A dual RNA-seq analyses revealed dynamic arms race during the invasion of walnut by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

BACKGROUND: Walnut anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides seriously endangers the yield and quality of walnut, and has now become a catastrophic disease in the walnut industry. Therefore, understanding both pathogen invasion mechanisms and host response processes is crucial to defense against C. gloeosporioides infection. RESULTS: Here, we investigated the mechanisms of interaction between walnut fruits (anthracnose-resistant F26 fruit bracts and anthracnose-susceptible F423 fruit bracts) and C. gloeosporioides at three infection time points (24hpi, 48hpi, and 72hpi) using a high-resolution time series dual transcriptomic analysis, characterizing the arms race between walnut and C. gloeosporioides. A total of 20,780 and 6670 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in walnut and C. gloeosporioides against 24hpi, respectively. Generous DEGs in walnut exhibited opposite expression patterns between F26 and F423, which indicated that different resistant materials exhibited different transcriptional responses to C. gloeosporioides during the infection process. KEGG functional enrichment analysis indicated that F26 displayed a broader response to C. gloeosporioides than F423. Meanwhile, the functional analysis of the C. gloeosporioides transcriptome was conducted and found that PHI, SignalP, CAZy, TCDB genes, the Fungal Zn (2)-Cys (6) binuclear cluster domain (PF00172.19) and the Cytochrome P450 (PF00067.23) were largely prominent in F26 fruit. These results suggested that C. gloeosporioides secreted some type of effector proteins in walnut fruit and appeared a different behavior based on the developmental stage of the walnut. CONCLUSIONS: Our present results shed light on the arms race process by which C. gloeosporioides attacked host and walnut against pathogen infection, laying the foundation for the green prevention of walnut anthracnose.

Initial experience using ultrasound, automated breast volume scanner, and elastography for primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast: A rare case report.

Background: Primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast was a rare malignant tumor. Due to the extremely low morbidity and insufficient understanding of its imageological characteristics, there was a risk of misdiagnosis. In this case report, we presented the features of conventional US, elastography, automated breast volume scanner (ABVS), computed tomography (CT), and pathological findings of a case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast. Case presentation: A 74-year-old woman detected a mass of the left breast by palpation. Both ultrasound and CT revealed a solid mass in the outer quadrant of the left breast. After admission, she underwent a modified radical unilateral mastectomy under general anesthesia (resection of the lesion with left breast reserved). Furthermore, the intraoperative frozen section revealed malignant spindle cells, and the postoperative histopathology revealed primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast. After discharge, the patient was generally in good condition after the procedure and was asked to seek medical treatment in the oncology department. Findings on various imaging examinations and clinical data were carefully evaluated. Additionally, we also reviewed the associated kinds of literature. Conclusion: We reported the features of conventional US, elastography, ABVS, CT, and pathological findings of a rare case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast. Overall, our findings indicated that the above-mentioned features generally predict malignancy. However, compared to other malignant breast lesions, the features of this case were not specific enough.

An XGBoost Machine Learning Based Model for Predicting Ki-67 Value ≥ 15% in T2NXM0 Stage Primary Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using Clinical Data and Delta-Radiomic Features on Ultrasound Images and Overall Survival Analysis: A 5-Year Postoperative Follow-Up Study.

