Effects of antiretroviral therapy on glycemic and inflammatory indices in people living with HIV (PLWH).

BACKGROUND: This study explores the relationship between different ART therapy based on NRTIs, and inflammatory markers, along with fasting blood glucose levels in treatment-naïve people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the variations in fasting blood glucose and inflammatory markers and their relationship with different ART regimens in 497 treatment-naïve PLWH at the ART clinic of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from June 2018 to March 2022. RESULTS: From baseline to 24 months, fasting blood glucose, systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in PLWH receiving ART increased, while neutrophillymphocyte ratio (NLR) decreased (p < .05). In the NNRTIs group, fasting blood glucose, SII, PIV and LMR were higher than before (p < .05). In the INSTIs group, fasting blood glucose and LMR increased (p < .05), while NLR was lower (p < .05). Compared to the INSTIs, fasting blood glucose in the NNRTIs group was higher at 12 and 24 months (p < .05). At 24 months, both NLR and SII were higher in the NNRTIs group than in the INSTIs group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the virus suppression, fasting blood glucose and certain inflammatory markers in PLWH can gradually increase. Compared to NNRTIs, the INSTIs regimen was associated with favorable alterations in the levels of glucose and inflammatory markers.

The role of actin cytoskeleton CFL1 and ADF/cofilin superfamily in inflammatory response.

Actin remodeling proteins are important in immune diseases and regulate cell cytoskeletal responses. These responses play a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance of biological events, protecting against acute or chronic inflammation in a range of diseases. Cofilin (CFL) and actin depolymerization factor (ADF) are potent actin-binding proteins that cut and depolymerize actin filaments to generate actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Although the molecular mechanism by which actin induces actin cytoskeletal reconstitution has been studied for decades, the regulation of actin in the inflammatory process has only recently become apparent. In this paper, the functions of the actin cytoskeleton and ADF/cofilin superfamily members are briefly introduced, and then focus on the role of CFL1 in inflammatory response.

Association between the pan-immune-inflammation value and coronary collateral circulation in chronic total coronary occlusive patients.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and immunity play important roles in the formation of coronary collateral circulation (CCC). The pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) is a novel marker for evaluating systemic inflammation and immunity. The study aimed to investigate the association between the PIV and CCC formation in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO). METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 1150 patients who were diagnosed with CTO through coronary angiographic (CAG) examinations from January 2013 to December 2021 in China. The Cohen-Rentrop criteria were used to catagorize CCC formation: good CCC formation (Rentrop grade 2-3) and poor CCC formation group (Rentrop grade 0-1). Based on the tertiles of the PIV, all patients were classified into three groups as follows: P1 group, PIV ≤ 237.56; P2 group, 237.56< PIV ≤ 575.18; and P3 group, PIV > 575.18. RESULTS: A significant relationship between the PIV and the formation of CCC was observed in our study. Utilizing multivariate logistic regression and adjusting for confounding factors, the PIV emerged as an independent risk factor for poor CCC formation. Notably, the restricted cubic splines revealed a dose-response relationship between the PIV and risk of poor CCC formation. In terms of predictive accuracy, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for PIV in anticipating poor CCC formation was 0.618 (95% CI: 0.584-0.651, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination index (IDI) for PIV, concerning the prediction of poor CCC formation, were found to be 0.272 (95% CI: 0.142-0.352, P < 0.001) and 0.051 (95% CI: 0.037-0.065, P < 0.001), respectively. It's noteworthy that both the NRI and IDI values were higher for PIV compared to other inflammatory biomarkers, suggesting its superiority in predictive capacity. CONCLUSIONS: PIV was associated with the formation of CCC. Notably, PIV exhibited potential as a predictor for poor CCC formation and showcased superior predictive performance compared to other complete blood count-based inflammatory biomarkers.

Pyroptosis and its role in autoimmune skin disease.

