Analysis of bacterial transcriptome and epitranscriptome using nanopore direct RNA sequencing.

Bacterial gene expression is a complex process involving extensive regulatory mechanisms. Along with growing interests in this field, Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing (DRS) provides a promising platform for rapid and comprehensive characterization of bacterial RNA biology. However, the DRS of bacterial RNA is currently deficient in the yield of mRNA-mapping reads and has yet to be exploited for transcriptome-wide RNA modification mapping. Here, we showed that pre-processing of bacterial total RNA (size selection followed by ribosomal RNA depletion and polyadenylation) guaranteed high throughputs of sequencing data and considerably increased the amount of mRNA reads. This way, complex transcriptome architectures were reconstructed for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and extended the boundaries of 225 known E. coli operons and 89 defined S. aureus operons. Utilizing unmodified in vitro-transcribed (IVT) RNA libraries as a negative control, several Nanopore-based computational tools globally detected putative modification sites in the E. coli and S. aureus transcriptomes. Combined with Next-Generation Sequencing-based N6-methyladenosine (m6A) detection methods, 75 high-confidence m6A candidates were identified in the E. coli protein-coding transcripts, while none were detected in S. aureus. Altogether, we demonstrated the potential of Nanopore DRS in systematic and convenient transcriptome and epitranscriptome analysis.

Phylogeny and evolution of hemipteran insects based on expanded genomic and transcriptomic data.

BACKGROUND: Hemiptera is the fifth species-rich order of insects and the most species-rich order of hemimetabolous insects, including numerous insect species that are of agricultural or medical significance. Despite much effort and recent advance in inferring the Hemiptera phylogeny, some high-level relationships among superfamilies remain controversial. RESULTS: We sequenced the genomes of 64 hemipteran species from 15 superfamilies and the transcriptomes of two additional scale insect species, integrating them with existing genomic and transcriptomic data to conduct a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Hemiptera. Our datasets comprise an average of 1625 nuclear loci of 315 species across 27 superfamilies of Hemiptera. Our analyses supported Cicadoidea and Cercopoidea as sister groups, with Membracoidea typically positioned as the sister to Cicadoidea + Cercopoidea. In most analyses, Aleyrodoidea was recovered as the sister group of all other Sternorrhyncha. A sister-group relationship was supported between Coccoidea and Aphidoidea + Phylloxeroidea. These relationships were further supported by four-cluster likelihood mapping analyses across diverse datasets. Our ancestral state reconstruction indicates phytophagy as the primary feeding strategy for Hemiptera as a whole. However, predation likely represents an ancestral state for Heteroptera, with several phytophagous lineages having evolved from predatory ancestors. Certain lineages, like Lygaeoidea, have undergone a reversal transition from phytophagy to predation. Our divergence time estimation placed the diversification of hemipterans to be between 60 and 150 million years ago. CONCLUSIONS: By expanding phylogenomic taxon sampling, we clarified the superfamily relationships within the infraorder Cicadomorpha. Our phylogenetic analyses supported the sister-group relationship between the superfamilies Cicadoidea and Cercopoidea, and the superfamily Membracoidea as the sister to Cicadoidea + Cercopoidea. Our divergence time estimation supported the close association of hemipteran diversification with the evolutionary success and adaptive radiation of angiosperms during the Cretaceous period.

A variant in long noncoding RNA NORSF affects granulosa cells response to transcription factor RFX7.

NORSF is a nuclear long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that contributes to the follicular atresia and restrains 17ß-estradiol (E2) release by granulosa cells (GCs). Importantly, it is also a potential candidate gene in the quantitative trait locus (QTLs) for sow fertility traits. We identified NORSF as a candidate (causal) gene affecting sow fertility traits. A novel G-A variant was discovered at -478 nt of the NORSF promoter and termed as g.-478G>A. Association analysis revealed that this variant was associated with sow fertility traits (e.g., the total number of piglets born, the total number of piglets born alive, and the number of healthy piglets). Mechanistically, the g.-478G>A variant reduced the binding activity of the NORSF promoter to its transcription activator regulatory factor X7 (RFX7), leading to decreased NORSF promoter activity and transcription levels in sow GCs (sGCs), and weakened inhibitory effects on the transcription of CYP19A1, which encodes a rate-limiting enzyme for E2 synthesis and E2 release by sGCs. In addition, RFX7 is transcriptionally activated by P53, which restrains E2 release from sGCs via the RFX7/NORSF/CYP19A1 pathway. These findings indicate that the lncRNA NORSF is a causal gene in QTLs for sow fertility traits and define the P53/NORSF/CYP19A1 pathway as a new signaling pathway affecting sow reproduction, which provides a new target for improving female fertility.

