Biosynthesis and Assembly Logic of Fungal Hybrid Terpenoid Natural Products.

In recent decades, fungi have emerged as significant sources of diverse hybrid terpenoid natural products, and their biosynthetic pathways are increasingly unveiled. This review mainly focuses on elucidating the various strategies underlying the biosynthesis and assembly logic of these compounds. These pathways combine terpenoid moieties with diverse building blocks including polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, amino acids, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, saccharides, and adenine, resulting in the formation of plenty of hybrid terpenoid natural products via C-O, C-C, or C-N bond linkages. Subsequent tailoring steps, such as oxidation, cyclization, and rearrangement, further enhance the biological diversity and structural complexity of these hybrid terpenoid natural products. Understanding these biosynthetic mechanisms holds promise for the discovery of novel hybrid terpenoid natural products from fungi, which will promote the development of potential drug candidates in the future.

Association between Serum Klotho and All-Cause Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease: Evidence from a Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between circulating soluble Klotho concentration and all-cause mortality in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 2,456 participants with CKD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles spanning from 2007 to 2016. Complex sampling-weighted multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between serum Klotho level and all-cause mortality, presenting hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additionally, a restricted cubic spline analysis was performed to explore potential nonlinear associations. RESULTS: During a median of 82 months of follow-up, 550 (22.40%) all-cause deaths were recorded. The median serum Klotho concentration was 760 pg/mL (interquartile ranges, 624, 958). After adjusting for potential covariates, the risk of all-cause mortality decreased by 4% for every 100 pg/mL increase in Klotho (HR = 0.96, 95% CI, 0.92, 0.99). The HR for the fourth quartile of Klotho compared to the first quartile was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.56, 0.96). The restricted cubic spline model revealed a distinctive "L"-shaped association between serum Klotho and all-cause mortality among patients with CKD, with a Klotho concentration of 760 pg/mL at the inflection point. When Klotho concentration was less than 760 pg/mL, a significant negative correlation between Klotho and all-cause mortality was observed (HR per 100 pg/mL increase in Klotho = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.78, 0.95). CONCLUSION: This study documented a distinctive "L"-shaped association between serum Klotho levels and all-cause mortality among individuals with CKD. Further research is needed to validate these findings.

Relationships between oral function, dietary intake and nutritional status in older adults aged 75 years and above: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is related to impaired oral health and function that causes poor dietary intake, declining the general health of older adults. The role of dietary intake in the association between oral function and nutritional status of Chinese older adults (aged 75 and above) was examined in this cross-sectional study. METHODS: Through the randomized cluster sampling method, 267 older adults living in rural areas of Qingdao, Shandong (aged 81.4 ± 4.3, 75-94 years) were chosen as the primary research participants. A Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form was used to determine nutritional status, and Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24-hour Food Intake Recall were used to assess dietary intake. The oral function was evaluated by analyzing the teeth, oral problems, bite force, tongue pressure, lip sealing pressure, chewing function questionnaire, whole saliva flow rate, 10-Item Eating Assessment Tool, and water swallow test. RESULTS: Based on the MNA-SF score, it was divided into a well-nourished group and a malnutrition group, with the malnutrition group comprising 40.6% of participants. The participants in the malnutrition group showed a higher rate of xerostomia, lower bite force, tongue pressure, and lip sealing pressure, and higher Chewing Function Questionnaire and 10-Item Eating Assessment Tool scores. Furthermore, their plant fat, iron, cereals and potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and seafood intake were relatively low. The regression model indicated that exercise frequency, stroke, chewing and swallowing function, intake of vegetables and fruits were risk factors for nutritional status of older adults. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition was relatively common among the Chinese older adults aged 75 and above, and it was significantly correlated with exercise frequency, stroke, chewing and swallowing function, and intake of vegetables and fruits. Therefore, nutrition management should be carried out under the understanding and guidance of the oral function and dietary intake of the older adults.

