A recyclable SERS-DGT device for in-situ sensing of sulfamethazine by Au@g-C3N4NS in water.

Although diffusion gradient in thin-film technique (DGT) has realized the in-situ sampling Sulfamethazine (SMT), the traditional DGT devices cannot be served as sensing devices but in-situ sampling devices. Here we report a recyclable surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) responsive DGT sensing device (recyclable SERS-DGT Sensing Device) capable of in-situ sensing of SMT in water. This is achieved by innovatively utilizing a recyclable SERS responsive liquid suspension of Au nanoparticles supported on g-C3N4 (Au@g-C3N4NS) as DGT binding phase. Au@g-C3N4NS is synthesized via in-situ growth method and embed in DGT binding phase, which exhibits good SERS activity, aqueous stability recyclable and adsorption performance. The SERS-DGT Sensing Device is valid for measuring SMT under a wide range of conditions (i.e., deployment time 24∼180 h, concentrations range of 1.031∼761.9 ng mL-1, pH 5∼9, ionic strength 0.0001∼0.05 mol L-1 NaCl, DOM concentrations 0∼100 mg L-1, four recycles). Furthermore, substrate combined with DGT binding phase, can integrate the sampling, pretreatment and SERS detection of SMT, which can be recycled, improving the reliability and efficiency of environmental monitoring. In this article, recyclable SERS-DGT Sensing Device, a platform for recyclable in-situ sensing of antibiotics, holds great potential for environmental monitoring.

A common trajectory of gut microbiome development during the first month in healthy neonates with limited inter-individual environmental variations.

The early development of the gut microbiome is governed by multiple factors and has significantly long-term effects on later-in-life health. To minimize inter-individual variations in the environment, we determined developmental trajectories of the gut microbiome in 28 healthy neonates during their stay at a postpartum center. Stool samples were collected at three time points: the first-pass meconium within 24 h of life, and at 7 and 28 days of age. Illumina sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA was used to investigate microbiota profiles. We found that there was a distinct microbiota structure at each time point, with a significant shift during the first week. Proteobacteria was most abundant in the first-pass meconium; Firmicutes and Actinobacteria increased with age and were substituted as the major components. Except for a short-term influence of different delivery modes on the microbiota composition, early microbiome development was not remarkably affected by gravidity, maternal intrapartum antibiotic treatment, premature rupture of membranes, or postnatal phototherapy. Hence, our data showed a similar developmental trajectory of the gut microbiome during the first month in healthy neonates when limited in environmental variations. Environmental factors external to the host were crucial in the early microbiome development.

Recent advances in starch-based coatings for the postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Efficient and low-cost postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables has always been one of the urgent problems to be solved in the food field. Due to the wide sources, good environmental and human safety, and high biodegradability, starch-based coating preservation method has great application prospects in the postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables. However, starch materials also have the disadvantages of poor mechanical properties and easy water absorption performance, which makes it difficult to fully meet the requirements in practical production. Therefore, starch is often used in combination with other components to form composite materials. This paper began with an introduction to the preservation principles of edible starch-based coatings, including inherent properties and extra functional properties. Besides, the preservation principles of edible coatings and the recent advances in the field of fruit and vegetable preservation were also comprehensively reviewed, focusing on the preparation and application of starch-based coatings. The information will contribute to the further development of starch-based coatings to improve the postharvest preservation effect of fruits and vegetables.

Auxin synthesis promotes N metabolism and optimizes root structure enhancing N acquirement in maize (Zea mays L.).

MAIN CONCLUSION: Foliar NAA increases photosynthate supplied by enhancing photosynthesis, to strengthen root activity and provide a large sink for root carbohydrate accumulation, which is beneficial to acquire more nitrogen. The improvement of grain yield is an effective component in the food security. Auxin acts as a well-known plant hormone, plays an important role in maize growth and nutrient uptake. In this study, with maize variety Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) as material, the effects of auxin on nitrogen (N) uptake and assimilation of seedling maize were studied by hydroponic experiments. With water as the control, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA, 0.1 mmol/L) and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG, 0.1 mmol/L, an auxin synthesis inhibitor) were used for foliar spraying. The results showed that NAA significantly improved photosynthetic rate and plant biomass by 58.6% and 91.7%, respectively, while the effect of AVG was opposite to that of NAA. At the same time, key enzymes activities related N assimilation in NAA leaves were significantly increased, and the activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) were increased by 32.3%, 22.9%, and 16.2% in new leaves. Furthermore, NAA treatment promoted underground growth. When compared with control, total root length, root surface area, root tip number, branch number and root activity were significantly increased by 37.8%, 22.2%, 35.1%, 28.8% and 21.2%. Root growth is beneficial to N capture in maize. Ultimately, the total N accumulation of NAA treatment was significantly increased by 74.5%, as compared to the control. In conclusion, NAA foliar spraying increased endogenous IAA content, and enhanced the activity of N assimilation-related enzymes and photosynthesis rate, in order to build a large sink for carbohydrate accumulation. In addition, NAA strengthened root activity and regulated root morphology and architecture, which facilitated further N uptake and plant growth.

