Dextran sulfate inhibits proliferation and metastasis of human gastric cancer cells via miR-34c-5p.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with a high global mortality rate that is currently difficult to treat. Dextran sulfate (DS), a safe anti-tumor agent, can effectively inhibit the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer; however, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed at elucidate the potential mechanisms of action. Methods: In this study we used DS to intervene in lentivirus-transfected gastric cancer cells to observe the effect of DS on miR-34c-5p. RT-qPCR, CCK-8, clone formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay and western blot were used to examine whether DS affects the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells via miR-34c-5p. The results were validated using in vivo experiments. Results: Our data confirmed that DS up-regulated miR-34c-5p expression in human gastric cancer cells. Moreover, DS intervention enhanced the inhibitory effect of miR-34c-5p over-expression on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells, and partially reversed the promotive effect of miR-34c-5p on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells. In addition, DS could affect the activation of the MAP2K1/ERK signaling pathway through the up-regulation of miR-34c-5p, thereby inhibiting the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer. Finally, it was demonstrated that DS could also inhibit the expression of MAP2K1 in vivo, which in turn inhibits the activation of the ERK signaling pathway to exert anti-cancer effects. Conclusion: DS may inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by regulating miR-34c-5p, which may be a new option for clinical treatment.

Proteomics of plasma-derived extracellular vesicles reveals S100A8 as a novel biomarker for Alzheimer's disease: A preliminary study.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as mediators for intercellular transfer of Aß and tau proteins, promoting the propagation of these pathological misfolded proteins throughout the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Levels of blood exosomal Aß42, total Tau (t-Tau) and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) had a high correlation with their concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), demonstrating that exosomal biomarkers have equal contribution as those in CSF for the diagnosis of AD. We aimed to comprehensively characterize the proteome of plasma-derived EVs to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and pathways in AD. Tandem mass tag (TMT) labeled quantitative proteomics was applied to analyze plasma-derived EV proteins in 9 CE patients and 9 healthy controls. 335 proteins were quantified, and 12 DEPs were identified including seven upregulated proteins and five down-regulated proteins. Oligomerized Aß1-42 induced SH-SY5Y cell damage model was built to mimic the pathological changes of AD, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) against S100A8 was used to knock down S100A8 expression. Results displayed S100A8 was down regulated in plasma-derived EVs from AD patients, while enriched in EVs derived from Aß1-42-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, Aß1-42-induced SH-SY5Y cells treated with S100A8 siRNA showed decreased Aß levels in cell lysate and EVs, especially in EVs. SIGNIFICANCE: The investigation aimed to comprehensively characterize the proteome of plasma-derived EVs to identify DEPs and potential biomarker of AD. S100A8 was found down regulated in plasma-derived EVs from AD patients using TMT labeled quantitative proteomics. The diagnostic value of S100A8 was also confirmed using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Furthermore, Aß1-42-induced SH-SY5Y cells treated with S100A8 siRNA showed decreased Aß levels in cell lysate and EVs, especially in EVs. The preliminary findings suggest that suppression of S100A8 expression inhibits Aß aggregation both in cell lysate and EVs from Aß1-42-induced SH-SY5Y cells, and S100A8 more likely regulates Aß aggregation via EVs. Therefore, plasma-derived EV S100A8 might be a potential biomarker of AD. Manipulation of S100A8 expression may be a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of AD.

Bacillus subtilis JATP3 improved the immunity of weaned piglets by improving intestinal flora and producing citalopram.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of Bacillus subtilis JATP3 to stimulate immune response and improve intestinal health in piglets during the critical weaning period. Twelve 28-day-old weaned piglets were randomly divided into two groups. One group was fed a basal diet, while the other group was fed a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis JATP3 (1 × 109 CFU/mL; 10 mL) for 28 days. The results revealed a significant increase in the intestinal villus gland ratio of weaned piglets following the inclusion of B. subtilis JATP3 (P < 0.05). Inclusion of a probiotic supplement improve the intestinal flora of jejunum and ileum of weaned piglets. Metabolomics analysis demonstrated a notable rise in citalopram levels in the jejunum and ileum, along with elevated levels of isobutyric acid and isocitric acid in the ileum. The results of correlation analysis show that indicated a positive correlation between citalopram and microbial changes. Furthermore, the probiotic-treated group exhibited a significant upregulation in the relative expression of Claudin, Zonula Occludens 1 (ZO-1), and Interleukin 10 (IL-10) in the jejunum and ileum, while displaying a noteworthy reduction in the relative expression of Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß). Overall, these findings suggest that B. subtilis JATP3 can safeguard intestinal health by modulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites, wherein citalopram might be a key component contributing to the therapeutic effects of B. subtilis JATP3.

