An ultrasensitive photo-driven self-powered aptasensor for microcystin-RR assay based on ZnIn2S4/Ti3C2 MXenes integrated with a matching capacitor for multiple signal amplification.

A photo-driven self-powered aptasensor was constructed based on a matching capacitor and the ZnIn2S4/Ti3C2 heterojunction as the photoanode and Cu2O as the photocathode in a dual-photoelectrode sensing matrix for multiple signal amplification for the ultrasensitive detection of microcystin-RR (MC-RR). The introduction of Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets on the photoanode surface can not only accelerate the transfer and separation of photoinduced electron/hole pairs, thus enhancing the output signal of the photo-driven self-powered system, but also provide a larger specific surface area for the immobilization of the bio-recognition unit aptamer. More importantly, for a portable and miniaturized device, a micro-workstation with the size of a universal serial bus (USB) disk and a novel short-circuit current access was proposed to capture the instantaneous output electrical signal for real-time data tracking. In such a way, a sensitivity of 2.7 mA pM-1 was achieved when the matching capacitor was integrated into the self-powered system, which was 22 times that without a capacitor. After the interaction between MC-RR and the corresponding aptamer, a 'signal-off' detection configuration was formed via the steric hindrance effect. Therefore, such a multiple signal amplification system realized the ultrasensitive and selective determination of MC-RR successfully. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of the self-powered aptasensor was 0.1 to 100 pM and the detection limit was 0.033 pM (S/N = 3). The aptasensor was applied to the detection of MC-RR in fish, exhibiting good reproducibility (≈3.88%), paving the way for detecting microcystins in real-life samples.

Recent advances in shikonin for the treatment of immune-related diseases: Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms.

Shikonin, the primary active compound found in the rhizome of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb known as "ZiCao", exhibits a diverse range of pharmacological effects. This drug has a wide range of uses, including as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer agent. It is also effective in promoting wound healing and treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Although shikonin has a wide range of applications, its mechanisms are still not fully understood. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in the use of shikonin for the treatment of immune-related diseases. The article also delves into the anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms of shikonin and offers insights into the inflammation and immunopathogenesis of related diseases. Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians working in this field. These findings not only provide significant new information on the effects and mechanisms of shikonin but also establish a foundation for the development of clinical applications in treating autoimmune diseases.

Out-of-season spawning of largemouth bass in a controllable recirculating system.

Largemouth bass (LMB) production exceeded 0.7 million tons in 2021 and has become one of the most important freshwater aquaculture species in China. The stable and fixed culture cycle led to regular and drastic price fluctuation during the past decade. Strong price fluctuation provides opportunities and challenges for the LMB industry, and out-of-season spawning (OSS) and culture will provide technical support for the opportunities. To induce OSS at a low cost, we established a controllable recirculating system that allows precise thermo-photoperiod manipulation. In the system, four experimental groups were assigned, 18NP (18°C overwintering water temperature, natural photoperiod), 18CP (18°C overwintering water temperature, controlled photoperiod), 16CP (16°C overwintering water temperature, controlled photoperiod), and NTNP (natural water temperature and natural photoperiod), to determine the effects of chilling temperature and photoperiod on spawning performance. OSS was observed in all the experimental groups without significant differences, except NTNP. The manipulated broodstock can re-spawn 3 months later in the next spring in advance. Further analysis of the volume percentage of different stages of oocytes provides a base for excellent regression between the volume percentage of the primary growth stage, cortical alveoli stage, vitellogenesis/maturation stage, and gonadal development/maturation. The results suggest that the volume percentage of oocytes is a better indicator of gonadal development and maturation than the gonadosomatic index. We also found that LMB prefers palm fiber as a spawning nest over gravel. The findings of this work provide important technique guidance for practical OSS of the LMB aquaculture industry and standardization of ovary development and maturation in fish with asynchronous developmental oocytes.

A case report of right cardiac ventricle perforation by uncontrolled embolization coil inserted for treating penile veno-occlusive dysfunction.

