Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer: Disappointing or Promising?

Ovarian cancer, one of the deadliest malignancies, lacks effective treatment, despite advancements in surgical techniques and chemotherapy. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are imperative to improving treatment outcomes. Immunotherapy, which has demonstrated considerable success in managing various cancers, has already found its place in clinical practice. This review aims to provide an overview of ovarian tumor immunotherapy, including its basics, key strategies, and clinical research data supporting its potential. In particular, this discussion highlights promising strategies such as checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and pericyte transfer, both individually and in combination. However, the advancement of new immunotherapies necessitates large controlled randomized trials, which will undoubtedly shape the future of ovarian cancer treatment.

The role of differentially expressed miR-660 in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the significance of miRNA expression levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients clinically diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. METHOD: Pulmonary tuberculosis-related datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed, and DE-miRNAs were screened for Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment to construct a DE-miRNA-DE-mRNA network. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of 10 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 10 patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and 10 healthy volunteers were selected for validation of RNA expression levels. qRT-PCR was done to verify the expression of DE-miRNA, and western blotting was done to check the expression levels of genes of associated pathways. RESULTS: Differential expression of miR-660 was found in pulmonary tuberculosis through data analysis and literature mining. The differential expression was also confirmed by qRT-PCR in samples from patients and healthy controls. The expression of miR-660 was significantly upregulated (p < 0.01) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis compared with the healthy controls. According to western blotting results, the expression levels of P-NF-κB and AKT in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and NF-κB, P-NF-κB, AKT and p-AKT in patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis were significantly upregulated (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The high expression levels of miR-660 may activate the AKT/NF-κB signalling pathway and has the potential to serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Recent Progress of Small-Molecule Ratiometric Fluorescent Probes for Peroxynitrite in Biological Systems.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO- ) as a major reactive oxygen species plays important roles in cellular signal transduction and homeostatic regulation. Precise detection of ONOO- in biological systems is vital for exploring its physiological and pathological function. Among numerous detection methods, fluorescence imaging technology using fluorescent probes offers some advantages, including simple operation, high sensitivity and selectivity, as well as real-time and nondestructive detection. In particular, ratiometric fluorescent probes, in which the built-in calibration of the two emission bands prevents interference from the biological environment, have been extensively employed to monitor the fluctuation of bioactive species. In this review, we will discuss small-molecule ratiometric fluorescent probes for ONOO- in live cells or in vivo, which involves chemical structures, response mechanisms, and biological applications. Moreover, the challenges and future prospects of ONOO- -responsive ratiometric fluorescent probe are also proposed.

Rapid detection of airborne protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis using a biosensor detection system.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by infection with airborne Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), seriously threatens human health and has become a public health problem of worldwide concern. To achieve effective control of TB, rapid and sensitive detection of MTB is particularly important. At present, the common detection methods for MTB cannot meet the requirements of speed, flexibility and portability simultaneously. In this work, a multichannel microfluidic chip was developed and packaged with an ultra-sensitive silicon nanowire field-effect-transistor biosensor. The fluid system was tested and optimized through simulation, and the best conditions were determined: the flow rate was 0.3 mL min-1 and the flow direction was perpendicular to a silicon nanowire. A one-way valve, a switching valve and a peristaltic pump were combined to establish a biosensor detection system to realize the automatic detection of TB samples. Then we systematically explained the factors affecting simulated exhaled breath condensate (SEBC) collection, and established and optimized the method for collection of SEBC from the perspective of collection volume and biological activity. The best collection conditions were determined for a 5 mm pipe diameter at 0 °C, and a sufficient sample volume was obtained in only 2 minutes for microfluidic detection. Then, the actual application value of the established collection method was further evaluated. Volunteers were recruited and this method was used to collect their exhaled breath condensate to analyze the collection effect. The system detected MTB in SEBC with good sensitivity (∼4 × 104 particles per mL). It is expected to be further integrated and miniaturized in the future to realize point-of-care testing.

