Effects of dioxin exposure on reproductive and thyroid hormone levels and male sexual function in airbase military workers in Vietnam.

Dioxins are endocrine disruptors that may disturb male sexual and reproductive function. Studies on human populations are limited, and their results are controversial. This study evaluated the impact of dioxin exposure on reproductive and thyroid hormone levels and sexual function in men. A total of 140 men working in four military airbases (three bases were formerly contaminated with dioxin by the herbicide spraying campaign in the Vietnam War) were recruited to measure the serum dioxin levels. Four reproductive hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin) and three thyroid hormones (free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxin (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone) were measured. Male sexual function endpoints including sexual drive, erection, ejaculation, problems, and overall satisfaction were assessed by the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory. The percentage of subjects with low testosterone and LH levels was 19.6% and 16.7%, respectively. Dioxins, especially 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-P-dioxin and toxic equivalent concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans, were inversely associated with testosterone and prolactin levels, but positively associated with FT3 and FT4, and showed adverse relationships with sexual function, such as sexual drive, problems, and overall satisfaction. Our results suggested that exposure to dioxin disrupts the homeostasis of reproductive and thyroid hormones leading to adverse effects on male sexual function.

Assessing the efficacy of mesotherapy products: Ultra Exo Booster, and Ultra S Line Plus in hair growth: An ex vivo study.

In this study, scalp tissues from Korean adults between 20 and 80 without skin disease were used. Scalp tissues were processed, and hair follicles were isolated and cultured with different treatments (including Bioscalp, Ultra Exo Booster, and Ultra S Line Plus) from Ultra V company. Over 12 days, observations and measurements of hair follicle characteristics were recorded at intervals (Days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12). The study assessed the impact of these substances on hair follicle growth and morphology. Bioscalp, combined with Ultra Exo Booster and Ultra S Line Plus, showed significant hair elongation in ex vivo. Preservation of hair bulb diameter was observed, indicating potential for sustained hair growth by exosome-based products. The hair growth cycle analysis suggested a lower transition to the catagen stage in test products from Ultra V compared to non-treated groups. The research findings indicated that the tested formulations, especially the combination of Bioscalp, Ultra Exo Booster, and Ultra S Line Plus, demonstrated significant effectiveness in promoting hair growth, maintaining the integrity of the hair bulb, and reducing the transition to the catagen stage. The study suggests promising alternative treatments for hair loss, illustrating results that were as good as those of the conventional testing product groups.

Evaluation test and analysis of a microneedle and iontophoresis based medical device "CELLADEEP Patch" in skin improvement on ex vivo human-derived skin tissue models.

BACKGROUND: Microneedles are tiny needles, typically ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers in length, used in various medical procedures and treatments. The tested medical device named "CELLADEEP Patch" a dissolvable microneedle therapy system (MTS), made of hyaluronic acid and collagen. And the iontophoresis technique is also applied in the system. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the "CELLADEEP Patch" in skin improvement. METHODS: Ex vivo human-derived skin tissue models were used in this study and they were divided into three different groups, namely, the Untreated Group, the Negative Control Group, and the Test Group respectively. The Untreated Group received no treatment measures, the Negative Control Group was exposed to ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) irradiation, and the Test Group was exposed to UVB irradiation and treated with "CELLADEEP Patch". Skin moisture content, transdermal water loss, and skin elasticity were evaluated by three clinical devices. Additionally, histological staining and related mRNA expression levels were also analyzed. RESULTS: The results of skin moisture content, transdermal water loss, and skin elasticity evaluation consistently illustrated that the application of "CELLADEEP Patch" led to remarkable skin improvement. And the analysis of histological staining images also confirmed the effectiveness of the "CELLADEEP Patch", especially for increasing collagen density. Moreover, the upregulation of Collagen type 1 a (COL1A1) and hyaluronan synthase 3 mRNA expression and the decrease of Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) mRNA expression reflected its wrinkle improvement, moisturizing and anti-inflammation function. CONCLUSION: "CELLADEPP Patch", the MTS combined with the iontophoresis technique, exhibits its effectiveness in moisturizing, skin elasticity improvement, and anti-inflammatory function when applied to ex vivo human-derived skin tissue models in experiments. The study has contributed to the understanding of the "CELLADEPP Patch" and laid the foundation for subsequent animal experiments and clinical trials.

