Experiences of a Community-Based Digital Intervention Among Older People Living in a Low-Income Neighborhood: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Older adults worldwide experienced heightened risks of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and poor mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, digital technology emerged as a means to mitigate social isolation and enhance social connectedness among older adults. However, older adults' behaviors and attitudes toward the adoption and use of digital technology are heterogeneous and shaped by factors such as age, income, and education. Few empirical studies have examined how older adults experiencing social and economic disadvantages perceive the learning of digital tools. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the motivations, experiences, and perceptions toward a community-based digital intervention among older adults residing in public rental flats in a low-income neighborhood. Specifically, we explored how their attitudes and behaviors toward learning the use of smartphones are shaped by their experiences related to age and socioeconomic challenges. METHODS: This study adopted a qualitative methodology. Between December 2020 and March 2021, we conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with 19 participants aged ≥60 years who had completed the community-based digital intervention. We asked participants questions about the challenges encountered amid the pandemic, their perceived benefits of and difficulties with smartphone use, and their experiences with participating in the intervention. All interviews were audio recorded and analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach. RESULTS: Although older learners stated varying levels of motivation to learn, most expressed ambivalence about the perceived utility and relevance of the smartphone to their current needs and priorities. While participants valued the social interaction with volunteers and the personalized learning model of the digital intervention, they also articulated barriers such as age-related cognitive and physical limitations and language and illiteracy that hindered their sustained use of these digital devices. Most importantly, the internalization of ageist stereotypes of being less worthy learners and the perception of smartphone use as being in the realm of the privileged other further reduced self-efficacy and interest in learning. CONCLUSIONS: To improve learning and sustained use of smartphones for older adults with low income, it is essential to explore avenues that render digital tools pertinent to their daily lives, such as creating opportunities for social connections and relationship building. Future studies should investigate the relationships between older adults' social, economic, and health marginality and their ability to access digital technologies. We recommend that the design and implementation of digital interventions should prioritize catering to the needs and preferences of various segments of older adults, while working to bridge rather than perpetuate the digital divide.

TaoHe ChengQi decoction ameliorates sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction through anti-ferroptosis via the Nrf2 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction (SICD) is a serious complication of sepsis that is associated with increased mortality. Ferroptosis has been reported in the SICD. TaoHe ChengQi decoction (THCQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has multiple beneficial pharmacological effects. The potential effects of THCQD on the SICD remain unknown. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of THCQD on SICD and explore whether this effect is related to the regulation of myocardial ferroptosis through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. METHODS: We induced sepsis in a mouse model using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and administered THCQD (2 and 4 g/kg) and dexamethasone (40 mg/kg). Mice mortality was recorded and survival curves were plotted. Echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and analysis of serum myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors were used to evaluate cardiac pathology. Myocardial ferroptosis was detected by quantifying specific biomarker content and protein levels. Through HPLC-Q-Exactive-MS analysis, we identified the components of the THCQD. Network pharmacology analysis and Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) were utilized to predict the targets of THCQD for treating SICD. We detected the expression of Nrf2 using Western blotting or immunofluorescence. An RSL3-induced ferroptosis model was established using neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) to further explore the pharmacological mechanism of THCQD. In addition to measuring cell viability, we observed changes in NRCM mitochondria using electron microscopy and JC-1 staining. NRF2 inhibitor ML385 and Nrf2 knockout mice were used to validate whether THCQD exerted protective effects against SICD through Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis signaling. RESULTS: THCQD reduced mortality in septic mice, protected against CLP-induced myocardial injury, decreased systemic inflammatory response, and prevented myocardial ferroptosis. Network pharmacology analysis and CETSA experiments predicted that THCQD may protect against SICD by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that THCQD activated Nrf2 in cardiac tissue. THCQDs consistently mitigated RSL3-induced ferroptosis in NRCM, which is related to Nrf2. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of Nrf2 and genetic Nrf2 knockout partially reversed the protective effects of THCQD on SICD and ferroptosis. CONCLUSION: The effect of THCQD on SICD was achieved by activating Nrf2 and its downstream pathways.

