Modification of an AIE Fluorescent Probe for Monitoring the Polarity of Lipid Droplets Based on a series of Synthesized Aryl Naphthalizes.

Lipid droplets (LDs) are subcellular organelles that are dynamic and play a central role in energy homeostasis and lipid metabolism. They also contribute to the transport and maturation of cellular proteins and are closely associated with several diseases. The important role of the cellular microenvironment in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Changes in cell polarity, particularly in organelles, have been found to be strongly linked to inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and other illnesses. It is essential to check the polarity of the LDs. A series of arylated naphthalimide derivatives were synthesized using the Suzuki reaction. Modification of synthesized aryl naphthalimides using oligomeric PEG based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. A series of fluorescent probes were designed to target LDs and detect their polarity. Nap-TPA-PEG3 probe exhibited high sensitivity to polarity. The addition of oligomeric polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the probe not only significantly improved its solubility in water, but also effectively reduced its cytotoxicity. In addition, the probe exhibited excellent aggregation-induced luminescence (AIE) properties and solvent discolouration effects. Nap-TPA-PEG3 probe exhibited high Pearson correlation coefficient (0.957163) in lipid droplet co-localization in cells. Nap-TPA-PEG3 could be used as an effective hand tool to monitor cell polarity.

Cobalt germanium hydroxides with asymmetric electron distribution and surface hydroxyl groups for superb catalytic degradation performances.

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are attractive approaches for solving the global problem of water pollution, due to the generation of highly-active reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, highly-efficient PMS activation is crucial for promoting the catalytic degradation of environmental pollutants. Here, bimetallic CoGeO2(OH)2 nanosheets with abundant surface hydroxyl groups (CGH) were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route for PMS activation and degradation of various organic contaminants for the first time. The abundant surface hydroxyl groups (≡Co-OH/≡Ge-OH) could promptly initiate PMS to generate highly-active species: singlet oxygen (1O2), sulfate radicals (SO4·-) and hydroxyl radicals (HO•), while the asymmetric electron distribution among Co-O-Ge bonds derived from the higher electronegativity of Ge than Co further enhances the quick electron transfer to promote the redox cycle of Co2+/Co3+ and Ge2+/Ge4+, thereby achieving an outstanding catalytic capability. The optimal catalyst exhibits nearly 100 % catalytic degradation performance of dyes (Methylene blue, Rhodamine B, Methyl orange, Orange II, Methyl green) and antibiotics (Norfloxacin, Bisphenol A, Tetracycline) over a wide pH range of 3-11 and under different coexisting anion conditions (Cl-, HCO3-, NO3-, HA), suggesting the excellent adaptability for practical usage. This study could potentially lead to novel perspectives on the remediation of water areas such as groundwater and deep-water areas.

Modified montmorillonite armed probiotics with enhanced on-site mucus-depleted intestinal colonization and H2S scavenging for colitis treatment.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are often associated with dysregulated gut microbiota and excessive inflammatory microenvironment. Probiotic therapy combined with inflammation management is a promising approach to alleviate IBD, but the efficacy is hindered by the inferior colonization of probiotics in mucus-depleted inflammatory bowel segments. Here, we present modified montmorillonite armed probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (MMT-Fe@EcN) with enhanced intestinal colonization and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) scavenging for synergistic alleviation of IBD. The montmorillonite layer that can protect EcN against environmental assaults in oral delivery and improve on-site colonization of EcN in the mucus-depleted intestinal segment due to its strong adhesive capability and electronegativity, with a 22.6-fold increase in colonization efficiency compared to EcN. Meanwhile, MMT-Fe@EcN can manage inflammation by scavenging H2S, which allows for enhancing probiotic viability and colonization for restoring the gut microbiota. As a result, MMT-Fe@EcN exhibits extraordinary therapeutic effects in the dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse colitis models, including alleviating intestinal inflammation and restoring disrupted intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota. These findings provide a promising strategy for clinical IBD treatment and potentially other mucus-depletion-related diseases.