Activated autophagy restored the impaired frequency and function of regulatory T cells in chronic prostatitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a disease with an unclear pathogenesis. Recent studies have reported that regulatory T (Treg) cells might be involved in the development of CP/CPPS. In this study we aimed to examine the functional role of Treg cells and explore the possible regulatory mechanism of Treg cells in CP/CPPS. METHODS: An experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) mouse model was constructed; the numbers and functions of Treg cells in the EAP and control groups were tested. Then, cell differentiation experiments were conducted to evaluate the regulatory effect of autophagy on Treg cell differentiation. Furthermore, autologous CD4+ CD25- cells and CD4+ CD25+ cells from the two groups were magnetically sorted and cocultured to observe differences in cellular inhibitory functions. Finally, in an in vivo experiment, rapamycin was intraperitoneally injected into EAP mice for 4 weeks to observe the therapeutic effects. RESULTS: We found that the number and function of Treg cells in the EAP group were diminished compared to those in the control group. Meanwhile, the tolerance of pain in EAP mice had also decreased. Moreover, after using the autophagy activator rapamycin, the expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1ß was decreased and the pain symptoms were alleviated. A mechanistic study found that autophagy activation promoted the differentiation of Treg and increased the suppressive functions of Treg cells, along with the elevated expression of GATA-3 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Furthermore, in vivo administration of the autophagy activator rapamycin had similar effects on recovering the frequency and function of Treg cells as well as the expression of GATA-3 and CTLA-4. CONCLUSION: The impaired frequency and function of Treg cells may contribute to the progression of CP/CPPS, and autophagy is a protective mechanism that promotes the differentiation of Treg cells and restores the suppressive functions of Treg cells. Autophagy may be a novel therapeutic option for patients with CP/CPPS.

New ß-diketone-boron difluoride based near-infrared fluorescent probes for polarity detection.

Two new ß-diketone-boron difluoride based near-infrared fluorescent probes 1 and 2 which exhibit polarity sensitivity have been designed and synthesized. Probes 1 and 2 are composed of a ß-diketone-boron difluoride moiety as an acceptor unit, and a diethylamino group and a phenolic hydroxyl group as donor units. The long conjugate structures form a "donor-acceptor-donor" configuration, induce intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), and confer near-infrared fluorescence emission and excellent polarity sensitivity. The photophysical properties of these two probes were investigated in detail. Experimental data demonstrated that as the environmental polarity decreased, the fluorescence intensity of the probes increased obviously, accompanied by a blue-shift of the maximum emission wavelength. In addition, these two probes were photostable and solely sensitive to polarity without interference from viscosity, pH and common active species. Theoretical calculations indicated that probes 1 and 2 displayed lower energy gaps and faster non-radiative decay in polar solvents. Furthermore, probes 1 and 2 were utilized to quantitatively detect the polarity of a binary mixture through the satisfactory linear relationship between the fluorescence emission intensity ratios and the orientation polarizability of the mixed solvent. Additionally, probe 1 was successfully utilized to visualize the polarity distribution of live cells. Both of these probes are perfect candidates for studying polarity in vitro and even in live systems.

Family resilience and subjective responses to caregiving for children with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES: This study quantified caregiver burdens and the positive aspects of caregiving for the parents of children with epilepsy, with a focus on the impacts of family resilience as a protective factor for the caring process. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 173 parents of children with epilepsy, all of whom responded to questionnaires containing the shortened Chinese version of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS-C), positive aspects of caregiving scale (PAC), and Chinese version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (CZBI). They also provided relevant sociodemographic data. RESULTS: The mean CZBI total score was 22.16 (SD, 14.26; range, 0-71), while the mean PAC total score was 40.05 (SD, 11.09; range 11-55). The FRAS-C total score was positively correlated with the PAC total score (r = 0.368, p < 0.001), but negatively correlated with the CZBI total score (r = -0.301, p < 0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis showed that family resilience explained PAC and CZBI at rates of 11.4% and 5.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Parents have both positive and negative experiences when caring for children with epilepsy. In this context, family resilience may enhance the positive aspects of caregiving while reducing the frequency of negative feelings, thus highlighting the need for clinicians to focus on adequate interventions aimed at improving family resilience.

High-Affinity Anti-VISTA Antibody Protects against Sepsis by Inhibition of T Lymphocyte Apoptosis and Suppression of the Inflammatory Response.

