NRT1.2 overexpression enhances the synergistic interplay between ABA-generating bacteria and biochars in reducing heavy metal accumulation in pak choi.

The agricultural sector faces severe challenges owing to heavy metal (HM) contamination of farmlands, requiring urgent preventive measures. To address this, we investigated the impact of the synergistic application of Azospirillum brasilense, a growth-promoting rhizobacterium producing abscisic acid (ABA), and biochar to minimize HM accumulation in pak choi, using three distinct expression levels of the ABA transporter NRT1.2 in pak choi and three different types of contaminated soils as experimental materials. The results revealed that pak choi with low, medium, and high NRT1.2 expression intensity, when subjected to bacterial strain-biochar treatment, exhibited an increasing trend in ABA content compared to the control. Correspondingly, the aboveground HM content decreased by 1-49 %, 22-52 %, and 15-96 %, whereas the fresh weight increased by 12-38 %, 88-126 %, and 152-340 %, respectively, showing a significant correlation with NRT1.2 expression. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that NRT1.2 expression intensity was inversely associated with the combined treatment's reduction in HM accumulation and positively correlated with the promotional effect. Simultaneously, soil discrepancies significantly affected the combined treatment, which was likely associated with variations in the active forms of HM in each soil. Consequently, when employing ABA-producing bacteria for mitigating crop HM accumulation, selecting plants with higher relative NRT1.2 expression intensity, combined with biochar, is recommended.

Hollow Ni3S4@Co3S4 with core-satellite nanostructure derived from metal-organic framework (MOF)-on-MOF hybrids as an electrode material for supercapacitors.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have found wide applications in the field of supercapacitors due to their highly controllable porous structure, big specific surface area, and abundant chemical functional groups. MOF-on-MOF hybrids not only enhance the composition of MOFs (such as ligands and/or metal centers) but also provide greater structural diversity. By utilizing MOFs as precursors for preparing sulfides, the unique characteristics and inherent structure of MOFs are preserved but their conductivity and capacitance are enhanced. This study successfully synthesized hollow-structured Ni3S4@Co3S4 derived from an Ni-MOF@ZIF-67 hybrid structure, where the Ni-MOF serves as the core and ZIF-67 as the satellite. The Ni3S4@Co3S4 electrode demonstrated a specific capacity as high as 747.3 C g-1 at 1 A g-1, and it could still maintain 77% of its initial capacity at 10 A g-1. Furthermore, the assembled Ni3S4@Co3S4//AC hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) device achieved a maximum energy density of 30.8 W h kg-1 when the power density was 750 W kg-1. The device exhibited remarkable cycling durability, retaining 85.4% of its initial capacitance after 5000 cycles. Therefore, the derived functional materials based on MOF-on-MOF provide a more scalable and promising approach for the preparation of efficient electrode materials.

Myeloid-derived growth factor suppresses VSMC dedifferentiation and attenuates postinjury neointimal formation in rats by activating S1PR2 and its downstream signaling.

Restenosis after angioplasty is caused usually by neointima formation characterized by aberrant vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dedifferentiation. Myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF), secreted from bone marrow-derived monocytes and macrophages, has been found to have cardioprotective effects. In this study we investigated the effect of MYDGF to postinjury neointimal formation and the underlying mechanisms. Rat carotid arteries balloon-injured model was established. We found that plasma MYDGF content and the level of MYDGF in injured arteries were significantly decreased after balloon injury. Local application of exogenous MYDGF (50 µg/mL) around the injured vessel during balloon injury markedly ameliorated the development of neointimal formation evidenced by relieving the narrow endovascular diameter, improving hemodynamics, and reducing collagen deposition. In addition, local application of MYDGF inhibited VSMC dedifferentiation, which was proved by reversing the elevated levels of osteopontin (OPN) protein and decreased levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the left carotid arteries. We showed that PDGF-BB (30 ng/mL) stimulated VSMC proliferation, migration and dedifferentiation in vitro; pretreatment with MYDGF (50-200 ng/mL) concentration-dependently eliminated PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation, migration and dedifferentiation. Molecular docking revealed that MYDGF had the potential to bind with sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), which was confirmed by SPR assay and Co-IP analysis. Pretreatment with CCG-1423 (Rho signaling inhibitor), JTE-013 (S1PR2 antagonist) or Ripasudil (ROCK inhibitor) circumvented the inhibitory effects of MYDGF on VSMC phenotypic switching through inhibiting S1PR2 or its downstream RhoA-actin monomers (G-actin) /actin filaments (F-actin)-MRTF-A signaling. In summary, this study proves that MYDGF relieves neointimal formation of carotid arteries in response to balloon injury in rats, and suppresses VSMC dedifferentiation induced by PDGF-BB via S1PR2-RhoA-G/F-actin-MRTF-A signaling pathway. In addition, our results provide evidence for cross talk between bone marrow and vasculature.