Systematic druggable genome-wide Mendelian randomization identifies therapeutic targets for sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: There are no effective pharmacological treatments for sarcopenia. We aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for sarcopenia by integrating various publicly available datasets. METHODS: We integrated druggable genome data, cis-eQTL/cis-pQTL from human blood and skeletal muscle tissue, and GWAS summary data of sarcopenia-related traits to analyse the potential causal relationships between drug target genes and sarcopenia using the Mendelian Randomization (MR) method. Sensitivity analyses and Bayesian colocalization were employed to validate the causal relationships. We also assessed the side effects or additional indications of the identified drug targets using a phenome-wide MR (Phe-MR) approach and investigated actionable drugs for target genes using available databases. RESULTS: MR analysis identified 17 druggable genes with potential causation to sarcopenia in human blood or skeletal muscle tissue. Six of them (HP, HLA-DRA, MAP 3K3, MFGE8, COL15A1, and AURKA) were further confirmed by Bayesian colocalization (PPH4 > 90%). The up-regulation of HP [higher ALM (beta: 0.012, 95% CI: 0.007-0.018, P = 1.2*10-5) and higher grip strength (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.98, P = 4.2*10-5)], MAP 3K3 [higher ALM (beta: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.21-0.26, P = 1.8*10-94), higher grip strength (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75-0.90, P = 2.1*10-5), and faster walking pace (beta: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.02-0.05, P = 8.5*10-6)], and MFGE8 [higher ALM (muscle eQTL, beta: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.06-0.11, P = 6.1*10-13; blood pQTL, beta: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.03-0.07, P = 3.8*10-09)], as well as the down-regulation of HLA-DRA [lower ALM (beta: -0.09, 95% CI: -0.11 to -0.08, P = 5.4*10-36) and lower grip strength (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07-1.20, P = 1.8*10-5)] and COL15A1 [higher ALM (muscle eQTL, beta: -0.07, 95% CI: -0.10 to -0.04, P = 3.4*10-07; blood pQTL, beta: -0.05, 95% CI: -0.06 to -0.03, P = 1.6*10-07)], decreased the risk of sarcopenia. AURKA in blood (beta: -0.16, 95% CI: -0.22 to -0.09, P = 2.1*10-06) and skeletal muscle (beta: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.05, P = 5.3*10-05) tissues showed an inverse relationship with sarcopenia risk. The Phe-MR indicated that the six potential therapeutic targets for sarcopenia had no significant adverse effects. Drug repurposing analysis supported zinc supplementation and collagenase clostridium histolyticum might be potential therapeutics for sarcopenia by activating HP and inhibiting COL15A1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our research indicated MAP 3K3, MFGE8, COL15A1, HP, and HLA-DRA may serve as promising targets for sarcopenia, while the effectiveness of zinc supplementation and collagenase clostridium histolyticum for sarcopenia requires further validation.

Multi-angle laser device improves novice learning of C-arm fluoroscopy for lumbar spine surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and satisfaction of using a multi-angle laser device (MLD) for C-arm fluoroscopy to assist novice learners during lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: Forty novice learners were randomly assigned to Group A using an MLD-equipped C-arm or Group B using a traditional C-arm. Both groups performed X-ray fluoroscopy on a lumbar spine model in supine and rotated positions. Time, number of shots, and deviation from the target were compared. A questionnaire was used to assess the learning experience. RESULTS: Group A required less time (13.66 vs. 25.63 min), and fewer shots (15.05 vs. 32.50), and had a smaller deviation (22.9% vs. 61.5%) than Group B (all p<0.05). The questionnaire revealed higher scores in Group A for comfort, efficiency, and knowledge mastery (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The MLD significantly improves novice learning of C-arm fluoroscopy during lumbar spine surgery.

In ovo probiotic supplementation supports hatchability and improves hatchling quality in broilers.

In modern broilers, the period of embryonic development constitutes a greater proportion of a broiler's productive life. Hence, optimum embryonic development can exert a significant influence not only on chick hatchability and hatchling quality but also on overall broiler growth and performance. Further healthy and active hatchlings are correlated with improved posthatch performance. In this regard, probiotics are good candidates to mediate early-life programming. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of In ovo probiotic spray application on broiler hatchability and hatchling quality. The experiment was set out as a completely randomized study with 2 independent trials. In each trial, 540 eggs (Ross 308) were either sprayed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS; control) or probiotics [∼9 log CFU/egg of Lactobacillus rhamnosus NRRL B-442(LR) or Lactobacillus paracasei DUP 13076 (LP)] during incubation. On day 18, eggs were transferred to the hatcher and set up for hatching. Starting on day 19, eggs were observed for hatching to determine the spread of hatch and hatchability. Hatched chicks were then assessed for quality using the Tona and Pasgar score and morphometric measurements including hatchling weight, yolk-free-body-mass and hatchling length were measured. Further, chicks were reared in floor pens for 3 wk to assess posthatch growth. Overall, In ovo probiotic supplementation improved hatchability and hatchling quality. Specifically, the spray application of LP improved hatchability by ∼ 5% without affecting the spread of hatch. Further, both LR and LP significantly improved Pasgar and Tona score, indicating an improvement in hatchling quality. Also, LP and LR significantly improved hatchling weight, yolk-free-body-mass, and posthatch growth in chicks. LR significantly improved hatchling weight and hatchling length (P < 0.05). Moreover, this increase in posthatch growth was positively correlated with hatchling weight in the probiotic groups. Overall, our study demonstrates that In ovo probiotic application exerts a positive effect on hatchability, hatchling quality, and subsequent posthatch growth.

