm-2 current density (more than 70% improvement compared to that of state-of-the-art electrodeposited devices) at 0.5 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode under air mass 1.5 G illumination, and stable operation over at least 120 h.

Inhibition of a novel Dickkopf-1-LDL receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 axis prevents diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anti-hypertensive agents are one of the most frequently used drugs worldwide. However, no blood pressure-lowering strategy is superior to placebo with respect to survival in diabetic hypertensive patients. Previous findings show that Wnt co-receptors LDL receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 (LRP5/6) can directly bind to several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Because angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) is the most important GPCR in regulating hypertension, this study examines the possible mechanistic association between LRP5/6 and their binding protein Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and activation of the AT1R and further hypothesizes that the LRP5/6-GPCR interaction may affect hypertension and potentiate cardiac impairment in the setting of diabetes. METHODS: The roles of serum DKK1 and DKK1-LRP5/6 signalling in diabetic injuries were investigated in human and diabetic mice. RESULTS: Blood pressure up-regulation positively correlated with serum DKK1 elevations in humans. Notably, LRP5/6 physically and functionally interacted with AT1R. The loss of membrane LRP5/6 caused by injection of a recombinant DKK1 protein or conditional LRP5/6 deletions resulted in AT1R activation and hypertension, as well as ß-arrestin1 activation and cardiac impairment, possibly because of multiple GPCR alterations. Importantly, unlike commonly used anti-hypertensive agents, administration of the anti-DKK1 neutralizing antibody effectively prevented diabetic cardiac impairment in mice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings establish a novel DKK1-LRP5/6-GPCR pathway in inducing diabetic injuries and may resolve the long-standing conundrum as to why elevated blood DKK1 has deleterious effects. Thus, monitoring and therapeutic elimination of blood DKK1 may be a promising strategy to attenuate diabetic injuries.

Encapsulation engineering of porous crystalline frameworks for delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence.

Delayed luminescence (DF), including phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) exhibit common and broad application prospects in optoelectronic displays, biological imaging, and encryption. Thus, the combination of delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence is attracting increasing attention. The encapsulation of guest emitters in various host matrices to form host-guest systems has been demonstrated to be an appealing strategy to further enhance and/or modulate their delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence. Compared with conventional liquid crystals, polymers, and supramolecular matrices, porous crystalline frameworks (PCFs) including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), zeolites and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) can not only overcome shortcomings such as flexibility and disorder but also achieve the ordered encapsulation of guests and long-term stability of chiral structures, providing new promising host platforms for the development of DF and CPL. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and critical summary of the recent progress in host-guest photochemistry via the encapsulation engineering of guest emitters in PCFs, particularly focusing on delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence. Initially, the general principle of phosphorescence, TADF and CPL, the combination of DF and CPL, and energy transfer processes between host and guests are introduced. Subsequently, we comprehensively discuss the critical factors affecting the encapsulation engineering of guest emitters in PCFs, such as pore structures, the confinement effect, charge and energy transfer between the host and guest, conformational dynamics, and aggregation model of guest emitters. Thereafter, we summarize the effective methods for the preparation of host-guest systems, especially single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SC-SC) transformation and epitaxial growth, which are distinct from conventional methods based on amorphous materials. Then, the recent advancements in host-guest systems based on PCFs for delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence are highlighted. Finally, we present our personal insights into the challenges and future opportunities in this promising field.

EPAS1, a hypoxia- and ferroptosis-related gene, promotes malignant behaviour of cervical cancer by ceRNA and super-enhancer.

