Selectively "size-excluding" water molecules to enable a highly reversible zinc metal anode.

Significant water-related side reactions hinder the development of highly safe, low-cost aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) for grid-scale energy storage. Herein, by regulating the length of alkyl chains, we successfully adjust interstitial voids between the polymer chains of a metal soap interface between 1.48 Å (size of a zinc ion) and 4.0 Å (size of a water molecule). Therefore, water molecules are selectively "size-excluded," while smaller zinc ions are permitted to pass through. Consequently, water-related side reactions (including hydrogen evolution and corrosion) could be effectively inhibited. Furthermore, abundant zinc ion tunnels accompanied with zincophilic components facilitate the homogenization of the Zn2+ flux, thus preventing dendrite growth. Therefore, the Zn symmetric cell shows a lifespan of approximately 10 000 cycles at 20 mA cm-2 and 1 mA h cm-2, and the Zn//Na5V12O32 (NVO) full cell delivers much better cycling stability with much higher capacity retention of around 93% after 2000 cycles at 2 A g-1 compared to its bare Zn counterpart (19%). This work provides valuable insights for the utilization of metal soap interfaces and regulation of their channel size between perpendicular alkyl chains to realize precise water shielding, which is not only applicable in ZMBs but also in other aqueous batteries.

A Synergistic Strategy Combining Chemotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy to Eradicate Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men in the United States and is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been established as a biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to develop a novel theranostic agent, PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413, which integrates a PSMA-targeting ligand, the photosensitizer Pc413, and the microtubular inhibitor monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) for synergistic therapeutic efficacy. In vitro uptake studies revealed that PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 demonstrated selective and specific uptake in PSMA-positive PC3pip cells but not in PSMA-negative PC3flu cells, with the uptake in PC3pip cells being approximately three times higher. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that, when exposed to light, PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 had a synergistic effect, leading to significantly greater cytotoxicity in PSMA-positive cells (IC50 = 2.2 nM) compared to PSMA-1-Pc413 with light irradiation (IC50 = 164.9 nM) or PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 without light irradiation (IC50 = 12.6 nM). In vivo imaging studies further demonstrated the selective uptake of PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 in PC3pip tumors. In in vivo studies, PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 dramatically improves the therapeutic outcome for prostate cancer by providing a synergistic effect that surpasses the efficacy of each treatment modality alone in PC3pip tumors. These findings suggest that PSMA-1-MMAE-Pc413 has strong potential for clinical application in improving prostate cancer treatment.

Association of breast milk-derived arachidonic acid-induced infant gut dysbiosis with the onset of atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: The specific breast milk-derived metabolites that mediate host-microbiota interactions and contribute to the onset of atopic dermatitis (AD) remain unknown and require further investigation. DESIGN: We enrolled 250 mother-infant pairs and collected 978 longitudinal faecal samples from infants from birth to 6 months of age, along with 243 maternal faecal samples for metagenomics. Concurrently, 239 corresponding breast milk samples were analysed for metabolomics. Animal and cellular experiments were conducted to validate the bioinformatics findings. RESULTS: The clinical findings suggested that a decrease in daily breastfeeding duration was associated with a reduced incidence of AD. This observation inspired us to investigate the effects of breast milk-derived fatty acids. We found that high concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA), but not eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid, induced gut dysbiosis in infants. Further investigation revealed that four specific bacteria degraded mannan into mannose, consequently enhancing the mannan-dependent biosynthesis of O-antigen and lipopolysaccharide. Correlation analysis confirmed that in infants with AD, the abundance of Escherichia coli under high AA concentrations was positively correlated with some microbial pathways (eg, 'GDP-mannose-derived O-antigen and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis'). These findings are consistent with those of the animal studies. Additionally, AA, but not EPA, disrupted the ratio of CD4/CD8 cells, increased skin lesion area and enhanced the proportion of peripheral Th2 cells. It also promoted IgE secretion and the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in BALB/c mice fed AA following ovalbumin immunostimulation. Moreover, AA significantly increased IL-4 secretion in HaCaT cells costimulated with TNF-α and INF-γ. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that AA is intimately linked to the onset of AD via gut dysbiosis.

