An Fe3O4-Au heterodimer nanoparticle-based lateral flow assay for rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple influenza virus nucleic acids.

Sensitive, convenient and rapid detection and subtyping of influenza viruses are crucial for timely treatment and management of infected people. Compared with antigen detection, nucleic acid detection has higher specificity and can shorten the detection window. Hence, in this work, we improved the lateral flow assay (LFA, one of the most promising user-friendly and on-site methods) to achieve detection and subtyping of H1N1, H3N2 and H9N2 influenza virus nucleic acids. Firstly, the antigen-antibody recognition mode was transformed into a nucleic acid hybridization reaction. Secondly, Fe3O4-Au heterodimer nanoparticles were prepared to replace frequently used Au nanoparticles to obtain better coloration. Thirdly, four lines were arranged on the LFA strip, which were three test (T) lines and one control (C) line. Three T lines were respectively sprayed by the DNA sequences complementary to one end of H1N1, H3N2 and H9N2 influenza virus nucleic acids, while Fe3O4-Au nanoparticles were respectively coupled with the DNA sequences complementary to the other end of H1N1, H3N2 and H9N2 nucleic acids to construct three kinds of probes. The C line was sprayed by the complementary sequences to the DNAs on all three kinds of probes. In the detection, by hybridization reaction, the probes were combined with their target nucleic acids which were captured by the corresponding T lines to form color bands. Finally, according to the position of the color bands and their grey intensity, simultaneous qualitative and semi-quantitative detection of the three influenza virus nucleic acids was realized. The detection results showed that this multi-channel LFA had good specificity, and there was no significant cross reactivity among the three subtypes of influenza viruses. The simultaneous detection achieved comparable detection limits with individual detections. Therefore, this multi-channel LFA had good application potential for sensitive and rapid detection and subtyping of influenza viruses.

Comparative structure and evolution of the organellar genomes of Padina usoehtunii (Dictyotales) with the brown algal crown radiation clade.

BACKGROUND: Organellar genomes have become increasingly essential for studying genetic diversity, phylogenetics, and evolutionary histories of seaweeds. The order Dictyotales (Dictyotophycidae), a highly diverse lineage within the Phaeophyceae, is long-term characterized by a scarcity of organellar genome datasets compared to orders of the brown algal crown radiation (Fucophycidae). RESULTS: We sequenced the organellar genomes of Padina usoehtunii, a representative of the order Dictyotales, to investigate the structural and evolutionary differences by comparing to five other major brown algal orders. Our results confirmed previously reported findings that the rate of structural rearrangements in chloroplast genomes is higher than that in mitochondria, whereas mitochondrial sequences exhibited a higher substitution rate compared to chloroplasts. Such evolutionary patterns contrast with land plants and green algae. The expansion and contraction of the inverted repeat (IR) region in the chloroplast correlated with the changes in the number of boundary genes. Specifically, the size of the IR region influenced the position of the boundary gene rpl21, with complete rpl21 genes found within the IR region in Dictyotales, Sphacelariales and Ectocarpales, while the rpl21 genes in Desmarestiales, Fucales, and Laminariales span both the IR and short single copy (SSC) regions. The absence of the rbcR gene in the Dictyotales may indicate an endosymbiotic transfer from the chloroplast to the nuclear genome. Inversion of the SSC region occurred at least twice in brown algae. Once in a lineage only represented by the Ectocarpales in the present study and once in a lineage only represented by the Fucales. Photosystem genes in the chloroplasts experienced the strongest signature of purifying selection, while ribosomal protein genes in both chloroplasts and mitochondria underwent a potential weak purifying selection. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in chloroplast genome structure among different brown algal orders are evolutionarily linked to their phylogenetic positions in the Phaeophyceae tree. Chloroplast genomes harbor more structural rearrangements than the mitochondria, despite mitochondrial genes exhibiting faster mutation rates. The position and the change in the number of boundary genes likely shaped the IR regions in the chloroplast, and the produced structural variability is important mechanistically to create gene diversity in brown algal chloroplast.

Comparisons of Percutaneous Ablation, Open or Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage 0-A Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Concurrent Generalized Propensity Score Analysis.

