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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association of maternal first-trimester vitamin D levels and vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy with infant atopic dermatitis (AD) and to determine the effect of variables such as mode of conception on the association. METHODS: This study was based on the Shanghai sub-cohort of the International Birth Cohort of China. A total of 4051 woman-infant pairs with singleton pregnancies were recruited. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations of 25 and 50 nmol/L, respectively. AD in infants was assessed during the first six months using a standardized questionnaire based on the British Working Party criteria. Modified Poisson regression estimated the association between maternal vitamin D status and infant AD. RESULTS: The risk of AD in infants was higher in women with deficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the first trimester (RR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.41-2.23). This increased risk was seen in naturally conceived pregnancies, but not in those conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART). The incidence of AD decreased in infants of mothers who took multi-vitamin (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67-1.98) and vitamin D supplements (RR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.37-0.71) compared to those whose mothers did not take any supplements. Maternal vitamin D deficiency had varying effects on AD risk based on passive smoking exposure and breastfeeding patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring and supplementing vitamin D during pregnancy, especially in specific maternal populations, to reduce the risk of AD in offspring.
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Dermatite Atópica , Suplementos Nutricionais , Primeiro Trimestre da Gravidez , Deficiência de Vitamina D , Vitamina D , Humanos , Feminino , Dermatite Atópica/epidemiologia , Dermatite Atópica/sangue , Gravidez , Vitamina D/análogos & derivados , Vitamina D/sangue , Estudos Prospectivos , Deficiência de Vitamina D/sangue , Deficiência de Vitamina D/epidemiologia , Adulto , Lactente , Primeiro Trimestre da Gravidez/sangue , China/epidemiologia , Recém-Nascido , Coorte de Nascimento , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Materna , Complicações na Gravidez/sangue , Complicações na Gravidez/epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , Masculino , IncidênciaRESUMO
Two novel strain pairs (HM61T/HM23 and S-34T/S-58) were isolated from soil and the faeces of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) collected at the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of PR China. All four new isolates were aerobic, non-motile, Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, and short rod-shaped bacteria. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on the full-length 16S rRNA genes and 283 core genomic genes indicated that the four strains were separated into two independent branches belonging to the genus Nocardioides. Strains HM61T and HM23 were most closely related to Nocardioides pelophilus THG T63T (98.58 and 98.65â% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Strains S-34T and S-58 were most closely related to Nocardioides okcheonensis MMS20-HV4-12T (98.89 and 98.89â% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of strains HM61T and S-34T were 70.6 and 72.5âmol%, respectively. Strains HM61T, S-34T and the type strains of closely related species in the analysis had average nucleotide identity values of 75.4-90.5â% as well as digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between 20.1 and 40.8â%, which clearly indicated that the four isolates represent two novel species within the genus Nocardioides. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of strains HM61T and S-34T were consistent with the genus Nocardioides. The major fatty acids of all four strains were iso-C16â:â0, C17â:â1 ω8c or C18â:â1 ω9c. For strains HM61T and S-34T, MK-8(H4) was the predominant respiratory quinone, ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan, and the polar lipids profiles were composed of diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. Based on phylogenetic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic data, we propose that strains HM61T and S-34T represent two novel species of the genus Nocardioides, respectively, with the names Nocardioides bizhenqiangii sp. nov. and Nocardioides renjunii sp. nov. The type strains are HM61T (=GDMCC 4.343T=JCM 36399T) and S-34T (=CGMCC 4.7664T=JCM 33792T).