The association between peripheral eosinophil count and chronic kidney disease: evidence from NHANES 1999-2018.

BACKGROUND: Renal impairment has been previously linked to peripheral eosinophil count (PEC), prompting an investigation into its potential relationship with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2018) to comprehensively explore the association between PEC and CKD. METHODS: Survey-weighted generalized multivariate linear regression was employed to evaluate the associations between PEC, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), with meticulous adjustment for potential covariates. To assess non-linear correlations, a restricted cubic spline analysis was conducted. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the stability of results. RESULTS: The study included a total of 9224 participants with non-dialysis CKD. In the multivariate linear regression model, after comprehensive adjustment for potential covariates, PEC showed a negative association with eGFR (ß per 100 cells/uL increase in PEC, -0.71; 95% CI, -1.04, -0.37), while demonstrating a positive trend with UACR (ß per 100 cells/uL increase in PEC, 10.21; 95% CI, 1.37, 19.06). The restrictive cubic spline curve analysis suggested that these associations occurred within the range of 0 to 400 cells/uL for PEC. Sensitivity analysis supported the stability of the observed results. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating eosinophil levels are negatively correlated with eGFR and demonstrate a positive trend with UACR, when PEC falls within the range of less than 400 cells/uL among adults with CKD. Further research is warranted to validate these findings.

Risk factors and nomogram predictive model of severe postoperative complications in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

Objective: To analyze risk factors of severe postoperative complications in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures (ITF), and to construct a predictive model. Methods: The medical records of 316 elderly patients with ITF who underwent surgical treatment in Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of severe postoperative complications. A nomogram prediction model was constructed using the RMS package of R4.1.2 software. Accuracy and stability of the model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and decision curve analysis. Results: Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading, combined medical diseases, preoperative bedridden condition, frailty, and preoperative albumin levels were all risk factors for severe postoperative complications in ITF patients were noted. These factors were then used to build a risk prediction model that had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.899 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.846-0.951). The internal validation results of the Bootstrap method showed that the C-index value of the model was 0.899, and the calibration curve had a good fit with the ideal curve. Conclusions: Age, ASA grading, combined medical diseases, preoperative bedridden condition, frailty, and preoperative albumin levels were independent risk factors for severe postoperative complications in elderly ITF patients. The constructed prediction model based on the above risk factors has a high predictive value.

predictive model of nosocomial infection in patients with upper urinary tract stones after flexible ureterorenoscopy with laser lithotripsy: A retrospective study.

Objectives: To construct a predictive model of nosocomial infection in patients with upper urinary tract (UUT) stones after flexible ureterorenoscopy with laser lithotripsy (FURSLL). Methods: Medical records of 196 patients with UUT stones who underwent FURSLL in Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from December 2019 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into infected group or uninfected group based on the presence of infection during postoperative hospitalization. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify risk factors of postoperative nosocomial infections. A nomogram prediction model was constructed using R software. The predictive ability of the model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: A total of 54 patients (27.6%) developed nosocomial infections after FURSLL. Logistic regression analysis showed that older age, diabetes, preoperative urinary system infection, ureteral stricture, hydronephrosis, double J-stent retention time, and stone diameter were risk factors of nosocomial infection. The nomogram model was constructed based on these risk factors. The ROC showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.930 (95% CI: 0.890-0.970), and the sensitivity and specificity were 92.6% and 81.7%, respectively, indicating that the prediction model was effective. Conclusions: Risk of nosocomial infection in patients with UUT stones after FURSLL is affected by older age, diabetes, preoperative urinary system infection, ureteral stenosis, hydronephrosis, double J-stent retention time, and stone diameter. The nomogram prediction model, constructed based on the above factors, has good predictive value.

