Optimization of glutathione production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae HBSD-W08 using Plackett-Burman and central composite rotatable designs.

BACKGROUND: Glutathione is an important bioactive tripeptide and is widely used in the food, medicine, and cosmetics industries. The aim of this study was to provide an efficient method for producing GSH and to explore its synthesis mechanism. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain HBSD-W08 was screened for GSH production, and its fermentation medium was optimized using single-factor experiments of the Plackett-Burman and central composite rotatable designs. This method was used to analyze the effects of the presence and concentration of various carbon sources, organic and inorganic nitrogen sources, metal ions, and precursor amino acids on GSH production and catalase, superoxide dismutase, and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity. RESULTS: The three most significant factors affecting GSH production were peptone (optimal concentration [OC]: 2.50 g L- 1), KH2PO4 (OC: 0.13 g L- 1), and glutamic acid (OC: 0.10 g L- 1). GSH productivity of HBSD-W08 was obtained at 3.70 g L- 1 in the optimized medium. The activity of γ-GCS, which is a marker for oxidative stress, was found to be highly positively correlated with GSH production. CONCLUSIONS: This finding revealed an underlying relationship between GSH synthesis and oxidative stress, providing useful information for developing effective GSH fermentation control strategies.

Observation of the spin-Hall effect in Pt/GaAs by circular polarized photoconductivity.

Electrically generated spin accumulation due to the spin Hall effect of Pt/GaAs is detected by circular polarized photoconductivity (CPPC), which shows electron spins with different polarizations accumulated around opposite sample boundaries. An optical absorption model incorporating spin is used to explain these features. The detailed analysis of the observed degree of circular polarization of the photocurrent strongly suggests that Pt and GaAs have the same spin accumulation length in the Pt/GaAs heterostructure.

Anomalous circular photogalvanic effect in p-GaAs.

The anomalous circular photogalvanic effect (ACPGE) is observed in p-GaAs with a thickness of 2 µm at room temperature, in which circularly polarized light is used to inject spin-polarized carriers and the spin diffusion can generate a macroscopic detectable charge current due to the inverse spin Hall effect. The normalized ACPGE signals show first increasing and then decreasing with increasing the doping concentration. The role of the doping impurities is discussed by both extrinsic and intrinsic models, and both can well explain the variation of ACPGE with the doping concentration.

A dicyanoisophorone-based, near-infrared, lysosome-targeting pH sensor with an extremely large Stokes shift.

Intracellular pH plays an important role in various biological processes; abnormal pH changes in the intracellular compartment leads to the production of free radicals, the disruption of membrane contractility, inappropriate apoptosis, and necrosis, resulting in serious illness. Although fluorescent probes have widely been used to detect pH levels owing to their high sensitivity and specificity, there is still a demand for near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes with high Stokes shift. Here, a NIR fluorescent probe, PipDC, comprising N-ethyl piperazine (response unit) and naphthyl dicyanoisophorone (fluorophore), was designed for pH sensing. The probe has an extremely large Stokes shift (290 nm), and its fluorescence intensity at 730 nm sharply increases when the environment changes from basic to acidic owing to the protonation of piperazine, which results in the quenching of the photoinduced electron transfer effect. It exhibited a specific response to acidic microenvironments regardless of other interfering substances. In addition, PipDC operates well in the lysosome environment in living cells and displays an off-on fluorescence response with pH alterations. Together, these results suggest that PipDC is a promising fluorescent probe for intracellular pH sensing.

Ultrasonographic Multimodality Diagnostic Model of Thyroid Nodules.

The aim of this study was to identify independent risk factors for thyroid cancer, establish an ultrasonographic multimodality diagnostic model for thyroid nodules, and explore the diagnostic value of the model. From November 2011 to February 2015, 307 patients with a total of 367 thyroid nodules underwent conventional ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and ultrasound elastography examinations before surgery. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for thyroid cancer and to establish a multimodality diagnostic model for thyroid nodules. The diagnostic performance of conventional ultrasound, CEUS, ultrasound elastography, and the multimodality diagnostic model was assessed and compared. The following seven independent risk factors were included in the logistic regression models: age, irregular shape, hypoechoic pattern, marked hypoechoic pattern, irregular blood flow distribution, heterogeneous enhancement, and an elastic score of 3/4. The multimodality diagnostic model had a diagnostic accuracy of 86.9%, with a sensitivity of 93.5% and a specificity of 77.3%. The multimodality diagnostic model improved the diagnostic accuracy compared with that of conventional ultrasound, CEUS, and ultrasound elastography. Independent risk factors for thyroid cancer included age, irregular shape, hypoechoic pattern, marked hypoechoic pattern, irregular blood flow distribution, heterogeneous enhancement, and an elastic score of 3/4. The multimodality diagnostic model was demonstrated to be effective in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