Coil embolization (CE) is believed effective-safe for treating penile veno-occlusive dysfunction (VOD). From 2012 to 2016, refractory impotence prompted four men to seek further treatment, although they underwent six CEs elsewhere. Uncontrolled coils scattered along penile drainage veins including the deep dorsal veins (n = 3), periprostatic plexus (n = 1), iliac vein (n = 1), right pulmonary artery (n = 2), left pulmonary artery (n = 1), and right ventricle (n = 1). The last one occurred in a 40-year-old house builder, and the coil perforated the right ventricle wall and diaphragm 18 months later. Given no sustainable improvement, CE's safety and efficacy are unreliable for treating patients with VOD.

Therapeutic Effects of Shikonin on Skin Diseases: A Review.

Shikonin is one of the primary active components extracted from the dried root ofZicao (Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Onosma paniculata, or Arnebia euchroma), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Shikonin is known to not only exert anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activities, but also play a crucial role in triggering the production of reactive oxygen species, suppressing the release of exosomes, and inducing apoptosis. Increasing evidence suggests that shikonin has a protective effect against skin diseases, including psoriasis, melanoma, and hypertrophic scars. In order to evaluate the application potential of shikonin in the treatment of skin diseases, this review is the first of its kind to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding the uses of shikonin and its derivatives on skin diseases and its underlying mechanisms. In this review, we have focused on the signaling pathways and cellular targets involved in the anti-dermatosis effects of shikonin to bridge the gaps in the literature, thereby providing scientific support for the research and development of new drugs from a traditional medicinal plant.

Tazarotene/Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis: Results of a Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Topical agents are still the mainstay for the treatment of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, in which fixed combinations play an important role. Tazarotene/betamethasone dipropionate (Taz/BD) cream is a novel fixed combination approved for treating plaque psoriasis in China, but its efficacy and safety have not been verified in a real-world environment. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Taz/BD cream in treating plaque psoriasis. The secondary objectives were to assess its relapse after discontinuation and the efficacy and safety profiles during retreatment. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, large-scale observational study was conducted. Adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis involving <20% of the body surface area were enrolled. Taz/BD cream was applied once daily for 4 weeks. Patients who achieved ≥90% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) from baseline to week 4 were followed up to investigate relapse after drug withdrawal. Relapsed patients underwent another 4-week treatment. RESULTS: In total, 2,299 eligible patients were enrolled, and 2,095 patients (91.1%) completed the 4-week study. The mean PASI improvement at week 4 was 53.7%, and the PASI 50/75 response rates were 62.5 and 26.8%, respectively. The mean PASI reduction in plaque induration, desquamation and erythema were 58.3, 61.0 and 40.0%, respectively (p < 0.001). Adverse reactions occurred in 445 patients (20.8%) at week 4. The most frequently reported adverse reactions were local skin irritation, including pruritus (10%), pain (6.7%), erythema (6.1%) and desquamation (1.8%). During the post-treatment period, 47 patients (24.0%) relapsed within 8 weeks after drug discontinuation. Forty-five patients were retreated for another 4 weeks, and the PASI 50/75 response rates were 72.7 and 40.9%, respectively. There were no unexpected safety signals during retreatment. CONCLUSION: Taz/BD cream is effective and well tolerated in treating mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis under near real-world conditions and demonstrates efficacy and safety during retreatment.

High-throughput metabolomics method based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry: Insights into the underlying mechanisms of salinity-alkalinity exposure-induced metabolites changes in Barbus capito.

