Manganaelectro-Catalyzed Cyclization of o-Aminoarylketones with Ammonia: An Approach to 1,2-Dihydroquinazolines.

A manganaelectro-catalyzed cyclization reaction of 2-aminoarylketones with simple alcohols and ammonia under mild conditions is reported for the first time. The cooperative catalysis effectively enhances the oxidation of primary alcohols into aldehydes, thus enabling the synthesis of substituted 1,2-dihydroquinazolines in good to excellent yields. In addition, the utilities of this method are highlighted in the construction of biologically active molecules that would otherwise be difficult to access through a traditional method.

High-throughput and multimodal profiling of antigen-specific T cells with a droplet-based cell-cell interaction screening platform.

Identifying antigen-specific T cells from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is essential for designing effective T cell immunotherapies. Traditional methods can detect antigen-specific T cells but struggle with high-throughput screening and multimodal profiling simultaneously. To address this issue, we developed DropCCI, a new strategy that transfers antigen information to co-incubated T cells for high-throughput, non-contaminated multimodal profiling. In DropCCI, droplets encapsulated DNA barcodes and antigen-loaded antigen-presenting cells (APCs), while click chemistry-modified T cells were injected into these droplets to capture free barcodes and acquire the corresponding antigen information. Following cell-cell interaction, APCs were removed via streptavidin-biotin conjugation, to prevent contamination. The resulting T cells underwent single-cell omics sequencing for comprehensive profiling of their antigen specificity, transcriptome, and genomics accurately. This click-chemistry method allowed detection of antigen-specific T cells without lysing APCs, avoiding cross-cell contamination and enabling low-noise multimodal profiling of primary T cells. With a completion time within 12 h and no requirement for complex equipment, DropCCI provides unbiased single-cell sequencing results that offer a comprehensive understanding of anti-tumor T cell responses. The concept of DropCCI holds great promise not only for advancing the field of T cell immunotherapy but also for its potential application in studying other cell-cell interactions.

Differences in Genomic Alterations and Accumulations of Heavy Metals Between Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with and without Bone Metastasis.

Purpose: Bone metastasis (BoM) has been closely associated with increased morbidity and poor survival outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Given its significant implications, this study aimed to systematically compare the biological characteristics between advanced NSCLC patients with and without BoM. Methods: In this study, the genomic alterations from the tumor tissue DNA of 42 advanced NSCLC patients without BoM and 67 patients with BoM and were analyzed by a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel. The serum concentrations of 18 heavy metals were detected by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: A total of 157 somatic mutations across 18 mutated genes and 105 somatic mutations spanning 16 mutant genes were identified in 61 out of 67 (91.05%) patients with BoM and 37 of 42 (88.10%) patients without BoM, respectively. Among these mutated genes, NTRK1, FGFR1, ERBB4, NTRK3, and FGFR2 stood out exclusively in patients with BoM, whereas BRAF, GNAS, and AKT1 manifested solely in those without BoM. Moreover, both co-occurring sets of genes and mutually exclusive sets of genes in patients with BoM were different from those in patients without BoM. In addition, the serum concentrations of Cu and Sr in patients with BoM were significantly higher than in patients without BoM. One of our aims was to explore how these heavy metals associated with BoM interacted with other heavy metals, and significant positive correlations were observed between Cu and Co, between Cu and Cr, between Sr and Ba, and between Sr and Ni in patients with BoM. Given the significant impacts of molecular characteristics on patients' prognosis, we also observed a noteworthy negative correlation between EGFR mutations and Co, alongside a significant positive correlation between TP53 mutations and Cd. Conclusions: The genomic alterations, somatic interactions, key signaling pathways, functional biological information, and accumulations of serum heavy metals were markedly different between advanced NSCLC patients with and without BoM, and certain heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Sr) might have potentials to identify high-risk patients with BoM.

