The impact of prenatal mental health on birth outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui, China.

Adverse birth outcomes remain challenging public health problems in China. Increasing evidence indicated that prenatal depression and anxiety are associated with adverse birth outcomes, highlighting the importance and severity of prenatal depression and anxiety in China. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to further exacerbate prenatal mental health problems and increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess and compare the impacts of prenatal mental health issues on birth outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ma'anshan, Anhui, China. Participants in this study were women who visited local maternal and child health hospitals in Ma'anshan, Anhui, China. Two independent sets of individual maternal data (npre-pamdemic = 1148; npandemic = 2249) were collected. Prenatal depression and anxiety were measured online using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Adverse birth outcomes were determined using hospital-recorded infant birth weight and gestational age at delivery. In this study, we found that the pandemic cohort had lower mean EPDS and GAD-7 scores than the pre-pandemic cohort. The prevalence of prenatal depression (14.5%) and anxiety (26.7%) among the pandemic cohort were lower than the pre-pandemic cohort (18.6% and 36.3%). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of adverse birth outcomes comparing the two cohorts. Prenatal depression was associated with small gestational age only in the pandemic cohort (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.00-1.19, p = 0.042). Overall, this study highlighted an association between prenatal depression and small for gestational age in Anhui, China. Addressing prenatal depression may thus be key in improving birth outcomes. Future studies could focus on potential causal relationships.

Identification of PgRg1-3 Gene for Ginsenoside Rg1 Biosynthesis as Revealed by Combining Genome-Wide Association Study and Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis of Jilin Ginseng Core Collection.

Ginseng, an important medicinal plant, is characterized by its main active component, ginsenosides. Among more than 40 ginsenosides, Rg1 is one of the ginsenosides used for measuring the quality of ginseng. Therefore, the identification and characterization of genes for Rg1 biosynthesis are important to elucidate the molecular basis of Rg1 biosynthesis. In this study, we utilized 39,327 SNPs and the corresponding Rg1 content from 344 core ginseng cultivars from Jilin Province. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) combining weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), SNP-Rg1 content association analysis, and gene co-expression network analysis; three candidate Rg1 genes (PgRg1-1, PgRg1-2, and PgRg1-3) and one crucial candidate gene (PgRg1-3) were identified. Functional validation of PgRg1-3 was performed using methyl jasmonate (MeJA) regulation and RNAi, confirming that this gene regulates Rg1 biosynthesis. The spatial-temporal expression patterns of the PgRg1-3 gene and known key enzyme genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis differ. Furthermore, variations in their networks have a significant impact on Rg1 biosynthesis. This study established an accurate and efficient method for identifying candidate genes, cloned a novel gene controlling Rg1 biosynthesis, and identified 73 SNPs significantly associated with Rg1 content. This provides genetic resources and effective tools for further exploring the molecular mechanisms of Rg1 biosynthesis and molecular breeding.

Effector MoSDT1 enhances Magnaporthe oryzae virulence and plays a dual role in regulating rice defense.

C2H2 zinc effectors are a class of pathogen proteins that play a dual role in plant-pathogen interactions, promoting pathogenicity and enhancing plant defense. In our previous research, we identified Magnaporthe oryzae Systemic Defense Trigger 1 (MoSDT1) as a C2H2 zinc effector that activates rice (Oryza sativa) defense when overexpressed in rice. However, its regulatory roles in pathogenicity and defense require further investigation. In this study, we generated an MoSDT1 overexpressing strain and 2 knockout strains of M. oryzae to assess the impact of MoSDT1 on pathogenicity, rice defense, and phenotypic characteristics. Our analyses revealed that MoSDT1 substantially influenced vegetative growth, conidia size, and conidiation, and was crucial for the virulence of M. oryzae while suppressing rice defense. MoSDT1 localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm of rice, either dependent or independent of M. oryzae delivery. Through RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, and ChIP-seq, we identified that MoSDT1 modulates rice defense by regulating the phosphorylation and ubiquitination of various rice signaling proteins, including transcription factors, transcription repressors, kinases, phosphatases, and the ubiquitin system. These findings provide valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of C2H2 zinc finger effector proteins and offer important foundational information for utilizing their target genes in disease resistance breeding and the design of targets for disease management.