Molecular Editing of Ketones through N-Heterocyclic Carbene and Photo Dual Catalysis.

The molecular editing of ketones represents an appealing strategy due to its ability to maximize the structural diversity of ketone compounds in a straightforward manner. However, developing efficient methods for the arbitrary modification of ketonic molecules, particularly those integrated within complex skeletons, remains a significant challenge. Herein, we present a unique strategy for ketone recasting that involves radical acylation of pre-functionalized ketones facilitated by N-heterocyclic carbene and photo dual catalysis. This protocol features excellent substrate tolerance and can be applied to the convergent synthesis and late-stage functionalization of structurally complex bioactive ketones. Mechanistic investigations, including experimental studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, shed light on the reaction mechanism and elucidate the basis of the regioselectivity.

Effects of continuous negative pressure suction combined with autologous platelet-rich gel on the levels of CRP, IL-6, wound healing and length of stay in clients with diabetic foot.

OBJECTIVE: Continuous passive pressure suction and APG gel therapy effect diabetic foot IL-6, CRP, wound healing, and hospitalization. METHODS: Clinicopathological data from 102 diabetic foot ulcer patients treated at our institution between March 2018 and May 2022 was examined. Tables generated 51 joint and controlling teams randomly. The observation team received passive pressure suction and APG gel whereas the controlled team received conventional treatment. Teams monitored therapy outcomes, adverse responses, wound healing, hospital stay, and costs. Both teams compared blood uric acid, cystatin C, homocysteine, and serum IL-6, IL-10, and CRP before and after medication. RESULTS: The joint team had higher hospitalization costs, shorter stays, and faster wound healing than the controlled team. Diaparity was significant (P < 0.05). The united team worked 100 %, unlike the controlling team. This difference was significant (P < 0.05). Both teams showed significant decreases in CRP, IL-6, and IL-10 levels after therapy (P < 0.05). After therapy, both the combined and controlled teams had substantial differences in blood CRP, IL-6, and IL-10 levels (P < 0.05). Both teams had significantly decreased uric acid, cystatin C, and homocysteine after treatment. The combined team showed significantly decreased uric acid, cystatin C, homocysteine levels following therapy compared to the control team (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The joint team experienced considerably fewer adverse events (3.92 % vs. 17.65 %) than the controls team (P < 0.05). Permanent passive pressure suction and APG gel therapy lower inflammatory response, blood uric acid, cystatin C, and homocysteine, speeding wound healing, reducing side effects.

Photolysis of dinotefuran and nitenpyram in water and ice phase: Influence mechanism of temperature over photolysis.

Neonicotinoids are widely used pesticides around the world, but the photolysis of neonicotinoids in cold agricultural region are still in blank. This paper aimed to study the influence of cold temperature over photolysis of neonicotinoids. To this end, the photolysis rates and photoproducts of dinotefuran and nitenpyram in water, ice and freeze-thawing condition were determined. Coupled with quantum chemistry calculation, the influence mechanisms of temperature and medium were investigated. The results showed the photolysis rates of neonicotinoids in water condition slightly declined with the lowered temperature due to the photolysis reactions were endothermic reactions. However, the photolysis rates increased by 89.8 %, 59.2 %, 49.4 % and 9.5 % for dinotefuran and nitenpyram in ice and thawing condition, respectively. This phenomenon was posed by the concentration-enhancing effect and change of photo-chemical properties of neonicotinoids in ice condition, which included lowered bond cleavage energy, lowered first excited singlet state energy and expanded light absorption range. The photolysis pathways of the two neonicotinoids did not change in different medium, but the concentration of carboxyl products was relatively higher than that of water condition due to the more amounts of reactive oxygen species in ice medium, which might increase the secondary pollution risk after ice-off in spring due to the higher ecotoxicity to nontarget organism of these photoproducts. The influence of cold temperature and medium change should be considered for the environmental fate and risk assessment of neonicotinoids in cold agricultural region.