Quantitative Determination of Poly(methyl Methacrylate) Micro/Nanoplastics by Cooling-Assisted Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: Theoretical and Experimental Insights.

Determinations of micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) in environmental samples are essential to assess the extent of their presence in the environment and their potential impact on ecosystems and human health. With the aim to provide a sensitive method with simplified pretreatment steps, cooling-assisted solid-phase microextraction (CA-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is proposed as a new approach to quantify mass concentrations of MNPs in water and soil samples. The herein proposed CA-SPME method offers the unique advantage of integrating the thermal decomposition of MNPs and enrichment of signature compounds into one step. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was used as a model substance to verify the method performance in this work. Theoretical insights demonstrated that pyrolysis is the rate-determining step during the extraction process and that PMMA is effectively decomposed at 350 °C with an estimated incubation time of 13 min. Eight compounds were identified in the pyrolysis products by CA-SPME-GC-MS with the use of a DVB/CAR/PDMS coating, wherein methyl methacrylate was considered as the best indicator and dimethyl 2-methylenesuccinate was selected as the confirmation compound. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method exhibited wide linearity (0.5-2000 µg for water and 5-1000 µg for soil) and high sensitivity, with limits of detection of 0.014 and 0.28 µg for water and soil, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for determinations of PMMA MNPs in real water and soil samples with satisfactory recoveries attained. The method only required the employment of a filter membrane for water analysis, while soil samples were analyzed directly without any pretreatment. The solvent-free approach, straightforward operation, and high sensitivity of the proposed method show great potential for the analysis of MNPs in different environmental samples.

A thermal deformation optimization method for cryogenically cooled silicon crystal monochromators under high heat load.

A method to optimize the thermal deformation of an indirectly cryo-cooled silicon crystal monochromator exposed to intense X-rays at a low-emittance diffraction-limited synchrotron radiation source is presented. The thermal-induced slope error of the monochromator crystal has been studied as a function of heat transfer efficiency, crystal temperature distribution and beam footprint size. A partial cooling method is proposed, which flattens the crystal surface profile within the beam footprint by modifying the cooling contact area to optimize the crystal peak temperature. The optimal temperature varies with different photon energies, which is investigated, and a proper cooling strategy is obtained to fulfil the thermal distortion requirements over the entire photon energy range. At an absorbed power up to 300 W with a maximum power density of 44.8 W mm-2 normal incidence beam from an in-vacuum undulator, the crystal thermal distortion does not exceed 0.3 µrad at 8.33 keV. This method will provide references for the monochromator design on diffraction-limited synchrotron radiation or free-electron laser light sources.

The apple transcription factor MdZF-HD11 regulates fruit softening by promoting Mdß-GAL18 expression.

Fruit ripening and the associated softening are major determinants of fruit quality and post-harvest shelf life. Although the mechanisms underlying fruit softening have been intensively studied, there are limited reports on the regulation of fruit softening in apples (Malus domestica). Here, we identified a zinc finger homeodomain transcription factor MdZF-HD11that trans-activates the promoter of Mdß-GAL18, which encodes a pectin-degradation enzyme associated with cell wall metabolism. Both MdZF-HD11 and Mdß-GAL18 genes were up-regulated by exogenous ethylene treatment and repressed by 1-methylcyclopropene treatment. Further experiments revealed that MdZF-HD11 binds directly to the Mdß-GAL18 promoter and up-regulates its transcription. Moreover, using transgenic apple fruit calli, we found that overexpression of Mdß-GAL18 or MdZF-HD11 significantly enhanced ß-galactosidase activity, and overexpression of MdZF-HD11 induced the expression of Mdß-GAL18. We also discovered that transient overexpression of Mdß-GAL18 or MdZF-HD11 in 'Golden Delicious' apple significantly increased the release of ethylene, reduced fruit firmness, promoted the transformation of skin color from green to yellow, and accelerated ripening and softening of the fruit. Finally, the overexpression of MdZF-HD11 in tomato also promoted fruit softening. Collectively, these results indicate that ethylene-induced MdZF-HD11 interacts with Mdß-GAL18 to promote the post-harvest softening of apple.