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Antílopes , Técnicas de Tipagem Bacteriana , Composição de Bases , DNA Bacteriano , Ácidos Graxos , Fezes , Hibridização de Ácido Nucleico , Filogenia , RNA Ribossômico 16S , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Microbiologia do Solo , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Tibet , Ácidos Graxos/análise , Ácidos Graxos/química , DNA Bacteriano/genética , Fezes/microbiologia , Antílopes/microbiologia , Animais , China , Actinomycetales/genética , Actinomycetales/isolamento & purificação , Actinomycetales/classificação , Peptidoglicano , Fosfolipídeos/análiseRESUMO
Six novel bacterial strains, designated N016T, N017, N022T, N028, N056T, and N064, were isolated from soil sampled on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Cells were aerobic, orange or yellow, globular or rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. All the isolates were salt-tolerant and could grow in the range of 4-42â°C. Results of phylogenomic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and core genomic genes showed that the three pairs of strains (N016T/N017, N022T/N028, and N056T/N064) were closely related to the members of the genus Planococcus, and clustered with Planococcus ruber, Planococcus glaciei, and Planococcus chinensis. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values of the six novel strains with other members of the genus Planococcus were within the ranges of 18.7-53â% and 70.58-93.49â%, respectively, all below the respective recommended thresholds of 70.0â% and 95-96â%. The genomic DNA G+C content of the six strains ranged from 43.5 to 46.0 mol%. The major fatty acids of the six strains were anteiso-C15â:â0, iso-C14â:â0, and C16â:â1 ω7c alcohol. The predominant polar lipids of strains N016T, N022T, and N056T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Menaquinones 7 and 8 were the respiratory quinones. The results of the above analyses indicated that the six strains represent three novel species of the genus Planococcus, for which the names Planococcus shenhongbingii sp. nov. (type strain N016T=GDMCC 1.4062T=JCM 36224T), Planococcus shixiaomingii sp. nov. (type strain N022T=GDMCC 1.4063T=JCM 36225T), and Planococcus liqunii sp. nov. (type strain N056T=GDMCC 1.4064T=JCM 36226T) are proposed.
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Técnicas de Tipagem Bacteriana , Composição de Bases , DNA Bacteriano , Ácidos Graxos , Hibridização de Ácido Nucleico , Filogenia , Planococcus (Bactéria) , RNA Ribossômico 16S , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Microbiologia do Solo , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , DNA Bacteriano/genética , Ácidos Graxos/análise , Tibet , Planococcus (Bactéria)/genética , Planococcus (Bactéria)/isolamento & purificação , Planococcus (Bactéria)/classificação , Vitamina K 2/análogos & derivados , Vitamina K 2/análise , Fosfolipídeos/análiseRESUMO
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by impaired renal function and is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. Sheep milk contains several bioactive molecules with protective effects against inflammation and oxidative stress. In the current study, we investigated the potential renoprotective effects of sheep milk and the associated mechanisms of action in an adenine-induced CKD murine model. Sheep milk delayed renal chronic inflammation (e.g., significant reduction in levels of inflammatory factors Vcam1, Icam1, Il6, and Tnfa), fibrosis (significant reduction in levels of fibrosis factors Col1a1, Fn1, and Tgfb), oxidative stress (significant increase in levels of antioxidants and decrease in oxidative markers), mineral disorders, and renal injury in adenine-treated mice (e.g. reduced levels of kidney injury markers NGAL and KIM-1). The combined proteomics and metabolomics analyses showed that sheep milk may affect the metabolic processes of several compounds, including proteins, lipids, minerals, and hormones in mice with adenine-induced chronic kidney disease. In addition, it may regulate the expression of fibrosis-related factors and inflammatory factors through the JAK1/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway, thus exerting its renoprotective effects. Therefore, sheep milk may be beneficial for patients with CKD and should be evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Adenina , Rim , Leite , Estresse Oxidativo , Insuficiência Renal Crônica , Animais , Camundongos , Insuficiência Renal Crônica/induzido quimicamente , Insuficiência Renal Crônica/metabolismo , Ovinos , Leite/química , Leite/metabolismo , Rim/metabolismo , Rim/efeitos dos fármacos , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Metaboloma , Proteoma , Substâncias Protetoras/farmacologia , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Fibrose , Fator de Transcrição STAT3/metabolismo , Fator de Transcrição STAT3/genética , Proteômica , MultiômicaRESUMO
Thermal transport is of grave importance in many high-value applications. Heat dissipation can be improved by utilizing liquid metals as thermal interface materials. Yet, liquid metals exhibit corrosivity towards many metals used for heat sinks, such as aluminum, and other electrical devices (i.e., copper). The compatibility of the liquid metal with the heat sink or device material as well as its long-term stability are important performance variables for thermal management systems. Herein, the compatibility of the liquid metal Galinstan, a eutectic alloy of gallium, indium, and tin, with diamond coatings and the stability of the liquid metal in this environment are scrutinized. The liquid metal did not penetrate the diamond coating nor corrode it. However, the liquid metal solidified with the progression of time, starting from the second year. After 4 years of aging, the liquid metal on all samples solidified, which cannot be explained by the dissolution of aluminum from the titanium alloy. In contrast, the solidification arose from oxidation by oxygen, followed by hydrolysis to GaOOH due to the humidity in the air. The hydrolysis led to dealloying, where In and Sn remained an alloy while Ga separated as GaOOH. This hydrolysis has implications for many devices based on gallium alloys and should be considered during the design phase of liquid metal-enabled products.