It is critical to investigate the adaptive development and the physiological mechanism of fish in external stimulation. In this study, the response of Barbus capito to salinity-alkalinity exposure was explored by high-throughput nontargeted and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to investigate metabolic biomarker and pathway changes. Meanwhile, the biochemical indexes of Barbus capito were measured to discover the chronic impairment response to salinity-alkalinity exposures. A total of 29 tissue metabolites were determined to deciphering the endogenous metabolic changes of fishes during the different concentration salinity-alkalinity exposures environment, which were mainly involved in the key metabolism including the phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, citrate cycle, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Finally, we found the amino acid metabolism as key target was associated with the endogenous metabolites and metabolic pathways of Barbus capito to salinity-alkalinity exposures. In conclusion, metabolomics is a potentially powerful tool to reveal the mechanism information of fish in various exposure environments.

Shikonin inhibits CEBPD downregulation in IL­17­treated HaCaT cells and in an imiquimod­induced psoriasis model.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by well­defined scaly papules and plaques. Interleukin (IL)­17 is involved in its pathogenesis and promotes the proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, possesses anti­inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties and can suppress IL­17­induced vascular endothelial growth factor expression by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 pathway. In the present study, MTS, iCELLigence and RT­qPCR were used to determine the optimal concentration and duration of IL­17 or shikonin acting on HaCaT cells. The changes in the expression levels of genes associated with the IL­6/STAT3 pathway in differentially treated cells were analyzed via RT2Profiler™ PCR Array. Small interfering RNA was used to silence the expression levels of the target gene CCAAT/enhancer­binding protein δ (CEBPD). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the effect of shikonin on imiquimod­induced psoriasis in mice and the expression levels of CEBPD. Shikonin reversed IL­17­mediated downregulation of the tumor suppressor CEBPD in HaCaT cells. Moreover, low levels of CEBPD in the imiquimod­induced mouse model of psoriasis were restored by shikonin treatment, which ameliorated excessive keratinocyte proliferation. Taken together, these findings suggest that CEBPD plays a key role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and can be targeted by shikonin as a potential therapeutic strategy.

A decade retrospective study of light/laser devices in treating nasal rosacea.

Background: Large-scale retrospective studies of light/laser in treating nasal rosacea were lacking.Objective: The study was aimed to perform a decade retrospection of the patients with nasal rosacea who were treated with light/laser devices.Methods: A study between 2008 and 2017 was performed retrospectively. Categorization of rosacea type (erythema/telangiectasia, ET; papules/pustules, PP; rhinophyma, RP) was made according to the photographs. Device settings, treatment regimens and treatment sessions of light/laser facilities were summarized. Efficacy was evaluated using a grading scale.Results: In all, 807 patients received light/laser treatments. The subtypes of nasal rosacea were ET (n = 196), PP (n = 95), RP (n = 42), ET + PP (n = 334), ET + RP (n = 15), PP + RP (n = 88), and ET + PP + RP (n = 37). The lesions of ET or PP were mainly treated with noninvasive devices (Intense pulsed light, IPL; Dye pulse light, DPL; Dual wavelength laser system, DW) and those of RP were treated with the Fractional carbon dioxide (FCO2) laser. For the mixed subtypes, the general disposal orders of lesions were ET, PP, and later RP, and the fundamental orders of devices application were IPL, DPL, DW, and FCO2 laser. For all types of rosacea except for RP (2-4 sessions), most of the patients received 4-6 sessions of treatments. Of all subtypes of ET, PP, RP, ET + PP, ET + RP, PP + RP, and ET + PP + RP, the patients who achieved more than 50% improvement accounted for 74.5%, 58.3%, 83.3%, 69.2%, 73.3%, 61.4%, and 51.4%, respectively.Conclusion: The multiple, sequential light/laser devices can be safely used in nasal rosacea with various degrees efficacies based on different types.