Novel Drp1 GTPase Inhibitor, Drpitor1a: Efficacy in Pulmonary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Drp1 (dynamin-related protein 1), a large GTPase, mediates the increased mitochondrial fission, which contributes to hyperproliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We developed a potent Drp1 GTPase inhibitor, Drpitor1a, but its specificity, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy in PAH are unknown. METHODS: Drpitor1a's ability to inhibit recombinant and endogenous Drp1-GTPase was assessed. Drpitor1a's effects on fission were studied in control and PAH human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMC) and blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOEC). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were studied in hPASMC. Pharmacokinetics and tissue concentrations were measured following intravenous and oral drug administration. Drpitor1a's efficacy in regressing monocrotaline-PAH was assessed in rats. In a pilot study, Drpitor1a reduced PA remodeling only in females. Subsequently, we compared Drpitor1a to vehicles in normal and monocrotaline-PAH females. RESULTS: Drp1 GTPase activity was increased in PAH hPASMC. Drpitor1a inhibited the GTPase activity of recombinant and endogenous Drp1 and reversed the increased fission, seen in PAH hPASMC and PAH BOEC. Drpitor1a inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in PAH hPASMC without affecting electron transport chain activity, respiration, fission/fusion mediator expression, or mitochondrial Drp1 translocation. Drpitor1a did not inhibit proliferation or alter mitochondrial dynamics in normal hPASMC. Drpitor1a regressed monocrotaline-PAH without systemic vascular effects or toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Drpitor1a is a specific Drp1-GTPase inhibitor that reduces mitochondrial fission in PAH hPASMC and PAH BOEC. Drpitor1a reduces proliferation and induces apoptosis in PAH-hPASMC and regresses monocrotaline-PAH. Drp1 is a therapeutic target in PAH, and Drpitor1a is a potential therapy with an interesting therapeutic sexual dimorphism.

Association of redundant foreskin with sexual dysfunction: a cross-sectional study from 5700 participants.

A previous study showed that the length of the foreskin plays a role in the risk of sexually transmitted infections and chronic prostatitis, which can lead to poor quality of sexual life. Here, the association between foreskin length and sexual dysfunction was evaluated. A total of 5700 participants were recruited from the andrology clinic at The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Hefei, China). Clinical characteristics, including foreskin length, were collected, and sexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) questionnaires. Men with sexual dysfunction were more likely to have redundant foreskin than men without sexual dysfunction. Among the 2721 erectile dysfunction (ED) patients and 1064 premature ejaculation (PE) patients, 301 (11.1%) ED patients and 135 (12.7%) PE patients had redundant foreskin, respectively. Men in the PE group were more likely to have redundant foreskin than men in the non-PE group (P = 0.004). Logistic regression analyses revealed that the presence of redundant foreskin was associated with increased odds of moderate/severe ED (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.31, adjusted P = 0.04), moderate PE (aOR = 1.38, adjusted P = 0.02), and probable PE (aOR = 1.37, adjusted P = 0.03) after adjusting for confounding variables. Our study revealed a positive correlation between the presence of redundant foreskin and the risk of sexual dysfunction, especially in PE patients. Assessment of the length of the foreskin during routine clinical diagnosis may provide information for patients with sexual dysfunction.

Self-initiated nano-micelles mediated covalent modification of mRNA for labeling and treatment of tumors.