Safety and Immunogenicity of the Live Attenuated Varicella Vaccine in Vietnamese Children Aged 12 Months to 12 Years: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Bridging Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the SKYVaricella vaccine in healthy Vietnamese children aged 12 months to 12 years. METHODS: This open-label, single-arm study involved 201 children divided into two groups: 60 children aged 12 months to 5 years and 141 children aged 6 to 12 years. Safety was assessed through immediate reactions, solicited adverse events within 7 days, and unsolicited events up to Day 42. Immunogenicity was evaluated by seroconversion rates (SCR) and geometric mean titer (GMT) increments using fluorescent antibody-to-membrane antigen (FAMA) on the day of vaccination (D0) and 42 days after vaccination (D42). RESULTS: All participants completed the follow-up. Immediate adverse events included pain (8.0%), redness (8.0%), and swelling (20.9%) at the injection site. Within 7 days, pain (17.9%) and swelling (12.4%) were mild and self-resolving. Unsolicited adverse events were infrequent and mild. Both age groups achieved 100% SCR. GMT of varicella-zoster virus antibodies increased from 1.37 (SD 1.97) at D0 to 18.02 (SD 2.22) at D42, a 13.12-fold rise. No Grade 3 adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: The SKYVaricella vaccine shows a robust immunogenic response and favorable safety profile in Vietnamese children aged 12 months to 12 years. These findings endorse its potential inclusion in pediatric vaccination programs as a reliable preventive option against varicella.

In Vitro and in Silico Study of New Biscoumarin Glycosides from Paramignya trimera against Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) for Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

In Vietnam, the stems and roots of the Rutaceous plant Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Burkill (known locally as "Xáo tam phân") are widely used to treat liver diseases such as viral hepatitis and acute and chronic cirrhosis. In an effort to search for Vietnamese natural compounds capable of inhibiting coronavirus based on molecular docking screening, two new dimeric coumarin glycosides, namely cis-paratrimerin B (1) and cis-paratrimerin A (2), and two previously identified coumarins, the trans-isomers paratrimerin B (3) and paratrimerin A (4), were isolated from the roots of P. trimera and tested for their anti-angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) inhibitory properties in vitro. It was discovered that ACE-2 enzyme was inhibited by cis-paratrimerin B (1), cis-paratrimerin A (2), and trans-paratrimerin B (3), with IC50 values of 28.9, 68, and 77 µM, respectively. Docking simulations revealed that four biscoumarin glycosides had good binding energies (∆G values ranging from -10.6 to -14.7 kcal/mol) and mostly bound to the S1' subsite of the ACE-2 protein. The key interactions of these natural ligands include metal chelation with zinc ions and multiple H-bonds with Ser128, Glu145, His345, Lys363, Thr371, Glu406, and Tyr803. Our findings demonstrated that biscoumarin glycosides from P. trimera roots occur naturally in both cis- and trans-diastereomeric forms. The biscoumarin glycosides Lys363, Thr371, Glu406, and Tyr803. Our findings demonstrated that biscoumarin glycosides from P. trimera roots hold potential for further studies as natural ACE-2 inhibitors for preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Synthesis and crystal structures of three organoplatinum(II) complexes bearing natural aryl-olefin and quinoline derivatives.