Association between dietary diversity changes and frailty among Chinese older adults: findings from a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Dietary diversity has been suggested as a potential preventive measure against frailty in older adults, but the effect of changes in dietary diversity on frailty is unclear. This study was conducted to examine the association between the dietary diversity score (DDS) and frailty among older Chinese adults. METHODS: A total of 12,457 adults aged 65 years or older were enrolled from three consecutive and nonoverlapping cohorts from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (the 2002 cohort, the 2005 cohort, and the 2008 cohort). DDS was calculated based on nine predefined food groups, and DDS changes were assessed by comparing scores at baseline and the first follow-up survey. We used 39 self-reported health items to assess frailty. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to examine the association between DDS change patterns and frailty. RESULTS: Participants with low-to-low DDS had the highest frailty incidence (111.1/1000 person-years), while high-to-high DDS had the lowest (41.1/1000 person-years). Compared to the high-to-high group of overall DDS pattern, participants in other DDS change patterns had a higher risk of frailty (HRs ranged from 1.25 to 2.15). Similar associations were observed for plant-based and animal-based DDS. Compared to stable DDS changes, participants with an extreme decline in DDS had an increased risk of frailty, with HRs of 1.38 (1.24, 1.53), 1.31 (1.19, 1.44), and 1.29 (1.16, 1.43) for overall, plant-based, and animal-based DDS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining a lower DDS or having a large reduction in DDS was associated with a higher risk of frailty among Chinese older adults. These findings highlight the importance of improving a diverse diet across old age for preventing frailty in later life.

Analysis of changes in social isolation, loneliness, or both, and subsequent cognitive function among older adults: Findings from a nationwide cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to investigate the associations of changes in social isolation, loneliness, or both, with cognitive function. METHODS: Data were from 7299 older adults in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. We defined four change patterns (no, incident, transient, and persistent) for social isolation and loneliness, and created nine-category variable to represent the joint changes. Tobit regression models and Cox models were performed. RESULTS: Incident, transient, and persistent social isolation or loneliness may accelerate cognitive decline (p < 0.05). Incident, transient, and persistent social isolation were associated with higher cognitive impairment risk, while only persistent loneliness was associated with higher cognitive impairment risk (p < 0.001). Notably, short-term or persistent social isolation was associated with accelerated cognitive decline and incident cognitive impairment, regardless of different loneliness change status (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Short-term or persistent social isolation and persistent loneliness may be a salient risk factor for cognitive decline and cognitive impairment. HIGHLIGHTS: Incident, transient, and persistent social isolation were associated with accelerated cognitive decline and higher cognitive impairment risk. Persistent loneliness was associated with accelerated cognitive decline and higher cognitive impairment risk. Short-term or persistent social isolation with concurrent different loneliness change status accelerated cognitive decline and higher cognitive impairment risk.

The first two complete mitochondrial genomes for the genus Anagyrus (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae) and their phylogenetic implications.

Anagyrus, a genus of Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea), represents a successful group of parasitoid insects that attack various mealybug pests of agricultural and forestry plants. Until now, only 20 complete mitochondrial genomes have been sequenced, including those in this study. To enrich the diversity of mitochondrial genomes in Encyrtidae and to gain insights into their phylogenetic relationships, the mitochondrial genomes of two species of Anagyrus were sequenced, and the mitochondrial genomes of these species were compared and analyzed. Encyrtid mitochondrial genomes exhibit similarities in nucleotide composition, gene organization, and control region patterns. Comparative analysis of protein-coding genes revealed varying molecular evolutionary rates among different genes, with six genes (ATP8, ND2, ND4L, ND6, ND4 and ND5) showing higher rates than others. A phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial genome sequences supports the monophyly of Encyrtidae; however, the two subfamilies, Encyrtinae and Tetracneminae, are non-monophyletic. This study provides valuable insights into the phylogenetic relationships within the Encyrtidae and underscores the utility of mitochondrial genomes in the systematics of this family.

