Portable luminescent fiber- and glove-based nanosensor for multicolor visual detection of tetracycline in food samples.

An intelligent fluorescent nanoprobe (lignite-CDs-Eu) was constructed by an effective and facile method based on lignite-derived carbon dots (CDs) and lanthanide europium ions (Eu3+), which exhibited high sensitivity, low detection limit (13.35 nM) and visual color variation (from blue to red) under ultraviolet light towards tetracycline (TC) detection. Significantly, portable and economical sensors were developed using lignite-CDs-Eu immobilized fiber material of filter paper and wearable glove with the aid of color extracting and image processing application (APP) in the smartphone. Facile, fast and real-time visual detection of TC in food samples was realized. Moreover, logic gate circuit was also designed to achieve intelligent and semi-quantitative inspection of TC. To some extent, this study extended the cross-application of intelligent computer software in food analytical science, and provided a certain reference for the development of small portable detection sensors which were suitable for convenience and non-professional use in daily life.

Chinese anatomy educators' perceptions of blended learning in anatomy education: A national survey in the post-COVID-19 era.

Blended learning, which combines face-to-face lectures with online learning, has emerged as a suitable teaching approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a national survey of anatomy educators in Mainland China to evaluate the changes in the implementation of blended learning in anatomical pedagogy. A total of 297 responses were collected from medical schools across all provinces. Respondents included 167 males and 130 females, with an average age of 44.94 (±8.28) and average of 17.72 (±9.62) years of professional experience. The survey showed adoption of online teaching and assessment by Chinese anatomy educators increased by 32.7% and 46.8%, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Perceptions of blended learning outcomes varied, with 32.3% and 37% educators considering it superior and inferior to traditional teaching, respectively. Faculty training programs related to blended learning increased significantly, fostering a collaborative learning environment; however, challenges remained in achieving satisfactory online assessment outcomes. Anatomy educators' attitudes reflected a strong preference for classroom learning (4.941 ± 0.856) and recognition of the importance of relevant technology (4.483 ± 0.954), whereas online learning received lower acceptance (4.078 ± 0.734). Female anatomy teachers demonstrated effective time management in online teaching. Meanwhile, educators with over 15 years of experience encountered difficulties with relevant technology, consistent with negative attitudes toward blended learning. Overall, this survey highlights the persistent challenges in implementing blended learning in anatomy education and provides insights for enhancing the pedagogical model in the post-COVID-19 era.

Intelligent multicolor nano-sensor based on nontoxic dual fluoroprobe and MOFs for colorful consecutive detection of Hg2+ and cysteine.

Ultrasensitive detection of Hg2+ in aquatic ecosystems is of great significance due to its high toxicity and ubiquity in water. Herein, using a one-step in-situ synthesis method, blue fluorescent carbon dots (CDs), red fluorescent InP/ZnS quantum dots (InPQDs), and MOFs (ZIF-8) integrated multicolor nano-sensor CDs/InPQDs@ZIF-8 was constructed for consecutive visual detection of Hg2+ and Cys. The InPQDs can act as the response unit for Hg2+ and Cys, with the limit of detection (LOD) of 8.68 and 37.96 nM, respectively. Significantly, the low detection limit combines with good specificity and accuracy of the nano-sensor meet the requirement for the safety monitoring and control of Hg2+ in drinking and environmental water. Moreover, the color recognition and processing software installed on smart phone can realize the real-time and rapid sensing of Hg2+ and Cys. A logic gate circuit was also devised, providing the possibilities for the application of the nano-sensor in the field of intelligent devices. As far as we know, this was the first example to apply InPQDs to the continuous multicolor visual detection of Hg2+ and Cys, which provided reference for the construction of environmentally-friendly dual emission fluorescent sensors for hazardous substance monitoring.

New Thio-Compounds and Monoterpenes With Anti-inflammatory Activities From the Fungus Aspergillus sp. CYH26.

Two new thio-compounds named aspergerthinol A and B (1 and 2) and two new monoterpenes named aspergerthinacids A and B (3 and 4) were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus sp. CYH26 from the rhizosphere soil of Cynanchum bungei Decne. The structures of compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic data and quantum NMR and ECD calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 represented a new family of sulfur containing natural products with a 3-methyl-4H-cyclopenta[b]thiophen-4-one skeleton. Compounds 1-4 showed inhibitory activities against nitric oxide (NO) with IC50 values of 38.0, 19.8, 46.3, and 56.6 µM, respectively.

