Regulatory Effects of Chlormequat Chloride on the Yield and Chemical Composition of Angelica sinensis Radix.

Chlormequat chloride (CCC), as a commonly used plant growth regulator in the production of rhizomatous medicinal herbs, can effectively control the bolting phenomenon in Angelica sinensis, significantly increasing the yield of underground rhizomes (medicinal part). However, its specific effects on the intrinsic quality of Angelica sinensis, especially medicinal components, require further investigation. The objective of this study is to conduct a thorough examination of CCC residue and its influence on the yield and medicinal components of Angelica sinensis. By spraying different concentrations of CCC on Angelica sinensis, we systematically monitored the final yield of Angelica sinensis Radix (ASR) in each treatment group and the residual concentration of CCC in ASR. Using UPLC-QTOF-MS technology, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the metabolic profile of ASR. Subsequently, UFLC-MS/MS was employed to accurately quantify the changes in the content of nine key active components in ASR. The results of this study indicate that the application of CCC significantly improves the yield of ASR, with the best effect observed at 0.1 g/L, resulting in a yield increase of 24.8%. Meanwhile, the residual amount of CCC in ASR is positively correlated with the application concentration, with the residual levels as high as 7.12 mg/kg in the high-concentration treatment group. Metabolomic analysis preliminarily identified 21 chemical components in ASR, including four organic acids and 13 phthalides. It is worth noting that the quantitative analysis results indicate significant changes in active components such as butylphthalide, Z-ligustilide, and ferulic acid after the application of CCC. Specifically, high-concentration CCC significantly increased the content of butylphthalide and levistolide A, while low-concentration CCC significantly promoted the accumulation of coniferyl ferulate and senkyunolide A, accompanied by a significant decrease in Z-ligustilide and ferulic acidy. In conclusion, while CCC use can increase yield, the associated increase in residues and imbalanced composition ratios may threaten the quality and safety of ASR. Therefore, it is crucial to control the amount of CCC used rationally to balance yield enhancement and quality assurance.

Comparative study on the epidemiological characteristics and hazards of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus infections among elderly people.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and infections of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza viruses in hospitalized elderly patients with respiratory tract infections in Suzhou City, China, and to compare the differences in clinical characteristics and economic burden associated with these two infections. METHODS: In this prospective study, pathogenetic testing and clinical data for hospitalized patients aged 60 years and older with respiratory tract infections were collected in five hospitals through stratified cluster sampling from December 2023 to May 2024. Comparative study on epidemic characteristics, clinical features and costs of cases who infected RSV alone and influenza alone were conducted. RESULTS: Among 1,894 cases included, the RSV positivity rate was 5.91% during the 2023-2024 winter-spring season, while the influenza positivity rate was 9.61%. RSV-B was the predominant subtype of RSV, and influenza A (primarily H3N2) was the dominant strain among the influenza-positive cases. Compared with cases infected influenza virus alone, those infected RSV alone had lower occurrence frequency of fever (18.8% vs. 35.7%, P = 0.004), higher occurrence frequency of complications of lower respiratory tract infections (70.8% vs. 54.8%, P = 0.011), higher direct medical costs ($996.2 vs. $841.1, P = 0.017) and total costs ($1019.7 vs. $888.1, P = 0.036). RSV single infection is more common in female cases (P = 0.007) and diabetic cases (P = 0.007) than influenza virus single infection. CONCLUSIONS: During the winter and spring months, RSV is the second most common pathogen after influenza virus among older adults hospitalized for respiratory infections in Suzhou, China. Patients infected RSV are more likely to develop complications with lower respiratory tract infections and have higher medical costs than the influenza. RSV infection in the elderly should be emphasized, especially in female patients and diabetic patients.

Development and validation of a multimodal deep learning framework for vascular cognitive impairment diagnosis.

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is the second leading cause of dementia worldwide. The accurate detection of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) in CVD patients remains an unresolved challenge. We collected the clinical non-imaging data and neuroimaging data from 307 subjects with CVD. Using these data, we developed a multimodal deep learning framework that combined the vision transformer and extreme gradient boosting algorithms. The final hybrid model within the framework included only two neuroimaging features and six clinical features, demonstrating robust performance across both internal and external datasets. Furthermore, the diagnostic performance of our model on a specific dataset was demonstrated to be comparable to that of expert clinicians. Notably, our model can identify the brain regions and clinical features that significantly contribute to the VCI diagnosis, thereby enhancing transparency and interpretability. We developed an accurate and explainable clinical decision support tool to identify the presence of VCI in patients with CVD.