Hypoxia and Ferroptosis are associated with the malignant behaviour of cervical cancer. Endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (EPAS1) contributes to the progression of cervical cancer. EPAS1 plays important roles in hypoxia and ferroptosis. Using the GEO dataset, machine-learning algorithms were used to screen for hypoxia- and ferroptosis-related genes (HFRGs) in cervical cancer. EPAS1 was identified as the hub gene. qPCR and WB were used to investigate the expression of EPAS1 in normal and cervical cancer tissues. The proliferation, invasion and migration of EPAS1 cells in HeLa and SiHa cell lines were detected using CCK8, transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. A dual-luciferase assay was used to analyse the MALAT1-miR-182-5P-EPAS1 mRNA axis and core promoter elements of the super-enhancer. EPAS1 was significantly overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues. EPAS1 could increase the proliferation, invasion, migration of HeLa and SiHa cells and reduce the apoptosis of HeLa and SiHa cell. According to the double-luciferase assay, EPAS1 expression was regulated by the MALAT1-Mir-182-5p-EPAS1 mRNA axis. EPAS1 is associated with super-enhancers. Double-luciferase assay showed that the core elements of the super-enhancer were E1 and E3. EPAS1, an HFRG, is significantly overexpressed in cervical cancer. EPAS1 promotes malignant behaviour of cervical cancer cells. EPAS1 expression is regulated by super-enhancers and the MALAT1-miR-182-5P- EPAS1 mRNA axis. EPAS1 may be a target for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Poststroke Dysphagia: A Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with stroke, poststroke dysphagia (PSD) is a common complication that plays an important role in morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of PSD using a systemic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for potentially eligible studies published until September 2023. Further, the pooled incidence and risk factors for PSD were determined using a random-effects model. Overall, 58 studies involving 37,404 patients with acute stroke were selected for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The pooled incidence of PSD in patients with acute stroke was 42% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36-48%), which is the highest in South America (47%) and lowest in Asia (37%). Notably, older age (odds ratio [OR]: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.53-2.97; p < 0.001), hypertension (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.06-1.44; p = 0.007), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.04-1.44; p = 0.014), stroke history (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04-1.53; p = 0.019), and atrial fibrillation (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.02-2.44; p = 0.039) were found to be associated with an increased risk of PSD. Conversely, sex differences, smoking, alcoholism, obesity, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, stroke type, and the hemisphere affected were not associated with the risk of PSD. CONCLUSION: The abstract reports the prevalence of PSD in patients with acute stroke and identified potential risk factors for PSD, including older age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke history, and atrial fibrillation.

The association of prealbumin, transferrin, and albumin with immunosenescence among elderly males.

OBJECTIVE: As people get older, the innate and acquired immunity of the elderly are affected, resulting in immunosenescence. Prealbumin (PAB), transferrin (TRF), and albumin (ALB) are commonly used markers to monitor protein energy malnutrition (PEM). However, their relationship with the immune system has not been fully explored. METHODS: In our study, a total of 93 subjects (≥65 years) were recruited from Tongji Hospital between January 2015 and February 2017. According to the serum levels of these proteins (PAB, TRF, and ALB), we divided the patients into the high serum protein group and the low serum protein group. Then, we compared the percent expression of lymphocyte subsets between two groups. RESULTS: All the low serum protein groups (PAB, TRF, and ALB) had significant decreases in the percentage of CD4+ cells, CD3+CD28+ cells, CD4+CD28+ cells and significant increases in the percentage of CD8+ cells, CD8+CD28- cells. PAB, TRF, and ALB levels revealed positive correlations with CD4/CD8 ratio, proportions of CD4+ cells, CD3+CD28+ cells, CD4+CD28+ cells, and negative correlation with proportions of CD8+ cells, CD8+CD28- cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested PAB, TRF, and ALB could be used as immunosenescence indicators. PEM might accelerate the process of immunosenescence in elderly males.

Temporal variations in absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s in pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) under open-field and greenhouse cultivation.

