Effect of dissolved oxygen and ammonia nitrogen on Culter alburnus: Physiology, biochemistry, and molecular analyses.

Culter alburnus (topmouth culter)is an economically valuable freshwater fish. However, its insufficient tolerance to dissolved oxygen (DO) and ammonia nitrogen (AN) hinders its industrialisation. 360 experimental fish (4.87 ± 1.10 g) were placed in breathing chambers (oxygen level was 0.70-6.50 mg/L) or water tanks (control AN, 0 mg/L; low AN, 8 mg/L; high AN, 16 mg/L). This study analysed the effects of DO and AN on C. alburnus at physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. (1) Physiology level: the floating point, coma critical point, and coma point at 20 °C group were significantly higher than those at 30 °C. The oxygen consumption rate of C. alburnus at 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C was (256.65 ± 25.87), (470.47 ± 83.84), and (520.87 ± 55.40) mg/kg.h. The LC50 of AN after 96 h was 24.13 mg/L, and the safe concentration was 2.41 mg/L. The survival rate in the high AN group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups. (2) Biochemistry level: The change curves of antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver tissue under hypoxic stress reached a maximum at 12 h and then decreased. In addition, the increase and decrease in enzyme activity (except malondialdehyde) in the high AN group was lower than that in the low AN group. (3) Molecular level: the angiotensin-converting enzyme and carboxypeptidase genes were the major differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in hypoxic stress, and the DEGs were mainly enriched in the ABC transporter signal transduction pathway. In addition, the serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase genes were among the major DEGs under high AN stress. The DEGs were mainly enriched in steroid biosynthesis or glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism transporter signal transduction pathways. In summary, it is necessary to focus on the DO and AN during C. alburnus breeding.

Hybridization, polyploidization, and morphological convergence make dozens of taxa into one chaotic genetic pool: a phylogenomic case of the Ficus erecta species complex (Moraceae).

The Ficus erecta complex, characterized by its morphological diversity and frequent interspecific overlap, shares pollinating fig wasps among several species. This attribute, coupled with its intricate phylogenetic relationships, establishes it as an exemplary model for studying speciation and evolutionary patterns. Extensive researches involving RADseq (Restriction-site associated DNA sequencing), complete chloroplast genome data, and flow cytometry methods were conducted, focusing on phylogenomic analysis, genetic structure, and ploidy detection within the complex. Significantly, the findings exposed a pronounced nuclear-cytoplasmic conflict. This evidence, together with genetic structure analysis, confirmed that hybridization within the complex is a frequent occurrence. The ploidy detection revealed widespread polyploidy, with certain species exhibiting multiple ploidy levels, including 2×, 3×, and 4×. Of particular note, only five species (F. abelii, F. erecta, F. formosana, F. tannoensis and F. vaccinioides) in the complex were proved to be monophyletic. Species such as F. gasparriniana, F. pandurata, and F. stenophylla were found to encompass multiple phylogenetically distinct lineages. This discovery, along with morphological comparisons, suggests a significant underestimation of species diversity within the complex. This study also identified F. tannoensis as an allopolyploid species originating from F. vaccinioide and F. erecta. Considering the integration of morphological, molecular systematics, and cytological evidences, it is proposed that the scope of the F. erecta complex should be expanded to the entire subsect. Frutescentiae. This would redefine the complex as a continuously evolving group comprising at least 33 taxa, characterized by blurred species boundaries, frequent hybridization and polyploidization, and ambiguous genetic differentiation.

Identifying Potential Sources of Phthalate Contamination in the Leaves of Stevia Rebaudiana (Bertoni) and the Development of Removal Technology.

Steviosides extracted from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana are increasingly used in the food industry as natural low-calorie sweeteners. Phthalates in food are often assumed to arise from food containers or packaging materials. Here, experiments were carried out to identify the potential sources of DMP, DBP, DIBP, and DEHP in the leaves of stevioside through investigation of their content in native stevioside tissues, soils, and associated agronomic materials. The results show that phthalate contamination was present in all the samples tested, and the influence of regional factors at the provincial level on the content of plasticizers in stevia leaves was not significant. Phthalates in stevia leaves can be absorbed into the plant body through leaves and roots. Using resin removal, the phthalate content in stevioside glycosides was reduced to less than 0.05 ppm, and some indicators were far lower than the limit standard in EU food.

