Sign Reversal of Spin-Transfer Torques.

Spin-transfer torque (STT) and spin-orbit torque (SOT) form the core of spintronics, allowing for the control of magnetization through electric currents. While the sign of SOT can be manipulated through material and structural engineering, it is conventionally understood that STT lacks a degree of freedom in its sign. However, this study presents the first demonstration of manipulating the STT sign by engineering heavy metals adjacent to magnetic materials in magnetic heterostructures. Spin torques are quantified through magnetic domain-wall speed measurements, and subsequently, both STT and SOT are systematically extracted from these measurements. The results unequivocally show that the sign of STT can be either positive or negative, depending on the materials adjacent to the magnetic layers. Specifically, Pd/Co/Pd films exhibit positive STT, while Pt/Co/Pt films manifest negative STT. First-principle calculations further confirm that the sign reversal of STT originates from the sign reversal of spin polarization of conduction electrons.

Early administration of Wumei Wan inhibit myeloid-derived suppressor cells via PI3K/Akt pathway and amino acids metabolism to prevent Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Wumei Wan (WMW), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been proved to be effective in treating Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), but it has not been proven to be effective in different stages of CAC. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of our study is to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of WMW on the progression of CAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Azioximethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were used to treat mice for the purpose of establishing CAC models. WMW was administered in different stages of CAC. The presentative chemical components in WMW were confirmed by UHPLCQTOF/MS under the optimized conditions. The detection of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and colon of mice were estimated by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The changes of T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in each group were detected by flow cytometry. The metabolic components in serum of mice were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. Expression of genes and proteins were detected by eukaryotic transcriptomics and western blot to explore the key pathway of WMW in preventing CAC. RESULTS: WMW had significant effect on inhibiting inflammatory responses and tumors during the early development stage of CAC when compared to other times. WMW increased the length of mice's colons, reduced the level of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α in colon tissues, and effectively alleviated colonic inflammation, and improved the pathological damage of colon tissues. WMW could significantly reduce the infiltration of MDSCs in the spleen, increase CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in the spleen of CAC mice, and effectively reform the immune microenvironment in CAC mice. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that 2204 genes had different patterns of overlap in the colon tissues of mice between control group, AOM+DSS group, and early administration of WMW group. And KEGG enrichment analysis showed that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, pancreatic secretion, thermogenesis, and Rap1 signaling pathway were all involved. The serum metabolomics results of WMW showed that the metabolic compositions of the control group, AOM+DSS group and the early stage of WMW were different, and 42 differential metabolites with the opposite trends of changes were screened. The metabolic pathways mainly included pyrimidine metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and purine metabolism. And amino acids and related metabolites may play an important role in WMW prevention of CAC. CONCLUSION: WMW can effectively prevent the occurrence and development of CAC, especially in the initial stage. WMW can reduce the immune infiltration of MDSCs in the early stage. Early intervention of WMW can improve the metabolic disorder caused by AOM+DSS, especially correct the amino acid metabolism. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was inhabited in early administration of WMW, which can regulate the amplification and function of MDSCs.

TNF receptor 2 knockout mouse had reduced lung cancer growth and schizophrenia-like behavior through a decrease in TrkB-dependent BDNF level.

The relationship between schizophrenia (SCZ) and cancer development remains controversial. Based on the disease-gene association platform, it has been revealed that tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) could be an important mediatory factor in both cancer and SCZ development. TNF-α also increases the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the development of SCZ and tumor, but the role of TNFR in mediating the association between the two diseases remains unclear. We studied the vital roles of TNFR2 in the progression of tumor and SCZ-like behavior using A549 lung cancer cell xenografted TNFR2 knockout mice. TNFR2 knockout mice showed significantly decreased tumor size and weight as well as schizophrenia-like behaviors compared to wild-type mice. Consistent with the reduced tumor growth and SCZ-like behaviors, the levels of TrkB and BDNF expression were significantly decreased in the lung tumor tissues and pre-frontal cortex of TNFR2 knockout mice. However, intravenous injection of BDNF (160 µg/kg) to TNFR2 knockout mice for 4 weeks increased tumor growth and SCZ-like behaviors as well as TrkB expression. In in vitro study, significantly decreased cell growth and expression of TrkB and BDNF by siTNFR2 transfection were found in A549 lung cancer cells. However, the addition of BDNF (100 ng/ml) into TNFR2 siRNA transfected A549 lung cancer cells recovered cell growth and the expression of TrkB. These results suggest that TNFR2 could be an important factor in mediating the comorbidity between lung tumor growth and SCZ development through increased TrkB-dependent BDNF levels.

