Insight into the mechanism of the aggregation behavior of wheat protein modulated by l-lysine under microwave irradiation.

This study explored the mechanism of l-lysine intervention in wheat gluten protein (WG) gel formation under a microwave (MW) field. The results showed that the MW treatment had higher ζ-potential values at the same heating rate. After adding l-lysine, the solution conductivity and dielectric loss were significantly increased. Moreover, the WG gel strength enhanced 4.40% under the MW treatment. The Fourier spectra showed that the α-helix content was decreased 13.78% with the addition of lysine. The ultraviolet absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra indicated that MW irradiation impacted the interactions between WG molecules more effectively than the water bath heating, promoting the denaturation and unfolding of the protein structure. In addition, scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the incorporation of lysine promoted an ordered network structure formation of the protein, which enhanced the gel properties. This indicated that the zwitterion of l-lysine played a regulatory role in the aggregation of proteins in the MW field.

Estimating postmortem interval based on oral microbial community succession in rat cadavers.

The accurate estimation of the postmortem interval has been one of the crucial issues to be solved in forensic research, and it is influenced by various factors in the process of decay. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, forensic microbiology has become the major hot topic in forensic science, which provides new research options for postmortem interval estimation. The oral microbial community is one of the most diverse of microbiomes, ranking as the second most abundant microbiota following the gastrointestinal tract. It is remarkable that oral microorganisms have a significant function in the decay process of cadavers. Therefore, we collected outdoor soil to simulate the death environment and focused on the relationship between oral microbial community succession and PMI in rats above the soil. In addition, linear regression models and random forest regression models were developed for the relationship between the relative abundance of oral microbes and PMI. We also identified a number of microorganisms that may be important to estimate PMI, including: Ignatzschineria, Morganella, Proteus, Lysinibacillus, Pseudomonas, Globicatella, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Rothia, Aerococcus, Staphylococcus, and so on.

Insights into the function of metallic 1T phase tungsten disulfide as cocatalyst decorated zinc indium sulfide for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production activity.

Improving the separation efficiency of carriers is an important part of enhancing photocatalytic activity. Herein, we successfully decorated metallic 1T phase tungsten disulfide (1T-WS2) on the surface of zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn2S4) and investigated the synergistic effect of 1T-WS2 on ZnIn2S4. The characterization results show that 1T-WS2 improves the light absorption capacity and utilization efficiency, increases the catalytic active site, improves the photogenerated charge separation efficiency, and optimizes the reduction potential of ZnIn2S4. Theoretical calculations show that compared with ZnIn2S4, 1T-WS2/ZnIn2S4 has a smaller adsorption Gibbs free energy of the intermediate state H*, which is conducive to the catalytic reaction. Under simulated solar irradiation, the hydrogen (H2) production rate of 1T-WS2/ZnIn2S4 with a loading of 12 wt% reaches 30.90 mmol h-1 g-1, which is 3.38 times higher than that of single ZnIn2S4 (9.13 mmol h-1 g-1). In addition, the apparent quantum efficiency of 1T-WS2/ZnIn2S4 with a loading of 12 wt% reaches 21.14 % under monochromatic light at a wavelength of λ = 370 nm. This work analyzes the light absorption and carrier separation to the catalytic site, and elucidates the mechanism for the enhancement of the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance.

From the Public Health Perspective: a Scalable Model for Improving Epidemiological Testing Efficacy in Low- and Middle-Income Areas.

The globe is an organically linked whole, and in the pandemic era, COVID-19 has brought heavy public safety threats and economic costs to humanity as almost all countries began to pay more attention to taking steps to minimize the risk of harm to society from sudden-onset diseases. It is worth noting that in some low- and middle-income areas, where the environment for epidemic detection is complex, the causative and comorbid factors are numerous, and where public health resources are scarce. It is often more difficult than in other areas to obtain timely and effective detection and control in the event of widespread virus transmission, which, in turn, is a constant threat to local and global public health security. Pandemics are preventable through effective disease surveillance systems, with nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) as the mainstay of the control system, effectively controlling the spread of epidemics and preventing larger outbreaks. However, current state-of-the-art NPIs are not applicable in low- and middle-income areas and tend to be decentralized and costly. Based on a 3-year case study of SARS-CoV-2 preventive detection in low-income areas in south-central China, we explored a strategic model for enhancing disease detection efficacy in low- and middle-income areas. For the first time, we propose an integrated and comprehensive approach that covers structural, social, and personal strategies to optimize the epidemic surveillance system in low- and middle-income areas. This model can improve the local epidemic detection efficiency, ensure the health care needs of more people, reduce the public health costs in low- and middle-income areas in a coordinated manner, and ensure and strengthen local public health security sustainably.

The histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein encoded by the plasmid pMBL6842 regulates both plasmid stability and host physiology of Pseudoalteromonas rubra SCSIO 6842.

Plasmids orchestrate bacterial adaptation across diverse environments and facilitate lateral gene transfer within bacterial communities. Their presence can perturb host metabolism, creating a competitive advantage for plasmid-free cells. Plasmid stability hinges on efficient replication and partition mechanisms. While plasmids commonly encode histone-like nucleoid-structuring (H-NS) family proteins, the precise influence of plasmid-encoded H-NS proteins on stability remains elusive. In this study, we examined the conjugative plasmid pMBL6842, harboring the hns gene, and observed its positive regulation of parAB transcription, critical for plasmid segregation. Deletion of hns led to rapid plasmid loss, which was remedied by hns complementation. Further investigations unveiled adverse effects of hns overexpression on the bacterial host. Transcriptome analysis revealed hns's role in regulating numerous bacterial genes, impacting both host growth and swimming motility in the presence of the hns gene. Therefore, our study unveils the multifaceted roles of H-NS in both plasmid stability and host physiology, underscoring its biological significance and paving the way for future inquiries into the involvement of H-NS in horizontal gene transfer events.

ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms affect opioid requirement by altering function of the intestinal P-glycoprotein.

The association between polymorphisms of the human ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) gene and opioid response has attracted intense attention recently. As the ABCB1 gene encodes for the transporter P-glycoprotein in the brain and intestine involved in the pharmacokinetics of opioids, we investigated the effects of ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms on doses of opioids for pain relief and determined which pharmacokinetic process was affected in cancer pain patients. Sixty-eight cancer pain patients admitted for intrathecal therapy (ITT) were included. The association between ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms (C3435T, C1236T, G2677T/A and A61G) and systemic doses of opioids before ITT were investigated. Concentrations of oxycodone in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were determined by HPLC-MS/MS in 17 patients treated with oral oxycodone before ITT, and the influences of ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms on plasma-concentration to oral-dose ratios and CSF-concentration to plasma-concentration ratios of oral oxycodone were further analyzed. ABCB1 C3435T and G2677T/A polymorphisms were significantly associated with systemic doses of opioids before ITT, which coincided with the influences of ABCB1 C3435T and G2677T/A polymorphisms on the ratios of plasma-concentration to oral-dose. However, no significant difference was found in ratios of CSF-concentration to plasma-concentration among ABCB1 SNP genotypes. The present study provided the first evidence that ABCB1 C3435T and G2677T/A polymorphisms affect opioid requirement in cancer pain patients via altering transportation function of P-glycoprotein in the intestine, which will further expand our knowledge about pharmacokinetics of opioids and could contribute to the individualization of opioids use.

Role of Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 (UBE2) in two immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases: a mendelian randomization analysis.

Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and Atopic dermatitis (AD) are the two major types of immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease (IMISD). Limited studies reported the association between Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 (UBE2) and IMISD. We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to assess the causality between UBE2 and PV & AD. UBE2 association genome-wide association study (GWAS) data were collected. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was utilized as the principal method in our Mendelian randomization (MR) study, with additional using the MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. The MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test, MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) and leave-one-out analysis were conducted to identify heterogeneity and pleiotropy, colocalization analysis was also performed. The results showed that Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 variant 1 (UBE2V1) was causally associated with PV (OR = 0.909, 95% CI: 0.830-0.996, P = 0.040), Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 L3 (UBE2L3) was causally associated with AD (OR = 0.799, 95% CI: 0.709-0.990, P < 0.001). Both UBE2V1 and UBE2L3 may play protective roles in patients with PV or AD, respectively. No other significant result has been investigated. No heterogeneity or pleiotropy was observed. This study provided new evidence of the relationship between UBE2V1 and PV, UBE2L3 and AD. Our MR suggested that UBE2V1 plays an inhibitory role in PV progression, UBE2L3 plays an inhibitory role in AD. These could be novel and effective ways to treat PV and AD.