Adenine transversion editors enable precise, efficient A•T-to-C•G base editing in mammalian cells and embryos.

Base editors have substantial promise in basic research and as therapeutic agents for the correction of pathogenic mutations. The development of adenine transversion editors has posed a particular challenge. Here we report a class of base editors that enable efficient adenine transversion, including precise A•T-to-C•G editing. We found that a fusion of mouse alkyladenine DNA glycosylase (mAAG) with nickase Cas9 and deaminase TadA-8e catalyzed adenosine transversion in specific sequence contexts. Laboratory evolution of mAAG significantly increased A-to-C/T conversion efficiency up to 73% and expanded the targeting scope. Further engineering yielded adenine-to-cytosine base editors (ACBEs), including a high-accuracy ACBE-Q variant, that precisely install A-to-C transversions with minimal Cas9-independent off-targeting effects. ACBEs mediated high-efficiency installation or correction of five pathogenic mutations in mouse embryos and human cell lines. Founder mice showed 44-56% average A-to-C edits and allelic frequencies of up to 100%. Adenosine transversion editors substantially expand the capabilities and possible applications of base editing technology.

Black Phosphorus Accelerates Bone Regeneration Based on Immunoregulation.

A fundamental understanding of inflammation and tissue healing suggests that the precise regulation of the inflammatory phase, both in terms of location and timing, is crucial for bone regeneration. However, achieving the activation of early inflammation without causing chronic inflammation while facilitating quick inflammation regression to promote bone regeneration continues to pose challenges. This study reveals that black phosphorus (BP) accelerates bone regeneration by building an osteogenic immunological microenvironment. BP amplifies the acute pro-inflammatory response and promotes the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors to accelerate inflammation regression and tissue regeneration. Mechanistically, BP creates an osteoimmune-friendly microenvironment by stimulating macrophages to express interleukin 33 (IL-33), amplifying the inflammatory response at an early stage, and promoting the regression of inflammation. In addition, BP-mediated IL-33 expression directly promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), which further facilitates bone repair. To the knowledge, this is the first study to reveal the immunomodulatory potential of BP in bone regeneration through the regulation of both early-stage inflammatory responses and later-stage inflammation resolution, along with the associated molecular mechanisms. This discovery serves as a foundation for the clinical use of BP and is an efficient approach for managing the immune microenvironment during bone regeneration.

Sesquiterpenoid derivatives isolated from a liquid culture of Hypholoma capnoides 819.

Nine previously undescribed sesquiterpenoids, named as capnoidones A-G (1-6 and 8) and capnoidols A and B (7 and 9), along with three known sesquiterpenoids, fascicularones A, B, and G (12, 11 and 10), were isolated from the fermentation products of the mushroom Hypholoma capnoides 819 (Strophariace). The structures of these compounds were determined through MS and NMR experiments along with electronic circular dichroism analysis. Optical rotation calculations and X-ray diffraction experiments were also conducted for confirmation of the structures. Compounds 1 and 4 displayed mild cytotoxicity towards BV2 microglial cells in mice, while compound 4 exhibited mild cytotoxicity against breast cancer MCF-7 cells. However, none of the compounds demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli.