Proteomic Profiling of Muscular Adaptations to Short-Term Concentric Versus Eccentric Exercise Training in Humans.

The molecular mechanisms underlying muscular adaptations to concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) exercise training have been extensively explored. However, most previous studies have focused on specifically selected proteins, thus, unable to provide a comprehensive protein profile and potentially missing the crucial mechanisms underlying muscular adaptation to exercise training. We herein aimed to investigate proteomic profiles of human skeletal muscle in response to short-term resistance training. Twenty young males were randomly and evenly assigned to two groups to complete a 4-week either ECC or CON training program. Measurements of body composition and physiological function of the quadriceps femoris were conducted both before and after the training. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis of randomly selected participants (five in ECC and four in CON) of both before and after the training were analyzed using the liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in combination with bioinformatics analysis. Neither group presented a significant difference in body composition or leg muscle mass; however, muscle peak torque, total work, and maximal voluntary contraction were significantly increased after the training in both groups. Proteomics analysis revealed 122 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs; p value < 0.05 & fold change >1.5 or <0.67) in ECC, of which the increased DAPs were mainly related to skeletal muscle contraction and cytoskeleton and enriched specifically in the pentose phosphate pathway, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, whereas the decreased DAPs were associated with the mitochondrial respiratory chain. One hundred one DAPs were identified in CON, of which the increased DAPs were primarily involved in translation/protein synthesis and the mitochondria respiratory, whereas the decreased DAPs were related to metabolic processes, cytoskeleton, and de-ubiquitination. In conclusion, the 4-week CON and ECC training resulted in distinctly different proteomic profiles, especially in proteins related to muscular structure and metabolism.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of ravulizumab in pediatric paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare hematologic disease of uncontrolled terminal complement activation leading to intravascular hemolysis, thrombotic events, increased morbidity and mortality. This phase 3, open-label, single-arm multicenter study (NCT03406507) evaluated ravulizumab treatment in eculizumab-naive or -experienced pediatric patients (aged <18 years) with PNH over a 26-week primary evaluation period (PEP) and 4-year extension period (EP). Patients included in the study received weight based intravenous ravulizumab dosing. Primary endpoints were pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters to confirm complement component 5 (C5) inhibition by ravulizumab; secondary endpoints assessed the efficacy (including percentage change in lactate dehydrogenase levels over time) and safety of ravulizumab. Thirteen patients, 5 (38.5%) eculizumab-naive and 8 (61.5%) experienced, were enrolled. Ravulizumab Ctrough levels were above the pharmacokinetic threshold of 175 µg/mL in the PEP and EP except in one patient. At the end of the study, pre-and post-infusion mean ± standard deviation serum ravulizumab concentrations were 610.50 ± 201.53 µg/mL and 518.29 ± 109.67 µg/mL for eculizumab-naive and -experienced patients, respectively. After the first ravulizumab infusion, serum free C5 concentrations were <0.5 µg/mL in both cohorts until the end of the study (0.061 ± 0.021 µg/mL and 0.061 ± 0.018 µg/mL for eculizumab-naive and -experienced patients, respectively). Compared with baseline, ravulizumab improved and maintained efficacy outcomes in both groups. Ravulizumab had an acceptable safety profile with no new safety signals identified, and provided immediate, complete, and sustained terminal complement inhibition, translating to clinical benefit for pediatric patients with PNH.

Case report: Pembrolizumab as an alternative to atezolizumab following a severe infusion reaction.

The emergence of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the field of oncology, providing promising results in various malignancies. However, ICIs can sometimes lead to severe injection reactions, requiring alternative treatment options. In this case report, we introduce a case of a severe infusion reaction induced by atezolizumab. After atezolizumab infusion, the patient experienced symptoms that were suggestive of anaphylactic shock, including chest tightness, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness, all of which were restored by immediate administration of steroid, antihistamine, and epinephrine. When selecting a new ICI, we were concerned about cross-reactivity with atezolizumab. As such, we conducted a skin test to establish the underlying mechanism of the previous reaction to atezolizumab infusion, the results of which were highly suggestive of Ig-E-mediated hypersensitivity. The skin test for pembrolizumab, another ICI, was negative. Therefore, we replaced atezolizumab with pembrolizumab, and the infusion proceeded safely. To date, the patient has undergone 13 cycles of pembrolizumab, and the disease has remained stable. This case demonstrates that patients who exhibit severe injection reactions to ICIs can continue treatment safely, without cross-reactions, with alternative ICIs. This case will help provide patients who have experienced drug-related hypersensitivity reactions with a choice to use alternative ICIs, thus expanding their options for chemotherapy.

