Trajectories and influencing factors of social anxiety in postoperative breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Social anxiety among postoperative breast cancer patients is a prevalent concern, with its intensity fluctuating throughout the course of treatment. The study aims to describe the trajectory of social anxiety in postoperative breast cancer patients, explore the influencing factors, and provide theoretical support for the construction of future intervention programs. METHODS: This study was conducted from June 2022 to January 2023, encompassing 213 breast cancer patients from three first-class hospitals in China. Data collection occurred at four distinct time points. A growth mixture model was employed to identify latent categories representing the trajectories of social anxiety changes among patients. A multiple regression analysis was utilized to explore predictive factors associated with different latent trajectory categories. RESULTS: The trajectory of social anxiety changes in postoperative breast cancer patients includes five potential categories: maintaining mild social anxiety group, changing from mild to moderate social anxiety group, maintaining moderate social anxiety group, changing from moderate to severe social anxiety group, and maintaining severe social anxiety group. Cluster analysis results indicated three types: positive, negative, and low. Logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age, spouses concerned about postoperative appearance, chemotherapy with taxol-based drugs, opting for modified radical surgery or radical mastectomy surgical approaches, and breast cancer patients with negative rumination were factors that influenced patients' social anxiety (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The trajectory of social anxiety in postoperative breast cancer patients comprises five potential categories. In clinical practice, it is essential to strengthen the management of high-risk populations susceptible to experiencing social anxiety emotions, including younger age, spouses concerned about postoperative appearance, chemotherapy with taxol-based drugs, opting for modified radical surgery or radical mastectomy surgical approaches, and breast cancer patients with negative rumination.

Lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated lncRNA DLX6-AS1 knockdown ameliorates cerebral ischemic injury via the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 axis.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral ischemia is a neurological disorder that leads to permanent disability. This research focuses on exploring the ameliorative effects of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated lncRNA DLX6-AS1 knockdown in cerebral ischemic injury via the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 axis. METHODS: LNP-encapsulated lncRNA DLX6-AS1 was prepared. Cerebral ischemic injury mouse models were established utilizing middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The mice were treated by intravenous injection of LNP-encapsulated lncRNA DLX6-AS1. The neurological deficits, Inflammatory factor levels, pathological characteristics were observed. In vitro N2a cell oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) models were established, and the cells were treated with LNP-encapsulated lncRNA DLX6-AS1 or Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385). Cell viability and apoptosis were tested. DLX6-AS1, Nrf2, HO-1, and NLRP3 expression levels were assessed. RESULTS: LncRNA DLX6-AS1 levels were elevated in the brain tissues of mice with cerebral ischemic injury and OGD-induced N2a cells. LNP-encapsulated DLX6-AS1 siRNA (si-DLX6-AS1) improved neurological deficit scores, reduced the levels of inflammatory factors, improved brain tissue pathological damage, and raised the number of survival neurons in CA1. LNP-encapsulated si-DLX6-AS1 ameliorated the OGD-induced N2a cell viability decrease and apoptosis rate increase, and ML385 (Nrf2 inhibitor) reversed the ameliorative effects of LNP-encapsulated si-DLX6-AS1. In cerebral ischemic injury mice and OGD-induced N2a cells, Nrf2 and HO-1 levels were reduced and NLRP3 levels were increased. LNP-encapsulated si-DLX6-AS1 raised Nrf2 and HO-1 levels and reduced NLRP3 levels. Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 treatment reversed the ameliorative effects of LNP-encapsulated si-DLX6-AS1 on OGD-induced N2a cell viability and apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated si-DLX6-AS1 ameliorates cerebral ischemic injury via the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 axis.

A simple method to prepare anion exchange membrane by PVA/EVOH/MIDA for acid recovery by diffusion dialysis.

Given the substantial environmental pollution from industrial expansion, environmental protection has become particularly important. Nowadays, anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are widely used in wastewater treatment. With the use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer, and methyl iminodiacetic acid (MIDA), a series of cross-linked AEMs were successfully prepared using the solvent casting technique, and the network structure was formed in the membranes due to the cross-linking reaction between PVA/EVOH and MIDA. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the prepared membranes. At the same time, its comprehensive properties which include water uptake, linear expansion rate, ion exchange capacity, thermal stability, chemical stability, and mechanical stability were thoroughly researched. In addition, diffusion dialysis performance in practical applications was also studied in detail. The acid dialysis coefficient (UH+) ranged from 10.2 to 35.6 × 10-3 m/h. Separation factor (S) value ranged from 25 to 38, which were all larger than that of the commercial membrane DF-120 (UH+: 8.5 × 10-3 m/h, S: 18.5). The prepared membranes had potential application value in acid recovery.

