Boosting CO2 photoreduction by π-π-induced preassembly between a Cu(I) sensitizer and a pyrene-appended Co(II) catalyst.

The design of a highly efficient system for CO2 photoreduction fully based on earth-abundant elements presents a challenge, which may be overcome by installing suitable interactions between photosensitizer and catalyst to expedite the intermolecular electron transfer. Herein, we have designed a pyrene-decorated Cu(I) complex with a rare dual emission behavior, aiming at additional π-interaction with a pyrene-appended Co(II) catalyst for visible light-driven CO2-to-CO conversion. The results of 1H NMR titration, time-resolved fluorescence/absorption spectroscopies, quantum chemical simulations, and photocatalytic experiments clearly demonstrate that the dynamic π-π interaction between sensitizer and catalyst is highly advantageous in photocatalysis by accelerating the intermolecular electron transfer rate up to 6.9 × 105 s-1, thus achieving a notable apparent quantum yield of 19% at 425 nm with near-unity selectivity. While comparable to most earth-abundant molecular systems, this value is over three times of the pyrene-free system (6.0%) and far surpassing the benchmarking Ru(II) tris(bipyridine) (0.3%) and Ir(III) tris(2-phenylpyridine) (1.4%) photosensitizers under parallel conditions.

The experiences and perceptions of employers on cancer survivors returning to work: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

PURPOSE: Employers play an important role in the return-to-work (RTW) of cancer survivors (CSs), and recently a substantial number of qualitative studies from the employers' perspective have emerged. This meta-synthesis aims to systematically review these qualitative studies regarding employers' experiences with CSs' RTW. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2024 to identify the studies. Three researchers conducted quality assessment of included. Subsequent, we performed thematic integration of the included studies with the NVivo 11 software. RESULTS: Thirteen qualitative studies were included, and 16 topics were finally extracted and summarized into seven categories to form three integrated themes: employers' perspective on facilitators and obstacles for CSs' RTW, employers' response including negative emotion and positive behavior, and employers' need resources from different aspects. CONCLUSION: CSs' RTW is influenced by many factors; the support employers need is also extensive and complex. Employers need more support beyond healthcare.

Mn-Co-Ce/biochar based particles electrodes for removal of COD from coking wastewater by 3D/HEFL system: Characteristics, optimization, and mechanism.

In this work, the Mn, Co, Ce co-doped corn cob biochar (MCCBC) as catalytic particle electrodes in a three-dimensional heterogeneous electro-Fenton-like (3D-HEFL) system for the efficient degradation of coking wastewater was investigated. Various characterization methods such as SEM, EDS, XRD, XPS and electrochemical analysis were employed for the prepared materials. The results showed that the MCCBC particle electrodes had excellent electrochemical degradation performances of COD in coking wastewater, and the COD removal and degradation rates of the 3D/HEFL system were 85.35% and 0.0563 min-1 respectively. RSM optimized conditions revealed higher COD removal rate at 89.23% after 31.6 min of electrolysis. The efficient degradability and wide adaptability of the 3D/HEFL system were due to its beneficial coupling mechanism, including the synergistic effect between the system factors (3D and HEFL) as well as the synergistic interactions between the ROS (dominated by •OH and supplemented by O2•-) in the system. Moreover, the COD removal rate of MCCBC could still remain at 81.41% after 5 cycles with a lower ion leaching and a specific energy consumption of 11.28 kWh kg-1 COD. The superior performance of MCCBC, as catalytic particle electrodes showed a great potential for engineering applications for the advanced treatment of coking wastewater.

Treatment of chromium-containing sludge using sintering and ironmaking combined technology: A risk-reducing strategy for environmental impact.