A novel lysosome-targeted fluorogenic probe based on 5-triazole-quinoline for the rapid detection of hydrogen sulfide in living cells.

A fluorogenic probe based on the novel fluorophore 5-triazole-quinoline was developed for the detection of hydrogen sulfide, an endogenous signaling molecule associated with the development of various diseases. The lysosome-targeted probe Lyso-HS was synthesized via C-H direct azidation from 8-aminoquinoline; it was able to detect H2S in 1 min and exhibited excellent turn-on ability with 95-fold fluorescence enhancement based on a new fluorochrome. The high quenching efficiency was further verified using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The probe also exhibited high selectivity and a low detection limit (as low as 214.5 nM), which has practical applications for disease detection and monitoring.

Comparison of Ultrasound Features of Primary Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Recurrent/Persistent Metastatic Cervical Lymph Nodes.

Objective To explore the ultrasound features and levels of cervical lymph node metastases in primary and recurrent/persistent papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 2181 patients who underwent cervical lymph nodes dissection for PTC from January 1st 2015 to January 1st 2016.Totally 418 PTC patients (with 622 lymph nodes) who met the inclusion criteria entered the final analysis.Patients who had not received any prior thyroid treatment (surgery with or without radioactive iodine) were categorized as the primary group (352 patients with 527 metastatic lymph nodes),and patients who had received prior treatment (thyroidectomy with or without radioactive iodine) for PTC were categorized as recurrent/persistent group (66 patients with 95 metastatic lymph nodes).Pathological results from lymph node dissections were used as the gold standards by means of level-to-level analysis.Results The mean of the minimum axis diameter of the lymph nodes in the primary group was (6.7±3.6)mm,and that of the recurrent/persistent group was (6.6±3.1)mm (U=0.180,P=0.857).The proportion of metastasis in the central area of primary group was 40.0%,which was significantly higher than that in the recurrent/persistent group (12.6%);the proportion of metastasis in the lateral area was 60.6% in the primary group,which was significantly lower than that in the recurrent/persistent group (87.4%)(χ2=26.288,P<0.001).In lateral metastatic lymph nodes,Ⅲ level was the most common place in both groups.Level Ⅴ metastatic lymph was rare in both primary group and recurrent/persistent group.Calcifications (63.1% vs. 48.2%;χ2=7.207,P=0.007) and peripheral vascularity (81.1% vs. 59.4%;χ2= 16.147, P<0.001) were more common in the recurrent/persistent group.The round shape,absence of an echogenic hilum,hyperechogenicity,and cystic aspects were not significantly different between these two groups (all P>0.05).Conclusions Primary metastatic lymph nodes often occur in the central area of lymph nodes,while lateral metastatic lymph nodes are more common in recurrent/persistent PTC.For metastatic lymph nodes,calcifications and peripheral vascularity are more common in recurrent/persistent PTC.

Discrepancy of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Sizes Measured by Ultrasonography and Pathology.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the size of papillary thyroid carcinoma on ultrasonography(US)and the actual size measured during histological examination and to discuss the potential causes of such discrepancy. METHODS: A total of 148 patients with histologically confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma underwent thyroid surgery in our center from December 2012 to May 2013. Patients were stratified based on the size,morphology,margin,cystic component,and presence of Hashimoto's disease to compare the discrepancy of the US and pathalogical measurements. RESULTS: The mean sizes of the nodules measured by US and pathology were(1.58±0.94)cm and(1.33±0.84)cm,respectively(P=0.000). In 70.9%(105/148)of the nodules,the sizes measured by US were larger than those measured by pathology. In 17.6%(26/148)of the nodules,the sizes measured by US were smaller than those measured by pathology. In 1.1-1.4 cm size subgroup,the difference between mean ultrasound diameter and pathologic diameter was not significant [(1.21±0.11)cm vs.(1.11±0.32)cm,P=0.062]. In 0.1-1.0 cm size subgroup,the mean sizes of the nodules measured by US and pathology were(0.75±0.19)cm and(0.62±0.23)cm,respectively(P=0.000). In ≥1.5 cm size subgroup,the mean sizes of the nodules measured by US and pathology were(2.48±0.70)cm and(2.03±0.81)cm(P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant discrepancy between US and pathologic size measurements for papillary thyroid carcinoma. However,for nodules sized 1.1-1.4 cm,the ultrasound and pathologic measurements are more likely to be consistent.