Autoimmune skin disease is a kind of heterogeneous disease with complicated pathogenesis. Many factors such as genetic, infectious, environmental and even psychological factors may interact together to trigger a synergistic effect for the development of abnormal innate and adaptive immune responses. Although the exact mechanisms remain unclear, recent evidence suggests that pyroptosis plays a pivotal role in the development of autoimmune skin disease. The feature of pyroptosis is the first formation of pores in cellular membranes, then cell rupture and the release of intracellular substances and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and IL-18. This hyperactive inflammatory programmed cell death damages the homeostasis of the immune system and advances autoimmunity. This review briefly summarises the molecular regulatory mechanisms of pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and gasdermin family, as well as the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, highlights the latest progress of pyroptosis in autoimmune skin disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and systemic scleroderma and attempts to identify its potential advantages as a therapeutic target or prognostic biomarker for these diseases.

Molecular mechanisms and drug therapy of metabolism disorders in psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a prevalent skin disease affecting approximately 1%-3% of the population and imposes significant medical, social and economic burdens. Psoriasis involves multiple organs and is often complicated with obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Because of the benefits of lipid-lowering agents and antidiabetic medications for psoriasis, metabolic abnormalities possibly play a pathogenic role in psoriasis.This review focuses on the impacts of a variety of metabolic disorders on psoriasis and the underlying mechanisms.In psoriasis, enhanced glycolysis, glutamine metabolism and altered fatty acid composition in the psoriatic lesion and plasma result in the excessive proliferation of keratinocytes and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Altered metabolism is associated with the activation of MTORC signaling pathway and transcription factors such as HIF and S6K1. Therefore, MTORC1 can be a target for the treatment of psoriasis. Additionally, there are diabetes drugs and lipid-lowering drugs including TZDs, GLP-1 RAs, Metformin, statins and fibrates, which improve both metabolic levels and psoriasis symptoms.

Downregulation of Ebp1Khib210 promotes keratinocyte proliferation through induction of TIF-IA-mediated rRNA synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by excessive proliferation of keratinocytes. Protein lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) is a newly identified post-translational modification that regulates various biological processes. Abnormal Khib modification has been closely associated with the development of autoimmune diseases. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the abnormal Khib profile and its pathogenic role in psoriasis. METHODS: We utilized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to analyze Khib-modified proteins in the epidermis of psoriasis and healthy controls. Mutated cells and mice with downregulated Ebp1Khib210 were generated to investigate its functional effects in psoriasis. RESULTS: The omic analysis revealed dysregulation of Khib modification in psoriatic lesions, exhibiting a distinct profile compared to controls. We observed the downregulation of Ebp1Khib210 in psoriatic lesions and IMQ-induced psoriatic mice. Notably, the expression of Ebp1Khib210 was upregulated in psoriatic patients following effective treatment. Decreased Ebp1Khib210 enhanced keratinocyte viability, proliferation, and survival while inhibiting apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, Pa2g4K210A mice with downregulated Ebp1Khib210 exhibited more severe psoriatic lesions and enhanced keratinocyte proliferation. Moreover, we found that Ebp1K210A mutation increased the interaction between Ebp1 and nuclear Akt, thereby inhibiting MDM2-mediated TIF-IA ubiquitination, and resulting to increased rRNA synthesis and keratinocyte proliferation. The downregulation of Ebp1Khib210 was attributed to inflammation-induced increases in HDAC2 expression. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that downregulation of Ebp1Khib210 promotes keratinocyte proliferation through modulation of Akt signaling and TIF-IA-mediated rRNA synthesis. These insights into Khib modification provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis and suggest potential therapeutic targets.