Auditory Effects of Acoustic Noise From 3-T Brain MRI in Neonates With Hearing Protection.

BACKGROUND: Neonates with immature auditory function (eg, weak/absent middle ear muscle reflex) could conceivably be vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss; however, it is unclear if neonates show evidence of hearing loss following MRI acoustic noise exposure. PURPOSE: To explore the auditory effects of MRI acoustic noise in neonates. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. SUBJECTS: Two independent cohorts of neonates (N = 19 and N = 18; mean gestational-age, 38.75 ± 2.18 and 39.01 ± 1.83 weeks). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: T1-weighted three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence, T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence, single-shot echo-planar imaging-based diffusion-tensor imaging, single-shot echo-planar imaging-based diffusion-kurtosis imaging and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence at 3.0 T. ASSESSMENT: All neonates wore ear protection during scan protocols lasted ~40 minutes. Equivalent sound pressure levels (SPLs) were measured for both cohorts. In cohort1, left- and right-ear auditory brainstem response (ABR) was measured before (baseline) and after (follow-up) MRI, included assessment of ABR threshold, wave I, III and V latencies and interpeak interval to determine the functional status of auditory nerve and brainstem. In cohort2, baseline and follow-up left- and right-ear distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes were assessed at 1.2 to 7.0 kHz to determine cochlear function. STATISTICAL TEST: Wilcoxon signed-rank or paired t-tests with Bonferroni's correction were used to compare the differences between baseline and follow-up ABR and DPOAE measures. RESULTS: Equivalent SPLs ranged from 103.5 to 113.6 dBA. No significant differences between baseline and follow-up were detected in left- or right-ear ABR measures (P > 0.999, Bonferroni corrected) in cohort1, or in DPOAE levels at 1.2 to 7.0 kHz in cohort2 (all P > 0.999 Bonferroni corrected except for left-ear levels at 3.5 and 7.0 kHz with corrected P = 0.138 and P = 0.533). DATA CONCLUSION: A single 40-minute 3-T MRI with equivalent SPLs of 103.5-113.6 dBA did not result in significant transient disruption of auditory function, as measured by ABR and DPOAE, in neonates with adequate hearing protection. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2. TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.

Assessment of the glymphatic function in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVES: Whether the alternation of the glymphatic system exists in neurodevelopmental disease still remains unclear. In this study, we investigated structural and functional changes in the glymphatic system in the treatment-naïve attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children by quantitatively measuring the Virchow-Robin spaces (VRS) volume and diffusion tensor image-analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS). METHODS: Forty-seven pediatric ADHD patients and 52 age- and gender-matched typically developing (TD) children were recruited in this prospective study. The VRS volume was calculated using a semi-automated approach in axial T2-weighted images. Diffusivities along the x-, y-, and z-axes in the projection, association, and subcortical neural fiber areas were measured. The ALPS index, a ratio that accentuated water diffusion along the perivascular space, was calculated. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the quantitative parameters; Pearson's correlation was used to analyze the correlation with clinical symptoms. RESULTS: The cerebral VRS volume (mean, 15.514 mL vs. 11.702 mL) and the VRS volume ratio in the ADHD group were larger than those in the TD group (all p < 0.001). The diffusivity along the x-axis in association fiber area and ALPS index were significantly smaller in the ADHD group vs. TD group (mean, 1.40 vs.1.59, p < 0.05 after false discovery rate adjustment). Besides, the ALPS index was related to inattention symptoms of ADHD (r = - 0.323, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the glymphatic system alternation may participate in the pathogenesis of ADHD, which may be a new research direction for exploring the mechanisms of psycho-behavioral developmental disorders. Moreover, the VRS volume and ALPS index could be used as the metrics for diagnosing ADHD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Considering the potential relevance of the glymphatic system for exploring the mechanisms of attention deficit/hyperactivity, the Virchow-Robin spaces volume and the analysis along the perivascular space index could be used as additional metrics for diagnosing the disorder. KEY POINTS: • Increased Virchow-Robin space volume and decreased analysis along the perivascular space index were found in the treatment-naïve attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder children. • The results of this study indicate that the glymphatic system alternation may have a valuable role in the pathogenesis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. • The analysis along the perivascular space index is correlated with inattention symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder children.