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound of thyroid nodules coexisting with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in diagnosing thyroid nodules coexisting with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). METHODS: Totally 62 thyroid nodules in 48 HT patients were retrospectively analyzed. The CEUS characteristics were reviewed, and diagnostic value of enhancement pattern and peak intensity were calculated. RESULTS: Peak intensity (P=0.002) and enhancement pattern (P<0.001) differed significantly between malignant and benign thyroid nodules. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of heterogeneous enhancement were 97.6%, 85.7%, 93.0%, 94.7%, and 93.5%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of low intensity at peak time were 85.4%, 52.4%, 77.8%, 64.7%, and 74.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneous enhancement is effective in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules coexisting with HT. CEUS can improve the diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing thyroid nodules with unknown malignancy under the conventional ultrasound.

Comparison of ultrasonic features between anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the difference of the ultrasonic features between anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: The ultrasound data of 7 patients with histopathologically confirmed anaplastic thyroid carcinomas who were treated in PUMC Hospital from April 2001 to June 2014 were retrospectively studied. In addition, 21 sex-and age-matched patients with histopathologically confirmed papillary thyroid carcinomas during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The pathologic results were regarded as the gold standard. The ultrasonic features of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma were predominantly females (5/7,71.4%), with an average age of (64.9 ± 11.3) years. Large mass [(5.17 ± 1.26) cm vs. (1.85 ± 1.89)cm, P<0.001], anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter ratio less than 1(100.0% vs. 47.6%, P ＝ 0.03), and punctuate calcification (100.0% vs. 52.4%, P ＝ 0.03) were more frequently associated with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma than with papillary thyroid carcinoma. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the shape, margin, cystic change, echogenicity, echotexture,vascularity,and envelope (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In elderly women with common malignant features on ultrasound, the thyroid nodules with a maximum diameter greater than 5 cm,anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter ratio less than 1,and microcalcifications are highly likely to be anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

[Prevalence and Risk Factors of Major Depression Disorders in Local Teachers Three Months after Lushan Earthquake].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of major depression disorder (MDD) in local teachers at an early stage post Lushan earthquake. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was undertaken, with 319 local teachers receiving diagnostic MDD assessment using MINI 14-22 d and 85-95 d after the earthquake, respectively. Possible predictive factors were identified using a self-developed questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of MDD. RESULTS: Fifteen (4. 70%) local teachers were diagnosed with MDD. Those who had an injured direct relative [odds ratio (OR) = 6. 26], with inhabitable house (OR=4. 26), and felt easy to get sad 14-20 d weeks post earthquake (OR= 11. 45) were more likely to suffer from MDD than others. An anxious emotion 14-20 d post earthquake was a protective factor (OR=0. 14) of MDD. CONCLUSION: Post earthquake MDD in local teachers deserves concerns, especially for those who have injured relatives, with an inhabitable house, and who feel easy to get sad 14-20 d post earthquake.

Surgically treating a rare and asymptomatic intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNBs) are rare and characterized by papillary growth within the bile duct lumen. IPNB is similar to obstructive biliary pathology. In this report, we present an unexpected case of asymptomatic IPNB and consolidate our findings with the relevant literature to augment our understanding of this condition. Integrating relevant literature contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the disease. CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old Chinese male patient was admitted to our hospital for surgical intervention after gallstones were discovered during a routine physical examination. Preoperative imaging revealed a lesion on the left side of the liver, which raised the suspicion of IPNB. A laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy was performed, and subsequent histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of IPNB. At the 3-mo postoperative follow-up, the patient reported good recovery and no metastasis. IPNB can manifest both latently and asymptomatically. Radical surgical resection is the most effective treatment for IPNB. CONCLUSION: Hepatic and biliary masses, should be considered to diagnose IPNB. Prompt surgery and vigilant follow-up are crucial in determining prognosis.