Unveiling the mechanism of photothermal therapy in acne man-agement: targeting sebaceous gland ferroptosis via umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell membrane-encapsulated Au-Ag-PDA.

Background: Branched gold and silver nanoparticles coated with polydopamine (Au-Ag-PDA) demonstrate high photothermal conversion efficiency. Utilizing umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell membranes (MSCM) as an effective drug delivery system, our preliminary studies investigated the suppression of sebum secretion in sebaceous glands using MSCM-coated Au-Ag-PDA nano-particles (Au-Ag-PDA@MSCM) combined with 808 nm laser irradiation, showing potential for dermatological applications in acne treatment. Methods: This study employs proteomic analysis, complemented by subsequent techniques such as Western blotting (WB), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and transmission electron microscopy, to further investigate the differential mechanisms by which Au-Ag-PDA and Au-Ag-PDA@MSCM-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) suppress sebum secretion. Results: Our proteomic analysis indicated mitochondrial respiratory chain damage in sebaceous gland tissues post-PTT, with further validation revealing ferroptosis in sebaceous cells and tissues. Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long-Chain Family Member 4 (Acsl4) has been identified as a critical target, with Au-Ag-PDA@MSCM demonstrating enhanced ferroptotic effects. Conclusion: These findings significantly advance our understanding of how PTT mediated by Au-Ag-PDA@MSCM nanoparticles reduces sebum secretion and underscore the pivotal role of MSCM in inducing ferroptosis in sebaceous glands, thus providing a robust theoretical foundation for employing PTT via specific molecular pathways in acne treatment.

Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus carrying the IL24 gene exerts antitumor effects by inhibiting tumor growth and vascular sprouting.

The second-leading cause of death, cancer, poses a significant threat to human life. Innovations in cancer therapies are crucial due to limitations in traditional approaches. Newcastle disease virus (NDV), a nonpathogenic oncolytic virus, exhibits multifunctional anticancer properties by selectively infecting, replicating, and eliminating tumor cells. To enhance NDV's antitumor activity, four oncolytic NDV viruses were developed, incorporating IL24 and/or GM-CSF genes at different gene loci using reverse genetics. In vitro experiments revealed that oncolytic NDV virus augmented the antitumor efficacy of the parental virus rClone30, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell fusion, and promoting apoptosis. Moreover, NDV carrying the IL24 gene inhibited microvessel formation in CAM experiments. Evaluation in a mouse model of liver cancer confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic NDV viral therapy. Tumors in mice treated with oncolytic NDV virus significantly decreased in size, accompanied by tumor cell detachment and apoptosis evident in pathological sections. Furthermore, oncolytic NDV virus enhanced T cell and dendritic cell production and substantially improved the survival rate of mice with hepatocellular carcinoma, with rClone30-IL24(P/M) demonstrating significant therapeutic effects. This study establishes a basis for utilizing oncolytic NDV virus as an antitumor agent in clinical practice.

Long non-coding RNA (CMR) involved in autoprotection in S. aureus mastitis in dairy cows by regulating miR-877/FOXM1.

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are dysregulated in a variety of human diseases and are highly involved in the development and progression of tumors. Studies on lncRNAs associated with cow mastitis have been lagging behind compared to humans or model animals, therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of LncRNAs (CMR) involved in autoprotection against S. aureus mastitis in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells (BMECs). First, qRT-PCR was used to examine the relative expression of CMR in a S. aureus mastitis model of BMECs. Then, cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by EdU and apoptosis assay. Finally, the targeting relationship between miRNAs and mRNA/LncRNAs was determined by dual luciferase reporter gene, qRT-PCR and western blotting techniques. The results showed that CMR was upregulated in the S. aureus mastitis model of BMECs and promoted the expression of inflammatory factors, and SiRNA-mediated CMR inhibited the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, CMR acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) sponge miR-877, leading to upregulation of FOXM1, a target of miR-877. Importantly, either miR-877 overexpression or FOXM1 inhibition abrogated CMR knockdown-induced apoptosis promoting cell proliferation and reducing inflammatory factor expression levels. In summary, CMR is involved in the regulation of autoprotection against S. aureus mastitis through the miR-877/FOXM1 axis in BMECs and induces immune responses in mammary tissues and cells of dairy cows, providing an important reference for subsequent prevention and control of cow mastitis and the development of targeted drugs.