Elucidating the absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s by common vegetables across different growth environments and stages is crucial for conducting accurate environmental risk assessments and for associated control. This study investigated temporal variations in the absorption and translocation capacities of pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in polluted soils during the plant growth cycle under greenhouse and open-field cultivation modes. Results showed high root metal(loid) bioconcentration factors and root-to-shoot translocation factors for Cd (0.25 and 1.44, respectively) and Zn (0.26 and 1.01), but low values for As (0.06 and 0.88) and Pb (0.06 and 0.87). The Cd concentration in the aerial edible parts peaked during the early slow growth period, whereas other heavy metal(loid)s peaked during the later stable maturity period. Root bioconcentration and root-to-shoot translocation factors did not significantly differ between cultivation modes. However, greenhouse cultivation exhibited lower average Cd and Zn concentrations in the edible parts and cumulative uptake amounts of most metal(loid)s than open-field cultivation during the typical harvest period spanning days 60 and 90. Short-term transitioning from open-field to greenhouse cultivation may reduce health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) intake via pak choi consumption. These findings facilitate sustainable agricultural practices and food safety management.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate promotes wound healing response in diabetic mice by activating keratinocytes and promoting re-epithelialization.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that causes numerous complications including impaired wound healing and poses a significant challenge for the management of diabetic patients. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a natural polyphenol that exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative benefits in skin wounds, however, the direct effect of EGCG on epidermal keratinocytes, the primary cells required for re-epithelialization in wound healing remains unknown. Our study aims to examine the underlying mechanisms of EGCG's ability to promote re-epithelialization and wound healing in T2D-induced wounds. Murine models of wound healing in T2D were established via feeding high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD) and the creation of full-thickness wounds. Mice were administered daily with EGCG or vehicle to examine the wound healing response and underlying molecular mechanisms of EGCG's protective effects. Systemic administration of EGCG in T2D mice robustly accelerated the wound healing response following injury. EGCG induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and promoted cytokeratin 16 (K16) expression to activate epidermal keratinocytes and robustly promoted re-epithelialization of wounds in diabetic mice. Further, EGCG demonstrated high binding affinity with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), thereby inhibiting KEAP1-mediated degradation of NRF2. Our findings provide important evidence that EGCG accelerates the wound healing response in diabetic mice by activating epidermal keratinocytes, thereby promoting re-epithelialization of wounds via K16/NRF2/KEAP1 signaling axis. These mechanistic insights into the protective effects of EGCG further suggest its therapeutic potential as a promising drug for treating chronic wounds in T2D.

Efficient Cu2O Photocathodes for Aqueous Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction to Formate and Syngas.

Photoelectrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (PEC-CO2R) represents a promising approach for producing renewable fuels and chemicals using solar energy. However, attaining even modest solar-to-fuel (STF) conversion efficiency often necessitates the use of costly semiconductors and noble-metal catalysts. Herein, we present a Cu2O/Ga2O3/TiO2 photocathode modified with Sn/SnOx catalysts through a simple photoelectrodeposition method. It achieves a remarkable half-cell STF efficiency of ∼0.31% for the CO2R in aqueous KHCO3 electrolyte, under AM 1.5 G illumination. The system enables efficient production of syngas (FE: ∼62%, CO/H2 ≈ 1:2) and formate (FE: ∼38%) with a consistent selectivity over a wide potential range, from +0.34 to -0.16 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode. We ascribe the observed performance to the favorable optoelectronic characteristics of our Cu2O heterostructure and the efficient Sn/SnOx catalysts incorporated in the PEC-CO2R reactions. Through comprehensive experimental investigations, we elucidate the indispensable role of Cu2O buried p-n junctions in generating a high photovoltage (∼1 V) and enabling efficient bulk charge separation (up to ∼70% efficiency). Meanwhile, we discover that the deposited Sn/SnOx catalysts have critical dual effects on the overall performance of the PEC devices, serving as active CO2R catalysts as well as the semiconductor front contact. It could facilitate interfacial electron transfer between the catalysts and the semiconductor device for CO2R by establishing a barrier-free ohmic contact.

Piebaldism with café-au-lait macules resulting from a novel mutation of KIT gene in a three-generation Chinese family.