Anti-Diabetic Indole-Terpenoids From Penicillium sp. HFF16 Isolated From the Rhizosphere Soil of Cynanchum bungei Decne.

Finding novel anti-diabetic compounds with effective suppression activities against hepatic glucagon response is urgently required for the development of new drugs against diabetes. Fungi are well known for their ability to produce new bioactive secondary metabolites. As part of our ongoing research, five new indole-terpenoids (1-5), named encindolenes D-H, were isolated from the fungus Penicillium sp. HFF16 from the rhizosphere soil of Cynanchum bungei Decne. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic data and ECD analysis. In the anti-diabetic activity assay, compounds 1-5 could inhibit the hepatic glucose production with EC50 values of 17.6, 30.1, 21.3, 9.6, and 9.9 µM, respectively, and decrease the cAMP contents in glucagon-induced HepG2 cells.

Physicochemical properties of hydroxypropylated and cross-linked rice starches differential in amylose content.

Hydroxypropylation and cross-linking were carried out on three rice starches with 6.93%, 19.02% and 48.41% AAC respectively. AAC affected the efficiency of modification, with AAC increased, the molar substitution of hydroxypropylated starch decreased while degree of substitution of cross-linked starch increased. Modifications decreased starch relative crystallinity while the impacts were dependent on rice varieties. Starch granules of high AAC rice were liable to be disrupted by modification. High AAC rice starch had better processability, modifications have more pronounced influences on starch properties of high AAC. Different modifications showed different influences on starch properties, cross-linking decreased AAC content, pasting clarity and swelling power of all three starches, while hydroxypropylation increased pasting clarity and swelling power of high AAC starch. High-degree modifications decreased starch digestibility, higher-CLD crosslinked starch showed constant digestion rate and might be a suitable modification for produce starchy food for equilibrium glucose level.

Author Correction: Cryo-electron tomography reveals that dynactin recruits a team of dyneins for processive motility.

In the version of this article initially published online, an incorrect accession code, EMD-5NW4, was introduced on page 1 of the article PDF, in section 'BICD2N mediates the association of two dynein dimers with a single dynactin'. This has been corrected to PDB 5NW4. The error has been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of this article.

Cryo-electron tomography reveals that dynactin recruits a team of dyneins for processive motility.

Cytoplasmic dynein is a protein complex that transports molecular cargo along microtubules (MTs), playing a key role in the intracellular trafficking network. Vertebrate dynein's movement becomes strikingly enhanced upon interacting with dynactin and a cargo adaptor such as BicaudalD2. However, the mechanisms responsible for increased transport activity are not well understood, largely owing to limited structural information. We used cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to visualize the 3D structure of the MT-bound dynein-dynactin complex from Mus musculus and show that the dynactin-cargo adaptor complex binds two dimeric dyneins. This configuration imposes spatial and conformational constraints on both dynein dimers, positioning the four motor domains in proximity to one another and oriented toward the MT minus end. We propose that grouping multiple dyneins onto a single dynactin scaffold promotes collective force production, increased processivity, and unidirectional movement, suggesting mechanistic parallels to axonemal dynein. These findings provide structural insights into a previously unknown mechanism for dynein regulation.

Notch and TGF-ß pathways cooperatively regulate receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase-κ (PTPRK) gene expression in human primary keratinocytes.

Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase-κ (PTPRK) specifically and directly dephosphorylates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thereby limiting EGFR function in primary human keratinocytes. PTPRK expression is increased by the TGF-ß/Smad3 pathway and cell-cell contact. Because the Notch receptor pathway is responsive to cell-cell contact and regulates keratinocyte growth and differentiation, we investigated the interplay between Notch and TGF-ß pathways in regulation of PTPRK expression in human keratinocytes. Suppression of Notch signaling by γ-secretase inhibitors substantially reduced cell contact induction of PTPRK gene expression. In sparse keratinocyte cultures, addition of soluble Notch-activating ligand jagged one peptide (Jag1) induced PTPRK. Of interest, cell contact-induced expression of TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß receptor inhibitor SB431542 inhibited contact-induced expression of PTPRK. Furthermore, inhibition of Notch signaling, via knockdown of Notch1 or by γ-secretase inhibitors, significantly reduced TGF-ß-induced PTPRK gene expression, indicating that Notch and TGF-ß pathways function together to regulate PTPRK. Of importance, the combination of Jag1 plus TGF-ß results in greater PTPRK expression and lower EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation than either ligand alone. These data indicate that Notch and TGF-ß act in concert to stimulate induction of PTPRK, which suppresses EGFR activation in human keratinocytes.