Reduced Adenoma Miss Rate With 9-Minute vs 6-Minute Withdrawal Times for Screening Colonoscopy: A Multicenter Randomized Tandem Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Although the 9-minute mean withdrawal time (m-WT) is often reported to be associated with the optimal adenoma detection rate (ADR), no randomized trials of screening colonoscopy have confirmed the impact of a 9-minute m-WT on adenoma miss rate (AMR) and ADR. METHODS: A multicenter tandem trial was conducted in 11 centers. Seven hundred thirty-three asymptomatic participants were randomized to receive segmental tandem screening colonoscopy with a 9-minute withdrawal, followed by a 6-minute withdrawal (9-minute-first group, 9MF, n = 366) or vice versa (6-minute-first group, 6MF, n = 367). The primary outcome was the lesion-level AMR. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat analysis revealed that 9MF significantly reduced the lesion-level (14.5% vs 36.6%, P < 0.001) and participant-level AMR (10.9% vs 25.9%, P < 0.001), advanced adenoma miss rate (AAMR, 5.3% vs 46.9%, P = 0.002), multiple adenomas miss rate (20.7% vs 56.5%, P = 0.01), and high-risk adenomas miss rate (14.6% vs 39.5%, P = 0.01) of 6MF without compromising detection efficiency ( P = 0.79). In addition, a lower false-negative rate for adenomas ( P = 0.002) and high-risk adenomas ( P < 0.05), and a lower rate of shortening surveillance schedule ( P < 0.001) were also found in 9MF, accompanying with an improved ADR in the 9-minute vs 6-minute m-WT (42.3% vs 33.5%, P = 0.02). The independent inverse association between m-WT and AMR remained significant even after adjusting ADR, and meanwhile, 9-minute m-WT was identified as an independent protector for AMR and AAMR. DISCUSSION: In addition to increasing ADR, 9-minute m-WT also significantly reduces the AMR and AAMR of screening colonoscopy without compromising detection efficiency.

ABA-triggered ROS burst in rice developing anthers is critical for tapetal programmed cell death induction and heat stress-induced pollen abortion.

High temperatures (HT) cause pollen abortion and poor floret fertility in rice, which is closely associated with excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the developing anthers. However, the relationships between accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and ROS, and their effects on tapetum-specific programmed cell death (PCD) in HT-stressed anthers are poorly characterised. Here, we determined the spatiotemporal changes in ABA and ROS levels, and their relationships with tapetal PCD under HT exposure. Mutants lacking ABA-activated protein kinase 2 (SAPK2) functions and exogenous ABA treatments were used to explore the effects of ABA signalling on the induction of PCD and ROS accumulation during pollen development. HT-induced pollen abortion was tightly associated with ABA accumulation and oxidative stress. The higher ABA level in HT-stressed anthers resulted in the earlier initiation of PCD induction and subsequently abnormal tapetum degeneration by activating ROS accumulation in developing anthers. Interactions between SAPK2 and DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase elF4A-1 (RH4) were required for ABA-induced ROS generation in developing anthers. The OsSAPK2 knockout mutants showed the impaired PCD responses in the absence of HT. However, the deficiency of SAPK2 functions did not suppress the ABA-mediated ROS generation in HT-stressed anthers.

Associations between whole blood trace elements concentrations and HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Previous researches have been conducted to study the associations of trace elements on Type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. The present study focuses on the evaluation of potential associations between trace elements and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with T2D, via the determination of their levels in human whole blood. 100 diabetes without complications, 75 prediabetes and 40 apparently healthy subjects were studied. The levels of eleven trace elements including lithium (Li), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr) and molybdenum (Mo) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The levels of fasting glucose, HbA1c, Hemoglobin, lipid, liver function, kidney function, thyroid function and demographic data were obtained from the Laboratory Information System. Nonparametric correlation (Spearman) was used to analyze the relationship between trace elements and HbA1c. The contents of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn and Mo in diabetes increased comparing with the healthy subject while Li decreased. But the levels of Li, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Se and Mo negatively correlated with HbA1c in the diabetes subjects (r value: - 0.2189, - 0.2421, - 0.3260, - 0.2744, - 0.2812, - 0.2456, - 0.2240; 95% confidence interval - 0.4032 to - 0.0176, - 0.4235 to - 0.0420, - 0.4955 to - 0.1326, - 0.4515 to - 0.0765, - 0.4573 to - 0.0838, - 0.4266 to - 0.0458, - 0.4076 to - 0.0229; p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05). Accordingly, the contents of V, Cr, Mn and Se showed lower in HbA1c ≥ 7.0% group in contrast to HbA1c < 7.0% group. No correlation of HbA1c (or FBG) and trace elements was found in the healthy subjects. Trace element levels and metabolic abnormalities of blood glucose may be mutually affected. The extra supplement of trace elements needs to be cautious.