Association of triglyceride-glucose index and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the association of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with coronary artery disease (CAD), and evaluate the cumulative value of TyG index and NLR in identifying CAD, as well as the severity of CAD. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 2867 patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) for the first time between January 2013 and June 2022 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. There were 2109 patients with CAD and 758 patients without CAD. The CAD patients were divided into two groups based on the median of Gensini score (mild stenosis CAD group: Gensini score < 26 points; severe stenosis CAD group: Gensini score ≥ 26 points). To further evaluate the cumulative value of TyG index and NLR in identifying CAD and CAD severity, all patients were classified into four groups based on median of TyG index and NLR: (1) the control group: patients with low-TyG and low-NLR; (2) isolated high-NLR group: patients with low-TyG and high- NLR; (3) isolated high- TyG group: patients with high-TyG and low- NLR; (4) high-TyG combined with high-NLR group: patients with high-TyG and high- NLR. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that both the TyG index and NLR were independent risk factors for CAD, and they were also independent risk factors for severe stenosis in CAD (P < 0.05). Compared with the low-TyG and low- NLR group, patients in high-TyG and high- NLR group had a 1.418 times higher odds ratio (OR) of having CAD and a 1.692 times higher OR of having severe stenosis in CAD in the multivariable logistic regression model. It is worth noting that the OR values of the high-TyG and high- NLR group were higher than those of the isolated high-NLR group and the isolated high- TyG group. The ROC analysis showed that the combination of the TyG index and NLR was superior to TyG index or NLR in predicting CAD and CAD severity. CONCLUSION: Compared to TyG index or NLR, the combination of the TyG index and NLR is beneficial to improve the diagnostic accuracy of CAD and CAD severity.

CsBZIP40 confers resistance against citrus bacterial canker by repressing CsWRKY43-CsPrx53/CsSOD13 cascade mediated ROS scavenging.

As the bacterial etiologic agent causing citrus bacterial canker (CBC), Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) seriously impacts citrus plantation and fruit production globally. In an earlier study, we demonstrated that CsBZIP40 can positively impact CBC resistance in the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). However, the mechanistic basis for the protective benefits conferred by CsBZIP40 is yet to be delineated. Here, we show that CsBZIP40 positively regulates CBC resistance and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in transgenic sweet orange overexpressing CsBZIP40. CsBZIP40 directly binds to the TGA-box of the CsWRKY43 promoter to repress its transcriptional activity. CsWRKY43 overexpression induces CBC susceptibility in transgenic sweet oranges. In contrast, its inhibition produces strong resistance to CBC. CsWRKY43 directly binds to the W-boxes of the CsPrx53 and CsSOD13 promoters to positively regulate the activities of these antioxidant enzymes, resulting in the negative regulation of ROS homeostasis and CBC resistance in sweet orange plants. CsPrx53/CsSOD13 knockdown enhances ROS accumulation and CBC resistance. Overall, our results outline a regulatory pathway through which CsBZIP40 transcriptionally represses CsWRKY43-CsPrx53/CsSOD13 cascade-mediated ROS scavenging in a manner conducive to CBC resistance. These mechanisms underscore the potential importance of CsBZIP40, CsWRKY43, CsPrx53, and CsSOD13, providing promising strategies for the prevention of CBC.

Comparison of the value of various complex indexes of blood cell types and lipid levels in coronary heart disease.

Background: Inflammation and lipid infiltration play crucial roles in the development of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between various complex indexes of blood cell types and lipid levels with the severity of coronary artery stenosis and their predictive value in coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: The retrospective study was conducted on 3,201 patients who underwent coronary angiography at the Department of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. The patients were divided into two groups: CHD group and non-CHD group. The CHD group was further classified into three subgroups (mild, moderate, severe) based on the tertiles of their Gensini score or SYNTAX score I. Various complex indexes of blood cell types and lipid levels were compared between the groups. Results: It revealed a positive correlation between all complex indexes and the severity of coronary artery stenosis. The systemic inflammation-response index/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol count (SIRI/HDL) exhibited the strongest correlation with both severity scores (Gensini score: r = 0.257, P < 0.001; SYNTAX score I: r = 0.171, P < 0.001). The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) was identified as a stronger independent risk factor for CHD. However, SIRI/HDL had higher diagnostic efficacy for CHD (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 60.4%, area under curve 0.680, 95% CI: 0.658-0.701). Notably, the pan-immune-inflammation value multiplied by low-density lipoprotein cholesterol count (PIV × LDL) exhibited the highest sensitivity of 85.2%. Conclusion: All complex indexes which we investigated exhibited positive correlations with the severity of coronary artery stenosis. SIRI/HDL demonstrated higher diagnostic efficiency for CHD and a significant correlation with the severity of coronary artery stenosis.