Three organoplatinum(II) complexes bearing natural aryl-olefin and quinoline derivatives, namely, [4-meth-oxy-5-(2-meth-oxy-2-oxoeth-oxy)-2-(prop-2-en-1-yl)phen-yl](quinolin-8-olato)platinum(II), [Pt(C13H15O4)(C9H6NO)], (I), [4-meth-oxy-5-(2-oxo-2-propoxyeth-oxy)-2-(prop-2-en-1-yl)phen-yl](quinoline-2-carboxy-l-ato)platinum(II), [Pt(C15H19O4)(C10H6NO2)], (II), and chlorido-[4-meth-oxy-5-(2-oxo-2-propoxyeth-oxy)-2-(prop-2-en-1-yl)phen-yl](quinoline)-plat-inum(II), [Pt(C15H19O4)Cl(C9H7N)], (III), were synthesized and structurally characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the cyclo-platinated aryl-olefin coordinates with PtII via the carbon atom of the phenyl ring and the C=Colefinic group. The deprotonated 8-hy-droxy-quinoline (C9H6NO) and quinoline-2-carb-oxy-lic acid (C10H6NO2) coordinate with the PtII atom via the N and O atoms in complexes (I) and (II) while the quinoline (C9H7N) coordinates via the N atom in (III). Moreover, the coordinating N atom in complexes (I)-(III) is in the cis position compared to the C=Colefinic group. The crystal packing is characterized by C-H⋯π, C-H⋯O [for (II) and (III)], C-H⋯Cl [for (III) and π-π [for (I)] inter-actions.

Detection of co-infection and recombination cases with Omicron and local Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Vietnam.

The first nationwide outbreak of COVID-19 in Vietnam started in late April 2021 and was caused almost exclusively by a single Delta lineage, AY.57. In early 2022, multiple Omicron variants co-circulated with Delta variants and quickly became dominant. The co-circulation of Delta and Omicron happened leading to possibility of co-infection and recombination events which can be revealed by viral genomic data. From January to October 2022, a total of 1028 viral RNA samples out of 4852 positive samples (Ct < 30) were sequenced by the long pooled amplicons method on Illumina platforms. All sequencing data was analysed by the workflow for SARS-CoV-2 on CLC genomics workbench and Illumina Dragen Covid application. Among those sequenced samples, we detected a case of Delta AY.57/Omicron BA.1 co-infection and two cases of infection with Delta AY.57/Omicron BA.2 recombinants which were nearly identical and had different epidemiological characteristics. Since the AY.57 lineage circulated almost exclusively in Vietnam, these results strongly suggest domestic events of co-infection and recombination. These findings highlight the strengths of genomic surveillance in monitoring the circulating variants in the community enabling rapid identification of viral changes that may affect viral properties and evolutionary events.

Ecofriendly Solution Processing of Perovskite Solar Cells Using Water.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) represent a promising avenue for producing cost-effective solar energy by harnessing sunlight, but challenges persist in their solution processing, which uses a large amount of organic solvent for existing PSC technology. The use of water as a solvent offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvents, aligning with the global drive for sustainable renewable energy technologies. This Perspective provides an overview of research in the area of PSC fabrication using water as a solvent, highlighting key advancements in the synthesis process. We delve into the kinetics of crystallization and the physical-chemical transformations of perovskite materials in water-based solution processing. Key challenges of the scalability of water-based solution processing for PSC fabrication are discussed. The Perspective sheds light on the broader potential for enhancing the ecofriendliness of perovskite solar cell technologies.

Demand for mental health support services among health professionals in Vietnam: Lesson from COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to measure the preferences for mental health support among health professionals, their willingness to support the mental health of colleagues and associated factors. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed from August to October 2022 within five hospitals located in Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 244 health professionals participated in the study. Data on socio-economic status, health and COVID-19-related characteristics, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21); and preferences for mental health support services were collected by using a structured self-reported questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to identify associated factors with the demand for mental support services. RESULTS: 13.9%, 17.1% and 8.6% reported having at least mild depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. There 13.9% did not seek any mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common support included talking with friends (52.9%), family (50.8%), colleagues (47.6%) and using social networks/Internet (43.5%). There 31.1% had been aware of mental health services, but only 18.0% used this service at least once. Regarding preferences, 47.3% had a demand for mental support services, and the most preferred service was providing coping skills (25.9%), followed by skills to support others against mental problems (22.2%). Major sources of support included psychiatrists (34.4%), colleagues (29.1%) and family (27.9%). The main preferred channels for support included telephone/mobile phone (35.7%) and Internet (20.9%). Only 12.3% were willing to provide mental support for colleagues during the pandemic. Age, education, perceived mental health status, ever seeking any mental service, and DASS-21 depression score were associated with demand for mental support services. CONCLUSION: This study found a lack of awareness of mental health services for health professionals, as well as moderate levels of demand for this service in this population. Raising awareness and developing tailored mental health support services are important to enhancing the mental well-being of health professionals in Vietnam to prepare for the next pandemic.