Mowing increased community stability in semiarid grasslands more than either fencing or grazing.

A substantial body of empirical evidence suggests that anthropogenic disturbance can affect the structure and function of grassland ecosystems. Despite this, few studies have elucidated the mechanisms through which grazing and mowing, the two most widespread land management practices, affect the stability of natural grassland communities. In this study, we draw upon 9 years of field data from natural grasslands in northern China to investigate the effects of gazing and mowing on community stability, specifically focusing on community aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and dominance, which are two major biodiversity mechanisms known to characterize community fluctuations. We found that both grazing and mowing reduced ANPP in comparison to areas enclosed by fencing. Grazing reduced community stability by increasing the likelihood of single-species dominance and decreasing the relative proportion of nondominant species. In contrast, mowing reduced the productivity of the dominant species but increased the productivity of nondominant species. As a consequence, mowing improved the overall community stability by increasing the stability of nondominant species. Our study provides novel insight into understanding of the relationship between community species fluctuation-stability, with implications for ecological research and ecosystem management in natural grasslands.

Inhibition of TREM-1 alleviates neuroinflammation by modulating microglial polarization via SYK/p38MAPK signaling pathway after traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI), as a major public health problem, is characterized by high incidence rate, disability rate, and mortality rate. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of TBI. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is recognized as an amplifier of the inflammation in diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). However, the function of TREM-1 remains unclear post-TBI. This study aimed to investigate the function of TREM-1 in neuroinflammation induced by TBI. METHODS: Brain water content (BWC), modified neurological severity score (mNSS), and Morris Water Maze (MWM) were measured to evaluate the effect of TREM-1 inhibition on nervous system function and outcome after TBI. TREM-1 expression in vivo was evaluated by Western blotting. The cellular localization of TREM-1 in the damaged region was observed via immunofluorescence staining. We also conducted Western blotting to examine expression of SYK, p-SYK and other downstream proteins. RESULTS: We found that inhibition of TREM-1 reduced brain edema, decreased mNSS and improved neurobehavioral outcomes after TBI. It was further determined that TREM-1 was expressed on microglia and modulated subtype transition of microglia. Inhibition of TREM-1 alleviated neuroinflammation, which was associated with SYK/p38MAPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TREM-1 can be a potential clinical therapeutic target for alleviating neuroinflammation after TBI.

High stocking rates effects in continuous season long grazing reduces the contribution of microbial necromass to soil organic carbon in a semi-arid grassland in Inner Mongolia.

Livestock grazing strongly influences the accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) in grasslands. However, whether the changes occurring in SOC content under different intensities of continuous summer long grazing are associated with the changes in microbially-derived necromass C remains unclear. Here, we established a sheep grazing experiment in northern China in 2004 with four different stocking rates. Soil samples were collected after 17 years of grazing and analyzed for physical, chemical, and microbial characteristics. Grazing decreased SOC and microbial necromass carbon (MNC). Notably, grazing also diminished contributions of MNC to SOC. MNC declined with decreasing plant carbon inputs with degradation of the soil environment. Direct reductions in microbial necromass C, which indirectly reduced SOC, resulted from reduced in plant C inputs and microbial abundance and diversity. Our study highlights the key role of stocking rate in governing microbial necromass C and SOC and the complex relationships these variables.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 mitigates lupus nephritis progression via the FGF21/Irgm 1/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