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Organic hole transporting materials (HTMs) are extensively studied in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The HTMs directly contact the underlying perovskite material, and they play additional roles apart from hole transporting. Developing organic HTMs with defect passivation function has been proved to be an efficient strategy to construct efficient and stable PSCs. In this work, new organic molecules with thiocarbonyl (CâS) and carbonyl (CâO) functional groups are synthesized and applied as HTMs (named FN-S and FN-O). FN-S with CâS can be facilely obtained from FN-O containing CâO. Notably, the CâS in FN-S results in superior defect passivation ability compared to FN-O. Moreover, FN-S exhibits excellent hole extraction/transport capability. Conventional PSCs using FN-S as HTM show an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.25%, with excellent long-term stability and operational stability. This work indicates that simply converting CâO to CâS is an efficient way to improve the device performance by strengthening the defect passivation functionality.
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A new approach of fabricating α-linolenic acid emulsions with enhanced oxidative stability in vitro digestion was established, using covalent octenyl succinic anhydride starch (OSAS)-soy protein (SP)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) complexes as emulsifiers. The physicochemical characteristics and surface morphology of emulsions were mainly characterized by rheological measurements, laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM). Results indicated that emulsions had dense interfacial layers and strong network structures. As a result, the stability and antioxidant ability of emulsions were improved significantly. In addition, the oxidative stability of emulsions in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was explored. Results showed that emulsions could maintain better oxidative stability owing to antioxidant activity of covalent OSAS-SP-EGCG complexes under gastrointestinal conditions. In particular, lipid hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde contents of emulsions prepared by 1:4 complexes were lower than 0.35â¯mmol/L and 20.5â¯nmol/mL, respectively, approximately half those of emulsions stabilized by OSAS (0.65â¯mmol/L and 39.5â¯nmol/mL). It was indicated that covalent OSAS-SP-EGCG complexes could effectively inhibit α-linolenic acid oxidation in emulsions during vitro gastrointestinal digestion. This work will provide a theoretical basis for the development of α-linolenic acid emulsions, which will help to broaden application of α-linolenic acid in food industry.