Psoriatic Dermal-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induced C3 Expression in Keratinocytes.

Purpose: Our recent studies found a splice region mutation in C3 accompanied by a significantly increased C3 in psoriatic peripheral blood. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a key immunological suppression cell. We further investigate the regulation of MSCs on C3 in psoriasis. Patients and Methods: We analyzed the C3 and its upstream S100A9, S100A8 and downstream MCP1 in psoriatic and control skin, and in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) co-cultured with psoriatic versus control dermal-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) by mRNA, iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitative) and simple Western analysis. Results: The mRNA and Simple Western analysis showed that the expression of C3, S100A8 and S100A9 are upregulated in psoriatic lesion (C3: mRNA, 9.23-fold, p = 0.0092; protein, 3.56-fold, p = 0.0244. S100A8: mRNA, 28.35-fold, p = 0.0015; protein, 4.68-fold, p = 0.0215. S100A9: mRNA, 79.45-fold, p = 0.0066; protein, 12.42-fold, p > 0.05). Moreover, the iTRAQ showed that C3 and S100A9 were significantly increased in NHEKs after co-cultured with psoriatic DMSCs compared to that of control DMSCs (C3: 3.40-fold, p = 0, FDR = 0; S100A9: 2.30-fold, p = 9.86E-241, FDR = 6.50E-239), verified by Simple Western. However, the expression of S100A8 and MCP1 was slightly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that psoriatic DMSCs contribute to the increased C3 expression in psoriatic lesion via upregulating S100A9, providing the theoretical basis for the role of C3 and DMSCs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Dermal Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Psoriatic Lesions Stimulate HaCaT Cell Proliferation, Differentiation, and Migration via Activating the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by excessive proliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes. Dermal mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are not only involved in the regeneration of skin tissue, but also can regulate skin microenvironment by secreting cytokines. However, whether and how psoriatic DMSCs regulate proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of psoriatic DMSCs on the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of keratinocytes and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Following co-cultures of HaCaT cells with either psoriatic DMSCs (p-DMSCs) or DMSCs from normal volunteers (n-DMSCs), HaCaT cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8 and EDU incorporation assay, while scratch assay and transwell assay were used to assess cell migration. qRT-PCR was used to determine expression levels of mRNA for cell proliferation (Ki-67) and differentiation (keratin 5, involucrin, and filaggrin). Western blot was used to measure expression levels of proteins associated with keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in cultured HaCaT cells treated with or without PI3K inhibitor. ELISA assay was used to measure expression profile of stem cell factor (SCF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and interleukin-11 (IL-11) within the co-culture supernatants. RESULTS: The results showed that p-DMSCs displayed a higher potency than n-DMSCs in stimulating proliferation, differentiation, and migration of HaCaT cells. Expression levels of PI3K and AKT proteins were markedly increased in HaCaT cells co-cultured with DMSCs versus HaCaT cell culture alone. Moreover, inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway reversed the effect of p-DMSCs on proliferation, differentiation, and migration of HaCaT cells. Compared with n-DMSCs, the p-DMSCs showed increased secretion of IL-11, EGF, and SCF. CONCLUSION: p-DMSCs stimulate HaCaT cell proliferation, differentiation and migration via activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, providing a new insight into the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Pyramiding the antimicrobial PR1aCB and AATCB genes in 'Tarocco' blood orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) to enhance citrus canker resistance.

Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), is a major bacterial disease responsible for substantial economic losses in citrus-producing areas. To breed transgenic citrus plants with enhanced resistance to citrus canker, two antimicrobial peptide genes, PR1aCB and AATCB, were incorporated into 'Tarocco' blood orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) plants via co-transformation and sequential re-transformation. The presence of PR1aCB and AATCB in double transgenic plants was confirmed by PCR. The expression of PR1aCB and AATCB in double transformants was demonstrated by quantitative real-time PCR. An in vivo disease resistance assay involving the injection of Xcc revealed that the double transformants were more resistant to citrus canker than the single gene transformants and wild-type plants. An analysis of the bacterial population indicated that the enhanced citrus canker resistance of the double transformants was due to inhibited Xcc growth. These results proved that the pyramiding of multiple genes is a more effective strategy for increasing the disease resistance of transgenic citrus plants than single gene transformations.

Overexpression of Salicylic Acid Carboxyl Methyltransferase (CsSAMT1) Enhances Tolerance to Huanglongbing Disease in Wanjincheng Orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck).

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease or citrus greening is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) and is the most devastating disease in the global citrus industry. Salicylic acid (SA) plays a central role in regulating plant defenses against pathogenic attack. SA methyltransferase (SAMT) modulates SA homeostasis by converting SA to methyl salicylate (MeSA). Here, we report on the functions of the citrus SAMT (CsSAMT1) gene from HLB-susceptible Wanjincheng orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) in plant defenses against Las infection. The CsSAMT1 cDNA was expressed in yeast. Using in vitro enzyme assays, yeast expressing CsSAMT1 was confirmed to specifically catalyze the formation of MeSA using SA as a substrate. Transgenic Wanjincheng orange plants overexpressing CsSAMT1 had significantly increased levels of SA and MeSA compared to wild-type controls. HLB resistance was evaluated for two years and showed that transgenic plants displayed significantly alleviated symptoms including a lack of chlorosis, low bacterial counts, reduced hyperplasia of the phloem cells, and lower levels of starch and callose compared to wild-type plants. These data confirmed that CsSAMT1 overexpression confers an enhanced tolerance to Las in citrus fruits. RNA-seq analysis revealed that CsSAMT1 overexpression significantly upregulated the citrus defense response by enhancing the transcription of disease resistance genes. This study provides insight for improving host resistance to HLB by manipulation of SA signaling in citrus fruits.

CsLOB1 regulates susceptibility to citrus canker through promoting cell proliferation in citrus.

Citrus sinensis lateral organ boundary 1 (CsLOB1) was previously identified as a critical disease susceptibility gene for citrus bacterial canker, which is caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc). However, the molecular mechanisms of CsLOB1 in citrus response to Xcc are still elusive. Here, we constructed transgenic plants overexpressing and RNAi-silencing of CsLOB1 using the canker-disease susceptible 'wanjincheng' orange (C. sinensis Osbeck) as explants. CsLOB1-overexpressing plants exhibited dwarf phenotypes with smaller and thicker leaf, increased branches and adventitious buds clustered on stems. These phenotypes were followed by a process of pustule- and canker-like development that exhibited enhanced cell proliferation. Pectin depolymerization and expansin accumulation were enhanced by CsLOB1 overexpression, while cellulose and hemicellulose synthesis were increased by CsLOB1 silence. Whilst overexpression of CsLOB1 increased susceptibility, RNAi-silencing of CsLOB1 enhanced resistance to canker disease without impairing pathogen entry. Transcriptome analysis revealed that CsLOB1 positively regulated cell wall degradation and modification processes, cytokinin metabolism, and cell division. Additionally, 565 CsLOB1-targeted genes were identified in chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments. Motif discovery analysis revealed that the most highly overrepresented binding sites had a conserved 6-bp 'GCGGCG' consensus DNA motif. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data suggested that CsLOB1 directly activates the expression of four genes involved in cell wall remodeling, and three genes that participate in cytokinin and brassinosteroid hormone pathways. Our findings indicate that CsLOB1 promotes cell proliferation by mechanisms depending on cell wall remodeling and phytohormone signaling, which may be critical to citrus canker development and bacterial growth in citrus.