Eu3+-Modified Covalent Organic Frameworks for the Detection of a Vinyl Chloride Monomer Exposure Biomarker.

The vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a common raw material in the plastics industry, is one of the environmental pollutants to which humans are mostly exposed. Thiodiglycolic acid (TDGA) in human urine is a specific biomarker of its exposure. TDGA plays an important role in understanding the relationships between exposure to the VCM and the identification of subgroups that are at increased risk for disease diagnosis. Therefore, its detection is of great significance. Here, we designed and established a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for TDGA by using Eu3+ as a bridge connecting the covalent organic framework (COF) and the energy donor molecule 2,6-dipicolinic acid (DPA) and named it DPA/Eu@PY-DHPB-COF-COOH. The sensor not only possesses the advantages of a ratiometric fluorescent sensor that can provide built-in self-calibration to correct a variety of target-independent factors but also presents high selectivity and high sensitivity. Currently, there are only a few reports on the detection of TDGA, and to the extent of our knowledge, this report is the first work on the detection of TDGA based on a COF system; so, it has an important reference value and lays a solid foundation for designing advanced sensors of TDGA.

Synergistic interplay between ABA-generating bacteria and biochar in the reduction of heavy metal accumulation in radish, pakchoi, and tomato.

Heavy metal (HM) contamination is an environmental concern that threatens the agricultural product safety and human health. To address this concern, we developed a novel strategy involving the synergistic application of Azospirillum brasilense, a growth-promoting rhizobacterium which produces abscisic acid (ABA), and biochar to minimize HM accumulation in the edible parts of vegetable crops. Compared to A. brasilense or biochar alone, the concentrations of Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn in radish (Raphanus sativus L.), pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.), and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) decreased by 18-63% and 14-56%, respectively. Additionally, the synergistic treatment led to a 14-63% decrease in the bioconcentration factor. The biomass of the edible parts of the three crops increased by 65-278% after synergistic treatment, surpassing the effects of single treatments. Furthermore, the synergistic application enhanced the SPAD values by 1-45% compared to single treatments. The MDA concentrations in stressed plants decreased by 16-39% with the bacteria-biochar co-treatment compared to single treatments. Co-treatment also resulted in increased soluble protein and sugar concentrations by 8-174%, and improvements in flavonoids, total phenols, ascorbic acid, and DPPH levels by 2-50%. Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation modeling revealed that the synergistic effect was attributed to the enhanced growth of A. brasilense facilitated by biochar and the improved availability of HMs in soils. Notably, although ABA concentrations were not as high as those achieved with A. brasilense alone, they were maintained at relatively high levels. Overall, the synergistic application of A. brasilense-biochar might have remarkable potential for reducing the accumulation of HMs while promoting growth and improving nutritional and antioxidant qualities in tuberous, leafy, and fruit crops.

Ratiometric fluorescent sensor based on metal-organic framework for selective and sensitive detection of CO32.