Enhanced peroxidase-like activity based on electron transfer between platinum nanoparticles and Ti3C2TX MXene nanoribbons coupled smartphone-assisted hydrogel platform for detecting mercury ions.

BACKGROUND: Heavy metal pollution poses a serious threat to the ecological environment. Mercury ion (Hg2+) is a class of highly toxic heavy metal ions, which is bioaccumulative, difficult to breakdown, and has a significant affinity with sulfur and thiol-containing proteins, which seriously affects environmental safety and human health. Nanozyme-based sensing methods are expected to be used to detect toxic heavy metal ions. However, the application of precious metal nanozymes to develop portable sensors with simplicity, high stability, and high sensitivity has not been explored to a large extent. RESULTS: In this paper, based on MXene's unique adsorption capacity for certain precious metal ions, PtNPs/Ti3C2TXNR composites were successfully prepared by in-situ growth of Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) on the surface of Ti3C2TX MXene nanoribbons (Ti3C2TXNR) using the hydrothermal technique. Experimental data revealed PtNPs/Ti3C2TXNR exhibited superior peroxidase-like activity, attributed to the synergistic effect of well-dispersed ultrasmall PtNPs and electron transfer effect. Hg2+ can significantly inhibit enzyme-like activity of PtNPs/Ti3C2TXNR due to specific capture and partial in-situ reduction of PtNPs, so a colorimetric sensor was constructed for ultra-trace detection of Hg2+ with a linear range of 0.2 nM and 400 nM. Furthermore, using the portable detecting capabilities of smartphones and hydrogel, a smartphone-assisted hydrogel sensing platform of Hg2+ was constructed. Notably, the two-mode sensing platforms exhibited outstanding detection performance with LOD values as low as 15 pM (colorimetric) and 26 pM (hydrogel), respectively, superior to recently reported nanozyme-based Hg2+ sensors. SIGNIFICANCE: Compared with other methods, the PtNPs/Ti3C2TXNR-based dual-mode sensor designed in this paper has superior sensitivity, high selectivity, simple operation and portability. In particular, the dual-output sensing strategy enables self-confirmation of detection results, greatly improving the reliability of the sensor, and is expected to be used for the on-site determination of trace mercury ions.

Development of a machine learning model to support low cost real-time Legionella monitoring in premise plumbing systems.

Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) is a pathogenic bacterium primarily known for causing Legionnaires' Disease which is known for high mortality rates, particularly in the elderly. With caseloads continuing to increase, further research is needed to improve our understanding of optimized sampling schema and safe limits of L. pneumophila, in part to target improved treatment options and realistic population-level risk modeling. Particularly in healthcare and other high-risk locations these become crucial and time sensitive needs. Therefore, we conceptualized this research as a means of incorporating easily measured physiochemical water quality parameters and generalization of the unique ecology of building water systems to build a computational model that can allow for more rapid and accurate decision making. This research uses the specific machine learning (ML) method called statistical learning theory to incorporate concentration of host cells, such as native amoeba, and physiochemical water quality parameters to estimate the probability of observing ranges of Legionella gene copy concentrations. Using data from previously published research on Legionella prevalence in a large building, our ML method trains the model on the relative impacts of physiochemical parameters on likely amoeba host cell occurrences. The model is expanded to estimate host cell concentrations using correlations and regressions operated through LASSO algorithms. After categorization variables from these results are then used to inform a logistic regression to provide an estimate of the probability of Legionella gene copy concentration ranges. In summary, conventional results generated by logistic regression and multiple linear regression quantified the associations among ecological conditions in the water and ability to predict a likely range of Legionella concentration in a management focused way. Further, two ML methods, PCA and LASSO, demonstrated feasibility in accurate real-time monitoring of Legionella through physiochemical indicators as evidenced with good accuracy of predictions based for validation results. Furthermore results demonstrate the vital need to account for the impact of water quality on building on host cells, and via their quantified water microbial ecology, not just Legionella concentrations.

MicroEpitope: an atlas of immune epitopes derived from cancer microbiomes.