BACKGROUND: Piebaldism is a rare, autosomal dominant, and congenital pigmentary disorder characterized by stable depigmentation of the skin and white forelock. Mutations in KIT or SLUG genes result in piebaldism. Most individuals with piebaldism have a family history of the disorder. METHODS: In this paper, we report a case of piebaldism with café-au-lait macules resulting from a novel mutation of KIT gene c.1982C > T (p.Thr661Ile) in a three-generation Chinese family. The whole-exome sequencing, mitochondrial gene 3000X, and bioinformatics tools were used to identify the mutation in this new-found pedigree. In addition, we searched the databases of "Punmed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, CMJD, WANFANG MED ONLINE", reviewed 88 cases of piebaldism caused by KIT gene mutation, and summarized the relationship between clinical phenotype and genotype of piebaldism through logistic regression and other statistical methods. RESULTS: The proband and her affected mother carried a heterozygous c.1982C > T missense mutation (p.Thr661Ile) on KIT gene. Bioinformatics analysis hinted that it had potential pathogenicity. The data showed that piebaldism patients with cafè-au-lait macules had KIT mutations almost located in the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain and were mostly related to the severe clinical phenotype of piebaldism. CONCLUSION: The new heterozygous c.1982C > T missense mutation on KIT caused piebaldism with café-au-lait macules in this Chinese family. This study provides a new reference index for clinicians to judge the severity of clinical phenotypes of piebaldism, broadens the understanding of the correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes of piebaldism, and provides reference of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for affected families.

Variations in Rhizospheric and Endophytic Root Fungal Communities of Scrophularia ningpoensis in Different Producing Areas.

Few studies have examined the association of factors associated with soil fertility and composition with the structure of microbial communities in the rhizosphere and endosphere. Hence, this study aimed to explore the effects of geographical differences on fungal communities in the roots of Scrophularia ningpoensis and the relationship between the fungal communities and secondary metabolic components in the host plant. We found that there was greater diversity in the fungal communities of the rhizosphere compartment than in endosphere communities. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were dominant among the endosphere fungi, whereas Mortierellomycota was distributed in the rhizosphere. The composition of bulk soil obtained from different producing areas was significantly different, and the correlation between the rhizospheric and physicochemical compartments of the soil was higher than that observed with the endophytic compartment. Redundancy analysis and canonical correspondence analysis of the rhizospheric and endophytic samples revealed that the organic matter, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and Hg levels were adequately correlated with the composition of rhizospheric and endophytic fungal communities. Multiple linear regression analyses facilitated the identification of potentially beneficial fungi whose abundance was correlated with levels of secondary metabolites, such as harpagide and harpagoside. These fungi could potentially provide valuable information regarding the use of S. ningpoensis in the medicinal plant industry.

Exfoliated 2D Layered and Nonlayered Metal Phosphorous Trichalcogenides Nanosheets as Promising Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials catalysts provide an atomic-scale view on a fascinating arena for understanding the mechanism of electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (CO2 ECR). Here, we successfully exfoliated both layered and nonlayered ultra-thin metal phosphorous trichalcogenides (MPCh3 ) nanosheets via wet grinding exfoliation (WGE), and systematically investigated the mechanism of MPCh3 as catalysts for CO2 ECR. Unlike the layered CoPS3 and NiPS3 nanosheets, the active Sn atoms tend to be exposed on the surfaces of nonlayered SnPS3 nanosheets. Correspondingly, the nonlayered SnPS3 nanosheets exhibit clearly improved catalytic activity, showing formic acid selectivity up to 31.6 % with -7.51 mA cm-2 at -0.65 V vs. RHE. The enhanced catalytic performance can be attributed to the formation of HCOO* via the first proton-electron pair addition on the SnPS3 surface. These results provide a new avenue to understand the novel CO2 ECR mechanism of Sn-based and MPCh3 -based catalysts.

STAT3 regulates SRGN and promotes metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma through the FoxO1-miR-148a-5p-CREB1 axis.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which is marked by a distinct distribution, is a common subtype of epithelial carcinoma arising from the nasopharyngeal mucosal lining. SRGN acts as an important and poor prognostic factor of NPC through multiple different mechanisms. However, the biological role and mechanism of SRGN in NPC remain unknown. Expression levels of miR-148a-5p, CREB1, FoxO1, and SRGN in NPC tissues and cell lines were tested by qRT-PCR or/and Western blot. The impacts of miR-148a-5p, CREB1, FoxO1, and SRGN on NPC cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion were estimated in vitro by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell experiments, and in vivo by a xenograft tumor model. JASPAR analysis was used to predict the binding activity of Foxo1 (CREB1) with the miR-148a-5p (SRGN) promoter, and the interaction was validated by EMSA and ChIP assays. The miR-148a-5p-CREB1 interaction was validated by a dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assays. CREB1 and SRGN were increased while miR-148a-5p was decreased in NPC. Silencing of SRGN and CREB1, as well as miR-148a-5p overexpression, repressed NPC tumor progression in vitro and in vivo. CREB1 promoted SRGN expression in NPC by targeting the promoter area of SRGN. Silencing of FoxO1 facilitated NPC tumor progression, while silencing of STAT3 repressed NPC tumor progression. FoxO1 bound to and regulated miR-148a-5p in NPC, and miR-148a-5p targeted CREB1. Additionally, FoxO1 knockdown abolished the downregulation of CREB1 and SRGN induced by STAT3 silencing. Our results suggest that STAT3 regulates SRGN and promotes the growth and metastasis of NPC through the FoxO1-miR-148a-5p-CREB1 axis.