Carbonate ion (CO32-) is an anion essential for the maintenance of life activities and is of great importance to human health. Here, a novel ratiometric fluorescent probe Eu/CDs@UiO-66-(COOH)2 (ECU) was prepared by introducing europium ions (Eu3+) and carbon dots (CDs) into the UiO-66-(COOH)2 parent framework under the guidance of a post-synthetic modification strategy and used for the detection of CO32- ion in the aqueous environment. Interestingly, when CO32- ions were added to the ECU suspension, the characteristic emission of carbon dots at 439 nm was significantly enhanced, while the characteristic emission of Eu3+ ions at 613 nm was reduced. Therefore, the detection of CO32- ions can be realized through the peak height ratio of the two emissions. The probe had a low detection limit (about 1.08 µM) and a wide linear range (0-350 µM) for the detection of carbonate. In addition, the presence of CO32- ions can cause a significant ratiometric luminescence response and resulted obvious red-to-blue color shift of the ECU under UV light, which will facilitate visual analysis by the naked eye.

Rapid detection of the biomarker for cystinuria by a metal-organic framework fluorescent sensor.

Arginine (Arg) is considered a valuable biomarker for various diseases, including cystinuria, and its concentration level holds significant implications for human health. To achieve the purposes of food evaluation and clinical diagnosis, it is imperative to develop a rapid and facile method for selective and sensitive determination of Arg. In this work, a novel fluorescent material (Ag/Eu/CDs@UiO-66) was synthesized by encapsulating carbon dots (CDs), Eu3+ and Ag + into UiO-66. This material can serve as a ratiometric fluorescent probe for detecting Arg. It exhibits a high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.74 µM and a relatively broad linear range from 0-300 µM. After dispersing the composite Ag/Eu/CDs@UiO-66 in an Arg solution, the red emission of Eu3+ center at 613 nm was significantly enhanced, while the characteristic peak of CDs center at 440 nm remained unchanged. Therefore, a ratio fluorescence probe could be constructed based on the peak height ratio of the two emission peaks to achieve selective detection of Arg. In addition, the remarkable ratiometric luminescence response induced by Arg results in a significant color transition from blue to red under UV-lamp for Ag/Eu/CDs@UiO-66, which was convenient for visual analysis.

A novel small molecule AdipoR2 agonist ameliorates experimental hepatic steatosis in hamsters and mice.

Adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) can be activated by its endogenous ligand adiponectin to reduce hepatic steatosis, and is regarded as a therapeutic target for metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This study proposes a novel anthraquinone compound, emodin succinate monoethyl ester (ESME), which activates AdipoR2, inhibits hepatic lipogenesis, promotes fatty acid oxidation, and alleviates experimental hepatic steatosis in hamsters and mice. Molecular docking shows that ESME has strong binding potential with AdipoR2 by forming a arene-arene interaction. AdipoR2 on the cytomembrane of HepG2 cells can be labeled by fluorescent ESME (Cy5-ESME). ESME activates AdipoR2, AMPK and PPARα, and reduces lipid deposition in palmitic acid or oleic acid-induced HepG2 and L02 cells. Suppression of AdipoR2 expression or AMPK activation completely eliminates the effect of ESME on reducing lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Oral administration of ESME reduces liver lipid production and accumulation, and alleviates hepatic steatosis in hamsters and Apoe-/- mice induced by high-fat diet. Compared with statins and emodin, ESME showed prepotent efficacy and safety in reducing hepatic steatosis and protecting hepatocytes. Furthermore, ESME activates CaMKK2 and LKB1 in liver to activate AMPK and reduce lipogenesis through stimulating AdipoR2. Taken together, ESME reduces hepatic lipid accumulation and alleviates hepatic steatosis by agonizing AdipoR2. ESME is a promising new agent for clinical treatment of MAFLD.