DNA Framework-Programmed Nanoscale Enzyme Assemblies.

Multienzyme assemblies mediated by multivalent interaction play a crucial role in cellular processes. However, the three-dimensional (3D) programming of an enzyme complex with defined enzyme activity in vitro remains unexplored, primarily owing to limitations in precisely controlling the spatial topological configuration. Herein, we introduce a nanoscale 3D enzyme assembly using a tetrahedral DNA framework (TDF), enabling the replication of spatial topological configuration and maintenance of an identical edge-to-edge distance akin to natural enzymes. Our results demonstrate that 3D nanoscale enzyme assemblies in both two-enzyme systems (glucose oxidase (GOx)/horseradish peroxidase (HRP)) and three-enzyme systems (amylglucosidase (AGO)/GOx/HRP) lead to enhanced cascade catalytic activity compared to the low-dimensional structure, resulting in ∼5.9- and ∼7.7-fold enhancements over homogeneous diffusional mixtures of free enzymes, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate the enzyme assemblies for the detection of the metabolism biomarkers creatinine and creatine, achieving a low limit of detection, high sensitivity, and broad detection range.

Effect of tremella polysaccharides on the quality of collagen jelly: insight into the improvement of the gel properties and the antioxidant activity of yak skin gelatin.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of tremella polysaccharides on the gel properties and antioxidant activity of yak skin gelatin with a view to improving the quality of collagen jellies. The preparation of composite gels were performed by yak skin gelatin (66.7 mg mL-1) and tremella polysaccharides with different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 mg mL-1), and finally the collagen jelly was prepared by composite gel (yak skin gelatin: 66.7 mg mL-1; tremella polysaccharides:6 mg mL-1) with the best performance. RESULTS: Tremella polysaccharides not only improved the hardness, springiness, gel strength, water holding capacity and melting temperature of yak skin gelatin, but also enhanced the composite gel's scavenging activity against ABTS radicals, DPPH radicals, O2 and OH radicals. The filling of tremella polysaccharides into the gelatin network increased the number of crosslinking sites inside the gel, which resulted in the gel network structure becoming dense and orderly. The gel particles became finer and more uniform, and the thermal stability was improved. Furthermore, the sensory score of commercially available gelatin jelly decreased more rapidly during storage compared to the composite gel jelly. CONCLUSION: The gel properties and antioxidant activity of yak skin gelatin were improved by adding tremella polysaccharides, and then the quality and storage properties of the jelly were improved, which also provided technical reference for the development of functional gel food. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Prevalence of intestinal trichomonads in captive non-human primates in China.

Trichomonads are protozoan symbionts with the capacity to infect vertebrates including humans and non-human primates (NHPs), sometimes with pathogenic effects. However, their diversity and prevalence in NHPs in China are poorly understood. A total of 533 fecal samples were collected from captive NHPs in Yunnan Province, China, of which 461 samples from Macaca fascicularis and 72 from Macaca mulatta. Trichomonadidae species were identified using PCR amplification of the ITS-1/5.8S/ITS-2 sequences. The overall prevalence of trichomonads in NHPs was determined to be 11.4% (61/533), with gender, diarrhea, and region identified as potential risk factors for the infections. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis identified three species of trichomonads, i.e., Trichomitopsis minor (n = 45), Pentatrichomonas hominis (n = 11), and Tetratrichomonas sp. (n = 5). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report Trichomitopsis minor infection in NHPs in China. Of note, Pentatrichomonas hominis is generally recognized as a parasitic organism affecting humans. Collectively, our results suggest that NHPs are potential sources of zoonotic trichomonad infections, highlighting the importance of surveillance and control measures to protect human and animal populations.