The majority of human cancers harbor molecular evidence of intratumoral microbiota. Microbiota-derived epitopes as molecular mimics of tumor antigens can bind human leukocyte antigen (HLA), thereby modulating host immunity. However, many questions remain regarding the mechanisms underlying the interactions between microbiota and the host's immune system in cancer. Here, MicroEpitope (http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/MicroEpitope) was developed to provide and analyze the atlas of microbiota-derived epitopes in cancer. We manually collected available mass spectrometry (MS)-based HLA immunopeptidomes of 1190 samples across 24 cancer types. Alignment was performed against an in-house constructed theoretical library of human and intratumor microbiome encoded proteins, including 1298 bacterial and 124 viral species. Currently, MicroEpitope contains 51 497 bacteria and 767 virus-derived epitopes, mainly originating from Bacillus subtilis, Buchnera aphidicola and human cytomegalovirus. The common immunogenic features of epitopes were calculated, as well as their biochemical properties and the clinical relevance of corresponding bacteria and viruses across cancers. MicroEpitope also provides five analytical tools, and multiple visualization methods to facilitate understanding of the roles of microbiota-derived epitopes in cancer immunity. In summary, MicroEpitope represents a vital resource for investigating HLA-presented immunopeptidomes derived from cancer microbiomes, and could further enable rich insight in tumor antigen prioritization strategies.

Integrative analysis of anoikis-related genes prognostic signature with immunotherapy and identification of CDKN3 as a key oncogene in lung adenocarcinoma.

Anoikis, a form of programmed cell death induced by loss of cell contact, is closely associated with tumor invasion and metastasis, making it highly significant in lung cancer research. We examined the expression patterns and prognostic relevance of Anoikis-related genes (ARGs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using the TCGA-LUAD database. This study identified molecular subtypes associated with Anoikis in LUAD and conducted functional enrichment analyses. We constructed an ARG risk score using univariate least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression, validated externally with GEO datasets and clinical samples. The clinical applicability of the prognostic model was evaluated using nomograms, calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and time-dependent AUC assessments. We identified four prognostically significant genes (PLK1, SLC2A1, CDKN3, PHLDA2) and two ARG-related molecular subtypes. ARGs were generally upregulated in LUAD and correlated with multiple pathways including the cell cycle and DNA replication. The prognostic model indicated that the low-risk group had better outcomes and significant correlations with clinicopathological features, tumor microenvironment, immune therapy responses, drug sensitivity, and pan-RNA epigenetic modification-related genes. Patients with low-risk LUAD were potential beneficiaries of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Prognostic ARGs' distribution and expression across various immune cell types were further analyzed using single-cell RNA sequencing. The pivotal role of CDKN3 in LUAD was confirmed through qRT-PCR and gene knockout experiments, demonstrating that CDKN3 knockdown inhibits tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Additionally, we constructed a ceRNA network involving CDKN3/hsa-miR-26a-5p/SNHG6, LINC00665, DUXAP8, and SLC2A1/hsa-miR-218-5p/RNASEH1-AS1, providing new insights for personalized and immune therapy decisions in LUAD patients.

Targeting mitochondria: a novel approach for treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a prevalent gynecologic malignancy with the second-highest mortality rate among gynecologic malignancies. Platinum-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for ovarian cancer; however, a majority of patients with ovarian cancer experience relapse and develop platinum resistance following initial treatment. Despite extensive research on the mechanisms of platinum resistance at the nuclear level, the issue of platinum resistance in ovarian cancer remains largely unresolved. It is noteworthy that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) exhibits higher affinity for platinum compared to nuclear DNA (nDNA). Mutations in mtDNA can modulate tumor chemosensitivity through various mechanisms, including DNA damage responses, shifts in energy metabolism, maintenance of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) homeostasis, and alterations in mitochondrial dynamics. Concurrently, retrograde signals produced by mtDNA mutations and their subsequent cascades establish communication with the nucleus, leading to the reorganization of the nuclear transcriptome and governing the transcription of genes and signaling pathways associated with chemoresistance. Furthermore, mitochondrial translocation among cells emerges as a crucial factor influencing the effectiveness of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. This review aims to explore the role and mechanism of mitochondria in platinum resistance, with a specific focus on mtDNA mutations and the resulting metabolic reprogramming, ROS regulation, changes in mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondria-nucleus communication, and mitochondrial transfer.

Computational dissection of the regulatory mechanisms of aberrant metabolism in remodeling the microenvironment of breast cancer.

