Research on narrative design of handicraft intangible cultural heritage creative products based on AHP-TOPSIS method.

To address the issues of subjectivity and bias that designers face in selecting and constructing narrative cultural themes when introducing narrative design methods into the design of handicraft intangible cultural heritage cultural and creative products, a model incorporating quantitative analysis methods into the narrative theme selection process is proposed. First, based on the theory of cultural levels and semiotic structure, a new narrative text structure is developed to enrich the narrative cultural themes of handicraft intangible cultural heritage. Second, a process model for constructing narrative texts of handicraft intangible cultural heritage is established using kansei engineering, factor analysis, and the TOPSIS method, to minimize the impact of subjective factors in the narrative theme selection process. Finally, using the design of Huangmei Cross Flower cultural and creative products as an example, the feasibility of the model is validated. This method model effectively reduces the transmission bias of cultural features in the narrative design process of handicraft intangible cultural heritage, providing a theoretical foundation for further design practice of handicraft intangible cultural heritage products.

SENP1-Mediated HSP90ab1 DeSUMOylation in Cardiomyocytes Prevents Myocardial Fibrosis by Paracrine Signaling.

Myocardial infarction (MI) triggers a poor ventricular remodeling response, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, the authors show that sentrin-specific protease 1 (SENP1) is downregulated in post-MI mice and in patients with severe heart failure. By generating cardiomyocyte-specific SENP1 knockout and overexpression mice to assess cardiac function and ventricular remodeling responses under physiological and pathological conditions. Increased cardiac fibrosis in the cardiomyocyte-specific SENP1 deletion mice, associated with increased fibronectin (Fn) expression and secretion in cardiomyocytes, promotes fibroblast activation in response to myocardial injury. Mechanistically, SENP1 deletion in mouse cardiomyocytes increases heat shock protein 90 alpha family class B member 1 (HSP90ab1) SUMOylation with (STAT3) activation and Fn secretion after ventricular remodeling initiated. Overexpression of SENP1 or mutation of the HSP90ab1 Lys72 ameliorates adverse ventricular remodeling and dysfunction after MI. Taken together, this study identifies SENP1 as a positive regulator of cardiac repair and a potential drug target for the treatment of MI. Inhibition of HSP90ab1 SUMOylation stabilizes STAT3 to inhibit the adverse ventricular remodeling response.

Preparation, characterization, and application of gallic acid-mediated photodynamic chitosan-nanocellulose-based films.

In this study, an active film composed of gallic acid (GA), chitosan (CS), and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) was prepared using a solution casting method and synergistic photodynamic inactivation (PDI) technology. Characterization of the film showed that the CS-CNC-GA composite film had high transparency and UV-blocking ability. The addition of GA (0.2 %-1.0 %) significantly enhanced the mechanical properties, water resistance, and thermal stability of the film. The tensile strength increased up to 46.30 MPa, and the lowest water vapor permeability was 1.16 × e-12 g/(cm·s·Pa). The PDI-treated CS-CNC-GA1.0 composite film exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial activity, with inhibition zone diameters of 31.83 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 21.82 mm against Escherichia coli. The CS-CNC-GA composite film also showed good antioxidant activity. Additionally, the CS-CNC-GA1.0 composite film generated a large amount of singlet oxygen under UV-C light irradiation. It was found that using the CS-CNC-GA1.0 composite film for packaging and storage of oysters at 4 °C effectively delayed the increase in pH, total colony count, and lipid oxidation in oysters. In conclusion, the CS-CNC-GA composite film based on PDI technology has great potential for applications in the preservation of aquatic products.

Recent research of peptide-based hydrogel in nervous regeneration.