Advances in systemic immune inflammatory indices in non-small cell lung cancer: A review.

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers globally, with non-small cell lung cancers constituting the majority. These cancers have a high incidence and mortality rate. In recent years, a growing body of research has demonstrated the intricate link between inflammation and cancer, highlighting that inflammation and cancer are inextricably linked and that inflammation plays a pivotal role in cancer development, progression, and prognosis of cancer. The Systemic Immunoinflammatory Index (SII), comprising neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts, is a more comprehensive indicator of the host's systemic inflammation and immune status than a single inflammatory index. It is widely used in clinical practice due to its cost-effectiveness, simplicity, noninvasiveness, and ease of acquisition. This paper reviews the impact of SII on the development, progression, and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer.

Two sex pheromone receptors for sexual communication in the American cockroach.

Volatile sex pheromones are vital for sexual communication between males and females. Females of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, produce and emit two sex pheromone components, periplanone-A (PA) and periplanone-B (PB). Although PB is the major sex attractant and can attract males, how it interacts with PA in regulating sexual behaviors is still unknown. In this study, we found that in male cockroaches, PA counteracted PB attraction. We identified two odorant receptors (ORs), OR53 and OR100, as PB/PA and PA receptors, respectively. OR53 and OR100 were predominantly expressed in the antennae of sexually mature males, and their expression levels were regulated by the sex differentiation pathway and nutrition-responsive signals. Cellular localization of OR53 and OR100 in male antennae further revealed that two types of sensilla coordinate a complex two-pheromone-two-receptor pathway in regulating cockroach sexual behaviors. These findings indicate distinct functions of the two sex pheromone components, identify their receptors and possible regulatory mechanisms underlying the male-specific and age-dependent sexual behaviors, and can guide novel strategies for pest management.

Dual-specific interaction to detect DNA on gold nanoparticles.

An approach to selectively and efficiently detect single strand DNA is developed by using streptavidin coated gold nanoparticles (StAuNPs) as efficient quenchers. The central concept for the successful detection is the combination the of streptavidin-biotin interaction with specific probe-target DNA hybridization. Biotin labeled probe DNAs act as "bridges" to bring Cy5 labeled targets to the particle surface and the fluorophore dye can be rapidly and efficiently quenched by StAuPNs. By measuring the changes of photoluminescence intensity of Cy5, an efficient, selective, and reversed detection of DNA hybridization is realized. The methodology may pave a new way for simple and rapid detections of biomolecules.

Time-of-day discrepancy for the long-term surgical outcome of patients with aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: It has been suggested that the time of day when cardiovascular surgery is performed may affect the surgery outcomes. This study investigated whether there was a difference in risk-adjusted mortality and morbidity outcomes between patients undergoing acute aortic dissection (AAD) during the day or the night. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had undergone Stanford A AAD surgery were enrolled between 2016 and 2020. In the daytime group, surgery was performed between 08:00 and 20:00, and in the nighttime group between 20:00 and 8:00. The primary outcome was in-hospital overall mortality, and the secondary outcomes were overall mortality within a median follow-up time of 35.2 (17.0, 53.5) months and the occurrence of re-entry tears and major bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 925 patients were enrolled. The primary outcome of in-hospital overall mortality did not differ significantly between patients who received daytime or nighttime surgery. Similarly, the secondary outcomes of overall mortality during the follow-up and incidence of re-entry tears and major bleeding did not differ significantly between the groups. Subgroup analysis was also performed according to the surgery type (modified triple-branched stent graft implantation or frozen elephant trunk implantation) and surgical approach (partial upper sternotomy or full median sternotomy) confirming that the time of surgery did not significantly influence the outcomes. Cox regression analysis showed that time from onset to admission (P = 0.036) and time from the onset to surgery (P = 0.045) were significant risk factors for increased mortality during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The time of day when thoracotomy was performed did not significantly affect the clinical outcome and is therefore not a consideration for the improvement of outcome in Stanford A AAD patients.

TAK-242 protects against oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation-induced injury in brain microvascular endothelial cells and alters the expression pattern of lncRNAs.

