Impact of Dietary Patterns on Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Metabolic syndrome has become a significant public health concern. This study aims to investigate the impact of dietary patterns on metabolic syndrome in young adults and how physical activity modulates this effect. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a health management center in Tianjin, China, from September 2022 to March 2023. Participants aged 18-35 years were recruited using convenience sampling. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between these patterns and metabolic syndrome, adjusting for potential confounders. Among 442 participants, four dietary patterns were identified: Legume-Nut, Alcohol-Meat, Sugar-Processed, and Egg-Vegetable. The Legume-Nut dietary pattern was associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.08-6.37), while the Egg-Vegetable dietary pattern was associated with a lower risk (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10-0.70). No significant associations were found for the Sugar-Processed and Alcohol-Meat patterns. Subgroup analysis revealed that the Legume-Nut pattern increased the risk of metabolic syndrome among those with irregular physical activity, whereas the Egg-Vegetable pattern decreased the risk. These findings highlight the significant influence of dietary patterns on the risk of metabolic syndrome in young adults and the modifying effect of regular physical activity, underscoring the need for targeted dietary and lifestyle interventions to prevent metabolic syndrome in this population.

Latent transition of social participation and its effects on depression among older adults in China: A National Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVES: As populations age, the issue of social participation among older adults has gained prominence. Studies indicate variability in social participation trajectories among this demographic, yet the transition patterns and their effects on depression remain unclear. This longitudinal study aims to explore the latent classes and transition patterns in social participation among older adults and to evaluate their effects on depression. METHODS: Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2014 (T1) and 2018 (T2) were analyzed, including 2293 older adults. Latent class analysis (LCA) and latent transition analysis (LTA) were employed to identify latent classes of social participation at T1 and T2, as well as the transition probabilities between these classes. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine predictors of transitions, and depression levels at T2 were compared across transition patterns. RESULTS: The LCA results supported a 3-class model labeled as low, moderate, and high social participation. The probabilities of remaining stable and transitioning to other classes were similar across the three classes (ranging from 0.50 to 0.54). Age, gender, and other baseline characteristics emerged as significant predictors of transition patterns. Older adults experiencing positive transitions exhibited reduced depression compared to those in their original class over time, while those with negative transitions showed increased depression. CONCLUSIONS: This research prompts a deep understanding of social participation dynamics in older adults and their effects on depression. Identifying social participation classes and transition patterns could inform interventions to enhance social participation and reduce depression among older adults.

Robust, superabsorbent and antibacterial polysaccharide-based hybrid-network hydrogels for wound repair.

Hydrogel dressings with multiple functions are ideal options for wound repair. This study developed hydrogel dressings by interpenetrating the physically crosslinked xanthan gum (XG)/carboxylated chitosan (CCS) network and the chemically crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAAm) network via a one-pot method. The XG-CCS/PAAm hydrogels were found to display tunable mechanical properties, due to the formation of strong network structure. The hydrogels exhibited the strongest tensile strength of 0.6 MPa at an XG/CCS ratio of 40/60, while the largest compressive strength of 4.5 MPa is achieved at an XG/CCS ratio of 60/40. Moreover, the hydrogel with an XG/CCS ratio of 60/40 exhibited desirable adhesion strength on porcine skin, which was 3.7 kPa. It also had a swelling ratio, as high as 1200 %. After loading with cephalexin, the XG-CCS/PAAm hydrogels can deliver the antibacterial drugs following a first-order kinetic. As a result, both E. coli and S. aureus can be completely inactivated by the cefalexin-loaded hydrogels after 12 h. Furthermore, the XG-CCS/PAAm hydrogels were found to exhibit excellent biocompatibility as well as effective wound healing ability, as proven by the in vitro and in vivo tests. In this regard, XG-CCS/PAAm hydrogels can act as promising multifunctional wound dressings.

Geniposide for treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a systematic review on its biological characteristics, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology.