As an endocrine cytokine, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. With the development of lupus nephritis (LN), which is tightly related to pathogenic factors, including inflammation and immune cell dysregulation, we explored the impact of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) as well as its underlying mechanism. We induced an in vivo LN model using pristane in both wild-type C57BL/6 and FGF21 knockout (FGF21-/-) mice. LN serum obtained from 32-week-old wild-type LN mice was used to stimulate RAW264.7 and human renal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells to mimic an in vitro LN model. Moreover, our findings revealed that FGF21-/- mice showed more severe kidney injury compared to wild-type mice, as evidenced by increased levels of renal function markers, inflammatory factors, and fibrosis markers. Notably, exogenous administration of FGF21 to wild-type LN mice markedly mitigated these adverse effects. Additionally, we used tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics to detect differentially expressed proteins following FGF21 treatment. Results indicated that 121 differentially expressed proteins influenced by FGF21 were involved in biological processes such as immune response and complement activation. Significantly upregulated protein Irgm 1, coupled with modulated inflammatory response, appeared to contribute to the beneficial effects of FGF21. Furthermore, Western blot analysis demonstrated that FGF21 upregulated Irgm 1 while inhibiting nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors family pyrin domain including 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome expression. Silencing Irgm 1, in turn, reversed FGF21's inhibitory effect on NLRP3 inflammasome. In summary, FGF21 can potentially alleviate pristane-induced lupus nephritis in mice, possibly through the FGF21/Irgm 1/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Multi-Omics Approach Reveals OsPIL1 as a Regulator Promotes Rice Growth, Grain Development, and Blast Resistance.

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a crucial crop, achieving high yield concurrent pathogen resistance remains a challenge. Transcription factors play roles in growth and abiotic tolerance. However, rice phytochrome-interacting factor-like 1 (OsPIL1) in pathogen resistance and agronomic traits remains unexplored. We generated OsPIL1 overexpressing (OsPIL1 OE) rice lines and evaluated their impact on growth, grain development, and resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae. Multiomics analysis (RNA-seq, metabolomics, and CUT&Tag) and RT-qPCR validated OsPIL1 target genes and key metabolites. In the results, OsPIL1 OE rice lines exhibited robust growth, longer grains, and enhanced resistance to M. oryzae without compromising growth. Integrative multiomics analysis revealed a coordinated regulatory network centered on OsPIL1, explaining these desirable traits. OsPIL1 likely acts as a positive regulator, targeting transcriptional elements or specific genes with direct functions in several biological programs. In particular, a range of key signaling genes (phosphatases, kinases, plant hormone genes, transcription factors), and metabolites (linolenic acid, vitamin E, trigonelline, d-glucose, serotonin, choline, genistein, riboflavin) contributed to enhanced rice growth, grain size, pathogen resistance, or a combination of these traits. These findings highlight OsPIL1's regulatory role in promoting important traits and provide insights into potential strategies for rice breeding.

A mechanical and three-dimensional finite element study of the optimum tooth sectioning depth during the extraction of low-level horizontally impacted mandibular third molar.

The present study aims to determine the optimum sectioning depth for the extraction of low-level horizontally impacted mandibular third molar (LHIM3M) using mechanical and finite element analysis. One hundred and fifty extracted mandibular third molars were randomly divided into three groups: 1, 2 or 3 mm of tooth tissue was retained at the bottom of the crown. The breaking force of teeth was tested in a universal strength testing machine. The fracture surface was observed and the type of tooth breakage was recorded. According to the three groups, corresponding 3D finite element models were created. The breaking force obtained in the mechanical study was, respectively, applied and the stress and strain of the teeth and surrounding tissues were analysed. Breaking force decreased as sectioning depth increased. The 2 mm group produced the lowest rate of incomplete breakage (10%). In the 2 mm model, the stresses were evenly distributed in the tooth tissue at the bottom of the fissure, and the maximal stress was located in the tissue close to the root segment. The maximum values of stresses in the bone and of strains in the periodontal ligament of the second molar and bone were lower in the 1 mm model than in other models. Their distribution was similar in the three models. A sectioning depth of 1 mm group saves labour during the extraction of LHIM3M, compared to 2 and 3 mm; 2 mm might be the appropriate sectioning depth in terms of breakage shapes.