Purpose: Liver resection and ablation remain the most common therapeutic options for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0-A hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but there is a lack of evidence to show which is the most suitable therapy. This study aimed to make concurrent multi-arm comparisons of the short-term and long-term outcomes of percutaneous ablation (PA), open (OLR) or laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for these patients. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study. A series of generalized propensity score methods for multiple treatment groups were performed to concurrently compare the clinical outcomes of these three treatment options to balance potential confounders. Regression standardization was used to account for hazard of all-cause mortality and recurrence of intergroup differences. Results: Of the 1778 patients included, 1237, 307 and 234 underwent OLR, LLR and PA, respectively. After overlap weighting, which was the optimal adjustment strategy, patients in the minimally invasive group (LLR and PA groups) had few postoperative complications and short postoperative hospital stays (both P < 0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate were significantly higher in the LLR group when compared with the OLR and PA groups (RFS: 55.6% vs 48.0% vs 30.2%, P < 0.001; OS: 89.1% vs 79.7% vs 84.0%, P = 0.020). Multivariable Cox analysis and regression standardization showed that LLR was an independent factor for better RFS when compared with OLR and PA. In subgroup analysis, the long-term outcomes of patients with BCLC stage A HCC were consistent with the whole population. Conclusion: In the observational study using various covariate adjustment analysis with excellent balance, LLR is not only minimally invasive, but also provides better RFS and equivalent OS for patients with BCLC stage 0-A HCC when compared with OLR and PA.

Treatment with αvß3-integrin-specific 29P attenuates pressure-overload induced cardiac remodelling after transverse aortic constriction in mice.

Heart failure remains one of the largest clinical burdens globally, with little to no improvement in the development of disease-eradicating therapeutics. Integrin targeting has been used in the treatment of ocular disease and cancer, but little is known about its utility in the treatment of heart failure. Here we sought to determine whether the second generation orally available, αvß3-specific RGD-mimetic, 29P , was cardioprotective. Male mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and treated with 50 µg/kg 29P or volume-matched saline as Vehicle control. At 3 weeks post-TAC, echocardiography showed that 29P treatment significantly restored cardiac function and structure indicating the protective effect of 29P treatment in this model of heart failure. Importantly, 29P treatment improved cardiac function giving improved fractional shortening, ejection fraction, heart weight and lung weight to tibia length fractions, together with partial restoration of Ace and Mme levels, as markers of the TAC insult. At a tissue level, 29P reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis, both of which are major clinical features of heart failure. RNA sequencing identified that, mechanistically, this occurred with concomitant alterations to genes involved molecular pathways associated with these processes such as metabolism, hypertrophy and basement membrane formation. Overall, targeting αvß3 with 29P provides a novel strategy to attenuate pressure-overload induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, providing a possible new approach to heart failure treatment.

Optimisation of hypocrellin production in Shiraia-like fungi via genetic modification involving a transcription factor gene and a putative monooxygenase gene.

Shiraia-like fungi, which are rare parasitic fungi found around bamboo, play an important role in traditional medicine. Their main active component, hypocrellin, is widely used in medicine, food, and cosmetics. By comparing strains with different hypocrellin yields, we identified a transcription factor (SbTF) in the hypocrellin biosynthesis pathway. SbTF from high-yielding zzz816 and low-yielding CNUCC C72 differed in its protein structure. Subsequently, SbTF from high-yielding zzz816 was overexpressed in several strains. This stabilised the yield in zzz816 and significantly increased the yield in low-yielding CNUCC C72. Comparing downstream non-essential genes between wild type and SbTF-overexpressing CNUCC C72 showed that SbMNF was significantly up-regulated. Therefore, it was selected for further study. SbMNF overexpression increased the hypocrellin yield in low-yielding CNUCC C72 and altered the composition of compounds in high-yielding CNUCC 1353PR and zzz816. This involved an increased elsinochrome C yield in CNUCC 1353PR and an increased hypocrellin B yield in zzz816 (by 2 and 70.3 times that in the corresponding wild type, respectively). This study is the first to alter hypocrellin synthesis to alter the levels of one bioactive agent compared to another. The results provide new insights regarding genetic modification and will help to optimise fungal fermentation.

[Cystic fibrosis primarily presenting with pseudo-Bartter syndrome: a report of three cases and literature review]. / 以假性Bartter综合征为主要表现的囊性纤维化患儿3ä¾‹å¹¶æ–‡çŒ®å¤ä¹ .