[Mechanism of Yupingfeng Powder on hepatic insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats by regulating IRS/PI3K/Akt pathway].

Based on the insulin receptor substrate(IRS)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) pathway, the intervention effect of Yupingfeng Powder on type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) rats was studied, and the potential mechanism of improving T2DM hepatic insulin resistance was explored. A T2DM rat model was established by feeding with high-fat and high-sugar feed combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Successfully modeled rats were selected and divided into a model group, a positive control group(MET), and a Yupingfeng Powder group. At the same time, a blank group was set up, and corresponding drugs were given by gavage. The model group and blank group were given an equal amount of physiological saline by gavage. During the experiment, body mass and fasting blood glucose were regularly measured, and glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance were measured at the end of the experiment. After the experiment, the levels of blood glucose, insulin, blood lipids, and related liver function indicators were measured; changes in liver pathological damage were observed, levels of liver monoamine oxidase were detected, and qRT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression levels of IRS/PI3K/Akt pathway related genes. Compared with the model group, the Yupingfeng Powder group had an increase in body weight, a decrease in fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and steady-state model evaluation index, a decrease in the area under the curve of glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests, a decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol content, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol content. Compared with the model group, the Yupingfeng Powder group showed a decrease in liver monoamine oxidase levels, a decrease in serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels, and an increase in total protein and albumin levels. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining showed a reduction in pathological liver cell damage. Compared with the model group, the Yupingfeng Powder group showed a significant increase in the mRNA expression levels of IRS1, PI3K, and Akt in the liver of rats, as well as a significant decrease in the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). This indicates that Yupingfeng Powder can regulate the IRS/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, increase insulin sensitivity, improve hepatic insulin resistance, and thus play a therapeutic role in T2DM.

Lactylation of histone by BRD4 regulates astrocyte polarization after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Under subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) conditions, astrocytes undergo a marked intensification of glycolytic activity, resulting in the generation of substantial amounts of lactate to maintain the energy demand for neurons and other brain cells. Lactate has garnered increasing attention in recent years because of its emerging role in critical biological processes such as inflammation regulation and neuroprotection, particularly through its histone lactylation. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) plays a crucial role in maintaining neural development and promoting memory formation in the central nervous system. Nonetheless, the function and regulatory mechanism of BRD4 and histone lactylation in astrocytes following SAH remain elusive. Our findings indicate that BRD4, a crucial epigenetic regulator, plays a definitive role in histone lactylation. Both in vitro and in vivo, these results demonstrated that targeted silencing of BRD4 in astrocytes can significantly reduce H4K8la lactylation, thereby aggravating the A1 polarization of astrocytes and ultimately affecting the recovery of neural function and prognosis in mice after SAH. In summary, BRD4 plays a pivotal role in modulating astrocyte polarization following SAH via histone lactylation. Targeting this mechanism might offer an efficient therapeutic strategy for SAH.

Correlation between fat-soluble vitamin levels and inflammatory factors in paediatric community-acquired pneumonia: A prospective study.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common respiratory disease in children. This prospective cohort study of 110 children with CAP and 100 healthy children investigated the relationship between the levels of vitamin A, D and E and inflammatory markers, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF-a), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), neutrophils (NE) and C-reactive protein (CRP), in CAP. The haemoglobin, leukocyte concentration, NE, monocytes and CRP concentration in the CAP group showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The levels of vitamin A, D and E in the CAP group were lower than those in the control group, while the levels of TNF-a and IL-1 were higher than in the control group; the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The IL-10 levels showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Pearson analysis revealed that the vitamin A, D and E levels were all correlated with the TNF-a, IL-10 and CRP levels (P < 0.05). The vitamin A, D and E levels of the CAP children were lower than those of the healthy children. Thus, the content of fat-soluble vitamins is correlated with the secretion of TNF-a and IL-10. The research provides a new direction for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CAP.

