A derivative of trihydroxynaphthalenone and a pyrone metabolite from the endophytic fungus Talaromyces purpurpgenus.

A newly discovered trihydroxynaphthalenone derivative, epoxynaphthalenone (1) involving the condensation of ortho-hydroxyl groups into an epoxy structure, and a novel pyrone metabolite characterized as pyroneaceacid (2), were extracted from Talaromyces purpurpgenus, an endophytic fungus residing in Rhododendron molle. The structures of these compounds were elucidated through a comprehensive analysis of their NMR and HRESIMS data. The determination of absolute configurations was accomplished using electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and CD spectra. Notably, these recently identified metabolites exhibited a moderate inhibitory activity against xanthine oxidase (XOD).

The application of high-throughput sequencing technology in corneal diseases.

High-throughput sequencing technology, also known as next-generation sequencing technology, can explore new biomarkers and specific gene mutations. It has a pivotal role in promoting the gene research, which can limit the detection area, lessen the time needed for sequencing. Also, it can quickly screen out the suspected pathogenic genes of patients, gain the necessary genetic data, and provide the basis for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling. In the research of corneal diseases, through the DNA sequencing of patients' diseased cells, it can provide a deeper understanding of corneal diseases and improve the diagnosis, classification and treatment alternatives of various corneal diseases. This article will introduce the application progress of high-throughput sequencing technology in corneal diseases, which will help to understand the application of this technology in various corneal diseases.

MHO or MUO? White adipose tissue remodeling.

In this review, we delve into the intricate relationship between white adipose tissue (WAT) remodeling and metabolic aspects in obesity, with a specific focus on individuals with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). WAT is a highly heterogeneous, plastic, and dynamically secreting endocrine and immune organ. WAT remodeling plays a crucial role in metabolic health, involving expansion mode, microenvironment, phenotype, and distribution. In individuals with MHO, WAT remodeling is beneficial, reducing ectopic fat deposition and insulin resistance (IR) through mechanisms like increased adipocyte hyperplasia, anti-inflammatory microenvironment, appropriate extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, appropriate vascularization, enhanced WAT browning, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SWAT) deposition. Conversely, for those with MUO, WAT remodeling leads to ectopic fat deposition and IR, causing metabolic dysregulation. This process involves adipocyte hypertrophy, disrupted vascularization, heightened pro-inflammatory microenvironment, enhanced brown adipose tissue (BAT) whitening, and accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (VWAT) deposition. The review underscores the pivotal importance of intervening in WAT remodeling to hinder the transition from MHO to MUO. This insight is valuable for tailoring personalized and effective management strategies for patients with obesity in clinical practice.

OEEF-Driven Intramolecular Self-Redox of Superalkali Rb3BeB6Be'Rb'3: A High-Performance Candidate for NLO Molecular Switch.

To provide a novel intramolecular self-redox switch, a boron-based sandwich-like complex Rb3BeB6Be'Rb'3 is achieved by using theoretical computations. An applicable oriented external electric field (OEEF) can result in the occurrence of intramolecular self-redox (IMSR) with a long-range electron transfer from tetrahedral Be'Rb'3 to Rb3Be and subsequently [Rb3Be]3+[B6]6-[Be'Rb'3]3+ (D3d) changes to [Rb3Be]2+[B6]6-[Be'Rb'3]4+ (C3v), accompanying high-performance NLO switchable effect for both static and dynamic first hyperpolarizability (ß0). [Rb3Be]3+[B6]6-[Be'Rb'3]3+ (off-form) owns zero of dipole moment (µ0) and ß0, while [Rb3Be]2+[B6]6-[Be'Rb'3]4+ (on-form) exhibits a µ0 of 3.36 D and a ß0e of 2.18 × 105 au. The different dynamic first hyperpolarizabilities between [Rb3Be]3+[B6]6-[Be'Rb'3]3+ and [Rb3Be]2+[B6]6-[Be'Rb'3]4+ are also significant. This indicates that Rb3BeB6Be'Rb'3 is a potential candidate for an IMSR NLO switch.