Association between atherogenic index of plasma and all-cause mortality and specific-mortality: a nationwide population­based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), a marker of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies have investigated association between AIP and all-cause mortality and specific-mortality in the general population. METHODS: This study included data from 14,063 American adults. The exposure variable was the AIP, which was defined as log10 (triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). The outcome variables included all-cause mortality and specific-mortality. Survey-weighted cox regressions were performed to evaluate the relation between AIP and all-cause mortality and specific-mortality. Weighted restricted cubic spline was conducted to examin the non-linear relationship. RESULTS: During 10 years of follow-up, we documented 2,077, 262, 854, and 476 cases of all-cause mortality, diabetes mortality, CVD mortality and cancer mortality, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found that atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes mortality when comparing the highest to the lowest quantile of AIP in female (p for trend = 0.001) or participants older than 65 years (p for trend = 0.002). AIP was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality, CVD mortality and cancer mortality (p > 0.05). Moreover, a non-linear association was observed between AIP and all-cause mortality in a U-shape (p for non-linear = 0.0011), while a linear relationship was observed with diabetes mortality and non-diabetes mortality (p for linear < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there is a no significant association between high AIP levels and a high risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Besides, a higher AIP was significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes mortality, which only found in women older than 65 years. AIP was associated with all-cause mortality in a U-shape. This association could be explained by the finding that higher AIP predicted a higher risk of death from diabetes, and that lower AIP predicted a higher risk of death from non-diabetes causes.

We used a large national database and a prospective cohort study with a long follow-up period. Higher AIP was significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes mortality, only in women older than 65 years. There is a no significant association between high AIP levels and a high risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. AIP was associated with all-cause mortality in a U-shape. This finding suggest that controlling AIP levels may have a positive effect on reducing diabetes mortality.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Exoristobia philippinensis (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae) and phylogenetic analysis.

Exoristobia philippinensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a worldwide parasitic wasp. This work presents the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of E. philippinensis for the first time. The complete mitochondrial genome of E. philippinensis was sequenced and annotated, which was 15,751 bp in length, and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). All 13 PCGs were initiated by the ATN (ATG, ATT, and ATA) codon, terminated with the stop codon TAA except for ND1 which ends with TAG. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E. philippinensis has a sister relationship with the genus Lamennaisia.

Optimizing Prediction of In-Hospital Mortality in Elderly Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Nomogram Approach Using the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index Score.

BACKGROUND: To study the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) scale, which is a comprehensive quantification of multimorbidity coexistence, for the assessment of the risk of acute myocardial infarction death in elderly people. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 502 older patients with acute myocardial infarction were studied at Qilu Hospital from September 2017 to March 2022. They were categorized on the basis of ACCI into low (≤5), intermediate (6, 7), and high (≥8) risk groups. Hospitalization duration was observed, with death as the end point. least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to screen variables, 10-fold cross-validation was performed to validate the screened variables, a Cox regression nomogram predicting the risk of patient death was prepared, hazard ratio with 95% CI was calculated, a nomogram calibration curve was constructed, and a receiver operating characteristic curve, decision curve analysis, and a clinical impact curve were established. From 62 potential factors in a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, 12 were selected via 10-fold cross-validation. Retain variables with significant statistical differences in the Cox regression. A nomogram of the risk of death from acute infarction was constructed, and risk factors included ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, atrial fibrillation, nicorandil, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, ß blockers, and ACCI score, carbon dioxide combining power, and blood calcium concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The ACCI score effectively assesses multimorbidity in the older patients. As ACCI rises, the death risk from acute myocardial infarction grows. The study's nomogram is valid and clinically applicable.

Exploring drug repositioning possibilities of kinase inhibitors via molecular simulation.

Kinases, a class of enzymes controlling various substrates phosphorylation, are pivotal in both physiological and pathological processes. Although their conserved ATP binding pockets pose challenges for achieving selectivity, this feature offers opportunities for drug repositioning of kinase inhibitors (KIs). This study presents a cost-effective in silico prediction of KIs drug repositioning via analyzing cross-docking results. We established the KIs database (278 unique KIs, 1834 bioactivity data points) and kinases database (357 kinase structures categorized by the DFG motif) for carrying out cross-docking. Comparative analysis of the docking scores and reported experimental bioactivity revealed that the Atypical, TK, and TKL superfamilies are suitable for drug repositioning. Among these kinase superfamilies, Olverematinib, Lapatinib, and Abemaciclib displayed enzymatic activity in our focused AKT-PI3K-mTOR pathway with IC50 values of 3.3, 3.2 and 5.8 µM. Further cell assays showed IC50 values of 0.2, 1.2 and 0.6 µM in tumor cells. The consistent result between prediction and validation demonstrated that repositioning KIs via in silico method is feasible.