Rhodococcus equi and Brucella pulmonary mass in immunocompetent: A case report and literature review.

Rhodococcus equi, predominantly recognized as an opportunistic pathogen affecting immunocompromised hosts, and Brucella, a widespread zoonotic bacterium, infrequently co-infect immunocompetent adults, thereby posing a distinctive diagnostic challenge. Here, we describe a case involving a 53-year-old male with a history of goat farming, who presented with persistent chest tightness, cough, and notable weight loss, absent fever. Radiological and bronchoscopic assessments showed a right hilar mass, extensive vertebral destruction, and bronchial lesions, deviating from the typical symptoms associated with either pathogen. Laboratory analyses confirmed a co-infection involving R. equi and Brucella. Initial therapy with levofloxacin and vancomycin proved ineffective; however, a subsequent treatment regimen comprising azithromycin, etimicin, minocycline, and moxifloxacin resulted in substantial clinical improvement. This case accentuates the intricacies involved in diagnosing and managing atypical co-infections in immunocompetent individuals and underscores the importance of careful microbiological testing to inform effective therapeutic strategies.

Correction: The role of the Basic Public Health Service program in the control of hypertension in China: Results from a cross-sectional health service interview survey.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217185.].

Astrocytic LRP1 enables mitochondria transfer to neurons and mitigates brain ischemic stroke by suppressing ARF1 lactylation.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) is an endocytic/signaling cell-surface receptor that regulates diverse cellular functions, including cell survival, differentiation, and proliferation. LRP1 has been previously implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, but there are inconsistencies in its functions. Therefore, whether and how LRP1 maintains brain homeostasis remains to be clarified. Here, we report that astrocytic LRP1 promotes astrocyte-to-neuron mitochondria transfer by reducing lactate production and ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) lactylation. In astrocytes, LRP1 suppressed glucose uptake, glycolysis, and lactate production, leading to reduced lactylation of ARF1. Suppression of astrocytic LRP1 reduced mitochondria transfer into damaged neurons and worsened ischemia-reperfusion injury in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Furthermore, we examined lactate levels in human patients with stroke. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate was elevated in stroke patients and inversely correlated with astrocytic mitochondria. These findings reveal a protective role of LRP1 in brain ischemic stroke by enabling mitochondria-mediated astrocyte-neuron crosstalk.

Complete Organelle Genome of the Desiccation-Tolerant (DT) Moss Tortula atrovirens and Comparative Analysis of the Pottiaceae Family.

Tortula atrovirens (Sm.) Lindb. is an important component of biological soil crusts and possesses an extraordinary tolerance against desiccation in dryland habitats. However, knowledge of the organelle genome of this desiccation-tolerant (DT) moss is still lacking. Here, we assembled the first reported Tortula organelle genome and conducted a comprehensive analysis within the Pottiaceae family. T. atrovirens exhibited the second largest chloroplast genome (129,646 bp) within the Pottiaceae, whereas its mitogenome (105,877 bp) and those of other mosses were smaller in size compared to other land plants. The chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of T. atrovirens were characterized by the expansion of IR boundaries and the absence of homologous recombination-mediated by large repeats. A total of 57 RNA editing sites were detected through mapping RNA-seq data. Moreover, the gene content and order were highly conserved among the Pottiaceae organelle genomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that bryophytes are paraphyletic, with their three lineages (hornworts, mosses, and liverworts) and vascular plants forming successive sister clades. Timmiella anomala is clearly separated from the monophyletic Pottiaceae, and T. atrovirens is closely related to Syntrichia filaris within the Pottioideae. In addition, we detected four hypervariable regions for candidate-molecular markers. Our findings provide valuable insights into the organelle genomes of T. atrovirens and the evolutionary relationships within the Pottiaceae family, facilitating future discovery of DT genetic resources from bryophytes.

Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia-Tang regulates liver-gut axis to ameliorate Metabolic Syndrome in HFD-fed mice.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, and abnormal blood lipid levels, is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases. Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia-Tang decoction (GT) was first described in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, the earliest traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monograph on diagnosis and treatment of miscellaneous diseases in China. According to TCM precepts, based on its ability to activate yang to release stagnation, activate qi to reduce depression, remove phlegm, and broaden the chest, GT has been used for more than 2,000 years to treat cardiovascular ailments. However, the molecular bases of its therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify lipid- and glucose-related hepatic genes differentially regulated by GT, and to assess GT impact on gut microbiota composition, in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: ApoE-/- mice were fed with an HFD for 24 weeks, with or without concurrent GT supplementation, to induce MetS. At the study's end, body weight, visceral fat weight, blood lipid levels, and insulin sensitivity were measured, and histopathological staining was used to evaluate hepatosteatosis and intestinal barrier integrity. Liver transcriptomics was used for analysis of differentially expressed genes in liver and prediction of relevant regulatory pathways. Hepatic lipid/glucose metabolism-related genes and proteins were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Gut microbial composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: GT administration reduced MetS-related liver steatosis and weight gain, promoted insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, and beneficially modulated gut microbiota composition by decreasing the relative abundance of g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and increasing the relative abundance of g_Alistipes. Liver transcriptomics revealed that GT regulated the expression of genes related to lipid and glucose metabolism (Pparγ, Igf1, Gpnmb, and Trem2) and of genes encoding chemokines/chemokine receptors (e.g. Cxcl9 and Cx3cr1). Significant, positive correlations were found for Ccr2, Ccl4, Ccr1, and Cx3cr1 and the g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and between Cxcl9, Ccr2, Ccl4, and Cx3cr1 and g_Desulfovibrio. GT treatment downregulated the protein expressions of SCD1 and CX3CR1 and upregulated the expression of PCK1 protein. CONCLUSION: GT supplementation alleviates HFD-induced MetS in mice by improving hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. The anti-metabolic syndrome effects of GT may be related to the regulation of the gut-liver axis.

Microglia aggravate white matter injury via C3/C3aR pathway after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.

The activation of glial cells is intimately associated with the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation and white matter injury (WMI) during both acute and chronic phases following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The complement C3a receptor (C3aR) has a dual role in modulating inflammation and contributes to neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and neurodegeneration. However, its impact on WMI in the context of SAH remains unclear. In this study, 175 male C57BL/6J mice underwent SAH through endovascular perforation. Oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) was employed to simulate SAH in vitro. A suite of techniques, including immunohistochemistry, transcriptomic sequencing, and a range of molecular biotechnologies, were utilized to evaluate the activation of the C3-C3aR pathway on microglial polarization and WMI. Results revealed that post-SAH abnormal activation of microglia was accompanied by upregulation of complement C3 and C3aR. The inhibition of C3aR decreased abnormal microglial activation, attenuated neuroinflammation, and ameliorated WMI and cognitive deficits following SAH. RNA-Seq indicated that C3aR inhibition downregulated several immune and inflammatory pathways and mitigated cellular injury by reducing p53-induced death domain protein 1 (Pidd1) and Protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (Perk) expression, two factors mainly function in sensing and responding to cellular stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The deleterious effects of the C3-C3aR axis in the context of SAH may be related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent cellular injury and inflammasome formation. Agonists of Perk can exacerbate the cellular injury and neuroinflammation, which was attenuated by C3aR inhibition after SAH. Additionally, intranasal administration of C3a during the subacute phase of SAH was found to decrease astrocyte reactivity and alleviate cognitive deficits post-SAH. This research deepens our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of WMI following SAH and underscores the therapeutic potential of C3a treatment in promoting white matter repair and enhancing functional recovery prognosis. These insights pave the way for future clinical application of C3a-based therapies, promising significant benefits in the treatment of SAH and its related complications.