As a promising gene therapy strategy, controllable small molecule-mRNA covalent modification in tumor cells could be initiated by singlet oxygen (1O2) to complete the modification process. However, in vivo generation of 1O2 is usually dependent on excitation of external light, and the limited light penetration of tissues greatly interferes the development of deep tumor phototherapy. Here, we constructed a tumor-targeting nano-micelle for the spontaneous intracellular generation of 1O2 without the need for external light, and inducing a high level of covalent modification of mRNA in tumor cells. Luminal and Ce6 were chemically bonded to produce 1O2 by chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) triggered by high levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the tumor microenvironment. The sufficient 1O2 oxidized the loaded furan to highly reactive dicarbonyl moiety, which underwent cycloaddition reaction with adenine (A), cytosine (C) or guanine (G) on the mRNA for interfering with the tumor cell protein expression, thereby inhibiting tumor progression. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that this self-initiated gene therapy nano-micelle could induce covalent modification of mRNA by 1O2 without external light, and the process could be monitored in real time by fluorescence imaging, which provided an effective strategy for RNA-based tumor gene therapy.

Impact of childhood maltreatment on aging: a comprehensive Mendelian randomization analysis of multiple age-related biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is linked to long-term adverse health outcomes, including accelerated biological aging and cognitive decline. This study investigates the relationship between CM and various aging biomarkers: telomere length, facial aging, intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (IEAA), GrimAge, HannumAge, PhenoAge, frailty index, and cognitive performance. METHODS: We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study using published GWAS summary statistics. Aging biomarkers included telomere length (qPCR), facial aging (subjective evaluation), and epigenetic age markers (HannumAge, IEAA, GrimAge, PhenoAge). The frailty index was calculated from clinical assessments, and cognitive performance was evaluated with standardized tests. Analyses included Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW), MR Egger, and Weighted Median (WM) methods, adjusted for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: CM was significantly associated with shorter telomere length (IVW: ß = - 0.1, 95% CI - 0.18 to - 0.02, pFDR = 0.032) and increased HannumAge (IVW: ß = 1.33, 95% CI 0.36 to 2.3, pFDR = 0.028), GrimAge (IVW: ß = 1.19, 95% CI 0.19 to 2.2, pFDR = 0.040), and PhenoAge (IVW: ß = 1.4, 95% CI 0.12 to 2.68, pFDR = 0.053). A significant association was also found with the frailty index (IVW: ß = 0.31, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.49, pFDR = 0.006). No significant associations were found with facial aging, IEAA, or cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: CM is linked to accelerated biological aging, shown by shorter telomere length and increased epigenetic aging markers. CM was also associated with increased frailty, highlighting the need for early interventions to mitigate long-term effects. Further research should explore mechanisms and prevention strategies.

FGL2 improves experimental colitis related to gut microbiota structure and bile acid metabolism by regulating macrophage autophagy and apoptosis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a refractory disease with immune abnormalities and pathological changes. Intestinal macrophages are considered to be the main factor in establishing and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. The immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activity of fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) can regulate macrophage polarization. However, its function in IBD is unclear. In this study, we explored the effect of FGL2 on macrophage polarization, autophagy, and apoptosis in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and further investigated changes in the intestinal barrier, flora, and bile acid in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated mice. Our results demonstrated that FGL2-/- weakened ERK signaling to promote M1 polarization and upregulate inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis in LPS-stimulated BMDMs. rFGL2 treatment reversed these effects. FGL2-/- mice exhibited higher sensitivity to DSS exposure, with faster body weight loss, shorter colon lengths, and higher disease activity index (DAI) values. rFGL2 treatment protected against experimental ulcerative colitis (UC), restrained excessive autophagy, apoptosis, and improved gut barrier impairment. Gut microbiota structure and bile acid homeostasis were more unbalanced in FGL2-/- DSS mice than in wild-type (WT) DSS mice. rFGL2 treatment improved gut microbiota structure and bile acid homeostasis. Altogether, our results established that FGL2 is a potential therapeutic target for IBD.

Integrated transcriptome and metabolism unravel critical roles of carbon metabolism and oxidoreductase in mushroom with Korshinsk peashrub substrates.