PCSK9 stimulates Syk, PKCδ, and NF-κB, leading to atherosclerosis progression independently of LDL receptor.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) binds to and degrades low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, leading to increase of LDL cholesterol in blood. Its blockers have emerged as promising therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. Here we show that PCSK9 itself directly induces inflammation and aggravates atherosclerosis independently of the LDL receptor. PCSK9 exacerbates atherosclerosis in LDL receptor knockout mice. Adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1) is the main binding partner of PCSK9 and indispensable for the inflammatory action of PCSK9, including induction of cytokines, Toll like receptor 4, and scavenger receptors, enhancing the uptake of oxidized LDL. We find spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) to be the key mediators of inflammation after PCSK9-CAP1 binding. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum PCSK9 levels are positively correlated with Syk, PKCδ, and p65 phosphorylation. The CAP1-fragment crystallizable region (CAP1-Fc) mitigates PCSK9-mediated inflammatory signal transduction more than the PCSK9 blocking antibody evolocumab does.

Characterization of AST-001 non-clinical pharmacokinetics: A novel selective AKR1C3-activated prodrug in mice, rats, and cynomolgus monkeys.

AST-001 is a chemically synthesized inactive nitrogen mustard prodrug that is selectively cleaved to a cytotoxic aziridine (AST-2660) via aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3). The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of the prodrug, AST-001, and its active metabolite, AST-2660, in mice, rats, and monkeys. After single and once daily intravenous bolus doses of 1.5, 4.5, and 13.5 mg/kg AST-001 to Sprague-Dawley rats and once daily 1 h intravenous infusions of 0.5, 1.5, and 4.5 mg/kg AST-001 to cynomolgus monkeys, AST-001 exhibited dose-dependent pharmacokinetics and reached peak plasma levels at the end of the infusion. No significant accumulation and gender differences were observed after 7 days of repeated dosing. In rats, the half-life of AST-001 was dose independent and ranged from 4.89 to 5.75 h. In cynomolgus monkeys, the half-life of AST-001 was from 1.66 to 5.56 h and increased with dose. In tissue distribution studies conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats and in liver cancer PDX models in female athymic nude mice implanted with LI6643 or LI6280 HepG2-GFP tumor fragments, AST-001 was extensively distributed to selected tissues. Following a single intravenous dose, AST-001 was not excreted primarily as the prodrug, AST-001 or the metabolite AST-2660 in the urine, feces, and bile. A comprehensive analysis of the preclinical data and inter-species allometric scaling were used to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters of AST-001 in humans and led to the recommendation of a starting dose of 5 mg/m2 in the first-in-human dose escalation study.

The evidence-based multifaceted roles of hepatic stellate cells in liver diseases: A concise review.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play central roles in liver disease pathogenesis, spanning steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. These cells, located in the liver's sinusoidal space of Disse, transition from a quiescent, vitamin A-rich state to an activated, myofibroblast-like phenotype in response to liver injury. This activation results from a complex interplay of cytokines, growth factors, and oxidative stress, leading to excessive collagen deposition and liver fibrosis, a hallmark of chronic liver diseases. Recently, HSCs have gained recognition for their dynamic, multifaceted roles in liver health and disease. Attention has shifted toward their involvement in various liver conditions, including acute liver injury, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver regeneration. This review aims to explore diverse functions of HSCs in these acute or chronic liver pathologies, with a focus on their roles beyond fibrogenesis. HSCs exhibit a wide range of actions, including lipid storage, immunomodulation, and interactions with other hepatic and extrahepatic cells, making them pivotal in the hepatic microenvironment. Understanding HSC involvement in the progression of liver diseases can offer novel insights into pathogenic mechanisms and guide targeted therapeutic strategies for various liver conditions.

4f/5d Hybridization Induced Single-Electron Delocalization in an Azide-Bridged Dicerium Complex.