Objective: To establish a model based on clinical and delta-radiomic features within ultrasound images using XGBoost machine learning to predict proliferation-associated nuclear antigen Ki-67 value ≥ 15% in T2NXM0 stage primary breast cancer (BC). Method: Data were collected from 228 randomly selected BC patients who received ultrasound screening and postoperative pathologic assessment from April 2015 to September 2018. The patients were classified into the study group (n = 80) and control group (n = 148), and the data were apportioned into the training set and test set at a 7:3 ratio based on time intervals. In the training set, crucial factors were identified from clinical features and grayscale and delta-radiomic features within ultrasound images, by using the chi-square test, t-test, and rank-sum test. The clinical model, imaging model, and combined model were built using multivariate logistic regression, respectively. The model's predictive performance and clinical net benefit were assessed using DeLong's method and decision curve analysis. Meanwhile, an XGBoost algorithm is used to establish a prediction model to verify the above results. Results: The crucial factors affecting Ki-67 value ≥ 15% included BMI, lymph node metastases, BC volume, CA153, pathology type, tumor boundaries, tumor morphology, elastography score, and delta-radscore. The predictive performance of the combined model [AUC 0.857, OR 0.0290, 95% CI 0.793-0.908] was considerably improved on the training set than the clinical model [AUC 0.724, OR 0.0422, 95% CI 0.648-0.792] and the imaging model [AUC 0.798, OR 0.0355, 95% CI 0.727-0.857]. The decision curve analysis also confirmed that the combined model delivered a higher clinical net benefit, and the verification on the test set yielded similar results. The nomogram and the calibration curve plotted based on the combined model achieved satisfactory clinical effects. The SHAP value of the XGBoost algorithm also confirmed that lymph node metastasis, BC volume, elastography score, and delta-radscore are the best independent factors for predicting BC Ki-67 value ≥ 15%. Conclusion: The XGBoost machine learning-based combined model integrating clinical features and delta-radiomic features on ultrasound images was able to predict the Ki-67 value ≥ 15% in an efficient and noninvasive manner, providing important clues for clinical decision-making and follow-up in BC.

Mitigation of uranium toxicity in rice by Sphingopyxis sp. YF1: Evidence from growth, ultrastructure, subcellular distribution, and physiological characteristics.

Uranium (U) contamination of rice is an urgent ecological and agricultural problem whose effective alleviation is in great demand. Sphingopyxis genus has been shown to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soils. Rare research delves into the mitigation of uranium (U) toxicity to rice by Sphingopyxis genus. In this study, we exposed rice seedlings for 7 days at U concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg L-1 with or without the Sphingopyxis sp. YF1 in the rice nutrient solution. Here, we firstly found YF1 colonized on the root of rice seedlings, significantly mitigated the growth inhibition, and counteracted the chlorophyll content reduction in leaves induced by U. When treated with 1.1 × 107 CFU mL-1 YF1 with the amendment of 10 mg L-1 U, the decrease of U accumulation in rice seedling roots and shoots was the largest among all treatments; reduced by 39.3% and 32.1%, respectively. This was associated with the redistribution of the U proportions in different organelle parts, leading to the alleviation of the U damage to the morphology and structure of rice root. Interestingly, we found YF1 significantly weakens the expression of antioxidant enzymes genes (CuZnSOD,CATA,POD), promotes the up-regulation of metal-transporters genes (OsHMA3 and OsHMA2), and reduces the lipid peroxidation damage induced by U in rice seedlings. In summary, YF1 is a plant-probiotic with potential applications for U-contaminated rice, benefiting producers and consumers.

NH2-MIL-88B@TP-TA@CuS for photothermal catalytic synergistic antibacterial activity.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) provide a promising way to fight bacterial infection and meet the persistent challenge of antibiotic resistance. Nanoenzyme mimics natural enzyme and becomes an effective regulator of ROS level. In this study, NH2-MIL-88B with high specific surface area was selected as the core, and the covalent organic skeleton material TP-TA COF was wrapped by "sequential growth" technology. Subsequently, through the second hydrothermal treatment, the inorganic material CuS with excellent photothermal performance was integrated into the outer layer, and the NH2-MIL-88B@TP-TA@CuSX composite nanoenzyme was synthesized. Different from the traditional nano-enzyme, NH2-MIL-88B@TP-TA@CuSX nano-enzyme still has good catalytic effect under neutral conditions (pH=7). In addition, NH2-MIL-88B@TP-TA@CuSX has good near infrared (NIR) absorption rate and high photothermal conversion efficiency (PTCE is 48.7 %), which can be used for photothermal treatment (PTT) of bacteria. Mild photothermal effect can further enhance the enzyme-like catalytic activity of NH2-MIL-88B@TP-TA@CuSX, so that H2O2 can be more efficiently catalyzed to produce a large number of ROS. The experimental results in vitro show that NH2-MIL-88B@TP-TA@CuSX can effectively kill Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in the presence of laser irradiation and H2O2.

Controlling the amount of MoSe2 loaded SrTiO3 to activate peroxymonosulfate for efficient elimination of organic pollutants.