Background: Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) is a technique used during the surgical treatment of aneurysms of the thoracic aorta in adult patients, and complex congenital heart disease in neonates. And brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) are essential components of the cerebrovascular network and participate in maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain function. In our previous study, we found that oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) activated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in BMECs, and induced pyroptosis and inflammation. In this study, we further investigated the potential mechanism of ethyl(6R)-6-[N-(2-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl) sulfamoyl] cyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxylate (TAK-242) on BMECs under OGD/R, as in patients with sepsis, the TAK-242 was tested in clinical trials. Methods: To confirm the function of TAK-242 on BMECs under OGD/R, cell viability, inflammatory factors, inflammation-associated pyroptosis, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blotting, respectively. To investigate the lncRNAs associated with TLR4 during OGD/R, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) expression patterns were profiled with RNA deep sequencing. Moreover, to confirm whether lncRNA-encoded short peptides, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used. Results: Relative control group, OGD/R inhibited the cell viability, increased the section of inflammatory factors secretion, including IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α, and promoted the pathways of TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 and TLR4/NF-κB. However, TAK-242 + OGD/R group promoted OGD/R cell viability, decreased OGD/R-induced inflammatory factors secretion, and inhibited the pathways of TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 and TLR4/NF-κB. In addition, AABR07000411.1, AABR070006957.1, and AABR070008256.1 were decreased in OGD/R cells compared with controls, but TAK-242 restored their expression under OGD/R condition. AABR07000473.1, AC130862.4, and LOC10254972.6 were induced by OGD/R, but were suppressed in TAK-242 + OGD/R cells compared with OGD/R. Moreover, AABR07049961.1, AC127076.2, AABR07066020.1, and AABR07025303.1-encoded short peptides were dysregulated in OGD/R cells, and TAK-242 attenuated the dysregulation of AABR07049961.1, AC127076.2, and AABR07066020.1-encoded short peptides. Conclusions: TAK-242 alters the expression pattern of lncRNAs in OGD/R cells, and differently expressed lncRNAs may exert a protective effect against OGD/R injury through a mechanism of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and encoding short peptides. These findings maybe provide a new theory basis for the treatment of DHCA.

Identification and characterization of the soybean IPK1 ortholog of a low phytic acid mutant reveals an exon-excluding splice-site mutation.

Phytic acid (myo-inositol 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 hexakisphosphate) is an important constituent of soybean meal. Since phytic acid and its mineral salts (phytates) are almost indigestible for monogastrics, their abundance in grain food/feed causes nutritional and environmental problems; interest in breeding low phytic acid has therefore increased considerably. Based on gene mapping and the characteristics of inositol polyphosphates profile in the seeds of a soybean mutant line Gm-lpa-ZC-2, the soybean ortholog of inositol 1,3,4,5,6 pentakisphosphate (InsP(5)) 2-kinase (IPK1), which transforms InsP(5) into phytic acid, was first hypothesized as the candidate gene responsible for the low phytic acid alteration in Gm-lpa-ZC-2. One IPK1 ortholog (Glyma14g07880, GmIPK1) was then identified in the mapped region on chromosome 14. Sequencing revealed a G → A point mutation in the genomic DNA sequence and the exclusion of the entire fifth exon in the cDNA sequence of GmIPK1 in Gm-lpa-ZC-2 compared with its wild-type progenitor Zhechun No. 3. The excluded exon encodes 37 amino acids that spread across two conserved IPK1 motifs. Furthermore, complete co-segregation of low phytic acid phenotype with the G → A mutation was observed in the F(2) population of ZC-lpa x Zhexiandou No. 4 (a wild-type cultivar). Put together, the G → A point mutation affected the pre-mRNA splicing and resulted in the exclusion of the fifth exon of GmIPK1 which is expected to disrupt the GmIPK1 functionality, leading to low phytic acid level in Gm-lpa-ZC-2. Gm-lpa-ZC-2, would be a good germplasm source in low phytic acid soybean breeding.

The mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic position of a conehead katydid Euconocephalus pallidus (Insecta: Orthoptera).

The complete mitochondrial genome of a conehead katydid Euconocephalus pallidus was determined. The mitochondrial genome is 15,888 bp in size with an A + T content of 71.67%. It contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. The order and orientation of these genes conform to the ancestral form of insects. Phylogenetic analysis supports a close relationship between E. pallidus and E. nasutus.