Dilanthanide complexes with one-electron delocalization are important targets for understanding the specific 4f/5d-bonding feature in lanthanide chemistry. Here, we report an isolable azide-bridged dicerium complex 3 [{(TrapenTMS)Ce}2(µ-N3)]• [Trapen = tris (2-aminobenzyl)amine; TMS = SiMe3], which is synthesized by the reaction of tripodal ligand-supported (TrapenTMS)CeIVCl complex 2 with NaN3. The structure and bonding nature of 3 are fully characterized by X-ray crystal diffraction analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), magnetic measurement, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and quantum-theoretical studies. Complex 3 presents a trans-bent central Ce-N3-Ce unit with a single electron of two mixed-valent Ce atoms. The unique low-temperature (2 K) anisotropic EPR signals [g = 1.135, 2.003, and 3.034] of 3 indicate that its spin density is distributed on the central Ce-N3-Ce unit with marked electron delocalization. Quantum chemical analyses show strong 4f/5d orbital mixing in the singly occupied molecular orbital of 3, which allows for the unpaired electron to extend throughout the cerium-azide-cerium unit via a multicentered one-electron (Ce-N3-Ce) interaction. This work extends the family of mixed-valent dilanthanide complexes and provides a paradigm for understanding the bonding motif of ligand-bridged dilanthanide complexes.

Confirmation of the viability of a metaverse yoga class and investigation into the impact on pain, anxiety, and depression associated with low back pain after engaging in virtual yoga sessions.

This study aimed to explore the influence of metaverse technology (MT) factors like presence, usability, and enjoyment on patients' satisfaction, with a focus on examining potential mediating effects. In addition, it sought to assess whether the yoga practice as an intervention therapy in MT induces changes in the pain, anxiety, and depression levels of patients experiencing back pain. From the pool of 202 participants, this study chose participants who had reported enduring low back pain over 12 weeks, with a visual analogue scale (VAS) rating of 4 or higher. After completing the questionnaire, patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (COG, n=100) or the yoga exercise group (YEG, n=99). Results showed that the construct validity for questionnaires and a reasonable model fit were confirmed, and that presence showed a statistically significant effect on psychological satisfaction via the mediating path of enjoyment (ß=0.592, P=0.001). Following 8 weeks of the yoga practice, the VAS increased for the COG, while it decreased significantly by ~29% for the YEG (P=0.001). YEG also exhibited a decrease in the Oswestry Disability Index by ~17%, anxiety by ~7%, and depression by ~10% (P=0.001). In conclusion, psychological satisfaction in a yoga practice using a metaverse cannot be achieved solely through the sense of presence; enjoyment is necessary for patients' satisfaction. Moreover, it was verified that virtual yoga practice is effective in ameliorating psychological factors resulting from back pain.

Occupational contact dermatitis caused by sodium tetradecyl sulfate in a healthcare worker: A case report.

Healthcare workers are known to be at a higher risk of experiencing occupational contact dermatitis and attention should be paid to new materials that cause contact dermatitis. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is widely used in the treatment of small varicose veins of the legs and venous malformations. We report the case of a 42-year-old woman, a healthcare worker, who presented with contact dermatitis caused by sodium tetradecyl sulfate. The contact dermatitis induced by sodium tetradecyl sulfate resolved completely after sodium tetradecyl sulfate avoidance at the last follow-up. Thus, we recommend increased protective measures when handling this substance.

Cancer Risk in Graves Disease with Radioactive 131I Treatment: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Radioactive 131I (RAI) therapy has potential effects for the treatment of Graves disease (GD). However, whether RAI therapy for GD increases cancer risk remains controversial in medicine and public health. We aimed to investigate whether the risk of cancer increases in patients with GD receiving RAI therapy compared with those who did not. Methods: We used the Korean National Health Insurance Service's National Health Information Database from 2004 to 2020 and defined GD as prescribing antithyroid drugs, RAI, or thyroidectomy as a treatment for GD (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, E05 group). We investigated the hazard ratios (HRs) of overall and site-specific cancers associated with RAI in patients with GD. Subsequent cancer was defined as a primary malignancy treated at least 1 y after RAI therapy. Results: In total, 10,737 patients with GD who received RAI therapy (7,193 women, 67.0%; mean age, 43.7 ± 13.4 y) were matched to 53,003 patients with GD who had never received RAI treatment (35,471 women, 66.9%; mean age, 43.8 ± 13.2 y) in a 1:4-5 ratio by age, sex, and health checkup data. The median follow-up duration was 8.7 y (interquartile range, 5.2-12.1 y), and the median cumulative RAI dose was 555 MBq (interquartile range, 370-630 MBq) in the RAI therapy group. During 2004-2020, the overall subsequent cancer rates were 5.66 and 5.84 per 1,000 person-years in the RAI and non-RAI groups, respectively, with an unadjusted HR of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.88-1.06); this remained at 0.96 (95% CI, 0.83-1.10) after adjustment for multiple clinical confounding factors. For cancer subtypes, the risk of leukemia was significantly increased, with an HR of 2.39 (95% CI, 1.17-4.91). However, a loss of statistical significance was observed after adjusting for confounding factors, which may be attributed to the limited number of absolute events. Moreover, cancer-specific mortality was not different between the RAI and the non-RAI groups, with an adjusted HR of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.66-1.47). Conclusion: This study identified that the overall cancer risk in patients with GD who received RAI therapy compared with those who did not was not significant in Korea. Further long-term studies are needed to determine the risks and advantages of RAI therapy in patients with GD.