Effect of Meal-Timing on the Association of Unsaturated Fatty Acids with All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality among Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study with 10-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results have been reported on the association of dietary unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) with longevity and cardiovascular health. Most previous studies have focused only on the amount of UFAs consumed, not the timing of intake. METHODS: This prospective cohort study used data from 30,136 adults aged 18 years and older. Intakes of UFAs by meal time and types were assessed by a 24-h dietary recall for two days. The covariate-adjusted survey-weighted Cox proportional hazards models were performed to evaluate the associations of dietary total unsaturated fatty acid (TUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intakes throughout the day and three meals with mortality. RESULTS: During a median of 10.0 years of follow-up, 4510 total deaths occurred. All-cause mortality decreased with increasing intakes at dinner of TUFA (HR: 0.87 [0.77-0.98]), PUFA (HR: 0.81 [0.73-0.91]), and MUFA (HR: 0.88 [0.77-0.99]). With an increased intake of PUFA at dinner, CVD mortality showed a decreasing trend. However, the inverted L-shaped non-linear trend in all-cause mortality was found with increasing intake at breakfast of TUFA (HR: 1.35 [1.17-1.57], Q3 vs. Q1), PUFA (HR: 1.30 [1.13-1.50]), and MUFA (HR: 1.28 [1.13-1.45]). Meanwhile, increased breakfast intake of UFAs was associated with increased CVD and heart disease mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Meal timing influences the association of UFAs with all-cause and CVD-related mortality.

N-acetylglucosamine kinase (BbHxk1) has pleiotropic effects on vegetative growth, cell wall integrity, morphological transition, cuticle infection, and metabolic modulation in the biological pesticide Beauveria bassiana.

Beauveria bassiana is a popular and eco-friendly biopesticide. During its pathogen-pest interaction, both N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) catabolism and anabolism are crucial for nutrient supply and cell-wall construction. The initiation of GlcNAc metabolism relies on the catalysis of GlcNAc kinase, which has been extensively studied in the human pathogen Candida albicans. However, the physiological function of GlcNAc kinase remains poorly understood in entomopathogenic fungi. In the present study, a GlcNAc kinase homolog was identified and designated as BbHxk1 in B. bassiana. Deletion of BbHxk1 resulted in viable but reduced vegetative growth on various carbon sources. ΔBbHxk1 mutants displayed severe defects in cell wall integrity, making them more susceptible to cell wall stress cues. Furthermore, the absence of BbHxk1 resulted in an increase in conidial yield and blastospore production, and a faster rate of germination and filamentation, potentially attributed to higher intracellular ATP levels. BbHxk1 deficiency led to a reduction in the activities of cuticle-degrading enzymes, which might contribute to the attenuated pathogenicity specifically through cuticle penetration rather than hemocoel infection towards Galleria mellonella larvae. Being different from C. albicans Hxk1, which facultatively acts as a catalyzing enzyme and transcriptional regulator, BbHxk1 primarily acts as a catalyzing enzyme and metabolic regulator. The altered metabolomic profiling correlated with the phenotypic defects in ΔBbHxk1 mutants, further implicating a potential metabolism-dependent mechanism of BbHxk1 in mediating physiologies of B. bassiana. These findings not only unveil a novel role for GlcNAc kinase in B. bassiana, but also provide a solid theoretical basis to guide metabolic reprogramming in order to maintain or even enhance the efficiency of fungi for practical applications.

How the secrets behind photocurrents are revealed in Ag-TiO2 heterostructures-based plasmonic photoelectrochemical systems: A collaborative approach of EC-SERS and photoelectrochemical methods.

Plasmon-mediated chemical reactions (PMCR) have garnered growing interest as a promising concept for photocatalysis. However, in electrochemical systems at solid-liquid interfaces, the photo-induced charge transfer on the surface of metal-semiconductor heterostructures involves complex processes and mechanisms, which are still poorly understood. We explore the plasmon-mediated carrier transfer mechanism and the synergistic effect of light and electric fields on Ag-TiO2 heterostructures, through a combination of electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical methods, with para-aminothiophenol (PATP) serving as a probe molecule. The results show that photocurrent responses are dependent on not only excitation wavelengths and applied potentials, but also the irreversibility of redox. The relationship between photocurrent responses and the chemical transformation between PATP and 4,4'-dimercaptoazobenzene is established, reflecting the photo-induced charge transfer of the heterostructures. The collaboration of spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical methods provide valuable insights into the chemical transformation and kinetic information of adsorbed molecules on the heterostructure during PMCR, offering opportunities for modulating of photocatalytic activities of hot carriers.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Achieved Fistula Healing in a Young Patient With Severe Refractory Perianal Crohn's Disease.

