Clarifying the relationship and analyzing the influential factors of bronchial asthma in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial asthma is closely related to the occurrence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, which can easily have adverse effects on children's learning and social interactions. Studies have shown that childhood asthma can increase the risk of ADHD and the core symptoms of ADHD. Compared with children with ADHD alone, children with asthma and ADHD are more likely to show high levels of hyperactivity, hyperactive-impulsive and other externalizing behaviors and anxiety in clinical practice and have more symptoms of somatization and emotional internalization. AIM: To explore the relationship between ADHD in children and bronchial asthma and to analyze its influencing factors. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Dongying People's Hospital from September 2018 to August 2023. Children diagnosed with ADHD at this hospital were selected as the ADHD group, while healthy children without ADHD who underwent physical examinations during the same period served as the control group. Clinical and parental data were collected for all participating children, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for comorbid asthma in children with ADHD. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected between the ADHD group and the control group in terms of family history of asthma and allergic diseases, maternal complications during pregnancy, maternal use of asthma and allergy medications during pregnancy, maternal anxiety and depression during pregnancy, and parental relationship status (P < 0.05). Out of the 183 children in the ADHD group, 25 had comorbid asthma, resulting in a comorbidity rate of 13.66% (25/183), compared to the comorbidity rate of 2.91% (16/549) among the 549 children in the control group. The difference in the asthma comorbidity rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that family history of asthma and allergic diseases, maternal complications during pregnancy, maternal use of asthma and allergy medications during pregnancy, maternal anxiety and depression during pregnancy, and parental relationship status are independent risk factors increasing the risk of comorbid asthma in children with ADHD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with ADHD were more likely to have comorbid asthma than healthy control children were. A family history of asthma, adverse maternal factors during pregnancy, and parental relationship status were identified as risk factors influencing the comorbidity of asthma in children with ADHD. Clinically, targeted interventions based on these factors can be implemented to reduce the risk of comorbid asthma. This information is relevant for results sections of abstracts in scientific articles.

A preparation of debranched waxy maize starch derivatives: Effect of drying temperatures on crystallization and digestibility.

The impact of recrystallization conditions and drying temperatures on the crystallization and digestibility of native waxy maize (Zea mays L.) starch (NWMS) was explored. This study involved subjecting NWMS to concurrent debranching and crystallization at 50 °C for up to 7 days. Samples were collected by oven-drying at 40, 60, and 80 °C for 24 h. This simultaneous debranching and crystallization process increased the resistant starch (RS) content by approximately 48 % compared to the native starch. The drying temperatures significantly influenced the RS content, with samples dried at 60 °C exhibiting the lowest digestibility. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that most crystals demonstrated a characteristic A-type arrangement. Debranching and crystallization processes enhanced the crystallinity of the samples. The specific crystal arrangement (A- or B-type) depended on the crystallization conditions. A 15 min heating of NWMS in a boiling water bath increased the digestible fraction to over 90 %, while the samples subjected to debranching and crystallization showed an increase to only about 45 %. A linear correlation between starch fractions and enthalpy was also observed.

Quercetin Limits Tumor Immune Escape through PDK1/CD47 Axis in Melanoma.

Quercetin (3,3[Formula: see text],4[Formula: see text],5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) is a bioactive plant-derived flavonoid, abundant in fruits and vegetables, that can effectively inhibit the growth of many types of tumors without toxicity. Nevertheless, the effect of quercetin on melanoma immunology has yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of the antitumor immunity action of quercetin in melanoma through both in vivo and in vitro methods. Our research revealed that quercetin has the ability to boost antitumor immunity by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment through increasing the percentages of M1 macrophages, CD8[Formula: see text] T lymphocytes, and CD4[Formula: see text] T lymphocytes and promoting the secretion of IL-2 and IFN-[Formula: see text] from CD8[Formula: see text] T cells, consequently suppressing the growth of melanoma. Furthermore, we revealed that quercetin can inhibit cell proliferation and migration of B16 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, down-regulating PDK1 can inhibit the mRNA and protein expression levels of CD47. In the rescue experiment, we overexpressed PDK1 and found that the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD47 increased correspondingly, while the addition of quercetin reversed this effect. Moreover, quercetin could stimulate the proliferation and enhance the function of CD8[Formula: see text] T cells. Therefore, our results identified a novel mechanism through which CD47 is regulated by quercetin to promote phagocytosis, and elucidated the regulation of quercetin on macrophages and CD8[Formula: see text] T cells in the tumor immune microenvironment. The use of quercetin as a therapeutic drug holds potential benefits for immunotherapy, enhancing the efficacy of existing treatments for melanoma.