Molecular mechanism of Chang Shen Hua volatile oil modulating brain cAMP-PKA-CREB pathway to improve depression-like behavior in rats.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a common and complex mental illness that manifests as persistent episodes of sadness, loss of interest, and decreased energy, which might lead to self-harm and suicide in severe cases. Reportedly, depression affects 3.8 % of the world's population and has been listed as one of the major global public health concerns. In recent years, aromatherapy has been widely used as an alternative and complementary therapy in the prevention and treatment of depression; people can relieve anxiety and depression by sniffing plant aromatic essential oils. Acorus tatarinowii and Panax ginseng essential oils in Chang Shen Hua volatile oil (CSHVO) are derived from Acorus tatarinowii and Panax ginseng, respectively, the main medicines in the famous Chinese medicine prescription Kai Xin San (KXS), Then, these oils are combined with the essential oil of Albizia julibrissin flower to form a new Chinese medicine inhalation preparation, CSHVO. KXS has been widely used in the treatment of depression; however, whether CSHVO can ameliorate depression-like behavior, its pharmacological effects, and the underlying mechanisms of action are yet to be elucidated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A rat model of chronic and unpredictable mild stimulation (CUMS) combined with orphan rearing was treated with CSHVO for 4 weeks. Using behavioral tests (sucrose preference, force swimming, tail suspension, and open field), the depression-like degree was evaluated. Concurrently, brain homogenate and serum biochemistry were analyzed to assess the changes in the neurotransmitters and inflammatory and neurotrophic factors. Furthermore, tissue samples were collected for histological and protein analyses. In addition, network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses of the major active compounds, potential therapeutic targets, and intervention pathways predicted a role of CSHVO in depression relief. Subsequently, these predictions were confirmed by in vitro experiments using a corticosterone (CORT)-induced PC12 cell damage model. RESULTS: CSHVO inhalation can effectively improve the weight and depression-like behavior of depressed rats and regulate the expression of inflammatory factors and neurotransmitters. Hematoxylin-eosin, Nissl, and immunofluorescence staining indicated that compared to the model group, the pathological damage to the brain tissues of rats in the CSHVO groups was improved. The network pharmacological analysis revealed that 144 CSHVO active compounds mediate 71 targets relevant to depression treatment, most of which are rich in the cAMP signaling and inflammatory cytokine pathways. Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that TNF, IL6, and AKT are the core anti-depressive targets of CSHVO. Molecular docking analysis showed an adequate binding between the active ingredients and the key targets. In vitro experiments showed that compared to the model group, the survival rate of PC12 cells induced by CSHVO intervention was increased, the apoptosis rate was decreased, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the cell supernatant was improved. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining confirmed that CSHVO regulates PC12 cells in the CORT model through the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway, and pretreatment with PKA blocker H89 eliminates the protective effect of CSHVO on CORT-induced PC12 cells. CONCLUSIONS: CSHVO improves CORT-induced injury in the PC12 cell model and CUMS combined with orphan rearing-induced depression model in rats. The antidepressant mechanism of CSHVO is associated with the modulation of the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway.

Active prophages in coral-associated Halomonas capable of lateral transduction.

Temperate phages can interact with bacterial hosts through lytic and lysogenic cycles via different mechanisms. Lysogeny has been identified as the major form of bacteria-phage interaction in the coral-associated microbiome. However, the lysogenic-to-lytic switch of temperate phages in ecologically important coral-associated bacteria and its ecological impact have not been extensively investigated. By studying the prophages in coral-associated Halomonas meridiana, we found that two prophages, Phm1 and Phm3, are inducible by the DNA-damaging agent mitomycin C and that Phm3 is spontaneously activated under normal cultivation conditions. Furthermore, Phm3 undergoes an atypical lytic pathway that can amplify and package adjacent host DNA, potentially resulting in lateral transduction. The induction of Phm3 triggered a process of cell lysis accompanied by the formation of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and Phm3 attached to OMVs. This unique cell-lysis process was controlled by a four-gene lytic module within Phm3. Further analysis of the Tara Ocean dataset revealed that Phm3 represents a new group of temperate phages that are widely distributed and transcriptionally active in the ocean. Therefore, the combination of lateral transduction mediated by temperate phages and OMV transmission offers a versatile strategy for host-phage coevolution in marine ecosystems.