In recent years, the prevalence and fatality rates of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease have not only shown a consistent rise that cannot be ignored, but have also become a pressing social health problem that requires urgent attention. While interventional surgery and drug therapy offer significant therapeutic results, they often come with common side effects. Geniposide, an active component extracted from the Chinese medicine Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, shows promise in the management of cardiac conditions. This review comprehensively outlines the underlying pharmacological mechanisms by which geniposide exerts its effects on atherosclerosis. Geniposide exhibits a range of beneficial effects including alleviating inflammation, inhibiting the development of macrophage foam cells, improving lipid metabolism, and preventing platelet aggregation and thrombosis. It also demonstrates mitochondrial preservation, anti-apoptotic effects, and modulation of autophagy. Moreover, geniposide shows potential in improving oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress by maintaining the body's antioxidant and oxidative balance. Additionally, this review comprehensively details the biological properties of geniposide, including methods of extraction and purification, as well as its pharmacokinetics and toxicological characteristics. It further discusses the clinical applications of related biopharmaceuticals, emphasizing the potential of geniposide in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, it highlights the limitations of current research, aiming to provide insights for future studies.

Causal relationship between gut microbiota and gynecological tumor: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Introduction: Previous research has established associations between alterations in gut microbiota composition and various gynecologic tumors. However, establishing a causal relationship between gut microbiota and these tumors remains necessary. This study employs a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate causality, aiming to identify pathogenic bacterial communities potentially involved in gynecologic tumor development. Methods: Data from the MiBioGen consortium's Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) on gut microbiota were used as the exposure variable. Four common gynecologic neoplasms, including uterine fibroids (UF), endometrial cancer (EC), ovarian cancer (OC), and cervical cancer (CC), were selected as outcome variables. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with gut microbiota were chosen as instrumental variables (IVs). The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary MR analysis to assess the causal relationship. External validation An was conducted using an independent. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure robustness. Reverse MR analysis was also conducted to assess potential reverse causation. Results: Combining discovery and validation cohorts, we found that higher relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae is associated with lower UF risk (OR: 0.882, 95% CI: 0.793-0.982, P = 0.022). Conversely, higher OC incidence is associated with increased relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae (OR: 1.329, 95% CI: 1.019-1.732, P = 0.036). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings' reliability. Reverse MR analysis showed no evidence of reverse causation between UF, OC, and Lachnospiraceae. Discussion: This study establishes a causal relationship between Lachnospiraceae relative abundance and both UF and OC. These findings provide new insights into the potential role of gut microbiota in mechanisms underlying gynecological tumors development.

A ß-1,3/1,6-glucan enhances anti-tumor effects of PD1 antibody by reprogramming tumor microenvironment.

Checkpoint blockades have emerged as a frontline approach in cancer management, designed to enhance the adaptive immune response against tumors. However, its clinical efficacy is limited to a narrow range of tumor types, which necessitates the exploration of novel strategies that target another main branch of the immune system. One such potential strategy is the therapeutic modulation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) pathways in innate immune cells, which have shown promise in tumor eradication. Previously, a ß-1,3/1,6-glucan with high purity from Durvillaea antarctica (BG136) was reported by our group to exhibit pan-antitumor effects. In the current study, we systemically studied the antitumor activity of BG136 in combination with anti-PD1 antibody in MC38 syngeneic tumor model in vivo. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses suggested that BG136 enhanced the antitumor immunity of anti-PD1 antibody by reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to become more proinflammatory. In addition, an increase in innate and adaptive immune cell infiltration and activation, enhanced lipid metabolism, and a decrease in ascorbate and aldarate metabolism were also found. These findings provide mechanistic insights that support the potent antitumor efficacy of BG136 when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor antibodies.

Enhancing clinical safety in bioengineered-root regeneration: The use of animal component-free medium.

Background: Most studies used animal serum-containing medium for bioengineered-root regeneration, but ethical and safety issues raised by animal serum are a potentially significant risk for clinical use. Thus, this study aimed to find a safer method for bioengineered-root regeneration. Methods: The biological properties of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) cultured in animal component-free (ACF) medium or serum-containing medium (5%, 10% serum-containing medium, SCM) were compared in vitro. hDPSCs were cultured in a three-dimensional (3D) environment with human-treated dentin matrix (hTDM). The capacity for odontogenesis was compared using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. Subsequently, the hDPSCs/hTDM complexes were transplanted into nude mice subcutaneously. Histological staining was then used to verify the regeneration effect in vivo. Results: ACF medium promoted the migration of hDPSCs, but slightly inhibited the proliferation of hDPSCs in the first three days of culture compared to SCM. However, it had no significant effect on cell aging and apoptosis. After 7 days of 3D culture in ACF medium with hTDM, qPCR showed that DMP1, DSPP, OCN, RUNX2, and ß-tubulin III were highly expressed in hDPSCs. In addition, 3D cultured hDPSCs/hTDM complexes in ACF medium regenerated dentin, pulp, and periodontal ligament-like tissues similar to SCM groups in vivo. Conclusion: ACF medium was proved to be an alternative medium for bioengineered-root regeneration. The strategy of using ACF medium to regenerate bioengineered-root can improve clinical safety for tooth tissue engineering.