Identification of three novel B cell epitopes in ORF2 protein of the emerging goose astrovirus and their application.

The outbreak of goose gout disease caused by novel goose astrovirus type 1 (GAstV-1) has resulted in huge economic losses to the goose industry in China since 2017. However, little is known about the B cell epitopes in major antigen of GAstV-1 and the serological approach for detection of GAstV-1 is not available. In this study, three novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the ORF2 protein were first generated and designated as 3G6, 5H7, and 6C6, respectively. Epitope mapping revealed that mAb 3G6, 5H7, and 6C6 recognized 695AVRFEKGGHE704, 685EKALSAPQAG694, and 635DDDPLSDVTS644 in ORF2, respectively. Sequence alignments found that the three epitopes were highly conserved in GAstV-1 but not in other AAstV members. Moreover, a mAb-based sandwich ELISA for the detection of GAstV-1 was first developed using mAb 6C6. The sandwich ELISA only reacted with GAstV-1 but not with GAstV-2 and the other goose-associated viruses tested. The limit of the detection of the sandwich ELISA reaches 1.58 × 103 TCID50/mL of GAstV-1. Notably, mAb 6C6 could also efficiently react with the GAstV-1 in tissue frozen sections of the clinical infected goose through IFA. The mAbs generated in this study pave the way for further studying on the role of ORF2 in the infection and pathogenesis of GAstV, and the sandwich ELISA and the tissue frozen section-IFA approaches established here provide efficient and rapid serological diagnostic tools for detection of GAstV-1. KEY POINTS: • Three novel B cell epitopes were identified in ORF2 of GAstV-1. • mAb-based ELISA and IFA for detection of GAstV-1 were developed.

Quantification of SHR0302 in human plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and application to a pharmacokinetic study.

SHR0302, as a novel Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor 1, is used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in humans. A novel and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) has been developed and validated for determining the concentration of SHR0302 in human plasma. A precipitation deproteinization method was used for plasma pretreatment with methanol. Detection was carried out on an Agilent 1,260 UPLC coupled with a Triple Quad 4000 mass spectrometer operated in positive multiple reaction monitoring mode, and the analytes were separated on a Synergi Polar-RP C18 (50 × 2.0 mm, 4 µm, Phenomenex) analytical column with gradient elution of 0.1% formic acid, and 2 mmol/l ammonium acetate in water and 0.1% formic acid and 2 mmol/l ammonium acetate in methanol, The selected ion transitions were m/z 415.2 → 258.2 and m/z 398.2 → 258.2 for SHR0302 and SHR143181 (internal standard), respectively. A full validation, including selectivity, linearity, carryover, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, dilution integrity and stability, was carried out in human plasma. It was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in Chinese healthy subjects after oral administration of SHR0302 tablet.

Iron Porphyrin as a Cytochrome P450 Model for the Degradation of Dye.

Organic dyes are widely used in the textile, biological, medical and other fields. However, a serious environmental problem has appeared because of the presence of organic dyes in industrial aqueous effluents. Thus, the efficient treatment of organic dyes in industrial wastewaters is currently in real demand. The current study investigated the oxidative degradation of the organic dye gentian violet by meso-tetra(carboxyphenyl) porphyriniron(III), [FeIII(TCPP)] as a cytochrome P450 model and iodosylbenzene (PhIO) as an oxidant at room temperature. The degradation reaction was monitored by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy via the observation of UV-vis spectral changes of the gentian violet. The results showed that the efficiency of catalyzed degradation reached more than 90% in 1 h, indicating the remarkable oxidative degradation capacity of the [FeIII(TCPP)]/PhIO system, which provided an efficient approach for the treatment of dyeing wastewater.