The efficient, safe and eco-friendly disposal of the chromium-containing sludge (CCS) has attracted an increasing concern. In this study, Co-processing of CCS was developed via employing sintering and ironmaking combined technology for its harmless disposal and resource utilization. Crystalline phase and valence state transformation of chromium (Cr), technical feasibility assessment, leaching risk, characteristics of sintered products, and pollutant release during CCS co-processing were investigated through a series of laboratory-scale sintering pot experiments and large scale industrial trials. The results showed that the content of Cr(VI) in sintered products first increased then decreased with increasing temperature ranges of 300 °C-800 °C, and reached a maximum of 2189.64 mg/kg at 500 °C. 99.99% of Cr(VI) can be reduced to Cr(III) at above 1000 °C, which was attributed to the transformation of the Cr(VI)-containing crystalline phases (such as, MgCrO4 and CaCrO4) to the (Mg, Fe2+)(Cr, Al, Fe3+)2O4. The industrial trial results showed that adding 0.5 wt‰ CCS to sintering feed did not have adverse effects on the properties of the sintered ore and the plant's operating stability. The tumbler index of sinter was above 78% and the leaching concentrations of TCr (0.069 mg/L) was significantly lower than the Chinese National Standard of 1.0 mg/L (GB5085.3-2007). The TCr contents of sintering dust and blast furnace gas (BFG) scrubbing water were less than 0.19 wt‰ and 0.11 mg/L, respectively, which was far below the regulatory limit (1.5 mg/L, GB13456-2012). The mass balance evaluation results indicated that at least 89.9% of the Cr in the CCS migrated into the molten iron in the blast furnace (BF), which became a useful supplement to the molten iron. This study provided a new perspective strategy for the safe disposal and resource utilization of CCS in iron and steel industry.

The prognostic role of coagulation markers in the progression and metastasis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The application of coagulation-related markers in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC) remains unclear. This study explored the prognostic role of coagulation markers in the progression and metastasis of LSCC. METHODS: Coagulation markers of patients with LSCC receiving surgery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University in China, from January 2013 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and compared with those of contemporary patients with benign laryngeal diseases. The relationship between clinicopathological features of LSCC and coagulation markers was analyzed with the chi-square and rank sum tests. The ROC curve analysis was utilized to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of seven coagulation markers for LSCC and its different clinicopathological features, and to find the optimal cutoff value of each coagulation marker. RESULTS: 303 patients with LSCC and 533 patients with benign laryngeal diseases were included in the present analysis. Compared to the control group, prothrombin time (PT) (p < 0.001), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (p = 0.001), and Fib (p < 0.001) in patients with LSCC were significantly higher, while mean platelet volume (MPV) (p < 0.001) was significantly shorter. Significant increases were detected in PT (Z = 14.342, p = 0.002), Fib (Z = 25.985, p < 0.001), platelet count (PC) (Z = 12.768, p = 0.005), PCT (Z = 9.178, p = 0.027), MPV (F = 2.948, p = 0.033) in T4 stage. Fib had the highest prognostic value among the seven coagulation markers in different T stages (AUC = 0.676, p < 0.001), N stages (AUC = 0.717, p < 0.001), tumor stage (AUC = 0.665, p < 0.001), differentiation degree (AUC = 0.579, p = 0.022), and neurovascular invasion (AUC = 0.651, p = 0.007). Fib (Z = 25.832, p < 0.001), PC (Z = 23.842, p < 0.001), and PCT (Z = 20.15, p < 0.001) in N1 and N3 stages were significantly higher than in N0 stage. PT (Z = 12.174, p = 0.007), Fib (Z = 23.873, p < 0.001), PC (Z = 17.785, p < 0.001), and PCT (Z = 14.693, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in stage IV than in stage I and II. APTT (Z=-1.983, p = 0.047), Fib (Z=-2.68, p = 0.007), PC (Z=-2.723, p = 0.006), and PCT (Z=-2.592, p = 0.01) increased significantly when the tumor invaded neurovascular tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Coagulation markers have the potential to act as biomarkers for predicting pathological features of LSCC. The high level of Fib was helpful for the diagnosis of LSCC and the detection of advanced LSCC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Correlation between preoperative peripheral blood NLR, PLR, LMR and prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Markers that can be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain undefined. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with HNSCC who underwent surgery-based treatment for the first time. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients HNSCC who underwent surgery-based treatment at our institution between January 2018 and December 2020. Specificity and sensitivity were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the critical value was determined. Patients were divided into low and high groups according to NLR, PLR, and LMR the critical value. Log-rank and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the associations between preoperative NLR, PLR, LMR, and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 304 patients with HNSCC were included, of whom 190 (62.5%) and 114 (37.5%), 203 (66.8%) and 101 (33.2%), 98 (32.2%), and 206 (67.8%) cases were classified as low NLR and high NLR groups, low PLR and high PLR groups, and low LMR and high LMR groups, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (NEU), platelet count (PLT), NLR, pathologic N stage (pN stage), TNM stage and postoperative complications were significantly associated with OS (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that NEU, NLR, TNM stage and postoperative complications were independent negative prognostic factors for HNSCC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative NLR is an independent negative prognostic factor for HNSCC. Patients with an increased NLR may have a poor OS.

