A comparative study of the use of digital technology in the anterior smile experience.

OBJECTIVES: this study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of traditional and digital crown extension guides in the aesthetic restoration of anterior teeth. Additionally, the study will analyze the differences in the results of various digital crown extension guides in anterior aesthetic restorations. METHODS: Sixty-two patients who required aesthetic restoration of their anterior teeth were selected for this study. The patients had a total of 230 anterior teeth and were randomly divided into three groups: a control group of 22 cases who received diagnostic wax-up with pressure film, an experimental group 1 of 20 cases who received 3D printed digital models with pressure film, and an experimental group 2 of 20 patients who received digital dual-positioning guides. The control group had a total of 84 anterior teeth, experimental group 1 had 72 anterior teeth, and experimental group 2 had 74 anterior teeth. The study compared three methods for fabricating crown extension guides: the control group used the diagnostic wax-up plus compression film method, while experimental group 1 used compression film on 3D printed models and experimental group 2 used 3D printed digital dual-positioning crown extension guides. After the crown lengthening surgery, the control group patients wore DMG resin temporary crown material for gingival contouring, while the experimental group patients wore 3D printed resin temporary crowns for the same purpose. The patients were followed up in the outpatient clinic after wearing temporary crowns for 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. The clinical results were evaluated in terms of marginal fit, red aesthetic index, and white aesthetic index. RESULTS: Based on the statistical analysis, the experimental group required significantly fewer follow-up visits and less time for guide design and fabrication compared to the control group. Additionally, the surgical time for the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group. During the postoperative period between the 1st and 3rd month, the PES index scores for the marginal gingival level, proximal, and distal mesiodistal gingival papillae of the experimental group showed a trend of superiority over those of the control group. By the 6th month, the marginal gingival level exhibited a significant difference between the experimental and control groups. The experimental group demonstrated superior results to the control group in terms of shape, contour, and volume of the teeth, color, surface texture, and transparency of the restorations, and features during the 1st and 3rd postoperative months. In the 6th month, the comparative results indicated that the experimental group continued to exhibit superior outcomes to the control group in terms of the shape, color, surface texture, and transparency of the restorations, as well as the characteristics of the teeth. Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated significantly fewer gingival alterations than the control group at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-procedure, with this difference being statistically significant. Furthermore, the combination of 3D printing technology and restorative techniques was utilized, resulting in consistent patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Digitalisation plays an important role in anterior aesthetic restorations. The use of digital technology to manage the entire process of anterior cosmetic restorations can improve restorative results, reduce the number of follow-up appointments, shorten consultation time, and achieve better patient satisfaction.

Chelativorans salis sp. nov., a slightly halophilic bacterium isolated from an enrichment system with saline lake sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, and slightly halophilic alphaproteobacterium, designated strain EGI FJ00035T, was isolated from enrichment sediment samples of a saline lake in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, PR China. The taxonomic position of the isolate was determined using the polyphasic taxonomic and phylogenomic analyses. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain EGI FJ00035T formed a distinct clade with 'Chelativorans alearense' UJN715 and 'Chelativorans xinjiangense' lm93 with sequence similarities of 98.44 and 98.22 %, respectively, while sharing less than 96.7 % with other valid type strains. The novel isolate could be distinguished from other species of the genus Chelativorans by its distinct phenotypic, physiological, and genotypic characteristics. Optimal growth of strain EGI FJ00035T occurred on marine agar 2216 at pH 7.0 and 30 °C. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10, while the major fatty acids (>5 %) were C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, summed feature 8 (C17 : 1 ω6c and/or C17 : 1 ω7c), C16 : 0, C18 : 0, and iso-C17 : 0. The detected polar lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified aminophospholipids, unidentified glycolipids, and an unidentified lipid. Based on its genome sequence, the G+C content of strain EGI FJ00035T was 63.2 mol%. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain EGI FJ00035T against related members of the genus Chelativorans were below the thresholds for delineation of a novel species. According our polyphasic taxonomic data, strain EGI FJ00035T represents a new species of the genus Chelativorans, for which the name Chelativorans salis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the proposed novel isolate is EGI FJ00035T (=KCTC 92251T=CGMCC 1.19480T).