Neurological disorders exert significantly affect the quality of life for patients, necessitating effective strategies for nerve regeneration. Both traditional autologous nerve transplantation and emerging therapeutic approaches encounter scientific challenges due to the complex nature of the nervous system and the unsuitability of the surrounding environment for cell transplantation. Tissue engineering techniques offer a promising path for neurotherapy. Successful neural tissue engineering relies on modulating cell differentiation behavior and tissue repair by developing biomaterials that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) and establish a three-dimensional microenvironment. Peptide-based hydrogels have emerged as a potent option among these biomaterials due to their ability to replicate the structure and complexity of the ECM. This review aims to explore the diverse range of peptide-based hydrogels used in nerve regeneration with a specific focus on dipeptide hydrogels, tripeptide hydrogels, oligopeptide hydrogels, multidomain peptides (MDPs), and amphiphilic peptide hydrogels (PAs). Peptide-based hydrogels offer numerous advantages, including biocompatibility, structural diversity, adjustable mechanical properties, and degradation without adverse effects. Notably, hydrogels formed from self-assembled polypeptide nanofibers, derived from amino acids, show promising potential in engineering neural tissues, outperforming conventional materials like alginate, poly(ε-caprolactone), and polyaniline. Additionally, the simple design and cost-effectiveness of dipeptide-based hydrogels have enabled the creation of various functional supramolecular structures, with significant implications for nervous system regeneration. These hydrogels are expected to play a crucial role in future neural tissue engineering research. This review aims to highlight the benefits and potential applications of peptide-based hydrogels, contributing to the advancement of neural tissue engineering.

Trace Iron-Doped Nickel-Cobalt selenide with rich heterointerfaces for efficient overall water splitting at high current densities.

Developing bifunctional electrocatalysts based on non-precious metals for overall water splitting, while maintaining high catalytic activity and stability under high current densities, remains challenging. Herein, we successfully constructred trace iron-doped nickel-cobalt selenide with abundant CoSe2 (210)-Ni3Se4 (202) heterointerfaces via a simple one-step selenization reaction. The synthesized Fe-NiCoSex/NCFF (NCFF stands for nickel-cobalt-iron foam) exhibits outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity with low overpotentials of 328 mV for HER and 345 mV for OER at a high current density of 1000 mA cm-2, while maintaining stability for over 20 h. Additionally, the Fe-NiCoSex/NCFF exhibits the lowest Tafel slope values for both HER (33.7 mV dec-1) and OER (55.92 mV dec-1), indicating the fastest kinetics on its surface. The Fe-NiCoSex/NCFF features uniformly distributed micrometer-sized selenide particles with dense nanowires on their surface, providing a large reactive surface area and abundant active sites. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses reveal that the catalyst is composed of nickel, cobalt, and iron, forming micrometer-sized particles with both crystalline and amorphous phases, thereby enhancing HER and OER performance under high current density. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the heterostructure CoSe2 (210)-Ni3Se4 (202), with high electron density and suitable adsorption capacity for reaction intermediates, and low energy barriers for HER (-0.384 eV) and OER (ΔG1st: 0.243 eV, ΔG2nd: 0.376 eV), serves as an active center for both HER and OER.

Electrostatic Force-Assisted Transfer of Flexible Silicon Photodetector Focal Plane Arrays for Image Sensors.

Flexible photodetectors are pivotal in contemporary optoelectronic technology applications, such as data reception and image sensing, yet their performance and yield are often hindered by the challenge of heterogeneous integration between photoactive materials and flexible substrates. Here, we showcase the potential of an electrostatic force-assisted transfer printing technique for integrating Si PIN photodiodes onto flexible substrates. This clean and dry process eliminates the need for chemical etchants, making it a highly desirable method for manufacturing high-performance flexible photodetector arrays, expanding their widespread applications in electronic eyes, robotics, and human-machine interaction. As a demonstration, a 5 × 5 flexible Si photodetector focal plane array is constructed for imaging sensors and shaped into a convex semicylindrical form to achieve a π field of view with long-term mechanical and thermal stability. Such an approach provides a high yield rate and consistent performance, with the single photodetector demonstrating exceptional characteristics, including a responsivity of 0.61 A/W, a response speed of 39.77 MHz, a linear dynamic range of 108.53 dB, and a specific detectivity of 2.75 × 1012 Jones at an applied voltage of -3 V at 940 nm.