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the clinical characteristics and genetic variations in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) primarily presenting with pseudo-Bartter syndrome (CF-PBS), with the aim to enhance understanding of this disorder. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of three children who were diagnosed with CF-PBS in Hunan Children's Hospital from January 2018 to August 2023, and a literature review was performed. RESULTS: All three children had the onset of the disease in infancy. Tests after admission showed hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and metabolic alkalosis, and genetic testing showed the presence of compound heterozygous mutation in the CFTR gene. All three children were diagnosed with CF. Literature review obtained 33 Chinese children with CF-PBS, with an age of onset of 1-36 months and an age of diagnosis of 3-144 months. Among these children, there were 29 children with recurrent respiratory infection or persistent pneumonia (88%), 26 with malnutrition (79%), 23 with developmental retardation (70%), and 18 with pancreatitis or extrapancreatic insufficiency (55%). Genetic testing showed that c.2909G>A was the most common mutation site of the CFTR gene, with a frequency of allelic variation of 23% (15/66). CONCLUSIONS: CF may have no typical respiratory symptoms in the early stage. The possibility of CF-PBS should be considered for infants with recurrent hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and metabolic alkalosis, especially those with malnutrition and developmental retardation. CFTR genetic testing should be performed as soon as possible to help with the diagnosis of CF.

AKR1B10 expression characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological features and immune microenvironment.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major global health threat with diverse and complex pathogenesis. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10), a tumor-associated enzyme, exhibits abnormal expression in various cancers. However, a comprehensive understanding of AKR1B10's role in HCC is lacking. This study aims to explore the expression characteristics of AKR1B10 in HCC and its correlation with clinicopathological features, survival prognosis, and tumor immune microenvironment, further investigating its role and potential regulatory mechanisms in HCC. This study conducted comprehensive analyses using various bioinformatics tools and databases. Initially, differentially expressed genes related to HCC were identified from the GEO database, and the expression of AKR1B10 in HCC and other cancers was compared using TIMER and GEPIA databases, with validation of its specificity in HCC tissue samples using the HPA database. Furthermore, the relationship of AKR1B10 expression with clinicopathological features (age, gender, tumor size, staging, etc.) of HCC patients was analyzed using the TCGA database's LIHC dataset. The impact of AKR1B10 expression levels on patient prognosis was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model. Additionally, the correlation of AKR1B10 expression with tumor biology-related signaling pathways and tumor immune microenvironment was studied using databases like GSEA, Targetscan, and others, identifying microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate AKR1B10 expression to explore potential regulatory mechanisms. Elevated AKR1B10 expression was significantly associated with gender, primary tumor size, and fibrosis stage in HCC tissues. High AKR1B10 expression indicated poor prognosis and served as an independent predictor for patient outcomes. Detailed mechanism analysis revealed a positive correlation between high AKR1B10 expression, immune cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a potential DANCR-miR-216a-5p-AKR1B10 axis regulating the tumor microenvironment and impacting HCC development and prognosis. The heightened expression of AKR1B10 in HCC is not only related to significant clinical-pathological traits but may also influence HCC progression and prognosis by activating key signaling pathways and altering the tumor immune microenvironment. These findings provide new insights into the role of AKR1B10 in HCC pathogenesis and highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Proteomics couples electrical remodelling to inflammation in a murine model of heart failure with sinus node dysfunction.

AIMS: In patients with heart failure (HF), concomitant sinus node dysfunction (SND) is an important predictor of mortality, yet its molecular underpinnings are poorly understood. Using proteomics, this study aimed to dissect the protein and phosphorylation remodelling within the sinus node in an animal model of HF with concurrent SND. METHODS AND RESULTS: We acquired deep sinus node proteomes and phosphoproteomes in mice with heart failure and SND and report extensive remodelling. Intersecting the measured (phospho)proteome changes with human genomics pharmacovigilance data, highlighted downregulated proteins involved in electrical activity such as the pacemaker ion channel, Hcn4. We confirmed the importance of ion channel downregulation for sinus node physiology using computer modelling. Guided by the proteomics data, we hypothesized that an inflammatory response may drive the electrophysiological remodeling underlying SND in heart failure. In support of this, experimentally induced inflammation downregulated Hcn4 and slowed pacemaking in the isolated sinus node. From the proteomics data we identified proinflammatory cytokine-like protein galectin-3 as a potential target to mitigate the effect. Indeed, in vivo suppression of galectin-3 in the animal model of heart failure prevented SND. CONCLUSION: Collectively, we outline the protein and phosphorylation remodeling of SND in heart failure, we highlight a role for inflammation in electrophysiological remodelling of the sinus node, and we present galectin-3 signalling as a target to ameliorate SND in heart failure.

