The impact of triglyceride-glucose index on the prognosis of post-PCI patients-a meta-analysis.

Background: Previous research has demonstrated the validity of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index as a robust measure of insulin resistance (IR) and its association with coronary artery disease (CAD). The objective of this study is to elucidate the relationship between the TyG index and the prognosis of patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Our goal is to provide a thorough analysis of the available evidence to offer more clarity on this association. Methods: A systematic and thorough search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, covering studies published in English from the beginning until October 1, 2023. The focus of the search was to gather relevant studies pertaining to the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). To address the variability among the included studies, random or fixed effect models were utilized to summarize the hazard ratios (HR). In cases where heterogeneity was detected, subgroup or sensitivity analyses were performed to explore potential sources. To evaluate publication bias, the Egger or Begg test was employed. Results: This study incorporated a total of 17 studies. Individuals with the highest TyG index exhibited an elevated risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) compared to those with the lowest TyG index (HR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.47-1.95; P < 0.001). When analyzing the TyG index as a continuous variable, each standard deviation increase was associated with an HR of 1.60 (95% CI: 1.48-1.73; P < 0.001). Moreover, in patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), higher TyG index levels showed a trend of increased risk of MACE (HR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.27-1.86; P < 0.001). Furthermore, an elevated TyG index was found to be associated with a higher risk of in-stent restenosis (HR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.29-2.03; P < 0.001), new-onset atrial fibrillation (HR = 2.97; 95% CI: 2.10-4.06; P = 0.014), and a reduction in quantitative flow ratio (HR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.101-1.592; P = 0.005). Subgroup analysis indicated the risk of MACE was comparable between varied durations of follow-up (P = 0.11). Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that the positive association between TyG index and the risk of MACE did not differ between individuals with or without diabetes (P = 0.23). Conclusion: An increase in the TyG index may lead to a higher vulnerability to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients underwent PCI and there was no significant difference in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.

Effect of negative remodeling of the side branch ostium on the efficacy of a two-stent strategy for distal left main bifurcation lesions: an intravascular ultrasound study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether negative remodeling (NR) detected by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of the side branch ostium (SBO) would affect in-stent neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) at the one-year follow-up and the clinical outcome of target lesion failure (TLF) at the long-term follow-up for patients with left main bifurcation (LMb) lesions treated with a two-stent strategy. METHODS: A total of 328 patients with de novo true complex LMb lesions who underwent a 2-stent strategy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment guided by IVUS were enrolled in this study. We divided the study into two phases. Of all the patients, 48 patients who had complete IVUS detection pre- and post-PCI and at the 1-year follow-up were enrolled in phase I analysis, which aimed to analyze the correlation between NR and in-stent NIH at SBO at the 1-year follow-up. If the correlation was confirmed, the cutoff value of the remodeling index (RI) for predicting NIH ≥ 50% was analyzed next. The phase II analysis focused on the incidence of TLF as the primary endpoint at the 1- to 5-year follow-up for all 328 patients by grouping based on the cutoff value of RI. RESULTS: In phase I: according to the results of a binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the RI cutoff value predicting percent NIH ≥ 50% was 0.85 based on the ROC curve analysis, with a sensitivity of 85.7%, a specificity of 88.3%, and an AUC of 0.893 (0.778, 1.000), P = 0.002. In phase II: the TLR rate (35.8% vs. 5.3%, P < 0.0001) was significantly higher in the several NR (sNR, defined as RI ≤ 0.85) group than in the non-sNR group. CONCLUSION: The NR of LCxO is associated with more in-stent NIH post-PCI for distal LMb lesions with a 2-stent strategy, and NR with RI ≤ 0.85 is linked to percent NIH area ≥ 50% at the 1-year follow-up and more TLF at the 5-year follow-up.

Designed Synthesis of an Aluminum Molecular Ring Based Rotaxane and Polyrotaxane.

Mechanically interlocked molecules, such as rotaxanes, have drawn significant attention within supramolecular chemistry. Although a variety of macrocycles have been thoroughly explored in rotaxane synthesis, metal-organic macrocycles remain relatively under-investigated. Aluminum molecular rings, with their inner cavities and numerous binding sites, present a promising option for constructing rotaxanes. Here, we introduce an innovative "ring-donor···axle-acceptor" motif utilizing Al8 molecular rings, enabling the stepwise assembly of molecules, complexes, and polymers through tailored coordination chemistry. This novel approach can not only be applied to macrocycle-based systems like catenanes but also enhance specific functionalities progressively.