Exogenous leptin alleviates glutamate-excitotoxic injury caused by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in mice by affecting the expression of glutamate transporters.

Ischemic stroke is characterized by high morbidity and mortality and a lack of effective therapeutic interventions. Leptin plays an important role in regulating oxidative stress, angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, etc. Although recent studies have found a neuroprotective effect of leptin, little is known about its role in cerebral ischemia. This study explores the possible roles and potential preventative mechanisms of leptin in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). An in vivo middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) mouse model was used to replicate the CIRI model, low (0.5 mg/kg), medium (1 mg/kg) and high (2 mg/kg) concentrations of leptin were injected intraperitoneally immediately after inserting the embolic line. After 1.5 h of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion, we examined the neural function of the mice, collected brain tissue for histological examination, and screened for the optimal concentrations of leptin intervention. On this basis, we observed the changes of cortical apoptosis injury, intracellular calcium fluorescence intensity and astrocyte glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression and morphological changes. In addition, we also tested the expression of transporters and metabolism-related enzymes (VGLUT-1, VGLUT-2, GLAST, GLT-1, GS, ATP1α1), the expression of inflammatory factors and the content of glutamate (Glu). Compared with the I/R group, we found that leptin improved neurological deficits, reduced the area of infarcts, maintained the normal morphology of astrocytes (AST), downregulated the expression of VGLUT-1, and upregulates the expression of GLT-1 and GLAST, thereby reducing the content of Glu in the synaptic cleft. Our studies suggest that leptin may have a neuroprotective effect by decreasing the excitotoxicity of glutamate.

Physicochemical properties and in vitro release of formononetin nano-particles by ultrasonic probe-assisted precipitation in four polar organic solvents.

Although formononetin has a considerable biological activity, its therapeutic use is limited by its low solubility. Formononetin was dissolved in ethanol, methanol, N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in this investigation, the antisolvent precipitation procedure with the assistance of an external ultrasonic probe was used to manufacture the formononetin nano-particles. The ideal parameters for response surface BBD optimization are as follows: feed volume flow rate of 6 mL/min; ultrasonic power of 860 W; and liquid-liquid ratio of 1:12.5. The formononetin nano-particles have a smaller particle diameter than raw sample; the lowest size can be as small as (329 ± 1.99) nm, which is 45 times smaller than raw. An in vitro digestion test using a solution that simulated intestinal solution revealed that the release rate of the nano-particle was 1.75 times than that of the raw formononetin. The formononetin nano-particles generated by the aforementioned four solvents have the following order of diameter: ethanol > methanol > DMF > DMSO. This study provided a technical reference for the functional food components in deep processing.

A Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Assay for Detection of HBV RNA, DNA, and cccDNA in Cell Culture.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is undoubtedly a master in exploiting host resources while evading host defense for its multiplication within a constrained genetic coding capacity. To further unravel these cunning strategies, a clear picture of virus-host interaction with key subcellular and molecular contexts is needed. Here, we describe a FISH protocol modified from the ViewRNA assay that allows direct visualization of HBV RNA, DNA, and cccDNA in cell culture models (e.g., HepAD38, HepG2-NTCP). It can be coupled with immunofluorescence staining of viral or host proteins or other fluorescent tagging systems which could illuminate numerous aspects of virus-host interactions.

A Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization (CISH) Assay for Detection of HBV RNA, DNA, and cccDNA in Liver Tissue.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) developed highly intricates mechanisms exploiting host resources for its multiplication within a constrained genetic coding capacity. With the aid of a series of classical analytical methods such as ultrafiltration, and Southern and Northern blots, a general framework of HBV life cycle has been established. However, this picture still lacks many key histological contexts which involves pathophysiological changes of hepatocytes, non-parenchymal cells, infiltrated leukocytes, and associated extracellular matrix. Here, we describe a CISH protocol modified from the ViewRNA assay that allows direct visualization of HBV RNA, DNA, and cccDNA in liver tissue of chronic hepatitis B patients. By coupling it with immunohistochemistry and other histological stains, much richer information regarding the HBV-induced pathological changes can be harvested.

Weak Value Amplification Based Optical Sensor for High Throughput Real-Time Immunoassay of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein.

The demand for accurate and efficient immunoassays calls for the development of precise, high-throughput analysis methods. This paper introduces a novel approach utilizing a weak measurement interface sensor for immunoassays, offering a solution for high throughput analysis. Weak measurement is a precise quantum measurement method that amplifies the weak value of a system in the weak interaction through appropriate pre- and post-selection states. To facilitate the simultaneous analysis of multiple samples, we have developed a chip with six flow channels capable of conducting six immunoassays concurrently. We can perform real-time immunoassay to determine the binding characteristics of spike protein and antibody through real-time analysis of the flow channel images and calculating the relative intensity. The proposed method boasts a simple structure, eliminating the need for intricate nano processes. The spike protein concentration and relative intensity curve were fitted using the Log-Log fitting regression equation, and R2 was 0.91. Utilizing a pre-transformation approach to account for slight variations in detection sensitivity across different flow channels, the present method achieves an impressive limit of detection(LOD) of 0.85 ng/mL for the SARS-CoV-2 the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein, with a system standard deviation of 5.61. Furthermore, this method has been successfully verified for monitoring molecular-specific binding processes and differentiating binding capacities.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the caregiver self-efficacy in contributing to patient self-care scale in China.

BACKGROUND: Caregiver self-efficacy is crucial in improving patient outcomes and caregiver well-being, but there is a lack of suitable scales to assess this concept within the context of Chinese culture. This study aimed to cross-culturally translate the Caregiver Self-Efficacy in Contributing to Patient Self-Care (CSE-CSC) Scale and evaluate its psychometric properties using classical test theory and item response theory. METHODS: The CSE-CSC scale was adapted using Brislin's translation model after obtaining authorization from the original author. A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of this scale. Classical test theory was used to evaluate reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability), validity (content validity, structural validity, convergent validity), and floor and ceiling effects. Item response theory was employed to assess the fit of the rating scale model, reliability, item difficulties, and measurement invariance. RESULTS: The translation and cultural adaptation process was completed. Classical test theory demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.935) and test-retest reliability (ICC from 0.784 to 0.829, p<0.001). The I-CVI and K* of each item ranged from 0.875 to 1.00 and 0.871 to 1.00. The first-order 2-factor model fit well (χ2/df = 3.71, RMSEA = 0.082, SRMR = 0.032, CFI = 0.973, TLI = 0.60). Convergent validity showed that the CSE-CSC scores had a strong positive correlation with three separate scales of the CC-SC-CII. There was no floor and ceiling effect in this scale. Rasch analysis showed that the CSE-CSC scale demonstrated a good fit to the rating scale model and exhibited excellent reliability (person/item separation index>2, person/item reliability coefficients>0.8). The Wright map showed that item difficulty matched the respondents' measured abilities. The analysis of differential item functioning (DIF) showed that all items were comparable in gender. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that the CSE-CSC scale had good reliability, validity, difficulty degree, and measurement invariance. The CSE-CSC scale can be used to measure caregiver self-efficacy of Chinese patients with multiple chronic conditions.

Mediating role of chiro-inositol metabolites on the effects of HLA-DR-expressing CD14 + monocytes in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory condition, is caused by several factors involving aberrant immune responses. Genetic factors are crucial in IBD occurrence. Mendelian randomization (MR) can offer a new perspective in understanding IBD's genetic background. METHODS: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were considered instrumental variables (IVs). We analyzed the relationship between 731 immunophenotypes, 1,400 metabolite phenotypes, and IBD. The total effect was decomposed into indirect and direct effects, and the ratio of the indirect effect to the total effect was calculated. RESULTS: We identified the causal effects of HLA-DR-expressing CD14 + monocytes on IBD through MR analysis. The phenotype "HLA-DR expression on CD14 + monocytes" showed the strongest association among the selected 48 immune phenotypes. Chiro-inositol metabolites mediated the effect of CD14 + monocytes expressing HLA-DR on IBD. An increase in Chiro-inositol metabolites was associated with a reduced risk of IBD occurrence, accounting for 4.97%. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed a new pathway by which HLA-DR-expressing CD14 + monocytes indirectly reduced the risk of IBD occurrence by increasing the levels of Chiro-inositol metabolites. The results provided a new perspective on the immunoregulatory mechanisms underlying IBD, laying a theoretical foundation for developing new therapeutic targets in the future.