Impact of heat on emergency hospital admissions related to kidney diseases in Texas: Uncovering racial disparities.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: While impact of heat exposure on human health is well-documented, limited research exists on its effect on kidney disease hospital admissions especially in Texas, a state with diverse demographics and a high heat-related death rate. We aimed to explore the link between high temperatures and emergency kidney disease hospital admissions across 12 Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) from 2004 to 2013, considering causes, age groups, and ethnic populations. METHODS: To investigate the correlation between high temperatures and emergency hospital admissions, we utilized MSA-level hospital admission and weather data. We employed a Generalized Additive Model to calculate the association specific to each MSA, and then performed a random effects meta-analysis to estimate the overall correlation. Analyses were stratified by age groups, admission causes, and racial/ethnic disparities. Sensitivity analysis involved lag modifications and ozone inclusion in the model. RESULTS: Our analysis found that each 1 °C increase in temperature was associated with a 1.73 % (95 % CI [1.43, 2.03]) increase in hospital admissions related to all types of kidney diseases. Besides, the effect estimates varied across different age groups and specific types of kidney diseases. We observed statistically significant associations between high temperatures and emergency hospital admissions for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) (3.34 % (95 % CI [2.86, 3.82])), Kidney Stone (1.76 % (95 % CI [0.94, 2.60])), and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) (1.06 % (95 % CI [0.61, 1.51])). Our research findings indicate disparities in certain Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). In Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas metropolitan areas, the estimated effects are more pronounced for African Americans when compared to the White population. Additionally, in Dallas, Houston, El Paso, and San Antonio, the estimated effects are greater for the Hispanic group compared to the Non-Hispanic group. CONCLUSIONS: This study finds a strong link between higher temperatures and kidney disease-related hospital admissions in Texas, especially for AKI. Public health actions are necessary to address these temperature-related health risks, including targeted kidney health initiatives. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms and address health disparities among racial/ethnic groups.

A longitudinal study of polygenic score and cognitive function decline considering baseline cognitive function, lifestyle behaviors, and diabetes among middle-aged and older US adults.

BACKGROUND: Genomic study of cognition decline while considering baseline cognition and lifestyle behaviors is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a polygenic score for general cognition on cognition decline rate, while considering baseline cognition and lifestyle behaviors, among the general population and people with diabetes, a patient group commonly affected by cognition impairment. METHODS: We tested associations of the polygenic score for general cognition with annual changing rates of cognition measures in 8 years of follow-up among 12,090 White and 3100 Black participants of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative sample of adults aged 50 years and older in the USA. Cognition measures including word recall, mental status, and total cognitive score were measured biannually. To maximize sample size and length of follow-up, we treated the 2010 wave of survey as baseline, and follow-up data until 2018 were analyzed. Baseline lifestyle behaviors, APOE status, and measured cognition were sequentially adjusted. Given racial differences in polygenic score, all analyses were conducted by race. RESULTS: The polygenic score was significantly associated with annual changing rates of all cognition measures independent of lifestyle behaviors and APOE status. Together with age and sex, the polygenic score explained 29.9%, 15.9%, and 26.5% variances of annual changing rates of word recall, mental status, and total cognitive scores among Whites and explained 17.2%, 13.9%, and 18.7% variance of the three traits among Blacks. Among both White and Black participants, those in the top quartile of polygenic score had the three cognition measures increased annually, while those in the bottom quartile had the three cognition measures decreased annually. After further adjusting for the average cognition assessed in 3 visits around baseline, the polygenic score was still positively associated with annual changing rates of all cognition measures for White (P ≤ 2.89E - 19) but not for Black (P ≥ 0.07) participants. In addition, among participants with diabetes, physical activity offset the genetic susceptibility to decline of mental status (interaction P ≤ 0.01) and total cognitive scores (interaction P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Polygenic score predicted cognition changes in addition to measured cognition. Physical activity offset genetic risk for cognition decline among diabetes patients.

A statistical framework for powerful multi-trait rare variant analysis in large-scale whole-genome sequencing studies.

Large-scale whole-genome sequencing (WGS) studies have improved our understanding of the contributions of coding and noncoding rare variants to complex human traits. Leveraging association effect sizes across multiple traits in WGS rare variant association analysis can improve statistical power over single-trait analysis, and also detect pleiotropic genes and regions. Existing multi-trait methods have limited ability to perform rare variant analysis of large-scale WGS data. We propose MultiSTAAR, a statistical framework and computationally-scalable analytical pipeline for functionally-informed multi-trait rare variant analysis in large-scale WGS studies. MultiSTAAR accounts for relatedness, population structure and correlation among phenotypes by jointly analyzing multiple traits, and further empowers rare variant association analysis by incorporating multiple functional annotations. We applied MultiSTAAR to jointly analyze three lipid traits (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) in 61,861 multi-ethnic samples from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program. We discovered new associations with lipid traits missed by single-trait analysis, including rare variants within an enhancer of NIPSNAP3A and an intergenic region on chromosome 1.

Fish oil supplementation modifies the genetic potential for blood lipids.