Impacts of dioxin exposure on brain connectivity estimated by DTI analysis of MRI images in men residing in contaminated areas of Vietnam.

Introduction: Effects of dioxin exposure on gray matter volume have been reported in previous studies, but a few studies reported effects of dioxin exposure on white matter structure. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the impact of dioxin exposure on white matter microstructure in men living in the most severely dioxin-contaminated areas in Vietnam. Methods: In 2019 brain MRI scans from 28 men living near Bien Hoa airbase were obtained at Dong Nai General Hospital, Vietnam, on a 3 T scanner using a conventional diffusion tensor imaging sequence. Two exposure markers were indicated by perinatal exposure estimated by assessment of maternal residency in a dioxin-contaminated area during pregnancy and by measurement of blood dioxin levels. A general linear model was used to compare fractional anisotropy (FA) values in 11 white matter tracts in both hemispheres between groups with and without perinatal dioxin exposure and groups with high and low blood dioxin levels after adjusting for covariates. Results: The adjusted mean FA value in the left cingulum hippocampal part (CGH) was significantly lower in the perinatal dioxin exposure group compared with the group without perinatal dioxin exposure. The high blood TCDD group showed significantly reduced FA values in the left and right CGH and right uncinate fasciculus (UNC). Moreover, the high blood TEQ-PCDDs group showed significantly lower FA values in the left and right CGH and the left UNC. There were no significant differences in FA values between the groups with high and low TEQ-PCDFs levels or between the groups with high and low TEQ-PCDD/Fs levels. Discussion: It was concluded that dioxin exposure during the perinatal period and adulthood may alter the microstructure of white matter tracts in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Three-Dimensional Laparoscopic Nephrectomy for Benign Nonfunctioning Kidneys: A Single-Center Initial Experience.

BACKGROUND: There are several types of benign renal diseases, such as urological stones, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, renal vascular disease, and inflammation, which are responsible for nonfunctioning kidneys. Laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) is the gold standard for treating nonfunctioning kidneys with complications. This study presents the results of our initial experiences with 3D laparoscopic nephrectomy (3D-LN) for benign, nonfunctioning kidneys. METHODS: From July 2021 to July 2023, 40 consecutive patients who underwent 3D transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy were retrospectively evaluated at the Department of Urology and Department of General Surgery, Hue Central Hospital, Hue, Vietnam. Patient demographics, intraoperative and early postoperative results, postoperative recovery, complications, and three-month follow-up results were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age was 58.35 ± 14.9 years. There were 13 (32.5%) male and 27 (67.5%) female patients. Flank pain was the main reason for hospitalization in 33 cases (82.5%); the common cause of a nonfunctioning kidney was urological stones (62.5%). Twenty-three out of 40 patients underwent a left nephrectomy. The average operative time was 92.57 ± 28.69 minutes. A statistically significant difference in surgery time was found between the group with no adhesion and the group with mild adhesion, as well as between the first 19 patients and the last 18 patients (p <0.05). The mean blood loss was 51.62 ± 24.35 ml. Three cases were converted to open surgery due to severe adhesions. The postoperative complications rate was 8.1%. The average length of the postoperative hospital stay was 7.89 ± 3.59 days. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional laparoscopic nephrectomy is a safe and effective method that increases depth perception and spatial orientation for surgeons and can compensate for the remaining shortcomings of traditional 2D systems.

HLA alleles associated with susceptibility and severity of the COVID-19 in Vietnamese.