[Lead Removal from Water by Calcium-containing Biochar with Saturated Phosphate].

Calcium-containing biochar （ES-BC） was prepared by pyrolyzing eggshell and kitchen wastes， and the ES-BC composite was used to remove phosphate （marked as ES-BC/P）. Based on the high affinity of phosphate and carbonate to lead， the ES-BC/P was then used to remove lead from the water. The results showed that， in the appropriate dosage， ES-BC/P could remove lead efficiently at different initial concentrations （1-100 mg·L-1）， and the removal efficiency could reach to 99%. Meanwhile， the release of phosphorus could be ignored after the reaction. As ES-BC/P was alkaline， and the lead-containing solution was weakly acidic， the addition of ES-BC/P could adjust the pH of the system automatically. The reaction kinetics and isotherm experiments showed that the lead removal by ES-BC/P was mainly monolayer chemisorption with a maximum adsorption capacity of 493.12 mg·g-1 （318 K）. The characterization results showed that lead was mainly removed through the ion exchanges of Pb2+ in the solution with Ca2+ in ES-BC/P. Then， the Pb2+ combined with CO32- and PO42- to form many precipitates， including Pb5（PO4）3OH， Pb10（PO4）6（OH）2， PbCO3， and Pb3（CO3）2（OH）2. In summary， the ES-BC/P material could achieve the efficient removal of lead from the water， thereby realizing the resource utilization of the wastes.

Magnetic MnFe2O4/ZIF-67 nanocomposites with high activation of peroxymonosulfate for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride in wastewater.

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on PMS have been used to degrade various refractory pollutants such as drugs, endocrine disruptors, dyes and perfluorinated compounds due to their wide application range, mild reaction conditions, fast reaction rate and simple operation. In this study, tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) was degraded based on this method. Magnetic MnFe2O4/ZIF-67 nanocomposites were successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method, which combined the magnetic separation characteristics of MnFe2O4 with the high catalytic activity of ZIF-67 and were used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to efficiently degrade TCH. Satisfactory removal results were obtained with this simple and readily available material, with 82.6% of TCH removed in 15 min. The effect of different conditions on the degradation effect was investigated, and the optimal catalyst concentration and PMS concentration were determined to be 0.1 g L-1 and 0.2 g L-1, respectively, and all had good degradation effects at pH 5 to 10. XPS, impedance test and radical quenching experiments were used to investigate the degradation mechanism. The results showed that sulfate radical (SO4-˙) was the main active species in the degradation process. In addition, the catalyst has good cyclic stability, which provides a new idea for the removal of TCH in wastewater. It is worth mentioning that the catalyst also has good degradation property for other pollutants.

Local Electric Potential-Driven Nanofluidic Ion Transport for Ultrasensitive Biochemical Sensing.

Nanofluidic biosensors have been widely used for detection of analytes based on the change of system resistance before and after target-probe interactions. However, their sensitivity is limited when system resistance barely changes toward low-concentration targets. Here, we proposed a strategy to address this issue by means of target-induced change of local membrane potential under relatively unchanged system resistance. The local membrane potential originated from the directional diffusion of photogenerated carriers across nanofluidic biosensors and gated photoinduced ionic current signal before and after target-probe interactions. The sensitivity of such biosensors for the detection of biomolecules such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and lysozyme exceeds that of applying a traditional strategy by more than 3 orders of magnitude under unchanged system resistance. Such biosensors can specifically detect the small molecule biomarker in the blood sample between prostate cancer patients and healthy humans. The key advantages of such nanofluidic biosensors are therefore complementary to traditional nanofluidic biosensors, with potential applications in a point-of-care analytical tool.