NFK prevent postoperative abdominal adhesion through downregulating the TGF-ß1 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative abdominal adhesions (PAAs) represent a frequent condition occurring in more than 90% of patients undergoing abdomen and pelvic surgeries, which can cause chronic abdominal pain, female infertility, and repeated bowel obstruction, requiring repetitive surgical interventions causing morbidity and mortality, as well as high costs. It is therefore of paramount clinical importance and significance to develop practical and reliable strategies for preventing the occurrence of PAAs. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrated that Nianfukang (NFK, composed of polyethylene glycol 1450 and diclofenac sodium) is highly effective in preventing PAAs, likely by reducing leukocytes and inflammatory factors in the abdominal cavity, and inhibiting intestinal fibrosis in a rat model of PAAs induced by postoperative cecum scraping. We further uncovered that NFK downregulates the expression of TGF-ß1, a key factor for adhesion formation, to suppress the TGF-ß1/TGF-ßRIII/Smad2 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and provided evidences for the involvement of the TGF-ß1/TGF-ßRIII/Smad2 axis in the prevention of PAAs in normal human colon fibroblast CCD-18Co. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support NFK as a potential anti-adhesive product that has the advantages of significant effectiveness, safety profile, and low cost, as well as clear mechanism of action.

Inner Surface Hydrophilic Modification of PVDF Membrane with Tea Polyphenols/Silica Composite Coating.

The use of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes is constrained in wastewater treatment because of their hydrophobic nature. Therefore, a large number of researchers have been working on the hydrophilic modification of their surfaces. In this work, a superhydrophilic tea polyphenols/silica composite coating was developed by a one-step process. The composite coating can achieve not only superhydrophilic modification of the surface, but also the inner surface of the porous PVDF membrane, which endows the modified membrane with excellent water permeability. The modified membrane possesses ultrahigh water flux (15,353 L·m-2·h-1). Besides this, the modified membrane can realize a highly efficient separation of oil/water emulsions (above 96%).

Identifying an Education Gap in Wound Care Training in United States Dermatology.

IMPORTANCE: As restoration of the integument is paramount to wound healing, dermatologists should be central to managing wounds; yet this is often not the case. If a training gap exists during residency training, this may account for the observed discrepancy. OBJECTIVES: To identify United States (US) dermatology residents' impressions regarding their preparedness to care for wounds, and to assess the amount and type of training devoted to wound care during residency. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: An online survey among current US dermatology residents enrolled in a residency training program. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary goal was to determine whether dermatology residents believe more wound care education is needed, evaluate preparedness to care for wounds, and identify future plans to manage wounds. RESULTS: Responses were received from 175 of 517 (33.8%) US Dermatology residents contacted. The majority of residents did not feel prepared to manage acute (78.3%) and chronic (84.6%) wounds. Over three quarters (77.1%) felt that more education is needed. Fewer than half (49.1% and 35.4%) of residents planned to care for acute and chronic wounds, respectively, when in practice. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: There is a gap in wound care education in US dermatology residency training. This translates to a low percentage of dermatology residents planning to care for wounds in future practice. Dermatology residents need to receive focused wound care training in order to translate the underpinnings of wound healing biology and ultimately better serve patients.

Impact of age on the management of primary melanoma patients.

OBJECTIVES: Age is an understudied factor when considering treatment options for melanoma. Here, we examine the impact of age on primary melanoma treatment in a prospective cohort of patients. METHODS: We used logistic regression models to examine the associations between age and initial treatment, using recurrence and melanoma-specific survival as endpoints. RESULTS: 444 primary melanoma patients were categorized into three groups by age at diagnosis: 19-45 years (24.3%), 46-70 (50.2%), and 71-95 (25.5%). In multivariate models, older patients experienced a higher risk of recurrence (hazard ratio 3.34, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.53-7.25; p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in positive biopsy margin rates or extent of surgical margins across age groups. Patients in the middle age group were more likely to receive adjuvant therapy than those in the older group (odds ratio 2.78, 95% CI 1.19-6.45; p = 0.02) and showed a trend to longer disease-free survival when receiving adjuvant therapy (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Our data support age as an independent negative prognostic factor in melanoma. Our data suggest that age does not affect primary surgical treatment but may affect decisions of whether or not patients receive postoperative treatment(s). Further work is needed to better understand the biological variables affecting treatment decisions and efficacy in older patients.