Dual amplification for PEC ultrasensitive aptasensing of biomarker HER-2 based on Z-scheme UiO-66/CdIn2S4 heterojunction and flower-like PtPdCu nanozyme.

As an important prognostic indicator in breast cancer, human epithelial growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) is of importance for assessing prognosis of breast cancer patients, whose accurate and facile analysis are imperative in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Herein, photoactive Z-scheme UiO-66/CdIn2S4 heterojunction was constructed by a hydrothermal method, whose optical property and photoactivity were critically investigated by a range of techniques, combined by elucidating the interfacial charge transfer mechanism. Meanwhile, PtPdCu nanoflowers (NFs) were fabricated by a simple aqueous wet-chemical method, whose peroxidase (POD)-mimicking catalytic activity was scrutinized by representative tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation in H2O2 system. Taken together, the UiO-66/CdIn2S4 based photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor was established for quantitative analysis of HER-2, where the detection signals were further magnified through catalytic precipitation reaction towards 4-chloro-1-naphthol (4-CN) oxidation (assisted by the PtPdCu NFs nanozyme). The PEC aptasensor presented a broader linear range within 0.1 pg mL-1-0.1 µg mL-1 and a lower limit of detection of 0.07 pg mL-1. This work developed a new PEC aptasensor for ultrasensitive determination of HER-2, holding substantial promise for clinical diagnostics.

High blood pressure is associated with increased risk of future fracture, but not vice versa.

The association between high blood pressure and fracture showed obvious discrepancies and were mostly between hypertension with future fracture, but rarely between fracture and incident hypertension. The present study aims to investigate the associations of hypertension with future fracture, and fracture with incident hypertension. We included adult participants from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) prospective cohort in 1997-2015 (N = 10,227), 2000-2015 (N = 10,547), 2004-2015 (N = 10,909), and 2006-2015 (N = 11,121) (baseline in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006 respectively and outcome in 2015). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. In the analysis of the association between hypertension and future fracture, the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 1.34 (0.95-1.90) in 1997-2015, 1.40 (1.04-1.88) in 2000-2015, 1.32 (0.98-1.78) in 2004-2015, and 1.38 (1.01-1.88) in 2006-2015. In the analysis of the association between fracture and incident hypertension, the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 1.28 (0.96-1.72) in 1997-2015, 1.18 (0.94-1.49) in 2000-2015, 1.12 (0.89-1.40) in 2004-2015, and 1.09 (0.85-1.38) in 2006-2015. The present study showed that hypertension history was associated with increased risk of future fracture, but not vice versa.

Characterization and Implications of IncP-2A Plasmid pMAS152 Harboring Multidrug Resistance Genes in Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global public health challenge. The escalation of AMR is primarily attributed to the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), often facilitated by plasmids. This underscores the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of the resistance mechanisms and transmission dynamics of these plasmids. In this study, we utilized in vitro drug sensitivity testing, conjugation transfer assays, and whole-genome sequencing to investigate the resistance mechanism of an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolate, MAS152. We specifically focused on analyzing the drug-resistant plasmid pMAS152 it harbors and its potential for widespread dissemination. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that MAS152 carries a distinct IncpP-2A plasmid, pMAS152, characterized by a 44.8 kb multidrug resistance (MDR) region. This region houses a 16S rRNA methyltransferase (16S-RMTase) gene, rmtB, conferring high-level resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics. Notably, this region also contains an extended-spectrum ß-Lactamase (ESBL) gene, blaPER-1, and an efflux pump operon, tmexCD-oprJ, which mediate resistance to ß-Lactams and quinolone antibiotics, respectively. Such a combination of ARGs, unprecedented in reported plasmids, could significantly undermine the effectiveness of first-line antibiotics in treating P. aeruginosa infections. Investigation into the genetic environment of the MDR region suggests that Tn2 and IS91 elements may be instrumental in the horizontal transfer of rmtB. Additionally, a complex Class I integron with an ISCR1 structure, along with TnAs1, seems to facilitate the horizontal transfer of blaPER-1. The conjugation transfer assay, coupled with the annotation of conjugation-related genes and phylogenetic analysis, indicates that the plasmid pMAS152 functions as a conjugative plasmid, with other genus Pseudomonas species as potential hosts. Our findings provide vital insights into the resistance mechanisms and transmission potential of the XDR P. aeruginosa isolate MAS152, underlining the urgent need for novel strategies to combat the spread of AMR. This study highlights the complex interplay of genetic elements contributing to antibiotic resistance and underscores the importance of continuous surveillance of emerging ARGs in clinical isolates.

Gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence responses of Camellia sinensis grown under various cultivations in different seasons.

Sod culture (SC) and conventional agriculture (CA) represent two distinct field management approaches utilized in the cultivation of tea plants in Taiwan. In this study, we employed gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques to assess the impact of SC and CA methods on the photosynthetic machinery of Camellia sinensis cv. TTES No.12 (Jhinhsuan) in response to variable light intensities across different seasons. In spring, at photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) ranging from 800 to 2,000 µmol photon m-2 s-1, the net photosynthesis rate (Pn, 10.43 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1), stomatal conductance (Gs, 126.11 mmol H2O m-2 s-1), electron transport rate (ETR, 137.94), and ΔF/Fm' and Fv/Fm (50.37) values for plants grown using SC were comparatively higher than those cultivated under CA. Conversely, the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values for SC-grown plants were relatively lower (3.11) compared to those grown under CA at 800 to 2,000 PPFD in spring. Additionally, when tea plants were exposed to PPFD levels below 1,500 µmol photon m- 2 s- 1, there was a concurrent increase in Pn, Gs, ETR, and NPQ. These photosynthetic parameters are crucial for devising models that optimize cultivation practices across varying seasons and specific tillage requirements, and for predicting photosynthetic and respiratory responses of tea plants to seasonally or artificially altered light irradiances. The observed positive impacts of SC on maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax), Fv/Fm, Gs, water-use efficiency (WUE), and ETR suggest that SC is advantageous for enhancing the productivity of tea plants, thereby offering a more adaptable management model for tea gardens.

Effect of carbamide peroxide on biomechanical properties of vacuum-formed retainers: A split-mouth randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of tooth whitening on biomechanical properties of vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs). METHODS: Using a split-mouth, randomised controlled trial design, thirty participants were randomly allocated to receive whitening on either the upper or the lower arch, using 10 % carbamide peroxide for two weeks. Biomechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, and surface roughness were assessed two weeks after whitening was completed. RESULTS: Tensile strength of the whitening arch (mean ± SD: 40.93 ± 3.96 MPa) was significantly lower than that of the control (47.40 ± 5.03 MPa) (difference 6.47 MPa, 95 % CI 4.51 - 8.42, p < 0.001). Hardness and internal roughness of the whitening arch (VHN = 14.63 ± 2.29 N/mm2 and Ra = 1.33 ± 0.35 µm, respectively) were significantly greater than those of the control (12.22 ± 1.86 N/mm2 and 0.96 ± 0.29 µm, respectively) (differences 2.41 N/mm2, 95 % CI 1.56 - 3.25, p < 0.001 and 0.37 µm, 95 % CI 0.23 - 0.51, p < 0.001, respectively). The whitening arch showed greater tooth colour change (ΔE = 6.00 ± 3.32) than the control (ΔE = 2.50 ± 1.70) (difference = 3.50, 95 % CI 2.43 - 4.56, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this short-term study, marked tooth colour change was achieved by whitening with VFRs as the whitening trays, but this changed the VFRs' biomechanical properties, including a decrease in tensile strength and an increase in hardness and internal roughness. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The application of carbamide peroxide in VFRs may compromise their mechanical properties.