Structural characterization, molecular dynamic simulation, and conformational visualization of a water-soluble glucan with high molecular weight from Gastrodia elata Blume.

Polysaccharides have been widely used in the development of natural drugs and health food. However, polysaccharide characterization lags due to inherently complicated features and the limitations of existing detection approaches. We aimed to provide new insight into the fine structure and conformational visualization of polysaccharides from Gastrodia elata Blume, a medicinal and edible plant. A water-soluble polysaccharide (GEP2-6) with the high molecular weight of 2.7 × 106 Da was first obtained, and its purity reached 99.2 %. Chemical and spectroscopic analyses jointly revealed that GEP2-6 was a glucan linked by α-(1 â†’ 4) and α-(1 â†’ 6) glycosidic bonds. After enzymolysis, the local structure of GEP2-6 included α-1,4-Glcp, α-1,6-Glcp, α-1,4,6-Glcp, and α-1-Glcp at a molar ratio of 31.27∶1.32∶1.08∶0.93. The glycosidic linkage pattern of repeating units was further simulated by a glycan database and spatial examination software. The good dissolution performance was interpreted by dynamics simulation and practical molecular characteristics. Spherical flexible chains and the porous stable conformation were corroborated using atomic force microscopy. In addition, GEP2-6 could effectively scavenge DPPH and hydroxyl radicals as a promising natural antioxidant. These efforts will contribute to the expansion of clinical applications of this G. elata polysaccharide and the structural elucidation for macromolecular polysaccharides combined with traditional and modern analysis techniques.

NiRu-Mo2Ti2C3O2 as an efficient catalyst for alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions: the role of bimetallic site interactions in promoting Volmer-step kinetics.

The Volmer step in alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs), which supplies H* to the following steps by cleaving H-O-H bonds, is considered the rate-determining step of the overall reaction. The Volmer step involves water dissociation and adsorbed hydroxyl (*OH) desorption; Ru-based catalysts display a compelling water dissociation process in an alkaline HER. Unfortunately, the strong affinity of Ru for *OH blocks the active sites, resulting in unsatisfactory performance during HER processes. Hence, this study investigates a series of key descriptors (ΔG*H2O, ΔG*H-OH, ΔG*H, and ΔG*OH) of TM (Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, or Pt)-Ru/Mo2Ti2C3O2 to systematically explore the effects of bimetallic site interactions on the kinetics of the Volmer step. The results indicate that bimetallic catalysts effectively reduced the strong adsorption of *OH on Ru sites; especially, the NiRu diatomic state shows the highest electron-donating ability, which promoted the smooth migration of *OH from Ru sites to Ni sites. Therefore, Ru, Ni and MXenes are suitable to serve as water adsorption and dissociation sites, *OH desorption sites, and H2 release sites, respectively. Ultimately, NiRu/Mo2Ti2C3O2 promotes Volmer kinetics and has the potential to improve alkaline HERs. This work provides theoretical support for the construction of synergistic MXene-based diatomic catalysts and their wide application in the field of alkaline HERs.

Improved heart function and cardiac remodelling following sacubitril/valsartan in acute coronary syndrome with HF.