It is critical to effectively eliminate recalcitrant organic pollutants from wastewater. In this paper, the MoSe2/SrTiO3 (MST) catalysts were synthesized through simply controlling the amount of MoSe2 in the hydrothermal method to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of pollutants. The results demonstrated that sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline were almost eliminated by PMS/MST-3 (MoSe2/SrTiO3 mass ratio 0.3: 1) activation system. The effect of inorganic anions (Cl -, H2PO4 -, HCO3 -) and metal ions (Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) commonly found in actual water bodies on catalytic reaction was explored. Moreover, SO4• -, •OH and 1O2 were identified by EPR tests and scavenger experiments, where the SO4• - and •OH were the dominant reactive species. The XPS analysis indicated that the oxygen vacancies and charge transfer on the catalyst surface were the keys of PMS activation. The effect of active sites in SMX and TC on the catalytic degradation activity was explored by density functional theory, and it was obtained that the central nitrogen site of SMX was more vulnerable in the catalytic system, while the edge oxygen site of TC was more susceptible to attack.

Disorganisation of basement membrane zone architecture impairs melanocyte residence in vitiligo.

The basement membrane zone is the interface between the epidermis and dermis, and it is disrupted in several skin conditions. Here, we report the results of a comprehensive investigation into the structural and molecular factors of the basement membrane zone in vitiligo, a dermatological disorder characterised by depigmented patches on the skin. Using electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining, we confirmed abnormal basement membrane zone morphology and disrupted basement membrane zone architecture in human vitiliginous skin. Furthermore, we identified elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in human dermal fibroblasts as a key factor responsible for basement membrane zone matrix degradation. In our in vitro and ex vivo models, overexpression of MMP2 in fibroblasts led to basement membrane zone disruption and melanocyte disappearance. Importantly, we reveal that the loss of melanocytes in vitiligo is primarily linked to their weakened adhesion to the basement membrane, mediated by binding between integrin ß1 and laminin and discoidin domain receptor 1 and collagen IV. Finally, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression reversed depigmentation in a mouse model of vitiligo. In conclusion, our research shows the importance of basement membrane zone integrity in melanocyte residence and offers new avenues for therapeutic interventions to address this challenging skin condition. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

A Novel Intumescent MCA-Modified Sodium Silicate/Acrylic Flame-Retardant Coating to Improve the Flame Retardancy of Wood.

The incompatibility between inorganic flame retardants and organic acrylic coatings represents a significant challenge that requires resolution. This work selected environmentally friendly organic aqueous acrylic coatings as the substrate, sodium silicate hydrate as the inorganic flame retardant, and melamine cyanurate (MCA) as the flame-retardant modifier and the flame-retardant co-modifier, with the objective of improving the dispersion and flame-retardant properties of sodium silicate hydrate in the aqueous acrylic coatings. Subsequently, the sodium silicate/MCA/waterborne acrylic acid flame-retardant coating was prepared. The flame-retardant treatment was then applied to poplar veneer in order to create a flame-retardant poplar veneer. The dispersion of the flame-retardant coating was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Furthermore, the flame-retardant properties of the flame-retardant poplar veneer were analyzed by thermogravimetry (TG), limiting oxygen index (LOI), and cone calorimeter. The results demonstrated that the MCA-modified sodium silicate flame retardant was well dispersed in aqueous acrylic coatings. The results of the flame-retardant properties of the poplar veneer indicated that the ignition time of the 9% flame retardant-treated poplar veneer was increased by 122.7%, the limiting oxygen index value was increased by 43.0%, and the peak heat release rate (pHRR), the peak total heat release rate (pTHR), and the peak mass loss rate were decreased by 19.9%, 10.8%, and 27.2%, respectively, in comparison to the non-flame retardant-treated poplar veneer. Furthermore, the residual char mass increased by 14.4%, and the residual char exhibited enhanced thickness, density, and regularity. The results demonstrated that MCA was an effective promoter of sodium silicate dispersion in acrylic coatings. Furthermore, the sodium silicate/MCA/waterborne acrylic flame-retardant coating significantly enhance the flame retardancy of wood, and its flame retardant mechanism was consistent with the synergistic silicone-nitrogen expansion flame-retardant mechanism. This work presents a novel approach to enhancing the dispersion of inorganic flame retardants in organic coatings, offering a valuable contribution to the advancement of research and application in the domains of innovative flame retardant coatings and flame retardant wood.