Short-Wave Infrared Colloidal QDs Photodetector with Nanosecond Response Times Enabled by Ultrathin Absorber Layers.

Ultrafast short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) photodetection is of great interest for emerging automated vision and spatial mapping technologies. Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) stand out for SWIR photodetection compared to epitaxial (In,Ga)As or (Hg,Cd)Te semiconductors by their combining a size-tunable bandgap and a suitability for cost-effective, solution-based processing. However, achieving ultrafast, ns-level response time has remained an outstanding challenge for QD-based SWIR photodiodes (QDPDs). Here, we report on record 4 ns response time in PbS-based QDPDs that operate at SWIR wavelengths, a result reaching the requirement of SWIR LiDAR based on colloidal QDs. These ultrafast QDPDs combine a thin active layer to reduce the carrier transport time and a small area to inhibit slow capacitive discharging. By implementing a concentration gradient ligand exchange method, high-quality p-n junctions are fabricated in these ultrathin QDPDs. Moreover, these ultrathin QDPDs attain an external quantum efficiency of 42% at 1330 nm, due to a 2.5-fold enhanced light absorption through the formation of a Fabry-Perot cavity within the QDPD and the highly efficient extraction (98%) of photogenerated charge carriers from the PbS QD film. Based on these results, we estimate that a further increase of the charge-carrier mobility can lead to PbS QDPDs with sub-ns response time. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Biomechanical effects of clear aligner with different shape design at extraction space area during anterior teeth retraction.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of clear aligner (CA) with different shape designs at extraction space (CAES) area during space closing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A finite-element method (FEM) model of mandibular dentition, periodontal ligaments, attachments, and corresponding CA was established. The connecting rod design of CAES was modelled for the control group. Eight test groups with different heights of CAES from -4 mm to +4 mm were designed. Tooth displacement tendencies were calculated. The maximum principal stress in PDLs, teeth, and CAs was analysed. Both global coordinate system and local coordinate system were also used to evaluate individual tooth movements. RESULTS: Across all groups, stresses concentrated on the lingual outer surface of CAESs. For the lowered CAES groups, both the stress value and the stress distribution area at CAESs were increased. The lowered CAES groups showed reduced movement in anterior teeth and less tipping tendency of the canines. CONCLUSION: The shape of CAES has a biomechanical impact on anterior teeth movement and should be considered in aligner design. The results suggest that increasing the height of CAES can enhance anterior teeth retraction, while lowered CAES may facilitate controlled root movement. Changes in the shape of CAES represent a potential direction for biomechanical improvement of clear aligner in extraction cases and are worth exploring.

Coronary artery calcification in Takayasu's arteritis: clinical characteristics and risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is frequently observed in Takayasu's arteritis (TAK). Our objective is to calculate the prevalence and severity of CAC in TAK, while evaluating the influence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, glucocorticoid exposure, and disease activity on CAC. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 155 TAK patients. We measured the Agatston score by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and categorised all patients into groups with or without CAC (41 vs. 114) to compare clinical characteristics and ancillary findings between the two groups. RESULTS: Among the TAK patients, a total of 41 TAK patients (26.45%) exhibited CAC. Age of onset, disease duration, history of hypertension, history of hyperlipidaemia, Numano V and glucocorticoid use emerged as the independent risk factors for developing CAC in TAK (OR [95% CI] 1.084[1.028-1.142], p=0.003; 1.005 [1.001-1.010], p=0.020; 4.792 [1.713-13.411], p=0.003; 4.199 [1.087-16.219], p=0.037; 3.287 [1.070-10.100], p=0.038; 3.558[1.269-9.977], p=0.016). Nonetheless, CAC was not associated with disease activity. Moreover, the extent of calcification score in TAK showed a positive correlation with the number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend CCTA screening for Numano V classified TAK patients. Glucocorticoid usage significantly escalates the risk of CAC. Therefore, in cases of effectively controlled disease, the inclusion of immunosuppressants aimed at reducing glucocorticoid dosage is advisable.