Edible fungi cultivation serves as an efficient biological approach to transforming agroforestry byproducts, particularly Korshinsk peashrub (KP) branches into valuable mushroom (Lentinus edodes) products. Despite the widespread use of KP, the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulation of mushroom development remain largely unknown. In this study, we conducted a combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolism of mushroom fruiting bodies cultivated on KP substrates compared to those on apple wood sawdust (AWS) substrate. Our aim was to identify key metabolic pathways and genes that respond to the effects of KP substrates on mushrooms. The results revealed that KP induced at least a 1.5-fold increase in protein and fat content relative to AWS, with 15% increase in polysaccharide and total sugar content in mushroom fruiting bodies. There are 1196 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between mushrooms treated with KP relative to AWS. Bioinformatic analysis show significant enrichments in amino acid metabolic process, oxidase activity, malic enzyme activity and carbon metabolism among the 698 up-regulated DEGs induced by KP against AWS. Additionally, pathways associated with organic acid transport and methane metabolism were significantly enriched among the 498 down-regulated DEGs. Metabolomic analysis identified 439 differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) in mushrooms treated with KP compared to AWS. Consistent with the transcriptome data, KEGG analysis on metabolomic dataset suggested significant enrichments in carbon metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism among the up-regulated DAMs by KP. In particular, some DAMs were enhanced by 1.5-fold, including D-glutamine, L-glutamate, glucose and pyruvate in mushroom samples treated with KP relative to AWS. Targeted metabolomic analysis confirmed the contents of DAMs related to glutamate metabolism and energy metabolism. In conclusion, our findings suggest that reprogrammed carbon metabolism and oxidoreductase pathways act critical roles in the enhanced response of mushroom to KP substrates.

Self-Assembly of Three-Dimensional Hyperbranched Magnetic Composites and Application in High-Turbidity Water Treatment.

In order to improve dispersibility, polymerization characteristics, chemical stability, and magnetic flocculation performance, magnetic Fe3O4 is often assembled with multifarious polymers to realize a functionalization process. Herein, a typical three-dimensional configuration of hyperbranched amino acid polymer (HAAP) was employed to assemble it with Fe3O4, in which we obtained three-dimensional hyperbranched magnetic amino acid composites (Fe3O4@HAAP). The characterization of the Fe3O4@HAAP composites was analyzed, for instance, their size, morphology, structure, configuration, chemical composition, charged characteristics, and magnetic properties. The magnetic flocculation of kaolin suspensions was conducted under different Fe3O4@HAAP dosages, pHs, and kaolin concentrations. The embedded assembly of HAAP with Fe3O4 was constructed by the N-O bond according to an X-ray photoelectron energy spectrum (XPS) analysis. The characteristic peaks of -OH (3420 cm-1), C=O (1728 cm-1), Fe-O (563 cm-1), and N-H (1622 cm-1) were observed in the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) spectra of Fe3O4@HAAP successfully. In a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) observation, Fe3O4@HAAP exhibited a lotus-leaf-like morphological structure. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) showed that Fe3O4@HAAP had a relatively low magnetization (Ms) and magnetic induction (Mr); nevertheless, the ferromagnetic Fe3O4@HAAP could also quickly respond to an external magnetic field. The isoelectric point of Fe3O4@HAAP was at 8.5. Fe3O4@HAAP could not only achieve a 98.5% removal efficiency of kaolin suspensions, but could also overcome the obstacles induced by high-concentration suspensions (4500 NTU), high pHs, and low fields. The results showed that the magnetic flocculation of kaolin with Fe3O4@HAAP was a rapid process with a 91.96% removal efficiency at 0.25 h. In an interaction energy analysis, both the UDLVO and UEDLVO showed electrostatic repulsion between the kaolin particles in the condition of a flocculation distance of <30 nm, and this changed to electrostatic attraction when the separation distance was >30 nm. As Fe3O4@ HAAP was employed, kaolin particles could cross the energy barrier more easily; thus, the fine flocs and particles were destabilized and aggregated further. Rapid magnetic separation was realized under the action of an external magnetic field.