Hybrid treatment of varied orthodontic appliances for a patient with skeletal class II and temporomandibular joint disorders: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: The relation between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is under debate; the management of TMD during orthodontic treatment has always been a challenge. If TMD symptoms occur during orthodontic treatment, an immediate pause of orthodontic adjustments is recommended; the treatment can resume when the symptoms are managed and stabilized. CASE SUMMARY: This case report presents a patient (26-year-old, female) with angle class I, skeletal class II and TMDs. The treatment was a hybrid of clear aligners, fixed appliances and temporary anchorage devices (TADs). After 3 mo resting and treatment on her TMD, the patient's TMD symptom alleviated, but her anterior occlusion displayed deep overbite. Therefore, the fixed appliances with TAD were used to correct the anterior deep-bite and level maxillary and mandibular deep curves. After the levelling, the patient showed dual bite with centric relation and maximum intercuspation discrepancy on her occlusion. After careful examination of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) position, the stable bite splint and Invisible Mandibular Advancement appliance were used to reconstruct her occlusion. Eventually, the improved facial appearance and relatively stable occlusion were achieved. The 1-year follow-up records showed there was no obvious change in TMJ morphology, and her occlusion was stable. CONCLUSION: TMD screening and monitoring is of great clinical importance in the TMD susceptible patients. Hybrid treatment with clear aligners and fixed appliances and TADs is an effective treatment modality for the complex cases.

An exploration of the value of NLR, PLR, LMR, and WBC × CRP for the diagnosis and treatment of influenza B in adults.

The aim of the study was to study the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), LWR (lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio), PLR (platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio), and WBC × CRP (WBC: white cell count, CRP: C-reactive protein) in patients with influenza B. This retrospective study included 122 adult patients with influenza B, 176 adult patients with bacterial infection, and 119 adult healthy physical examinees for routine blood examination and CRP testing, calculation of NLR, LMR, PLR, and WBC × CRP for relevant statistical analysis, monitoring of NLR, LMR, PLR and WBC × CRP in patients with influenza B during relevant treatment. All indicators, except for WBC and NLR, had no statistical differences between the influenza B group, the normal control group, and the influenza B group and bacterial infection group, respectively, and showed no statistical significance for the differences between the groups. The diagnostic effect of LMR and WBC × CRP was deemed good or excellent in patients with influenza B, healthy people, and patients with a bacterial infection. Conversely, NLR and PLR could only distinguish patients with influenza B from healthy people but remained unable to identify different pathogens. Moreover, many false negatives were noted for WBC and CRP during the diagnosis of influenza B. Also, NLR, LMR, PLR, and WBC × CRP exerted a good effect in evaluating curative effect and conditions for influenza B. LMR and WBC × CRP have a relatively high value in the early diagnosis of adults suffering from influenza B. Also, NLR and PLR excelled at differentiating adult patients with influenza B from healthy people. Therefore, NLR, PLR, LMR, and WBC × CRP can all be used for disease course monitoring and efficacy evaluation.

Recent advances in super-resolution optical imaging based on aggregation-induced emission.

Super-resolution imaging has rapidly emerged as an optical microscopy technique, offering advantages of high optical resolution over the past two decades; achieving improved imaging resolution requires significant efforts in developing super-resolution imaging agents characterized by high brightness, high contrast and high sensitivity to fluorescence switching. Apart from technical requirements in optical systems and algorithms, super-resolution imaging relies on fluorescent dyes with special photophysical or photochemical properties. The concept of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) was proposed in 2001, coinciding with unprecedented advancements and innovations in super-resolution imaging technology. AIE probes offer many advantages, including high brightness in the aggregated state, low background signal, a larger Stokes shift, ultra-high photostability, and excellent biocompatibility, making them highly promising for applications in super-resolution imaging. In this review, we summarize the progress in implementation methods and provide insights into the mechanism of AIE-based super-resolution imaging, including fluorescence switching resulting from photochemically-converted aggregation-induced emission, electrostatically controlled aggregation-induced emission and specific binding-regulated aggregation-induced emission. Particularly, the aggregation-induced emission principle has been proposed to achieve spontaneous fluorescence switching, expanding the selection and application scenarios of super-resolution imaging probes. By combining the aggregation-induced emission principle and specific molecular design, we offer some comprehensive insights to facilitate the applications of AIEgens (AIE-active molecules) in super-resolution imaging.