The composition of T cell subsets and tumor-specific T cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the heterogeneity observed in breast cancer. Moreover, aberrant tumor metabolism is often intimately linked to dysregulated anti-tumor immune function of T cells. Identifying key metabolic genes that affect immune cell interactions thus holds promise for uncovering potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of breast cancer. This study leverages single-cell transcriptomic data from breast cancer to investigate tumor-specific T-cell subsets and their interacting subnetworks in the TME during cancer progression. We further assess the metabolic pathway activities of tumor-specifically activated T-cell subsets. The results reveal that metabolic pathways involved in insulin synthesis, secretion, degradation, as well as fructose catabolism, significantly influence multiple T cell interactions. By integrating the metabolic pathways that significantly up-regulate T cells in tumors and influence their interactions, we identify key abnormal metabolic genes associated with T-cell collaboration and further develop a breast cancer risk assessment model. Additionally, using gene expression profiles of prognosis-related genes significantly associated with aberrant metabolism and drug IC50 values, we predict targeted drugs, yielding potential candidates like GSK-J4 and PX-12. This study integrate the analysis of abnormal T-cell interactions and metabolic pathway abnormalities in the breast cancer TME, elucidating their roles in cancer progression and providing leads for novel breast cancer therapeutic strategies.

TMSB4Y restrains sphingomyelin synthesis via de novo purine synthesis to exert a tumor suppressor function in male esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Y chromosome genes play a vital role in sex difference of cancer. The dysregulation and functional implications of Y chromosome genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains elusive. Here, we analyze the Y chromosome gene signature and identify TMSB4Y as an emerging prognostic predictor in male ESCC. Functional analyses show that TMSB4Y inhibits the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of male ESCC cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that TMSB4Y interacts with PAICS, wherein TMSB4Y disrupts the formation of the PAICS octamer to inhibit purine de novo synthesis, leading to a decrease in the AMP/ATP ratio, subsequently impeding AMPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, we uncover a regulatory cascade orchestrated by the TMSB4Y/PAICS-AMPK axis, which exerts a suppressive effect on sphingomyelin metabolism by inhibiting the expression of sphingomyelin synthases (SMSs). Notably, Malabaricone C, an inhibitor of SMS1 and SMS2, effectively suppresses male ESCC cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth. Collectively, these findings reveal the regulation of sphingomyelin metabolism by TMSB4Y/PAICS-AMPK axis and underscore the potential of targeting SMSs as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of male ESCC.

Genomic and metabolomic insights into the selection and differentiation of bioactive compounds in citrus.

Bioactive compounds are playing an increasingly prominent role in breeding functional and nutritive fruit crops such as citrus. However, the genomic and metabolic basis for the selection and differentiation underlying bioactive compounds variations in citrus remain poorly understood. Here, we constructed a species-level variation atlas of genomes and metabolomes using 299 citrus accessions. A total of 19,829 significant SNPs were targeted to 653 annotated metabolites, among which multiple significant signals were identified for secondary metabolites, especially flavonoids. Significantly differential accumulation of bioactive compounds in phenylpropane pathway, mainly flavonoids and coumarins, were unveiled across ancestral citrus species during differentiation, which is likely associated with the divergent haplotype distribution and/or expression profiles of relevant genes, including p-coumaroyl coenzyme A 2'-hydroxylases, flavone synthases, cytochrome P450 enzymes, prenyltransferases and UDP-glycosyltransferases. Moreover, we elucidated the citrus varieties with excellent antioxidant and anticancer capacities, clarifying the robust associations between distinct bioactivities and specific metabolites. Thus, these findings provide citrus breeding options for enrichment of beneficial flavonoids and avoidance of the potential risk of coumarins. This study will illuminate the application of genomic and metabolic engineering strategies in developing modern healthy citrus cultivars.

Prognostic value of soluble programmed death-1 and soluble programmed death ligand-1 in severe traumatic brain injury patients.

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently exhibit concomitant immunosuppression. In this study, we evaluated the predictive values of soluble programmed death-1 (sPD-1) and soluble programmed death ligand-1 (sPD-L1) in patients with severe TBI. Peripheral blood sPD-1 and sPD-L1 levels were measured within 48 h of patient admission. A total of 20 healthy volunteers and 82 patients were enrolled in this study. The levels of sPD-1 and sPD-L1 were upregulated in patients with severe TBI (P < 0.001). They were significantly increased in the post-TBI severe pneumonia group and among non-survivors (P < 0.001). The area under the curves (AUCs) for sPD-1 and sPD-L1 levels to predict severe pneumonia were 0.714 and 0.696, respectively, and the AUCs to predict mortality were 0.758 and 0.735. The levels of sPD-1 and sPD-L1 are correlated with the GCS scores at admission, APACHE II scores, length of MV, and time elapsed to mortality. The levels of sPD-1 and sPD-L1 emerged as independent predictive factors for severe pneumonia and mortality. This study demonstrates that upregulation of sPD-1 and sPD-L1 in severe TBI patients is significantly associated with severe pneumonia and mortality, suggesting their potential as predictive biomarkers for these outcomes.