Exploring deep learning radiomics for classifying osteoporotic vertebral fractures in X-ray images.

Purpose: To develop and validate a deep learning radiomics (DLR) model that uses X-ray images to predict the classification of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). Material and methods: The study encompassed a cohort of 942 patients, involving examinations of 1076 vertebrae through X-ray, CT, and MRI across three distinct hospitals. The OVFs were categorized as class 0, 1, or 2 based on the Assessment System of Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Fracture. The dataset was divided randomly into four distinct subsets: a training set comprising 712 samples, an internal validation set with 178 samples, an external validation set containing 111 samples, and a prospective validation set consisting of 75 samples. The ResNet-50 architectural model was used to implement deep transfer learning (DTL), undergoing -pre-training separately on the RadImageNet and ImageNet datasets. Features from DTL and radiomics were extracted and integrated using X-ray images. The optimal fusion feature model was identified through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression. Evaluation of the predictive capabilities for OVFs classification involved eight machine learning models, assessed through receiver operating characteristic curves employing the "One-vs-Rest" strategy. The Delong test was applied to compare the predictive performance of the superior RadImageNet model against the ImageNet model. Results: Following pre-training separately on RadImageNet and ImageNet datasets, feature selection and fusion yielded 17 and 12 fusion features, respectively. Logistic regression emerged as the optimal machine learning algorithm for both DLR models. Across the training set, internal validation set, external validation set, and prospective validation set, the macro-average Area Under the Curve (AUC) based on the RadImageNet dataset surpassed those based on the ImageNet dataset, with statistically significant differences observed (P<0.05). Utilizing the binary "One-vs-Rest" strategy, the model based on the RadImageNet dataset demonstrated superior efficacy in predicting Class 0, achieving an AUC of 0.969 and accuracy of 0.863. Predicting Class 1 yielded an AUC of 0.945 and accuracy of 0.875, while for Class 2, the AUC and accuracy were 0.809 and 0.692, respectively. Conclusion: The DLR model, based on the RadImageNet dataset, outperformed the ImageNet model in predicting the classification of OVFs, with generalizability confirmed in the prospective validation set.

Electroacupuncture can Modify Stress, Low-Grade Inflammation in the Duodenum, and Damage to the Intestinal Barrier in Rats with Functional Dyspepsia through the CRF Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND: In the domain of functional gastrointestinal disorders, Functional Dyspepsia (FD) stands out due to its widespread occurrence internationally. Historically, electroacupuncture (EA) has been employed as a therapeutic modality for FD, demonstrating notable clinical efficacy. OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to delve into the impact of EA on stress responses, minor duodenal inflammatory processes, and the integrity of the intestinal barrier within FD-affected rodent models while also elucidating the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were evenly distributed into three cohorts: a normal, a modeled FD, and an EA treatment group. The FD condition in the rats, barring those in the normal, was induced through a series of multifactorial procedures. For the EA cohort, the rats received electroacupuncture at the acupoints RN12 (Zhongwan) and ST36 (Zusanli) for 20 minutes daily over a span of one week. The gastric residue rate (GRR), intestinal propulsion rate (IPR), and changes in emotional state were measured in each group of rats. Additionally, serum levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) were detected, and the duodenal inflammatory condition and intestinal mucosal barrier status were observed through staining and fluorescence. The expression levels of Claudin-1, Junctional Adhesion Molecule 1 (JAM-1), Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF), and Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor 1 (CRF-R1) were also detected. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that EA had a positive effect on body weight and food intake, GRR, and IPR in FD rats. Additionally, the EA group showed a decrease in serum levels of CRH, ACTH, and CORT, as well as a decrease in the number of duodenal mast cells and tryptase content. Furthermore, the expression of tight junction proteins Claudin-1 and JAM-1 was increased in the EA group compared to the model group. EA also reduced the levels of CRF and CRF-R1 in the hypothalamus and duodenum. CONCLUSION: EA has been shown to improve the stress state of FD rats, inhibit the activation of mast cells in the duodenum, and reduce low-grade inflammatory response and damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier. It is believed that EA achieves these effects by modulating the expression of CRF and its receptors in the brain-gut interaction pathway through the CRF signaling pathway. This provides a new approach to treating FD.