Adsorption Performance of Methylene Blue by KOH/FeCl3 Modified Biochar/Alginate Composite Beads Derived from Agricultural Waste.

In this study, high-performance modified biochar/alginate composite bead (MCB/ALG) adsorbents were prepared from recycled agricultural waste corncobs by a high-temperature pyrolysis and KOH/FeCl3 activation process. The prepared MCB/ALG beads were tested for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye from wastewater. A variety of analytical methods, such as SEM, BET, FTIR and XRD, were used to investigate the structure and properties of the as-prepared adsorbents. The effects of solution pH, time, initial MB concentration and adsorption temperature on the adsorption performance of MCB/ALG beads were discussed in detail. The results showed that the adsorption equilibrium of MB dye was consistent with the Langmuir isothermal model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity of MCB/ALG-1 could reach 1373.49 mg/g at 303 K. The thermodynamic studies implied endothermic and spontaneous properties of the adsorption system. This high adsorption performance of MCB/ALG was mainly attributed to pore filling, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. The regeneration experiments showed that the removal rate of MB could still reach 85% even after five cycles of experiments, indicating that MCB/ALG had good reusability and stability. These results suggested that a win-win strategy of applying agricultural waste to water remediation was feasible.

Effective Removal of Fe (III) from Strongly Acidic Wastewater by Pyridine-Modified Chitosan: Synthesis, Efficiency, and Mechanism.

A novel pyridine-modified chitosan (PYCS) adsorbent was prepared in a multistep procedure including the successive grafting of 2-(chloromethyl) pyridine hydrochloride and crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. Then, the as-prepared materials were used as adsorbents for the removal of metal ions from acidic wastewater. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to study the impact of various factors such as solution pH value, contact time, temperature, and Fe (III) concentration. The results showed that the absorbent exhibited a high capacity of Fe (III) and the maximum adsorption capacity was up to 66.20 mg/g under optimal experimental conditions (the adsorption time = 12 h, pH = 2.5, and T = 303 K). Adsorption kinetics and isotherm data were accurately described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Sips model, respectively. Thermodynamic studies confirmed that the adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process. Moreover, the adsorption mechanism was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed the pyridine group forms a stable chelate with iron (III) ions. Therefore, this acid-resistant adsorbent exhibited excellent adsorption performance for heavy metal ions from acidic wastewater compared to the conventional adsorbents, helping realize direct decontamination and secondary utilization.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics and genetic variants in two children with Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy autosomal recessive 9 FKRP-related].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between clinical manifestations of Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy autosomal recessive 9 FKRP-related (R9 FKRP-related) and variants of the FKRP gene. METHODS: Two children who had presented at the Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University respectively due to increased serum myocardial zymogram and hepatic dysfunction on September 30, 2018 and August 3, 2018 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the children were collected. Both children were suspected for Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy for asymptomatic high creatine kinase (CK) levels. Peripheral blood samples of the children and their parents were collected for whole exome sequencing, and candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Genetic testing revealed that both children have carried compound heterozygous variants of the FKRP gene. The c.545A>G and c.941C>T variants in child 1 have been reported previously, among which the c.545A>G is a hot spot mutation in the Chinese population. Child 2 has carried c.602T>C and c.961G>A variants, both of which were unreported previously. CONCLUSION: Both children have met the diagnostic criteria for LGMD R9 FKRP-related. Carriers of the c.545A>G variant may present milder symptoms. Compared with patients carrying null variants, carriers of compound heterozygous missense variants may present with a milder phenotype, manifesting as asymptomatic high CK level.