Peer Supporters' Experience of Supporting Cancer Patients: A Meta-synthesis.

BACKGROUND: With the widespread use of peer support in the cancer field, more and more cancer survivors are becoming supporters. However, they may bear a huge psychological burden in the peer support project. There has been little effort to analyze supporters' experiences from a meta-perspective. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to review the literature on the experience of patients serving as peer supporters, integrate qualitative data to explore the experiences of supporters participating in peer support programs, and provide suggestions for future researchers. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS: China Knowledge Network, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened. Included articles (n = 10) underwent data extraction, the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative researches (2016) quality evaluation, and thematic synthesis. RESULTS: The literature ultimately included 10 studies from which 29 themes were distilled and grouped into 2 main categories: benefits and challenges of peer support for supporters. CONCLUSIONS: Peer supporters will not only gain social support, growth, and recovery but also experience various challenges when providing peer support. Both supporters' and patients' experiences of participating in peer support programs deserve the attention of researchers. Researchers need to be rigorous in controlling the implementation of peer support programs to help supporters gain and overcome challenges. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Future researchers can use study findings to better develop peer support programs. More peer support projects are needed to explore a standardized peer support training guide.

Colorectal cancer survivors' experiences of return-to-work: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

INTRODUCTION: This review is to explore the relevant experience of colorectal cancer survivors' return-to-work, reintegrating and analyzing the promoting factors and obstacles of colorectal cancer survivors' return-to-work. METHODS: This review followed PRISMA List. Databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, EM base, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Wangfang Database, CNKI and CBM from inception to October 2022 were searched to collect qualitative studies in the experience of colorectal cancer survivors' return-to-work. Article selection and data extraction were conducted by two researchers used the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative researches (2016) in Australia. RESULTS: Seven studies were included, the thirty-four themes distilled from the literature were grouped into eleven new categories and summed into two integrated findings: (1) facilitators to return-to-work for colorectal cancer survivors: desire and expectation for return-to-work and social dedication, economic needs, support and tolerance from employers and colleagues, work suggestions provided by professionals, health insurance policy of the workplace. (2) obstacles to return-to-work for colorectal cancer survivors: physical problems, psychological barriers, lack of family support, negative attitudes of employers and colleagues, limited information and resources available from professionals, Imperfection of related policies. CONCLUSION: This study shows that colorectal cancer survivors' return-to-work is influenced by many factors. We should pay attention to and avoid obstacles, help colorectal cancer survivors recover their physical functions and maintain a positive psychological state, improve the social support for colorectal cancer survivors to return-to-work, so as to achieve comprehensive rehabilitation as soon as possible.

CircMAN1A2 contributes to nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression via enhancing the ubiquitination of ATMIN through miR-135a-3p/UBR5 axis.

Recently, the dysregulation of circRNAs has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Among these circRNAs, circMAN1A2 has been highlighted for the up-regulated expression in NPC, whereas the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly established. Thus, the aim of this study was to delineate the tumor-supporting role of circMAN1A2 in the oncogenesis and metastases of NPC. We validated through qRT-PCR that circMAN1A2 was highly expressed in NPC tissues and NPC cells. Survival analysis through Kaplan-Meier method showed that the overall survival, disease-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival of patients was negatively correlated with the expression of circMAN1A2. Then, gain- and loss-of function assays demonstrated that circMAN1A2 knockdown could impede the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in NPC cells. Further, we conducted dual luciferase reporter gene, RIP, and RNA pull down assays, unveiling that circMAN1A2 functioned as a sponge of miR-135a-3p, and miR-135a-3p targeted UBR5. Additionally, UBR5 interacted with ATMIN to foster the ubiquitination of ATMIN, thereby expediting the malignant behaviors of NPC cells as well as the lung and inguinal lymph node metastases of NPC tumors in vivo. Together, our study uncovered the tumor-initiating and pro-metastatic role of circMAN1A2-miR-135a-3p-UBR5-ATMIN axis in NPC regulation that may be a potential therapeutic target for human NPC.