Target-regulated photoactivities of CdS/Ni-MOF heterojunction with [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ intercalator: a bisphenol A photoelectrochemical aptasensor.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an important endocrine disrupting compound, has infiltrated human daily lives through electronic devices, food containers, and children's toys. Developing of novel BPA assay methods with high sensitivity holds tremendous importance in valuing the pollution state. Here, we constructed an ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for BPA determination by regulating photoactivities of CdS/Ni-based metal-organic framework (CdS/Ni-MOF) with [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ sensitizer. CdS/Ni-MOF spheres exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance, serving as a potential sensing platform for the construction of target recognition process. [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ were embedded into DNA double-stranded structure, functioning as sensitizer for modulating the signal response of the developed PEC aptasensor. The proposed PEC sensor exhibited outstanding analytical performances, including a wide linear range (0.1 to 1000.0 nM), low detection limit (0.026 nM, at 3σ/m), excellent selectivity, and high stability. This work provides a perspective for the design of ideal photosensitive materials and signal amplification strategies and extends their application in environment analysis.

Facial asymmetry of the hard and soft tissues in skeletal Class I, II, and III patients.

To investigate and compare the facial asymmetry (hard and soft tissues) among skeletal Class I, II, and III patients. A total of 221 subjects, including skeletal Class I (n = 80), skeletal Class II (n = 75), and skeletal Class III (n = 66), were included in the study. CBCT, 22 skeletal landmarks, and 10 soft tissue landmarks were used for the measurements and the asymmetry index was calculated to assess the facial asymmetry. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlation analysis. The skeletal Class III patients presented greater asymmetry than Class II patients for 10 hard tissue landmarks and 3 soft tissue landmarks (p < 0.05). High correlation of asymmetry was found between four soft tissue landmarks and their corresponding skeletal landmarks (rs ≥ 0.71), as well as Me and ANS (r > 0.86). The ANS and Me in 21.3% patients deviated to contralateral sides. The skeletal Class III patients had more facial asymmetry than the Class II patients. Soft tissues showed similar asymmetry as the underlying hard tissues rather than a compensation of the hard tissue asymmetry. The inconsistency in the deviation of Me and ANS may exacerbate facial asymmetry.

The value of CT-based radiomics in predicting hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke patients without recanalization therapy.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical value of radiomics based on non-enhanced head CT in the prediction of hemorrhage transformation in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Materials and methods: A total of 140 patients diagnosed with AIS from January 2015 to August 2022 were enrolled. Radiomic features from infarcted areas on non-enhanced CT images were extracted using ITK-SNAP. The max-relevance and min-redundancy (mRMR) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to select features. The radiomics signature was then constructed by multiple logistic regressions. The clinicoradiomics nomogram was constructed by combining radiomics signature and clinical characteristics. All predictive models were constructed in the training group, and these were verified in the validation group. All models were evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: Of the 140 patients, 59 experienced hemorrhagic transformation, while 81 remained stable. The radiomics signature was constructed by 10 radiomics features. The clinicoradiomics nomogram was constructed by combining radiomics signature and atrial fibrillation. The area under the ROC curve (AUCs) of the clinical model, radiomics signature, and clinicoradiomics nomogram for predicting hemorrhagic transformation in the training group were 0.64, 0.86, and 0.86, respectively. The AUCs of the clinical model, radiomics signature, and clinicoradiomics nomogram for predicting hemorrhagic transformation in the validation group were 0.63, 0.90, and 0.90, respectively. The DCA curves showed that the radiomics signature performed well as well as the clinicoradiomics nomogram. The DCA curve showed that the clinical application value of the radiomics signature is similar to that of the clinicoradiomics nomogram. Conclusion: The radiomics signature, constructed without incorporating clinical characteristics, can independently and effectively predict hemorrhagic transformation in AIS patients.