Huoxin pill prevents acute myocardial ischaemia injury via inhibition of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and due to the widespread and irreversible damage caused, new therapeutic treatments are urgently needed in order to limit the degree of ischaemic damage following MI. Aberrant activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway often occurs during cardiovascular diseases including MI, which results in excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and further promotes myocardial dysfunction. Huoxin pill (HXP) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula that has been widely used in the treatment of coronary heart disease and angina; however, its mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we performed mouse models of MI and examined the effects and mechanisms of HXP in protecting against MI-induced ischaemic damage. Our study showed that administration with HXP robustly protected against MI-induced cardiac injuries, decreased infarct size and improved cardiac function. Moreover, HXP attenuated ischaemia-induced DNA damage occurrence in vivo and H2 O2 -induced DNA damage occurrence in vitro, via potent inhibition of adverse Wnt/ß-catenin signalling activation. Our study thus elucidated the role and mechanism of HXP in protecting against MI and oxidative stress-induced injuries and suggests new therapeutic strategies in ischaemic heart disease via inhibition of Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway.

LINC00641 contributes to nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell malignancy through FOXD1 upregulation at the post-transcriptional level.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common tumor in the head and neck and is prevalent in China, especially in the southern regions. Molecular mechanisms have attracted much attention in NPC research. FOXD1 has been reported to be a tumor promoter in various cancers. The present study was designed to explore the function of FOXD1 in NPC cells. Functional analyses, including the trypan blue staining assay, EdU and JC-1 assay, and flow cytometry analysis, revealed that FOXD1 facilitated NPC cell proliferation and inhibited NPC cell apoptosis. Next, by means of "starBase" database and mechanism analyses, such as RIP assay, RNA pull-down assay and luciferase reporter assay, miR-378a-3p was found to target FOXD1 and negatively regulate FOXD1 expression in NPC cells. Moreover, miR-378a-3p plays a suppressive role in NPC cells. LINC00641 was identified as a sponge of miR-378a-3p and positively modulated FOXD1 expression in NPC cells. Finally, a series of rescue assays indicated that LINC00641 accelerated NPC cell proliferation and hindered NPC cell apoptosis through FOXD1 upregulation. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated an innovative ceRNA mechanism of LINC00641/miR-378a-3p/FOXD1 in NPC cells, which might provide new insights into NPC treatment.

OASL Triggered by Novel Goose Astrovirus via ORF2 Restricts Its Replication.

Although astroviruses causes enteric diseases and encephalitis in humans and nephritis and hepatitis in poultry, astrovirus infection is thought to be self-limiting. However, little is known about its molecular mechanism. In this study, we found that a novel goose astrovirus (GAstV), GAstV-GD, and its open reading frame 2 (ORF2) could efficiently activate the innate immune response and induce a high level of OASL in vitro and in vivo The truncation assay for ORF2 further revealed that the P2 domain of ORF2 contributed to stimulating OASL, whereas the acidic C terminus of ORF2 attenuated such activation. Moreover, the overexpression and knockdown of OASL could efficiently restrict and promote the viral replication of GAstV-GD, respectively. Our data not only give novel insights for elucidating self-limiting infection by astrovirus but also provide virus and host targets for fighting against astroviruses.IMPORTANCE Astroviruses cause gastroenteritis and encephalitis in human, and nephritis, hepatitis, and gout disease in poultry. However, the host immune response activated by astrovirus is mostly unknown. Here, we found that a novel goose astrovirus, GAstV-GD, and its ORF2 protein could efficiently induce a high level of OASL in vitro and in vivo, which could feed back to restrict the replication of GAstV-GD, revealing novel innate molecules triggered by astroviruses and highlighting that the ORF2 of GAstV-GD and OASL can be potential antiviral targets for astroviruses.