Construction of a Decellularized Multicomponent Extracellular Matrix Interpenetrating Network Scaffold by Gelatin Microporous Hydrogel 3D Cell Culture System.

Interface tissue repair requires the construction of biomaterials with integrated structures of multiple protein types. Hydrogels that modulate internal porous structures provide a 3D microenvironment for encapsulated cells, making them promise for interface tissue repair. Currently, reduction of intrinsic immunogenicity and increase of bioactive extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion are issues to be considered in these materials. In this study, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel is used to encapsulate chondrocytes and construct a phase transition 3D cell culture system (PTCC) by utilizing the thermosensitivity of gelatin microspheres to create micropores within the hydrogel. The types of bioactive extracellular matrix protein formation by chondrocytes encapsulated in hydrogels are investigated in vitro. After 28 days of culture, GelMA PTCC forms an extracellular matrix predominantly composed of collagen type II, collagen type I, and fibronectin. After decellularization, the protein types and mechanical properties are well preserved, fabricating a decellularized tissue-engineered extracellular matrix and GelMA hydrogel interpenetrating network hydrogel (dECM-GelMA IPN) consisting of GelMA hydrogel as the first-level network and the ECM secreted by chondrocytes as the second-level network. This material has the potential to mediate the repair and regeneration of tendon-bone interface tissues with multiple protein types.

[A study on the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with motor imagery on brain function based on electroencephalogram and near infrared spectrum].

Motor imagery is often used in the fields of sports training and neurorehabilitation for its advantages of being highly targeted, easy to learn, and requiring no special equipment, and has become a major research paradigm in cognitive neuroscience. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), an emerging neuromodulation technique, modulates cortical excitability, which in turn affects functions such as locomotion. However, it is unclear whether tDCS has a positive effect on motor imagery task states. In this paper, 16 young healthy subjects were included, and the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and near-infrared spectrum (NIRS) signals of the subjects were collected when they were performing motor imagery tasks before and after receiving tDCS, and the changes in multiscale sample entropy (MSE) and haemoglobin concentration were calculated and analyzed during the different tasks. The results found that MSE of task-related brain regions increased, oxygenated haemoglobin concentration increased, and total haemoglobin concentration rose after tDCS stimulation, indicating that tDCS increased the activation of task-related brain regions and had a positive effect on motor imagery. This study may provide some reference value for the clinical study of tDCS combined with motor imagery.

Development of a multi-recombinase polymerase amplification assay for rapid identification of COVID-19, influenza A and B.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused extensive loss of life worldwide. Further, the COVID-19 and influenza mix-infection had caused great distress to the diagnosis of the disease. To control illness progression and limit viral spread within the population, a real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay for early diagnosis of COVID-19 was developed, but detection was time-consuming (4-6 h). To improve the diagnosis of COVID-19 and influenza, we herein developed a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) method for simple and rapid amplification of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19 and Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2) and B (influenza B). Genes encoding the matrix protein (M) for H1N1, and the hemagglutinin (HA) for H3N2, and the polymerase A (PA) for Influenza B, and the nucleocapsid protein (N), the RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase (RdRP) in the open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) region, and the envelope protein (E) for SARS-CoV-2 were selected, and specific primers were designed. We validated our method using SARS-CoV-2, H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B plasmid standards and RNA samples extracted from COVID-19 and Influenza A/B (RT-PCR-verified) positive patients. The method could detect SARS-CoV-2 plasmid standard DNA quantitatively between 102 and 105 copies/ml with a log linearity of 0.99 in 22 min. And this method also be very effective in simultaneous detection of H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B. Clinical validation of 100 cases revealed a sensitivity of 100% for differentiating COVID-19 patients from healthy controls when the specificity was set at 90%. These results demonstrate that this nucleic acid testing method is advantageous compared with traditional PCR and other isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods in terms of time and portability. This method could potentially be used for detection of SARS-CoV-2, H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B, and adapted for point-of-care (POC) detection of a broad range of infectious pathogens in resource-limited settings.

Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Gelatin/Sodium Alginate Hydrogel-Based Macrophage and MSC Cell-Encapsulated Paracrine System with Potential Application in Wound Healing.

