A comprehensive epigenetic network can influence the occurrence of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy by affecting immune and inflammatory response.

The primary objective of this study is to understand the regulatory role of epigenetics in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) using multi-omics sequencing data. We utilized tRFs sequencing data, DNA methylation sequencing data, and lncRNA/circRNA/mRNA sequencing data, as well as several RNA methylation target prediction websites, to analyze the regulatory effect of DNA methylation, non-coding RNA, and RNA methylation on TAO-associated genes. Through differential expression analysis, we identified 1019 differentially expressed genes, 985 differentially methylated genes, and 2601 non-coding RNA. Functional analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mostly associated with the PI3K signaling pathway and the IL17 signaling pathway. Genes regulated by DNA epigenetic regulatory networks were mainly related to the Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, whereas genes regulated by RNA epigenetic regulatory networks were primarily related to the T cell receptor signaling pathway. Finally, our integrated regulatory network analysis revealed that epigenetics mainly impacts the occurrence of TAO through its effects on key pathways such as cell killing, cytokine production, and immune response. In summary, this study is the first to reveal a new mechanism underlying the development of TAO and provides new directions for future TAO research.

Short night-time sleep duration is associated with thyroid nodules: A community-based survey from Guangzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining human health. This study aimed to explore the association between sleep status and thyroid nodules. METHODS: A total of 2414 individuals aged 18 or older with euthyroidism were enrolled in this community-based survey. Sleep status was self-reported. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed to measure nodules. Multiple logistic analyses were applied to adjust for confounding factors. RESULTS: The percentages of thyroid nodules among individuals who slept <5 hours, 5-8 hours, and >8 hours per night were 57.79% (115/199), 44.19% (833/1885) and 42.73% (141/330), respectively (p = 0.001). Individuals who slept <5 hours per night had a significantly higher percentage of thyroid nodules than those who slept 5-8 hours per night (57.79% vs. 44.19%, p = 0.001) or >8 hours per night (57.79% vs. 42.73%, P < 0.001). However, no similar result was shown between individuals who slept >8 hours and 5-8 hours per night (42.73% vs. 44.19%, p = 0.621). Multiple logistic analysis showed that a sleep duration of <5 hours per night was significantly associated with thyroid nodules (odds ratio (OR) 1.643, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.084-2.490, p = 0.019) when compared to a sleep duration of >8 hours per night. However, a sleep duration of <5 hours per night was not associated with thyroid nodules compared to a sleep duration of 5-8 hours (OR 1.294, 95% CI 0.918-1.824, p = 0.141). Similarly, no significant differences were seen among sleep duration per day, time of falling asleep, habit of daytime napping or thyroid nodules in multiple logistic analyses (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short nighttime sleep duration was associated with thyroid nodules in our community-based population. Screening for thyroid nodules among these individuals is recommended.

Hydrolyzed low-molecular-weight polysaccharide from Enteromorpha prolifera exhibits high anti-inflammatory activity and promotes wound healing.

Increased anti-inflammatory activity is key to accelerating wound healing. In this study, we prepared three types of water-soluble polysaccharides from Enteromorpha prolifera (PEPs) with different molecular weights by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis and evaluated their anti-inflammatory activity and wound-healing effects. The results showed that, under in vitro conditions, the low molecular-weight polysaccharide (LPEP) exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity and suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukins (IL-1ß, and IL-6) from macrophage RAW 264.7 cells through the TLR2-dependent NF-κB, PKC/ERK/MAPK, and PI3K/Akt signalling cascades, in a dose-dependent manner. Under in vivo conditions, the LPEP showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity, effectively reduced TNF-α production within 14 days, and significantly promoted wound healing to reach wound closure rates of up to 99.0%. Further, a higher number of fibroblast cells and a lower number of inflammatory cells were observed around the wound site in LPEP- and amoxicillin-treated rats than in 0.9% NaCl-treated rats. Similarly, faster tissue regeneration and more skin appendages were found for these two treatment groups. This study demonstrates the potential of LPEP as an effective anti-inflammatory agent to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.

Chitin-hydroxyapatite-collagen composite scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Bone defect is usually difficult to recover quickly, and bone scaffold transplantation is considered to be an effective method. Biomaterials have a wide range of application prospects in bone tissue repair, and the two key problems are the selection of materials and cells. The object of this study was to discuss the structural characteristics of bone scaffold materials and their effects on bone repair in vivo. The chitin-hydroxyapatite (HAP)-collagen composite scaffolds (CHCS) was prepared with epichlorohydrin (ECH) as crosslinking agent. The structure was characterized and the compressive strength, porosity, water absorbency and stability were investigated. The biocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation of CHCS in vitro were detected, and the effect of defect repair in vivo was evaluated. The results suggested that HAP not only enhanced the compressive strength of CHCS, but also promoted the formation of calcium nodules due to its bone conductivity. Histological staining showed that collagen promoted collagen deposition and new bone formation. X-ray images also indicated that CHCS transplantation accelerated bone repair. Therefore, CHCs has immense potential in bone regeneration.

Preparation of sustainable non-combustion filler substrate from waterworks sludge/aluminum slag/gypsum/silica/maifan stone for phosphorus immobilization in constructed wetlands.

In this study, an artificial wetland filler matrix capable of effectively fixing phosphorus was prepared using a non-combustion process to save energy. To evaluate the adsorption performance of this filler, adsorption experiments were performed and the phosphorus adsorption mechanism characterization was studied. An alkaline environment was found to be conducive to the increase of adsorption capacity, but excessive alkalinity was not conducive to adsorption. Static adsorption experiments showed that the phosphorus removal rate could reach 95% in the simulated phosphorus-containing wastewater after adsorption completion. The adsorption process is closely simulated by the pseudo-second-kinetic adsorption model. The isothermal adsorption experiment data were consistent with the Langmuir and the Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The characterization results showed a large number of micropores and adsorption binding sites inside and on the surface of the filler. Speciation analysis on the adsorbed phosphorus revealed that chemisorption by calcium in this filler was the dominant adsorption mechanism. The research results of this study provide the basis and reference for the development of high-efficiency phosphorus removal filler in constructed wetlands.