Title: Prévalence des Trichomonadidae intestinaux chez les primates non humains captifs en Chine. Abstract: Les Trichomonadidae sont des symbiotes protozoaires capables d'infecter les vertébrés, notamment les humains et les primates non humains (PNH), parfois avec des effets pathogènes. Cependant, leur diversité et leur prévalence chez les PNH en Chine sont mal comprises. Au total, 533 échantillons fécaux ont été collectés sur des PNH captifs dans la province du Yunnan, en Chine, dont 461 échantillons de Macaca fascicularis et 72 de Macaca mulatta. Les espèces de Trichomonadidae ont été identifiées par amplification PCR des séquences ITS-1/5.8S/ITS-2. La prévalence globale des Trichomonadidae dans les PNH a été déterminée à 11,4 % (61 / 533) et le sexe, la diarrhée et la région ont été identifiés comme facteurs de risque potentiels d'infection. L'alignement des séquences et l'analyse phylogénétique ont identifié trois espèces de Trichomonadidae, à savoir Trichomitopsis minor (n = 45), Pentatrichomonas hominis (n = 11) et Tetratrichomonas sp. (n = 5). À notre connaissance, il s'agit de la première étude à signaler une infection par Trichomitopsis minor chez les PNH en Chine. Il convient de noter que Pentatrichomonas hominis est généralement reconnu comme un organisme parasitaire affectant les humains. Collectivement, nos résultats suggèrent que les PNH sont des sources potentielles d'infections zoonotiques à Trichomonadidae, soulignant l'importance des mesures de surveillance et de contrôle pour protéger les populations humaines et animales.

One-pot preparation of magnetic composite containing boronic acid groups and aminated multwalled carbon nanotubes for the speciation of Se(IV) and Se(VI) in water and milk samples by combination with chromatographic quantification.

Speciation of Se(IV) and Se(VI) is essential due to their significant differences in reactivity, toxicity and bioavailability. Efficient extraction is the pivotal step in the quantification of inorganic selenium species. In this work, a new magnetic nano-composite (MNC) containing boronic acid group and aminated multwalled carbon nanotubes was facilely fabricated by means of one-pot hydrothermal strategy. The prepared MNC contained abundant functional groups and satisfactory magnetic saturation value. Combining with magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) format, the MNC displayed satisfactory capture performance towards the complex formed by the coordination of Se(IV) and o-phenylenediamine (OPA). Adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics were studied in detail to investigate the adsorption procedure of Se(IV)/OPA complex on MNC. Under the optimal preparation conditions of MNC and extraction parameters, the MNC/MSPE was connected with HPLC equipped with a diode array detector (DAD) to quantify trace Se(IV) and Se(VI) species in water and milk samples. Se(VI) was reduced to Se(IV) and then the total inorganic Se was quantified by the developed method. Subtraction method was used to measure the concentration of Se(VI). The achieved limits of detection were in the ranges of 0.0082-0.013 µg/L and 0.041-0.13 µg/kg for water and milk samples, respectively. Recoveries in actual samples spiked with different amounts of analytes varied from 81.0 % and 117 %, and the RSDs for repeatability varied from 1.0 % to 10 %. In comparison with existing studies based on MSPE, the established method presents some merits such as greenness in the preparation of magnetic adsorbent, rapid extraction procedure, low cost and satisfactory sensitivity in the speciation of inorganic Se species.

Comparison of ureteral stone measurements for predicting the efficacy of a single session of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy: one-, two-, and three-dimensional computed tomography measurements.

The objective of this study was to compare the value of one-, two- and three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) measurements for predicting the efficacy of a single session of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in patients with a single ureteral stone. A total of 165 patients were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Different models were constructed using a combination of patients' clinical data and measurements obtained by manual sketching and automated extraction software. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop the models. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the performance of the models. There was good interobserver agreement for all measurements in different dimensions (P < 0.001). We also found that hydronephrosis, the largest diameter, the largest area, volume, and mean CT value were significantly greater in the failure group than in the success group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, all sizes and CT measurement values were found to be independent predictors for predicting efficacy after one session of ESWL (P < 0.05). In addition, the multivariate logistic analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for two-dimensional and three-dimensional measurements was superior to that of one-dimensional measurement (P < 0.01). However, when size alone was included as a measurable predictor, there was no significant difference in the AUC among the one-, two-, and three-dimensional measurements (P > 0.05). In summary, after adjusting for clinical data, two- and three-dimensional measurements combining ureteral stone size and CT values were found to be the best predictors of ESWL efficacy, and software-based three-dimensional measurements should be considered to avoid interobserver variability in clinical practice.