CNT Composite ß-MnO2 with Fiber Cable Shape as Cathode Materials for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have developed into one of the most attractive materials for large-scale energy storage owing to their advantages such as high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, the sluggish diffusion kinetics and inherent impoverished conductivity affect their practical application. Herein, the ß-MnO2 composited with carbon nanotubes (CNT@M) is prepared through a simple hydrothermal approach as a high-performance cathode for AZIBs. The CNT@M electrode exhibits excellent cycling stability, in which the maximum specific discharge capacity is 259 mA h g-1 at 3 A g-1, and there is still 220 mA h g-1 after 2000 cycles. The specific capacity is obviously better than that of ß-MnO2 (32 mA h g-1 after 2000 cycles). The outstanding electrochemical performance of the battery is inseparable from the structural framework of CNT and inherent high conductivity. Furthermore, CNT@M can form a complex conductive network based on CNTs to provide excellent ion diffusion and charge transfer. Therefore, the active material can maintain a long-term cycle and achieve stable capacity retention. This research provides a reasonable solution for the reliable conception of Mn-based electrodes and indicates its potential application in high-performance AZIB cathode materials.

Study on the Effect of Precise Prevention of H-Type Hypertension, Cardiovascular, and Cerebrovascular Risks in Qingyuan District.

Objective: To explore the relationship between controlling the development of H-type hypertension and the effectiveness of precision prevention of cardiovascular risk. Methods: 518 patients with essential hypertension with hyperhomocysteinemia diagnosed in December 2019 to February 2020 in Qingyuan District Public Hospital were recruited as the experimental sample for prospective analysis and were equally divided into control and experimental groups according to their order of admission, i.e., 259 patients in each group. The control group was treated with antihypertensive drugs only, while the experimental group was given enalapril folic acid tablets (0.8 mg/d) and vitamin B once daily in addition to antihypertensive drugs, and then monitored for plasma Hcy levels, cardiovascular event rates, and survival at one year. Results: After treatment, the plasma Hcy levels of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .001). During treatment, the total incidence of cardiovascular disease in the experimental group was less than that in the control group (P < .05). One year after the end of treatment, the mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease in the control group was higher than that in the experimental group (P < .05). Conclusion: It is worthwhile to promote the use of targeted management of patients with H-type hypertension to prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, improve Hcy levels, and stabilize blood pressure levels in patients.

Mechanisms and clinical landscape of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in gastrointestinal tract cancers.

Epigenetics encompasses reversible and heritable chemical modifications of non-nuclear DNA sequences, including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA modifications, and chromatin rearrangements. In addition to well-studied DNA and histone methylation, RNA methylation has emerged as a hot topic in biological sciences over the past decade. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and abundant modification in eukaryotic mRNA, affecting all RNA stages, including transcription, translation, and degradation. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies made it feasible to identify the chemical basis and biological functions of m6A RNA. Dysregulation of m6A levels and associated modifying proteins can both inhibit and promote cancer, highlighting the importance of the tumor microenvironment in diverse biological processes. Gastrointestinal tract cancers, including gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, are among the most common and deadly malignancies in humans. Growing evidence suggests a close association between m6A levels and the progression of gastrointestinal tumors. Global m6A modification levels are substantially modified in gastrointestinal tumor tissues and cell lines compared to healthy tissues and cells, possibly influencing various biological behaviors such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Exploring the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of m6A-related proteins is critical from a clinical standpoint. Developing more specific and effective m6A modulators offers new options for treating these tumors and deeper insights into gastrointestinal tract cancers.

Development and validation of a machine learning-based readmission risk prediction model for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients after percutaneous coronary intervention.

To investigate the factors that influence readmissions in patients with acute non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by using multiple machine learning (ML) methods to establish a predictive model. In this study, 1576 NSTEMI patients who were hospitalized at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College were selected as the research subjects. They were divided into two groups: the readmitted group and the non-readmitted group. The division was based on whether the patients experienced complications or another incident of myocardial infarction within one year after undergoing PCI. Common variables selected by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, LASSO regression, and random forest were used as independent influencing factors for NSTEMI patients' readmissions after PCI. Six different ML models were constructed using these common variables. The area under the ROC curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used to evaluate the performance of the six ML models. Finally, the optimal model was selected, and a nomogram was created to visually represent its clinical effectiveness. Three different methods were used to select seven representative common variables. These variables were then utilized to construct six different ML models, which were subsequently compared. The findings indicated that the LR model exhibited the most optimal performance in terms of AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The outcome, admission mode (walking and non-walking), communication ability, CRP, TC, HDL, and LDL were identified as independent predicators of readmissions in NSTEMI patients after PCI. The prediction model constructed by the LR algorithm was the best. The established column graph model established proved to be effective in identifying high-risk groups with high accuracy and differentiation. It holds a specific predictive value for the occurrence of readmissions after direct PCI in NSTEMI patients.