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Antioxidantes , Digestão , Emulsões , Oxirredução , Amido , Ácido alfa-Linolênico , Amido/química , Amido/análogos & derivados , Emulsões/química , Ácido alfa-Linolênico/química , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Proteínas de Soja/química , Trato Gastrointestinal/metabolismo , Catequina/química , Catequina/análogos & derivados , ReologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Shenmai injection is a classic herbal prescription, and is often recommended for the treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. However, the efficacy and safety of Shenmai injection for the treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity have not been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of eight literature databases and two clinical trial registries, retrieving all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to the treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity with Shenmai injection from the establishment of the databases to July 1, 2023. Data analysis was performed using the Meta package in RStudio and RevMan 5.4. The GRADE pro3.6.1 software was utilized for assessing the quality of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 16 RCTs including 2140 patients were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that Shenmai injection had an advantage in improving ST-T segment changes (RR = 0.28; 95 % CI, 0.20 to 0.39; P < 0.0001) (P < 0.01), creatine kinase isoenzyme (SMD = -3.49; 95 % CI, -5.24 to -1.74; P < 0.0001), Prolonged QT interval (RR = 0.46; 95 % CI, 0.28 to 0.75; P = 0.0018), Low QRS Voltage (RR = 0.44; 95 % CI, 0.27 to 0.71; P = 0.0007), sinus tachycardia (RR = 0.41; 95 % CI, 0.28 to 0.60; P < 0.0001), atrial premature beats (RR = 0.55; 95 % CI, 0.35 to 0.87; P = 0.01), Premature Ventricular Contractions (RR = 0.39; 95 % CI, 0.26 to 0.59; P < 0.0001) and creatine kinase (SMD = -1.43; 95 % CI, -2.57 to -0.29; P < 0.0001) in patients with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. advantage, which was supported by sensitivity analyses, but not in improving left ventricular ejection fraction (MD = 16.01; 95 % CI, -3.10 to 35.12; P = 0.10) and atrioventricular block (RR = 0.49; 95 % CI, 0.24 to 1.03; P = 0.06). The literature included in the study did not refer to data regarding the safety aspects of Shenmai injection, so we do not yet know the safety of Shenmai injection. The results of subgroup analyses suggested that heterogeneity was not related to the administered dose and chemotherapy regimen. The publication bias test showed no publication bias. The quality of evidence for the results ranged from "very low" to "moderate." CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Shenmai injection is effective in treating anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and is a potential treatment for anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. However, due to the poor methodological quality of the included RCTs, we recommend rigorous, high-quality, large-sample trials to confirm our findings.
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Antraciclinas , Cardiotoxicidade , Combinação de Medicamentos , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas , Humanos , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/uso terapêutico , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/efeitos adversos , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/administração & dosagem , Cardiotoxicidade/etiologia , Antraciclinas/efeitos adversos , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como AssuntoRESUMO
Preterm labor, a condition associated with various risk factors such as a history of prior preterm birth (PTB) and multiple pregnancies, has recently seen an increasing focus on its potential link with dyslipidemia. This study aims to investigate the relationship between dyslipidemia in expectant mothers and the risks of PTB. We studied 6963 mothers who gave birth at the International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine in 2020, among which, 437 women had PTB. We extracted clinical and lipid data from electronic records, using multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models to explore the link between lipid concentrations (by quartiles) in pregnancy stages and PTB risk. The PTB rate was 6.3%. Early pregnancy in the PTB group showed elevated ApoA, ApoB, CHOL, LDL, and TG levels compared to controls (all P < 0.05). Late pregnancy showed no notable lipid differences. Multivariable analysis revealed elevated ApoA, TG, higher age, BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2, hypertension, assisted reproductive technology and gestational diabetes as PTB risk factors (all P < 0.05). After adjustments, higher ApoA, ApoB, CHOL and TG levels correlated with increased PTB risk. Using the lowest quartile, the adjusted ORs for early pregnancy's highest quartile of ApoA, ApoB, CHOL and TG were 1.348, 1.442, 1.442 and 2.156, respectively. Our findings indicate that dyslipemia in early pregnancy, including elevated levels of ApoA, ApoB, CHOL and TG, are associated with PTB. Managing lipid abnormalities during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of PTB.