Construction of Double-enzyme Complexes with DNA Framework Nanorulers for Improving Enzyme Cascade Catalytic Efficiency.

Efficient biocatalytic cascade reactions play a crucial role in guiding intricate, specific and selective intracellular transformation processes. However, the catalytic activity of the enzyme cascade reaction in bulk solution was greatly impacted by the spatial morphology and inter-enzyme distance. The programmability and addressability nature of framework nucleic acid (FNA) allows to be used as scaffold for immobilization and to direct the spatial arrangement of enzyme cascade molecules. Here, we used tetrahedral DNA framework (TDF) as nanorulers to assemble two enzymes for constructing a double-enzyme complex, which significantly enhance the catalytic efficiency of sarcosine oxidase (SOx)/horseradish peroxidase (HRP) cascade system. We synthesized four types of TDF nanorulers capable of programming the lateral distance between enzymes from 5.67 nm to 12.33 nm. Enzymes were chemical modified by ssDNA while preserving most catalytic activity. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to verify the formation of double-enzyme complex. Four types of double-enzyme complexes with different enzyme distance were constructed, in which TDF26 (SOx+HRP) exhibited the highest relative enzyme cascade catalytic activity, ~3.11-fold of free-state enzyme. Importantly, all the double-enzyme complexes demonstrate a substantial improvement in enzyme cascade catalytic activity compared to free enzymes.

Co-catalpol alleviates fluoxetine-induced main toxicity: Involvement of ATF3/FSP1 signaling-mediated inhibition of ferroptosis.

BACKGROUND: Fluoxetine is often used as a well-known first-line antidepressant. However, it is accompanied with hepatogenic injury as its main organ toxicity, thereby limiting its application despite its superior efficacy. Fluoxetine is commonly traditionally used combined with some Chinese antidepressant prescriptions containing Rehmannia glutinosa (Dihuang) for depression therapy and hepatoprotection. Our previous experiments showed that co-Dihuang can alleviate fluoxetine-induced liver injury while efficiencies, and catalpol may be the key ingredient to characterize the toxicity-reducing and synergistic effects. However, whether co-catalpol can alleviate fluoxetine-induced liver injury and its toxicity-reducing mechanism remain unclear. PURPOSE: On the basis of the first recognition of the dose and duration at which pre-fluoxetine caused hepatic injury, co-catalpol's alleviation of fluoxetine-induced hepatic injury and its pathway was comprehensively elucidated. METHOD AND RESULTS: The hepatoprotection of co-catalpol was evaluated by serum biochemical indexes sensitive to hepatic injury and multiple staining techniques for hepatic pathologic analysis. Subsequently, the pathway by which catalpol alleviated fluoxetine-induced hepatic injury was predicted by network pharmacology to be predominantly the inhibition of ferroptosis. These were validated and confirmed in subsequent experiments with key technologies and diagnostic reagents related to ferroptosis. Further molecular docking showed that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) were the the most prospective molecules for catalpol and fluoxetine among many ferroptosis-related molecules. The critical role of ATF3/FSP1 signaling was further observed by surface plasmon resonance, diagnostic reagents, transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Results showed that fluoxetine directly bound to ATF3 and FSP1; agonisting ATF3 or blocking FSP1 abolished the alleviation of catalpol on fluoxetine-induced liver injury, and both exacerbated ferroptosis. Moreover, co-catalpol significantly enhanced the antidepressant efficacy of fluoxetine against depressive behaviours in mice. CONCLUSION: The hepatic impairment properties of fluoxetine were largely dependent on ATF3/FSP1 target-mediated ferroptosis. Co-catalpol alleviated fluoxetine-induced hepatic injury while enhancing its antidepressant efficacy, and that ATF3/FSP1 signaling-mediated inhibition of ferroptosis was involved in its co-administration detoxification mechanism. This study was the first to reveal the hepatotoxicity characteristics, targets, and mechanisms of fluoxetine; provide a detoxification and efficiency regimen by co-catalpol; and elucidate the detoxification mechanism.

Implementation of Fluorescent-Protein-Based Quantification Analysis in L-Form Bacteria.