Systematic Analysis of the Relationship Between Elevated Zinc and Epilepsy.

Previous studies have indicated a potential relationship between zinc and epilepsy. The aim of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between zinc, zinc-dependent carbonic anhydrase, and gray matter volume in brain regions enriched with zinc and epilepsy, as well as explore the possible mechanisms by which zinc contributes to epilepsy. First, this study assessed the risk causality between zinc, carbonic anhydrase, and gray matter volume alterations in zinc-enriched brain regions and various subtypes of epilepsy based on Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. And then, this study conducted GO/KEGG analysis based on colocalization analysis, MAGMA analysis, lasso regression, random forest model, and XGBoost model. The results of Mendelian randomization analyses showed a causal relationship between zinc, carbonic anhydrase-4, and generalized epilepsy (p = 0.044 , p = 0.010). Additionally, carbonic anhydrase-1 and gray matter volume of the caudate nucleus were found to be associated with epilepsy and focal epilepsy (p = 0.014, p = 0.003 and p = 0.022, p = 0.009). A colocalization relationship was found between epilepsy and focal epilepsy (PP.H4.abf = 97.7e - 2). Meanwhile, the MAGMA analysis indicated that SNPs associated with epilepsy and focal epilepsy were functionally localized to zinc-finger-protein-related genes (p < 1.0e - 5). The genes associated with focal epilepsy were found to have a molecular function of zinc ion binding (FDR = 2.3e - 6). After the onset of epilepsy, the function of the gene whose expression changed in the rats with focal epilepsy was enriched in the biological process of vascular response (FDR = 4.0e - 5). These results revealed mechanism of the increased risk of epilepsy caused by elevated zinc may be related to the increase of zinc ion-dependent carbonic anhydrase or the increase of the volume of zinc-rich caudate gray matter.

A new substrate equalization method for optimizing the influent conditions and fluid flow patterns of a multifed upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor with mature anammox granules.

To improve nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) and achieve homogenous distribution of anammox sludge and substrate, a new substrate equalization theory and a cumulative overload index was proposed for multifed upflow anaerobic sludge bed (MUASB) reactors with mature anammox granules. The performance and flow patterns of MUASB reactors were investigated under various influent conditions. The results showed that the nitrogen removal performance and stability of MUASB reactors could be optimized by minimizing the cumulative load. The NRE gradually increased from 83.3 ± 2.2 %, 86.8 ± 4.2 % to 89.3 ± 4.1 % and 89.7 ± 1.6 % in feeding flow tests and feeding port tests, respectively. Furthermore, the flow patterns were compared based on residence time distribution and computational fluid dynamics, indicating that a better equilibrium distribution of microorganisms and substrates could be achieved in the MUASB reactors under the lowest cumulative load. Therefore, substrate equalization theory can be used to optimize the nitrogen removal performance of MUASB reactors with low-carbon footprints.

Nlrp3 inflammasome drives regulatory T cell depletion to accelerate periapical bone erosion.

AIM: Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder triggered by an immune response to bacterial infection, leading to the periapical tissue damage and alveolar resorption. However, the underlying mechanisms driving this process remain elusive, due to the complex and interconnected immune microenvironment within the local lesion site. In this study, the influence of Nlrp3 inflammasome-mediated immune response on the apical periodontitis was investigated. METHODOLOGY: RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry and ELISA assay were performed to investigate the activation of Nlrp3 inflammasome signalling pathways in the human periapical tissues, including radicular cysts, periapical granulomas and healthy oral mucosa. A mouse model of apical periodontitis was established to study the role of Nlrp3 knockout in periapical bone resorption and Treg cell stability, and the underlying mechanism was explored through in vitro experiments. In vivo Treg cell adoptive transfer was performed to investigate the effects of Treg cells on the progression of apical periodontitis. RESULTS: Our findings find that the hyperactivated Nlrp3 inflammasome is present in human periapical lesions and plays a vital role in the immune-related periapical bone loss. Using a mouse model of apical periodontitis, we observe that Nlrp3 deficiency is resistant to bone resorption. This protection was accompanied by elevated generation and infiltration of local Treg cells that displayed a notable ability to suppress RANKL-dependent osteoclast differentiation. In terms of the mechanism of action, Nlrp3 deficiency directly inhibits the osteoclast differentiation and bone loss through JNK/MAPK and NF-κB pathways. In addition, Nlrp3 induces pyroptosis in the stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs), and the subsequent release of cytokines affects the stability of Treg cell in periapical lesions, leading indirectly to enhanced bone resorption. In turn, adoptive transfer of both Nlrp3-deficient and wild-type Treg cells effectively prevent the bone erosion during apical periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: Together, our data identify that the Nlrp3 inflammasome modulates the Treg cell stability and osteoclastogenesis in the periapical inflammatory microenvironment, thus determining the progression of bone erosion.