A gelatin/sodium alginate-based hydrogel microsphere has been fabricated after reaction condition optimization. Macrophages (RAW246.7) and adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC) have been subsequently encapsulated in the microsphere in order to construct a 3D paracrine system for wound healing treatment. The synthesized microsphere displayed neglectable cytotoxicity toward both encapsulated cells until 10 days of incubation, indicating promising biocompatibility of the microsphere. A qRT-PCR and ELISA experiment revealed positive regulation of cytokines (Arg-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, bFGF, HGF, VEGF, TLR-1, and CXCL13) expression regarding macrophage phenotype transformation and anti-inflammatory performance both inside the microsphere and in the microenvironment of established in vitro inflammatory model. Additionally, positive tendency of cytokine expression benefit wound healing was more pronounced in a fabricated 3D paracrine system than that of a 2D paracrine system. Furthermore, the 3D paracrine system exhibited more efficiently in the wound healing rate compared to the 2D paracrine system in an in vitro model. These results suggested the current paracrine system could be potentially used as a robust wound healing dressing.

Neuronal hyperexcitability and ion channel dysfunction in CDKL5-deficiency patient iPSC-derived cortical organoids.

Early epilepsy is a prominent feature in patients with CDKL5-deficiency disorder (CDD). The underlying mechanism for excessive excitability in CDD is largely unknown. The brain organoid model has been recently developed to resemble many critical features of early human brain development. Here, we used a brain organoid model to investigate the cellular electrophysiological basis for hyper-excitability in CDD patients. Our study employed cortical organoids derived from two CDD patients harboring the same CDKL5 mutation (R59X) and two controls from their healthy parents. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed higher action potential (AP) firing rate and lower rheobase in both CDD organoids, indicating increased intrinsic neuronal excitability. We further found dysfunction of voltage-gated ion channels in CDD neurons that leads to hyperexcitability, including higher Na+ and K+ current densities and a negative shift in Na+ channel activation. In contrast to neuronal properties, we found that glutamatergic neurotransmission and the electrophysiological properties of glial cells were not altered in CDD organoids. In support of our CDD findings, we further discovered similar electrophysiologic properties in cortical organoids derived from a Rett syndrome (RTT) patient, including alterations in AP firings and Na+ and K+ channel function suggesting a convergent mechanism. Together, our study suggests a critical role of intrinsic neuronal hyperexcitability and ion channel dysfunction, seen in early brain development in both CDD and RTT disorders. This investigation provides potential novel drug targets for developing treatments of early epilepsy in such disorders.

ß-Arrestin2-biased Drd2 agonist UNC9995 alleviates astrocyte inflammatory injury via interaction between ß-arrestin2 and STAT3 in mouse model of depression.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent and devastating psychiatric illness. Unfortunately, the current therapeutic practice, generally depending on the serotonergic system for drug treatment is unsatisfactory and shows intractable side effects. Multiple evidence suggests that dopamine (DA) and dopaminergic signals associated with neuroinflammation are highly involved in the pathophysiology of depression as well as in the mechanism of antidepressant drugs, which is still in the early stage of study and well worthy of investigation. METHODS: We established two chronic stress models, including chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), to complementarily recapitulate depression-like behaviors. Then, hippocampal tissues were used to detect inflammation-related molecules and signaling pathways. Pathological changes in depressive mouse hippocampal astrocytes were examined by RNA sequencing. After confirming the dopamine receptor 2 (Drd2)/ß-arrestin2 signaling changes in the depressive mice brain, we then established the depressive mouse model using the ß-arrestin2 knockout mice or administrating the ß-arrestin2-biased Drd2 agonist to investigate the roles. Label-free mass spectrometry was used to identify the ß-arrestin2-binding proteins as the underlying mechanisms. We modeled neuroinflammation with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and corticosterone treatment and characterized astrocytes using multiple methods including cell viability assay, flow cytometry, and confocal immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Drd2-biased ß-arrestin2 pathway is significantly changed in the progression of depression, and genetic deletion of ß-arrestin2 aggravates neuroinflammation and depressive-like phenotypes. Mechanistically, astrocytic ß-arrestin2 retains STAT3 in the cytoplasm by structural combination with STAT3, therefore, inhibiting the JAK-STAT3 pathway-mediated inflammatory activation. Furtherly, pharmacological activation of Drd2/ß-arrestin2 pathway by UNC9995 abolishes the inflammation-induced loss of astrocytes and ameliorates depressive-like behaviors in mouse model for depression. CONCLUSIONS: Drd2/ß-arrestin2 pathway is a potential therapeutic target for depression and ß-arrestin2-biased Drd2 agonist UNC9995 is identified as a potential anti-depressant strategy for preventing astrocytic dysfunctions and relieving neuropathological manifestations in mouse model for depression, which provides insights for the therapy of depression.