Elevated YAP and its downstream targets CCN1 and CCN2 in basal cell carcinoma: impact on keratinocyte proliferation and stromal cell activation.

Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional co-activator of hippo signaling pathway, which plays an important role in organ size control and tumorigenesis. Here we report that YAP and its downstream transcriptional targets CCN1 and CCN2 are markedly elevated in keratinocytes in human skin basal cell carcinoma tumor islands. In human keratinocytes, knockdown of YAP significantly reduced expression of CCN1 and CCN2, and repressed proliferation and survival. This inhibition of proliferation and survival was rescued by restoration of CCN1 expression, but not by CCN2 expression. In basal cell carcinoma stroma, CCN2-regulated genes type I collagen, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin were highly expressed. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy revealed increased tissue stiffness in basal cell carcinoma stroma compared to normal dermis. These data provide evidence that up-regulation of YAP in basal cell carcinoma impacts both aberrant keratinocyte proliferation, via CCN1, and tumor stroma cell activation and stroma remodeling, via CCN2. Targeting YAP and/or CCN1 and CCN2 may provide clinical benefit in basal cell carcinoma.

Role of met axis in head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide. Despite advances in aggressive multidisciplinary treatments, the 5-year survival rate for this dreadful disease is only 50%, mostly due to high rate of recurrence and early involvement of regional lymph nodes and subsequent metastasis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for invasion and metastasis is one of the most pressing goals in the field of head and neck cancer. Met, also known as hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), is a member of the receptor protein tyrosine kinase (RPTK) family. There is compelling evidence that Met axis is dysregulated and plays important roles in tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance in head and neck cancer. We describe in this review current understanding of Met axis in head and neck cancer biology and development of therapeutic inhibitors targeting Met axis.

Receptor-type Protein tyrosine phosphatase ß regulates met phosphorylation and function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer and has a high rate of mortality. Emerging evidence indicates that hepatocyte growth factor receptor (or Met) pathway plays a pivotal role in HNSCC metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. Met function is dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation that is under direct control by receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase ß (RPTP-ß). We report here that RPTP-ß expression is significantly downregulated in HNSCC cells derived from metastatic tumors compared to subject-matched cells from primary tumors. Knockdown of endogenous RPTP-ß in HNSCC cells from primary tumor potentiated Met tyrosine phosphorylation, downstream mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway activation, cell migration, and invasion. Conversely, restoration of RPTP-ß expression in cells from matched metastatic tumor decreased Met tyrosine phosphorylation and downstream functions. Furthermore, we observed that six of eight HNSCC tumors had reduced levels of RPTP-ß protein in comparison with normal oral tissues. Collectively, the results demonstrate the importance of RPTP-ß in tumor biology of HNSCC through direct dephosphorylation of Met and regulation of downstream signal transduction pathways. Reduced RPTP-ß levels, with or without Met overexpression, could promote Met activation in HNSCC tumors.

Receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) - roles in signal transduction and human disease.

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a fundamental regulatory mechanism controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, communication, and adhesion. Disruption of this key regulatory mechanism contributes to a variety of human diseases including cancer, diabetes, and auto-immune diseases. Net protein tyrosine phosphorylation is determined by the dynamic balance of the activity of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Mammals express many distinct PTKs and PTPs. Both of these families can be sub-divided into non-receptor and receptor subtypes. Receptor protein tyrosine kinases (RPTKs) comprise a large family of cell surface proteins that initiate intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction in response to binding of extracellular ligands, such as growth factors and cytokines. Receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) are enzymatic and functional counterparts of RPTKs. RPTPs are a family of integral cell surface proteins that possess intracellular PTP activity, and extracellular domains that have sequence homology to cell adhesion molecules. In comparison to extensively studied RPTKs, much less is known about RPTPs, especially regarding their substrate specificities, regulatory mechanisms, biological functions, and their roles in human diseases. Based on the structure of their extracellular domains, the RPTP family can be grouped into eight sub-families. This article will review one representative member from each RPTP sub-family.