Celiac disease and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis.

Background: Recent observational research suggests a potential link between celiac disease (CeD) and an increased incidence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the genetic relationship between CeD and ADHD remains unclear. In order to assess the potential genetic causality between these two conditions, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: We performed a bidirectional MR analysis to investigate the relationship between CeD and ADHD. We carefully selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from publicly available large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) databases, employing rigorous quality screening criteria. MR estimates were obtained using four different methods: fixed-effect inverse variance weighted (fe-IVW), random-effect inverse variance weighting (re-IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger. The robustness and reliability of our findings were confirmed through sensitivity analyses, assessment of instrumental variable (IV) strength (F-statistic), and statistical power calculations. Results: Our MR analyses did not reveal any significant genetic associations between CeD and ADHD (fe-IVW: OR = 1.003, 95% CI = 0.932-1.079, P = 0.934). Similarly, in the reverse direction analysis, we found no evidence supporting a genetic relationship between ADHD and CeD (fe-IVW: OR = 0.850, 95% CI = 0.591-1.221, P = 0.378). Various MR approaches consistently yielded similar results. Sensitivity analysis indicated the absence of significant horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity. However, it's important to note that the limited statistical power of our study may have constrained the causal analysis of the exposure's influence on the outcome. Conclusions: Our findings do not provide compelling evidence for a genetic association between CeD and ADHD within the European population. While the statistical power of our study was limited, future MR research could benefit from larger-scale datasets or datasets involving similar traits. To validate our results in real-world scenarios, further mechanistic studies, large-sample investigations, multicenter collaborations, and longitudinal studies are warranted.

Cinnamaldehyde inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome by preserving mitochondrial integrity and augmenting autophagy in Shigella sonnei-infected macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, more than 125 million people are infected with Shigella each year and develop shigellosis. In our previous study, we provided evidence that Shigella sonnei infection triggers activation of the NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages. NLRP3 inflammasome is responsible for regulating the release of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18 through the protease caspase-1. Researchers and biotech companies have shown great interest in developing inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome, recognizing it as a promising therapeutic target for several diseases. The leaves of Cinnamomum osmophloeum kaneh, an indigenous tree species in Taiwan, are rich in cinnamaldehyde (CA), a compound present in significant amounts. Our aim is to investigate how CA affects the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in S. sonnei-infected macrophages. METHODS: Macrophages were infected with S. sonnei, with or without CA. ELISA and Western blotting were employed to detect protein expression or phosphorylation levels. Flow cytometry was utilized to assess H2O2 production and mitochondrial damage. Fluorescent microscopy was used to detect cathepsin B activity and mitochondrial ROS production. Additionally, colony-forming units were employed to measure macrophage phagocytosis and bactericidal activity. RESULTS: CA inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome in S. sonnei-infected macrophages by suppressing caspase-1 activation and reducing IL-1ß and IL-18 expression. CA also inhibited pyroptosis by decreasing caspase-11 and Gasdermin D activation. Mechanistically, CA reduced lysosomal damage and enhanced autophagy, while leaving mitochondrial damage, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and NF-κB activation unaffected. Furthermore, CA significantly boosted phagocytosis and the bactericidal activity of macrophages against S. sonnei, while reducing secretion of IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor following infection. CONCLUSION: CA shows promise as a nutraceutical for mitigating S. sonnei infection by diminishing inflammation and enhancing phagocytosis and the bactericidal activity of macrophages against S. sonnei.

Lead-free Cs2Ag1-xNaxIn1 - yBiyCl6 perovskite films with broad warm-yellow emission for lighting applications.