Local iron deficiency in the substantia nigra directly contributes to hyperlocomotion phenotypes.

Brain iron is precisely regulated, and disrupted brain iron homeostasis is implicated in neuropsychological disease. Mounting evidence connects the iron status of the substantia nigra (SN) with locomotion-related neural symptomatology. Researchers in this field have long speculated that iron deficiency in the SN directly causes the high-locomotion symptoms observed in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, no direct experimental evidence of a causal relationship has been presented. To explore the relationship between iron deficiency in the SN and locomotion-related phenotypes, we stereotaxically injected the well-documented iron chelator, deferiprone (DFP) into the SN of mice to induce regional brain iron deprivation and subsequently performed behavioral tests. Altered expression of iron metabolism-related molecules was detected in the brain regions with interventions, and behavioral changes were observed. Targeted iron chelation effectively decreased the local iron content of the SN. Among the brain regions examined, only DFP injected into the SN resulted in the hyperlocomotion phenotype. Upon SN iron chelation, transferrin receptor (Tfr) expression was found to be upregulated. Conversely, viral vector-mediated SN-Tfr knockdown was sufficient to induce SN iron deficiency and mimic the hyperlocomotion phenotype. All locomotion changes had a significant negative correlation with iron alteration in the SN. Furthermore, SN iron disturbance also contributed to poor sleep efficiency. Thus, SN iron deficiency directly contributed to triggering both hyperlocomotion and sleep disturbances. This study offers a promising research and therapeutic direction for iron-linked neuropsychiatric diseases.

Antibacterial Efficacy and Mechanisms of Curcumin-Based Photodynamic Treatment against Staphylococcus aureus and Its Application in Juices.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Treatment (aPDT) is a non-thermal sterilization technology, which can inactivate common foodborne pathogens. In the present study, photodynamic inactivation on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with different concentrations of curcumin and light dose was evaluated and the mechanisms were also investigated. The results showed that curcumin-based aPDT could inactivate S. aureus cells by 6.9 log CFU/mL in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Moreover, the modified Gompertz model presented a good fit at the inactivation data of S. aureus. Photodynamic treatment caused cell membrane damage as revealed by analyzing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Leakage of intracellular constituents further indicated that cell membrane permeability was changed. Flow cytometry with double staining demonstrated that cell membrane integrity and the activity of nonspecific esterase were destroyed. Compared with the control group, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels caused by photodynamic treatment significantly increased. Furthermore, curcumin-based aPDT reduced S. aureus by 5 log CFU/mL in juices. The color of the juices was also tested using a Chromatic meter, and it was found that b* values were the most markedly influenced by photodynamic treatment. Overall, curcumin-based aPDT had strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus. This approach has the potential to remove foodborne pathogens from liquid food.

Polymer Ligand-Sensitized Lanthanide Metal-Organic Frameworks for an On-Site Analysis of a Radionuclide.

Herein, a new strategy to increase the sensitivity of a lanthanide metal-organic framework (Ln-MOF) to UO22+ was proposed by using polymeric ligands. By utilizing [Tb(1,3,5-benzenetrisbenzoate)]n (Tb-TBT) MOF as the host, preloaded 2-vinyl terephthalic acid (VTP) was polymerized in situ, which produced a novel fluorescent composite denoted as PVTP⊂Tb-TBT. Benefiting from the coordination of PVTP to the Tb nodes, the polymeric chains performed both as molecular scaffolds that improved the water stability of the framework and as additional antennae that sensitized the photoluminescence of the Tb nodes. More importantly, the detection sensitivity and selectivity of PVTP⊂Tb-TBT to UO22+ were much improved compared to those of Tb-TBT. Detailed characterizations indicated that the incorporation of PVTP efficiently enriched UO22+ in the probe, which promoted the energy dissipation to UO22+. Besides, UO22+ was also supposed to release PVTP from PVTP⊂Tb-TBT and, thus, exposed the open metal sites to water molecules, which interrupted the sensitization effect of PVTP and induced a nonradiative energy dissipation. A limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.75 nm was recorded by suspending the PVTP⊂Tb-TBT probe in a water sample, far below the limit in drinking water set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (130 nm). Furthermore, a remotely controlled sampling and an on-site analysis of real water samples were realized by facilely loading PVTP⊂Tb-TBT on thin films (TFs). The LOD for UO22+ was 2.5 nm by using the TFs. This study reports a new strategy for boosting the sensitivity and selectivity of Ln-MOF to monitor UO22+ and expands the application of the strategy to an on-site analysis.