Carboxymethyl chitosan modification of cobalt-zinc bimetallic MOF for tetracycline hydrochloride removal: Exploration of the enhancement mechanism of the process.

This study synthesized a carboxymethyl chitosan-modified bimetallic Co/Zn-ZIF (CZ@CMC) with strong hydrophilicity and adsorption performance via the one-pot method. Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) was used as the model contaminant to evaluate the adsorption and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation properties of CZ@CMC. Mechanism showed that the adsorption behavior occurred through pore filling, electrostatic attraction, surface complexation, hydrogen bonding, and π-π stacking. In addition, a CZ@CMC/PMS system was constructed, which had excellent catalytic performance. The hydrophilicity and selective adsorption properties of CMC conferred a greatly accelerated CZ@CMC in catalyzing the PMS process with kobs of 0.095 min-1, in which OH, 1O2, SO4-, O2-, and Co(III) were the main ROS which quenching tests, EPR, and chemical probe experiments verified. In addition, the degradation pathways of TCH were obtained utilizing DFT and HPLC-MS and analyzed to show that the system possessed a good detoxification capacity. This work is expected to provide a green, efficient, and stable strategy to enhance the adsorption properties of catalytic materials and subsequently their co-catalytic properties.

Emergence of Eurasian Avian-Like Swine Influenza A (H1N1) virus in a child in Shandong Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Influenza A virus infections can occur in multiple species. Eurasian avian-like swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses (EAS-H1N1) are predominant in swine and occasionally infect humans. A Eurasian avian-like swine influenza A (H1N1) virus was isolated from a boy who was suffering from fever; this strain was designated A/Shandong-binzhou/01/2021 (H1N1). The aims of this study were to investigate the characteristics of this virus and to draw attention to the need for surveillance of influenza virus infection in swine and humans. METHODS: Throat-swab specimens were collected and subjected to real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR). Positive clinical specimens were inoculated onto Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells to isolate the virus, which was confirmed by a haemagglutination assay. Then, whole-genome sequencing was carried out using an Illumina MiSeq platform, and phylogenetic analysis was performed with MEGA X software. RESULTS: RT‒PCR revealed that the throat-swab specimens were positive for EAS-H1N1, and the virus was subsequently successfully isolated from MDCK cells; this strain was named A/Shandong-binzhou/01/2021 (H1N1). Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that A/Shandong-binzhou/01/2021 (H1N1) is a novel triple-reassortant EAS-H1N1 lineage that contains gene segments from EAS-H1N1 (HA and NA), triple-reassortant swine influenza H1N2 virus (NS) and A(H1N1) pdm09 viruses (PB2, PB1, PA, NP and MP). CONCLUSIONS: The isolation and analysis of the A/Shandong-binzhou/01/2021 (H1N1) virus provide further evidence that EAS-H1N1 poses a threat to human health, and greater attention should be given to the surveillance of influenza virus infections in swine and humans.

[Integrated strategy for mechanism of Shenling Baizhu San in treating ulcerative colitis based on colonic metabolomics and network pharmacology].

Shenling Baizhu San(SLBZS) is a commonly used medicine for the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC). This study aims to explore the mechanism of SLBZS in treating UC by using colonic metabolomics and network pharmacology. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: a blank group, a model group, an SLBZS group, and a sulfasalazine group. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology was utilized to analyze the metabolic profiles of colonic tissue in mice, and differential metabolites and related metabolic pathways were screened. Based on the online database, active ingredients, action targets, and UC disease targets of SLBZS were screened. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of core targets of SLBZS in treating UC was constructed using STRING and Cytoscape 3.9.1. Gene Ontology(GO) functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database. A "metabolite-reaction-enzyme-gene" network was constructed to conduct a combined analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology. SLBZS reversed the levels of 25 metabolites involved in various pathways such as D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, caffeine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, lysine degradation, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism in UC colonic tissue. 47 core targets of SLBZS in treating UC were involved in pathways including the MAPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Th17 cell differentiation. Integrated analysis showed that glycerophospholipid metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism were key metabolic pathways in the treatment of UC with SLBZS. The results suggested that SLBZS improved colonic mucosal morphology by regulating colonic metabolites, down-regulated the expression of inflammation-related core target genes to reduce inflammation levels, and alleviated lipid metabolism disorders, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on UC.