Extracellular Vesicles: A New Star for Gene Drug Delivery.

Recently, gene therapy has become a subject of considerable research and has been widely evaluated in various disease models. Though it is considered as a stand-alone agent for COVID-19 vaccination, gene therapy is still suffering from the following drawbacks during its translation from the bench to the bedside: the high sensitivity of exogenous nucleic acids to enzymatic degradation; the severe side effects induced either by exogenous nucleic acids or components in the formulation; and the difficulty to cross the barriers before reaching the therapeutic target. Therefore, for the successful application of gene therapy, a safe and reliable transport vector is urgently needed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the ideal candidate for the delivery of gene drugs owing to their low immunogenicity, good biocompatibility and low toxicity. To better understand the properties of EVs and their advantages as gene drug delivery vehicles, this review covers from the origin of EVs to the methods of EVs generation, as well as the common methods of isolation and purification in research, with their pros and cons discussed. Meanwhile, the engineering of EVs for gene drugs is also highlighted. In addition, this paper also presents the progress in the EVs-mediated delivery of microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, messenger RNAs, plasmids, and antisense oligonucleotides. We believe this review will provide a theoretical basis for the development of gene drugs.

Distinctive volcanic ash-rich lacustrine shale deposition related to chemical weathering intensity during the Late Triassic: Evidence from lithium contents and isotopes.

The Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) witnessed enormous climate change closely associated with volcanic activity. However, the coupling relationship between volcanic activity and climate change, which may be linked to chemical weathering, has not yet been fully uncovered. We used lithium contents and isotopes of volcanic ash (VA)-bearing lacustrine shale to constrain their deposition pathways and response to climate changes, i.e., weathering intensity, during the Late Triassic era. Elevated δ7Li (i.e., >2.5‰) and low Li contents (i.e., <65 microgram per gram) in shale likely document the direct depositing of volcanic lithium from airborne VA, which mainly inherited Earth's interior δ7Li signal. By contrast, shale yields markedly high lithium contents (i.e., >135 microgram per gram), alongside relatively low δ7Li (i.e., <0‰), likely implying waterborne VA dominated by intensified weathering under a super humidity climate. Hence, this study provides evidence for the differential VA-rich shale deposition model related to chemical weathering states synchronous with climate changes during the CPE period.

Soil microbial diversity and composition response to degradation of the alpine meadow in the southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

With the interaction between global climate change and unreasonable human utilization, the alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have suffered various weathering degrees. Uncovering the degradation mechanism and restoration strategies can be facilitated by gaining insights into the diversity of soil microflora during meadow degradation. Therefore, we used Illumina sequencing technology to investigate the patterns of soil microbial diversity, microbial community composition, and the driving factors of microbial change in all non-degraded (ND), lightly degraded (LD), moderately degraded (MD), and severely degraded (SD) alpine meadows in the southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Our results pointed out that with the intensification of degradation, vegetation characteristics were significantly reduced, and soil parameters significantly varied among all degraded meadows. The contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AN), and total phosphorous (AK) in soils decreased with the increase of degradation. The dominant bacterial phyla were the same regardless of the meadow degradation level with Actinobacteria (37.67%) and Proteobacteria (20.62%) having the highest relative abundance. Meanwhile, the dominant fungi were Ascomycota (49.9%). Based on the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and effect size (LEfSe) method, 38 bacterial and 49 fungal species were found to be affected in the degraded alpine meadow, most of which belonged to Actinobacteria and Ascomycota, respectively. Mantel test analysis illustrated that the bacterial community was mainly significantly dependent on below-ground biomass, pH, soil organic carbon, and total nitrogen, while the fungal community was significantly dependent on soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and available potassium. These results suggest that the degeneration of alpine meadows contributes to the variability of the diversity and composition of microflora on the Tibetan plateau. Yet this effect is mainly dependent on soil factors.