Influence of drought stress on pistil physiology and reproductive success of two Gossypium hirsutum cultivars differing in drought tolerance.

The causes of reproductive failure under drought stress (DS) are poorly understood. We hypothesized that reproductive failure was related to drought-induced changes in pistil biochemistry. To address this hypothesis, a water deficit-induced experiment was conducted with two cotton cultivars (Dexiamian 1, drought tolerant; Yuzaomian 9110, drought sensitive). Results showed that DS decreased the photosynthesis of subtending leaf and downregulated sucrose transporter gene (GhSUT-1) expression in pistil for both cultivars, resulting in lower pistil carbon accumulation which was reflected in the decreased starch accumulation. Lower starch, as potential energy, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as direct energy, in droughted pistils suggested less energy for pollen tube entrance into ovules, reducing the fertilized ovule number and fertilization efficiency. Further, although pistil peroxidase activity increased under DS, a higher hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) level still was measured in droughted pistils than well-watered pistils, damaging reproductive activities. Moreover, larger decreases in photosynthesis, pistil GhSUT-1 expression, carbon accumulation, starch and ATP contents caused by DS for Yuzaomian 9110 than Dexiamian 1, and different responses of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and ascorbic acid and H2 O2 contents to DS between the two cultivars might be the reasons causing a greater decrease in fertilization efficiency for Yuzaomian 9110 than Dexiamian 1 under DS. Thus, we suggest that decreased ovule fertilization under DS was related to the disorganized carbohydrate metabolism and inefficient antioxidant defense in droughted pistils, and the effects of DS on pistil carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant defense were more significant for drought-sensitive cultivars than drought-tolerant cultivars.

Drought-induced disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism in anthers and male abortion of two Gossypium hirsutum cultivars differing in drought tolerance.

KEY MESSAGE: Cotton pollen abortion, under drought stress, was closely associated with changes in anther carbohydrate metabolism, and pollen abortion rate due to drought was higher in drought-sensitive cultivars than drought-tolerant cultivars. Cotton reproductive failure under drought stress is intrinsically connected with altered male fertility, however, studies investigating the effect of drought stress on cotton male fertility are nonexistent. Thus, a drought stress experiment was conducted with two cotton cultivars, differing in drought tolerance, to study pollen fertility and anthers' physiology. Results indicated that drought stress reduced pollen fertility of both cultivars due to decreases in anther starch and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Lower assimilate supply capacity in conjunction with impaired activities of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and soluble starch synthase were the main reasons for the decreased starch levels in drought-stressed anthers. The decreased activities of sucrose synthetase and acid invertase were responsible for the higher sucrose level in drought-stressed anthers than well-watered anthers and the changing trend of sucrose was intensified by the decreased expressions of sucrose synthase genes (GhSusA, GhSusB, GhSusD) and acid invertase genes (GhINV1, GhINV2). However, despite sucrose degradation being limited in drought-stressed anthers, glucose level was higher in droughted anthers than well-watered ones, and that might be attributed to the down-regulated respiration since decreased anther ATP levels were detected in drought-stressed plants. Furthermore, compared to the drought-tolerant cultivar, pollen fertility was more suppressed by drought stress for the drought-sensitive cultivar, and that was attributed to the larger decrease in starch and ATP contents.

Down-regulation of PKM2 decreases FASN expression in bladder cancer cells through AKT/mTOR/SREBP-1c axis.