Overexpressing a NPR1-like gene from Citrus paradisi enhanced Huanglongbing resistance in C. sinensis.

KEY MESSAGE: Overexpression of CiNPR4 enhanced resistance of transgenic citrus plants to Huanglongbing by perceiving the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signals and up-regulating the transcriptional activities of plant-pathogen interaction genes. Developing transgenic citrus plants with enhanced immunity is an efficient strategy to control citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). Here, a nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related gene 1 (NPR1) like gene from HLB-tolerant 'Jackson' grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.), CiNPR4, was introduced into 'Wanjincheng' orange (Citrus sinensis Obseck). CiNPR4 expression was determined in transgenic citrus plants using quantitative real-time PCR analyses. The Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) pathogen of HLB was successfully transmitted to transgenic citrus plants by grafting infected buds. HLB symptoms developed in transgenic and wild-type (WT) plants by 9 months after inoculation. A CLas population analysis showed that 26.9% of transgenic lines exhibited significantly lower CLas titer levels compared with the CLas-infected WT plants at 21 months after inoculation. Lower starch contents and anatomical aberration levels in the phloem were observed in transgenic lines having enhanced resistance compared with CLas-infected WT plants. CiNPR4 overexpression changed the jasmonic acid, but not salicylic acid, level. Additionally, the jasmonic acid and salicylic acid levels increased after CLas infection. Transcriptome analyses revealed that the enhanced resistance of transgenic plants to HLB resulted from the up-regulated transcriptional activities of plant-pathogen interaction-related genes.

A novel near-infrared light-responsive photoelectrochemical platform for detecting microcystin-LR in fish based on Ag2S cubes and plasmonic Au nanoparticles.

As a main contaminant in fish, microcystin-LR (MC-LR) leads to serious liver problems; therefore, the development of MC-LR sensors is important to guarantee aquatic food safety. In this work, a near-infrared (NIR) light-excited photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor was developed through conjugation of Ag2S cubes with Au nanoparticles (NPs) to determine MC-LR residues in fish. Specifically, as a narrow-band semiconducting material, Ag2S is capable of absorbing NIR light. Taking advantage of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect along with good conductivity of AuNPs, the developed AuNP/Ag2S/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) owns much higher photoelectric conversion efficiency, and the photocurrent is 5.3 times that of Ag2S FTO. Subsequently, the NIR-driven AuNP/Ag2S/FTO was used to immobilize antibodies (Abs) for MC-LR. Their specificity to MC-LR led to steric effects and limited surface electron transfer, causing reduce of the photocurrent. Through AuNP/Ag2S-composite amplification and immunological specificity, the PEC immunosensor can quantitatively measure MC-LR with a wide linear range, 10 pg L-1 to 10 µg L-1, and a much low detection limit, 7 pg L-1 (S/N = 3). Finally, the NIR PEC sensor was employed in the analysis of MC-LR contents in fish. This work reveals the NIR-responsive ability of Ag2S cubes and deepens understanding the role of AuNPs in the PEC process. Due to the superior properties, the developed NIR PEC immunosensor has been demonstrated as a promising method for analysis of biological samples.

The regulation of dermal mesenchymal stem cells on keratinocytes apoptosis.