Advancements in boron difluoride formazanate dyes for biological imaging.

In the past decade, boron difluoride formazanate dyes have gained considerable attention due to their redox activity, high absorption and emission intensities, chemical stability across a broad range of conditions, and the ease to fine-tune their optical and electronic characteristics. Over the past five years, boron difluoride formazanate dyes have demonstrated their extended emission wavelengths in the near-infrared region, suggesting their potential applications in the field of biological imaging. This review provides an overview of the evolution of boron difluoride formazanate dyes, encompassing the structural variations and corresponding optical properties, while also highlighting their current applications in biological imaging fields.

Bidirectional transitions of sarcopenia states in older adults: The longitudinal evidence from CHARLS.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, brings multiple adverse outcomes including disability and death. Several sarcopenia consensuses have newly introduced the premorbid concept of possible sarcopenia and recommended early lifestyle interventions. Bidirectional transitions of premorbid states have been revealed in several chronic diseases yet not clarified in sarcopenia. This study aims to investigate the underlying transition patterns of sarcopenia states. METHODS: The study utilized three waves of data from a nationally representative survey, the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and included community-dwelling individuals aged 60 years and older with at least two sarcopenia states assessments based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria 2019 (AWGS2019) between 2011 and 2015. The estimated transition intensity and probability between non-sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and death were investigated using multi-stage Markov (MSM) models. RESULTS: The study comprised 4395 individuals (49.2% female, median age 67 years) with a total of 10 778 records of sarcopenia state assessment, and the mean follow-up period was 3.29 years. A total of 24.5% of individuals with a current state of possible sarcopenia returned to non-sarcopenia, 60.3% remained possible sarcopenia, 6.7% progressed to sarcopenia, and 8.5% died by the next follow-up. The transition intensity of recovery to non-sarcopenia (0.252, 95% CI 0.231-0.275) was 2.8 times greater than the deterioration to sarcopenia (0.090, 95% CI 0.080-0.100) for individuals with possible sarcopenia. For individuals with possible sarcopenia, the estimated probabilities of recovering to non-sarcopenia, progressing to sarcopenia, and transitioning to death within a 1-year observation were 0.181, 0.066, and 0.035, respectively. For individuals with sarcopenia, the estimated probabilities of recovering to non-sarcopenia, recovering to possible sarcopenia, and transitioning to death within 1-year observation were 0.016, 0.125, and 0.075, respectively. In covariables analysis, age, sex, body mass index, physical function impairment, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes are important factors influencing bidirectional transitions. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the bidirectional transitions of sarcopenia states among older adults and reveal a notable proportion of possible sarcopenia show potential for recovery in the natural course. Screening and intensifying interventions based on risk factors may facilitate a recovery transition.

Role of inflammasomes in endothelial dysfunction.

The vascular endothelium dynamically responds to environmental cues and plays a pivotal role in maintaining vascular homeostasis by regulating vasomotor tone, blood cell trafficking, permeability and immune responses. However, endothelial dysfunction results in various pathological conditions. Inflammasomes are large intracellular multimeric complexes activated by pathogens or cellular damage. Inflammasomes in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) initiate innate immune responses, which have emerged as significant mediators in endothelial dysfunction, contributing to the pathophysiology of an array of diseases. This review summarizes the mechanisms and ramifications of inflammasomes in ECs and related vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, stroke, and lung and kidney diseases. We also discuss potential drugs targeting EC inflammasomes and their applications in treating vascular diseases.