Ginsenoside regulates Treg/Th17 cell ratio and inhibits inflammation to treat COPD.

Objective: Several studies have suggested an involvement of the immune system in the occurrence and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of ginsenoside in inhibiting inflammation by regulating FOXP3 in COPD. Methods: Eighty COPD patients were selected and 35 healthy people were enrolled in the study to determine clinical efficacy, observation index, and SGRQ scores. Percentage of Treg and Th17 cells were detected by flow cytometry; HE staining was used to detect the effect of ginsenoside therapy on pathological changes of COPD in mice. Additionally, we transfected FOXP3 inhibitor; RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the inflammation related genes and proteins. Results: The basic information of the patients were comparable. The clinical outcome in the treatment group was better than that in the control group, which indicated that ginsenoside has a certain therapeutic effect on COPD patients. The lung function and 6MWT distance results indicated that ginsenoside could stabilize the clinical symptoms of COPD patients and improve their quality of life. Flow cytometry results showed that ginsenoside can increase Treg expression while reducing Th17 cell expression. RT-PCR and western blot results showed that the expression of TNF-α and IL-17 in the model group was significantly increased after treatment, obviously caused by an increased expression of FOXP3. Conclusion: Ginsenoside can inhibit inflammation in COPD by up-regulating FOXP3.

Reference intervals for glomerular filtration function markers among pregnant women of Shandong Province, east China.

The aim of the study was to establish reference intervals (RIs) for glomerular filtration function markers among pregnant women of Shandong Province, east China. From Janunary 2017 to December 2018, we retrospectively analyzed serum samples from 360 pregnant women and a control cohort of 60-non-pregnant women. The glomerular filtration function markers included Cystatin C (CysC), Creatinine (Cr) and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). BeckmanAU5800 detection system was used to determine the serological level of CysC by immunonephelometry method and Cr by enzyme method, eGFR was calculated according to age, gender and Cr results. We calculated the RIs according to the guidelines in C28-A3 published by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The calculated RIs for serum CysC were (0.40-0.67) mg/L, (0.5-0.85) mg/L, (0.77-1.49) mg/L in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester respectively. Cr were (37.26-57.47) µmol/L, (33.70-54.82) µmol/L, (33.66-62.69) µmol/L in each cohort. eGFR based on Cr were (115.24-140.05) ml/min per 1.73m2, (117.42-141.88) ml/min per 1.73m2, (109.00-146.00) ml/min per 1.73m2. The results show the necessity to establish special RIs for glomerular filtration function markers during pregnancy, even in each trimester. CysC levels increase obviously, so we also should cautiously treat it in the three trimesters.