Dermal mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are progenitor cells with the capacity of self-renewal, multilineage differentiation, and immunomodulation, which were reported to induce the proliferation of keratinocytes, however the regulation on keratinocytes apoptosis was unknown. In this study, we isolated DMSCs from normal skin and co-cultured with keratinocytes, and then detected apoptosis of keratinocytes by flow cytometry and expression of apoptosis associated proteins by western blot. The mRNA expression profile of normal DMSCs was investigated by RNA sequencing. The results of our study presented that the DMSCs promoted HaCaT cells apoptosis both in early apoptotic state (13.8 vs. 2.9, p < 0.05) and late apoptotic state (4.2 vs. 0.7, p < 0.05). The expression of apoptosis associated proteins caspase-3 (3.51 vs. 1.99, p < 0.05) and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (3.10 vs. 0.83, p < 0.05) were upregulated. However, the cell cycle protein cyclin E1 was similar (9.38 vs. 9.05, p > 0.05). Moreover, 33 genes with the function of induced cell apoptosis were highly expressed in DMSCs, including insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4 (2828.13), IGFBP7 (1805.69), cathepsin D (1694.34), cathepsin B (CTSB, 1641.40) and dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1, 384.79). This study suggested DMSCs induce the apoptosis of keratinocytes through non-G1/S phase blockade via highly expression of apoptosis inducer.

Rapid extraction of domoic acid by a magnetic molecularly imprinted silica before HPLC measurement.

A magnetic molecularly imprinted silica solid was obtained by sol-gel polymerization for the separation of domoic acid. The solid showed rapid adsorption kinetics with an adsorption equilibrium time of 5 min. The solid showed affinity to domoic acid under the interference of tryptophan and could be repeatedly used for 5 times at least. The solid was used as a solid-phase-extraction sorbent for the extraction of domoic acid from clam samples before measurement with liquid chromatography. The detection limit of 0.20 mg kg-1 was lower than the allowable limits in several countries or areas. The recoveries in the spiked samples were 88% approximately.

Hexokinase II Inhibitory Effect of Secondary Metabolites Derived from a Streptomyces sp. Associated with Mud Dauber Wasp.

Insect-microbial symbioses have vast biochemical diversity, which is beneficial to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. In this study, chemical examination of a Streptomyces sp. associated with a mud dauber wasp led to the isolation of fourteen compounds. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods and comparison with literature data. Among the isolates, compounds 1,2,3-benzotriazin-4(1H)-one and 4-(2-aminoethyl)phenyl acetate were first reported from this species. Bioactivities of the isolated compounds were assayed for the first time against hexokinase II. 4-(2-Aminoethyl)phenyl acetate, germicidin B, phenylacetic acid, isogermicidin A and germicidin C displayed significant inhibitory activity against hexokinase II, with the IC50 values of 5.11, 7.11, 7.15, 8.45 and 8.78 µM, respectively.

Molecularly imprinted polymer-based photonic crystal sensor array for the discrimination of sulfonamides.

In this paper, molecular imprinting and photonic crystal techniques were combined to construct a four-channel sensor array for the simultaneous identification of various sulfonamides. The assay was composed of four units. Three of these units were prepared using sulfaguanidine, sulfamethazine, or sulfathiazole as template molecules. The fourth unit was prepared without a template molecule. The preparation was optimized to obtain maximum identification with a molar ratio of template, monomer, and cross-linker of 1:50:10. The response time was as short as 10 min. For demonstration, six sulfonamides were selected as analytes. The Bragg diffraction patterns of analytes at different concentrations were measured using the sensor array. Data obtained were analyzed using linear discrimination analysis (LDA) and principal component analysis (PCA). LDA can be applied for SAs discrimination. The message ratios of 87.6%, 94.4%, and 95.8% for six SAs at 10-4 mol L-1, 10-6 mol L-1, and 10-8 mol L-1 were achieved using LDA. The sensor array identified the mixture containing various SAs with an LDA coefficient of 86.1%, thereby indicating that the sensor array had a strong anti-interference ability. The sensor array was used to identify six SAs in fish samples. The measured data in spiked samples were consistent with the fingerprint collected from standard solutions. The accuracy rate reached 90.9%, indicating that the array can be used to identify SAs from food samples.