Molecular Cocrystals with Hydrogen-Bonded Polymeric Structures and Polarized Luminescence.

Crystalline materials with appealing luminescent properties are attractive materials for various optoelectronic applications. The in situ bicomponent reaction of 1,2-ethylenedisulfonic acid with 1,4-di(pyrid-2-yl)benzene, 1,4-di(pyrid-3-yl)benzene, or 1,4-di(pyrid-4-yl)benzene affords luminescent crystals with hydrogen-bonded polymeric structures. Variations in the positions of the pyridine nitrogen atoms lead to alternating polymeric structures with either a ladder- or zigzag-type of molecular arrangement. By using a nanoprecipitation method, microcrystals of these polymeric structures are prepared, showing polarized luminescence with a moderate degree of polarization.

Undescribed meleagrin alkaloids from the endophytic fungus Penicillium commune.

Six undescribed meleagrin analogues, isomeleagrin, meleagrin F, meleagrin G, methylmeleagrin G, isomethylmeleagrin G and meleagrin H, were isolated from the endophytic fungus Penicillium commune, which was obtained from the fresh leaves of a toxic medicinal plant, Tylophora ovata. The structures of these analogues were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic data analysis, and their absolute configurations were characterized by calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Structurally, meleagrin F features an undescribed skeleton with an aniline moiety, which is linked to meleagrin through a C-C bond at C8-C26. Connecting N19-C3' through the C-N bond in meleagrin G, methylmeleagrin G, isomethylmeleagrin G and meleagrin H was rare for amino acid condensation. The cytotoxicity activity of these undescribed compounds was evaluated, and isomeleagrin exhibited a selective cytotoxicity activity against HGC27 cells with an IC50 value of 2.01 µM.

A systematic scoping review of epidemiological studies on the association between organophosphate flame retardants and neurotoxicity.

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are increasingly and widely used as substitutes for brominated flame retardants in daily life. The chemical structure of OPFRs is very similar to that of organophosphorus pesticides, leading to concerns about their neurotoxicity. A few epidemiological studies have been published with inconsistent results on this topic, and a systematic scoping review is needed to provide an overview or map of the current evidence on the relationship of OPFRs with neurodevelopmental toxicity. Therefore, MEDLINE (accessed through PubMed), Web of Science, and CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) were systematically searched for articles published in the last two decades. Nine eligible articles were included in the present systematic scoping review for adherence to the predefined PECOS (population, exposure, comparison, outcome, study design) statement. Six studies were conducted in the USA, and the remaining three studies were conducted in Austria, Norway and China. A total of 2 581 children (1 203 females and 1 378 males) were included. Half of the included studies focused on the adverse effects of OPFR exposure on cognition in children, while others primarily focused on the behaviors of children. In summary, the current evidence suggests inverse associations between early-life exposure to OPFRs and the childhood intelligence quotient and internalizing behavior and positive relationships of OPFR exposure with externalizing behavior. However, some differences in the timing of sample collection for exposure measurements, in the individual OPFR metabolites available, in the neurodevelopmental scales for outcome measurement, and in the statistical methods used to analyze the data are noted. In addition, further studies are warranted to evaluate some important issues, such as sex differences in the association, exposure-sensitive periods, and cumulative exposure risk assessment.

Long non-coding RNA ZNF667-AS1 retards the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via modulation of microRNA-1290-mediated PRUNE2.

Abnormal long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been detected in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we focused on lncRNA ZNF667-AS1 and its downstream mechanism in ESCC progression. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in ESCC were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. ZNF667-AS1, microRNA-1290 (miR-1290), and prune homolog 2 with BCH domain (PRUNE2) expression was determined with their relationship in cell biological processes analyzed also by means of gain- and loss-of-function assays. Xenograft mouse models were performed to re-produce the in vitro findings. We found a decline in ZNF667-AS1 expression in ESCC tissues and cell lines. ZNF667-AS1 overexpression indicated a favorable prognosis of ESCC sufferers. ZNF667-AS1 overexpression suppressed ESCC cell malignant potentials. ZNF667-AS1 reduced miR-1290 to result in upregulation of the miR-1290 target gene PRUNE2. The inhibiting property of ZNF667-AS1 on the malignant characteristics of ESCC cells was achieved by disrupting the miR-1290-mediated downregulation of PRUNE2. ZNF667-AS1 suppressed the tumorigenesis of ESCC in vivo. Collectively, our study demonstrates that ZNF667-AS1 can function as a tumor suppressor in ESCC by upregulating PRUNE2 and downregulating miR-1290.