The presence of perianal fistulae constitutes a more severe phenotype of Crohn's disease (CD) that often requires intensive medical therapy, wound care, and surgical intervention. Despite therapeutic advances in inflammatory bowel disease, the treatment of perianal fistulae remains challenging. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed as an adjunctive treatment modality for induction of fistula healing. We illustrate a case in which HBOT achieved fistula healing in a young patient with severe refractory perianal Crohn's disease (pCD). We also review the current literature and discuss the role of HBOT in the treatment armamentarium of pCD.

Cinnamaldehyde Regulates the Migration and Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer Cells by Inhibiting the Jak2/Stat3 Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality all around the world. Because of its poor prognosis and low survival rate, the treatment of gastric cancer has received extensive attention. Cinnamaldehyde (CA) is the main single active component of the Chinese herbal medicine cinnamon, which has a variety of pharmacological effects. The inhibitory effect of CA on the growth of some tumor cells has been proven, but its therapeutic effect on gastric cancer has rarely been reported. METHODS: Through network pharmacology, bioinformatics methods, and molecular docking technology, we predicted the interaction targets of CA and gastric cancer. Moreover, we found that apoptosis is an important mode of action of CA on gastric cancer cells. Subsequently, we validated it in gastric cancer cell lines cultured in vitro. RESULTS: The results showed that in the presence of CA, the Jak2/Stat3 pathway was inhibited, the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax decreased, and the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells was promoted in a concentration-dependent. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, CA can promote the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the activity of the Jak2/Stat3 pathway, which may achieve the effect of treating gastric cancer.

Metabolic obesity phenotypes and all-cause mortality among the Chinese oldest-old population: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The obesity paradox has been reported among older adults. However, whether the favorable effect of obesity is dependent on metabolic status remains largely unknown. We aimed to explore the association of metabolic obesity phenotypes and their changes with all-cause mortality among the Chinese oldest-old population. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 1207 Chinese oldest old (mean age: 91.8 years). Metabolic obesity phenotypes were determined by central obesity and metabolic status, and participants were classified into metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO), metabolically healthy non-obesity (MHN), and metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUN). The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by Cox regression models. RESULTS: During 5.3 years of follow-up, 640 deaths were documented. Compared with non-obesity, obesity was associated with a decreased mortality risk among participants with metabolically healthy (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.91) while this association was insignificant among metabolically unhealthy. Compared to MHO, MHN (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06-1.53) and MUN (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.10-2.02) were significantly associated with an increased mortality risk. Compared to those with stable MHO, those transited from MHO to MUO demonstrated a higher mortality risk (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.06-3.11). CONCLUSIONS: MHO predicts better survival among the Chinese oldest-old population. These findings suggest that ensuring optimal management of metabolic health is beneficial and taking caution in weight loss based on the individual body weight for the metabolically healthy oldest-old adults.

Discovery and Manipulation of van der Waals Polarons in Sb2O3 Ultrathin Molecular Crystal.

Manipulating single electrons at the atomic scale is vital for mastering complex surface processes governed by the transfer of individual electrons. Polarons, composed of electrons stabilized by electron-phonon coupling, offer a pivotal medium for such manipulation. Here, using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we report the identification and manipulation of a new type of polaron, dubbed van der Waals (vdW) polaron, within mono- to trilayer ultrathin films composed of Sb2O3 molecules that are bonded via vdW attractions. The Sb2O3 films were grown on a graphene-covered SiC(0001) substrate via molecular beam epitaxy. Unlike prior molecular polarons, STM imaging observed polarons at the interstitial sites of the molecular film, presenting unique electronic states and localized band bending. DFT calculations revealed the lowest conduction band as an intermolecular bonding state, capable of ensnaring an extra electron through locally diminished intermolecular distances, thereby forming an intermolecular vdW polaron. We also demonstrated the ability to generate, move, and erase such vdW polarons using an STM tip. Our work uncovers a new type of polaron stabilized by coupling with intermolecular vibrations where vdW interactions dominate, paving the way for designing atomic-scale electron transfer processes and enabling precise tailoring of electron-related properties and functionalities.