H19 lncRNA triggers ferroptosis, exacerbating ox-LDL-induced artery endothelial cell damage in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The precise association between lncRNA H19 and ferroptosis in the context of atherosclerosis remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study is to clarify the underlying process and propose novel approaches for the advancement of therapeutic interventions targeting atherosclerosis. METHODS: Assessment of ferroptosis, which entails the evaluation of cell viability using CCK-8 and the quantification of intracellular MDA, GSH, and ferrous ions. Simultaneously, the protein expression levels of assessed by western blot analysis, while the expression level of lncRNA H19 was also determined. Furthermore, HAECs that were cultured with ox-LDL were subjected to Fer-1 interference. HAECs were exposed to ox-LDL and then transfected with H19 shRNA and H19 overexpression vector pcDNA3.1. The level of ferroptosis in the cells was then measured. Then, HAECs were subjected to incubation with ox-LDL, followed by transfection with H19 shRNA and treated with Erastin to assess the levels of ferroptosis, cell viability, and inflammatory factor production. and the ability for blood vessel development. RESULTS: The survival rate of HAECs in the ox-LDL group was much lower. Ox-LDL resulted in an upregulation of ACSL4 expression in HAECs, while the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 decreased. CONCLUSIONS: lncRNA H19 enhances ferroptosis and exacerbates arterial endothelial cell damage induced by LDL.

Anti-CTLA-4 m2a Antibody Exacerbates Cardiac Injury in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis Mice By Promoting Ccl5-Neutrophil Infiltration.

The risk for suffering immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-associated myocarditis increases in patients with pre-existing conditions and the mechanisms remain to be clarified. Spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and flow cytometry are used to decipher how anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 m2a antibody (anti-CTLA-4 m2a antibody) aggravated cardiac injury in experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) mice. It is found that anti-CTLA-4 m2a antibody increases cardiac fibroblast-derived C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (Cxcl1), which promots neutrophil infiltration to the myocarditic zones (MZs) of EAM mice via enhanced Cxcl1-Cxcr2 chemotaxis. It is identified that the C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (Ccl5)-neutrophil subpopulation is responsible for high activity of cytokine production, adaptive immune response, NF-κB signaling, and cellular response to interferon-gamma and that the Ccl5-neutrophil subpopulation and its-associated proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines promoted macrophage (Mφ) polarization to M1 Mφ. These altered infiltrating landscape and phenotypic switch of immune cells, and proinflammatory factors synergistically aggravated anti-CTLA-4 m2a antibody-induced cardiac injury in EAM mice. Neutralizing neutrophils, Cxcl1, and applying Cxcr2 antagonist dramatically alleviates anti-CTLA-4 m2a antibody-induced leukocyte infiltration, cardiac fibrosis, and dysfunction. It is suggested that Ccl5-neutrophil subpopulation plays a critical role in aggravating anti-CTLA-4 m2a antibody-induced cardiac injury in EAM mice. This data may provide a strategic rational for preventing/curing ICIs-associated myocarditis.

Effects of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrates on Recovery After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of administering preoperative oral carbohydrates (CHO) compared to a control treatment in improving postoperative recovery outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). DESIGN: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: Through systematic searches in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, randomized controlled trials focusing on preoperative oral carbohydrates for patients undergoing LC were collected. Data analysis was conducted using the Revman 5.3 software. FINDINGS: The meta-analysis incorporated 19 randomized studies, with a total of 1,568 participants. Meta-analysis results indicated that patients receiving CHO reported notably lower postoperative pain compared to those fasting (P = .006) or on placebo (P = .003). Furthermore, a significant reduction in preoperative hunger was observed in the CHO group compared to the controls (P = .002). A notable difference was also identified in the postoperative Homeostasis Model Assessment-IR changes between the CHO and control groups (P = .02). No significant variations were observed in thirst, postoperative nausea and vomiting, insulin level alterations, glucose level changes, duration of hospital stay, or recovery quality. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative oral carbohydrates may alleviate hunger and pain, and attenuate postoperative insulin resistance more effectively than either overnight fasting or placebo in patients undergoing LC.

Navß2 Intracellular Fragments Contribute to Aß1-42-Induced Cognitive Impairment and Synaptic Deficit Through Transcriptional Suppression of BDNF.

A pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the region-specific accumulation of the amyloid-beta protein (Aß), which triggers aberrant neuronal excitability, synaptic impairment, and progressive cognitive decline. Previous works have demonstrated that Aß pathology induced aberrant elevation in the levels and excessive enzymatic hydrolysis of voltage-gated sodium channel type 2 beta subunit (Navß2) in the brain of AD models, accompanied by alteration in excitability of hippocampal neurons, synaptic deficits, and subsequently, cognitive dysfunction. However, the mechanism is unclear. In this research, by employing cell models treated with toxic Aß1-42 and AD mice, the possible effects and potential mechanisms induced by Navß2. The results reveal that Aß1-42 induces remarkable increases in Navß2 intracellular domain (Navß2-ICD) and decreases in both BDNF exons and protein levels, as well as phosphorylated tropomyosin-related kinase B (pTrkB) expression in cells and mice, coupled with cognitive impairments, synaptic deficits, and aberrant neuronal excitability. Administration with exogenous Navß2-ICD further enhances these effects induced by Aß1-42, while interfering the generation of Navß2-ICD and/or complementing BDNF neutralize the Navß2-ICD-conducted effects. Luciferase reporter assay verifies that Navß2-ICD regulates BDNF transcription and expression by targeting its promoter. Collectively, our findings partially elucidate that abnormal enzymatic hydrolysis of Navß2 induced by Aß1-42-associated AD pathology leads to intracellular Navß2-ICD overload, which may responsible to abnormal neuronal excitability, synaptic deficit, and cognition dysfunction, through its transcriptional suppression on BDNF. Therefore, this work supplies novel evidences that Navß2 plays crucial roles in the occurrence and progression of cognitive impairment of AD by transcriptional regulatory activity of its cleaved ICD.

Biosynthesis of Halogenated Tryptophans for Protein Engineering using Genetic Code Expansion.

Genetic Code Expansion technology offers significant potential in incorporating noncanonical amino acids into proteins at precise locations, allowing for the modulation of protein structures and functions. However, this technology is often limited by the need for costly and challenging-to-synthesize external noncanonical amino acid sources. In this study, we address this limitation by developing autonomous cells capable of biosynthesizing halogenated tryptophan derivatives and introducing them into proteins using Genetic Code Expansion technology. By utilizing inexpensive halide salts and different halogenases, we successfully achieve the selective biosynthesis of 6-chloro-tryptophan, 7-chloro-tryptophan, 6-bromo-tryptophan, and 7-bromo-tryptophan. These derivatives are introduced at specific positions with corresponding bioorthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pairs in response to the amber codon. Following optimization, we demonstrate the robust expression of proteins containing halogenated tryptophan residues in cells with the ability to biosynthesize these tryptophan derivatives. This study establishes a versatile platform for engineering proteins with various halogenated tryptophans.

Nitrogen deficiency modulates carbon allocation to promote nodule nitrogen fixation capacity in soybean.

Previously, the effect of soil mineral N deficiency on nodule nitrogen fixation capacity (NFC) is unclear. In this study, we found that N deficiency would enhance sucrose allocation to nodules and PEP allocation to bacteroid to promote nodule NFC. Our findings provide new insights into the design of leguminous crops with improved adaptation to fluctuating N levels in the soil.

Development and validation of a clinical decision tool for preoperative micropapillary and solid pattern lung adenocarcinoma of CT≤2 cm.

BACKGROUND: Micropapillary (MP) and solid(S) pattern adenocarcinoma are highly malignant subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma. In today's era of increasingly conservative surgery for small lung cancer, effective preoperative identification of these subtypes is greatly important for surgical planning and long term survival of patients. METHODS: For this retrospective study, the presence of MP and/or S was evaluated in 2167 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for clinical stage IA1-2 lung adenocarcinoma. MP and/or S pattern-positive patients and negative-pattern patients were matched at a ratio of 1:3. The Lasso regression model was used for data dimension reduction and imaging signature building. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish the predictive model, presented as an imaging nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed based on calibration, identification, and clinical usefulness, and internal and external validation of the model was conducted. RESULTS: The proportion of solid components (PSC), Sphericity, entropy, Shape, bronchial honeycomb, nodule shape, sex, and smoking were independent factors in the prediction model of MP and/or S lung adenocarcinoma. The model showed good discrimination with an area under the ROC curve of 0.85. DCA demonstrated that the model could achieve good benefits for patients. RCS analysis suggested a significant increase in the proportion of MP and/or S from 11% to 48% when the PSC value was 68%. CONCLUSION: Small MP and/or S adenocarcinoma can be effectively identified preoperatively by their typical 3D and 2D imaging features.