Surgical treatment of multiple magnet ingestion by children: A single-center experience from China.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of magnet ingestion in children has escalated concurrent with the rise in popularity of magnetic playthings, bearing the capacity to induce substantial morbidity. AIM: The objective of this study was to encapsulate our accumulated expertise in handling pediatric cases featuring multiple magnetic foreign bodies within the gastrointestinal tract sometimes necessitating surgical intervention, as well as to formulate a clinical management algorithm. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients with multiple magnetic foreign bodies in the digestive tract, admitted to Shenzhen Children's Hospital, between January 2018 and December 2022. RESULTS: A total of 100 cases were included in this study, including 66 males and 34 females. The main clinical manifestation ns were abdominal pain and vomiting. All patients had abdominal x-ray, all of which indicated foreign bodies in the digestive tract. 33 patients had to undergo a surgical intervention. Among these cases, the gastrointestinal complications occurred in 31 patients, including gastric rupture (n = 9), intestinal obstruction (n = 11) and intestinal perforation (n = 30). Postoperative intestinal obstruction occurred in 6 children. There was no statistical significant difference in age and gender between the Surgical group and Non-surgical group, but the Surgical group had a higher number of magnets ([7.5(2-44) vs 4(2-20)], p = 0.009), a longer interval between time of misingestion to clinical visit ([48(7.2-480) vs 5(2-336)]hours, p < 0.001), and a longer length of hospital stay ([10(6-19) vs 2(1-8)]days, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple magnet ingestion in children can lead to serious complications and carry severe risks. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for managing such patients.

Midget cave spiders (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from Jiangxi and Fujian Province, China.

Eleven leptonetid species belonging to four genera collected in Jiangxi and Fujian Provinces, China are presented. Ten new species of midget cave spiders from southern China are diagnosed, described, and illustrated: Leptoneteladawu Yao & Liu, sp. nov., L.yuanhaoi Yao & Liu, sp. nov. and L.zuojiashanensis Yao & Liu, sp. nov. from Jiangxi; Longileptonetaguadunensis Yao & Liu, sp. nov., L.huboliao Yao & Liu, sp. nov., L.jiaxiani Yao & Liu, sp. nov., L.letuensis Yao & Liu, sp. nov., L.renzhouensis Yao & Liu, sp. nov., L.tianmenensis Yao & Liu, sp. nov., and Pararanamingxuani Yao & Liu, sp. nov. from Fujian. Furthermore, Falcileptonetamonodactyla (Yin, Wang & Wang, 1984) is recorded from Jiangxi province for the first time. Distributions records are given for all investigated species.

miR-199a/b-3p inhibits HCC cell proliferation and invasion through a novel compensatory signaling pathway DJ-1\Ras\PI3K/AKT.

Several studies have reported the effects of DJ-1 gene and miR-199a/b-3p on HCC development. However, whether miR-199a/b-3p regulates HCC progression through a novel compensatory signaling pathway involving DJ-1, Ras, and PI3K/AKT remains unknown. We used (TCGA, HPA, miRWalk and Target scan) databases, cancer and para-tissue HCC patients, dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis, proteomic imprinting, qPCR, cell proliferation, scratch, transport, and flow cytometry to detect the molecular mechanism of DJ-1 and miR-199a/b-3p co-expression in HCC cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis showed that DJ-1 was highly expressed in HCC ((P < 0.001) were closely associated with tumor stage (T), portal vein vascular invasion, OS, DSS, and PFI (P < 0.05); miR-199a/b-3p was lowly expressed in HCC (P < 0.001), which was the upstream regulator of DJ-1. Spearman coefficient r = -0.113, P = 0.031; Dual luciferase gene report verified the negative targeting relationship between them P< 0.001; Western blotting demonstrated that miR-199a/b-3p could inhibit the protein expression of DJ-1, Ras and AKT(P < 0.05); The results of CCK8, cell scratch, Transwell migration and flow cytometry showed that OE + DJ-1 increased the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of HepG2 cells, and decreased the apoptosis process, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), while miR-199a/b-3p had the opposite effect (P < 0.05).

Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus and Its Associated Outcomes among Pregnant Women in China.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant public health concern worldwide. Pregnant women are at high risk of severe HEV infection. Various adverse outcomes in pregnant women related to HEV infection have been well documented in low-income and middle-income countries with poor sanitation. However, previous studies have provided inconsistent conclusions regarding the effects of HEV infection on the health of pregnant women and their infants in developed countries and contemporary China. In China, previous studies on HEV in pregnant women mainly focused on anti-HEV IgM and/or anti-HEV IgG. In this study, 4244 pregnant women were retrospectively analyzed for HEV-related markers. The positive rates of HEV antigen, HEV RNA, anti-HEV IgM, and anti-HEV IgG were 0.28%, 0.54%, 0.35%, and 10.49%, respectively. Among the 467 pregnant women who tested positive for at least one HEV-related marker, 92.93% (434) were positive for anti-HEV IgG only and 0.21% (1) were positive for HEV antigen, anti-HEV IgM, and anti-HEV IgG. Although the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG significantly increased with age, the prevalence of anti-HEV IgM, HEV RNA, and HEV antigen did not differ among pregnant women of different ages. Thirty-three pregnant women were positive for at least one of anti-HEV IgM, HEV antigen, and HEV RNA, and these individuals were recently or currently infected with HEV. None of the 33 pregnant women exhibited obvious clinical symptoms. Of the 33 pregnant women, 39.39% (13) experienced adverse fetal outcomes, including preterm birth, fetal distress, and low birth weight, the incidence of which was significantly higher than in pregnant women who were not recently or currently infected with HEV. These findings suggest that maternal HEV infection may impact the health of fetuses; thus, these results may contribute to the development of appropriate public health interventions for this population.

A Flexible Bivalent Approach to Comprehensively Improve the Performances of Stilbazolium Dyes as Amyloid-ß Fluorescent Probes.

Exploring new ways to reconstruct the structure and function of inappropriate organic fluorophores for improving amyloid-ß (Aß) fluorescent imaging performance is desired for precise detection and early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). With stilbazolium dyes as examples, here, we present a multipronged approach to comprehensively improved the Aß fluorescent imaging performance through a flexible bivalent method, where a flexible carbon chain was introduced to link two monomers to form a homodimer. Our results reveal a mechanism wherein the flexible linker creates a well-defined probe with specific orientations and distinct photophysical properties. Applying this approach in combination with theoretical simulation, the homodimers exhibited a comprehensive improvement of the Aß fluorescent imaging performance of the dye monomers, including better photostability and higher signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, higher "off-on" near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) response sensitivity, higher specificity and affinity to Aß deposits, and more reasonable lipophilicity for blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrability. The results demonstrate that flexible homodimers offer a multipronged approach to obtaining high-performance NIRF imaging reagents for the detection of Aß deposits both in vitro and in vivo.

The relationship between dietary patterns and blood mineral concentration among children in Hunan Province of China.

BACKGROUND: Minerals have crucial biological functions in metabolism and are primarily obtained through diet. As a result, various dietary patterns can impact blood mineral levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between dietary patterns and the concentration of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper in the bloodstream. METHODS: Three hundred eighty healthy children (53.7% male) were recruited in a region of Hunan Province in September 2019. We gathered basic information and measured physical proportions, along with completing a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Using principal component analysis (PCA), we determined dietary patterns. To analyze mineral levels in the blood, we used flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). We utilized linear regression models to investigate if certain dietary patterns are related to mineral concentration. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns were identified: 'Vegetables/Nuts,' 'Snacks/Beverages,' and 'Cereal/Beans.' Children from high-income families (annual average income > 50,000 yuan) prefer the 'Vegetables/Nuts' dietary pattern (P = 0.004). In comparison, those from low-income families (annual average income < 20,000 yuan) prefer the 'Snacks/Beverages' dietary pattern (P = 0.03). Following adjustment for age, gender, guardian's identity, education level, and annual household income. We found that an increase in the 'Vegetables/Nuts' pattern score (ß = 0.153, CI: 0.053 ~ 0.253; P = 0.003) and 'Snacks/Beverages' pattern score (ß = 0.103, CI: 0.002 ~ 0.204; P = 0.033) were significantly associated blood copper concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Household income was found to be associated with dietary behavior. Furthermore, higher blood copper concentration was significantly correlated with the 'Vegetables/Nuts' dietary pattern and 'Snacks/Beverages' dietary pattern, but the correlation is extremely low.