Flexible TAM requirement of TnpB enables efficient single-nucleotide editing with expanded targeting scope.

TnpBs encoded by the IS200/IS605 family transposon are among the most abundant prokaryotic proteins from which type V CRISPR-Cas nucleases may have evolved. Since bacterial TnpBs can be programmed for RNA-guided dsDNA cleavage in the presence of a transposon-adjacent motif (TAM), these nucleases hold immense promise for genome editing. However, the activity and targeting specificity of TnpB in homology-directed gene editing remain unknown. Here we report that a thermophilic archaeal TnpB enables efficient gene editing in the natural host. Interestingly, the TnpB has different TAM requirements for eliciting cell death and for facilitating gene editing. By systematically characterizing TAM variants, we reveal that the TnpB recognizes a broad range of TAM sequences for gene editing including those that do not elicit apparent cell death. Importantly, TnpB shows a very high targeting specificity on targets flanked by a weak TAM. Taking advantage of this feature, we successfully leverage TnpB for efficient single-nucleotide editing with templated repair. The use of different weak TAM sequences not only facilitates more flexible gene editing with increased cell survival, but also greatly expands targeting scopes, and this strategy is probably applicable to diverse CRISPR-Cas systems.

Assessment of the correlation between KAP scores regarding sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and hyperuricemia amongst Chinese young adults.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hyperuricemia in China has been consistently increasing, particularly among the younger generation. The excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with hyperuricemia. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Chinese young adults regarding sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and the correlation with hyperuricemia. METHODS: This cross-sectional investigation was conducted from June 28th, 2023, to July 21st, 2023, and enrolled Chinese young adults. Demographics and KAP were evaluated using a questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.787). Factors influencing KAP scores were analyzed using multivariable analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1288 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The median knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 16 (12,19)/22, 22 (20,24)/30, and 27.5 (23,31.75)/40. The multivariable analysis showed that bachelor's/associate education (OR = 1.912, 95%CI: 1.128-3.239), white collar/employee (OR = 0.147, 95%CI: 0.105-0.206), educator (OR = 0.300, 95%CI: 0.174-0.518), healthcare worker (OR = 0.277, 95%CI: 0.188-0.407), not suffering from hyperuricemia (OR = 0.386, 95%CI: 0.253-0.590), and not having gout (OR = 0.456, 95%CI: 0.282-0.736) were independently associated with knowledge. Age 26-30 (OR = 1.470, 95%CI: 1.052-2.052), age 31-35 (OR = 1.489, 95%CI: 1.097-2.022), age 36-40 (OR = 0.328, 95%CI: 1.010-1.746), age 41-44 (OR = 1.548, 95%CI: 1.091-2.198), and not having hyperuricemia (OR = 0.512, 95%CI: 0.345-0.760) were independently associated with attitude. White collar/employee (OR = 0.386, 95%CI: 0.285-0.521), educator (OR = 0.534, 95%CI: 0.317-0.899), healthcare worker (OR = 0.341, 95%CI: 0.236-0.493), having siblings (OR = 0.725, 95%CI: 0.573-0.917), and not suffering from hyperuricemia (OR = 0.442, 95%CI: 0.296-0.659), were independently associated with practice. CONCLUSION: Chinese young adults display moderate KAP toward sugar-sweetened beverages. Notably, an association was observed between hyperuricemia and each KAP dimension.

A fully validated LC­MS/MS method for quantifying bevacizumab in plasma samples from patients with NSCLC and its implications in therapeutic drug monitoring.