Establishment of a SUMO pathway related gene signature for predicting prognosis, chemotherapy response and investigating the role of EGR2 in bladder cancer.

Background: Bladder cancer is a prevalent malignancy with significant clinical implications. Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) pathway related genes (SPRG) have been implicated in the development and progression of cancer. Methods: In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of SPRG in bladder cancer. We analyzed gene expression and prognostic value of SPRG and developed a SPRG signature (SPRGS) prognostic model based on four genes (HDAC4, TRIM27, EGR2, and UBE2I) in bladder cancer. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between SPRGS and genomic alterations, tumor microenvironment, chemotherapy response, and immunotherapy. Additionally, we identified EGR2 as a key SPRG in bladder cancer. The expression of EGR2 in bladder cancer was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the cell function experiment clarified the effect of knocking down EGR2 on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of bladder cancer cells. Results: Our findings suggest that SPRGS hold promise as prognostic markers and predictive biomarkers for chemotherapy response and immunotherapy efficacy in bladder cancer. The SPRGS prognostic model exhibited high predictive accuracy for bladder cancer patient survival. We also observed correlations between SPRG and genomic alterations, tumor microenvironment, and response to chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical results showed that EGR2 was highly expressed in bladder cancer tissues, and its overexpression was associated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of EGR2 inhibited bladder cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the landscape of SPRGS in bladder cancer and their potential implications for personalized treatment strategies. The identification of EGR2 as a key SPRG and its functional impact on bladder cancer cells further highlights its significance in bladder cancer development and progression. Overall, SPRGS may serve as important prognostic markers and predictive biomarkers for bladder cancer patients, guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.

Advancements in understanding the role of intestinal dysbacteriosis mediated mucosal immunity in IgA nephropathy.

IgA nephropathy, presently recognized as the foremost primary glomerular disorder, emerges as a principal contributor to renal failure globally, with its pathogenesis yet to be fully elucidated. Extensive research has highlighted the critical role of gut microbiome in the onset and progression of IgA nephropathy, underscoring its importance in accurately delineating the disease's etiology. For example, gut microbiome dysbacteriosis can lead to the production of nephritogenic IgA1 antibodies, which form immune complexes that deposit in the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage. The gut microbiome, a source of numerous bioactive compounds, interacts with the host and plays a regulatory role in gut-immune axis modulation, earning it the moniker of the "second brain." Recent investigations have particularly emphasized a significant correlation between IgA nephropathy and gut microbiome dysbacteriosis. This article offers a detailed overview of the pathogenic mechanisms of IgA nephropathy, specifically focusing on elucidating how alterations in the gut microbiome are associated with anomalies in the intestinal mucosal system in IgA nephropathy. Additionally, it describes the possible influence of gut microbiome on recurrent IgA nephropathy following kidney transplantation. Furthermore, it compiles potential therapeutic interventions, offering both theoretical and practical foundations for the management of IgA nephropathy. Lastly, the challenges currently faced in the therapeutic approaches to IgA nephropathy are discussed.

Anticoagulation Versus Antiplatelets in Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether antiplatelets or anticoagulants are more effective in preventing early recurrent stroke in patients with cervical artery dissection. Following the publication of the observational Antithrombotic for STOP-CAD (Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection) study, which has more than doubled available data, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis comparing antiplatelets versus anticoagulation in cervical artery dissection. METHODS: The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023468063). We searched 5 databases using a combination of keywords that encompass different antiplatelets and anticoagulants, as well as cervical artery dissection. We included relevant randomized trials and included observational studies of dissection unrelated to major trauma. Where studies were sufficiently similar, we performed meta-analyses for efficacy (ischemic stroke) and safety (major hemorrhage, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and death) outcomes using relative risks. RESULTS: We identified 11 studies (2 randomized trials and 9 observational studies) that met the inclusion criteria. These included 5039 patients (30% [1512] treated with anticoagulation and 70% [3527]) treated with antiplatelets]. In meta-analysis, anticoagulation was associated with a lower ischemic stroke risk (relative risk, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.43 to 0.94]; P=0.02; I2=0%) but higher major bleeding risk (relative risk, 2.25 [95% CI, 1.07 to 4.72]; P=0.03, I2=0%). The risks of death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were similar between the 2 treatments. Effect sizes were larger in randomized trials. There are insufficient data on the efficacy and safety of dual antiplatelet therapy or direct oral anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of patients with cervical artery dissection, anticoagulation was superior to antiplatelet therapy in reducing ischemic stroke but carried a higher major bleeding risk. This argues for an individualized therapeutic approach incorporating the net clinical benefit of ischemic stroke reduction and bleeding risks. Large randomized clinical trials are required to clarify optimal antithrombotic strategies for management of cervical artery dissection.