The diversity of clinical manifestations in COVID-19 has been observed not only among individuals but also among various populations in globally. HLA molecules play a central role in physiology, protective immunity, and deleterious, disease-related autoimmune reactivity or overreaction. This study exploited the association between HLA frequencies and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and disease severity among the Vietnamese cohort (159 patients and 52 controls). A significant difference in frequency of both HLA class I and II in mild, moderate, and severe/fatal COVID-19 patients and negative exposure individuals - the controls were observed. Regarding SARS-CoV-2 sensitivity, HLA-A*03:01, 30:01, HLA-DQA1*01:02, DRB1*15:01, and DRB5*02:02 presented higher frequency in the control group compared with infected patients but DRB1 09:01 frequency was higher in infected patients. Regarding COVID-19 severity, HLA-F*01:01, 01:03 and DPA1*01:03 and 02:01, DPB1*04:01, DQA1*01:02, and DQB1*05:02 alleles were detected with higher frequency in severe patients but DOB*01:01, DRB1*05:01 and 09:01 had a significantly higher frequency in the mild group than remaining groups. Surprisingly, HLA-DQA1*01:02 and DRB1*09:01 alleles were identified with both inversely potential roles in protective function and severe risk. The obtained data herein will contribute to explore on the role of host genetic background in the pathology of COVID-19 disease.

Gallbladder volvulus in a 5-years old Vietnamese female: A case report.

Gallbladder volvulus (GV) is a medical emergency and a rare cause of acute abdominal pain among the pediatric population. GV is more prominent usually in boys in pediatric patients. If it is not diagnosed and surgically intervened promptly, GV will become a life-threating condition. Fortunately, a safe and effective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now widely indicated. A 5 years old female patient with abdominal pain and heavy much vomiting was referred to the emergency room in our hospital. She was suspiciously diagnosed with acute inflammation of the gallbladder according to the results of abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) scan already performed on admission. One day after the hospitalization, abdominal ultrasound, and CT scan were performed again because of intensification of her abdominal pain and revealed the clinical portrait of GV such as a "floating gallbladder" sign, an echogenic cone structure, an elongated axis displaced horizontally instead of vertically and a lack of intramural blood flow. The acute GV diagnosis was made and the patient was operated, using the laparoscopic cholecystectomy on time, the gallbladder was tightly twisted clockwise at approximately 720°. The operation and postoperative treatment went quite well and the patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative Day 7. GV is very rare in children, easily omitted or misdiagnosed with cholecystitis. Imaging diagnosis such as ultrasound, CT with contrast helps make diagnosis promptly that avoids severe complications such as gallbladder perforation, necrosis, and biliary peritonitis.

Improvement in Crystallization, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Flexible Poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) Bioplastic with Zinc Phenylphosphate.

Poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) shows promise for use in bioplastic applications due to its greater flexibility over PLLA. However, further research is needed to improve PLLA-PEG-PLLA's properties with appropriate fillers. This study employed zinc phenylphosphate (PPZn) as a multi-functional filler for PLLA-PEG-PLLA. The effects of PPZn addition on PLLA-PEG-PLLA characteristics, such as crystallization and thermal and mechanical properties, were investigated. There was good phase compatibility between the PPZn and PLLA-PEG-PLLA. The addition of PPZn improved PLLA-PEG-PLLA's crystallization properties, as evidenced by the disappearance of the cold crystallization temperature, an increase in the crystallinity, an increase in the crystallization temperature, and a decrease in the crystallization half-time. The PLLA-PEG-PLLA's thermal stability and heat resistance were enhanced by the addition of PPZn. The PPZn addition also enhanced the mechanical properties of the PLLA-PEG-PLLA, as demonstrated by the rise in ultimate tensile stress and Young's modulus. We can conclude that the PPZn has potential for use as a multi-functional filler for the PLLA-PEG-PLLA composite due to its nucleating-enhancing, thermal-stabilizing, and reinforcing ability.

Effects on keratinocytes of the traditional combination of herb extract (Royal Oji Complex) implicated the improvement of young children's skin moisture and barrier.