Mycobacterium vaccae alleviates allergic airway inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness in asthmatic mice by altering intestinal microbiota.

Host immunity can influence the composition of the gut microbiota and consequently affect disease progression. Previously, we reported that a Mycobacterium vaccae vaccine could ameliorate allergic inflammation in asthmatic mice by regulating inflammatory immune processes. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of M. vaccae on allergic asthma via gut microbiota modulation. An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic murine model was established and treated with M. vaccae. Gut microbiota profiles were determined in 18 BALB/c mice using 16S rDNA gene sequencing and metabolomic profiling was performed using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Mycobacterium vaccae alleviated airway hyper-reactivity and inflammatory infiltration in mice with OVA-induced allergic asthma. The microbiota of asthmatic mice is disrupted and that this can be reversed with M. vaccae. Additionally, a total of 24 differential metabolites were screened, and the abundance of PI(14:1(9Z)/18:0), a glycerophospholipid, was found to be correlated with macrophage numbers (r = 0.52, p = 0.039). These metabolites may affect chemokine (such as macrophage chemoattractant protein-1) concentrations in the serum, and ultimately affect pulmonary macrophage recruitment. Our data demonstrated that M. vaccae might alleviate airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness in asthmatic mice by reversing imbalances in gut microbiota. These novel mechanistic insights are expected to pave the way for novel asthma therapeutic strategies.

Sesamin and sesamolin potentially inhibit adipogenesis through downregulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ protein expression and activity in 3T3-L1 cells.

Sesamin and sesamolin are major sesame lignans that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties and potential benefits in the liver, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. However, despite previous research on their antiobesity effects and underlying mechanisms, a comprehensive investigation of these aspects is still lacking. In this study, we evaluated the regulatory effects of 20 to 80 µM sesamin and sesamolin on adipogenesis in vitro using 3T3-L1 cells as a model cell line. We hypothesized that the lignans would inhibit adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells through the regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Our data indicate that sesamin and sesamolin inhibited the adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells by dose-dependently decreasing lipid accumulation and triglyceride formation. Sesamin and sesamolin reduced the mRNA and protein expression of the adipogenesis-related transcription factors, PPARγ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, leading to the dose-dependent downregulations of their downstream targets, fatty acid binding protein 4, hormone-sensitive lipase, lipoprotein lipase, and glucose transporter 4. In addition, glucose uptake was dose-dependently attenuated by sesamin and sesamolin in both differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and HepG2 cells. Interestingly, our results suggested that sesamin and sesamolin might directly bind to PPARγ to inhibit its transcriptional activity. Finally, sesamin and sesamolin decreased the phosphorylation of 3 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling components in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that sesamin and sesamolin may exhibit antiobesity effects by potentially downregulating PPARγ and its downstream genes through the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, offering important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the potential antiobesity effects of sesamin and sesamolin.

Clinical value of positive CNVs results by NIPT without fetal ultrasonography-identified structural anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of positive copy number variations (CNVs) results by non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) without fetal ultrasonography-identified structural anomalies, especially with several known CNVs results. METHODS: A total of 135,981 results of NIPT performed between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2020, enrolled in the free NIPT service program implemented by the local government were retrospectively analyzed. Of these, 87 cases with positive NIPT screens for CNVs and no fetal ultrasonography-identified anomalies were recalled and provided genetic counseling. After obtaining full informed consent, these cases were provided invasive prenatal diagnosis by karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA)/copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) with follow-up. One case was lost, while 86 cases were successfully followed up. RESULTS: A total of 44 (50.6%) cases underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis, of which six cases were detected with abnormal karyotype. CMA/CNV-Seq revealed 11 fetuses with positive results for CNVs, among whom eight were consistent with NIPT results, two were partially consistent, one was inconsistent, and positive predictive value (PPV) was 22.7% (10/44). For known CNVs, PPVs were 20% (15q11.2-q13 microdeletion) and 33.3% (5p end deletions). Among 11 pregnant women with positive prenatal diagnosis, seven were confirmed to have pathogenic CNVs in their fetuses; four had CNVs of unknown clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Even in pregnancies without ultrasonography-identified anomalies, a positive NIPT screen for CNVs must be interpreted with caution and validated by additional diagnostic study.