Catalase catalyzed tannic acid-Fe3+ network coating: A theranostic strategy for intestinal barrier restoration.

Epithelial barrier impairment of intestinal inflammation leads to the leakage of bacteria, antigens and consequent persistent immune imbalance. Restoring the barrier function holds promise for management of intestinal inflammation, while the theragnostic strategies are limited. In this study, we developed a novel coating by catalase (CAT)-catalyzed polymerization of tannic acid (TA) and combined chelation network with Fe3+. TA-Fe3+ coating was self-polymerized in situ along the small intestinal mucosa, demonstrating persistent adhesion properties and protective function. In enteritis models, sequential administration of TA-Fe3+ complex solution effectively restored the barrier function and alleviated the intestinal inflammation. Overexpressed CAT in inflammatory lesion is more favorable for the in situ targeting growth of TA-Fe3+ coating onto the defective barrier. Based on the high longitudinal relaxivity of Fe3+, the pathologically catalyzed coating facilitated the visualization of intestinal barrier impairment through MRI. In conclusion, the novel TA-Fe3+ delivery coating proposed an alternative approach to promote theranostic intervention for intestinal diseases.

Endangered status and threatened population ecological factors in Salvia daiguii, an endemic species from Hunan, China.

Many species of Salvia have excellent ornamental, culinary, and medicinal values. Salvia daiguii, is an ornamental and highly medicinal perennial herb endemic to the prefecture-level city of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, China, with a narrow geographical distribution. However, currently, it has only been assessed as a Critically Endangered species according to the IUCN classification criteria, but its conservation has not yet been studied. This study investigated the distribution and niche characteristics of S. daiguii, and compared the differences in growth, flowering characteristics, and soil nutrients between the wild and ex situ populations. We also analyzed the effects of soil nutrients on plant growth and flowering characteristics. During the survey, we found 274 individuals on a rock approximately 200 m from ZEFR1. Nevertheless, S. daiguii were still restricted in three populations, TNFP, TGM, and ZEFR in Zhangjiajie City, with a total of about 500 plants and less than 250 mature individuals. Our results show that aspects such as adverse environmental conditions, low seedling renewal rate, a lack of soil nutrients, and competition for the characteristic niche of this and other dominant plants in the natural community are the main ecological factors affecting the growth, flowering, and geographic distribution of S. daiguii. Based on the results of field surveys, we recommend that (1) S. daiguii be classified as Critically Endangered C2b and China's List of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations. (2) Comprehensive conservation strategies were developed, such as the establishment of nature reserves, reintroduction, public education, and institutional development to provide management recommendations related to the conservation of S. daiguii and other endangered plants.

Enhancing strategies of photosynthetic hydrogen production from microalgae: Differences in hydrogen production between prokaryotic and eukaryotic algae.

Hydrogen production through the metabolic bypass of microalgae photosynthesis is an environmentally friendly method. This review examines the genetic differences in hydrogen production between prokaryotic and eukaryotic microalgae. Additionally, the pathways for enhancing microalgae-based photosynthetic hydrogen generation are summarized. The main strategies for enhancing microalgal hydrogen production involve inhibiting the oxygen-generating process of photosynthesis and promoting the oxygen tolerance of hydrogenase. Future research is needed to explore the regulation of physiological metabolism through quorum sensing in microalgae to enhance photosynthetic hydrogen production. Moreover, effective evaluation of carbon emissions and sequestration across the entire photosynthetic hydrogen production process is crucial for determining the sustainability of microalgae-based production approaches through comprehensive lifecycle assessment. This review elucidates the prospects and challenges associated with photosynthetic hydrogen production by microalgae.