Background: Dyslipidemia is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which has been the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although habitual intake of fish oil has been implicated in offering cardioprotective effects through triglyceride reduction, the interactions of fish oil with the genetic predisposition to dysregulated lipids remain elusive. Objectives: We examined whether fish oil supplementation can modify the genetic potential for the circulating levels of four lipids, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides. Methods: A total of 441,985 participants with complete genetic and phenotypic data from the UK Biobank were included in our study. Polygenic scores (PGS) were calculated in participants of diverse ancestries. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess associations with adjustment for relevant risk factors. Results: Fish oil supplementation mitigated genetic susceptibility to elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, while amplifying genetic potential for increased HDL-C among 424,090 participants of European ancestry Pinteraction<0.05. Consistent significant findings were obtained using PGS calculated based on multiple genome-wide association studies or alternative PGS methods. We also showed that fish oil significantly attenuated genetic predisposition to high triglycerides in African-ancestry participants. Conclusions: Fish oil supplementation attenuated the genetic susceptibility to elevated blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, while accentuating genetic potential for higher HDL-C. These results suggest that fish oil may have a beneficial impact on modifying genome-wide genetic effects on elevated lipid levels in the general population.

A SERS Responsive DGT Sensing Device for On-Site Determination of Organic Contaminants Underwater.

Although diffusion gradient in the thin-film technique (DGT) is highly regarded in environmental analysis, the traditional DGT devices cannot serve as sensing devices but in situ sampling devices. Here we report a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) responsive DGT sensing device (SERS-DGT Sensor) capable of on-site determination of organic contaminants underwater. This is achieved by innovatively utilizing a SERS responsive liquid suspension of Au nanoparticles supported on graphene oxide (AuNPs@GO) as the DGT binding phase. Liquid suspension is synthesized via a combined secondary growth and molecular welding approach and used as DGT binding phase AuNPs@GO exhibit good SERS activity, aqueous stability, and adsorption performance. Based on the development time range of 24-144 h, the measurement of sulfadiazine (SMT) by SERS-DGT Sensor is evaluated in the concentration range of 0.3289-2631 ng mL-1. The SERS-DGT sampler is valid for measuring SMT under a wide range of environmental conditions (i.e, pH 5-9, ionic strength 0.0001-0.05 mol L-1 NaCl, DOM concentrations 0-100 mg L-1, the values of TC: SMT ≤ 20 and MNZ: SMT ≤ 20). SERS-DGT Sensor is applied to the practical test of SMT content in pig breeding wastewater, and compared with the grab sampling method, the results confirm that this novel hyphenated technique exhibits good accuracy and precision. The platform proves to be versatile by extending the method to the monitoring of rhodamine 6G, metronidazole, fluoxetine, and enrofloxacin. In this article, SERS-DGT Sensor, a platform for directly on-site sensing of organic DGT, holds great potential for in situ sampling and on-site sensing for a wide range of organics and provides a new idea for environmental monitoring.

Targeting the AKT/mTOR/p70S6K Pathway for Oligodendrocyte Differentiation and Myelin Regeneration in Neurological Disorders.

BACKGROUND: The AKT/mTOR/p70S6K pathway has been shown to potentially promote spinal cord injury (SCI) repair in rats. However, its exact mechanism and beyond needs to be further explored. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the AKT/mTOR/p70S6K pathway in oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation, microglial polarization differentiation, and the role of these in myelin regeneration in vitro. METHODS: The isolation, induction and characterization of rat primary neuronal stem cells, OPCs and oligodendrocytes were investigated with immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR. Then, the role of AKT/mTOR/p70S6K signaling was explored using western blotting and immunofluorescence, the effect on myelination was examined with OPC-dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons co-culture, and the influence of M1/M2 polarization status of microglia on myelin formation was also observed by adding M1/M2 supernatants into OPC-DRG neurons co-culture. RESULTS: Activation of the AKT/mTOR/p70S6K pathway elevated the expression of oligodendrocyte differentiation markers, including MBP, PLP and MOG, which also promoted the colocalization of MBP and NFH in OPC-DRG neurons co-culture. More interestingly, stimulation of the AKT/mTOR/p70S6K pathway facilitated M2 polarization of rat microglia. M2 polarization of microglia enhanced OPC differentiation to oligodendrocytes and myelin formation. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the potential of targeting the AKT/mTOR/p70S6K pathway in promoting oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelin regeneration in neurological disorders such as SCI.