High and Economical Nattokinase Production with Acetoin as a Useful Byproduct from Soybean Milk and Glucose.

Nattokinase (NK) is a potent fibrinolytic enzyme with wide pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Safe and high NK-yielding strains are urgently needed. In this study, the best strain NDF was isolated from one of the 11 natto samples and then identified as Bacillus subtilis. The effects of carbon and nitrogen sources on NK production were investigated, and glucose and soybean milk were finally selected as the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Acetoin, a valuable compound with versatile usages, was detected as the main byproduct of carbon overflow. In a 6-L fermenter, NK and acetoin reached their peak concentrations simultaneously (10,220 IU/mL and 25.9 g/L, respectively) at 25 h in a culture medium containing 180 g/L of soybean milk and 105 g/L of glucose. The NK product was verified by sequencing of the aprN gene and SDS-PAGE analysis. Only very limited kinds of proteins were found in the supernatant of the fermentation broth, and NK was one of the main bands. This study has developed an economical and high NK production method with acetoin as a useful byproduct.

The complete mitochondrial genome of soft coral Sinularia penghuensis Ofwegen and Benayahu, 2012 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea): the analysis of mitogenome organization and phylogeny.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Sinularia penghuensis was sequenced and analyzed using next-generation sequencing. The present mitochondrial genome was 18730 bp in length, containing 14 protein-coding genes (PCGs) (cox1-cox3.nad1-nad6, nad4L, atp6, atp8, cytb, and MutS), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) (12S and 16S), and one transfer RNA gene (Met-tRNA). The phylogenetic analysis of family Alcyoniidae revealed that S. penghuensis and Sinularia maxima cluster together. Five species in Sinularia reveals high identity in mitogenome sequences that the lowest variable sites (SNPs) were found between S. penghuensis and S. maxima.

[Exploration on lateral needling technique].

Regarding the existing questions of the understanding and application of lateral needling technique in the Chapter 7 of Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot), after analyzing the original meaning of the lateral needling technique and its indication for "tendon bi syndrome" in literature, it is believed that lateral needling technique is the classic manipulation for tendon bi syndrome, mainly for tendon spasticity caused by obstruction of qi activity or retarded qi activity. The filiform needle is used in the operation. The puncture hand and the pressing hand should be cooperated during the manipulation, in which, after detecting the location of tendon disorder by the pressing hand, the needle is inserted from the lateral side of the affected site and is manipulated with the reinforcing technique achieved by lifting and thrusting needle. Afterwards, the needle is withdrawn. The lateral needling technique of acupuncture is one of the mass-loosening techniques in Neijing (Inner Classic). It is a reliable technique of acupuncture in clinical treatment of acute and chronic diseases, such as cervical spondylosis and tendon injury of lumber region and has a stable therapeutic effect.

Halomonas bachuensis sp. nov., Isolated from Gobi Soil.

A novel aerobic bacterium designated DX6T was isolated from a Gobi soil sample collected in Bachu County, China. Cells are Gram-stain-negative and rod-shaped and colonies are creamy, circular and smooth. The growth range of NaCl concentration was 1-15% (optimum 2-10%, w/v). Growth occurs at 10-45 °C (optimum 37 °C) and pH 5.0-10.0 (optimum pH 7.0-9.0). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain DX6T formed a distinct lineage in the clade of genus Halomonas and is related to Halomonas desiderata DSM 9502T (98.3%), Halomonas kenyensis AIR-2T (97.7%), Halomonas daqingensis DQD2-30T (97.6%), Halomonas saliphila LCB169T (97.4%) and Halomonas endophytica MC28T (96.2%). Analysis of the housekeeping genes gryB and rpoD and calculation of the average nucleotide identities and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain DX6T and the related type Halomonas strains further revealed that strain DX6T represented a distinct species. The main respiratory quinones of strain DX6T were ubiquinone 9 (Q-9) and ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c) and C16:0. The major polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids, an unidentified phosphatidylglycolipid, and four unidentified lipids. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and genomic features, strain DX6T represents a novel species of the genus Halomonas. The name Halomonas bachuensis sp. nov. is proposed with strain DX6T (= CCTCC AB 2020094T = KCTC 82196T) designated as the type strain.