Integrated analysis and validation of ferroptosis-related genes and immune infiltration in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is indeed a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in individuals with coronary heart disease. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, is characterized by the accumulation of intracellular lipid peroxides, which is implicated in cardiomyocyte injury. This study aims to identify biomarkers that are indicative of ferroptosis in the context of AMI, and to examine their potential roles in immune infiltration. METHODS: Firstly, the GSE59867 dataset was used to identify differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DE-FRGs) in AMI. We then performed gene ontology (GO) and functional enrichment analysis on these DE-FRGs. Secondly, we analyzed the GSE76591 dataset and used bioinformatic methods to build ceRNA networks. Thirdly, we identified hub genes in protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. After obtaining the key DE-FRGs through the junction of hub genes with ceRNA and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). ImmucellAI was applied to estimate the immune cell infiltration in each sample and examine the relationship between key DE-FRGs and 24 immunocyte subsets. The diagnostic performance of these genes was further evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Ultimately, we identified an immune-related ceRNA regulatory axis linked to ferroptosis in AMI. RESULTS: Among 56 DE-FRGs identified in AMI, 41 of them were integrated into the construction of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. TLR4 and PIK3CA were identified as key DE-FRGs and PIK3CA was confirmed as a diagnostic biomarker for AMI. Moreover, CD4_native cells, nTreg cells, Th2 cells, Th17 cells, central-memory cells, effector-memory cells, and CD8_T cells had higher infiltrates in AMI samples compared to control samples. In contrast, exhausted cells, iTreg cells, and Tfh cells had lower infiltrates in AMI samples. Spearman analysis confirmed the correlation between 24 immune cells and PIK3CA/TLR4. Ultimately, we constructed an immune-related regulatory axis involving XIST and OIP5-AS1/miR-216a/PIK3CA. CONCLUSION: Our comprehensive analysis has identified PIK3CA as a robust and promising biomarker for this condition. Moreover, we have also identified an immune-related regulatory axis involving XIST and OIP5-AS1/miR-216a/PIK3CA, which may play a key role in regulating ferroptosis during AMI progression.

Integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes and miRNA expression profiles in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background: Although dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent form of cardiomyopathy, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and progression remain poorly understood. It is possible to identify and validate DCM-associated genes, pathways, and miRNAs using bioinformatics analysis coupled with clinical validation methods. Methods: Our analysis was performed using 3 mRNA datasets and 1 miRNA database. We employed several approaches, including gene ontology (GO) analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction networks analysis, and analysis of hub genes to identify critical genes and pathways linked to DCM. We constructed a regulatory network for DCM that involves interactions between miRNAs and mRNAs. We also validated the differently expressed miRNAs in clinical samples (87 DCM ，83 Normal) using qRT-PCR.The miRNAs' clinical value was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs). Results: 78 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 170 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were associated with DCM. The top five GO annotations were collagen-containing extracellular matrix, cell substrate adhesion, negative regulation of cell differentiation, and inflammatory response. The most enriched KEGG pathways were the Neurotrophin signaling pathway, Thyroid hormone signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and Axon guidance. In the PPI network, we identified 10 hub genes, and in the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, we identified 8 hub genes and 15 miRNAs. In the clinical validation, we found 13 miRNAs with an AUC value greater than 0.9. Conclusion: Our research offers novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of DCM and has implications for identifying potential targets for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Surface Lattice Modulation Enables Stable Cycling of High-Loading All-solid-state Batteries at High Voltages.

Halide solid electrolytes, known for their high ionic conductivity at room temperature and good oxidative stability, face notable challenges in all-solid-state Li-ion batteries (ASSBs), especially with unstable cathode/solid electrolyte (SE) interface and increasing interfacial resistance during cycling. In this work, we have developed an Al3+-doped, cation-disordered epitaxial nanolayer on the LiCoO2 surface by reacting it with an artificially constructed AlPO4 nanoshell; this lithium-deficient layer featuring a rock-salt-like phase effectively suppresses oxidative decomposition of Li3InCl6 electrolyte and stabilizes the cathode/SE interface at 4.5 V. The ASSBs with the halide electrolyte Li3InCl6 and a high-loading LiCoO2 cathode demonstrated high discharge capacity and long cycling life from 3 to 4.5 V. Our findings emphasize the importance of specialized cathode surface modification in preventing SE degradation and achieving stable cycling of halide-based ASSBs at high voltages.