Altered network and rescue of human neurons derived from individuals with early-onset genetic epilepsy.

Early-onset epileptic encephalopathies are severe disorders often associated with specific genetic mutations. In this context, the CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by early-onset seizures, intellectual delay, and motor dysfunction. Although crucial for proper brain development, the precise targets of CDKL5 and its relation to patients' symptoms are still unknown. Here, induced pluripotent stem cells derived from individuals deficient in CDKL5 protein were used to generate neural cells. Proteomic and phosphoproteomic approaches revealed disruption of several pathways, including microtubule-based processes and cytoskeleton organization. While CDD-derived neural progenitor cells have proliferation defects, neurons showed morphological alterations and compromised glutamatergic synaptogenesis. Moreover, the electrical activity of CDD cortical neurons revealed hyperexcitability during development, leading to an overly synchronized network. Many parameters of this hyperactive network were rescued by lead compounds selected from a human high-throughput drug screening platform. Our results enlighten cellular, molecular, and neural network mechanisms of genetic epilepsy that could ultimately promote novel therapeutic opportunities for patients.

The viral distribution and pathological characteristics of BALB/c mice infected with highly pathogenic Influenza H7N9 virus.

BACKGROUND: The highly pathogenic Influenza H7N9 virus is believed to cause multiple organ infections. However, there have been few systematic animal experiments demonstrating the virus distribution after H7N9 virus infection. The present study was carried out to investigate the viral distribution and pathological changes in the main organs of mice after experimental infection with highly pathogenic H7N9 virus. METHODS: Infection of mice with A/Guangdong/GZ8H002/2017(H7N9) virus was achieved via nasal inoculation. Mice were killed at 2, 3, and 7 days post infection. The other mice were used to observe their illness status and weight changes. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and viral isolation were used to analyse the characteristics of viral invasion. The pathological changes of the main organs were observed using haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The weight of H7N9 virus-infected mice increased slightly in the first two days. However, the weight of the mice decreased sharply in the following days, by up to 20%. All the mice had died by the 8th day post infection and showed multiple organ injury. The emergence of viremia in mice was synchronous with lung infection. On the third day post infection, except in the brain, the virus could be isolated from all organs (lung, heart, kidney, liver, and spleen). On the seventh day post infection, the virus could be detected in all six organs. Brain infection was detected in all mice, and the viral titre in the heart, kidney, and spleen infection was high. CONCLUSION: Acute diffuse lung injury was the initial pathogenesis in highly pathogenic H7N9 virus infection. In addition to lung infection and viremia, the highly pathogenic H7N9 virus could cause multiple organ infection and injury.

BODIPY-Appended Pt(II) Complexes with High Toxicities and Anti-chemoresistance Performances in a Cisplatin Resistant In Vivo Model.

Two novel fluorophore (BODIPY)-bearing complexes, pyriplatin (mCBP) and pyrimidine-chelated cisplatin (dCBP), were synthesized and characterized. The additional BODIPY-pyridine/pyridimine motifs of the two Pt(II) complexes resulted in stronger interactions with DNA in comparison with those of cisplatin. mCBP and cisplatin caused relative decreases in life span and body length in a cisplatin resistant in vivo model, N2 (wild-type) Caenorhabditis elegans. In contrast, dCBP resulted in a dramatic reduction in the two physiological parameters in N2 C. elegans, indicating high toxicity and sensitivity. The resistance factors (RF) of cisplatin, mCBP, and dCBP were determined to be 2.46, 1.04, and 0.91, respectively. The increasing RF folds for mCBP and dCBP against cisplatin were 2.36 and 2.70, respectively. This suggested they were featured with improved anti-chemoresistance capabilities. It is noteworthy that dCBP showed lowest lethal concentration (LC50) values of 0.56 and 0.61 mM in cisplatin resistant and sensitive in vivo models, respectively. Upregulation of several evolutionary conservation genes that regulate cisplatin chemoresistance through cisplatin effluxing, the DNA damage response, the unfolded protein response, and detoxification (asna-1, parp-1, enpl-1, and skn-1) was observed upon exposure to cisplatin but not to mCBP and dCBP. This could explain the improved anti-chemoresistance performances of synthesized Pt(II) complexes.