Association between interleukin 8-receptor gene (CXCR1 and CXCR2) polymorphisms and urinary tract infection: Evidence from 4097 subjects.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between interleukin-8 receptor polymorphisms and urinary tract infection (UTI) susceptibility. METHODS: We systematically searched electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Web of Science up to 5 November 2017 to select appropriate studies that focused on C-X-C chemokine receptor type 1 and/or 2 (CXCR1, CXCR2) polymorphisms with susceptibility to UTI. Eight case-control studies including 2085 patients with UTI and 2012 controls were enrolled in this study. Seven studies of CXCR1 rs2234671 and two studies of rs3138086 were included in the meta-analyses. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were synthesized using fixed-effects or random-effects model according to heterogeneity. RESULTS: No significant correlations were found between CXCR1 rs2234671 and rs3138086 polymorphisms and UTI susceptibility. However, subgroup analysis showed that rs2234671 was associated with an increased risk of UTI under allelic comparisons (C vs. G, OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.07-3.55), heterozygous model (GC vs. GG, OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.06-3.50), and dominant model (GC + CC vs. GG, OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.07-3.69) in children, especially in paediatric patients with acute pyelonephritis (allelic, OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.28-4.60; heterozygous, OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.24-4.62; dominant, OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.26-4.88). Furthermore, these results remained the same after eliminating paediatric patients with vesicoureteral reflux. CONCLUSION: CXCR1 rs2234671 polymorphism might be associated with an increased risk of UTI in children.

The red distribution width and the platelet distribution width as prognostic predictors in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Increasing attention is focused on the relationship of inflammation biomarkers with malignant tumors. The purpose of the present study was to detect whether the preoperative the red distribution width (RDW) and the platelet distribution width (PDW) can be used to distinguish patients with gastric cancer (GC) or early stage GC from the healthy controls and predict the progression and prognosis of the GC. METHODS: The RDW and PDW values of 227 patients with GC and 164 patients with early GC were retrospectively analyzed comparing with 101 healthy controls. In addition, the clinicopathological features, survival curves and prognosis of the patients with GC were compared between the high and low groups according to the RDW and PDW values. RESULTS: Significant higher RDW and lower PDW were detected in patients with GC and early GC compared to the healthy controls. A higher RDW was significantly associated with older age, a larger tumor diameter, deeper tumor infiltration, and lymph node metastasis while a lower PDW was significantly associated with male, older age, a larger tumor diameter, deeper tumor infiltration, elevated CEA and CA125. Increased RDW was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) for GC (P = 0.042 and P = 0.033, respectively) and early GC (P = 0.037 and P = 0.009, respectively) while decreased PDW indicated a significantly association with poor DFS for early GC (P = 0.006). Univariate and multivariate survival analysis showed that RDW and PDW can act as independent prognostic factors for DFS (P = 0.028 and P = 0.020) in patients with early GC. CONCLUSION: The preoperative RDW and PDW were simple and convenient predictive factors for the progression and prognosis of patients with GC.

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of Pt-ZnO hybrid nanocomposite by solution plasma technology.

In this paper, Pt-ZnO hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by solution plasma technology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) were used to verify their chemical composition. The size and morphology of the Pt-ZnO hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These results indicate that about 2-3 nm Pt nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and dispersed on the pyramid-like ZnO (20-60 nm) surface. Photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) demonstrates that the Pt (5 wt%)-ZnO hybrid nanocomposite has better photocatalytic activity than commercial P25 because Pt NPs restrain the photogenerated electron/hole recombination and increase the catalyst activity.

Acquired Gitelman syndrome in a primary Sjögren syndrome patient with a SLC12A3 heterozygous mutation: A case report and literature review.

Acquired Gitelman's syndrome (GS) associated with Sjögren syndrome (SS) is rare. A 50-year-old woman was admitted to our department because of nausea, acratia and sicca complex. Laboratory tests after admission showed renal failure, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalciuria, all of which met the diagnostic criteria for GS. Diagnostic evaluation identified primary SS as the cause of the acquired GS. Light microscopy of the renal tissue from the patient showed severe membranoproliferative glomerunephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis. Immunohistochemical staining of the renal tissue showed the absence of sodium-chloride co-transporter (NCCT) in distal convoluted tubules. Genetic analysis of chromosomal DNA extracted from the patient's peripheral blood showed SLC12A3 gene heterozygous mutation. The reported case was comprehensively analyzed on the basis of the clinical features, and laboratory, pathological and genetic test findings. The patient has achieved a complete remission after meticulous care and appropriate treatment.