NIR-responsive electrospun nanofiber dressing promotes diabetic-infected wound healing with programmed combined temperature-coordinated photothermal therapy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic wounds present significant challenges, specifically in terms of bacterial infection and delayed healing. Therefore, it is crucial to address local bacterial issues and promote accelerated wound healing. In this investigation, we utilized electrospinning to fabricate microgel/nanofiber membranes encapsulating MXene-encapsulated microgels and chitosan/gelatin polymers. RESULTS: The film dressing facilitates programmed photothermal therapy (PPT) and mild photothermal therapy (MPTT) under near-infrared (NIR), showcasing swift and extensive antibacterial and biofilm-disrupting capabilities. The PPT effect achieves prompt sterilization within 5 min at 52 °C and disperses mature biofilm within 10 min. Concurrently, by adjusting the NIR power to induce local mild heating (42 °C), the dressing stimulates fibroblast proliferation and migration, significantly enhancing vascularization. Moreover, in vivo experimentation successfully validates the film dressing, underscoring its immense potential in addressing the intricacies of diabetic wounds. CONCLUSIONS: The MXene microgel-loaded nanofiber dressing employs temperature-coordinated photothermal therapy, effectively amalgamating the advantageous features of high-temperature sterilization and low-temperature promotion of wound healing. It exhibits rapid, broad-spectrum antibacterial and biofilm-disrupting capabilities, exceptional biocompatibility, and noteworthy effects on promoting cell proliferation and vascularization. These results affirm the efficacy of our nanofiber dressing, highlighting its significant potential in addressing the challenge of diabetic wounds struggling to heal due to infection.

Abiotic synthesis of graphitic carbons in the Eoarchean Saglek-Hebron metasedimentary rocks.

Graphite in metasedimentary rocks of the Eoarchean Saglek-Hebron Gneiss Complex (Canada) is depleted in 13C and has been interpreted as one of the oldest traces of life on Earth. The variation in crystallinity of this oldest graphitic carbon could possibly confirm the effect of metamorphism on original biomass, but this is still unexplored. Here, we report specific mineral associations with graphitic carbons that also have a range of crystallinity in the Saglek-Hebron metasedimentary rocks. Petrographic, geochemical and spectroscopic analyses in the Saglek-Hebron banded iron formations suggest that poorly crystalline graphite is likely deposited from C-H-O fluids derived from thermal decomposition of syngenetic organic matter, which is preserved as crystalline graphite during prograde metamorphism. In comparison, in the Saglek-Hebron marble, disseminations of graphite co-occur with carbonate and magnetite disseminations, pointing to abiotic synthesis of graphitic carbons via decarbonation. Our results thus highlight that variably crystalline graphitic carbons in the Saglek-Hebron metasedimentary rocks are potential abiotic products on early Earth, which lay the groundwork for identifying the preservation of prebiotic organic matter through metamorphism on Earth and beyond.

A multifunctional injectable, self-healing, and adhesive hydrogel-based wound dressing stimulated diabetic wound healing with combined reactive oxygen species scavenging, hyperglycemia reducing, and bacteria-killing abilities.

The proficient handling of diabetic wounds, a rising issue coinciding with the global escalation of diabetes cases, poses significant clinical difficulties. A range of biofunctional dressings have been engineered and produced to expedite the healing process of diabetic wounds. This study proposes a multifunctional hydrogel dressing for diabetic wound healing, which is composed of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and N1-(4-boronobenzyl)-N3-(4-boronophenyl)-N1, N1, N3, N3-teramethylpropane-1, 3-diaminium (TSPBA), and a dual-drug loaded Gelatin methacryloyl (GM) microgel. The GM microgel is loaded with sodium fusidate (SF) and nanoliposomes (LP) that contain metformin hydrochloride (MH). Notably, adhesive and self-healing properties the hydrogel enhance their therapeutic potential and ease of application. In vitro assessments indicate that SF-infused hydrogel can eliminate more than 98% of bacteria within 24 h and maintain a sustained release over 15 days. Additionally, MH incorporated within the hydrogel has demonstrated effective glucose level regulation for a duration exceeding 15 days. The hydrogel demonstrates a sustained ability to neutralize ROS throughout the entire healing process, predominantly by electron donation and sequestration. This multifunctional hydrogel dressing, which integrated biological functions of efficient bactericidal activity against both MSSA and MRSA strains, blood glucose modulation, and control of active oxygen levels, has successfully promoted the healing of diabetic wounds in rats in 14 days. The hydrogel dressing exhibited significant effectiveness in facilitating the healing process of diabetic wounds, highlighting its considerable promise for clinical translation.