Artificial intelligence-aided diagnostic imaging: A state-of-the-art technique in precancerous screening.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chromoendoscopy with the use of indigo carmine (IC) dye is a crucial endoscopic technique to identify gastrointestinal neoplasms. However, its performance is limited by the endoscopist's skill, and no standards are available for lesion identification. Thus, we developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model to replace chromoendoscopy. METHODS: This pilot study assessed the feasibility of our novel AI model in the conversion of white-light images (WLI) into virtual IC-dyed images based on a generative adversarial network. The predictions of our AI model were evaluated against the assessments of five endoscopic experts who were blinded to the purpose of this study with a staining quality rating from 1 (unacceptable) to 4 (excellent). RESULTS: The AI model successfully transformed the WLI of polyps with different morphologies and different types of lesions in the gastrointestinal tract into virtual IC-dyed images. The quality ratings of the real IC-dyed and AI images did not significantly differ concerning surface structure (AI vs IC: 3.08 vs 3.00), lesion border (3.04 vs 2.98), and overall contrast (3.14 vs 3.02) from 10 sets of images (10 AI images and 10 real IC-dyed images). Although the score depended significantly on the evaluator, the staining methods (AI or real IC) and evaluators had no significant interaction (P > 0.05) with each other. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated the feasibility of employing AI model's virtual IC staining, increasing the possibility of being employed in daily practice. This novel technology may facilitate gastrointestinal lesion identification in the future.

Mismatch Between Older Persons' Generative Concern and Internalized Generative Capacities: Leveraging on Generative Ambivalence to Enhance Intergenerational Cohesion.

Studies have shown how generativity, the concern for establishing and guiding the next generation and safeguarding its wellbeing, functions as an intergenerational conduit, bridging the developmental stages of older individuals with those younger. Yet, applications of generativity, as a means to bridge generational gaps within rapid social change, remain underexplored in the intergenerational field. Using Singapore as a case study, and through focus group discussions with 103 older persons, this paper examines how older Singaporeans express their generative concern and internalize their generative capacities across different social settings and rapid socioeconomic transformation. Mismatch between older Singaporeans' generative concern and capacity contributes to ambivalence - mixed feelings about guiding younger generations - which emerges out of older Singaporeans' struggles with cultural change prompted by economic progress, as well as concerns about their place and value in a technologically advanced global city-state. The concept of generative ambivalence can add value to policy perspectives on intergenerational cohesion, as it considers people's attempts to forge commonalities and mutual reciprocity despite differences (e.g. gender, age, race, skills), as well as highlights intergenerational complexities beyond superficial binaries. Policies aimed at bringing generations together must be intentional in creating opportunity structures that go beyond categorical differences, where multiple generations can thrive interdependently.

Development and application of a low-priced duplex quantitative PCR assay based on SYBR Green I for the simultaneous detection of porcine deltacoronavirus and porcine sapelovirus.

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) and porcine sapelovirus (PSV) are two viruses that can cause diarrhoea in pigs and bring great economic loss to the pig industry. In this research, a duplex real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay based on SYBR Green I was developed to simultaneously detect PDCoV and PSV. No specific melting peaks were found in other porcine diarrhoea-associated viruses, indicating that the method developed in this study had good specificity. The detection limits of PDCoV and PSV were 1.0 × 101 copies µl-1 and 1.0 × 102 copies µl-1, respectively. The duplex real-time qPCR assay tested two hundred and three (203) intestinal and faecal samples collected from diarrhoeal and asymptomatic pigs. The positive rates of PDCoV and PSV were 20.2% and 23.2%, respectively. The co-infection rate of PDCoV and PSV was 13.8%. To evaluate the accuracy of the developed method, conventional PCR and singular TaqMan real-time qPCR assays for PDCoV/PSV were also used to detect the samples. The results showed that the duplex real-time qPCR assay was consistent with the singular assays, but its sensitivity was higher than conventional PCR methods. This duplex real-time qPCR assay provides a rapid, sensitive and reliable method in a clinic to simultaneously detect PDCoV and PSV.

Multiphase Chemistry under Nanoconfinement: An Electrochemical Perspective.

Most relevant systems of interest to modern chemists rarely consist of a single phase. Real-world problems that require a rigorous understanding of chemical reactivity in multiple phases include the development of wearable and implantable biosensors, efficient fuel cells, single cell metabolic characterization techniques, and solar energy conversion devices. Within all of these systems, confinement effects at the nanoscale influence the chemical reaction coordinate. Thus, a fundamental understanding of the nanoconfinement effects of chemistry in multiphase environments is paramount. Electrochemistry is inherently a multiphase measurement tool reporting on a charged species traversing a phase boundary. Over the past 50 years, electrochemistry has witnessed astounding growth. Subpicoampere current measurements are routine, as is the study of single molecules and nanoparticles. This Perspective focuses on three nanoelectrochemical techniques to study multiphase chemistry under nanoconfinement: stochastic collision electrochemistry, single nanodroplet electrochemistry, and nanopore electrochemistry.