Isolation, identification, and tolerance analysis of yeast during the natural fermentation process of Sidamo coffee beans.

Yeast, which plays a pivotal role in the brewing, food, and medical industries, exhibits a close relationship with human beings. In this study, we isolated and purified 60 yeast strains from the natural fermentation broth of Sidamo coffee beans to screen for indigenous beneficial yeasts. Among them, 25 strains were obtained through morphological characterization on nutritional agar medium from Wallerstein Laboratory (WL), with molecular biology identifying Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain YBB-47 and the remaining 24 yeast strains identified as Pichia kudriavzevii. We investigated the fermentation performance, alcohol tolerance, SO2 tolerance, pH tolerance, sugar tolerance, temperature tolerance, ester production capacity, ethanol production capacity, H2S production capacity, and other brewing characteristics of YBB-33 and YBB-47. The results demonstrated that both strains could tolerate up to 3% alcohol by volume at a high sucrose mass concentration (400 g/L) under elevated temperature conditions (40 ℃), while also exhibiting a remarkable ability to withstand an SO2 mass concentration of 300 g/L at pH 3.2. Moreover, S. cerevisiae YBB-47 displayed a rapid gas production rate and strong ethanol productivity. whereas P. kudriavzevii YBB-33 exhibited excellent alcohol tolerance. Furthermore, this systematic classification and characterization of coffee bean yeast strains from the Sidamo region can potentially uncover additional yeasts that offer high-quality resources for industrial-scale coffee bean production.

Inclusion Complexes of Ethanamizuril with ß- and Hydroxypropyl-ß-Cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solution and in Solid State: A Comparison Study.

Ethanamizuril (EZL) is a new anticoccidial drug developed by our Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute. Since EZL is almost insoluble in water, we conducted a study to improve the solubility of EZL by forming inclusion complexes with ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD). In this study, we performed molecular docking and then systematically compared the interactions of EZL with ß-CD and HP-ß-CD in both aqueous solution and the solid state, aiming to elucidate the solubilization effect and mechanism of cyclodextrins (CDs). The interactions were also examined in the solid state using DSC, PXRD, and FT-IR. The interactions of EZL with CDs in an aqueous solution were investigated using PSA, UV-vis spectroscopy, MS, 1H NMR, and 2D ROESY. The results of phase solubility experiments revealed that both ß-CD and HP-ß-CD formed inclusion complexes with EZL in a 1:1 molar ratio. Among them, HP-ß-CD exhibited higher Kf (stability constant) and CE (complexation efficiency) values as well as a stronger solubilization effect. Furthermore, the two cyclodextrins were found to interact with EZL in a similar manner. The results of our FT-IR and 2D ROESY experiments are in agreement with the theoretical results derived from molecular simulations. These results indicated that intermolecular hydrogen bonds existing between the C=O group on the triazine ring of EZL and the O-H group of CDs, as well as the hydrophobic interactions between the hydrogen on the benzene ring of EZL and the hydrogen of CDs, played crucial roles in the formation of EZL/CD inclusion complexes. The results of this study can lay the foundation for the future development of high-concentration drinking water delivery formulations for EZL.