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Lipídeos , Nascimento Prematuro , Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Nascimento Prematuro/sangue , Nascimento Prematuro/epidemiologia , Adulto , Fatores de Risco , Lipídeos/sangue , Dislipidemias/sangue , Dislipidemias/epidemiologia , China/epidemiologia , Recém-NascidoRESUMO
Spontaneous natural succession in metal mine tailings is fundamental to the rehabilitation of bare tailing. Here, an abandoned rare earth element (REE) mine tailing with spontaneous colonisation by pioneer plants with different functional traits was selected. Soil nutrient cycling, fertility, organic matter decomposition as well as underground organismal communities and their multitrophic networks were investigated. Compared with the bare tailing, the colonisation with Lycopodium japonicum, Miscanthus sinensis, and Dicranopteris dichotoma increased soil multifunction by 222%, 293%, and 525%, respectively. This was accompanied by significant changes in soil bacterial and protistan community composition and increased soil multitrophic network complexity. Rhizospheres of different plant species showed distinct microbial community composition compared to that of bare tailing. Some WPS-2, Chloroflexi, and Chlorophyta were mainly present in the bare tailing, while some Proteobacteria and Cercozoa were predominantly seen in the rhizosphere. Pearson correlation and Random Forest revealed the biotic factors driving soil multifunction. Structural equation modelling further revealed that pioneer plants improved soil multifunction primarily by decreasing the microbial biodiversity and increasing the multitrophic network complexity. Overall, this highlights the importance of subterrestrial organisms in accelerating soil rehabilitation during natural succession and provides options for the ecological restoration of degraded REE mining areas.
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Metais Terras Raras , Mineração , Microbiologia do Solo , Solo , Solo/química , Poluentes do Solo , Plantas , Rizosfera , Bactérias , Biodiversidade , MicrobiotaRESUMO
Management of functional groups in hole transporting materials (HTMs) is a feasible strategy to improve perovskite solar cells (PSCs) efficiency. Therefore, starting from the carbazole-diphenylamine-based JY7 molecule, JY8 and JY9 molecules are incorporated into the different electron-withdrawing groups of fluorine and cyano groups on the side chains. The theoretical results reveal that the introduction of electron-withdrawing groups of JY8 and JY9 can improve these highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels, intermolecular stacking arrangements, and stronger interface adsorption on the perovskite. Especially, the results of molecular dynamics (MD) indicate that the fluorinated JY8 molecule can yield a preferred surface orientation, which exhibits stronger interface adsorption on the perovskite. To validate the computational model, the JY7-JY9 are synthesized and assembled into PSC devices. Experimental results confirm that the HTMs of JY8 exhibit outstanding performance, such as high hole mobility, low defect density, and efficient hole extraction. Consequently, the PSC devices based on JY8 achieve a higher PCE than those of JY7 and JY9. This work highlights the management of the electron-withdrawing groups in HTMs to realize the goal of designing HTMs for the improvement of PSC efficiency.
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Exposure to PM2.5, a harmful type of air pollution, has been associated with compromised male reproductive health; however, it remains unclear whether such exposure can elicit transgenerational effects on male fertility. Here, we aim to examine the effect of paternal exposure to real-world PM2.5 on the reproductive health of male offspring. We have observed that paternal exposure to real-world PM2.5 can lead to transgenerational primary hypogonadism in a sex-selective manner, and we have also confirmed this phenotype by using an external model. Mechanically, we have identified small RNAs (sRNAs) that play a critical role in mediating these transgenerational effects. Specifically, miR6240 and piR016061, which are present in F0 PM sperm, regulate intergenerational transmission by targeting Lhcgr and Nsd1, respectively. We have also uncovered that piR033435 and piR006695 indirectly regulate F1 PM sperm methylation by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of Tet1 mRNA. The reduced expression of Tet1 resulted in hypermethylation of several testosterone synthesis genes, including Lhcgr and Gnas, impaired Leydig cell function and ultimately led to transgenerational primary hypogonadism. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the transgenerational effects of paternal PM2.5 exposure on reproductive health, highlighting the crucial role played by sRNAs in mediating these effects. The findings underscore the significance of paternal pre-conception interventions in alleviating the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on reproductive health.