Atherogenic Diet Accelerates Ectopic Mineralization in a Mouse Model of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum.

OBJECTIVE: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a multisystem heritable disorder caused by mutations in the Abcc6 gene. The disease is characterized by ectopic mineralization of the skin, eyes, and arterial blood vessels. Previous studies have suggested that cardiovascular complications in patients with PXE are caused in part by premature atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of an atherogenic diet on ectopic mineralization. METHODS: We used Abcc6 tm1JfK mice (Abcc6 -/- mice) as an established preclinical model of PXE. The offspring at age of 4 weeks were divided into two groups and fed the standard control laboratory diet (control group) and the atherogenic diet. Serum lipid profiles and bile acids were measured, and steatosis and tissue mineralization were evaluated by histopathologic analysis and chemical calcium quantification assay, respectively. RESULTS: After 50-58 weeks of feeding an atherogenic diet, the concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein/very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and bile acids were significantly higher in the Abcc6 -/- mice on the atherogenic diet (180.9 ±â€Š14.8 g/L, 145.9 ±â€Š12.9 g/L, and 9.7 ±â€Š1.4 µmol/L, respectively) than in Abcc6 -/- mice on a control diet (85.2 ±â€Š4.8 g/L, 25.1 ±â€Š5.5 g/L, and 3.3 ±â€Š0.5 µmol/L, respectively) (P < 0.001). Hypercholesterolemia was accompanied by extensive lipid accumulation in the liver and aorta, a characteristic feature of steatosis. The direct calcium assay demonstrated significantly increased mineralization of the muzzle skin containing the dermal sheath of vibrissae (57.2 ±â€Š4.4 µmol Ca/gram tissue on the atherogenic diet and 43.9 ±â€Š2.2 µmol Ca/gram tissue on control diet; P < 0.01), a reproducible biomarker of the ectopic mineralization process in these mice. An increased frequency of mineralization was also observed in the kidneys and eyes of mice on the atherogenic diet (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that the atherogenic diet caused hypercholesterolemia and accelerated ectopic mineralization in the Abcc6 -/- mice. Our findings have clinical implications for patients with PXE, a currently intractable disorder with considerable morbidity and occasional mortality.

miR-128 Regulates Tumor Cell CD47 Expression and Promotes Anti-tumor Immunity in Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly fatal disease worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could regulate the protein-coding RNAs related to tumor growth, invasion, and immune evasion. Therefore, the investigation of novel miRNAs may be helpful in the development of more effective therapies for PDAC. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of action of miR-128 in PDAC. By using bioinformatics methods, we found that decreased expression of miR-128 was associated with poor overall survival of PDAC. miR-128 was inversely correlated with cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47), which was positively related to zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in PDAC. Through in vivo experiments, we found that miR-128 could suppress the growth and metastasis of PDAC. Analysis of the immune microenvironment demonstrated that overexpression of miR-128 on tumor cells could increase the percentages of dendritic cells (DCs), CD8+ T lymphocytes, and natural killer T cells (NKT) in the tumor and spleen, consequently enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In vitro assays showed that miR-128 could inhibit cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, and invasion in Panc02 cells and could also enhance the phagocytosis of macrophages and the activity of DCs. Western blot and qRT-PCR confirmed that miR-128 could regulate ZEB1 and further inhibit CD47 in pancreatic cancer cells. Therefore, we identified a novel regulatory anti-tumor mechanism by miR-128 in PDAC, which may serve as a novel therapy for PDAC.