Antimony-Doped Wide Bandgap Molybdenum Trioxide with Enhanced Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance for Nitrogen Photofixation.

Plasmonic metal oxides are promising photocatalysts for the artificial photosynthesis of green ammonia due to localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) enhanced photoconversion and rich surface oxygen vacancies improved chemisorption and activation of dinitrogen molecules. However, these oxygen vacancies are unstable during the photocatalytic process and could be oxidized by photogenerated holes, leading to the vanishing of the LSPR. Here, we fabricated antimony-doped molybdenum trioxide nanosheets with stable plasmonic absorption extending into the near-infrared (NIR) range, even after harsh treatment in oxidative atmospheric conditions at high temperatures. For undoped plasmonic MoO3-x nanosheets, the LSPR originates from the abundant oxygen vacancies that vanish after heat treatment at high temperatures in air, leading to the disappearance of the LSPR absorption. Sb doping does not significantly increase the concentration of oxygen vacancies while donating more free electrons because Sb can keep a lower oxidation state. Heat treatment diminished the oxygen vacancies while not affecting the low oxidation state of Sb. As a result, heat-treated Sb-doped MoO3-x nanosheets still show strong LSPR absorption in the NIR range. Both experimental results and theoretical calculations demonstrated that add-on states close to the Fermi level are formed due to the Sb doping and high concentration of oxygen vacancies. The prepared samples were used for photocatalytic nitrogen reduction and showed an LSPR-dependent photocatalytic performance. The present work has provided an effective strategy to stabilize the LSPR of plasmonic semiconductor photocatalysts.

Optical Label-Free Aptasensor Based on Weak Value Amplification for Real-Time and Ultrasensitive Detection of IgE.

Allergy is a prevalent disease, and the potential allergic population is expanding with industrialization and changes in people's living standards. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level is one of the critical indicators for determining allergy. Here, we proposed a simple, real-time monitoring, low chip cost, label-free aptamer biosensing strategy based on weak value amplification (WVA) for the quantitative detection of IgE in serum samples, enabling early and accurate diagnosis of allergic or hypersensitive patients. The aptasensor combined an imaging weak measurement system with the high specificity of the aptamer for the marker IgE. By modifying the amino group at the 3-terminal end, the anti-IgE aptamers can attach to a dopamine-modified prism's surface and selectively recognize IgE in human serum. In the presence of IgE, a specific binding reaction occurred, resulting in a change in the refractive index of the reactive region's surface, manifested as a change in the light intensity of the camera acquired experimental images. As the concentration of IgE increased, the relative light intensity advanced sequentially. The WVA-aptasensing strategy achieved a wide detection range of 0.01 ng/mL to 2 µg/mL in phosphate buffered saline buffer, with the resolution as low as 4.3 pg/mL. IgE testing experiments in human serum have proved the feasibility of our methods in detecting complex samples. In addition, the method specifically recognized IgE without interference from other proteins. We believe that our proposed sensing strategy opens up new possibilities for ultrahigh sensitivity screening of IgE and can be expanded to detecting other biomolecules.

Realization of high-performance biosensor through sandwich analysis utilizing weak value amplification.