BACKGROUND: B7 family members and ligands have been identified as critical checkpoints in orchestrating the immune response during sepsis. V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a new inhibitory immune checkpoint involved in restraining T cell response. Previous studies demonstrated that VISTA engagement on T cells and myeloid cells could transmit inhibitory signals, resulting in reduced activation and function. The current study was designed to determine the potential therapeutic effects of a high-affinity anti-VISTA antibody (clone MH5A) in a murine model of sepsis. METHODS: Polymicrobial sepsis was induced in male C57BL/6 mice via cecal ligation and puncture. Expression profiles of VISTA on T lymphocytes and macrophage were examined at 24 and 72 h postsurgery. The effects of anti-VISTA mAb on the 7-day survival, lymphocyte apoptosis, cytokine expression, bacterial burden, and vital organ damage were determined. Furthermore, the effects of anti-VISTA mAb on CD3+ T cell apoptosis and macrophage activation were determined in vitro. RESULTS: VISTA was substantially expressed on T cells and macrophages in sham-operated mice; septic peritonitis did not induce significant changes in the expression profiles. Treatment with MH5A improved the survival of septic mice, accompanied by reduced lymphocyte apoptosis, decreased cytokine expression, and enhanced bacterial clearance. Engagement of VISTA receptor with MH5A mitigated CD3+ T cell apoptosis cultured from CLP mice and suppressed LPS-induced cytokine production by macrophage in vitro. CONCLUSION: The present study identified VISTA as a novel immune checkpoint in the regulation of T cell and macrophage response during sepsis. Modulation of the VISTA pathway might offer a promising opportunity in the immunotherapy for sepsis.

Combining newborn metabolic and genetic screening for neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency.

To evaluate the feasibility of incorporating genetic screening for neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis, caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD), into the current newborn screening (NBS) program. We designed a high-throughput iPLEX genotyping assay to detect 28 SLC25A13 mutations in the Chinese population. From March 2018 to June 2018, 237 630 newborns were screened by tandem mass spectrometry at six hospitals. Newborns with citrulline levels between 1/2 cutoff and cutoff values of the upper limit were recruited for genetic screening using the newly developed assay. The sensitivity and specificity of the iPLEX genotyping assay both reached 100% in clinical practice. Overall, 29 364 (12.4%) newborns received further genetic screening. Five patients with conclusive genotypes were successfully identified. The most common SLC25A13 mutation was c.851_854del, with an allele frequency of 60%. In total, 658 individuals with one mutant allele were identified as carriers. Eighteen different mutations were observed, yielding a carrier rate of 1/45. Notably, Quanzhou in southern China had a carrier rate of up to 1/28, whereas Jining in northern China had a carrier rate higher than that of other southern and border cities. The high throughput iPLEX genotyping assay is an effective and reliable approach for NICCD genotyping. The combined genetic screening could identify an additional subgroup of patients with NICCD, undetectable by conventional NBS. Therefore, this study demonstrates the viability of incorporating genetic screening for NICCD into the current NBS program.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity of a Novel Series of Benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole Derivatives as Potential Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors.

Based on the analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) complexes with gefitinib with molecular docking, the scaffold-hopping strategy, combination of the active substructures, and structural optimization of EGFR inhibitors, a novel series of benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for antitumor activity in human cancer cell lines and cellular toxicity against human normal cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay and EGFR inhibitory activities in vitro. Some target compounds such as 2-(benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-yl)-N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide (D04) and 2-(benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-yl)-N-(naphthalen-1-yl)acetamide (D08) have shown significant antitumor activity against the EGFR high-expressed human cell line HeLa. All the target compounds showed hardly any antitumor activity against the EGFR low-expressed human cell line HepG2, and nearly no cellular toxicity against the human normal cell lines HL7702 and human umbilical vein endothelial cell lines (HUVEC). The inhibitory activities against EGFR kinase in vitro of the three target compounds were greatly consistent with the anti-proliferative activities. The preliminary structure⁻activity relationships of the target compounds were summarized. Conclusively, the novel benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives as novel potential EGFR inhibitors may be used as the potential lead compounds for the development of antitumor agents.

Cadmium(II)-Triazole Framework as a Luminescent Probe for Ca(2+) and Cyano Complexes.