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Ion-adsorption rare earth element (REE) deposits distributed in the subtropics provide a rich global source of REEs, but in situ injection of REEs extractant into the mine can result in leachate being leaked into the surrounding groundwater systems. Due to the lack of understanding of REE speciation distribution, particularly colloidal characteristics in a mining area, the risks of REEs migration caused by in situ leaching of ion-adsorption REE deposits has not been concerned. Here, ultrafiltration and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (AF4-ICP-MS) were integrated to characterize the size and composition of REEs in leachate and groundwater from mining catchments in South China. Results show that REEs were associated with four fractions: 1) the <1 kDa fraction including dissolved REEs; 2) the 1 - 100 kDa nano-colloidal fraction containing organic compounds; 3) the 100 kDa - 220 nm fine colloids including organic-mineral (Fe, Mn and Al (oxy)hydroxides and clay minerals); 4) the >220 nm coarse colloids and acid soluble particles (ASPs) comprising minerals. Influenced by the ion exchange effect of in situ leaching, REEs in leachate were mostly dissolved (79 %). The pH of the groundwater far from the mine site was increased (5.8 - 7.3), the fine organic-mineral colloids (46 % - 80 %) were the main vectors of transport for REEs. Further analysis by AF4 revealed that the fine colloids can be divided into mineral-rich (F1, 100 kDa - 120 nm) and organic matter-rich (F2, 120 - 220 nm) populations. The main colloids associated with REEs shifted from F1 (64 % â¼ 76 %) to F2 (50 % â¼ 52 %) away from the mining area. For F1 and F2, the metal/C molar ratio decreased away from the mining area and middle to heavy REE enrichment was presented. According to the REE fractionation, organic matter was the predominant component capable of binding REEs in fine colloids. Overall, our results indicate that REEs in the groundwater system shifted from the dissolved to the colloidal phase in a catchment affected by in situ leaching, and organic-mineral colloids play an important role in facilitating the migration of REEs.
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Coloides , Água Subterrânea , Metais Terras Raras , Minerais , Mineração , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Água Subterrânea/química , Coloides/química , China , Minerais/química , AdsorçãoRESUMO
Much effort has been made to uncover the cellular heterogeneities of human hearts by single-nucleus RNA sequencing. However, the cardiac transcriptional regulation networks have not been systematically described because of the limitations in detecting transcription factors. In this study, we optimized a pipeline for isolating nuclei and conducting single-nucleus RNA sequencing targeted to detect a higher number of cell signal genes and an optimal number of transcription factors. With this unbiased protocol, we characterized the cellular composition of healthy human hearts and investigated the transcriptional regulation networks involved in determining the cellular identities and functions of the main cardiac cell subtypes. Particularly in fibroblasts, a novel regulator, PKNOX2, was identified as being associated with physiological fibroblast activation in healthy hearts. To validate the roles of these transcription factors in maintaining homeostasis, we used single-nucleus RNA-sequencing analysis of transplanted failing hearts focusing on fibroblast remodelling. The trajectory analysis suggested that PKNOX2 was abnormally decreased from fibroblast activation to pathological myofibroblast formation. Both gain- and loss-of-function in vitro experiments demonstrated the inhibitory role of PKNOX2 in pathological fibrosis remodelling. Moreover, fibroblast-specific overexpression and knockout of PKNOX2 in a heart failure mouse model induced by transverse aortic constriction surgery significantly improved and aggravated myocardial fibrosis, respectively. In summary, this study established a high-quality pipeline for single-nucleus RNA-sequencing analysis of heart muscle. With this optimized protocol, we described the transcriptional regulation networks of the main cardiac cell subtypes and identified PKNOX2 as a novel regulator in suppressing fibrosis and a potential therapeutic target for future translational studies.