Involvement of the circular RNA/microRNA/glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase axis in the pathological mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide with high mortality. The incidence of HCC is increasing in China. Abnormal activation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) exists in all malignant tumors, including HCC, and is closely related to the development of HCC. In addition, the differential expression of non-coding RNAs is closely related to the development of HCC. This systematic review focuses on the relationship between G6PD, HCC, and non-coding RNA, which form the basis for the circRNA/miRNA/G6PD axis in HCC. The circular RNA (circRNA)/microRNA (miRNA)/G6PD axis is involved in development of HCC. We proposed that non-coding RNA molecules of the circRNA/miRNA/G6PD axis may be novel biomarkers for the pathological diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy of HCC.

Drd2 biased agonist prevents neurodegeneration against NLRP3 inflammasome in Parkinson's disease model via a ß-arrestin2-biased mechanism.

Activated astrocytes secrete inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) into the extracellular milieu, damaging surrounding neurons and involving in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Dopamine receptor D2 (Drd2) expresses both in neurons and astrocytes, and neuronal Drd2 is a significant target in therapy of PD. Our previous study reveals that astrocytic Drd2 exerts anti-inflammatory effect via non-classical ß-arrestin2 signaling in PD model. Therefore, seeking new biased ligands of Drd2 with better efficacy and fewer side effects to treat PD is desirable and meaningful. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of UNC9995, a novel biased Drd2 agonist on astrocyte-derived neuroinflammation and dopaminergic (DA) neuron degenerationin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD. We showed that UNC9995 rescued the TH+ neurons loss and inhibited glial cells activation in mouse substantia nigra in a Drd2 dependent manner. Focusing on astrocytes, we found UNC9995 shows a relatively safe concentration range and significantly suppresses astrocytic NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by lipopolysaccharide plus ATP. Further study revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect of UNC9995 is independent of Drd2 / Gαi protein pathway. It activates ß-arrestin2 by recruiting it to cell membrane. Critically, UNC9995 enhances ß-arrestin2 interacting with NLRP3 to interfere inflammasome assembly, which consequently reduces IL-1ß production. On the other hand, UNC9995 inhibits IL-1ß-induced inflammatory pathway activation in DA neurons and rescues subsequent apoptosis via ß-arrestin2 interacting with protein kinases, such as JNK and suppressing their phosphorylation. Furthermore, ß-arrestin2 knockout abolishes the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of UNC9995 in PD mouse model, supporting that UNC9995 is a ß-arrestin2-biased Drd2 agonist and revealing its novel function in PD treatment. Collectively, this work illustrates that Drd2 agonist UNC9995 prevents DA neuron degeneration in PD and provides a new strategy for developing the ß-arrestin2-biased ligands in the therapy of NDDs.

Molecular Structure Modulated Trap Distribution and Carrier Migration in Fluorinated Epoxy Resin.

Surface charge accumulation on epoxy insulators is one of the most serious problems threatening the operation safety of the direct current gas-insulated transmission line (GIL), and can be efficiently inhibited by the surface modification technology. This paper investigated the mechanisms of fluorination modulated surface charge behaviors of epoxy resin through quantum chemical calculation (QCC) analysis of the molecular structure. The results show that after fluorination, the surface charge dissipation process of the epoxy sample is accelerated by the introduced shallow trap sites, which is further clarified by the carrier mobility model. The electron distribution probability of the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) under positive charging and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) under negative charging shows distinctive patterns. It is illustrated that electrons are likely to aggregate locally around benzenes for the positively charged molecular structure, while electrons tend to distribute all along the epoxy chain under negatively charging. The calculated results verify that fluorination can modulate surface charge behaviors of epoxy resin through redesigning its molecular structure, trap distribution and charging patterns.

Preclinical Efficacy of Anti-RON Antibody-Drug Conjugate Zt/g4-MMAE for Targeted Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer Overexpressing RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase.

Aberrant expression of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase, a cell surface protein, is a pathogenic feature in pancreatic cancer, which renders it a drug target for targeted therapy. Nevertheless, development of therapeutics targeting RON for pancreatic cancer therapy is hampered due to the lack of full addiction by pancreatic cancer cells to RON signaling for growth and survival. Here we describe a novel strategy using anti-RON antibody-directed drug delivery in the form of an antibody-drug conjugate for inhibition and/or eradication of pancreatic cancers. Monoclonal antibody Zt/g4 specific to the RON Sema domain was selected as the drug carrier based on its ability to induce robust RON internalization. Conjugation of Zt/g4 with monomethyl auristatin E, designated as Zt/g4-MMAE, was achieved through a protease-sensitive dipeptide linker to reach a drug to antibody ratio of 3.29:1. Zt/g4-MMAE was stable in human plasma with a dissociation rate less than 4% within a 10 day period. In vitro, Zt/g4-MMAE rapidly induced RON internalization, resulting in cell cycle arrest followed by massive cell death. The maximal effect was seen in pancreatic cancer cells with more than 10 000 receptor molecules per cell. Zt/g4-MMAE also synergized in vitro with chemotherapeutics including gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin to further reduce PDAC cell viability. In vivo, Zt/g4-MMAE exerts a long-lasting activity, which not only inhibited but also eradicated pancreatic xenograft tumors. These finding indicate that Zt/g4-directed drug delivery is highly effective for eradicating pancreatic tumors. Thus, Zt/g4-MMAE is a novel biotherapeutic with potential for therapy of RON-expressing pancreatic malignancies.