Lead-free halide double perovskite Cs2AgInCl6 has been extensively studied in recent years due to the lead toxicity and poor stability of common lead halide perovskites. In this study, sodium (Na+) and bismuth (Bi3+) doped into Cs2AgInCl6 double perovskite, then Cs2Ag1-xNaxIn1 - yBiyCl6 films with broadband warm-yellow emissions were achieved by the blade coating method. Herein, Na and Bi content were changed as variables at a series of parameter optimization experiments, respectively. In the Cs2Ag1-xNaxIn1 - yBiyCl6 systems, Na+ broke the parity-forbidden transition of Cs2AgInCl6, and Bi3+ suppressed non-radiative recombination. The partial replacement of Ag+ with Na+ ions and doping with Bi3+ cations were crucial for increasing the intensity of the PL emission. The experimental results showed that the photoluminescence quantum yield of the Cs2Ag0.4Na0.6In0.8Bi0.2Cl6 film was 66.38%, which was the highest data among all samples. It demonstrated remarkable stability under heat and ultraviolet conditions. After five thermal cycles, the PL intensity of the Cs2Ag0.4Na0.6In0.8Bi0.2Cl6 film is only reduced to approximately 5.7% of the initial value. After 720 h continuous ultraviolet irradiation, there occurred 31.9% emission decay of the film.

Effect of moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL15) and "Feishu" (BL13) on expression of TRPV1 and CGRP in the myocardial tissue of chronic heart failure rats. / 艾灸"心俞""肺俞"å¯¹æ ¢æ€§å¿ƒåŠ›è¡°ç«­å¤§é¼ å¿ƒè‚Œçž¬æ—¶å—ä½“ç”µä½é¦™è‰é ¸äºšåž‹1ã€é™é’™ç´ åŸºå› ç›¸å ³è‚½è¡¨è¾¾çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL15) and "Feishu" (BL13) on transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1(TRPV1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the myocardial tissue of rats with chronic heart failure (CHF), so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in improvement of CHF. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal, model, moxibustion, capsaicin, moxibustion + capsaicin, and moxibustion + solvent groups, with 10 rats in each group. The CHF model was established by permanent ligation of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. Mild moxibustion was applied to bilateral BL13 and BL15 for 30 min once daily for 4 weeks. Rats in the capsaicin group were smeared with capsaicin in the acupoint area once a day for 4 weeks. For rats of the moxibustion + capsaicin and moxibustion + solvent groups, capsaicin and solvent were applied to the acupoint area before moxibustion for 4 weeks, respectively. The ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening rate (FS) were examined by echocardiography. HE staining was used to observe the myecardial morphological structure. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPV1, CGRP and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in myocardial tissue were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. The content of IL-10 in serum was detected by ELISA. RESULTS: After modeling, the pathological changes of myocardium (as cardiac muscle fiber disorder, inflammatory cell infiltration, etc.) were obvious, and the EF, FS, serum IL-10, protein and mRNA exspression of TRPV1 and CGRP were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the model group compared with the normal group, while the protein and mRNA exspression of Gal-3 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). Following the interventions, the above-mentioned indexes were all reversed in moxibustion, capsaicin, and moxibustion + capsaicin groups (P<0.01), and the effect of moxibustion + capsaicin was the best (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion can reduce myocardial injury and improve cardiac function in CHF rats, which may be related to its effects in up-regulating the expression of TRPV1 and CGRP, and down-regulating the expression of Gal-3 to alleviate myocardial fibrosis.

Exhaled breath analysis for the discrimination of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are the most common chronic respiratory diseases. In middle-aged and elderly patients, it is difficult to distinguish between COPD and asthma based on clinical symptoms and pulmonary function examinations in clinical practice. Thus, an accurate and reliable inspection method is required. In this study, we aimed to identify breath biomarkers and evaluate the accuracy of breathomics-based methods for discriminating between COPD and asthma. In this multi-center cross-sectional study, exhaled breath samples were collected from 89 patients with COPD and 73 with asthma and detected on a high-pressure photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPPI-TOFMS) platform from 20 October 2022, to 20 May 2023, in four hospitals. Data analysis was performed from 15 June 2023 to 16 August 2023. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated to assess the overall performance of the volatile organic component (VOC)-based COPD and asthma discrimination models. Potential VOC markers related to COPD and asthma were also analyzed. The age of all participants ranged from to 18-86 years, and 54 (33.3%) were men. The age [median (minimum, maximum)] of COPD and asthma participants were 66.0 (46.0, 86.0), and 44.0 (17.0, 80.0). The male and female ratio of COPD and asthma participants were 14/75 and 40/33, respectively. Based on breathomics feature selection, ten VOCs were identified as COPD and asthma discrimination biomarkers via breath testing. The joint panel of these ten VOCs achieved an area under the curve of 0.843, sensitivity of 75.9%, specificity of 87.5%, and accuracy of 80.0% in COPD and asthma discrimination. Furthermore, the VOCs detected in the breath samples were closely related to the clinical characteristics of COPD and asthma. The VOC-based COPD and asthma discrimination model showed good accuracy, providing a new strategy for clinical diagnosis. Breathomics-based methods may play an important role in the diagnosis of COPD and asthma.