Nut consumption, gut microbiota, and body fat distribution: results of a large, community-based population study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relationships among nut consumption, gut microbiota, and body fat distribution. METHODS: We studied 2255 Chinese adults in the Lanxi Cohort living in urban areas in Lanxi City, China. Fat distribution was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and nut consumption was assessed using food frequency questionnaires. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing was performed on stool samples from 1724 participants. Linear regression and Spearman correlation were used in all analyses. A validation study was performed using 1274 participants in the Lanxi Cohort living in rural areas. RESULTS: Nut consumption was beneficially associated with regional fat accumulation. Gut microbial analysis suggested that a high intake of nuts was associated with greater microbial α diversity. Six genera were found to be associated with nut consumption, and the abundance of genera Anaerobutyricum, Anaerotaenia, and Fusobacterium was significantly associated with fat distribution. Favorable relationships between α diversity and fat distribution were also observed. Similar relationships between gut microbiota and fat distribution were obtained in the validation analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that nut consumption is beneficially associated with body fat distribution and gut microbiota diversity and taxonomy. Furthermore, the microbial features related to high nut intake are associated with a favorable pattern of fat distribution.

Multiple small-dose infusions of G-CSF-mobilized haploidentical lymphocytes after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukaemia.

This retrospective study analysed 106 acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients undergoing autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) to assess the impact of multiple small-dose infusions of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized haploidentical lymphocytes as post-ASCT maintenance therapy. Among them, 50 patients received lymphocyte maintenance therapy, 21 received alternative maintenance therapy, and 35 received no maintenance therapy. Patients receiving lymphocyte maintenance therapy demonstrated significantly higher overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) compared to those without maintenance therapy, with 4-year OS and DFS rates notably elevated. While there were no significant differences in recurrence rates among the three groups, lymphocyte maintenance therapy showcased particular benefits for intermediate-risk AML patients, yielding significantly higher OS and DFS rates and lower relapse rates compared to alternative maintenance therapy and no maintenance therapy. The study suggests that multiple small-dose infusions of G-CSF-mobilized haploidentical lymphocytes may offer promising outcomes for AML patients after ASCT, particularly for those classified as intermediate-risk. These findings underscore the potential efficacy of lymphocyte maintenance therapy in reducing disease relapse and improving long-term prognosis in this patient population.

MYB expression by immunohistochemistry is highly specific and sensitive for detection of solid variant of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast among all triple-negative breast cancers.

BACKGROUND: Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare subtype of triple-negative breast carcinoma. These low-grade tumours, which are treated by simple mastectomy and have an excellent prognosis compared to other triple-negative breast carcinomas. Solid-variant adenoid cystic carcinomas have basaloid features and are difficult to distinguish morphologically from other triple-negative breast cancers. Breast adenoid cystic carcinoma exhibits MYB protein overexpression, which can be detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). AIM: We compared the IHC expression of MYB in solid-variant adenoid cystic carcinoma with that in other triple-negative breast cancers. METHODS: We conducted IHC staining of 210 samples of triple-negative breast cancers, including solid-variant adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 17), metaplastic breast carcinoma (n = 44), basaloid triple-negative breast cancer (n = 21), and other triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma (n = 128). We classified nuclear staining of MYB as diffuse/strong (3+), focal moderate (2+), focal weak (1+), or none (0). RESULTS: All 17 solid/basaloid adenoid cystic carcinoma cases exhibited 3+ MYB expression. Of the 21 solid/basaloid triple-negative breast cancers, one (5%) had 2+ expression, seven (33%) 1+ expression, and 13 (62%) 0 expression. Of the 44 metaplastic carcinoma cases, 39 cases (89%) had no (0) staining, and the other five cases had focal weak (1+) or moderate (2+) staining. Among the 128 triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma cases, 92 cases (72%) had no (0) staining, 36 cases (28%) exhibited focal weak (1+) or moderate (2+) staining. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed diffuse/strong MYB staining (3+) only in solid/basaloid adenoid cystic carcinomas. Thus, we recommend routine MYB IHC staining in triple-negative breast carcinoma with solid/basaloid morphology to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Assessment of Pelvic Tilt in Anteroposterior Radiographs by Area Ratio Based on Deep Learning.