Fine tuning of the UPR by the ubiquitin ligases Siah1/2.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) responds to changes in intracellular homeostasis through activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Yet, it is not known how UPR-signaling coordinates adaptation versus cell death. Previous studies suggested that signaling through PERK/ATF4 is required for cell death. We show that high levels of ER stress (i.e., ischemia-like conditions) induce transcription of the ubiquitin ligases Siah1/2 through the UPR transducers PERK/ATF4 and IRE1/sXBP1. In turn, Siah1/2 attenuates proline hydroxylation of ATF4, resulting in its stabilization, thereby augmenting ER stress output. Conversely, ATF4 activation is reduced upon Siah1/2 KD in cultured cells, which attenuates ER stress-induced cell death. Notably, Siah1a(+/-)::Siah2(-/-) mice subjected to neuronal ischemia exhibited smaller infarct volume and were protected from ischemia-induced death, compared with the wild type (WT) mice. In all, Siah1/2 constitutes an obligatory fine-tuning mechanism that predisposes cells to death under severe ER stress conditions.

A novel glucosamine derivative with low cytotoxicity enhances chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5.

Glucosamine (GlcN) is a component of native cartilage extracellular matrix and useful in cartilage repair, but it was limited by toxicity in high concentrations. With the aim of altering bioactive properties of GlcN to reduce the toxicity and to facilitate chondrogenesis for hyaline cartilage formation, we introduced an amino-group modification with double bond into GlcN to produce N-acryloyl-glucosamine (AGA). The cell ATDC5 was chosen to evaluate its cytotoxicity and chondrogenesis capability. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assay showed that AGA had significantly reduced the cytotoxicity compared to GlcN, and promoted ATDC5 proliferation. Alcian blue staining and biochemical analysis indicated that AGA enhanced extracellular matrix deposition. Both the mRNA and protein levels of articular cartilage markers, like Collagen II and Aggrecan were up-regulated, as shown by quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, the level of fibrocartilage marker Collagen I and hypertrophic marker Collagen Χ weren't significantly changed. Overall, these results demonstrated that the AGA achieved the functional double-bond, reduction in toxicity and enhancement in chondrogenesis could be more potential in cartilage repair.

Ebolavirus Vaccines: Progress in the Fight Against Ebola Virus Disease.

Ebolaviruses are highly infectious pathogens that cause lethal Ebola virus disease (EVD) in humans and non-human primates (NHPs). Due to their high pathogenicity and transmissibility, as well as the potential to be misused as a bioterrorism agent, ebolaviruses would threaten the health of global populations if not controlled. In this review, we describe the origin and structure of ebolaviruses and the development of vaccines from the beginning of the 1980s, including conventional ebolavirus vaccines, DNA vaccines, Ebola virus-like particles (VLPs), vaccinia virus-based vaccines, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV)-like replicon particles, Kunjin virus-based vaccine, recombinant Zaire Ebolavirusx2206;VP30, recombinant cytomegalovirus (CMV)-based vaccines, recombinant rabies virus (RABV)-based vaccines, recombinant paramyxovirus-based vaccines, adenovirus-based vaccines and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccines. No licensed vaccine or specific treatment is currently available to counteract ebolavirus infection, although DNA plasmids and several viral vector approaches have been evaluated as promising vaccine platforms. These vaccine candidates have been confirmed to be successful in protecting NHPs against lethal infection. Moreover, these vaccine candidates were successfully advanced to clinical trials. The present review provides an update of the current research on Ebola vaccines, with the aim of providing an overview on current prospects in the fight against EVD.

A novel mutation of EYA4 in a large Chinese family with autosomal dominant middle-frequency sensorineural hearing loss by targeted exome sequencing.