A label-free optical sandwich immunoassay sensor, utilizing weak value amplification and total internal reflection, was devised for real-time, high-sensitivity analysis and detection of low-concentration targets. 3D printed channels and sodium chloride solution were employed to ensure reproducibility, reliability, and stability of the measurements for calibration. The sandwich structure demonstrated enhanced responsiveness in the proposed optical biosensor through a comparative analysis of the direct assay and sandwich assay for detecting alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) at the same concentration. By optimizing the binding sequences of the coating antibody, target, and detection antibody in the sandwich method, a more suitable sandwich sensing approach based on weak value amplification was achieved. With this approach, the limit of detection (LOD) of 6.29 ng/mL (pM level) for AFP in PBS solution was achieved. AFP testing and regeneration experiments in human serum have proved the feasibility of our methods in detecting complex samples and the reusability of sensing chips. Additionally, the method demonstrated excellent selectivity for unpaired antigens. The efficacy of this methodology was evaluated by simultaneously detecting AFP, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and CA15-3 on a singular sensor chip. In conclusion, the label-free sandwich immunoassay sensing scheme holds promise for advancing the proposed optical sensors based on weak value amplification in early diagnosis and prevention applications. Compared to other biomarker detection methods, it will be easier to promote in practical applications.

Rainfall seasonality shapes microbial assembly and niche characteristics in Yunnan Plateau lakes, China.

Microorganisms are crucial components of freshwater ecosystems. Understanding the microbial community assembly processes and niche characteristics in freshwater ecosystems, which are poorly understood, is crucial for evaluating microbial ecological roles. The Yunnan Plateau lakes in China represent a freshwater ecosystem that is experiencing eutrophication due to anthropogenic activities. Here, variation in the assembly and niche characteristics of both prokaryotic and microeukaryotic communities was explored in Yunnan Plateau lakes across two seasons (dry season and rainy season) to determine the impacts of rainfall and environmental conditions on the microbial community and niche. The results showed that the environmental heterogeneity of the lakes decreased in the rainy season compared to the dry season. The microbial (bacterial and microeukaryotic) α-diversity significantly decreased during the rainy season. Deterministic processes were found to dominate microbial community assembly in both seasons. ß-Diversity decomposition analysis revealed that microbial community compositional dissimilarities were dominated by species replacement processes. The co-occurrence networks indicated reduced species complexity for microbes and a destabilized network for prokaryotes prior to rainfall, while the opposite was found for microeukaryotes following rainfall. Microbial niche breadth decreased significantly in the rainy season. In addition, lower prokaryotic niche overlap, but greater microeukaryotic niche overlap, was observed after rainfall. Rainfall and environmental conditions significantly affected the microbial community assembly and niche characteristics. It can be concluded that rainfall and external pollutant input during the seasonal transition alter the lake environment, thereby regulating the microbial community and niche in these lakes. Our findings offer new insight into microbiota assembly and niche patterns in plateau lakes, further deepening the understanding of freshwater ecosystem functioning.

Modulation of monocyte activity by hepatocellular MicroRNA delivery through HBsAg particles: Implications for pathobiology of chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HBsAg serves as an important immune-modulatory factor in chronic hepatitis B. One aspect of such modulation may act through monocytes, which are the major Ag-presenting cells taking up HBsAg. There is evidence for the encapsulation of hepatocellular microRNAs (miRNAs) by HBsAg particles, while its pathobiological significance is unclear. Here, we characterized the miRNA profile in patients with chronic hepatitis B and probed their association with liver inflammation. APPROACHES AND RESULTS: We collected plasma from patients that are treatment-naive with chronic hepatitis B (n = 110) and quantified total/HBsAg-enveloped miRNAs by qRT-PCR and plasma cytokines by ELISA. The biological effects of HBsAg-delivered miRNAs in monocytes were evaluated using multiple approaches. The clinical significance of candidate miRNAs and cytokines was corroborated in patients with HBV-associated advanced liver diseases. The plasma miRNA profile showed 2 major clusters, one significantly associated with HBsAg titer and the other correlated with liver inflammation. Among HBsAg-carried miRNAs, miR-939 displayed the most significant correlation with IL-8. Mechanistically, miR-939 in subviral particles enters monocytes and significantly augments IL-8 production through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 signaling pathway. Finally, the findings that miR-939 positively correlated with IL-8 level and inflammation/fibrosis stage in the cohort of HBV-associated advanced liver diseases support its causative role in the progression of liver diseases. CONCLUSIONS: HBsAg particles carry hepatocellular miRNAs, including miR-939, which enter monocytes and alter their functional status, such as IL-8 secretion. Our findings demonstrate that the HBsAg-miR-939-IL-8 axis may play a crucial role in HBV-induced hepatic necro-inflammation and the progression of advanced liver diseases.