Association between pulmonary function and rapid kidney function decline: a longitudinal cohort study from CHARLS.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary function has been reported to be associated with chronic kidney disease. However, the relationship between lung function and rapid kidney function decline remains unclear. METHODS: Participants aged ≥45 years with complete data from the 2011 and 2015 interviews of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included. Lung function, assessed by peak expiratory flow (PEF), and kidney function, assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were tested at the baseline and endpoint surveys. Rapid kidney function decline was defined as a decrease in eGFR ≥3 mL/min/1.73 m²/year, and ΔeGFR represented the difference between baseline and endpoint eGFR. Multivariate logistic regression models and linear regression models were employed to evaluate the association between PEF and the risk of rapid eGFR decline, as well as the correlation between PEF and ΔeGFR. RESULTS: A total of 6159 participants were included, with 1157 (18.78%) individuals experiencing a rapid decline in eGFR. After adjusting for potential covariates, higher baseline PEF (Quartile 4 vs Quartile 1, OR=0.95, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98) and elevated PEF % predicted (OR=0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99) were found to be associated with a lower risk of rapid eGFR decline. ΔeGFR decreased by 0.217 and 0.124 mL/min/1.73 m² for every 1 L/s increase in baseline PEF (ß (95% CI): -0.217 (-0.393 to -0.042)) and 10% increase in PEF % predicted (ß (95% CI): -0.124 (-0.237 to -0.011)), respectively. During the follow-up period, ΔeGFR decreased as PEF increased over time among participants in Quartile 1 (ß per 1 L/s increase in ΔPEF=-0.581, 95% CI -1.003 to -0.158; ß per 10% increase in ΔPEF % predicted=-0.279, 95% CI -0.515 to -0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Higher PEF was associated with a slower longitudinal eGFR decline in middle-aged and older adults.

Platelet extracellular vesicles: Darkness and light of autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a breakdown of immune tolerance, leading to inflammation and irreversible end-organ tissue damage. Platelet extracellular vesicles are cellular elements that are important in blood circulation and actively participate in inflammatory and immune responses through intercellular communication and interactions between inflammatory cells, immune cells, and their secreted factors. Therefore, platelet extracellular vesicles are the "accelerator" in the pathological process of autoimmune diseases; however, this robust set of functions of platelet extracellular vesicles has also prompted new advances in therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases. In this review, we update fundamental mechanisms based on platelet extracellular vesicles communication function in autoimmune diseases. We also focus on the potential role of platelet extracellular vesicles for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Some recent studies have found that antiplatelet aggregation drugs, specific biological agents can reduce the release of platelet extracellular vesicles. Platelet extracellular vesicles can also serve as vehicles to deliver drugs to targeted cells. It seems that we can try to silence or inhibit microRNA carried by platelet extracellular vesicles transcription and regulate the target cells to treat autoimmune diseases as platelet extracellular vesicles can transfer microRNA to other cells to regulate immune-inflammatory responses. Hopefully, the information presented here will provide hope for patients with autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases patients are characterized by autoimmune disorders, whose immune system cannot distinguish between auto- and foreign-antigens. Autoimmune diseases is the third significant disease threatening human health after cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, the exact etiology of autoimmune diseases has yet to be fully elucidated. Several studies have shown that platelet extracellular vesicle content is elevated in multiple autoimmune disorders and positively correlates with disease activity. However, our knowledge about the details of the mechanisms still remains limited and fragmentary. This article updates the communication function of platelet extracellular vesicles in accelerating autoimmune and inflammatory responses. The interesting thing is every coin has two sides. We put forward a new treatment idea for AD based on the particular volume and powerful intercellular communication function of platelet extracellular vesicles. Inhibition of the communication function of platelet extracellular vesicles seems to be considered in the future, or silence or block miRNA of platelet extracellular vesicles involved in the pathogenesis of AD. We can even use it as a drug carrier to deliver the drug to the relevant target cells, thereby enhancing the role of the medicine in regulating immune response and inhibiting inflammation. This paper not only provides a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases but also provides theoretical support for the use of platelet extracellular vesicles to achieve targeted therapy.