Surgical niche for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Penile erection implicates arterial inflow, sinusoidal relaxation and corporoveno-occlusive function. By far the most widely recognized vascular etiologies responsible for organic erectile dysfunction can be divided into arterial insufficiency, corporoveno-occlusive dysfunction or mixed type, with corporoveno-occlusive dysfunction representing the most common finding. In arteriogenic erectile dysfunction, corpora cavernosa show lower oxygen tension, leading to a diminished volume of cavernosal smooth muscle and consequential corporoveno-occlusive dysfunction. Current studies support the contention that corporoveno-occlusive dysfunction is an effect rather than the cause of erectile dysfunction. Surgical interventions have consisted primarily of penile revascularization surgery for arterial insufficiency and penile venous surgery for corporoveno-occlusive dysfunction, whatever the mechanism. However, the surgical effectiveness remained debatable and unproven, mostly owing to the lack of consistent hemodynamic assessment, standardized select patient and validated outcome measures, as well as various surgical procedures. Penile vascular surgery has been disclaimed to be the treatment of choice based on the currently available guidelines. However, reports on penile revascularization surgery support its utility in treating arterial insufficiency in otherwise healthy patients aged <55 years with erectile dysfunction of late attributable to arterial occlusive disease. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that penile venous surgery might be beneficial for selected patients with corporoveno-occlusive dysfunction, especially with a better understanding of the innovated venous anatomy of the penis. Penile vascular surgery might remain a viable alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and could have found its niche in the possibility of obtaining spontaneous, unaided and natural erection.

Shikonin induces apoptosis and suppresses growth in keratinocytes via CEBP-δ upregulation.

Shikonin is an active compound of the oriental medicinal plant, Leptospermum erythrorhizon, which has been previously shown to inhibit psoriasis-like inflammation. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In the present study, the mechanisms of keratinocyte proliferation and apoptosis in psoriasis in response to shikonin were explored both in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that shikonin significantly inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in both HaCaT and LV-STAT3 HaCaT cells by targeting CEBPD, while a decrease in cell survival, proliferation and viability were found through flow-cytometry and MTS assay. Furthermore, gavage with shikonin markedly alleviated psoriasis-like manifestations in IMQ-induced BALB/c mice clinically (PASI Score) and histopathologically. Immunohistochemistry revealed that shikonin potently suppresses the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in local skin lesions and increases CEBPD expression. These results imply that shikonin inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and induces apoptosis, which results in psoriasis treatment through the JAK/STAT3 dependent pathway. In addition, the activation of JAK/STAT3 downregulates CEBPD in HaCaT cells and IMQ-induced BALB/c mice. However, shikonin can reverse these effects, suggesting that CEBPD may be a potential therapeutic target for psoriasis.

Nanocage-Based Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks Constructed from Icosahedrons and Tetrahedrons for Selective Gas Adsorption.

Two isostructural nanocage-based porous Ni/Co(II)-MOFs have been hydrothermally synthesized, which were interestingly composed of icosahedron and tetrahedron cages with a new (3,8)-connected 3D topology. Moreover, the stable Ni-MOF exhibits good selective CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 adsorption owing to its exposed nitrogen active sites.

Shikonin Controls the Differentiation of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells by Inhibiting AKT/mTOR Pathway.

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain the function of immune tolerance and the balance of immune cells. Defects in the number and function of Treg cells can induce the development and progression of inflammatory disease. Shikonin, the main active ingredient of Lithospermum, has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Shikonin is also an effective drug for the treatment of psoriasis, which is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. However, the underlying mechanism is not yet clear. To evaluate the role of shikonin on the induction of Treg cells, we tested the number and function of Treg cells in vivo and in vitro. Shikonin can effectively promote the differentiation of iTreg cells by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway in vitro. Moreover, in vivo, intragastrically administered shikonin effectively improved lesions in mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis and increased the number of iTreg cells in the spleen and their secretion. Shikonin significantly increases the expression of Foxp3mRNA in skin of the psorisic mice. Therefore, we expect that shikonin can prevent the development of inflammation and treat psoriasis by regulating iTreg cells. Novel ideas for the treatment of psoriasis are also proposed.

Structure modulation from unstable to stable MOFs by regulating secondary N-donor ligands.