STUDY DESIGN: Diagnostics. OBJECTIVES: Based on deep learning semantic segmentation model, we sought to assess pelvic tilt by area ratio of the lesser pelvic and the obturator foramen in anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. BACKGROUND: Pelvic tilt is a critical factor in hip and spinal surgery, commonly evaluated by medical professionals through sagittal pelvic radiographs. The inherent pelvic asymmetry, as well as potential obstructions from clothing and musculature in roentgenography, may result in ghosting and blurring artifacts, thereby complicating precise measurement. METHODS: PT directly affects the area ratio of the lesser pelvis to the obturator foramen in AP radiographs. An exponential regression analysis of simulated radiographs from ten male and ten female pelvises in specific tilt positions derived a formula correlating this area ratio with PT. Two blinded investigators evaluated this formula using 161 simulated AP pelvic radiographs. A deep learning semantic segmentation model was then fine-tuned to automatically calculate the area ratio, enabling intelligent PT evaluation. This model and the regression function were integrated for automated PT measurement and tested on a dataset of 231 clinical cases. RESULTS: We observed no disparity between males and females in the aforementioned area ratio. The test results from two blinded investigators analyzing 161 simulated radiographs revealed a mean absolute error of 0.19° (SD±4.71°), with a correlation coefficient between them reaching 0.96. Additionally, the mean absolute error obtained from testing 231 clinical AP radiographs using the fine-tuned semantic segmentation model mentioned earlier is -0.58° (SD±5.97°). CONCLUSION: We found that using deep learning neural networks enabled a more accurate and robust automatic measurement of PT through the area ratio of the lesser pelvis and obturator foramen.

iTRAQ proteomics analysis of placental tissue with gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus is an endocrine and metabolic disorder that appears for the first time during pregnancy and causes varying degrees of short- and/or long-term effects on the mother and child. The etiology of the disease is currently unknown and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation proteomics approach, the present study attempted to identify potential proteins in placental tissues that may be involved in the pathogenesis of GDM and adverse foetal pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Pregnant women with GDM hospitalised were selected as the experimental group, and pregnant women with normal glucose metabolism as the control group. The iTRAQ protein quantification technology was used to screen the differentially expressed proteins between the GDM group and the normal control group, and the differentially expressed proteins were analysed by GO, KEGG, PPI, etc., and the key proteins were subsequently verified by western blot. RESULTS: Based on the proteomics of iTRAQ, we experimented with three different samples of placental tissues from GDM and normal pregnant women, and the total number of identified proteins were 5906, 5959, and 6017, respectively, which were similar in the three different samples, indicating that the results were reliable. Through the Wayne diagram, we found that the total number of proteins coexisting in the three groups was 4475, and 91 differential proteins that could meet the quantification criteria were strictly screened, of which 32 proteins were up-regulated and 59 proteins were down-regulated. By GO enrichment analysis, these differential proteins are widely distributed in extracellular membrane-bounded organelle, mainly in extracellular exosome, followed by intracellular vesicle, extracellular organelle. It not only undertakes protein binding, protein complex binding, macromolecular complex binding, but also involves molecular biological functions such as neutrophil degranulation, multicellular organismal process, developmental process, cellular component organization, secretion, regulated exocytosis. Through the analysis of the KEGG signaling pathway, it is found that these differential proteins are mainly involved in HIF-1 signaling pathway, Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis, Central carbon metabolism in cancer, AMPK signaling pathway, Proteoglycans in cancer, Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, Thyroid cancer, Alcoholism, Glucagon signaling pathway. DISCUSSION: This preliminary study helps us to understand the changes in the placental proteome of GDM patients, and provides new insights into the pathophysiology of GDM.

Effect of the OPHN1 novel variant c.1025+1 G>A on RNA splicing: insights from a minigene assay.