Toxicity and potential underlying mechanism of Karenia selliformis to the fish Oryzias melastigma.

Karenia selliformis can produce toxins such as gymnodimines, and form microalgal blooms causing massive mortality of marine life such as fish and shellfish, and resulting in serious economic losses. However, there are a few of studies on the toxic effects of K. selliformis on marine organisms and the underlying mechanisms, and it is not clear whether the toxins produced by K. selliformis affect fish survival through the food chain. In this study, a food chain was simulated and composed by K. selliformis-brine shrimp-marine medaka to investigate the possibility of K. selliformis toxicity transmission through the food chain, in which fish behavior, histopathology and transcriptomics changes were observed after direct or indirect exposure (through the food chain) of K. selliformis. We found that both direct and indirect exposure of K. selliformis could affect the swimming behavior of medaka, manifested as decreased swimming performance and increased "frozen events". Meanwhile, exposure to K. selliformis caused pathological damage to the intestine and liver tissues of medaka to different degree. The effect of direct exposure to K. selliformis on swimming behavior and damage to fish tissues was more severe. In addition, K. selliformis exposure induced significant changes in the expression of genes related to energy metabolism, metabolic detoxification and immune system in medaka. These results suggest that toxins produced by K. selliformis can be transferred through the food chain, and that K. selliformis can destroy the intestinal integrity of medaka and increase the absorption of toxins, leading to energy metabolism disorders in fish, affecting the metabolic detoxification capacity of the liver. Our finding provides novel insight into the toxicity of K. selliformis to marine fish.

A life-threatening bleeding prediction model for immune thrombocytopenia based on personalized machine learning: a nationwide prospective cohort study.

Rare but critical bleeding events in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) present life-threatening complications in patients with ITP, which severely affect their prognosis, quality of life, and treatment decisions. Although several studies have investigated the risk factors related to critical bleeding in ITP, large sample size data, consistent definitions, large-scale multicenter findings, and prediction models for critical bleeding events in patients with ITP are unavailable. For the first time, in this study, we applied the newly proposed critical ITP bleeding criteria by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis for large sample size data and developed the first machine learning (ML)-based online application for predict critical ITP bleeding. In this research, we developed and externally tested an ML-based model for determining the risk of critical bleeding events in patients with ITP using large multicenter data across China. Retrospective data from 8 medical centers across the country were obtained for model development and prospectively tested in 39 medical centers across the country over a year. This system exhibited good predictive capabilities for training, validation, and test datasets. This convenient web-based tool based on a novel algorithm can rapidly identify the bleeding risk profile of patients with ITP and facilitate clinical decision-making and reduce the occurrence of adversities.

Prolylcarboxypeptidase Alleviates Hypertensive Cardiac Remodeling by Regulating Myocardial Tissue Angiotensin II.

Background Prolonged activation of angiotensin II is the main mediator that contributes to the development of heart diseases, so converting angiotensin II into angiotensin 1-7 has emerged as a new strategy to attenuate detrimental effects of angiotensin II. Prolylcarboxypeptidase is a lysosomal pro-X carboxypeptidase that is able to cleave angiotensin II at a preferential acidic pH optimum. However, insufficient attention has been given to the cardioprotective functions of prolylcarboxylpeptidase. Methods and Results We established a CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9-mediated global prolylcarboxylpeptidase-knockout and adeno-associated virus serotype 9-mediated cardiac prolylcarboxylpeptidase overexpression mouse models, which were challenged with the angiotensin II infusion (2 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks, aiming to investigate the cardioprotective effect of prolylcarboxylpeptidase against hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy. Prolylcarboxylpeptidase expression was upregulated after 2 weeks of angiotensin II infusion and then became downregulated afterward in wild-type mouse myocardium, suggesting its compensatory function against angiotensin II stress. Moreover, angiotensin II-treated prolylcarboxylpeptidase-knockout mice showed aggravated cardiac remodeling and dampened cardiac contractility independent of hypertension. We also found that prolylcarboxylpeptidase localizes in cardiomyocyte lysosomes, and loss of prolylcarboxylpeptidase led to excessive angiotensin II levels in myocardial tissue. Further screening demonstrated that hypertrophic prolylcarboxylpeptidase-knockout hearts showed upregulated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 and downregulated protein kinase B activities. Importantly, adeno-associated virus serotype 9-mediated restoration of prolylcarboxylpeptidase expression in prolylcarboxylpeptidase-knockout hearts alleviated angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cell death. Interestingly, the combination of adeno-associated virus serotype 9-mediated prolylcarboxylpeptidase overexpression and an antihypertensive drug, losartan, likely conferred more effective protection than a single treatment protocol to mitigate angiotensin II-induced cardiac dysfunction. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that prolylcarboxylpeptidase protects the heart from angiotensin II-induced hypertrophic remodeling by controlling myocardial angiotensin II levels.