Rare variants in long non-coding RNAs are associated with blood lipid levels in the TOPMed whole-genome sequencing study.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to perform important regulatory functions in lipid metabolism. Large-scale whole-genome sequencing (WGS) studies and new statistical methods for variant set tests now provide an opportunity to assess more associations between rare variants in lncRNA genes and complex traits across the genome. In this study, we used high-coverage WGS from 66,329 participants of diverse ancestries with measurement of blood lipids and lipoproteins (LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, and TG) in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program to investigate the role of lncRNAs in lipid variability. We aggregated rare variants for 165,375 lncRNA genes based on their genomic locations and conducted rare-variant aggregate association tests using the STAAR (variant-set test for association using annotation information) framework. We performed STAAR conditional analysis adjusting for common variants in known lipid GWAS loci and rare-coding variants in nearby protein-coding genes. Our analyses revealed 83 rare lncRNA variant sets significantly associated with blood lipid levels, all of which were located in known lipid GWAS loci (in a ±500-kb window of a Global Lipids Genetics Consortium index variant). Notably, 61 out of 83 signals (73%) were conditionally independent of common regulatory variation and rare protein-coding variation at the same loci. We replicated 34 out of 61 (56%) conditionally independent associations using the independent UK Biobank WGS data. Our results expand the genetic architecture of blood lipids to rare variants in lncRNAs.

Effectively Controlled Structures of Si-C Composites from Rice Husk for Oxygen Evolution Catalyst.

This work explores a simple way to regulate the morphology and structure of biomass-based carbon and effectively utilize its internal functional groups as the substrate for the next energy materials. The unique randomly oriented and highly interconnected cordyceps-like 3D structure of rice husk is formed by direct high-temperature carbonization, and the main component is SiC. The well-arranged cordyceps-like structure of SiC demonstrates a remarkable structural/chemical stability and a high rate of electron migration, and further could be used as a stable substrate for metal deposition and find application in the field of electrocatalysis. The oxygen evolution reaction catalyst (SiC-C@Fe3O4) prepared by chemical deposition exhibits a low overpotential (260 mV), low Tafel slope (56.93 mV dec-1), high electrochemical active surface area (54.92 mF cm-2), and low Rct value (0.15 Ω) at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH electrolyte. The produced natural Si-C composite materials overcome the limitations imposed by the intricate internal structure of silicon-rich biomass. The existence of this stable substrate offers a novel avenue for maximizing the utilization of rice-husk-based carbon, and broadens its application field. At the same time, it also provides a theoretical basis for the use of rice husks in the field of hydrogen production by electrolysis of water, thus promoting their high-value utilization.

Recent preparation, modification and application progress of starch nanocrystals: A review.

Due to the advantages of wide sources, high biocompatibility and favorable biodegradability, starch nanocrystals (SNCs) have gradually attracted attention and have bright development prospects in food, agriculture, materials, medicine and other fields. However, the traditional preparation method of SNCs is time-consuming and inefficient, and the physicochemical properties cannot fully meet the needs of multiple applications. Fortunately, the unique onion-like structure of starch granules and the large number of hydroxyl groups present on the surface entitle SNCs to efficient preparation and modification. This paper comprehensively reviewed the improvement methods of SNCs preparation process in recent years, and the advantages and disadvantages of the two improvement strategies were compared. Besides, the importance of introducing different pretreatment methods into the SNCs preparation process was emphasized. It also focused on the different modification treatment and application progress of SNCs, especially in the starch-based surface coating of fruits and vegetables. The information will contribute to further improve the preparation efficiency and physicochemical properties of SNCs, and ultimately expand the application field.

ent-Herqueidiketal and epi-Peniciherqueinone Isolated from a Mushroom Derived Fungus Penicillium herquei YNJ-35.

A new polyaromatic metabolite, ent-herqueidiketal (1), and a new phenalenone derivative, epi-peniciherqueinone (2), along with twelve known compounds 3-14, were isolated from the fungus Penicillium herquei YNJ-35, a symbiotic fungus of Pulveroboletus brunneopunctatus collected from Nangunhe Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, China. The structures of 1-14 and the absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by their spectroscopic data or by their single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis or optical rotation values. Compound 1 showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 µg/mL. In the cytotoxicity assays, compound 1 showed weak inhibitory activity against breast cancer MCF-7 and mice microglial BV2 cells with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of 17.58 and 29.56 µM; compound 14 showed stronger cytotoxicity against BV2 and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 6.57 and 10.26 µM.