Effectiveness and safety of sequential transarterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation for subphrenic hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Subphrenic carcinoma has been identified as a significant risk factor for the thermal ablation of intrahepatic tumors, resulting in a high rate of residual tumor recurrence. Some studies have proposed that combination treatment with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) followed by radiofrequency ablation is both feasible and safe for tumors in the subphrenic region. However, research specifically examining the therapeutic outcomes of combination therapy using TACE and microwave ablation (TACE-MWA) in subphrenic tumors is lacking. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of TACE-MWA in patients with subphrenic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Between December 2017 and December 2021, 49 patients diagnosed with HCC ≤ 6 cm, who received TACE-MWA, were included in this retrospective cohort study. These patients were classified into subphrenic and non-subphrenic groups based on the distance between the diaphragm and the tumor margin. The rates of local tumor progression (LTP), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups. Complications were evaluated by using a grading system developed by the Society of Interventional Radiology. RESULTS: After a median follow-up time of 38 mo, there were no significant differences in LTP between the subphrenic and non-subphrenic groups (27.3% and 22.2% at 5 years, respectively; P = 0.66), PFS (55.5% at 5 years in both groups; P = 0.91), and OS (85.0% and 90.9% in the subphrenic and non-subphrenic groups at 5 years; P = 0.57). However, a significantly higher rate of LTP was observed in subphrenic HCC > 3 cm compared to those ≤ 3 cm (P = 0.085). The dosage of iodized oil [hazard ratio (HR): 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.08; P = 0.009] and multiple tumors (HR: 13.22; 95%CI: 1.62-107.51; P = 0.016) were independent prognostic factors for LTP. There were no significant differences in complication rates between the two groups (P = 0.549). CONCLUSION: Combined TACE and MWA was practical and safe for managing subphrenic HCC. The efficacy and safety levels did not vary significantly when tumors outside the subphrenic region were treated.

Successful treatment of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage secondary to Mycoplasma pneumoniae complicated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children: a case report and non-systematic literature review.

Background: After quarantine-related measures were completely lifted in China, the respiratory infection rate of children caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) increased significantly, and MP infection may lead to rare severe intra- and extrapulmonary manifestation. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) are life-threatening clinical syndromes. Timely recognition may contribute to timely treatment and an improved prognosis. Currently there are no reports of children with DAH secondary to MP infection complicated with HLH. Case presentation: We successfully treated a previously healthy school-aged child who was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with fever, cough, drowsiness, and progressive dyspnea. HLH was confirmed by clinical and testing criteria, DAH was indicated by computed tomography scan of the chest, and Mycoplasma antibody detection and endotracheal aspirates pathogen metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) confirmed MP infection. After invasive mechanical ventilation, antibiotics, and glucocorticoid treatment, the patient recovered well and was discharged. At follow-up, she did not experience any more initial symptoms. For the fourth consecutive month, all indexes remained normal. Conclusion: mNGS can be considered for identifying the causative agent of infection in patients with DAH and/or HLH. The clinical manifestations of DAH in children may only present as acute hypoxic respiratory failure, significantly decreased hemoglobin without bleeding elsewhere, and chest imaging findings may assist in the diagnosis of DAH. When MP infection is associated with hemocytopenia, HLH should be considered.