BACKGROUND: Natural products are often friendly and can be used on children's skin after systematic and careful research. Therefore, in this study, the Royal Oji Complex (ROC), a product with natural ingredients, was used to study their effectiveness on keratinocytes taken from the skin of children from 0 to 3 years old. METHOD: Normal human epidermal keratinocytes and tissue-isolated keratinocytes (TIKC) from young donors were treated with three different concentrations of ROC: 0.1, 1, and 10 ppm. The mRNA expression of the epidermal barrier's essential genes, such as hyaluronic acid synthase 3 (Has3), involucrin (IVL), loricrin (LOR), and claudin-1 (CLD1) was investigated using qRT-PCR. Ceramide content was measured by ELISA, with retinoic acid (R.A.) and amarogentin (AMA) serving as positive controls. RESULTS: ROC significantly elevated HAS3 gene expression in HEKn cells, especially at 10 ppm, indicating potential advantages for skin hydration in young infants. IVL increased at first but decreased as ROC concentrations increased. LOR was upregulated at lower ROC concentrations but reduced at higher doses. CLD1 gene expression increased considerably in HEKn but reduced with increasing ROC doses. Ceramide concentration increased somewhat but not significantly at 10 ppm. CONCLUSION: ROC shows potential in altering keratinocyte gene expression, with unique responses in HEKn and TIKC from young donors. While changes in ceramide content were insignificant, these results help to comprehend ROC's multiple effects on young children's skin.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of 'ULTRACOL 200' in enhancing nasolabial fold wrinkles through cutaneous repair.

BACKGROUND: Injectable filler, a nonsurgical beauty method, has gained popularity in rejuvenating sagging skin. In this study, polydioxanone (PDO) was utilized as the main component of the ULTRACOL200 filler that helps stimulate collagenesis and provide skin radiant effects. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of ULTRACOL200 with other commercialized products in visually improving dermatological problems. METHODS: Herein, 31 participants aged between 20 and 59 years were enrolled in the study. 1 mL of the testing product, as well as the quantity for the compared groups was injected into each participants face side individually. Subsequently, skin texture and sunken volume of skin were measured using ANTERA 3D CS imaging technology at three periods: before the application, 4 weeks after the initial application, and 4 weeks after the 2nd application of ULTRACOL200. RESULTS: The final results of skin texture and wrinkle volume evaluation consistently demonstrated significant enhancement. Consequently, subjective questionnaires were provided to the participants to evaluate the efficacy of the testing product, illustrating satisfactory responses after the twice applications. CONCLUSION: The investigation has contributed substantially to the comprehension of a PDO-based filler (ULTRACOL200) for skin enhancement and provided profound insight for future clinical trials.

CRISPR/Cas9 targeted mutations of OsDSG1 gene enhanced salt tolerance in rice.

Salinization is one of the leading causes of arable land shrinkage and rice yield decline, recently. Therefore, developing and utilizing salt-tolerant rice varieties have been seen as a crucial and urgent strategy to reduce the effects of saline intrusion and protect food security worldwide. In the current study, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was utilized to induce targeted mutations in the coding sequence of the OsDSG1, a gene involved in the ubiquitination pathway and the regulation of biochemical reactions in rice. The CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutations of the OsDSG1 were generated in a local rice cultivar and the mutant inheritance was validated at different generations. The OsDSG1 mutant lines showed an enhancement in salt tolerance compared to wild type plants at both germination and seedling stages indicated by increases in plant height, root length, and total fresh weight as well as the total chlorophyll and relative water contents under the salt stress condition. In addition, lower proline and MDA contents were observed in mutant rice as compared to wild type plants in the presence of salt stress. Importantly, no effect on seed germination and plant growth parameters was recorded in the CRISRP/Cas9-induced mutant rice under the normal condition. This study again indicates the involvement of the OsDSG1 gene in the salt resistant mechanism in rice and provides a potential strategy to enhance the tolerance of local rice varieties to the salt stress.

Targeting the GPI transamidase subunit GPAA1 abrogates the CD24 immune checkpoint in ovarian cancer.

CD24 is frequently overexpressed in ovarian cancer and promotes immune evasion by interacting with its receptor Siglec10, present on tumor-associated macrophages, providing a "don't eat me" signal that prevents targeting and phagocytosis by macrophages. Factors promoting CD24 expression could represent novel immunotherapeutic targets for ovarian cancer. Here, using a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen, we identify GPAA1 (glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor attachment 1), a factor that catalyzes the attachment of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) lipid anchor to substrate proteins, as a positive regulator of CD24 cell surface expression. Genetic ablation of GPAA1 abolishes CD24 cell surface expression, enhances macrophage-mediated phagocytosis, and inhibits ovarian tumor growth in mice. GPAA1 shares structural similarities with aminopeptidases. Consequently, we show that bestatin, a clinically advanced aminopeptidase inhibitor, binds to GPAA1 and blocks GPI attachment, resulting in reduced CD24 cell surface expression, increased macrophage-mediated phagocytosis, and suppressed growth of ovarian tumors. Our study highlights the potential of targeting GPAA1 as an immunotherapeutic approach for CD24+ ovarian cancers.