A tear-free and edible dehydrated vegetables packaging film with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties from soluble soybean polysaccharide blending carboxylated nanocellulose.

The aim of the study was to develop soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) -carboxylated nanocellulose (CNC) blending films with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties to be used as a tear-free and edible packaging materials. The films were formed by casting method, with CNC as the strengthening unit and glycerol as the plasticizer. The effect of CNC on structural and physical performances of the SSPS-CNC films were studied. SEM indicated that the film will stratify with excess CNC (10 %), but the film remains intact and compact. Incorporation of CNC into SSPS films did not change peak position in the XRD pattern significantly. Hydrogen bonds among SSPS, glycerol and CNC were indicated by the FTIR spectra. The compounding of CNC greatly lessened the light transmittance and hydrophilicity (CA increased from 55.42° to 70.67°), but perfected the barrier (WVP decreased from 3.595 × 10-10 to 2.593 × 10-10 g m-1 s-1 Pa-1) and mechanical properties (TS improved from 0.806 to 1.317 MPa). The results of packaging dehydrated vegetable indicated that the SSPS-8CNC film can effectively inhibit the packaged cabbage absorption water vapor. As a consequence, SSPS film perfected by CNC is hopeful to pack dehydrated vegetables in instant foods.

Exploration of the protective mechanisms of Icariin against cisplatin-induced renal cell damage in canines.

This study delves into the protective mechanisms of Icariin (ICA) against cisplatin-induced damage in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Comprising two distinct phases, the investigation initially employed a single-factor randomized design to ascertain the minimal cisplatin concentration eliciting MDCK cell damage, spanning concentrations from 0 to 16 mmol/L. Concurrently, various concentrations of ICA (ranging from 5 to 50 mmol/L) were combined with 1 mmol/L cisplatin to determine the most efficacious treatment concentration. Subsequent investigations utilized four treatment groups: control, 1 mmol/L cisplatin, 1 mmol/L cisplatin + 20 mmol/L ICA, and 1 mmol/L cisplatin + 25 mmol/L ICA, aimed at elucidating ICA's protective mechanisms. Findings from the initial phase underscored a significant reduction in MDCK cell viability with 1 mmol/L cisplatin in comparison to the control (P < 0.01). Notably, the inclusion of 20 and 25 mmol/L ICA substantively ameliorated MDCK cell viability under 1 mmol/L cisplatin (P < 0.01). Moreover, cisplatin administration induced an elevation in inflammatory factors, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Bax protein levels, while concurrently suppressing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and Bcl-2 expression (P < 0.01). Conversely, supplementation of 20 and 25 mmol/L ICA demonstrated a marked increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and levels of SOD, CAT, and Bcl-2 (P < 0.01). These interventions effectively attenuated inflammatory responses and suppressed Bax protein expression (P < 0.05), consequently mitigating cisplatin-induced apoptosis in MDCK cells (P < 0.01). In summary, these findings elucidate the role of ICA in impeding apoptosis in cisplatin-induced MDCK cells by regulating inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and autophagic protein expression.

Emerging role of N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in regulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and virus-host interactions.

Since December 2019, the infection caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed an enormous threat to human health security worldwide. Constant mutation of viral genome and varying therapeutic responses of patients infected with this virus prompted efforts to uncover more novel regulators in the pathogenesis. The involvement of N6-methyladenosine, a modified form of RNA, plays a crucial role in viral replication, viral pathogenicity, and intricate signaling pathways connected with immune responses. This review discusses research advances revealing the regulation of the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and antiviral responses of host cells by RNA m6A modification, highlights the biological functions of N6-methyladenosine components in SARS-CoV-2 infection and virus-host interactions, and outlines current challenges and future directions for exploring the potential clinical value of m6A modification in COVID-19.