Given the increasing use of bevacizumab in combinatorial drug therapy for a multitude of different cancer types, there is a need for therapeutic drug monitoring to analyze the possible correlation between drug trough concentration, and therapeutic effect and adverse reactions. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry method was then developed and validated to determine bevacizumab levels in human plasma samples. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Shimadzu InertSustainBio C18 HP column, whereas subsequent mass spectrometric analysis was performed using a Shimadzu 8050CL triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electro-spray ionization source in the positive ion mode. In total, three multiple reaction monitoring transitions of each of the surrogate peptides were chosen with 'FTFSLDTSK' applied as the quantification peptide whereas 'VLIYFTSSLHSGVPSR' and 'STAYLQMNSLR' were designated as the verification peptides using the Skyline software. This analytical method was then fully validated, with specificity, linearity, lower limit of quantitation, accuracy, precision, stability, matrix effect and recovery calculated. The linearity of this method was developed to be within the concentration range 5-400 µg/ml for bevacizumab in human plasma. Subsequently, eight patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were recruited and injected with bevacizumab over three periods of treatment to analyze their steady-state trough concentration and differences. To conclude, the results of the present study suggest that bevacizumab can be monitored in a therapeutic setting in patients with NSCLC.

A general strategy for the enhanced H2 production performance of CdS/noble metal sulfide nanorods photocatalysts by cation exchange.

In this work, we report a series of noble metal (Ag, Au, Pt, etc.) sulfides that act as co-catalysts anchoring on CdS nanorods (NRs) obtained via a cation exchange strategy to promote photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. CdS NRs are first generated via a hydrothermal routine, noble metal sulfides are then in-situ grown on CdS NRs by a cation exchange method. CdS/Ag2S, CdS/Au2S and CdS/PtS NRs show improved hydrogen production rates (2506.88, 1513.17 and 1004.54 µmol g-1h-1, respectively), approximately 18, 11 and 7 times higher than CdS NRs (138.27 µmol g-1h-1). Among CdS/noble metal sulfide NRs, CdS/Ag2S NRs present the best H2 production performance. The apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of CdS/Ag2S NRs achieves 3.11 % at λ = 370 nm. The improved photocatalytic performance of CdS/noble metal sulfide NRs dues to the following points: i) Noble metal sulfides on CdS NRs are beneficial for elevating light-absorbing and light-utilizing capacities, contributing to generating more photoexcited charges; ii) Noble metal sulfides are in-situ grown on CdS NRs as electron acceptors by a cation exchange method, thus the photoexcited electrons generated by CdS NRs rapidly migrate to the surface of noble metal sulfides, successfully accelerating the carriers separation efficiency. This series of noble metal sulfides acting as co-catalysts anchoring on CdS NRs offer new insights into the construction principles of high-performance photocatalytic hydrogen evolution catalysts.

Rapid cycle deliberate practice: application in forceps simulation training for gynecology and obstetrics residents.

BACKGROUND: Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) has gained prominence in recent years as an innovative teaching method in simulation-based training for adult and pediatric emergency medical skills. However, its application in the training of forceps delivery skills among obstetrics and gynecology residents remains unexplored. This study aimed to assess the impact of RCDP in this domain. METHODS: Conducted in March 2021, this randomized controlled study involved 60 second-year obstetrics and gynecology residents undergoing standardized training. Participants were randomly assigned to the RCDP group or the traditional teaching method (TTM) group, each comprising 30 residents. The RCDP group followed the RCDP practice mode, while the TTM group adhered to conventional simulation teaching. Post-training assessment of operational proficiency was conducted immediately and after one year. Independent operational confidence and training satisfaction were evaluated through questionnaire surveys and the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience (SSE) scale. Data analysis utilized SPSS 23.0. RESULTS: The RCDP group displayed significantly higher immediate post-training forceps operation scores compared to the TTM group (92.00 [range: 90.00-94.00] vs. 88.00 [range: 86.75-92.00]; z = 3.79; p < .001). However, no significant difference emerged in forceps operation scores after one year (86.00 [range: 85.00-88.00] vs. 85.50 [range: 84.00-88.25]; z = 0.54; p = .59). The RCDP group exhibited notable performance improvement over the TTM group (z = 3.49; p < .001). Independent operation confidence showed no significant discrepancy (p > .05). Importantly, the RCDP group reported higher satisfaction scores, particularly in the Debriefing and Reflection subscale (44.00 [range: 43.00-45.00] vs. 41.00 [range: 41.50-43.00]; z = 5.24; p < .001), contributing to an overall superior SSE score (z = 4.74; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: RCDP exhibits immediate efficacy in elevating forceps delivery skills among residents. However, sustained skill enhancement necessitates innovative approaches, while RCDP's value lies in tailored feedback and reflection for enriched medical education.

Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) demonstrates immediate effectiveness in enhancing forceps delivery skills among obstetrics and gynecology residents, leading to improved immediate performance, which also increased their satisfaction with the teaching process and operational confidence.Long-term skill retention through RCDP appears limited, highlighting the importance of ongoing reinforcement to prevent skill decay and maintain proficiency.

Combining CRISPR/Cas9 and natural excision for the precise and complete removal of mobile genetic elements in bacteria.

Horizontal gene transfer, facilitated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs), is an adaptive evolutionary process that contributes to the evolution of bacterial populations and infectious diseases. A variety of MGEs not only can integrate into the bacterial genome but also can survive or even replicate like plasmids in the cytoplasm, thus requiring precise and complete removal for studying their strategies in benefiting host cells. Existing methods for MGE removal, such as homologous recombination-based deletion and excisionase-based methods, have limitations in effectively eliminating certain MGEs. To overcome these limitations, we developed the Cas9-NE method, which combines the CRISPR/Cas9 system with the natural excision of MGEs. In this approach, a specialized single guide RNA (sgRNA) element is designed with a 20-nucleotide region that pairs with the MGE sequence. This sgRNA is expressed from a plasmid that also carries the Cas9 gene. By utilizing the Cas9-NE method, both the integrative and circular forms of MGEs can be precisely and completely eliminated through Cas9 cleavage, generating MGE-removed cells. We have successfully applied the Cas9-NE method to remove four representative MGEs, including plasmids, prophages, and genomic islands, from Vibrio strains. This new approach not only enables various investigations on MGEs but also has significant implications for the rapid generation of strains for commercial purposes.IMPORTANCEMobile genetic elements (MGEs) are of utmost importance for bacterial adaptation and pathogenicity, existing in various forms and multiple copies within bacterial cells. Integrated MGEs play dual roles in bacterial hosts, enhancing the fitness of the host by delivering cargo genes and potentially modifying the bacterial genome through the integration/excision process. This process can lead to alterations in promoters or coding sequences or even gene disruptions at integration sites, influencing the physiological functions of host bacteria. Here, we developed a new approach called Cas9-NE, allowing them to maintain the natural sequence changes associated with MGE excision. Cas9-NE allows the one-step removal of integrated and circular MGEs, addressing the challenge of eliminating various MGE forms efficiently. This approach simplifies MGE elimination in bacteria, expediting research on MGEs.

An exploratory study on the association of multiple metals in serum with preeclampsia.

Background: Individual metal levels are potential risk factors for the development of preeclampsia (PE). However, understanding of relationship between multiple metals and PE remains elusive. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore whether eight metals [zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)] in serum had a certain relationship with PE. Methods: A study was conducted in Dongguan, China. The concentrations of metals in maternal serum were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Data on various factors were collected through a face-to-face interview and hospital electronic medical records. The unconditional logistic regression model, principal component analysis (PCA) and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) were applied in our study. Results: The logistic regression model revealed that the elevated levels of Cu, Pb, and Hg were associated with an increased risk of PE. According to PCA, principal component 1 (PC1) was predominated by Hg, Pb, Mn, Ni, Cu, and As, and PC1 was associated with an increased risk of PE, while PC2 was predominated by Cd and Zn. The results of BKMR indicated a significant positive cumulative effect of serum metals on PE risk, with Ni and Cu exhibiting a significant positive effect. Moreover, BKMR results also revealed the nonlinear effects of Ni and Cd. Conclusion: The investigation suggests a potential positive cumulative impact of serum metals on the occurrence of PE, with a particular emphasis on Cu as a potential risk factor for the onset and exacerbation of PE. These findings offer valuable insights for guiding future studies on this concern.

Applications of Circulating Tumor DNA in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Promises and Challenges.

The term 'liquid biopsy' has become widely used by clinicians with the development of non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring techniques for malignancies. Liquid biopsy can provide genetic information for early diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment selection and postoperative follow-up. In the era of personalized medicine, liquid biopsy is an important research direction. In recent years, research on circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in hematological malignancies has also made great progress. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of circulating tumour DNA in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Additionally, recent advancements in the monitoring of minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) through ctDNA are discussed.