Preconditioning-Induced Facilitation of Lactate Release from Astrocytes Is Essential for Brain Ischemic Tolerance.

A sublethal ischemic episode [termed preconditioning (PC)] protects neurons in the brain against a subsequent severe ischemic injury. This phenomenon is known as brain ischemic tolerance and has received much attention from researchers because of its robust neuroprotective effects. We have previously reported that PC activates astrocytes and subsequently upregulates P2X7 receptors, thereby leading to ischemic tolerance. However, the downstream signals of P2X7 receptors that are responsible for PC-induced ischemic tolerance remain unknown. Here, we show that PC-induced P2X7 receptor-mediated lactate release from astrocytes has an indispensable role in this event. Using a transient focal cerebral ischemia model caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion, extracellular lactate levels during severe ischemia were significantly increased in mice who experienced PC; this increase was dependent on P2X7 receptors. In addition, the intracerebroventricular injection of lactate protected against cerebral ischemic injury. In in vitro experiments, although stimulation of astrocytes with the P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP had no effect on the protein levels of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and MCT4 (which are responsible for lactate release from astrocytes), BzATP induced the plasma membrane translocation of these MCTs via their chaperone CD147. Importantly, CD147 was increased in activated astrocytes after PC, and CD147-blocking antibody abolished the PC-induced facilitation of astrocytic lactate release and ischemic tolerance. Taken together, our findings suggest that astrocytes induce ischemic tolerance via P2X7 receptor-mediated lactate release.

Characteristics of nonconventional hydrogen bonds and stability of dimers of chalcogenoaldehyde derivatives: a noticeable role of oxygen compared to other chalcogens.

In this work, twenty-four stable dimers of RCHZ with R = H, F, Cl, Br, CH3 or NH2 and Z = O, S, Se or Te were determined. It was found that the stability of most dimers is primarily contributed by the electrostatic force, except for the dominant role of the induction term in those involving a Te atom, which has been rarely observed. Both electron-donating and -withdrawing groups in substituted formaldehyde cause an increase in the strength of nonconventional Csp2-H⋯Z hydrogen bonds, as well as the dimers, in which the electron donating effect plays a more crucial role. The strength of nonconventional hydrogen bonds decreases in the following order: Csp2-H⋯O ≫ Csp2-H⋯S > Csp2-H⋯Se > Csp2-H⋯Te. Remarkably, a highly significant role of the O atom compared to S, Se and Te in increasing the Csp2-H stretching frequency and strength of the nonconventional hydrogen bonds and dimers is found. A Csp2-H stretching frequency red-shift is observed in Csp2-H⋯S/Se/Te, while a blue-shift is obtained in Csp2-H⋯O. When Z changes from O to S to Se and to Te, the Csp2-H blue-shift tends to decrease and eventually turns to a red-shift, in agreement with the increasing order of the proton affinity at Z in the isolated monomer. The magnitude of the Csp2-H stretching frequency red-shift is larger for Csp2-H⋯Te than Csp2-H⋯S/Se, consistent with the rising trend of proton affinity at the Z site and the polarity of the Csp2-H bond in the substituted chalcogenoaldehydes. The Csp2-H blue-shifting of the Csp2-H⋯O hydrogen bonds is observed in all dimers regardless of the electron effect of the substituents. Following complexation, the electron-donating derivatives exhibit a stronger Csp2-H blue-shift compared to the electron-withdrawing ones. Notably, the stronger Csp2-H blue-shift turns out to involve a less polarized Csp2-H bond and a decrease in the occupation at the σ*(Csp2-H) antibonding orbital in the isolated monomer.