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The patient is a 12-year-old male who has experienced recurrent perianal abscesses for over 10 years, along with recurrent oral ulcers and deformities in the joints of hands and feet. Gastrointestinal endoscopy and capsule endoscopy revealed multiple ulcers in the digestive tract. Combined with his histopathological examinations, the patient was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Whole exome sequencing and peripheral blood karyotype analysis indicated a karyotype of 47,XY,+8. The patient was treated with a "step-up" strategy. His clinical symptoms were under control, with significant improvement observed during endoscopic examination. This case suggests that early-onset inflammatory bowel disease may have genetic susceptibility, and when accompanied by other multi-system involvement, the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomy 8, should be considered and given due attention.

Unveiling the Virome of Wild Birds: Exploring CRESS-DNA Viral Dark Matter.

Amid global health concerns and the constant threat of zoonotic diseases, this study delves into the diversity of circular replicase-encoding single-stranded DNA (CRESS-DNA) viruses within Chinese wild bird populations. Employing viral metagenomics to tackle the challenge of "viral dark matter," the research collected and analyzed 3,404 cloacal swab specimens across 26 bird families. Metagenomic analysis uncovered a rich viral landscape, with 67.48% of reads classified as viral dark matter, spanning multiple taxonomic levels. Notably, certain viral families exhibited host-specific abundance patterns, with Galliformes displaying the highest diversity. Diversity analysis categorized samples into distinct groups, revealing significant differences in viral community structure, particularly noting higher diversity in terrestrial birds compared to songbirds and unique diversity in migratory birds versus perching birds. The identification of ten novel Circoviridae viruses, seven Smacoviridae viruses, and 167 Genomoviridae viruses, along with 100 unclassified CRESS-DNA viruses, underscores the expansion of knowledge on avian-associated circular DNA viruses. Phylogenetic and structural analyses of Rep proteins offered insights into evolutionary relationships and potential functional variations among CRESS-DNA viruses. In conclusion, this study significantly enhances our understanding of the avian virome, shedding light on the intricate relationships between viral communities and host characteristics in Chinese wild bird populations. The diverse array of CRESS-DNA viruses discovered opens avenues for future research into viral evolution, spread factors, and potential ecosystem impacts.

The humanistic care ability of nurses in 27 provinces in China: a multi-center cross-sectional study.

Background: Currently, studies found that the humanistic care ability of nurses is at low level in China, resulting in patients' concerns and dissatisfaction regarding the lack of empathy among nurses. We aimed to explore the factors that influence nurses' humanistic care ability, providing a new perspective on improving patient satisfaction and promote high quality medical services. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study recruited nurses from tertiary and secondary hospitals in China between July 2022 and August 2022. Data concerning self-developed questions on nurses' socio-demographic data and Caring Ability Inventory (CAI) were collected through the Questionnaire Star Platform, using a multi-stage sampling method. Results: The total score for the level of caring ability among the 15,653 surveyed Chinese nurses was 192.16 ± 24.94. Various factors significantly influence the level of humanistic care ability, including professional title, department, degree of passion for the job, job satisfaction, emphasis on self-care, participation in humanistic care training, support from family for the job, relationships with colleagues, satisfaction with salary, and previous experience working in pilot wards emphasizing humanistic care (p < 0.01). Conclusion: At present, nurses exhibit a comparatively modest proficiency in humanistic care ability. Numerous factors contribute to this situation. Nursing administrators ought to enhance the scope of humanistic care practices, conduct consistent professional training sessions, advocate for the implementation of model wards emphasizing humanistic care, foster a supportive organizational culture conducive to nurses, and underscore the significance of both nurturing nurses and promoting self-care among them.

Prospective Study on the Association Between Blood Heavy Metal Levels and Pulmonary Function in University Students from a Medical College in Shandong Province, China.