Morphological innovation did not drive diversification in Mesozoic-Cenozoic brachiopods.

Over long spans of geological time, various groups of organisms may wax and wane, experiencing times of apparent success and contraction. These rises and falls are often said to reflect either opportunities created by climate change or the relative success of innovative characteristics. Phylum Brachiopoda was one of the most successful marine clades before the Permian/Triassic mass extinction (PTME), but after this event, they became marginal components of marine communities through to the present day. How brachiopod morphological innovations reacted to swiftly declining diversity has long remained poorly understood. Here we analyse morphological evolution over the 300 Myr (Permian-Quaternary) history of the four major Mesozoic-Cenozoic brachiopod orders (Terebratulida, Rhynchonellida, Spiriferinida, Athyridida). Unexpectedly, their disparities reached or exceeded pre-PTME levels, but were decoupled from generic richness, which was generally low. Distribution of taxa in morphospace and shifts in centroid indicate that all four orders exploited new morphospaces when adapting to post-Permian environments. A comparison of morphospace occupation and diversity evolution suggests that the high extinction rate of brachiopods and the limited diversification of new forms may have accounted for the depauperate nature of modern-day brachiopods.

Prosthetic Metals: Release, Metabolism and Toxicity.

The development of metallic joint prostheses has been ongoing for more than a century alongside advancements in hip and knee arthroplasty. Among the materials utilized, the Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) and Titanium-Aluminum-Vanadium (Ti-Al-V) alloys are predominant in joint prosthesis construction, predominantly due to their commendable biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. Nonetheless, over time, the physical wear, electrochemical corrosion, and inflammation induced by these alloys that occur post-implantation can cause the release of various metallic components. The released metals can then flow and metabolize in vivo, subsequently causing potential local or systemic harm. This review first details joint prosthesis development and acknowledges the release of prosthetic metals. Second, we outline the metallic concentration, biodistribution, and elimination pathways of the released prosthetic metals. Lastly, we discuss the possible organ, cellular, critical biomolecules, and significant signaling pathway toxicities and adverse effects that arise from exposure to these metals.

Genetic analysis of congenital unilateral renal agenesis in children based on next-generation sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Congenital unilateral renal agenesis (URA) is a kind of rare birth defect during fetal development with varies clinical phenotypes. The pathogenesis and the relationship between gene and phenotype are still unclear. METHODS: Ten URA fetuses were followed up after birth using postnatal renal ultrasound examination to confirm the diagnosis with nine children were URA and one was Renal Ectopy (RE). Trio- WES, CNV- seq were performed with the 10 children and their close relatives. RESULTS: There were 3 heterozygous variants of CHD7, PROKR2 and NRIP1 genes were identified in 3 children, respectively. CHD7 (c.2663T>C, p.M888T) is classified as likely pathogenic (LP), PROKR2 (c.685G>C, p.G229R) and NRIP1 (c.2705T>G, p.F902C) are classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). CHD7 (c.2663T>C, p.M888T) and PROKR2 (c.685G>C, p.G229R) as URA-related genes may be associated with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) or CHARGE syndrome (CS), and 3D-protein structure prediction revealed that the two variants may affect the stability in the CHD7 protein or PROKR2 protein, separately. The RE-related gene NRIP1 (c.2705T>G, p.F902C) may be causative of congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT). CONCLUSIONS: Identification of these variants can in exploring the etiology of URA or RE and improve the level of genetic counseling. IMPACTS: We performed trio-whole-exome sequencing (trio- WES) and copy number variation sequencing (CNV- seq) in 10 children, including 9 children with Unilateral Renal Agenesis and 1 with Renal Ectopy after birth. The possible pathogenic genes of URA can be screened using prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of URA fetuses and gene detection after birth. Future studies evaluating this association may lead to a better understanding of URA and elucidate exploring the etiology of URA or RE and improve the level of genetic counseling.