The deconstruction of chronic orofacial pain and a hiding inhibition pathway of orofacial pain: the trigeminal proprioceptive mesencephalic periaqueductal gray pathway.

Chronic orofacial pain has a significant negative impact that influences individuals' quality of life and our society. The prevalence is around 11.2% to 33.2% and remains high in females. Currently, there are two main diagnostic classification systems that are used internationally for chronic pain: the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), which was published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, and the International Classification of Orofacial Pain, which was published by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) in 2020. Deficits in ascending and descending pain modulation pathways may be involved in the chronic pain pathophysiology. A newly described "trigeminal proprioceptive mesencephalic periaqueductal gray pathway" is considered to be the mechanism of action of occlusal appliance in managing orofacial pain. The genetic basis of chronic orofacial pain is not yet fully understood, but a genetic susceptibility involving multiple genes among the peripheral nerves, brainstem and higher brain regions to regulate and suppress the transmission of pain signals, thereby modulating the perception of pain, is likely.

Extraction and Separation of Natural Products from Microalgae and Other Natural Sources Using Liquefied Dimethyl Ether, a Green Solvent: A Review.

Microalgae are a sustainable source for the production of biofuels and bioactive compounds. This review discusses significant research on innovative extraction techniques using dimethyl ether (DME) as a green subcritical fluid. DME, which is characterized by its low boiling point and safety as an organic solvent, exhibits remarkable properties that enable high extraction rates of various active compounds, including lipids and bioactive compounds, from high-water-content microalgae without the need for drying. In this review, the superiority of liquefied DME extraction technology for microalgae over conventional methods is discussed in detail. In addition, we elucidate the extraction mechanism of this technology and address its safety for human health and the environment. This review also covers aspects related to extraction equipment, various applications of different extraction processes, and the estimation and trend analysis of the Hansen solubility parameters. In addition, we anticipate a promising trajectory for the expansion of this technology for the extraction of various resources.

Local injection of abaloparatide promotes mandibular condyle lengthening in adolescent rats via enhancing chondrogenesis and ossification.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular condylar hypoplasia negatively affects patient's facial appearance and dentofacial function. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of local injection of the drug abaloparatide (ABL), an analogue of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP), on promoting lengthening of the mandibular condyle. METHODS: Thirty adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups, which received the injection of ABL or normal saline (the control) every 3 days in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cavity. Cone-beam computed tomography and immunohistochemistry assays were performed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks since the injection. Mandibular condylar chondrocytes (MCC) and pre-osteoblasts were treated with ABL or PBS, followed by the CCK-8 detection, IC50, real-time PCR assay, Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: In vivo, compared with the control, the ABL group significantly increased the mandibular condylar process length (by 1.34 ± 0.59 mm at 6 weeks), the thickness of the cartilage layer, and enhanced the matrix synthesis. The ABL group had significant up-regulation of SOX 9, COL II, PTHrP and PTH1R, down-regulation of COL X in the cartilage, up-regulation of RUNX 2, and unchanged osteoclastogenesis in the subchondral bone. In vitro, the intra-TMJ injection of ABL promoted the MCC proliferation, with up-regulated expression of chondrogenic genes, and enhanced osteogenic differentiation of the pre-osteoblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-TMJ injection of abaloparatide promotes mandibular condyle lengthening in the adolescent rats via enhancing chondrogenesis in the mandibular condylar cartilage and ossification in the subchondral bone.