High-barrier, flexible, hydrophobic, and biodegradable cellulose-based films prepared by ascorbic acid regeneration and low temperature plasma technologies.

Regenerated cellulose (RC) films are considered a sustainable packaging material that can replace non-degradable petroleum-based plastics. However, their susceptibility to water vapor and oxygen can limit their effectiveness in protecting products. This study introduces a novel approach for enhancing RC films to create durable, flexible, hydrophobic, high-barrier, and biodegradable packaging materials. By exploring the impact of ascorbic acid coagulation bath treatment and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) on the properties of RC films, we found that the coagulation bath treatment facilitated the organized reconfiguration of cellulose chains, while PECVD applied a dense SiOx coating on the film surface. The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of the composite film, almost reaching the level of commercial barrier films. Moreover, the composite film displayed exceptional biodegradability, fully degrading in soil within 35 days. Additionally, it showcased impressive mechanical strength, hydrophobic characteristics, and freshness preservation, positioning it as a valuable option for bio-based high-barrier packaging applications.

Effects of different puncture approaches on the curative effect and safety of patients with combined cardiovascular and cerebrovascular angiography.

Introduction: The relationship between different puncture points and perioperative complications and length of stay in hospital (LOS) in SCCAG patients has rarely been reported. Aim: To compare the curative effect and safety of the transradial artery approach and the transfemoral artery approach in combined heart-brain angiography. Material and methods: 120 patients who received combined cardio-cerebral angiography in our hospital were selected and divided into a transradial artery approach group (TRA) and a transfemoral artery approach group (TFA) according to a random number table. The postoperative efficacy and safety of the 2 groups were compared. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in puncture time and operation time between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Postoperative bed rest time, hospitalization time, and X-ray exposure time in the TRA group were shorter than those in the TFA group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Before operation and 3 days after operation, there was no significant difference in left ventricle ejection fraction between the 2 groups (p > 0. 05). The overall incidence of complications in the TFA group was higher than that in the TRA group. The incidence between haematoma and pseudoaneurysm in the TFA group was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: For simultaneous heart-brain angiography, interventional therapy via radial artery and femoral artery has good curative effect and can improve cardiac function. However, interventional therapy through the radial artery can shorten the postoperative bed rest time and hospitalization time, and reduce the incidence of complications.

Vaporchromic Domino Transformation and Polarized Photonic Heterojunctions of Organoplatinum Microrods.

Photonic heterostructures with codable properties have shown great values as versatile information carriers at the micro and nanoscale. These heterostructures are typically prepared by a step-by-step growth or post-functionalization method to achieve varied emission colors among different building blocks. In order to realize high-throughput and multivariate information loading, we report here a strategy to integrate polarization signals into photonic heterojunctions. A U-shaped di-Pt(II) complex is assembled into highly-polarized yellow-phosphorescent crystalline microrods (Y-rod) by strong intermolecular Pt···Pt interaction. Upon end-initiated desorption of the incorporated CH2Cl2 solvents, Y-rod is transformed in a domino fashion into tri-block polarized photonic heterojunctions (PPHs) with alternate red-yellow-red emissions or red-phosphorescent microrods (R-rod). The red emissions of these structures are also highly polarized; however, their polarization directions are just orthogonal to those of the yellow phosphorescence of Y-rod. With the aid of a patterned mask, R-rod is further programmed into multi-block PPHs with precisely-controlled block sizes by side-allowed adsorption of CH2Cl2 vapor. X-ray diffraction analysis and theoretical calculations suggest that the solvent-regulated modulation of intramolecular and intermolecular excited states is critical for the construction of these PPHs.