The middle-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (MFSNHL) is rare among hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss. To date, only three genes are reported to be associated with MFSNHL, including TECTA, EYA4 and COL11A2. In this report, we analyzed and explored the clinical audiological characteristics and the causative gene of a Chinese family named HG-Z087 with non-syndromic autosomal dominant inherited MFSNHL. Clinical audiological characteristics and inheritance pattern of a family were evaluated, and pedigree was drawn based on medical history investigation. Our results showed that the Chinese family was characterized by late onset, progressive, non-sydromic autosomal dominant MFSNHL. Targeted exome sequencing, conducted using DNA samples of an affected member in this family, revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation c.1643C>G in exon 18 of EYA4, causing amino-acid (aa) substitution Arg for Thr at a conserved position aa-548. The p.T548R mutation related to hearing loss in the selected Chinese family was validated by Sanger sequencing. However, the mutation was absent in control group containing 100 DNA samples from normal Chinese families. In conclusion, we identified the pathogenic gene and found that the novel missense mutation c.1643C>G (p.T548R) in EYA4 might have caused autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing impairment in the selected Chinese family.

[Epigallocatechin gallate attenuates the expression of regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted induced by lipopolysaccharide in human retinal endothelial cells].

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of inflammatory chemokine regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and to explore the underlying regulatory mechanism. HRECs were stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of EGCG at various concentrations (100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 µmol/L). The optimum concentration of drug was determined by a real-time cell-electronic sensing (RT-CES) system, and MTS chromatometry was used to detect the toxicity of LPS and EGCG on HRECs. RANTES production in the culture supernatant was measured by ELISA. The expression levels of Akt and phosphorylated Akt were examined by Western blot assay. The result showed that LPS markedly stimulated RANTES secretion from HRECs. EGCG treatment significantly suppressed LPS-induced RANTES secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, EGCG exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on LPS-induced phosphorylation of Akt. Taken together, our data suggest that EGCG suppresses LPS-induced RANTES secretion, possibly via inhibiting Akt phosphorylation in HRECs.

Recent progress and prospect of graphitic carbon nitride-based photocatalytic materials for inactivation of Microcystis aeruginosa.

The proliferation of harmful algal blooms is a global concern due to the risk they pose to the environment and human health. Algal toxins which are hazardous compounds produced by dangerous algae, can potentially kill humans. Researchers have been drawn to photocatalysis because of its clean and energy-saving properties. Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalysts have been extensively studied for their ability to eliminate algae. These photocatalysts have attracted notice because of their cost-effectiveness, appropriate electronic structure, and exceptional chemical stability. This paper reviews the progress of photocatalytic inactivation of harmful algae by g-C3N4-based materials in recent years. A brief overview is given of a number of the modification techniques on g-C3N4-based photocatalytic materials, as well as the process of inactivating algal cells and destroying their toxins. Additionally, it provides a theoretical framework for future research on the eradication of algae using g-C3N4-based photocatalytic materials.

Mendelian randomization analysis identified potential genes pleiotropically associated with gout.

Background: This study aims to prioritize genes potentially involved in multifactorial or causal relationships with gout. Methods: Using the Summary Data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) approach, this research analyzed expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data from blood and renal tissues and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data related to gout. It sought to identify genetic loci potentially involved in gout. Heterogeneity testing was conducted with the HEIDI test, and results were adjusted for the False Discovery Rate (FDR). Blood cis-eQTL data were sourced from the eQTLGen Consortium's summary-level data, and renal tissue data came from the V8 release of the GTEx eQTL summary data. Gout GWAS data was sourced from the FinnGen Documentation of the R10 release. Result: SMR analysis identified 14 gene probes in the eQTLGen blood summary-level data significantly associated with gout. The top five ranked genes are: ENSG00000169231 (labeled THBS3, PSMR = 4.16 × 10-13), ENSG00000231064 (labeled THBS3-AS1, PSMR = 1.88 × 10-8), ENSG00000163463 (labeled KRTCAP2, PSMR = 3.88 × 10-6), ENSG00000172977 (labeled KAT5, PSMR = 1.70 × 10-5), and ENSG00000161395 (labeled PGAP3, PSMR = 3.24 × 10-5). Notably, increased expression of KRTCAP2 and PGAP3 is associated with an increased risk of gout, whereas increased expression of THBS3, THBS3-AS1, and KAT5 is associated with a reduced gout risk. No significant gene associations with gout were observed in renal tissue, likely due to the limited sample size of kidney tissue. Conclusion: Our findings have highlighted several genes potentially involved in the pathogenesis of gout. These results offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of gout and identify potential therapeutic targets for its treatment.