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Fibrose , Proteínas de Homeodomínio , Miocárdio , Animais , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Fibroblastos/patologia , Fibrose/genética , Insuficiência Cardíaca/genética , Insuficiência Cardíaca/patologia , Insuficiência Cardíaca/metabolismo , Proteínas de Homeodomínio/genética , Proteínas de Homeodomínio/metabolismo , Camundongos Knockout , Miocárdio/patologia , Miocárdio/metabolismo , Miofibroblastos/metabolismo , Miofibroblastos/patologiaRESUMO
Oropharyngeal microbiomes play a significant role in the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19, yet the role of these microbiomes play for the development of COVID-19 Omicron variant have not been reported. A total of 791 pharyngeal swab samples were prospectively included in this study, including 297 confirmed cases of Omicron variant (CCO), 222 confirmed case of Omicron who recovered (CCOR), 73 confirmed cases of original strain (CCOS) and 199 healthy controls (HC). All samples completed MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that compared with HC, conditional pathogens increased in CCO, while acid-producing bacteria decreased. Based on six optimal oropharyngeal operational taxonomy units (OTUs), we constructed a marker microbial classifier to distinguish between patients with Omicron variant and healthy people, and achieved high diagnostic efficiency in both the discovery queue and the verification queue. At same time, we introduced a group of cross-age infection verification cohort and Omicron variant subtype XBB.1.5 branch, which can be accurately distinguished by this diagnostic model. We also analyzed the characteristics of oropharyngeal microbiomes in two subgroups of Omicron disease group-severity of infection and vaccination times, and found that the change of oropharyngeal microbiomes may affect the severity of the disease and the efficacy of the vaccine. In addition, we found that some genera with significant differences gradually increased or decreased with the recovery of Omicron variant infection. The results of Spearman analysis showed that 27 oropharyngeal OTUs were closely related to 6 clinical indexes in CCO and HC. Finally, we found that the Omicron variant had different characterization of oropharyngeal microbiomes from the original strain. Our research characterizes oropharyngeal microbiomes of Omicron variant cases and rehabilitation cases, successfully constructed and verified the non-invasive diagnostic model of Omicron variant, described the correlation between microbial OTUs and clinical indexes. It was found that the infection of Omicron variant and the infection of original strain have different characteristics of oropharyngeal microbiomes.
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COVID-19 , Infecção Hospitalar , Microbiota , Humanos , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Bactérias , Microbiota/genéticaRESUMO
Background: Serum albumin plays a pivotal role in regulating plasma oncotic pressure and modulating fluid distribution among various body compartments. Previous research examining the association between maternal serum albumin levels and fetal growth yielded limited and inconclusive findings. Therefore, the specific influence of serum albumin on fetal growth remains poorly understood and warrants further investigation. Methods: A retrospective study involved 39200 women who had a singleton live birth at a tertiary-care academic medical center during the period from January 2017 to December 2020. Women were categorized into four groups according to the quartile of albumin concentration during early pregnancy: Q1 group, ≤41.0 g/L; Q2 group, 41.1-42.6 g/L; Q3 group, 42.7-44.3 g/L and Q4 group, >44.3 g/L. The main outcome measures were mid-term estimated fetal weight, birthweight and gestational age. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis were performed to detect the independent effect of maternal serum albumin level on fetal growth after adjusting for important confounding variables. Results: In the crude analysis, a significant inverse correlation was found between early pregnancy maternal serum albumin levels and fetal growth status, including mid-term ultrasound measurements, mid-term estimated fetal weight, birthweight, and gestational age. After adjustment for a number of confounding factors, mid-term estimated fetal weight, birthweight, and birth height decreased significantly with increasing albumin levels. Compared to the Q2 group, the Q4 group had higher rates of preterm birth (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.34), small-for-gestational-age (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11-1.45) and low birthweight (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.18-1.69), and lower rate of large-for-gestational-age (aOR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.94). Moreover, to achieve the optimal neonatal outcome, women with higher early pregnancy albumin levels required a greater reduction in albumin levels in later pregnancy stages. Conclusions: A higher maternal serum albumin level during early pregnancy was associated with poor fetal growth, with the detrimental effects becoming apparent as early as the mid-gestation period. These findings provided vital information for clinicians to predict fetal growth status and identify cases with a high risk of adverse neonatal outcomes early on.