Establishment of Reference Range for Serum Concentration of Vitamin A and Vitamin E in Southern Sichuan Area of China.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the reference range of serum concentration of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin E (VE) in Southern Sichuan area of China. METHODS: From August 1, 2021, to May 31, 2023, 9482 blood tablets were received for the screening of VA and VE. The information was divided into four different age groups: ≤1 year old, 1< to ≤6 years, 6< to ≤17 years, and 17< to ≤59 years. In each age group, the four seasons were further subdivided into spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as well as male and female genders. The serum concentration of VA and VE was detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and the reference range was established for verification. RESULTS: The concentration of VA and VE in 9482 cases showed skewed distribution. When comparing between different age groups, the serum concentration of VA and VE was statistically significant (p < 0.05). While comparing different seasons, the serum VA levels in different seasons were significantly different (p < 0.05) except in summer and autumn. There was statistical significance in VE level in different seasons (p < 0.05). And while comparing different genders, there was no statistical significance in VA concentration levels (p > 0.05). The VE concentration levels were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The established reference range was established and verified, and the results were in accordance with the standard. CONCLUSION: The reference range of VA and VE should be set according to different ages, different seasons, and different genders.

NIR-activated electrospun nanodetonator dressing enhances infected diabetic wound healing with combined photothermal and nitric oxide-based gas therapy.

Diabetic wounds pose a challenge to healing due to increased bacterial susceptibility and poor vascularization. Effective healing requires simultaneous bacterial and biofilm elimination and angiogenesis stimulation. In this study, we incorporated polyaniline (PANI) and S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) into a polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, and hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (PVA/CS/HTCC) matrix, creating a versatile wound dressing membrane through electrospinning. The dressing combines the advantages of photothermal antibacterial therapy and nitric oxide gas therapy, exhibiting enduring and effective bactericidal activity and biofilm disruption against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the membrane's PTT effect and NO release exhibit significant synergistic activation, enabling a nanodetonator-like burst release of NO through NIR irradiation to disintegrate biofilms. Importantly, the nanofiber sustained a uniform release of nitric oxide, thereby catalyzing angiogenesis and advancing cellular migration. Ultimately, the employment of this membrane dressing culminated in the efficacious amelioration of diabetic-infected wounds in Sprague-Dawley rats, achieving wound closure within a concise duration of 14 days. Upon applying NIR irradiation to the PVA-CS-HTCC-PANI-GSNO nanofiber membrane, it swiftly eradicates bacteria and biofilm within 5 min, enhancing its inherent antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties through the powerful synergistic action of PTT and NO therapy. It also promotes angiogenesis, exhibits excellent biocompatibility, and is easy to use, highlighting its potential in treating diabetic wounds.

Metal-Free Cyanation of gem-Difluoroalkenes via Azide-Mediated C-C Double Bond Fragmentation.

Activation and cleavage of C-C double bonds are long-standing challenges in synthetic chemistry. Herein, we report an unprecedented azide-mediated C-C double bond fragmentation of gem-difluoroalkenes under mild and metal-free conditions, enabling the efficient synthesis of structurally diverse aromatic nitriles in moderate to good yields. This protocol is also amenable to the cyanation of gem-dichloro and dibromo alkenes. This reaction features simple operation and good functional group compatibility and can be implemented at a gram scale.

Injectable thermo-responsive Poloxamer hydrogel/methacrylate gelatin microgels stimulates bone regeneration through biomimetic programmed release of SDF-1a and IGF-1.