Cell-wall-less (L-form) bacteria exhibit morphological complexity and heterogeneity, complicating quantitative analysis of them under internal and external stimuli. Stable and efficient labeling is needed for the fluorescence-based quantitative cell analysis of L-forms during growth and proliferation. Here, we evaluated the expression of multiple fluorescent proteins (FPs) under different promoters in the Bacillus subtilis L-form strain LR2 using confocal microscopy and imaging flow cytometry. Among others, Pylb-derived NBP3510 showed a superior performance for inducing several FPs including EGFP and mKO2 in both the wild-type and L-form strains. Moreover, NBP3510 was also active in Escherichia coli and its L-form strain NC-7. Employing these established FP-labeled strains, we demonstrated distinct morphologies in the L-form bacteria in a quantitative manner. Given cell-wall-deficient bacteria are considered protocell and synthetic cell models, the generated cell lines in our work could be valuable for L-form-based research.

Reconstruction of Vesicle Assemblies with DNA Nanorulers for Resolving Heterogeneity of Vesicles in Live Cells.

Nanoscale vesicles such as synaptic vesicles play a pivotal role in efficient interneuronal communications in vivo. However, the coexistence of single vesicle and vesicle clusters in living cells increases the heterogeneity of vesicle populations, which largely complicates the quantitative analysis of the vesicles. The high spatiotemporal monitoring of vesicle assemblies is currently incompletely resolved. Here, this work uses synthetic vesicles and DNA nanorulers to reconstruct in vitro the vesicle assemblies that mimic vesicle clusters in living cells. DNA nanorulers program the lateral distance of vesicle assemblies from 3 to 10 nm. This work uses the carbon fiber nanoelectrode (CFNE) to amperometric monitor artificial vesicle assemblies with sub-10 nm interspaces, and obtain a larger proportion of complex events. This work resolves the heterogeneity of individual vesicle release kinetics in PC12 cells with the temporal resolution down to ≈0.1 ms. This work further analyzes the aggregation state of intracellular vesicles and the exocytosis of living cells with electrochemical vesicle cytometry. The results indicate that the exocytosis of vesicle clusters is critically dependent on the size of clusters. This technology has the potential as a tool to shed light on the heterogeneity analysis of vesicle populations.

Investigation of the principle of concoction by using the processing excipient Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. juice to reduce the main toxicity of Dioscorea bulbifera L. and enhance its main efficacy as expectorant and cough suppressant.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Bulbiferae; RDB) is commonly used as an expectorant and cough suppressant herb but is accompanied by severe hepatotoxicity. Using the juice of auxiliary herbs (such as Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma; GRR) juice) in concocting poisonous Chinese medicine is a conventional method to reduce toxicity or increase effects. Our previous study found that concoction with GRR juice provided a detoxifying effect against the major toxic hepatotoxicity induced by RDB, but the principle for the detoxification of the concoction is unknown to date. AIM OF THE STUDY: The principle of concoction was investigated by using the processing excipient GRR juice to reduce the major toxic hepatotoxicity of RDB, and the efficacy of RDB as an expectorant and cough suppressant was enhanced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, common factors (RDB:GRR ratio, concocted temperature, and concocted time) in the concoction process were used for the preparation of each RDB concocted with GRR juice by using an orthogonal experimental design. We measured the content of the main toxic compound diosbulbin B (DB) and serum biochemical indicators and performed pathological analysis in liver tissues of mice to determine the best detoxification process of RDB concocted with GRR juice. On this basis, the biological mechanisms of target organs were detected by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the inflammation and apoptosis levels. Further, the effects of RDB on expectorant and cough suppressant with GRR juice were evaluated by the conventional tests of phenol red expectorant and concentrated ammonia-induced cough. Lastly, the major compounds in the GRR juice introduced to RDB concoction were determined. RESULTS: RDB concocted with GRR juice significantly alleviated DB content, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase levels, and improved liver pathological damages. The best detoxification process was achieved by using an RDB:GRR ratio of 100:20 at 120 °C for 20 min. Further, RDB concocted with GRR juice down-regulated the protein levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax) in the liver and enhanced the expectorant and cough suppressant effects of RDB. Finally, liquiritin (LQ) and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) in the GRR juice were introduced to the RDB concoction. CONCLUSION: Concoction with GRR juice not only effectively reduced the major toxic hepatotoxicity of RDB but also enhanced its main efficacy as an expectorant and cough suppressant, and that the rationale for the detoxification and/or potentiation of RDB was related to the reduction in the content of the main hepatotoxic compound, DB, the introduction of the hepatoprotective active compounds, LQ and GA, in the auxiliary GRR juice, as well as the inhibition of NF-κB/COX-2/Bax signaling-mediated inflammation and apoptosis.