Huaju Xiaoji Formula Regulates ERS-lncMGC/miRNA to Enhance the Renal Function of Hypertensive Diabetic Mice with Nephropathy.

Background: Better therapeutic drugs are required for treating hypertensive diabetic nephropathy. In our previous study, the Huaju Xiaoji (HJXJ) formula promoted the renal function of patients with diabetes and hypertensive nephropathy. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect and regulation mechanism of HJXJ in hypertensive diabetic mice with nephropathy. Methods: We constructed a mouse hypertensive diabetic nephropathy (HDN) model by treating mice with streptozotocin (STZ) and nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (LNAME). We also constructed a human glomerular mesangial cell (HGMC) model that was induced by high doses of sugar (30 mmol/mL) and TGFß1 (5 ng/mL). Pathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining. The fibrosis-related molecules (TGFß1, fibronectin, laminin, COL I, COL IV, α-SMA, and p-smad2/3) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels and protein expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress, fibrosis molecules, and their downstream molecules were assessed using qPCR and Western blotting assays. Results: Administering HJXJ promoted the renal function of HDN mice. HJXJ reduced the expression of ER stress makers (CHOP and GRP78) and lncMGC, miR379, miR494, miR495, miR377, CUGBP2, CPEB4, EDEM3, and ATF3 in HDN mice and model HGMCs. The positive control drugs (dapagliflozin and valsartan) also showed similar effects after treatment with HJXJ. Additionally, in model HGMCs, the overexpression of CHOP or lncMGC decreased the effects of HJXJ-M on the level of fibrosis molecules and downstream target molecules. Conclusion: In this study, we showed that the HJXJ formula may regulate ERS-lncMGC/miRNA to enhance renal function in hypertensive diabetic mice with nephropathy. This study may act as a reference for further investigating whether combining HJXJ with other drugs can enhance its therapeutic effect. The findings of this study might provide new insights into the clinical treatment of hypertensive diabetic nephropathy with HJXJ.

Effect of cooking methods on volatile compounds and texture properties in maize porridge.

To investigate the optimal processing of maize porridge, the volatile compounds and texture under different cooking methods and time have been studied. A total of 51 volatile compounds were identified in maize porridge. Notably, the major volatiles, aldehydes and esters exhibited a relatively high content in electric pressure cooker (EPC), and esters tend to significantly increase after cooking. Among aldehydes, nonanal and hexanal played a great role in flavor due to their relatively high content. Volatile compounds of maize porridge in different cooking methods could be clearly distinguished by multiple chemometrics. Furthermore, texture analysis revealed that almost all the indicators in the EPC can reach the lowest value at 60 min. To summarize, different cooking methods had a more significant influence on the volatile compounds and texture compared to time. This study helps to improve the sensory attributes of maize porridge, and thus contributes to healthier and more sustainable production.

Glucocorticoid reduction induced chorea in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is typically more severe than adult-onset SLE, with a higher incidence of nervous system involvement. Chorea is a relatively rare neurological complication reported in 2.4%-7% of SLE patients. In particular, chorea induced by glucocorticoid dose reduction is even rarer. Herein, we report the case of a girl with SLE, who developed chorea during the process of glucocorticoid therapy reduction. CASE SUMMARY: We describe a 14-year-old girl who was diagnosed with SLE. She was treated with methylprednisolone and rituximab, and her symptoms improved. On the second day after the methylprednisolone dose was reduced according to the treatment guidelines, the patient developed chorea. Her condition improved after adjusting her glucocorticoid regimen. CONCLUSION: This case is a reminder that extra attention to chorea is required in SLE patients during glucocorticoid dose reduction.