This research analyzes the clinical data, whole-exome sequencing results, and in vitro minigene functional experiments of a child with developmental delay and intellectual disability. The male patient, aged 4, began experiencing epileptic seizures at 3 months post-birth and has shown developmental delay. Rehabilitation training was administered between the ages of one and two. There were no other significant family medical histories. Through comprehensive family exome genetic testing, a hemizygous variant in the 11th exon of the OPHN1 gene was identified in the affected child: c.1025 + 1G > A. Family segregation analysis confirmed the presence of this variant in the patient's mother, which had not been previously reported. According to the ACMG guidelines, this variant was classified as a likely pathogenic variant. In response to this variant, an in vitro minigene functional experiment was designed and conducted, confirming that the mutation affects the normal splicing of the gene's mRNA, resulting in a 56 bp retention on the left side of Intron 11. It was confirmed that OPHN1: c.1025 + 1G > A is the pathogenic cause of X-linked intellectual disabilities in the child, with clinical phenotypes including developmental delay and seizures.

Hepatopancreas Transcriptome Analysis of Spinibarbus sinensis to Reveal Different Growth-Related Genes.

Spinibarbus sinensis, also known as Qingbo, is an important economic fish in China. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying its growth are still unknown. To excavate the genes and signaling pathways related to its growth, we compared the transcriptome profiles of the hepatopancreas tissues of S. sinensis, with two groups of growth rate for evaluation. An average of 66,304,909 and 68,739,585 clean reads were obtained in the fast growth (FG) and slow growth (SG) group, respectively. The differential gene expression analysis results showed that 272 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between the FG and SG groups, including 101 up-regulated genes and 171 down-regulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis results showed that GO terms related to metabolic process, organic substance metabolic process, and catalytic activity were enriched, pathway signals related to steroid biosynthesis and protein digestion and absorption were also detected. Meanwhile, the potential key regulatory genes sst2, fndc4, and cckra related to the growth of S. sinensis were screened. Reverse transcript fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) validation of 18 DEGs associated with growth differences showed that the RT-qPCR results were consistent with RNA-seq analysis, and nine genes, stk31, gpr149, angptl1, fstl1, sik1, ror2, nlrc3, pdlim2, and nav2 were significantly expressed in the FG group. bmp1, stc1, gpatch8, sstrt2, s100a1, ktf6, cckar6, sync1, bhlha15, a total of nine genes were significantly expressed in the SG group. This study provides basic information for improving the growth characteristics of S. sinensis and the functional research of candidate genes.

The role of ribosomal DNA methylation in embryonic development, aging and diseases.

The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) constitutes a remarkably conserved DNA sequence within species, located in the area of the nucleolus, and responsible for coding three major types of rRNAs (18S, 5.8S and 28S). While historical investigations into rDNA focused on its structure and coding capabilities, recent research has turned to explore its functional roles in various biological processes. In this review, we summarize the main findings of rDNA methylation with embryonic development, aging and diseases in multiple species, including epigenetic alterations, related biological processes and potential applications of rDNA methylation. We present an overview of current related research and identify gaps in this field.

EQ-5D-5L Population Scores in Mainland China: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey 2021.

OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of monitoring changes in the population scores of the most recent version, EQ-5D-5L, in mainland China. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by assessing the EQ-5D-5L scores in mainland China using a nationally representative sample. METHODS: Data were extracted from the 2021 Survey of Health Index of Chinese Families, which covered 31 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities in mainland China. The survey used a multistage quota sampling strategy encompassing 120 prefecture-level cities. Quotas were allocated to each prefecture-level city in accordance with the 2020 China Population Census. This approach resulted in a final sample of 11 030 eligible questionnaires. The utility index (UI) and EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ VAS) scores were reported for the entire sample (age-gender-urban/rural weighted) and by the characteristics of the study participants. RESULTS: The study participants had a weighted mean UI of 0.939 (SD 0.135) and EQ VAS score of 80.19 (SD 18.39). The most commonly reported problem was anxiety/depression (26.37%), whereas self-care was the least reported problem (6.18%). Those who were male, were younger, lived without chronic conditions and disabilities, had higher levels of education, earned higher monthly household income, and were covered by basic medical insurance for urban employees had higher scores in both the UI and EQ VAS. CONCLUSION: This study revealed slightly lower UI scores despite a much higher drop in EQ VAS scores whereas China maintained minimum cases of COVID-19 in 2021 compared with the population norms recorded in 2019. Further studies are warranted to unveil the full impacts of COVID-19 outbreaks.