[Gender differences in antidepressant effect of raw Rehmanniae Radix].

For the first time, this study evaluated the gender differences and mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of raw Rehmanniae Radix(RRR) based on the classic depression model with traditional Chinese medicine syndrome of Yin deficiency and internal heat. The depression model with Yin deficiency and internal heat was established by the widely recognized and applied method of thyroxine induction of the classic depression model with Yin deficiency and internal heat(chronic unpredictable mild stress). Male and female mice were simultaneously treated with RRR. The study analyzed indicators of nourishing Yin and clearing heat, conventional antidepressant efficacy test indicators, and important biomolecules reflecting the pathogenesis and prevention and treatment mechanisms of depression, and conducted a correlation analysis of antidepressant efficacy, Yin-nourishing and heat-clearing efficacy, and biological mechanism in different genders, thereby comprehensively assessing the antidepressant effects of RRR on depression of Yin deficiency and internal heat, as well as its gender differences and mechanisms. RRR exhibited antidepressant effects in both male and female mouse models, and its antidepressant efficacy showed gender differences, with a superior effect observed in females. Moreover, the effects of RRR on enhancing or improving hippocampal neuronal pathology, nucleus-positive areas, postsynaptic dense area protein 95, and synaptophysin protein expression were more significant in females than in males. In addition, RRR significantly reversed the abnormal upregulation of nuclear factor(NF)-κB/cyclooxygenase 2(COX2)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) pathway proteins in the hippocampus of both male and female mouse models. The antidepressant effects of RRR were more pronounced in depression female mice with Yin deficiency and internal heat syndrome, possibly due to the improvement of neuronal damage and enhancement of neuroplasticity. The antidepressant mechanisms of RRR for depression with Yin deficiency and internal heat syndrome may be associated with the downregulation of the NF-κB/COX2/NLRP3 pathway to reduce neuronal damage and enhance neuroplasticity.

Effect of online game policy on smartphone game play time, addiction, and emotion in rural adolescents of China.

BACKGROUND: Smartphone game addiction has emerged as a major public health problem in China and worldwide. In November 2019 and August 2021, the National Press and Publication Administration of China implemented two increasingly strict policies, as a means of preventing smartphone game addiction in adolescents aged 18 or below. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the policies on smartphone game play time, addiction, and emotion among rural adolescents in China. METHODS: We sent the questionnaire to rural adolescents through the online survey tool Questionnaire Star, a professional online survey evaluation platform. The questionnaire included demographic data, smartphone use survey, smartphone game addiction and emotion evaluation scales. The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) measured adolescents' smartphone game addiction. The Short Version of UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (SUPPS-P) and Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC) measured emotion. According to SAS-SV score, the enrolled rural adolescents were divided into addiction group and non-addiction group. The t-test, Chi-square test, and repeated measure ANOVA assessed the effect of the policies on adolescents' smartphone game addiction and emotion. RESULTS: Among enrolled 459 rural adolescents with a mean age of 14.36 ± 1.37years, 151 (32.90%) were in the addiction group and 308 (67.10%) were in the non-addiction group. Adolescents in the addiction group were older, more male, and higher grade. There were time and group effects between the two groups in playtime. After a year of policies implementation, the weekly game time dropped from 3.52 ± 1.89 h to 2.63 ± 1.93 h in the addiction group and from 2.71 ± 1.75 h to 2.36 ± 1.73 h in the non-addiction group. There were also time and group effects in SAS-SV and SASC scores, but not for SUPPS-P score. In the addiction group, the SAS-SV score dropped from 41.44 ± 7.45 to 29.58 ± 12.43, which was below the cut-off value for addiction, and the level of social anxiety was consistently higher than non-addiction group. CONCLUSIONS: The playtime of rural adolescents spent on smartphone games has decreased significantly due to the restriction of the policies rather than the lack of addiction or social anxiety. The policies had practically significant effects in reducing smartphone game play time for rural adolescents in China.