Background: This study aimed to examine the blood concentrations of selected heavy metals, their corresponding pulmonary functions, and their interrelationship with university students. Methods: This prospective study, conducted from September 2019 to September 2020, encompassed 593 university students. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires regarding demographic factors and underwent lung function testing and blood mercury analysis at two distinct intervals: an initial assessment and a follow-up examination. Pulmonary function was assessed using Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, and Peak Expiratory Flow. The blood concentrations of various heavy metals were determined through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Notable disparities in pulmonary function emerged among university students when categorized by gender, Body Mass Index, physical activity, and seafood consumption frequency, all showing statistical significance (p<0.05). Blood levels of Pb, Mn, Co, and Ni exhibited diverse patterns and extents of correlation with pulmonary function (p<0.05 in each instance). Specifically, a positive correlation was observed with blood Pb levels, while Mn, Co, and Ni levels were inversely correlated with pulmonary function (p<0.01 for both observations). Conclusion: This study uncovered significant and complex relationships between the blood concentrations of individual heavy metals and pulmonary function in university students. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate these associations in greater detail.

Spatial Transcriptomics Reveals the Transcriptomic Signatures in a Mouse Model of Pediatric Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is considered the progressive form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, which is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children. However, the pathogenesis of pediatric MASH remains poorly understood because of the lack of animal models. In this study, we developed a mouse model of pediatric MASH and characterized the hepatic transcriptomic profile using spatial transcriptomics technology. C57BL/6J mice were fed a Western diet (WD) along with weekly injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) from the age of 3 to 8 weeks. After 5 weeks of feeding, WD + CCl4-treated mice showed significant liver injury without the development of insulin resistance. Histologically, WD + CCl4 induced key features of type 2 MASH, the most common type observed in children, characterized by liver steatosis, portal inflammation, and portal fibrosis. Through spatial transcriptomics analysis of liver tissues, we identified that cluster 0 in the mouse from the WD + CCl4 group was enriched in pathways associated with lipid metabolism. Further investigation revealed that cytochrome p450 2E1 was the top marker gene of cluster 0, and its expression was increased in the periportal area of mice from the WD + CCl4 group. These findings suggest that our mouse model of pediatric MASH mirrors the histologic features of human MASH, and the up-regulation of cytochrome p450 2E1 may be linked to the disease pathogenesis.

Supplementation of Ampelopsis grossedentata extract contributes to the improvement of intestinal health in swine.

Introduction: Ampelopsis grossedentata (vine tea), a high polyphenol content antioxidant plant resource, is renowned for its medicinal benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata extract (AGE) on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ability, enhancement of intestinal immunity, improvement of intestinal structure, and regulation of gut microbiota in swine. Methods: A total of 135 weaned piglets were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a low-dose group, and a high-dose group. Pigs were weighed and blood was collected on days 36, 85, and 154. The feed intake was recorded daily to calculate growth performance parameters. On day 154, five to six pigs in each group were randomly selected and euthanized to obtain a small intestine to investigate the effects of AGE on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities and gut microbiota. Results: The results showed that 500 mg/kg AGE increased the expression of anti-inflammatory and immune cytokines (IL-10, IgG, and IgA) (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß) (p < 0.05) in serum. Additionally, 500 mg/kg AGE enhanced the antioxidant capacity by increasing the GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Discussion: A total of 500 mg/kg AGE significantly increased the abundance of gut microbiota, enhanced the gut barrier, and modulated gut immunity. During the piglet phase, 500 mg/kg AGE increased the relative abundance of Prevotella (p < 0.05). During the growing-finishing phase, 500 mg/kg AGE increased the relative abundance of unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroides (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Overall, we recommended 500 mg/kg AGE as a routine addition dose for swine to improve porcine growth performance and intestinal health.

A novel homozygous mutation of CFAP300 identified in a Chinese patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia and infertility.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a clinically rare, genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous condition characterized by chronic respiratory tract infections, male infertility, tympanitis, and laterality abnormalities. PCD is typically resulted from variants in genes encoding assembly or structural proteins that are indispensable for the movement of motile cilia. Here, we identified a novel nonsense mutation, c.466G>T, in cilia- and flagella-associated protein 300 (CFAP300) resulting in a stop codon (p.Glu156 *) through whole-exome sequencing (WES). The proband had a PCD phenotype with laterality defects and immotile sperm flagella displaying a combined loss of the inner dynein arm (IDA) and outer dynein arm (ODA). Bioinformatic programs predicted that the mutation is deleterious. Successful pregnancy was achieved through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our results expand the spectrum of CFAP300 variants in PCD and provide reproductive guidance for infertile couples suffering from PCD caused by them.