A bidentate ligand, 1-{4-[4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenoxy]phenyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole (TPPT), has been designed and synthesized. By using TPPT as a building block for self-assembly with Cd(NO3 )2 ⋅4 H2 O and CdCl2 ⋅10.5 H2 O, novel 1D double-chain {[Cd(TPPT)(NO3 )2 ]⋅3 H2 O}n (1) and 2D (4,4) layer [Cd(TPPT)Cl2 (H2 O)]n (2) have been constructed. When 1 was employed as a precursor and exposed to DMF or N,N'-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), the crystals of 1 dissolved and reassembled into two types of brown block-shaped crystals of 1D double chains: {[Cd(TPPT)2 (NO3 )2 ]⋅DMF}n (1 a) and {[Cd(TPPT)2 (NO3 )2 ]⋅DMAC}n (1 b). The anion-exchange reactions of complex 2 have also been investigated. After gently stirring crystals of 2 in CHCl3 /C2 H5 OH/H2 O containing NaBr, NaI⋅2 H2 O, or NaOAc⋅3 H2 O, the crystals retained their crystalline appearances. A remarkable single crystal to single crystal transformation was observed and 1D double chains of {[Cd(TPPT)Br2 ]⋅C2 H5 OH}n (2 a) and {[Cd(TPPT)2 I2 ]⋅CHCl3 }n (2 b), and 1D single chains of [Cd(TPPT)(H2 O)2 (CH3 COO)2 ]n (2 c), can be obtained. Luminescent properties indicate that 1 shows excellent selectivity for Ca(2+) and cyano complexes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a luminescent probe for Ca(2+) based on triazole derivatives.

Solvent-Induced Single Crystal-Single Crystal Transformation of an Interpenetrated Three-Dimensional Copper Triazole Catalytic Framework.

The 2-fold interpenetrated 3D framework 1 can be solvent-induced to noninterpenetrated framework 1' in a reversible single crystal-single crystal transformation fashion. In addition, 1' represents the first catalyst based on triazole to catalyze the aerobic homocoupling of various substituted arylboronic acids.

A near-infrared fluorescent probe for differentiating cancer cells from normal cells and early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Cirrhosis represents the terminal stage of liver disease progression and timely intervention in a diseased liver can enhance the likelihood of recovery. Viscosity, a crucial parameter of the cellular microenvironment, is intricately linked to the advancement of cirrhosis. However, viscosity monitoring still faces significant challenges in achieving non-invasive and rapid early diagnosis of cirrhosis. Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging has the advantages of high sensitivity, non-destructive detection, and ignoring background fluorescence interference, plays an important role in diagnosing and treating various biological diseases. Hence, monitoring cellular viscosity changes with NIR fluorescence probe holds great significance in the early diagnosis of cirrhosis. RESULTS: In this study, the NIR fluorescence probe based on the intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) mechanism was developed for imaging applications in mouse model of liver cirrhosis. A molecular rotor-type viscosity-responsive probe was synthesized by linking dioxanthracene groups via carbon-carbon double bonds. The probe demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, high selectivity and photostability, with its responsiveness to viscosity largely unaffected by factors such as polarity, pH, and interfering ions. The probe could effectively detect various drug-induced changes in cellular viscosity, enabling the differentiation between normal cells and cancerous cells. Furthermore, the enhanced tissue penetration capabilities of probe facilitated its successful application in mouse model of liver cirrhosis, allowing for the assessment of liver disease severity based on fluorescence intensity and providing a powerful tool for early diagnosis of cirrhosis. SIGNIFICANCE: A NIR viscosity-sensitive fluorescent probe was specifically designed to effectively monitor alterations in cellular and organ viscosity, which could advance the understanding of the biological characteristics of cancer and provide theoretical support for the early diagnosis of cirrhosis. Overall, this probe held immense potential in monitoring viscosity-related conditions, expanding the range of biomedical tools available.

Single cells and TRUST4 reveal immunological features of the HFRS transcriptome.