AIMS: This study sought to assess the effect of treatment of sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) on improving cardiac function and reversing cardiac remodelling in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) complicated with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 275 ACS patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction after PCI. The patients were divided into the routine and S/V groups according to the treatment drugs. The symptoms, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations, echocardiographic parameters [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), and left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI)], major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and adverse reactions were recorded at baseline and 6 months after treatment when a clinical follow-up was performed. The S/V group was further divided into prespecified subgroups including unstable angina (UA) group, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) group, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) group according to the type of ACS. We analysed the changes in LVEF, LVMI, LVEDVI, LVESVI, and NT-proBNP in both groups and evaluated the correlation between the changes in the above variables (ΔLVEF, ΔLVMI, ΔLVEDVI, ΔLVESVI, and ΔNT-proBNP). Cox regression model was used to assess the independent risk factors of MACE. Prespecified subgroup analyses were also conducted. Compared with baseline, LVEF increased significantly (P < 0.05), NT-proBNP, LVMI, and LVESVI decreased significantly in both groups after 6 months (P < 0.05), and LVEDVI decreased significantly in the S/V group (P = 0.001). In the S/V group, ΔLVEF (t = -2.745, P = 0.006), ΔNT-proBNP (P = 0.009), ΔLVEDVI (t = 4.203, P = 0.001), and ΔLVESVI (t = 3.907, P = 0.001) were significantly improved than those in the routine group. In the S/V group, ΔLVEF was negatively correlated with ΔNT-proBNP (r = -0.244, P = 0.004), ΔLVMI (r = -0.190, P = 0.028), ΔLVEDVI (r = -0.173, P = 0.045), and ΔLVESVI (r = -0.261, P = 0.002). In Cox regression model analysis, ΔLVEF {hazard ratio [HR] = 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80-0.95], P = 0.003}, ΔLVEDVI [HR = 1.04 (95% CI 1.01-1.06), P = 0.013], and ΔLVESVI [HR = 1.04 (95% CI 1.01-1.08), P = 0.026] were independent risk factors for MACE. Subgroup analysis showed that ΔLVEF (t = 6.290, P = 0.001), ΔLVEDVI (t = 2.581, P = 0.011), and ΔNT-proBNP (P = 0.019) in the NSTEMI group were significantly improved than those in the UA group, ΔLVEDVI in the NSTEMI group was significantly better than that in the STEMI group (t = -3.365, P = 0.001), and ΔLVEF in the STEMI group was significantly better than that in the UA group (t = -3.928, P = 0.001). There was a significant difference in the survival probability without MACE among the three groups in the analysis of the Kaplan-Meier curve (P = 0.042). The incidence of MACE in the UA group was significantly higher than that in the NSTEMI group (32.4% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The cardiac function is improved and cardiac remodelling is reversed significantly after treatment of S/V in ACS patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction after PCI, and the improvement is more obvious than the routine group. There is a significant negative correlation between the change in LVEF and the changes in NT-proBNP, LVMI, LVEDVI, and LVESVI. The increase of LVEF and the decrease of LVEDVI and LVESVI are protective factors to improve the prognosis. Patients with myocardial infarction and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction might benefit more from the initiation of S/V as first-line heart failure treatment after PCI.

Local membrane source gathering by p62 body drives autophagosome formation.

Autophagosomes are double-membrane vesicles generated intracellularly to encapsulate substrates for lysosomal degradation during autophagy. Phase separated p62 body plays pivotal roles during autophagosome formation, however, the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here we describe a spatial membrane gathering mode by which p62 body functions in autophagosome formation. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics reveals significant enrichment of vesicle trafficking components within p62 body. Combining cellular experiments and biochemical reconstitution assays, we confirm the gathering of ATG9 and ATG16L1-positive vesicles around p62 body, especially in Atg2ab DKO cells with blocked lipid transfer and vesicle fusion. Interestingly, p62 body also regulates ATG9 and ATG16L vesicle trafficking flux intracellularly. We further determine the lipid contents associated with p62 body via lipidomic profiling. Moreover, with in vitro kinase assay, we uncover the functions of p62 body as a platform to assemble ULK1 complex and invigorate PI3KC3-C1 kinase cascade for PI3P generation. Collectively, our study raises a membrane-based working model for multifaceted p62 body in controlling autophagosome biogenesis, and highlights the interplay between membraneless condensates and membrane vesicles in regulating cellular functions.