Bio-Inspired Organic Synaptor with In Situ Ion-Doped Ultrathin Polyelectrolyte Containing Acetylcholine-Like Cation.

An ion-based synaptic transistor (synaptor) is designed to emulate a biological synapse using controlled ion movements. However, developing a solid-state electrolyte that can facilitate ion movement while achieving large-scale integration remains challenging. Here, a bio-inspired organic synaptor (BioSyn) with an in situ ion-doped polyelectrolyte (i-IDOPE) is demonstrated. At the molecular scale, a polyelectrolyte containing the tert-amine cation, inspired by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is synthesized using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) with in situ doping, a one-step vapor-phase deposition used to fabricate solid-state electrolytes. This method results in an ultrathin, but highly uniform and conformal solid-state electrolyte layer compatible with large-scale integration, a form that is not previously attainable. At a synapse scale, synapse functionality is replicated, including short-term and long-term synaptic plasticity (STSP and LTSP), along with a transformation from STSP to LTSP regulated by pre-synaptic voltage spikes. On a system scale, a reflex in a peripheral nervous system is mimicked by mounting the BioSyns on various substrates such as rigid glass, flexible polyethylene naphthalate, and stretchable poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) for a decentralized processing unit. Finally, a classification accuracy of 90.6% is achieved through semi-empirical simulations of MNIST pattern recognition, incorporating the measured LTSP characteristics from the BioSyns.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as a possible predictor of decline in kidney function in older people.

Background: The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is associated with morbidity and mortality in older individuals. Our study explored the relationship between GNRI, decline in kidney function, and all-cause mortality in older individuals. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from participants aged ≥60 years who underwent a general health checkup between 2002 and 2018. The primary exposure was the GNRI, divided into quartiles. The primary and secondary outcomes were a decline in kidney function assessed using the five-year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and all-cause mortality, respectively. Results: The analysis included a total of 1,599 participants (median [interquartile range] age, 63 (61-67) years; 54% males). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of GNRI was 114 ± 7. Compared with the highest GNRI quartile, the lower GNRI quartiles were associated with steeper five-year slopes in eGFR, with a fully adjusted beta coefficient and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of -0.50 (-0.86. -0.14), -0.29 (-0.63. 0.05), and -0.19 (-0.53. 0.14) for the first, second, and third GNRI quartiles, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 7.4 (4.6-12.4) years. During this period, we identified 108 deaths (7.8 per 1000 person-years). The first GNRI quartile was associated with all-cause mortality compared to the highest GNRI quartile (hazard ratio and 95%CI 2.20 [1.23, 3.95]). Conclusion: Nutritional status, as evaluated using the GNRI, was associated with five-year changes in kidney function and all-cause mortality in older individuals.

Urinary Metabolomic Differentiation of Infants Fed on Human Breastmilk and Formulated Milk.

Human breastmilk is an invaluable nutritional and pharmacological resource with a highly diverse metabolite profile, which can directly affect the metabolism of infants. Application of metabolomics can discriminate the complex relationship between such nutrients and infant health. As the most common biological fluid in metabolomic study, infant urinary metabolomics may provide the physiological impacts of different nutritional resources, namely human breastmilk and formulated milk. In this study, we aimed to identify possible differences in the urine metabolome of 30 infants (1-14 days after birth) fed with breast milk (n = 15) or formulated milk (n = 15). From metabolomic analysis with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 163 metabolites from single mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and 383 metabolites from tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) were confirmed in urinary samples. Various multivariate statistical analysis were performed to discriminate the differences originating from physiological/nutritional variables, including human breastmilk/formulate milk feeding, sex, and duration of feeding. Both unsupervised and supervised discriminant analyses indicated that feeding resources (human breastmilk/formulated milk) gave marginal but significant differences in urinary metabolomes, while other factors (sex, duration of feeding) did not show notable discrimination between groups. According to the biomarker analyses, several organic acid and amino acids showed statistically significant differences between different feeding resources, such as 2-hydroxyhippurate.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the C2H2-zinc finger transcription factor gene family and screening of candidate genes involved in floral development in Coptis teeta Wall. (Ranunculaceae).