Enhancing the stress resistance of nitrile hydratase from Rhodococcus ruber via SpyTag/SpyCatcher-mediated α- and ß- subunits ligation.

BACKGROUND: Nitrile Hydratase (NHase) is one of the most important industrial enzyme widely used in the petroleum exploitation field. The enzyme, composed of two unrelated α- and ß-subunits, catalyzes the conversion of acrylonitrile to acrylamide, releasing a significant amount of heat and generating the organic solvent product, acrylamide. Both the heat and acrylamide solvent have an impact on the structural stability of NHase and its catalytic activity. Therefore, enhancing the stress resistance of NHase to toxic substances is meaningful for the petroleum industry. METHODS AND RESULTS: To improve the thermo-stability and acrylamide tolerance of NHase, the two subunits were fused in vivo using SpyTag and SpyCatcher, which were attached to the termini of each subunit in various combinations. Analysis of the engineered strains showed that the C-terminus of ß-NHase is a better fusion site than the N-terminus, while the C-terminus of α-NHase is the most suitable site for fusion with a larger protein. Fusion of SpyTag and SpyCatcher to the C-terminus of ß-NHase and α-NHase, respectively, led to improved acrylamide tolerance and a slight enhancement in the thermo-stability of one of the engineered strains, NBSt. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that in vivo ligation of different subunits using SpyTag/SpyCatcher is a valuable strategy for enhancing subunit interaction and improving stress tolerance.

Six complete mitochondrial genomes of ground beetles from the Harpalinae and Carabinae (Coleoptera, Carabidae) with phylogenetic analysis based on mitogenomic data.

In this study, we employed high-throughput sequencing technology to determine the complete mitochondrial genomes of six ground beetles, encompassing five Harpalinae species and one Carabinae species. The sizes of mitochondrial genomes ranged from 15,334 to 16,972 bp, encompassing 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. Furthermore, each species was found to possess a putative control region. Combining with 65 published mitochondrial genome sequences of Carabidae as ingroups and four species from Trachypachidae, Gyrinidae and Dytiscidae as outgroups, we conducted phylogenetic analyses utilizing Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. Moreover, we reconstructed a species tree of Carabidae based on mitochondrial genome data using the coalescent-based species tree method (ASTRAL). The results revealed that the family Carabidae was not a monophyletic group. The subfamily Harpalinae was supported to be a monophyletic group in Maximum likelihood analysis. Although the subfamily Carabinae was found to be nonmonophyletic in the concatenation analyses under both Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference criteria, it was identified as a monophyletic group in the species tree analysis.

Diagnostic and grading criteria for androgenetic alopecia using dermoscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To establish accurate and objective dermoscopic diagnostic criteria and grading standards for males and females with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). METHODS: Twenty patients each with AGA, diffuse alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and healthy controls were enrolled in the current study. In addition, 60 patients with grades F1/V1, F2/V2, and F3/V3 AGA (20 cases each) were enrolled. The patients underwent dermoscopic examinations. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic criteria were based on the 60 AGA and 60 non-AGA. In addition, 150 patients diagnosed with AGA clinically and by dermoscopy were enrolled to calculate the accuracy of the grading criteria. RESULTS: The diagnostic criteria included primary, secondary, and exclusion criteria. The grading criteria included three indices, which divided the severity of AGA into grades 1, 2, and 3. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic criteria were 98.3% and 96.7% respectively. The accuracy of grade 1, 2, and 3 dermoscopic grading criteria were 96%, 92%, and 100% respectively, with a total accuracy of 96%. LIMITATIONS: To test the diagnostic and grading criteria, more patients need to be collected. CONCLUSIONS: The dermoscopic diagnostic and grading criteria are objective with good accuracy, which could provide a reasonable basis for the early diagnosis, grading treatment, and improved prognosis for AGA.