Advanced Diffusion Tensor Imaging in White Matter Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is recognized as an especially severe stroke variant, notorious for its high mortality and long-term disability rates, in addition to a range of both immediate and enduring neurologic impacts. Over half of the SAH survivors experience varying degrees of neurologic disorders, with many enduring chronic neuropsychiatric conditions. Due to the limitations of traditional imaging techniques in depicting subtle changes within brain tissues posthemorrhage, the accurate detection and diagnosis of white matter (WM) injuries are complicated. Against this backdrop, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has emerged as a promising biomarker for structural imaging, renowned for its enhanced sensitivity in identifying axonal damage. This capability positions DTI as an invaluable tool for forming precise and expedient prognoses for SAH survivors. This study synthesizes an assessment of DTI for the diagnosis and prognosis of neurologic dysfunctions in patients with SAH, emphasizing the notable changes observed in DTI metrics and their association with potential pathophysiological processes. Despite challenges associated with scanning technology differences and data processing, DTI demonstrates significant clinical potential for early diagnosis of cognitive impairments following SAH and monitoring therapeutic effects. Future research requires the development of highly standardized imaging paradigms to enhance diagnostic accuracy and devise targeted therapeutic strategies for SAH patients. In sum, DTI technology not only augments our understanding of the impact of SAH but also may offer new avenues for improving patient prognoses.

Profiles of attitudes toward inclusive education among Chinese in-service teachers: their relationships with demographic factors and organizational commitment.

Introduction: The increased diversity of students (e.g., students with special educational needs) has presented teachers with unprecedented challenges. Teachers' attitudes toward inclusive education play a crucial role in teachers' organizational well-being. However, existing studies mostly explored attitudes toward inclusive education based on a variable-centered approach. This study used a person-centered approach to identify teachers' attitude profile membership and explored the relationships of attitude profiles with demographic factors (i.e., gender, years of teaching experience, subject taught, and in-service training) and organizational commitment. Methods: Nine hundred and seventy-two in-service teachers from forty-nine inclusive education schools in Beijing responded to the Revised Multidimensional Attitudes toward Inclusive Education Scale and the Organizational Commitment Inventory. Latent profile analyses, multinomial logistic regression, and univariate analysis of variance were used to analyze data. Results and discussion: The results revealed four attitude profiles: involuntary participation, behavior avoidance, neutral, and proactive involvement. Years of teaching experience and in-service training were significant predictors of teachers' latent profile membership. Teachers belonging to the involuntary participation profile showed the highest levels of maladaptive commitments to inclusive education schools. Teachers belonging to the proactive involvement and the behavior avoidance profiles showed higher levels of adaptive commitments. However, teachers belonging to the neutral profile had the lowest levels of adaptive commitments. The theoretical contributions, practical implications, and limitations are discussed.

Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Expression in a Syngeneic Breast Cancer Mouse Model.

PURPOSE: Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been studied in human breast cancer (BCa) biopsies, however, lack of data on PSMA expression in mouse models impedes development of PSMA-targeted therapies, particularly in improving breast conserving surgery (BCS) margins. This study aimed to validate and characterize the expression of PSMA in murine BCa models, demonstrating that PSMA can be utilized to improve therapies and imaging techniques. METHODS: Murine triple negative breast cancer 4T1 cells, and human cell lines, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, implanted into the mammary fat pads of BALB/c mice, were imaged by our PSMA targeted theranostic agent, PSMA-1-Pc413, and tumor to background ratios (TBR) were calculated to validate selective uptake. Immunohistochemistry was used to correlate PSMA expression in relation to CD31, an endothelial cell biomarker highlighting neovasculature. PSMA expression was also quantified by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Accumulation of PSMA-1-Pc413 was observed in 4T1 primary tumors and associated metastases. Average TBR of 4T1 tumors were calculated to be greater than 1.5-ratio at which tumor tissues can be distinguished from normal structures-at peak accumulation with the signal intensity in 4T1 tumors comparable to that in high PSMA expressing PC3-pip tumors. Extraction of 4T1 tumors and lung metastases followed by RT-PCR analysis and PSMA-CD31 co-staining shows that PSMA is consistently localized on tumor neovasculature with no expression in tumor cells and surrounding normal tissues. CONCLUSION: The selective uptake of PSMA-1-Pc413 in these cancer tissues as well as the characterization and validation of PSMA expression on neovasculature in this syngeneic 4T1 model emphasizes their potential for advancements in targeted therapies and imaging techniques for BCa. PSMA holds great promise as an oncogenic target for BCa and its associated metastases.