Four new Zn(ii)/Cd(ii)-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely {[Cd(tmdb)(bib)0.5]·solvents}n (YZ-7, YZ stands for the initials of the author Yong-Zheng Zhang), {[Cd(tmdb)(bmib)0.5]·solvents}n (YZ-8), {[Zn2(tmdb)2(bmib)]·solvents}n (YZ-9) and {[Zn2(tmdb)2(bmip)2]·solvents}n (YZ-10) have been solvothermally synthesized by using a semi-rigid ligand, 4,4'-(H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methylene-dibenzoic acid (H2tmdb), and a series of secondary bis-imidazole ligands (bib = 1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene, bmib = 1,4-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene, and bmip = 1,3-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)propane). By tuning the flexibility of the auxiliary ligands, these MOFs could be modulated from unstable (YZ-7-YZ-9) to stable (YZ-10) frameworks. Therefore, the gas adsorption properties of YZ-10 are further studied. Interestingly, it shows excellent CO2 selective uptake over CH4 and N2. At 298 K, both selectivities of CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 show increasing trends and significantly reach 133.2 and 19.9 at 1 atm, respectively. Also, YZ-10 shows uncommon H2 selective uptake over N2 at 77 K. Moreover, the luminescence properties of YZ-8-YZ-10 were studied in the solid state at room temperature.

miR­203 contributes to IL­17­induced VEGF secretion by targeting SOCS3 in keratinocytes.

Interleukin (IL)-17 signaling serves an important role in the development and pathogenesis of psoriasis; a chronic skin disease characterized by increased dermal vascularity and the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. microRNA (miR)­203 is preferentially expressed in the skin and is an important regulator of keratinocyte differentiation. miR­203 has been implicated in a number of skin diseases, including psoriasis. However, the role of miR­203 in IL­17­induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion has yet to be elucidated. The present study demonstrated that miR­203 expression was upregulated in the ears of IL­17­stimulated mice and IL­17­treated HaCaT cells. In addition, the IL­17­induced increase in miR­203 expression activated the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway and promoted VEGF secretion in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, miR­203 was observed to bind to the 3'­untranslated region of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and inhibited SOCS3 expression. The results suggest that miR­203 expression may be upregulated by IL­17 stimulation, and miR­203 is a positive regulator of IL­17­induced VEGF secretion. The present study may support potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of psoriasis.

Chinese herbal medicine Yougui Pill reduces exogenous glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in anterior pituitary cells.

Long-term glucocorticoid use may result in sustained suppression of one or more secreted components from the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, and often results in apoptosis. Yougui Pill (YGP), a 10-component traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown to be clinically effective for glucocorticoid-induced suppression of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that YGP would exert an anti-apoptosis effect on dexamethasone-treated anterior pituitary cells. In vivo experiments showed that YGP significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells, down-regulated mRNA expression of cytochrome c, caspase-3, and caspase-9, and up-regulated mRNA expression of Bcl-2. These findings suggest that YGP reduced glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in rat anterior pituitary cells by regulating the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway.

Mitochondrial DNA sequence of Culter compressocorpus.

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Culter compressocorpus was detected and annotated. The circular mtDNA molecule was 16,623 bp in length which contains 22 transfer RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and the non-coding control region (D-loop). Its total protein-coding genes content is 68.67% in whole mitochondrial genome. The mitochondrial genome can contribute to the studies on geographical distribution and genetic diversity of C. compressocorpus resources, as well as molecular phylogeny and species identification in Cyprinidae.

Mitochondrial DNA sequence of Pseudorasbora parva (Cyprinidae: Gobioninae).

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Pseudorasbora parva (Cyprinidae: Gobioninae) was determined. The circular mtDNA molecule was 16,601 bp in length which contains 22 transfer RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and non-coding control region (D-loop). The critical central conserved sequences were also detected. Its total A + T content is 55.97%. The mitochondrial genome can contribute to the studies on geographical distribution and genetic diversity of P. parva resources, as well as molecular phylogeny and species identification in Cyprinidae.