Cinnamaldehyde, A Bioactive Compound from the Leaves of Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kaneh, Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice by Inhibiting the NLRP3 Inflammasome.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises a group of idiopathic intestinal disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, significantly impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. The effective management of these conditions remains a persistent challenge. The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a complex molecular structure, regulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1ß. Abnormal activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a pivotal role in the development of IBD, making it a compelling target for therapeutic intervention. Our research revealed that cinnamaldehyde (CA), a major bioactive compound found in the leaves of Cinnamomum osmophloeum kaneh, demonstrated a remarkable ability to alleviate colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in a mouse model. This effect was attributed to CA's ability to downregulate the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in the colon. In the mechanism study, we observed that CA inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages, at least partially, by enhancing the autophagic response, without reducing mitochondrial damage. These findings collectively suggest that CA holds significant potential as a therapeutic agent for enhancing the management of IBD, offering a promising avenue for further research and development.

Honokiol Exhibits Anti-NLRP3 Inflammasome and Antimicrobial Properties in Neisseria gonorrhoeae-Infected Macrophages.

Purpose: The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, crucial in infectious and inflammatory diseases by regulating IL-1ß, presents a target for disease management. Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea in over 87 million people annually, with previous research revealing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in infected macrophages. No natural products have been reported to counteract this activation. Exploring honokiol, a phenolic compound from Chinese herbal medicine, we investigated its impact on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in N. gonorrhoeae-infected macrophages. Methods: Honokiol's impact on the protein expression of pro-inflammatory mediators was analyzed using ELISA and Western blotting. The generation of intracellular H2O2 and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected through specific fluorescent probes (CM-H2DCFDA and MitoSOX, respectively) and analyzed by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane integrity was assessed using specific fluorescent probes (MitoTracker and DiOC2(3)) and analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the effect of honokiol on the viability of N. gonorrhoeae was examined through an in vitro colony-forming units assay. Results: Honokiol effectively inhibits caspase-1, caspase-11 and GSDMD activation and reduces the extracellular release of IL-1ß, NLRP3, and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) in N. gonorrhoeae-infected macrophages. Detailed investigations have demonstrated that honokiol lowers the production of H2O2 and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in N. gonorrhoeae-infected macrophages. Importantly, the phosphorylation of JNK1/2 and p38 and the activation of NF-κB remain unaffected. Moreover, honokiol reduces the N. gonorrhoeae-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species within the mitochondria, preserving their integrity. Additionally, honokiol suppresses the expression of the pro-inflammatory mediator IL-6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase induced by N. gonorrhoeae independently of NLRP3. Impressively, honokiol exhibits in vitro anti-gonococcal activity against N. gonorrhoeae. Conclusion: Honokiol inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome in N. gonorrhoeae-infected macrophages and holds great promise for further development as an active ingredient in the prevention and treatment of symptoms associated with gonorrhea.

Comprehensive meta-analysis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus infections in humans, vertebrate hosts and questing ticks.