Injectable hydrogels, offering adaptable drug delivery of growth factors (GFs), hold promise for treating bone defects. To optimize osteogenic efficacy, the release of GFs should mirror the natural bone healing. We developed an injectable thermo-responsive hydrogel/microgels platform for dual GF delivery for bone regeneration. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1a) and the Methacrylate Gelatin (GelMA) microgels which encapsulated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) loaded liposomes (Ls) were introduced into Poloxamer 407 (P407) hydrogel matrix. This system achieved the biomimetic release profile of SDF-1a and IGF-1, which covered the early stage from day 1 to 7 and the continuous stage from day 5 to 21, respectively. In vitro study confirmed the enhanced migration, osteogenic biomarker expression, and matrix mineralization of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) co-cultivated with the dual GFs delivering hydrogel/microgels. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that the potential mechanism was associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling activation and its downstream ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) upregulation. In a critical-sized calvarial defect model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, the injectable hydrogel/microgels system promoted significant bone regeneration. Collectively, our study suggested the current hydrogel/microgels system with the biomimetic release of SDF-1a and IGF-1 efficiently promoted bone regeneration, informing the future development of GF delivery systems intended for bone regeneration therapies.

Laparoscopic transabdominal-sacrococcygeal approach for resection of Altman type III sacrococcygeal teratoma in adult women: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Adult sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a rare disease that is not easily detected or easily missed, and its treatment is based on surgery, including transabdominal, transsacral, or a combination of both, but there are no clear guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. We share a case of Altman type III SCT in order to provide more reference protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of adult SCT, and more importantly to increase our understanding of different types of SCT cases in adults. PATIENT CONCERNS: Our patient was a 31-year-old adult woman who underwent complete surgical resection of a cystic mature teratoma of the right ovary 8 years ago and is currently 13 months postpartum without menstruation, usually with a feeling of anal bulge, with symptoms such as constipation. DIAGNOSIS: We diagnosed SCT by vaginal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); benign tumors were considered in the results of serum tumor markers. INTERVENTIONS: We chose the surgical approach of laparoscopic transabdominal-sacrococcygeal approach to completely remove the patient SCT and coccyx. OUTCOMES: The location of SCT is concealed and the clinical symptoms are not obvious. Vaginal ultrasonography, CT and MRI can not only improve the diagnostic rate of SCT, but also understand the size and mass of SCT, providing an exact basis for clinicians to select the laparoscopic transabdominal-sacrococcygeal approach. CONCLUSION: Our sharing increases the reports of rare cases of teratoma with the same histological findings in different organ tissues of the same patient at different times, whether this occurs incidentally requires more case reports and further basic research; in addition, the laparoscopic transabdominal-sacrococcygeal approach is a safe and effective surgical approach for the treatment of Altman type III SCT in adults; finally, this case reminds us that SCT may not affect pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes and provides a reference for the selection of interventions for SCT with pregnancy.

Performance Evaluation of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing in Screening Chromosome Disorders: A Single-Center Observational Study of 15,304 Consecutive Cases in China.

Objective: This study was to evaluate the performance of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in detecting fetal chromosome disorders in pregnant women. Methods: From October 1st, 2017, to December 31th, 2022, a total of 15,304 plasma cell free DNA-NIPT samples were collected for fetal chromosome disorders screening. The results of NIPT were validated by confirmatory invasive testing or clinical outcome follow-up. Further, NIPT performance between low-risk and high-risk groups, as well as singleton pregnancy and twin pregnancy groups was compared. Besides, analysis of 111 false-positive cases was performed. Results: Totally, NIPT was performed on 15,086 eligible venous blood samples, of which 179 (1.19%) showed positive NIPT results and 68 were further validated to be true positive samples via confirmatory invasive testing or follow-up of clinical outcomes. For common chromosome aneuploidies, sex chromosome abnormalities (SCA) and other chromosomal aneuploidies, the detection sensitivities of NIPT were all 100%, the specificities were 99.87%, 99.70%, and 99.68% and the positive predictive values (PPVs) were 65.45%, 31.82%, and 10.91%, respectively. No statistically significant variance in detection performance was observed among 2987 high-risk and 12,099 low-risk subjects, as well as singleton and twin pregnancy subjects. The concentration of cell-free fetal DNA of 111 false-positive cases ranged from 5.5% to 33.7%, which was higher than the minimum requirement of NIPT. Conclusion: With stringent protocol, NIPT shows high sensitivity and specificity for detecting fetal chromosome disorders in a large-scale clinical service, helping improving overall pregnancy management.