The etiology of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is significantly impacted by a variety of immune cells. Nevertheless, the existing techniques for sequencing peripheral blood T cell receptor (TCR) or B cell receptor (BCR) libraries in HFRS are constrained by both limitations and high costs. In this investigation, we utilized the computational tool TRUST4 to generate TCR and BCR libraries utilizing comprehensive RNA-seq data from peripheral blood specimens of HFRS patients. This facilitated the examination of clonality and diversity within immune libraries linked to the condition. Despite previous research on immune cell function, the underlying mechanisms remain intricate, and differential gene expression across immune cell types and cell-to-cell interactions within immune cell clusters have not been thoroughly explored. To address this gap, we performed clustering analysis on 11 cell subsets derived from raw single-cell RNA-seq data, elucidating characteristic changes in cell subset proportions under disease conditions. Additionally, we utilized CellChat, a tool for cell-cell communication analysis, to investigate the impact of MIF family, CD70 family, and GALECTIN family cytokines-known to be involved in cell communication-on immune cell subsets. Furthermore, hdWGCNA analysis identified core genes implicated in HFRS pathogenesis within T cells and B cells. Trajectory analysis revealed that most cell subsets were in a developmental stage, with high expression of transcription factors such as NFKB and JUN in Effector CD8+ T cells, as well as in Naive CD4+ T cells and Naive B cells. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic changes in immune cells during HFRS pathogenesis, identifying specific V genes and J genes in TCR and BCR that contribute to advancing our knowledge of HFRS. These insights offer potential implications for the diagnosis and treatment of this autoimmune disease.

Comprehensive analysis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients' immune characteristics based on bulk and single-cell sequencing data.

Background: The pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is strongly influenced by an impaired immune system. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its development and progression have not been elucidated. In this study, the computational methods TRUST4 were used to construct a T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire from the peripheral blood of JIA patients via bulk RNA-seq data, after which the clonality and diversity of the immune repertoire were analyzed. Results: Our findings revealed significant differences in the frequency of clonotypes between the JIA and healthy control groups in terms of the TCR and BCR repertoires. This work identified specific V genes and J genes in TCRs and BCRs that could be used to expand our understanding of JIA. After single-cell RNA analysis, the relative percentages of CD14 monocytes were significantly greater in the JIA group. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed the significant role of the MIF signaling pathway in JIA. Conclusion: In conclusion, this work describes the immune features of both the TCR and BCR repertoires under JIA conditions and provides novel insight into immunotherapy for JIA.

Landscape of IGH germline genes of Chiroptera and the pattern of Rhinolophus affinis bat IGH CDR3 repertoire.

The emergence and re-emergence of abundant viruses from bats that impact human and animal health have resulted in a resurgence of interest in bat immunology. Characterizing the immune receptor repertoire is critical to understanding how bats coexist with viruses in the absence of disease and developing new therapeutics to target viruses in humans and susceptible livestock. In this study, IGH germline genes of Chiroptera including Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Phyllostomus discolor, and Pipistrellus pipistrellus were annotated, and we profiled the characteristics of Rhinolophus affinis (RA) IGH CDR3 repertoire. The germline genes of Chiroptera are quite different from those of human, mouse, cow, and dog in evolution, but the three bat species have high homology. The CDR3 repertoire of RA is unique in many aspects including CDR3 subclass, V/J genes access and pairing, CDR3 clones, and somatic high-frequency mutation compared with that of human and mouse, which is an important point in understanding the asymptomatic nature of viral infection in bats. This study unveiled a detailed map of bat IGH germline genes on chromosome level and provided the first immune receptor repertoire of bat, which will stimulate new avenues of research that are directly relevant to human health and disease.IMPORTANCEThe intricate relationship between bats and viruses has been a subject of study since the mid-20th century, with more than 100 viruses identified, including those affecting humans. While preliminary investigations have outlined the innate immune responses of bats, the role of adaptive immunity remains unclear. This study presents a pioneering contribution to bat immunology by unveiling, for the first time, a detailed map of bat IGH germline genes at the chromosome level. This breakthrough not only provides a foundation for B cell receptor research in bats but also contributes to primer design and sequencing of the CDR3 repertoire. Additionally, we offer the first comprehensive immune receptor repertoire of bats, serving as a crucial library for future comparative analyses. In summary, this research significantly advances the understanding of bats' immune responses, providing essential resources for further investigations into viral tolerance and potential zoonotic threats.

NK Cell Mitochondrial Membrane Potential-Associated Model Predicts Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19.