Gadolinium-induced fibrosis is counter-regulated by CCN3 in human dermal fibroblasts: a model for potential treatment of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

We recently show that CCN3 is a counter-regulatory molecule for the pro-fibrotic protein CCN2, and a potentially novel fibrosis therapy. The goal of this study was to assess the role of CCN3 in fibroproliferative/fibrotic responses in human dermal fibroblasts exposed to Omniscan, one of the gadolinium-based contrast agents associated with development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) a rare but life-threatening disease thought to be complication of NMR diagnostics in renal impaired patients. Human dermal fibroblasts were exposed to Omniscan; or to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) as controls. Proliferation was assessed along with matrix metalloproteinase-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and type 1 procollagen in the absence and presence of CCN3. In parallel, CCN3 production was assessed in control and Omniscan-treated cells. The results showed that PDGF stimulated fibroblast proliferation, production of Timp-1 and MMP-1 whereas exogenous CCN3 inhibited, in a dose response manner, cell proliferation (approx. 50 % max.) and production of MMP-1 (approx 35 % max.) but had little effect on TIMP-1. TGF-ß stimulated type 1 procollagen production but not proliferation, Timp-1 or MMP-1 compared to non-TGF-ß treated control cells, and CCN3 treatment blocked (approx. 80 % max.) this up-regulation. Interestingly, untreated, control fibroblasts produced high constitutive levels of CCN3 and concentrations of Omniscan that induced fibroproliferative/fibrogenic changes in dermal fibroblasts correspondingly suppressed CCN3 production. The use of PDGF and TGF-ß as positive controls, and the study of differential responses, including that to Omniscan itself, provide the first evidence for a role of fibroblast-derived CCN3 as an endogenous regulator of pro-fibrotic changes, elucidating possible mechanism(s). In conclusion, these data support our hypothesis of a role for fibroblast-derived CCN3 as an endogenous regulator of pro-fibrotic changes in these cells, and suggest that CCN3 may be an important regulatory molecule in NSF and a target for treatment in this and other fibrotic diseases.

Receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (RPTP-beta) directly dephosphorylates and regulates hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR/Met) function.

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a ubiquitous, fundamental biochemical mechanism that regulates essential eukaryotic cellular functions. The level of tyrosine phosphorylation of specific proteins is finely tuned by the dynamic balance between protein tyrosine kinase and protein tyrosine phosphatase activities. Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (also known as Met), a receptor protein tyrosine kinase, is a major regulator of proliferation, migration, and survival for many epithelial cell types. We report here that receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase ß (RPTP-ß) specifically dephosphorylates Met and thereby regulates its function. Expression of RPTP-ß, but not other RPTP family members or catalytically inactive forms of RPTP-ß, reduces hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-stimulated Met tyrosine phosphorylation in HEK293 cells. Expression of RPTP-ß in primary human keratinocytes reduces both basal and HGF-induced Met phosphorylation at tyrosine 1356 and inhibits downstream MEK1/2 and Erk activation. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous RPTP-ß increases basal and HGF-stimulated Met phosphorylation at tyrosine 1356 in primary human keratinocytes. Purified RPTP-ß intracellular domain preferentially dephosphorylates purified Met at tyrosine 1356 in vitro. In addition, the substrate-trapping mutant of RPTP-ß specifically interacts with Met in intact cells. Expression of RPTP-ß in human primary keratinocytes reduces HGF induction of VEGF expression, proliferation, and motility. Taken together, the above data indicate that RPTP-ß is a key regulator of Met function.

Retinoids suppress cysteine-rich protein 61 (CCN1), a negative regulator of collagen homeostasis, in skin equivalent cultures and aged human skin in vivo.

Alterations in connective tissue collagen are prominent features of both chronologically aged and photoaged (ageing because of sun exposure) human skin. These age-related abnormalities are mediated in part by cysteine-rich protein 61 (CCN1). CCN1 is elevated in the dermis of both chronologically aged and photoaged human skin in vivo and promotes aberrant collagen homeostasis by down-regulating type I collagen, the major structural protein in skin, and promoting collagen degradation. Vitamin A and its metabolites have been shown to improve chronologically aged and photoaged skin by promoting deposition of new collagen and preventing its degradation. Here, we investigated regulation of CCN1 expression by retinoids in skin equivalent cultures and chronologically aged and photoaged human skin in vivo. In skin equivalent cultures, all-trans retinoic acid (RA), the major bioactive form of vitamin A in skin, significantly increased type I procollagen and reduced collagenase (matrix metalloproteinases-1, MMP-1). Addition of recombinant human CCN1 to skin equivalent cultures significantly reduced type I procollagen and increased MMP-1. Importantly, RA significantly reduced CCN1 expression in skin equivalent cultures. Topical treatment with retinol (vitamin A, 0.4%) for 7days significantly reduced CCN1 mRNA and protein expression in both chronologically aged (80+years) and photoaged human skin in vivo, compared to vehicle-treated skin. These data indicate that the mechanism by which retinoids improve aged skin, through increased collagen production, involves down-regulation of CCN1.