Evaluation of the aroma and taste contributions of star anise (I. Verum hook. f.) in braised duck leg via flavor omics combined with multivariate statistics.

To promote the rationalized and standardized application of star anise in braised poultry products, the effects of different concentrations of star anise (0 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.3 %, and 0.4 %) on the aroma and taste compounds intensities of braised duck legs from the perspective of flavor were evaluated by using flavor omics approach combined with multivariate statistics. The volatile flavor results showed that there were 17 key aroma compounds with odor activity values (OAVs) > 1, including aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, furans, hydrocarbons, and ethers. Most of the aroma compounds related to lipid oxidation were significantly inhibited when the concentration of star anise reached 0.2 %, especially inhibited the concentrations of the unpleasant off-odorants containing hexanal, heptanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and 2-pentyl-furan by 30.27 %, 15.08 %, 30.30 %, and 41.63 %, respectively. And the flavor intensities of these compounds were negatively correlated with the concentration of star anise. Additionally, star anise gave braised duck legs characteristic aroma such as floral and herbal notes. The taste results revealed that the maximum umami value (4.36 g MSG/100 g) of braised duck legs was observed when the concentration of star anise reached 0.2 %. Six flavor markers were obtained via PLS-DA model, and the flavors of braised duck legs with different concentrations of star anise were distinguished. This study provided a vital theoretical basis for the rational application and flavor control of star anise in braised poultry products.

Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua attenuates postpartum depression in rat model by regulating monoamines and hormones.

Background: Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a traditional Chinese medicinal food herb which can regulate the liver and Qi, nourish the heart and blood, moisten the lungs and nourish the kidneys with the potential to treat emotional diseases. However, few studies have explored the effects of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua on postpartum depression. Therefore, we investigated whether processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua could improve postpartum depression in rat models by regulating monoamines and hormones. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal control (0.9%Nacl), Sham operation (0.9%Nacl), postpartum depression model (0.9%Nacl), fluoxetine (2.5 mg/kg Fluoxetine), low, medium and high dose of processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, 10 g/kg) groups. Rats in these groups received drug intervention, and then subjected to Open-field test and Forced swimming test. Brain tissues and serum samples were collected and used to quantify levels of monoamines, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and serum Estradiol. The status of neuronal cells in hippocampus 1 region was examined through hematoxylin-eosin staining, whereas expression of estrogen receptor α and ß was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: Rats in the model group showed decreased mobility time, the disorder of neuronal cells in hippocampus 1 area, and decreased concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in brain tissue, norepinephrine and estradiol in serum as well as estrogen receptor α and ß expression. They also exhibited increased adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone and corticotropin releasing hormone in serum. However, the treatment with processed Polygonatum cyrtonem Hua or fluoxetine reversed the above abnormalities. Conclusion: The H group showed significant improvement in postpartum depression in rats, and processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua can be used as a developing drug for the prevention or treatment of depression.

New keratose sponges after the end-Permian extinction provide insights into biotic recoveries.

We challenge the prevailing view that the end-Permian extinction impeded the Triassic evolution of sponges. Here, we report a deep-water community dominated by abundant keratose sponges in the lowest Triassic strata from Southwest China. The sponge fossils occur as dark elliptical imprints in mudstone with distinct oscula on their tops. The structure of preserved fibers suggests closest affinity with the extant Dictyoceratida, an aspiculate demosponge. The exceptional preservation plays a crucial role in retaining their exquisite structures. Sedimentary, taphonomic, pyrite framboid, and trace elemental analyses indicate that the sponges proliferated in an oxygen-poor habitat, demonstrating the high tolerance of sponges to severe conditions. Sponge proliferation is a signal of environmental upheaval but they also stabilized the ecosystem, driving the first phase of biotic recovery after the end-Permian extinction.