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) catalyzing the terminal steps in the de novo biogenesis of fatty acids is correlated with low survival and high disease recurrence in patients with bladder cancer. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) regulates the final step of glycolysis levels and provides a growth advantage to tumors. However, it is unclear whether the change of PKM2 has an effect on FASN and what is the mechanisms underlying. Here we describe a novel function of PKM2 in control of lipid metabolism by mediating transcriptional activation of FASN, showing the reduced expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). We first discovered that PKM2 physically interacts with the SREBP-1c using biochemical approaches, and downregulation of PKM2 reduced the expression of SREBP-1c by inactivating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which in turn directly suppressed the transcription of major lipogenic genes FASN to reduce tumor growths. Furthermore, either PKM2 inhibitor-Shikonin or FASN inhibitor-TVB-3166 alone induced a strong antiproliferative and anticolony forming effect in bladder cancer cell line. The combination of both inhibitors exhibits a super synergistic effect on blocking the bladder cancer cells growth. It provides a new target and scientific basis for the treatment of bladder cancer.

Aerobic exercise-induced inhibition of PKCα/CaV1.2 pathway enhances the vasodilation of mesenteric arteries in hypertension.

Regular exercise is regarded as a nonpharmacological therapy for controlling hypertension by improving the function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The underlying mechanism is unclear. L-type-voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (CaV1.2) on the plasma membrane and PKCα of VSMCs are pivotal modulators of vascular tone. PKCα is hyperactivated and concentrated at the surface membrane during hypertension. This study investigated the effects of aerobic exercise on the PKCα and CaV1.2 in mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). SHRs and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were randomly assigned into sedentary groups (SHR-SED and WKY-SED) and exercise training groups (SHR-EX and WKY-EX). Exercise groups were performed a 12-week moderate-intensity (18-20 m/min) treadmill training. Mesenteric arterial mechanical and functional properties were evaluated. Exercise reduced body weight and systolic blood pressure in both SHR-EX and WKY-EX. PDBu (PKC activator) and BayK 8644 (CaV1.2 agonist) elicited vasoconstriction, while Gö6976 (PKCα inhibitor) and nifedipine (CaV1.2 blocker) induced vasodilation of the vessel rings. In SHRs, exercise normalized the increased vascular sensitivity to these activators and inhibitors. Nifedipine greatly suppressed PDBu-induced vasoconstriction. Upon incubation with Gö6976, the effects of both PDBu and nifedipine were markedly suppressed. In patch-clamp studies, PDBu increased and Gö6976 decreased the CaV1.2 current density. Exercise ameliorated the responses of both PDBu and Gö6976 in SHRs. Immunofluorescence staining suggested that exercise training alleviated the hypertension-induced increase of colocalization rate of PKCα and CaV1.2 α1C subunit in VSMCs. These data indicate that hypertension enhanced PKCα/CaV1.2 pathway-induced constriction of mesenteric arteries, and this pathological enhancement is inhibited by aerobic exercise training.

Caspase/AIF/apoptosis pathway: a new target of puerarin for diabetes mellitus therapy.

Pancreatic ß cell damage is one of the crucial factors responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies have suggested that puerarin (PR) could regulate the activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex in diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, whether PR can inhibit pancreatic ß-cell apoptosis in T2DM remains to be elucidated. In the present study, T2DM mice induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) injection were used as a working model to investigate the mechanism of PR on pancreatic ß cell apoptosis. The results showed that PR decreased the serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels but significantly increased the fasting blood insulin (FINS) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Furthermore, decreased caspase-3, 8, 9 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) proteins in the pancreas were detected by Western blot analysis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining demonstrated that the pancreatic ß cell apoptosis was inhibited by PR. Furthermore, PR improved the histopathological changes in pancreatic tissue in T2DM mice. Collectively, the data show that PR can protect the ß cells from apoptotic death in a mouse model of T2DM through regulating the expression of apoptosis-related protein-AIF and caspase family proteins.

MATERNAL THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE LEVEL IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER AND SEX RATIO AT BIRTH.