Assuntos
Peso Fetal , Nascimento Prematuro , Recém-Nascido , Gravidez , Feminino , Humanos , Peso ao Nascer , Idade Gestacional , Estudos Retrospectivos , Retardo do Crescimento Fetal , Albumina SéricaRESUMO
In this study, octenyl succinylated starch (OSAS)-soy protein (SP)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) complexes were designed to enhance the physical and oxidative stability of α-linolenic acid emulsions. Formations of OSAS-SP-EGCG complexes were confirmed via particle size, ξ-potential, together with fourier transform infrared (FTIR). A mixing ratio of 1:2 for OSAS to SP-EGCG resulted in ternary complexes with the highest contact angle (59.69°), indicating the hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the characteristics of α-linolenic acid emulsions (oil phase volume fractions (φ) of 10% and 20%) stabilized by OSAS-SP-EGCG complexes were investigated, including particle size, ξ-potential, emulsion stability, oxidative stability, and microstructure. These results revealed exceptional physical stability together with enhanced oxidative stability for these emulsions. Particularly, emulsions utilizing complexes having a 1:2 OSAS to SP-EGCG ratio exhibited superior emulsion stability. These findings provide theoretical support to the development of emulsions containing high levels of α-linolenic acid and for the broader application of α-linolenic acid in food products.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Catequina/análogos & derivados , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono , Humanos , Emulsões/química , Antioxidantes/química , Ácido alfa-Linolênico , Amido/química , Proteínas de Soja , Tamanho da PartículaRESUMO
China as a major coal-consuming economy faces the challenge of balancing economic development and carbon neutrality goal. This paper incorporates both efficiency-based and equity-based carbon neutrality policies into a numerical model to quantitatively assess how coal reduction under various carbon-neutral policies affects energy mix, economic growth, and industrial structures by 2060. Results show the nationwide coal intensity will ultimately plunge by over 95% from 2017 to 2060, mainly attributed to the coal-phasing-out in most industries. National Gross Domestic Product losses reaches 4,951 billion USD in efficiency-based scenarios by 2060, and the economic losses are even more severe in less developed provinces, especially provinces in Northern China. Although the equity-based policy can reduce the economic burden for the Northern China, the equity-based policy is accompanied by a significant regional shift in coal across the country: eastern coal-intense industries will be relocated northward, leading to increases in embodied coal consumption.
RESUMO
Sheep milk is rich in fat, protein, vitamins and minerals and is also one of the most important sources of natural bioactives. Several biopeptides in sheep milk have been reported to possess antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and they may prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D), disease and cancer. However, the precise mechanism(s) underlying the protective role of sheep milk against T2D development remains unclear. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated the effect of sheep milk on insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, by conducting intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, metabolic cage studies, genomic sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, and biochemical assays. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp-based experiments revealed that mice consuming sheep milk exhibited lower hepatic glucose production than mice in the control group. These findings further elucidate the mechanism by which dietary supplementation with sheep milk alleviates HFD-induced systemic glucose intolerance.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Intolerância à Glucose , Resistência à Insulina , Ovinos , Camundongos , Animais , Dieta Hiperlipídica/efeitos adversos , Intolerância à Glucose/metabolismo , Intolerância à Glucose/prevenção & controle , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/prevenção & controle , Leite/metabolismoRESUMO
The uncoordinated lead cations are ubiquitous in perovskite films and severely affect the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, 15-crown-5 with various heteroatoms are connected to the organic semiconductor carbazole diphenylamine, and two new compounds, CDT-S and CDT-N, are developed to modify the Pb2+ defects in perovskite films through the anti-solvent method. Apart from the oxygen atoms, there are also N atoms on crown ether ring in CDT-N, and both S and N heteroatoms in CDT-S. The heteroatoms enhance the interaction between the crown ether-based semiconductors and the undercoordinated Pb2+ defect in perovskite. Particularly, the stronger interaction between S atoms and Pb2+ further enhances the defect passivation effect of CDT-S than CDT-N, thereby more effectively suppressing the non-radiative recombination of charge carriers. Finally, the efficiency of the device treated with CDT-S is up to 23.05 %. Moreover, the unencapsulated device based on CDT-S maintained 90.5 % of the initial efficiency after being stored under dark conditions for 1000â hours, demonstrating good long-term stability. Our work demonstrates that crown ethers are promising in perovskite solar cells, and the crown ether containing multiple heteroatoms could effectively improve both efficiency and stability of devices.