How to Choose the Appropriate Posterior Slope Angle Can Lead to Good Knee Joint Function Recovery in Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Objective: In this study, we aim to examine the effects of osteotomy under varying posterior slope angles on knee joint function recovery following knee arthroplasty. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis from September 2015 to September 2018 on 240 patients who underwent knee arthroplasty three years previously. The study participants were categorized based on changes in the angle of the posterior slope before and after surgery: Group 1, > 5°; Group 2, 3°-5°; Group 3, 0°-3°; Group 4, -3°-0°; Group 5, < -3°. All participants were affected with knee osteoarthritis. The Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSS) knee function score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) knee function score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score, and postoperative complications were measured 3 years after surgery. Results: The level of pain experienced by the patients decreased significantly than before, with pain scores ranging from 1.0-3.0, and there was a statistical difference between groups (H = 93.400, P < 0.001). The KSS score increased, with group 5 having the lowest median score of 78.0 and group 2 having the highest median score of 97.0, and there was a statistical difference between groups (H = 164.460, P < 0.001). The WOMAC score was reduced, with the median score being 24.0, 11.0, 14.0, 20.0, and 26.0, in the five groups, respectively. Group 5 had the highest score, while Group 2 had the lowest score, and there was a statistically significant difference between groups (H = 164.223, P < 0.001). No symptoms such as periprosthetic femoral fracture, prosthetic loosening, or pad wear were detected in patients postoperatively. Conclusion: Osteotomy at various posterior slope angles in total knee arthroplasty impacts postoperative knee function rehabilitation. An excessive increase or decrease in angle can have an impact on the postoperative recovery of knee function.

[LC-MS fingerprint and multi-indicator components analysis of classical formula Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction].

This study developed an optimal pre-processing technique for the reference substance of the classic formula Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction(GXBD) and established a comprehensive quality control method for GXBD reference substance to provide a reference for its overall quality evaluation. The authors prepared 15 batches of GXBD samples and innovatively used the extracted ion chromatogram under the base peak chromatogram mode to establish a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) fingerprint, identify characteristic peaks, and perform quantitative analysis of indicator components. The yield of the 15 batches of GXBD samples ranged from 50.28% to 76.20%. In the positive ion mode, 12 common characteristic peaks were detected in the LC-MS fingerprint, and the structures of five common peaks were identified by comparison with reference standards. The similarity between the fingerprint profiles of different batches of samples and the reference fingerprint profile ranged from 0.920 to 0.984. Finally, liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry(LC-QQQ/MS) in multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) mode was used to determine the content of eight indicator components in GXBD, including loliolide, chrysoeriol, rutin, cucurbitacin D, macrostemonoside Ⅰ, 25S-timosaponin B Ⅱ, 25R-timosaponin B Ⅱ, and peptide proline-tryptophan-valine-proline-glycine(PWVPG). The method established in this study can reduce matrix interference in the compound, and it has good accuracy, stability, and practical value. It effectively reflects the quality attributes of GXBD samples and can be used for the comprehensive quality control of GXBD.

Identification of mitochondria-related action targets of quercetin in melanoma cells.

Melanoma is a complex and genetically heterogeneous malignant tumor with high rates of mortality. Although current therapies provide a short-term clinical benefit, they are unable to cure the majority of patients with metastatic melanoma. Therefore, the investigation of pathological mechanisms and the development of new therapy strategies for melanoma are of great significance. Quercetin can effectively inhibit tumor growth in various tumors. However, the exact action mechanisms of quercetin against melanoma have not been comprehensively clarified, which limits its application. Accumulating evidence has suggested that the dysfunction of mitochondria is closely linked to carcinogenesis, and a better understanding of the regulation of mitochondria-related genes will shed light on providing new therapies for melanoma. In this study, we performed RNA-seq from melanoma B16-F1 cells treated with quercetin versus controls and screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Combining the results of RNA-seq, molecular docking, and bioinformatics analysis, we found six mitochondria-related genes, BTG2, CP, LRIG1, CYP1A1, GBP2, and MBNL1, which might be targets of quercetin in melanoma and provide an available targeting therapy strategy for melanoma.

Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitory Peptides from the Collagens of Monkfish (Lophius litulon) Swim Bladders: Isolation, Characterization, Molecular Docking Analysis and Activity Evaluation.

The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize collagen and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory (ACEi) peptides from the swim bladders of monkfish (Lophius litulon). Therefore, acid-soluble collagen (ASC-M) and pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC-M) with yields of 4.27 ± 0.22% and 9.54 ± 0.51%, respectively, were extracted from monkfish swim bladders using acid and enzyme methods. The ASC-M and PSC-M contained Gly (325.2 and 314.9 residues/1000 residues, respectively) as the major amino acid, but they had low imino acid content (192.5 and 188.6 residues/1000 residues, respectively) in comparison with collagen from calf skins (CSC) (216.6 residues/1000 residues). The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) patterns and ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrums of ASC-M and PSC-M illustrated that they were mainly composed of type I collagen. Subsequently, three ACEi peptides were isolated from a PSC-M hydrolysate prepared via a double-enzyme system (alcalase + neutrase) and identified as SEGPK (MHP6), FDGPY (MHP7) and SPGPW (MHP9), with molecular weights of 516.5, 597.6 and 542.6 Da, respectively. SEGPK, FDGPY and SPGPW displayed remarkable anti-ACE activity, with IC50 values of 0.63, 0.94 and 0.71 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, a molecular docking assay demonstrated that the affinities of SEGPK, FDGPY and SPGPW with ACE were -7.3, -10.9 and -9.4 kcal/mol, respectively. The remarkable ACEi activity of SEGPK, FDGPY and SPGPW was due to their connection with the active pockets and/or sites of ACE via hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic force. Moreover, SEGPK, FDGPY and SPGPW could protect HUVECs by controlling levels of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Therefore, this work provides an effective means for the preparation of collagens and novel ACEi peptides from monkfish swim bladders, and the prepared ACEi peptides, including SEGPK, FDGPY and SPGPW, could serve as natural functional components in the development of health care products to control hypertension.

A new biphenanthrene with cytotoxic activity from Liparis nervosa (Thunb.) Lindl.

2,7,2'-Trihydroxy-3,4,4'7'-tetramethoxy-1,1'-biphenanthrene (1), a previously undescribed biphenanthrene, and five known phenanthrenes, i.e. 2,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-9,10-dihydroxyphenanthrene (2), 2,4-dihydroxy -7-methoxy-9,10-dihydroxyphenanthrene (3), 7-hydroxy-2-methoxy-phenanthrene-1,4-dione (4), 7-hydroxy-2-methoxy-9,10-dihydro-phenanthrene-1,4-dione (5), and 4,4',7,7'-tetrahydroxy-2,2'-dimethoxy-9,9',10,10'-tetrahydro-1,1'-biphenanthrene (6) were isolated from the whole plant (stems, leaves, roots and fruits) of Liparis nervosa (Thunb.) Lindl., which is a medicinal plant of the genus Liparis in the Orchidaceae family. The structures of isolates were identified using spectroscopic methods, including NMR and mass spectrometry. Additionally, the cytotoxic potency of all the isolates against human lung cancer A549 cell line was evaluated by an MTT assay. All the isolated compounds showed cytotoxic activities with IC50 values in the range of 10.20 ± 0.81 to 42.41 ± 2.34 µM. The obtained data highlight the importance of L. nervosa as a source of natural lead compounds for cancer therapy.

Drug-coated balloons for treating de novo lesions in large coronary vessels: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, while an effective intervention, can frequently lead to acute occlusion with severe consequences. Although clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of drug-coated balloons (DCB) in treating acute coronary artery occlusion and in preventing restenosis, there has been limited exploration on the use of DCB in treating de novo lesions in large vessels. Currently, DCB are only recommended for patients with small vessel lesions and in-stent restenosis lesions, those at high risk of bleeding, and other special groups of patients. CASE SUMMARY: This report presents a case of successful drug-coated balloon treatment of de novo lesions in large coronary vessels. Postoperatively, the patient demonstrated favorable recovery, with subsequent examination results revealing no significant differences from the previous examination. CONCLUSION: The successful treatment of the patient in our case highlights the potential of DCB in the treatment of de novo lesions in large coronary vessels.