Objective: Few studies have explored the influence of thyroid status on sex ratio at birth, and conclusions are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level in first trimester and sex ratio at birth. Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort study performed at a tertiary care center. From March 2014 to February 2017, a total of 4,822 women who had thyroid function testing during the first trimester were included. Study population was divided into five groups according to quintile of TSH level (≤0.60 mIU/L; 0.61 to 1.02 mIU/L; 1.03 to 1.44 mIU/L; 1.45 to 2.13 mIU/L; and ≥2.14 mIU/L). Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the percentage of male infants across the quintiles, with the lowest quintile as the reference category. Results: Median level of TSH was 1.27 mIU/L in women who delivered a boy, which was significantly higher than that in women who delivered a girl (1.15 mIU/L). After adjusting for age, gravidity, and parity, multivariate logistic analysis found that women in quintiles 3, 4, and 5 all showed significantly higher ORs for delivering a boy than those in quintile 1. In addition, after adjusting for age, gravidity, and parity, serum TSH was significantly associated with likelihood of having a boy (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.13). Conclusion: Maternal TSH level in the first trimester is positively associated with the probability of delivering a male newborn. Abbreviations: CI = confidence interval; FT3 = free triiodothyronine; FT4 = free thyroxine; OR = odd ratio; SRB = sex ratio at birth; TBG = thyroxin-binding globulin; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Resident intestinal eosinophils constitutively express antigen presentation markers and include two phenotypically distinct subsets of eosinophils.

Intestinal eosinophils are implicated in homeostatic and disease-associated processes, yet the phenotype of intestinal tissue-dwelling eosinophils is poorly defined and their roles in intestinal health or disease remain enigmatic. Here we probed the phenotype and localization of eosinophils constitutively homed to the small intestine of naive mice at baseline, and of antigen-sensitized mice following intestinal challenge. Eosinophils homed to the intestinal lamina propria of naive mice were phenotypically distinguished from autologous blood eosinophils, and constitutively expressed antigen-presenting cell markers, suggesting that intestinal eosinophils, unlike blood eosinophils, may be primed for antigen presentation. We further identified a previously unrecognized resident population of CD11chi eosinophils that are recovered with intraepithelial leucocytes, and that are phenotypically distinct from both lamina propria and blood eosinophils. To better visualize intestinal eosinophils in situ, we generated eosinophil reporter mice wherein green fluorescent protein expression is targeted to both granule-delimiting and plasma membranes. Analyses of deconvolved fluorescent z-section image stacks of intestinal tissue sections from eosinophil reporter mice revealed eosinophils within intestinal villi exhibited dendritic morphologies with cellular extensions that often contacted the basement membrane. Using an in vivo model of antigen acquisition in antigen-sensitized mice, we demonstrate that both lamina propria-associated and intraepithelium-associated eosinophils encounter, and are competent to acquire, lumen-derived antigen. Taken together these data provide new foundational insights into the organization and functional potential of intestinal tissue-dwelling eosinophils, including the recognition of different subsets of resident intestinal eosinophils, and constitutive expression of antigen-presenting cell markers.

Characteristic component profiling and identification of different Uncaria species based on high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection tandem ion trap and time of flight mass spectrometry coupled with rDNA ITS sequence.

Uncaria is a multi-source herb and its species identification has become a bottleneck in quality control. To study the identification method of different Uncaria species herbs through HPLC-MS coupled with rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (rDNA ITS) sequence, both plant morphological traits and molecular identification were used to determine the species of every collected Uncaria herb. The genetic analysis of different Uncaria species was performed using their rDNA ITS sequence as a molecular marker. Meanwhile, the phylogenetic relationships of 22 samples from six Uncaria species were divided and classified clearly. By optimizing the chromatographic conditions, a practical HPLC method to differentiate various varieties of Uncaria herbs was set up based on a set of characteristic components across each species. A high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector tandem ion trap and time of flight mass spectrometry technique combined with reference substances was utilized to derive 21 characteristic compounds containing six groups of six Uncaria species in China. Thus, this study provides a feasible method to solve the current problem of confusion in Uncaria species, and makes a significant step forward in the appropriate clinical use, in-depth research and further utilization of different Uncaria species.