Purpose: This study investigated potential predictive models associated with natural killer (NK) cell mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP or ΔΨm) in predicting death among critically ill patients with COVID-19. Patients and Methods: We included 97 patients with COVID-19 of different severities attending Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 2022 to January 2023. Patients were divided into three groups according to oxygen and mechanical ventilation use during specimen collection and were followed for survival and death at 3 months. The lymphocyte subpopulation MMP was detected via flow cytometry. We constructed a joint diagnostic model by integrating identified key indicators and generating receiver operating curves (ROCs) and evaluated its predictive performance for mortality risk in critically ill patients. Results: The NK-cell MMP median fluorescence intensity (MFI) was significantly lower in critically ill patients who died from COVID-19 (p<0.0001) and significantly and positively correlated with D-dimer content in critically ill patients (r=0.56, p=0.0023). The random forest model suggested that fibrinogen levels and NK-cell MMP MFI were the most important indicators. Integrating the above predictive models for the ROC yielded an area under the curve of 0.94. Conclusion: This study revealed the potential of combining NK-cell MMP with key clinical indicators (D-dimer and fibrinogen levels) to predict death among critically ill patients with COVID-19, which may help in early risk stratification of critically ill patients and improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

Newborn screening for G6PD deficiency in HeFei, FuYang and AnQing, China: Prevalence, cut-off value, variant spectrum.

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked recessive Mendelian genetic disorder characterized by neonatal jaundice and hemolytic anemia, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. The purpose of this research was to investigate prevalence rates of G6PD deficiency and to evaluate and establish specific cut-off values in early prediction of G6PD deficiency by regions (HeFei, FuYang, AnQing) on different seasons, as well as to investigate the frequencies of G6PD gene mutations among three regions mentioned above. Methods: A total of 31,482 neonates (21,402, 7680, and 2340 for HeFei, FuYang, and AnQing cities, respectively) were recruited. Positive subjects were recalled to attend genetic tests for diagnosis. G6PD activity on the Genetic screening processor (GSP analyzer, 2021-0010) was measured following the manufacturerzs protocol. The cut-off value was first set to 35 U/dL. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was employed to assess and compare the efficiency in predicting G6PD deficiency among HeFei, FuYang, and AnQing cities in different seasons.

Construction of novel Ag(0)-containing silver nanoclusters by regulating auxiliary phosphine ligands.

Controlled synthesis of metal clusters through minor changes in surface ligands holds significant interest because the corresponding entities serve as ideal models for investigating the ligand environment's stereochemical and electronic contributions that impact the corresponding structures and properties of metal clusters. In this work, we obtained two Ag(0)-containing nanoclusters (Ag17 and Ag32) with near-infrared emissions by regulating phosphine auxiliary ligands. Ag17 and Ag32 bear similar shells wherein Ag17 features a trigonal bipyramid Ag5 kernel while Ag32 has a bi-icosahedral interpenetrating an Ag20 kernel. Ag17 and Ag32 showed a near-infrared emission (NIR) of around 830 nm. Benefiting from the rigid structure, Ag17 displayed a more intense near-infrared emission than Ag32. This work provides new insight into the construction of novel superatomic silver nanoclusters by regulating phosphine ligands.

A hypothalamic-amygdala circuit underlying sexually dimorphic aggression.

Male animals often display higher levels of aggression than females. However, the neural circuitry mechanisms underlying this sexually dimorphic aggression remain elusive. Here, we identify a hypothalamic-amygdala circuit that mediates male-biased aggression in mice. Specifically, the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl), a sexually dimorphic region associated with eliciting male-biased aggression, projects densely to the posterior substantia innominata (pSI), an area that promotes similar levels of attack in both sexes of mice. Although the VMHvl innervates the pSI unidirectionally through both excitatory and inhibitory connections, it is the excitatory VMHvl-pSI projections that are strengthened in males to promote aggression, whereas the inhibitory connections that reduce aggressive behavior are strengthened in females. Consequently, the convergent hypothalamic input onto the pSI leads to heightened pSI activity in males, resulting in male-biased aggression. Our findings reveal a sexually distinct excitation-inhibition balance of a hypothalamic-amygdala circuit that underlies sexually dimorphic aggression.