Atrioventricular node dysfunction in pressure overload-induced heart failure-Involvement of the immune system and transcriptomic remodelling.

Heart failure is associated with atrioventricular (AV) node dysfunction, and AV node dysfunction in the setting of heart failure is associated with an increased risk of mortality and heart failure hospitalisation. This study aims to understand the causes of AV node dysfunction in heart failure by studying changes in the whole nodal transcriptome. The mouse transverse aortic constriction model of pressure overload-induced heart failure was studied; functional changes were assessed using electrocardiography and echocardiography and the transcriptome of the AV node was quantified using RNAseq. Heart failure was associated with a significant increase in the PR interval, indicating a slowing of AV node conduction and AV node dysfunction, and significant changes in 3,077 transcripts (5.6% of the transcriptome). Many systems were affected: transcripts supporting AV node conduction were downregulated and there were changes in transcripts identified by GWAS as determinants of the PR interval. In addition, there was evidence of remodelling of the sarcomere, a shift from fatty acid to glucose metabolism, remodelling of the extracellular matrix, and remodelling of the transcription and translation machinery. There was evidence of the causes of this widespread remodelling of the AV node: evidence of dysregulation of multiple intracellular signalling pathways, dysregulation of 109 protein kinases and 148 transcription factors, and an immune response with a proliferation of neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and B lymphocytes and a dysregulation of 40 cytokines. In conclusion, inflammation and a widespread transcriptional remodelling of the AV node underlies AV node dysfunction in heart failure.

Elevated Temperature-Induced Epimicrobiome Shifts in an Invasive Seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla.

Epibacterial communities on seaweeds are affected by several abiotic factors such as temperature and acidification. Due to global warming, surface seawater temperatures are expected to increase by 0.5-5 °C in the next century. However, how epibacterial communities associated with seaweeds will respond to global warming remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the response of epibacterial communities associated with the invasive Gracilaria vermiculophylla exposed to 3 °C above ambient temperature for 4 months using a benthocosm system in Kiel, Germany, and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results showed that elevated temperature affected the beta-diversity of the epibacterial communities. Some potential seaweed pathogens such as Pseudoalteromonas, Vibrio, Thalassotalea, and Acinetobacter were identified as indicator genera at the elevated temperature level. Thirteen core raw amplicon sequence variants in the elevated temperature group were the same as the populations distributed over a wide geographical range, indicating that these core ASVs may play an important role in the invasive G. vermicullophylla. Overall, this study not only contributes to a better understanding of how epibacterial communities associated with G. vermiculophylla may adapt to ocean warming, but also lays the foundation for further exploration of the interactions between G. vermiculophylla and its epimicrobiota.

Possible Role of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Response to Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxins in the Mussel Perna viridis.

Marine bivalves are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid known to be beneficial for human health; however, the potential role of DHA in protecting shellfish from the toxicity of diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs) remains poorly understood. Here, we aimed to study the effect of DHA on the response of the bivalve, Perna viridis, to DSTs by using LC-MS/MS, RT-qPCR, and histological examination. In this study, we observed that the DHA content decreased significantly with esterification of DSTs in the digestive gland of the mussel P. viridis after 96 h of exposure to Prorocentrum lima, a DST-producing dinoflagellate. The addition of DHA significantly increased the esterification level of DSTs and increased the expression of Nrf2 signaling pathway-related genes and enzyme activities, alleviating the damage of DSTs to digestive glands. These results suggested that DHA may mediate the esterification of DSTs and activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in P. viridis to protect mussels from the toxic effects of DSTs. This study may provide new insights regarding the response of bivalves to DSTs and lay the foundation for uncovering the role of DHA in environmental adaptation of bivalves.