Background: C2H2-zinc finger transcription factors comprise one of the largest and most diverse gene superfamilies and are involved in the transcriptional regulation of flowering. Although a large number of C2H2 zinc-finger proteins (C2H2-ZFPs) have been well characterized in a number of model plant species, little is known about their expression and function in Coptis teeta. C. teeta displays two floral phenotypes (herkogamy phenotypes). It has been proposed that the C2H2-zinc finger transcription factor family may play a crucial role in the formation of floral development and herkogamy observed in C. teeta. As such, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the C2H2-ZFP gene family in C. teeta. Results: The complexity and diversity of C. teeta C2H2 zinc finger proteins were established by evaluation of their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, exon-intron structure, and conserved motifs. Chromosome localization showed that 95 members of the C2H2 zinc-finger genes were unevenly distributed across the nine chromosomes of C. teeta, and that these genes were replicated in tandem and segmentally and had undergone purifying selection. Analysis of cis-acting regulatory elements revealed a possible involvement of C2H2 zinc-finger proteins in the regulation of phytohormones. Transcriptome data was then used to compare the expression levels of these genes during the growth and development of the two floral phenotypes (F-type and M-type). These data demonstrate that in groups A and B, the expression levels of 23 genes were higher in F-type flowers, while 15 genes showed higher expressions in M-type flowers. qRT-PCR analysis further revealed that the relative expression was highly consistent with the transcriptome data. Conclusion: These data provide a solid basis for further in-depth studies of the C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor gene family in this species and provide preliminary information on which to base further research into the role of the C2H2 ZFPs gene family in floral development in C. teeta.

Application of UV-Vis-NIR and FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics for quality prediction of katsuobushi based on the number of smoking treatments.

Katsuobushi, a smoked, dried skipjack tuna, is a traditional Japanese food additive with a unique flavor and taste. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible-near infrared spectroscopy (UV-Vis-NIR) combined with chemometric methods were evaluated the quality of katsuobushi according to the number of smoking treatments. Using GC-MS, 46 metabolites were identified and five metabolites were selected as key compounds. All samples were classified according to their smoking number via principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) of the FTIR and NIR spectra. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis revealed that the FTIR and NIR spectra were highly correlated with the metabolites by GC-MS. These results demonstrated the potential of using the FTIR and NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics to assess the quality of katsuobushi based on the smoking treatments, with NIR spectroscopy showed particularly promising.

Does COVID-19 affect sperm quality in males? the answer may be yes, but only temporarily.

BACKGROUND: The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on male reproductive health. However, the impact of COVID-19 on sperm quality remains uncertain. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the short-term and relatively long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on sperm quality. METHODS: A total of 85 males with fertility requirements, who underwent semen evaluation at Guilin People's Hospital between June 2022 and July 2023, were included in the study. Changes in semen parameters were analyzed across three specific timeframes: within 6 months before COVID-19 infection, within 3 months after COVID-19 infection, and 3-6 months after COVID-19 recovery. RESULTS: The results revealed that the sperm concentration and total sperm number were significantly lower after infection compared to before, while in the recovery period, the sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology significantly increased. Comparing the three periods, the most significant difference was observed in sperm concentration, which exhibited a significant decrease after infection but returned to normal levels after recovery from COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that COVID-19 may exert some impact on sperm quality, particularly evidenced by decreased sperm concentration post-infection. Fortunately, these effects on semen parameters appear to be temporary, with gradual restoration of semen parameters within 3-6 months after recovery. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of these observed changes in semen parameters.

Photocatalytic intermolecular bromonitroalkylation of styrenes: synthesis of cyclopropylamine derivatives and their evaluation as LSD1 inhibitors.

A mild and efficient method for photoredox-catalyzed bromonitroalkylation of alkenes is described herein. In this reaction, bromonitromethane serves as a source of both nitroalkyl and bromine for direct and regioselective formation of C-Br and C-C bonds from alkenes, and additional cyclization provides C-C bonds to the cyclopropylamine core as an LSD1 inhibitor.