Assessment and comparison of nutritional qualities of thirty quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seed varieties.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an ancient crop with perfect nutritional composition and antioxidants substances. However, the current research on the nutritional quality of quinoa is limited to a small number of varieties or a single origin. In this study, we aimed at providing a detailed evaluation of abundant nutrients of quinoa seeds from thirty varieties with different color in different origins, including soluble protein, soluble sugar, amino acid, vitamin, fatty acid and saponin. Results showed that there were significant differences in the contents of γ-aminobutyric acid (6.67-78.67 mg/100 g DW) and vitamin C (11.675-105.135 mg/100 g DW) in quinoa seeds. Here, we scored thirty quinoa seeds using a weighted average score system first time and identified four varieties, black quinoa JQ-00145, red quinoa JQ-00125 and two white quinoa JQ-00005/JQ-00077, with superior nutritional quality and oxidation resistance. The results of this study will provide theoretical guidance for consumption of quinoa.

Structural and biological insights into outer membrane protein lipotoxin F of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Implications for vaccine application.

Due to the increasing antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), an effective vaccine is urgently needed. However, no PA vaccine has been approved to date, and new protective antigens are needed to improve their efficacy. In this study, Luminex beads were used to identify new candidate antigens, after which their crystal structure was determined, and their potential contribution to bacterial pathogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Notably, a significant antibody response against the outer membrane protein LptF (lipotoxin F) was detected in sera from 409 volunteers. Moreover, vaccination with recombinant LptF conferred effective protection in an acute PA pneumonia model. The crystal structure showed that LptF comprises a 3-stranded ß-sheet (ß1-ß3) and three α-helices (α1-α3) that are organized in an α/ß/α/ß/α/ß pattern, which is structurally homologous to OmpA and related outer membrane proteins. In addition, LptF binds to peptidoglycan in an atypical manner, contributing to the pathogenesis and survival of PA under stress. Our data indicate that LptF is an important virulence factor and thus a promising candidate antigen for PA vaccines.

Antidepressant effects of 70% ethanolic extract of Lonicerae japonicae flos and it contained chlorogenic acid via upregulation of BDNF-TrkB pathway in the hippocampus of mice.

Lonicera japonica flos (LJF) is a common clinical herb with outstanding medicinal and nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant effects of LJF's active extract and compound chlorogenic acid (CGA) around brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)-tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) pathway. The results showed that LJF's extracts and CGA had significant antidepressant effects, and the antidepressant effects of different extracts of LJF were highly positively correlated with the content of CGA (forced swimming test, r = 0.998; tail suspension test, r = 0.934). Moreover, LJF-70% ethanolic extract and CGA improved chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive behavior, upregulated protein expression levels of BDNF and p-TrkB in the hippocampus, restored the damage of hippocampal neurons, and protected liver from damage. In summary, this study demonstrated for the first time that LJF-70% ethanolic extract was the active extract of LJF in antidepressant and CGA was its active compound, and the antidepressant mechanisms mainly involved the upregulation of BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in the hippocampus of mice.

Comparative genomics hints at dispensability of multiple essential genes in two Escherichia coli L-form strains.

Despite the critical role of bacterial cell walls in maintaining cell shapes, certain environmental stressors can induce the transition of many bacterial species into a wall-deficient state called L-form. Long-term induced Escherichia coli L-forms lose their rod shape and usually hold significant mutations that affect cell division and growth. Besides this, the genetic background of L-form bacteria is still poorly understood. In the present study, the genomes of two stable L-form strains of E. coli (NC-7 and LWF+) were sequenced and their gene mutation status was determined and compared with their parental strains. Comparative genomic analysis between two L-forms reveals both unique adaptions and common mutated genes, many of which belong to essential gene categories not involved in cell wall biosynthesis, indicating that L-form genetic adaptation impacts crucial metabolic pathways. Missense variants from L-forms and Lenski's long-term evolution experiment (LTEE) were analyzed in parallel using an optimized DeepSequence pipeline to investigate predicted mutation effects (α) on protein functions. We report that the two L-form strains analyzed display a frequency of 6-10% (0% for LTEE) in mutated essential genes where the missense variants have substantial impact on protein functions (α<0.5). This indicates the emergence of different survival strategies in L-forms through changes in essential genes during adaptions to cell wall deficiency. Collectively, our results shed light on the detailed genetic background of two E. coli L-forms and pave the way for further investigations of the gene functions in L-form bacterial models.