Impact of antiphospholipid antibodies on cardiac valve lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis assesses antiphospholipid antibodies' (aPLs) impact on heart valve disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science up to January 2024 for comparative studies of heart valve disease in aPL-positive versus aPL-negative SLE patients. Fixed-effect or random-effect models were used to synthesize data, with I2 and sensitivity analyses for heterogeneity and the trim-and-fill method for publication bias. Including 25 studies with 8089 patients, of which 919 had valvular changes, aPLs significantly increased the risk of heart valve disease (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.58-3.18, p < 0.001). Lupus anticoagulant (LA) indicated the highest risk (OR = 4.90, 95% CI: 2.26-10.60, p < 0.001), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) doubled the risk (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.47-4.93, p = 0.001), and anti-ß2 glycoprotein I (aß2GPI) showed a 70% increase (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.17-2.45, p = 0.005). Valve-specific analysis indicated the mitral valve was most commonly involved (26.89%), with higher occurrences in aPL-positive patients (33.34% vs. 15.92%, p = 0.053). Aortic and tricuspid valve involvements were 13.11% vs. 5.42% (p = 0.147) and 12.03% vs. 8.52% (p = 0.039), respectively. Pulmonary valve disease was rare and similar across groups (1.01% in aPL-positive vs. 1.52% in aPL-negative). Significantly, only tricuspid valve disease showed increased risk in aPL-positive patients (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.05-6.75, p = 0.039). APLs notably increase the risk of heart valve disease in SLE patients, with a pronounced effect on tricuspid valve involvement. Regular cardiac assessments for aPL-positive SLE patients are crucial for timely intervention and improved prognosis.

Comparative proteomic analysis of plasma exosomes reveals the functional contribution of N-acetyl-alphaglucosaminidase to Parkinson's disease.

ABSTRACT: Parkinson's disease is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder, and few reliable biomarkers are available to track disease progression. The proteins, DNA, mRNA, and lipids carried by exosomes reflect intracellular changes, and thus can serve as biomarkers for a variety of conditions. In this study, we investigated alterations in the protein content of plasma exosomes derived from patients with Parkinson's disease and the potential therapeutic roles of these proteins in Parkinson's disease. Using a tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics approach, we characterized the proteomes of plasma exosomes derived from individual patients, identified exosomal protein signatures specific to patients with Parkinson's disease, and identified N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase as a differentially expressed protein. N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase expression levels in exosomes from the plasma of patients and healthy controls were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot. The results demonstrated that the exosomal N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase concentration was not only lower in Parkinson's disease, but also decreased with increasing Hoehn-Yahr stage, suggesting that N-acetyl- alpha-glucosaminidase could be used to rapidly evaluate Parkinson's disease severity. Furthermore, western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis showed that N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase levels were markedly reduced both in cells treated with methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and cells overexpressing a-synuclein (α-syn) compared with control cells. Additionally, N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase overexpression significantly increased cell viability and inhibited α-syn expression in MPP+-treated cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate for the first time that exosomal N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase may serve as a biomarker for Parkinson's disease diagnosis, and that N-acetyl-alpha- glucosaminidase may reduce α-syn expression and MPP+-induced neurotoxicity, thus providing a new therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease.

Effects of buccal acupuncture on postoperative analgesia in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of buccal acupuncture on postoperative analgesia, perioperative stress response and adverse events in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Methods: It was a prospective, outcome assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial, involving 90 patients aged 65-80 years who were treated with an elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. They were randomly assigned to buccal acupuncture group (Group B) and control group (Group C). Buccal acupuncture was applied to patients of Group B before the induction of general anesthesia, while no additional application was given to those in Group C. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with sufentanil was postoperatively performed in both groups. Sufentanil consumption and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score within 48 h postoperatively were assessed as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included peripheral levels of stress markers, intraoperative consumptions of anesthetic drugs and postoperative recovery. Results: Patients in Group B presented significantly lower VAS scores within 24 h and less consumption of sufentanil within 48 h postoperatively (both p < 0.01). The awaking time, time to extubation and length of stay were significantly shorter in Group B than in Group C (p = 0.005, 0.001 and 0.028, respectively). Compared with Group C, stress response and inflammatory response within 24 h postoperatively were also significantly milder in Group B. Conclusion: The use of buccal acupuncture before general anesthesia induction favors the postoperative analgesic effect and recovery in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, the mechanism of which involves relieving postoperative stress response and inflammatory response. Clinical trial registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn) on 15/06/2023 (ChiCTR2300072500).