BACKGROUND: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). Understanding the prevalence of SFTSV RNA in humans, vertebrate hosts and ticks is crucial for SFTS control. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence of SFTSV RNA in humans, vertebrate hosts and questing ticks. Nine electronic databases were searched for relevant publications, and data on SFTSV RNA prevalence were extracted. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. Subgroup analysis and multivariable meta-regression were performed to investigate sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of SFTSV RNA in humans was 5.59% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.78-9.15%) in those in close contact (close contacts) with infected individuals (infected cases) and 0.05% (95% CI 0.00-0.65%) in healthy individuals in endemic areas. The SFTSV infection rates in artiodactyls (5.60%; 95% CI 2.95-8.96%) and carnivores (6.34%; 95% CI 3.27-10.23%) were higher than those in rodents (0.45%; 95% CI 0.00-1.50%). Other animals, such as rabbits, hedgehogs and birds, also played significant roles in SFTSV transmission. The genus Haemaphysalis was the primary transmission vector, with members of Ixodes, Dermacentor, and Amblyomma also identified as potential vectors. The highest pooled prevalence was observed in adult ticks (1.03%; 95% CI 0.35-1.96%), followed by nymphs (0.66%; 95% CI 0.11-1.50%) and larvae (0.01%; 95% CI 0.00-0.46%). The pooled prevalence in ticks collected from endemic areas (1.86%; 95% CI 0.86-3.14%) was higher than that in ticks collected in other regions (0.41%; 95% CI 0.12-0.81%). CONCLUSIONS: Latent SFTSV infections are present in healthy individuals residing in endemic areas, and close contacts with SFTS cases are at a significantly higher risk of infection. The type of animal is linked to infection rates in vertebrate hosts, while infection rates in ticks are associated with the developmental stage. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of various environmental factors on SFTSV prevalence in vertebrate hosts and ticks.

UV-Vis-NIR Broadband Self-Powered CuInS2/SnO2 Photodetectors and the Application in Encrypted Optical Communication.

Photodetectors (PDs) with broadband photoresponse can meet the demand for multiband detection in complex environments, overcoming the technological complexity issue of integrated narrow-band PDs. Self-powered heterojunction PDs having ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared broadband photoresponse were constructed by using SnO2 nanopillars and CuInS2 nanoflakes. The dimension, crystalline quality, and energy level structure of the SnO2 nanopillars were regulated by changing the concentration of Sn ions in the precursor solution. The optimized interfacial energy band structure of the heterojunction can increase the transfer ability of the photogenerated carrier. The optimum performance is achieved for the CuInS2/SnO2(0.025M) PD prepared at 0.025 M Sn ion concentration in the precursor solution with the responsivities of 1.15, 6.13, and 1.02 mA/W, and detectivities of 1.19 × 1010, 6.35 × 1010, and 1.02 × 1010 Jones under 254 nm solar-blind ultraviolet light, 475 nm visible light, and 940 nm near-infrared light. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept solar-blind ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared encrypted communication system utilizing a broadband self-powered CuInS2/SnO2 PD as the receiving terminal and solar-blind ultraviolet light, ultraviolet light, visible light, and near-infrared light as the carrier and encryption protocol is proposed. The PD has great potential for applications in the field of encrypted optical communication.

PGC-1α/LDHA signaling facilitates glycolysis initiation to regulate mechanically induced bone remodeling under inflammatory microenvironment.

The mechanosensitivity of inflammation can alter cellular mechanotransduction. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the metabolic mechanism of inflammation under mechanical force to guide tissue remodeling better. Herein, we found that inflammation hindered bone remodeling under mechanical force, accompanied by a simultaneous enhancement of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis. The control of metabolism direction through GNE-140 and Visomitin revealed that enhanced glycolysis might act as a compensatory mechanism to resist OXPHOS-induced osteoclastogenesis by promoting osteogenesis. The inhibited osteogenesis induced by inflammatory mechanical stimuli was concomitant with a reduced expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). PGC-1α knockdown impeded osteogenesis under mechanical force and facilitated osteoclastogenesis by enhancing OXPHOS. Conversely, PGC-1α overexpression attenuated the impairment of bone remodeling by inflammatory mechanical signals through promoting glycolysis. This process benefited from the PGC-1α regulation on the transcriptional and translational activity of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and the tight control of the extracellular acidic environment. Additionally, the increased binding between PGC-1α and LDHA proteins might contribute to the glycolysis promotion within the inflammatory mechanical environment. Notably, LDHA suppression effectively eliminated the bone repair effect mediated by PGC-1α overexpression within inflammatory mechanical environments. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a novel molecular mechanism illustrating how inflammation orchestrated glucose metabolism through glycolysis and OXPHOS to affect mechanically induced bone remodeling.