Preparation and Performance Evaluation of a New Type of Polyethylene-vinyl Acetate/Polystyrene Microsphere Composite Pour Point Depressant for Waxy Crude Oil.

Polymer/inorganic nanocomposite pour point depressant (PPD) is a research hotspot in the field of waxy crude oil pipelining. However, the inorganic nanoparticles need to be organically modified to improve their organic compatibility, and the inorganic nanoparticles are harmful to crude oil refining. In this work, organic PSMS with an average size of 1.4 µm was first synthesized by dispersion polymerization. Then, a new type of EVA/PSMS composite PPD was prepared by melt blending. The effects of the PSMS, EVA PPD, and composite PPD on the pour point, rheological properties, and wax precipitating properties of a specific waxy crude oil were investigated. It was found that adding 50-200 ppm of PSMS alone slightly improves the crude oil rheology through a spatial hindrance effect, while adding 20 ppm of EVA PPD greatly improves the crude oil rheology by modifying the wax crystal morphology. Compared with EVA PPD, adding 20 ppm composite PPD improves the crude oil rheology further, and the rheological improving ability first enhances and then weakens with increasing the PSMS content in the composite PPD (0-10 wt %). At the PSMS content in the composite PPD 5 wt %, the EVA/PSMS 5% composite PPD makes the wax crystal aggregates more compact, thus showing the strongest rheological improving ability. The EVA molecules could adsorb on the PSMS and form the composite particles, which further regulate the wax crystal morphology and then improve the crude oil rheology further.

Sodium sulphate ameliorates hypercholesterolemia via the upregulation of Cyp7a1 in hepatocytes and alleviates hepatic insulin resistance via the downregulation of Trib3 in mice with high cholesterol diets.

Amelioration of hypercholesterolemia is essential for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Sodium sulphate is the effective component of mirabilite, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 7 weeks and were treated with sodium sulphate in the last three of those weeks. Sodium sulphate significantly reduced the total cholesterol level and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in the serum of mice fed the HCD. In addition, cytochrome P450 7a1 and 39a1 were significantly upregulated in the livers of mice treated with sodium sulphate. Furthermore, tribbles pseudokinase 3 expression was significantly increased in the livers of mice fed the HCD, but was significantly reduced by sodium sulphate treatment. In terms of the insulin signaling pathway, the ratio of phosphorylated AKT to total AKT in the livers of mice fed the HCD was significantly lower compared with that of control mice fed a normal diet, but was significantly increased by sodium sulphate treatment. Sodium sulphate treatment also reduced the levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)15 in the ileum and inhibited the FGF15/FGF receptor 4-Klotho ß/c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-Jun signaling pathway in the livers of mice fed the HCD. In addition, sodium sulphate changed the composition of the gut microbiota of mice fed the HCD. In conclusion, sodium sulphate may mitigate hypercholesterolemia and hepatic insulin resistance in mice fed an HCD.

Detecting Pb2+ in aqueous environment and live cells by amphiphilic pillar[5]arene-assembled supramolecular sensor based on host-guest charge transfer mechanism.

Water-soluble fluorescent chemosensors for lead ion are highly desirable in environmental detection and bioimagery. Based on a water-soluble pillar[5]arene WP5 and imidazolium terminal functionalized 2,2'-bibenzimidazole derivative BIHB, we report a host-guest charge transfer assembly BIHB-2WP5 for sensitive and selective detection of Pb2+ in pure aqueous media. As a result of its high electron-rich cavity, WP5 can bind electron-deficiency guest BIHB with various host/guest stoichiometry to easily tune the microtopography of assembly from nanoparticle to nanocube. In view of the good biocompatibility and sensitivity, the supramolecular assembly BIHB-2WP5 was used as a fluorescent probe for the detection of Pb2+ in living cells and a smartphone Pb2+ detection device was constructed for the in situ test.