Quercetin inhibits UV irradiation-induced inflammatory cytokine production in primary human keratinocytes by suppressing NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND: Topical flavonoids, such as quercetin, have been shown to reduce ultraviolet (UV) irradiation-mediated skin damage. However, the mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in this protective effect are not clear. UV irradiation leads to activation of two major signaling pathways, namely nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) pathways. Activation of NF-κB pathway by UV irradiation stimulates inflammatory cytokine expression, whereas activation of AP-1 pathway by UV irradiation promotes matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production. Both pathways contribute to UV irradiation-induced skin damage, such as photoaging and skin tumor formation. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we examined the effect of quercetin on UV irradiation induced activation of NF-κB and AP-1 pathways. METHODS: Primary human keratinocytes, the major skin cell type subjected to physiological solar UV irradiation, were used to study the effects of quercetin on UV irradiation-induced signal transduction pathways. RESULTS: Quercetin decreased UV irradiation-induced NF-κB DNA-binding by 80%. Consequently, quercetin suppressed UV irradiation-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß (∼60%), IL-6 (∼80%), IL-8 (∼76%) and TNF-α (∼69%). In contrast, quercetin had no effect on UV irradiation activation of three MAP kinases, ERK, JNK, or p38. Accordingly, induction of AP-1 target genes such as MMP-1 and MMP-3 by UV irradiation was not suppressed by quercetin. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the ability of quercetin to block UV irradiation-induced skin inflammation is mediated, at least in part, by its inhibitory effect on NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production.

UV irradiation induces Snail expression by AP-1 dependent mechanism in human skin keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation from the sun is the major cause of keratinocyte skin cancer. Transcription factor Snail plays an important role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and epithelial tumor formation. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study are to determine the regulation of Snail expression of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on Snail expression in human skin in vivo, and the mechanisms by which UV irradiation induces Snail expression, in human keratinocytes. METHODS: Real-time RT-PCR was employed to measure Snail expression in human skin in vivo and cultured human keratinocytes. Luciferase assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were employed to investigate transcriptional regulation of the in Snail gene promoter. RESULTS: Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation transiently induces Snail expression in human skin in vivo and cultured human keratinocytes. Snail induction is significantly reduced by specific inhibitors of ERK, p38 or JNK, indicating each of the three major mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways participate in Snail regulation. AP-1 transcription factor complex, a downstream target of MAPK signaling, is required for Snail induction. Inhibition of AP-1 activity by over-expression of dominant-negative c-Jun substantially reduces Snail induction. Analyses of the Snail promoter, revealed the presence of an AP-1 binding site. EMSA assay demonstrated that UV irradiation specifically induced c-Jun binding to this AP-1 site. Mutation of the AP-1-binding site completely blocked protein binding and inhibited UV irradiation-induced Snail promoter activity. CONCLUSION: UV irradiation induces Snail gene expression in human skin keratinocytes. This induction is mediated by MAPK-AP-1 dependent signaling pathway. Elevated expression of Snail in response to chronic UV irradiation in human skin may contribute to UV irradiation-induced skin tumor development.

Ultraviolet irradiation induces CYR61/CCN1, a mediator of collagen homeostasis, through activation of transcription factor AP-1 in human skin fibroblasts.

UV irradiation from the sun elevates the production of collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and reduces the production of new collagen. This imbalance of collagen homeostasis impairs the structure and function of the dermal collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby promoting premature skin aging (photoaging). We report here that aberrant dermal collagen homeostasis in UV-irradiated human skin is mediated in part by a CCN-family member, cysteine-rich protein-61 (CYR61/CCN1). CYR61 is significantly elevated in acutely UV-irradiated human skin in vivo, and UV-irradiated human skin fibroblasts. Knockdown of CYR61 significantly attenuates UV irradiation-induced inhibition of type-I procollagen and upregulation of MMP-1. Determination of CYR61 mRNA and protein indicates that the primary mechanism of CYR61 induction by UV irradiation is transcriptional. Analysis of CYR61 proximal promoter showed that a sequence conforming to the consensus binding site for transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) is required for promoter activity. UV irradiation increased the binding of AP-1-family members c-Jun and c-Fos to this AP-1 site. Furthermore, functional blockade of c-Jun or knockdown of c-Jun significantly reduced the UV irradiation-induced activation of CYR61 promoter and CYR61 gene expression. These data show that CYR61 is transcriptionally regulated by UV irradiation through transcription factor AP-1, and mediates altered collagen homeostasis that occurs in response to UV irradiation in human skin fibroblasts.