ε-Polylysine organic ultra-long room-temperature phosphorescent materials based on phosphorescent molecule doping.

Achieving long-lived room-temperature phosphorescence from pure organic amorphous polymers is attractive, and afterglow materials with colour-tunable and multiple-stimuli-responsive afterglow are particularly important, but only few materials with these characteristics have been reported so far. Herein, a facile and general method is reported to construct a series of ε-polylysine (ε-PL)-based afterglow materials with tunable colour (from blue to red) and long life. By doping guest molecules into ε-PL to obtain composite materials, the polymer matrix provides a rigid environment for luminescent groups, resulting in amorphous polymers with different RTPs. In this system, the materials even have impressive humidity-stimulated responses, and the phosphorescence emission exhibits excitation-dependent and time-dependent properties. The humidity-responsive afterglow is caused by the destruction of hydrogen bonds and quenching of triplet excitons. The time-dependent afterglow should stem from the formation of diversified RTP emissive species with comparable but different lifetimes. 9,10-diaminophene has Ex-De properties in the film doping state. With the change of excitation wavelength (254 nm to 365 nm), the emission wavelength shifts from 461 nm to 530 nm, accompanied by the change of emission colour from blue to green. In addition, the phosphorescence life of the film is the longest, up to 2504.7 ms, and the afterglow lasts up to 15 s, which is conducive to its applications in anti-counterfeiting and information encryption.

Quercetin-3-O-glc-1-3-rham-1-6-glucoside decreases Aß production, inhibits Aß aggregation and neurotoxicity, and prohibits the production of inflammatory cytokines.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with the hallmark of aggregation of beta-amyloid (Aß) into extracellular fibrillar deposition. Accumulating evidence suggests that soluble toxic Aß oligomers exert diverse roles in neuronal cell death, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and the eventual pathogenesis of AD. Aß is derived from the sequential cleavage of amyloid-ß precursor protein (APP) by ß-secretase (BACE1) and γ-secretase. The current effect of single targeting is not ideal for the treatment of AD. Therefore, developing multipotent agents with multiple properties, including anti-Aß generation and anti-Aß aggregation, is attracting more attention for AD treatment. Previous studies indicated that Quercetin was able to attenuate the effects of several pathogenetic factors in AD. Here, we showed that naturally synthesized Quercetin-3-O-glc-1-3-rham-1-6-glucoside (YCC31) could inhibit Aß production by reducing ß-secretase activity. Further investigations indicated that YCC31 could suppress toxic Aß oligomer formation by directly binding to Aß. Moreover, YCC31 could attenuate Aß-mediated neuronal death, ROS and NO production, and pro-inflammatory cytokines release. Taken together, YCC31 targeting multiple pathogenetic factors deserves further investigation for drug development of AD.

Lnc-PLCB1 is stabilized by METTL14 induced m6A modification and inhibits Helicobacter pylori mediated gastric cancer by destabilizing DDX21.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is considered to be an important factor in gastric cancer (GC). Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and m6A modification are involved in the occurrence and development of GC, but the role of lncRNA m6A modification in the development of GC mediated by H. pylori is still unclear. Here, we found that H. pylori infection downregulated the expression of lnc-PLCB1 through METTL14-mediated m6A modification and IRF2-mediated transcriptional regulation. Overexpression of lnc-PLCB1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of GC cells, while downregulation of lnc-PLCB1 promoted the proliferation and migration ability of GC cells. In addition, clinical analysis showed that lnc-PLCB1 is lower in GC tissues than in normal tissues. Further study found that lnc-PLCB1 reduced the protein stability of its binding protein DEAD-box helicase 21 (DDX21) and then downregulated the expression of CCND1 and Slug, thereby playing tumour suppressing role in the occurrence and development of GC. In conclusion, the METTL14/lnc-PLCB1/DDX21 axis plays an important role in H. pylori-mediated GC, and lnc-PLCB1 can be used as a new target for GC treatment.