Ecological barriers: An approach to ecological conservation and restoration in China.

The Chinese government has pursued comprehensive ecological conservation and restoration by establishing an ecological barrier system. However, the majority of international research tends to focus on the connectivity between habitats, overlooking the functions that ecological barriers play in ecological conservation and restoration. The existing literature lacks a systematic exploration of the theory and practice of ecological barriers. This study employed the literature analysis tool CiteSpace to present the theoretical and developmental trends in ecological barriers from various perspectives, including research fields, historical evolution, research hotspots, and major research nations. By analyzing the differences in the understanding of ecological barriers between China and other countries, examining the ecological barriers construction history in China, and exploring the types and functions of ecological barriers, this study summarizes the framework of China's ecological barriers construction system as "features-functions-problems." Constructing an ecological barrier system can help achieve ecological conservation and restoration goals in China.

Highly Stable Organic Molecular Porous Solid Electrolyte with One-Dimensional Ion Migration Channel for Solid-State Lithium-Oxygen Battery.

Solid-state lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries have been widely recognized as one of the candidates for the next-generation of energy storage batteries. However, the development of solid-state Li-O2 batteries has been hindered by the lack of solid-state electrolyte (SSE) with high ionic conductivity at room temperature, high Li+ transference number, and the high stability to air. Herein, the organic molecular porous solid cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) with one-dimensional (1D) ion migration channels is developed as the SSE for solid-state Li-O2 batteries. Taking advantage of the 1D ion migration channel for Li+ conduction, CB[7] SSE achieves high ionic conductivity (2.45 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 25 °C). Moreover, the noncovalent interactions facilitated the immobilization of anions, realizing a high Li+ transference number (tLi + = 0.81) and Li+ uniform distribution. The CB[7] SSE also shows a wide electrochemical stability window of 0-4.65 V and high thermal stability and chemical stability, as well as realizes stable Li+ plating/stripping (more than 1000 h at 0.3 mA cm-2). As a result, the CB[7] SSE endows solid-state Li-O2 batteries with superior rate capability and long-term discharge/charge stability (up to 500 h). This design strategy of CB[7] SSE paves the way for stable and efficient solid-state Li-O2 batteries toward practical applications.

MYCT1 inhibits hematopoiesis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by suppressing RUNX1 transcription.

BACKGROUND: The abnormality of chromosomal karyotype is one factor causing poor prognosis of lymphoma. In the analysis of abnormal karyotype of lymphoma patients, three smallest overlap regions were found, in which MYCT1 was located. MYCT1 is the first tumor suppressor gene cloned by our research team, but its studies relating to the occurrence and development of lymphoma have not been reported. METHODS: R banding analyses were employed to screen the abnormality of chromosomal karyotype in clinical specimen and MYCT1 over-expression cell lines. FISH was to monitor MYCT1 copy number aberration. RT-PCR and Western blot were to detect the mRNA and protein levels of the MYCT1 and RUNX1 genes, respectively. The MYCT1 and RUNX1 protein levels in clinical specimen were evaluated by immunohistochemical DAB staining. The interaction between MYCT1 and MAX proteins was identified via Co-IP and IF. The binding of MAX on the promoter of the RUNX1 gene was detected by ChIP and Dual-luciferase reporter assay, respectively. Flow cytometry and CCK-8 assay were to explore the effects of MYCT1 and RUNX1 on the cell cycle and proliferation, respectively. RESULTS: MYCT1 was located in one of three smallest overlap regions of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, it altered chromosomal instability of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells. MYCT1 negatively correlated with RUNX1 in lymphoma tissues of the patients. MAX directly promoted the RUNX1 gene transcription by binding to its promoter region. MYCT1 may represses RUNX1 transcription by binding MAX in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells. MYCT1 binding to MAX probably suppressed RUNX1 transcription, leading to the inhibition of proliferation and cell cycle of the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells. CONCLUSION: This study finds that there is a MYCT1-MAX-RUNX1 signaling pathway in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. And the study provides clues and basis for the in-depth studies of MYCT1 in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of lymphoma.