Comparison of errors in ablation depth calculation after myopic femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis in patients with different degrees of myopia: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the difference between the predicted preoperative corneal ablation depth and the measured ablation depth for femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) in patients with different degrees of myopia, and to analyze the source of the difference. METHODS: A total of 55 patients (109 eyes) were included in this study. Multiple logistics regression was applied to analyze the sources affecting postoperative refractive outcomes. The difference between the preoperative predicted corneal ablation depth and the 1-day postoperative ablation depth in patients with different degrees of myopia was explored using linear regression. Corneal biomechanical parameters influencing error in ablation depth calculation were examined using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: One hundred and nine eyes were divided into low to moderate myopia (55 eyes, myopia of 6 D or less), high myopia (45 eyes, myopia ranging from 6 D to a maximum of 9 D), and very high myopia group (9 eyes, myopia greater than 9 D) based on preoperative refractive error (spherical equivalent). Postoperative visual outcomes were comparable among the three groups of patients, with no significant difference in uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA). We did find notable disparities in spherical equivalent (SE) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with different degrees of myopia at 1 day postoperatively (all p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that error in ablation depth calculation was an independent risk factor for refractive outcomes one day after surgery (OR = 1.689, 95% CI: 1.366 - 2.089). There was a substantial discrepancy in error in ablation depth calculation at 1 day postoperatively between the three groups. The measured ablation depth of the laser platform was lower than the predicted ablation depth in the low to moderate myopia and very high myopia groups, but the opposite was true in the high myopia group. Pre-operative SE (p < 0.001) and corneal front minimum radius of curvature (Front Rmin) (p = 0.007) obviously influenced the error in ablation depth calculation. CONCLUSIONS: Error in ablation depth calculation values vary significantly between patients with different degrees of myopia and correlate highly with preoperative SE and Front Rmin. At the same time, the available evidence suggests that error in ablation depth calculation is an influential factor in postoperative refractive status, so it is imperative to control error in ablation depth calculation.

Multiple roles of LncRNA-BMNCR on cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting miR-145/CBFB axis in BMECs.

Bovine mastitis is one of the most serious and costly disease affecting dairy cattle production. The present study explored the inflammatory response and autoprotective mechanism of a novel specific high expression BMNCR (bovine mastitis related long non-coding RNA) in S. aureus induced mastitis by miR-145/CBFB axis in dairy cows from the perspective of molecular genetics. In bovine mammary epithelial cells, we preformed loss of function experiments to detect changes in cytokine, proliferation and apoptosis by qRT-PCR, western blot, flow cytometry and EdU staining. The results demonstrated that BMNCR significantly increased cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation. However, the secretion of IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-12 were enhanced after knock-down BMNCR. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that BMNCR could target 8 miRNAs, in-depth analyses indicated that BMNCR acts as a molecular sponge for bta-miR-145 and CBFB was one of 23 target gene of bta-miR-145 . The results of the present study demonstrated that the role of BMNCR in S. aureus induced mastitis can be mediated by sponge bta-miR-145 activating CBFB expression. BMNCR could be a potential target for mastitis diagnosis and therapy, which may enrich the theoretical research of therapeutic intervention, and further increase milk yield and improve milk quality.

Rapid ultra-sensitive nucleic acid detection using plasmonic fiber-optic spectral combs and gold nanoparticle-tagged targets.

Nucleic acid (NA) is a widely-used biomarker for viruses. Accurate quantification of NA can provide a reliable basis for point-of-care diagnosis and treatment. Here, we propose a tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG)-based plasmonic fiber-optic spectral comb for fast response and ultralow limit NA detection. The TFBG is coated with a gold film which enables excitation of surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and single-stranded probe NAs with known base sequences are assembled on the gold film. To enhance sensitivity of refractive index (RI) for sensing a chosen combination of probe and target NAs around the TFBG surface, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are bonded to the target NA molecules as "RI-labels". The NA combination-induced aggregation of AuNPs induces significant spectral responses in the TFBG that would be below the detection threshold for the NAs in the absence of the AuNPs. The proposed TFBG-SPR NA sensor shows a fast response time of 30 s and an ultra-wide NA detection range from 1 × 10-18 mol/L to 1 × 10-7 mol/L. In the NA concentration range of 1 × 10-12 mol/L (1 pM) to 105 pM, an ultra-high sensitivity of 1.534 dB/lg(pM) is obtained. The sensor achieves an ultra-low limit of detection down to 1.0 × 10-18 mol/L (1 aM), which is more than an order of magnitude lower than the previous reports. The proposed sensor not only shows potentials in practical applications of NA detection, but also provides a new way for TFBG-SPR biochemical sensors to achieve higher RI sensitivity.