Bone mineral density in lower thoracic vertebra for osteoporosis diagnosis in older adults during CT lung cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative computed tomography (QCT)-based lumbar bone mineral density (LBMD) has been used to diagnose osteoporosis. This study explored the value of lower thoracic BMD (TBMD) in diagnosing osteoporosis in older adults during CT lung cancer screening. METHODS: This study included 751 subjects who underwent QCT scans with both LBMD and TBMD. 141 of them was selected for a validation. Osteoporosis was diagnosed based on LBMD using the ACR criteria (gold standard). TBMD thresholds were obtained using receiver operating characteristic curve. TBMD was also translated into LBMD (TTBMD) and osteoporosis was defined based on TTBMD using ACR criteria. The performance of TBMD and TTBMD in identifying osteoporosis was determined by Kappa test. The associations between TBMD- and TTBMD-based osteoporosis and fracture were tested in 227 subjects with followed up status of spine fracture. RESULTS: The performance of TBMD in identifying osteoporosis was low (kappa = 0.66) if using the ACR criteria. Two thresholds of TBMD for identifying osteopenia (128 mg/cm3) and osteoporosis (91 mg/cm3) were obtained with areas under the curve of 0.97 and 0.99, respectively. The performance of the identification of osteoporosis/osteopenia using the two thresholds or TTBMD both had good agreement with the gold standard (kappa = 0.78, 0.86). Similar results were observed in validation population. Osteoporosis identified using the thresholds (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 18.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.13-68.36) or TTBMD (adjusted HR = 10.28, 95% CI: 4.22-25.08) were also associated with fractures. CONCLUSION: Calculating the threshold of TBMD or normalizing TBMD to LBMD are both useful in identifying osteoporosis in older adults during CT lung cancer screening.

The Effect of Attentional Bias on Emotions in Patients with Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Attentional bias may influence the emotional experiences of breast cancer patients, both positively and negatively. This study aimed to investigate attentional bias in breast cancer patients and its impact on their emotions. METHOD: Thirty-eight breast cancer patients completed a modified dot-probe task and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale to assess attentional bias and emotional states. Attentional bias was measured by analyzing response times to different stimuli in the modified dot-probe task. Emotional stimuli included 80 pairs of facial images depicting sad-neutral, fearful-neutral, happy-neutral, and neutral-neutral expressions. Attentional bias components were observed at stimulus presentation durations of 300 ms and 1500 ms. Differences in emotional responses among breast cancer patients with varying attentional biases were compared. RESULTS: Breast cancer patients exhibited attentional avoidance of sad and happy stimuli at 300 ms. Further analysis revealed that patients who exhibited attentional avoidance of sad stimuli at 300 ms reported higher levels of anxiety and stress. Those with attentional avoidance of fearful stimuli at 1500 ms reported increased anxiety, while individuals showing attentional avoidance of happy stimuli or difficulty disengaging from happy stimuli at 1500 ms reported higher levels of depression and stress. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer patients demonstrated an attentional bias toward emotional stimuli, particularly avoidance of sad and happy stimuli in 300 ms. Different components of attentional bias were associated with distinct negative emotional outcomes.

Mitigating lead-induced osteoporosis: The role of butyrate in gut-bone axis restoration.

Lead (Pb) is an environmentally widespread bone toxic pollutant, contributes to the development of osteoporosis. Butyric acid, mainly produced by the fermentation of indigestible dietary fiber by gut microbiota, plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of bone homeostasis. However, the effects of butyric acids on the Pb induced osteoporosis have not yet been elucidated. In this study, our results showed that Pb exposure was negatively related to the abundance of butyric acid, in the Pb-exposed population and Pb-exposed mice. Pb exposure caused gut microbiota disorders, resulting in the decline of butyric acid-producing bacteria, such as Butyrivibrio_crossotus, Clostridium_sp._JN9, and the butyrate-producing enzymes through the acetyl-CoA pathway. Moreover, results from the NHANES data suggested that dietary intake of butyrate was associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis in lead-burdened populations, particularly among men or participants aged 18-60 years. In addition, butyrate supplementation in mice with chronic Pb exposure improved the bone microarchitectures, repaired intestinal damage, upregulated the proportion of Treg cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated that chronic Pb exposure disturbs the gut-bone axis, which can be restored by butyric acid supplement. Our results suggest that butyrate supplementation is a possible therapeutic strategy for lead-induced bone toxicity.

Nuclear lncRNA NORSF reduces E2 release in granulosa cells by sponging the endogenous small activating RNA miR-339.