Detection and tracking of cytoplasmic G-quadruplexes in live cells.

A TTPP probe was developed to distinguish G-quadruplexes (G4s) from other nucleic acid topologies through longer fluorescence lifetimes and higher quantum yields. In fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, TTPP enabled the visualization of cytoplasmic G4s in live cells, and showed the potential to detect cell apoptosis and ferroptosis by tracking cytoplasmic G4s.

Ethyl ferulate suppresses post-myocardial infarction myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting transforming growth factor receptor 1.

BACKGROUND: With an increasing number of myocardial infarction (MI) patients, myocardial fibrosis is becoming a widespread health concern. It's becoming more and more urgent to conduct additional research and investigations into efficient treatments. Ethyl ferulate (EF) is a naturally occurring substance with cardioprotective properties. However, the extent of its impact and the underlying mechanism of its treatment for myocardial fibrosis after MI remain unknown. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to look into how EF affected the signaling of the TGF-receptor 1 (TGFBR1) in myocardial fibrosis after MI. METHODS: Echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome staining were employed to assess the impact of EF on heart structure and function in MI-affected mice in vivo. Cell proliferation assay (MTS), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and western blot techniques were employed to examine the influence of EF on native cardiac fibroblast (CFs) proliferation and collagen deposition. Molecular simulation and surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) were utilized to explore TGFBR1 and EF interaction. Cardiac-specific Tgfbr1 knockout mice (Tgfbr1ΔMCK) were utilized to testify to the impact of EF. RESULTS: In vivo experiments revealed that EF alleviated myocardial fibrosis, improved cardiac dysfunction after MI and downregulated the TGFBR1 signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, in vitro experiments revealed that EF significantly inhibited CFs proliferation, collagen deposition and TGFBR1 signaling followed by TGF-ß1 stimulation. More specifically, molecular simulation, molecular dynamics, and SPRi collectively showed that EF directly targeted TGFBR1. Lastly, knocking down of Tgfbr1 partially reversed the inhibitory activity of EF on myocardial fibrosis in MI mice. CONCLUSION: EF attenuated myocardial fibrosis post-MI by directly suppressing TGFBR1 and its downstream signaling pathway.

Compact multi-channel radio frequency pulse-sequence generator with fast-switching capability for cold-atom interferometers.

Cold-atom interferometers have matured into a powerful tool for fundamental physics research, and they are currently moving from realizations in the laboratory to applications in the field. A radio frequency (RF) generator is an indispensable component of these devices for controlling lasers and manipulating atoms. In this work, we developed a compact RF generator for fast switching and sweeping the frequencies and amplitudes of atomic-interference pulse sequences. In this generator, multi-channel RF signals are generated using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to control eight direct digital synthesizers (DDSs). We further propose and demonstrate a method for pre-loading the parameters of all the RF pulse sequences to the DDS registers before their execution, which eliminates the need for data transfer between the FPGA and DDSs to change RF signals. This sharply decreases the frequency-switching time when the pulse sequences are running. Performance characterization showed that the generated RF signals achieve a 100 ns frequency-switching time and a 40 dB harmonic-rejection ratio. The generated RF pulse sequences were applied to a cold-atom-interferometer gyroscope, and the contrast of atomic interference fringes was found to reach 38%. This compact multi-channel generator with fast frequency/amplitude switching and/or sweeping capability will be beneficial for applications in field-portable atom interferometers.

The current status of photoperiod adaptability in soybean.

Flowering represents the transition from vegetative stage to reproductive stage. As a photoperiod- sensitive crop, soybean can perceive changes in photoperiod to regulate flowering and reproductive periods, thereby influencing soybean yield and other agronomic traits, and determining the photoperiodic adaptability. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of photoperiod on flowering and reproductive periods in soybean is one of the hotspots in soybean research. In this review, we introduce the molecular mechanisms of early flowering and early maturation during soybean domestication, and the molecular regulatory pathways of cultivated soybean expansion from the origin to high and low latitudes, respectively. At last, we summarize the research progress on photoperiod adaptability in wild soybean. Analyzing the regulatory mechanisms of photoperiod on soybean life history and domestication will provide valuable insights for the breeding of superior soybean varieties.