BACKGROUND: Functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) is the main action mechanism of most cytoplasmic lncRNAs. However, it is not known whether this mechanism of action also exists in the nucleus. RESULTS: We identified four nuclear lncRNAs that are presented in granulosa cells (GCs) and were differentially expressed during sow follicular atresia. Notably, similar to cytoplasmic lncRNAs, these nuclear lncRNAs also sponge miRNAs in the nucleus of GCs through direct interactions. Furthermore, NORSF (non-coding RNA involved in sow fertility), one of the nuclear lncRNA acts as a ceRNA of miR-339. Thereby, it relieves the regulatory effect of miR-339 on CYP19A1 encoding P450arom, a rate-limiting enzyme for E2 synthesis in GCs. Interestingly, miR-339 acts as a saRNA that activates CYP19A1 transcription and enhances E2 release by GCs through altering histone modifications in the promoter by directly binding to the CYP19A1 promoter. Functionally, NORSF inhibited E2 release by GCs via the miR-339 and CYP19A1 axis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight an unappreciated mechanism of nuclear lncRNAs and show it acts as a ceRNA, which may be a common lncRNA function in the cytoplasm and nucleus. We also identified a potential endogenous saRNA for improving female fertility and treating female infertility.

A comprehensive sampling of mitogenomes shows the utility to infer phylogeny of termites (Blattodea: Termitoidae).

The mitogenome sequence data have been widely used in inferring the phylogeny of insects. In this study, we determined the complete mitogenome for Macrotermes sp. (Termitidae, Macrotermitinae) using next-generation sequencing. Macrotermes sp. possesses a typical insect mitogenome, displaying an identical gene order and gene content to other existing termite mitogenomes. We present the first prediction of the secondary structure of ribosomal RNA genes in termites. The rRNA secondary structures of Macrotermes sp. exhibit similarities to closely related insects and also feature distinctive characteristics in their helical structures. Together with 321 published mitogenomes of termites as ingroups and 8 cockroach mitogenomes as outgroups, we compiled the most comprehensive mitogenome sequence matrix for Termitoidae to date. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using datasets employing different data coding strategies and various inference methods. Robust relationships were recovered at the family or subfamily level, demonstrating the utility of comprehensive mitogenome sampling in resolving termite phylogenies. The results supported the monophyly of Termitoidae, and consistent relationships within this group were observed across different analyses. Mastotermitidae was consistently recovered as the sister group to all other termite families. The families Hodotermitidae, Stolotermitidae, and Archotermopsidae formed the second diverging clade, followed by the Kalotermitidae. The Neoisoptera was consistently supported with strong node support, with Stylotermitidae being sister to the remaining families. Rhinotermitidae was found to be non-monophyletic, and Serritermitidae nested within the basal clades of Rhinotermitidae and was sister to Psammotermitinae. Overall, our phylogenetic results are largely consistent with earlier mitogenome studies.

Advances for Triangular and Sandwich-Shaped All-Metal Aromatics.

Much experimental work has been contributed to all-metal σ, π and δ-aromaticity among transition metals, semimetallics and other metals in the past two decades. Before our focused investigations on the properties of triangular and sandwich-shaped all-metal aromatics, A. I. Boldyrev presented general discussions on the concepts of all-metal σ-aromaticity and σ-antiaromaticity for metallo-clusters. Schleyer illustrated that Nucleus-Independent Chemical Shifts (NICS) were among the most authoritative criteria for aromaticity. Ugalde discussed the earlier developments of all-metal aromatic compounds with all possible shapes. Besides the theoretical predictions, many stable all-metal aromatic trinuclear clusters have been isolated as the metallic analogues of either the σ-aromatic molecule's [H3]+ ion or the π-aromatic molecule's [C3H3]+ ion. Different from Hoffman's opinion on all-metal aromaticity, triangular all-metal aromatics were found to hold great potential in applications in coordination chemistry, catalysis, and material science. Triangular all-metal aromatics, which were theoretically proved to conform to the Hückel (4n + 2) rule and possess the smallest aromatic ring, could also play roles as stable ligands during the formation of all-metal sandwiches. The triangular and sandwich-shaped all-metal aromatics have not yet been specifically summarized despite their diversity of existence, puissant developments and various interesting applications. These findings are different from the public opinion that all-metal aromatics would be limited to further applications due to their overstated difficulties in synthesis and uncertain stabilities. Our review will specifically focus on the summarization of theoretical predictions, feasible syntheses and isolations, and multiple applications of triangular and sandwich shaped all-metal aromatics. The appropriateness and necessities of this review will emphasize and disseminate their importance and applications forcefully and in a timely manner.

Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel mitiglinide microemulsions.

This study aimed to prepare an o/w mitiglinide microemulsion (MTGME) to improve the drug solubility and bioavailability. The formulation of o/w MTGME was optimized by the solubility study of drug, pseudo-ternary phase diagram and Box-Behnken design successively. MTGME was characterized by dynamic laser light scattering (DLS), zeta potential and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), moreover, the storage stability, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics were investigated. The optimal prescription for MTGME consisted of Maisine 35-1 (oil), Cremophor EL (surfactant) and propylene glycol (PG, cosurfactant). MTGME with a spherical dimension of 58.1 ± 5.86 nm was stable when stored at 4 °C for 3 months. The blood glucose levers (BGL) of diabetic mice were uniformly and significantly decreased by intragastric (i.g.) administration of 1-4 mg/kg MTGME, in which BGL (i.g. 4 mg/kg MTGME) was reduced by 69% during 24 h. The pharmacokinetics study of MTGME (i.g., 20 mg/kg) in Wistar rats showed higher plasma drug concentration (Cmax, 2.9 folds), larger area under curve (AUC, 4.6 folds) and oral bioavailability than those of MTG suspensions. Generally, the MTGME (o/w) showed good effect on controlling hyperglycemia. Therefore, microemulsion can be used as an effective oral drug delivery system to improve the bioavailability of MTG.

Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapy technique, which promotes psychological flexibility and enables patients to change behaviors based on value-directed goals. However, the beneficial effects of ACT on glycemic control, self-care behaviors, acceptance of diabetes, self-efficacy, and psychological burden are still unclear among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). AIMS: This study aimed to systematically synthesize scientific evidence to determine the effectiveness of ACT among patients with T2DM on glycemic control, self-care behaviors, acceptance of diabetes, self-efficacy, and psychological burden and identify the optimal characteristics of effective interventions. METHODS: Nine electronic databases were searched to identify eligible studies of randomized controlled trials from inception to June 2023. Two reviewers independently assessed the study eligibility, extracted the data, and performed the quality appraisal using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 Tool. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3. The certainty of the evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 712 participants were included. ACT demonstrated significant improvements on patients' glycemic control (mean difference [MD]: 0.95%; p < .001), self-care behaviors (MD: 1.86; p = .03), diabetes acceptance (MD: 7.80; p < .001), self-efficacy (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.04; p < .001), anxiety (SMD: -1.15; p = .006), and depression (SMD: -1.10; p = .04). However, favorable but nonsignificant improvements were found in diabetes distress. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that ACT offered more than five sessions using individualized format, with theoretical underpinnings and professional input from multidisciplinary therapists are recommended to yield better results on glycemic control and self-care behaviors. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Acceptance and commitment therapy could generate beneficial effectiveness on glycemic control, self-care behaviors, acceptance of diabetes, self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression among patients with T2DM. Large-scale trials with rigorous design and representative samples are warranted to strengthen the current evidence.

[A comparative study of antioxidant active components in different parts of Artemisia argyi by UPLC-ABTS-Q-TOF-MS].

In order to characterize and identify the chemical components in different parts of Artemisia argyi(roots, stems, leaves, and seeds), compounds with antioxidant activity were screened. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt-quadrupole time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-ABTS-Q-TOF-MS) was used as an online combination technique. Poroshell 120 SB-Aq(3.0 mm×150 mm, 2.7 µm) was used as the column, and acetonitrile(A)-0.2% formic acid water(B) was adopted as the mobile phase to perform gradient elution and was scanned in positive and negative ion modes. MassLynx software was utilized, and combined with reference substances and related literature, the chemical components of different parts of A. argyi were identified and compared. The antioxidant active components were detected by using the online detection system, and the antioxidant activities of active components of different parts of A. argyi were compared and evaluated by scavenging efficiency. As a result, a total of 87 compounds were identified from extracts of different parts of A. argyi, and 38, 72, 85, and 33 components were identified from roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. 22 compounds with antioxidant activity were screened, and 14, 17, 20, and 11 compounds with antioxidant activity were identified from roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. The results show that there are certain differences in chemical components and antioxidant components of different parts of A. argyi, which provides data support for the resource utilization and further research and development of A. argyi.