Antioxidant Peptides from Monkfish Swim Bladders: Ameliorating NAFLD In Vitro by Suppressing Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress via Regulating AMPK/Nrf2 Pathway.

In this study, we investigate the ameliorating functions of QDYD (MSP2), ARW (MSP8), DDGGK (MSP10), YPAGP (MSP13) and DPAGP (MSP18) from monkfish swim bladders on an FFA-induced NAFLD model of HepG2 cells. The lipid-lowering mechanisms revealed that these five oligopeptides can up-regulate the expression of phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) proteins to inhibit the expression of the sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) proteins on increasing lipid synthesis and up-regulating the expression of the PPAP-α and CPT-1 proteins on promoting the ß-oxidation of fatty acids. Moreover, QDYD (MSP2), ARW (MSP8), DDGGK (MSP10), YPAGP (MSP13) and DPAGP (MSP18) can significantly inhibit reactive oxygen species' (ROS) production, promote the activities of intracellular antioxidases (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GSH-PX; and catalase, CAT) and bring down the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) derived from lipid peroxidation. Further investigations revealed that the regulation of these five oligopeptides on oxidative stress was achieved through activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway to raise the expression levels of the heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) protein and downstream antioxidant proteases. Therefore, QDYD (MSP2), ARW (MSP8), DDGGK (MSP10), YPAGP (MSP13) and DPAGP (MSP18) could serve as candidate ingredients to develop functional products for treating NAFLD.

An investigation into whether changes in the posterior tibial slope affect the outcome of cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty by affecting tibiofemoral articular contact kinematics.

Aims: The outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are affected by many factors. This study aims to evaluate whether changes in the posterior tibial slope (PTS) affect patients' outcomes after cruciate-retaining TKA by affecting tibiofemoral articular contact kinematics. It was hypothesized that changes in PTS affect the outcomes of PCR TKA by affecting tibiofemoral articular contact kinematics. Methods: A total of 60 knees (30 patients) that underwent posterior cruciate-retaining TKA (with the same size prosthesis) for medial osteoarthritis were assessed preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Before and after TKA, changes in the PTS, as seen on lateral radiographs, were noted. The knees were placed in groups according to these PTS changes (preoperative value - postoperative value): group 1 >3° change and group 2 ≤3° change. Knee kinematics were observed under mid-flexion weight-bearing conditions and were compared between the two groups using the two-dimensional/three-dimensional registration technique. Pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and knee function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Knee Society Score (KSS). Results: Group 2 experienced paradoxical anterior motion of the medial femoral condyle postoperatively, but group 1 did not. A comparison of the results of the TKA between the two groups showed a significant difference in pain using the visual analog scale, and knee function of the KSS and the WOMAC (P < 0.05). The postoperative results were better in group 1 than in group 2. Conclusions: These results suggest that achieving a greater change in the PTS improves outcomes in patients undergoing posterior cruciate-retaining TKA because it reduces the paradoxical motion of the medial femoral condyle.

Single atom supported on MXenes for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction: species, coordination environment, and action mechanism.

The electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media provides an environmentally friendly industrial application approach to replace traditional fossil energy. The search for efficient, low-cost, and durable active electrocatalysts is central to the development of this area. Transition metal carbides (MXenes) have been emerging as a new family of two-dimensional (2D) materials that have great potential in the HER. Herein, density functional theory calculations are performed to systematically explore the structural and electronic properties and alkaline HER performances of Mo-based MXenes, as well as the influence of species and the coordination environment of single atoms on the improvement of the electrocatalytic activity of Mo2Ti2C3O2. The results show that Mo-based MXenes (Mo2CO2, Mo2TiC2O2, and Mo2Ti2C3O2) exhibit excellent H binding ability, while slow water decomposition kinetics hinders their HER performance. Replacing the O-terminal of Mo2Ti2C3O2 with a Ru single-atom (RuS-Mo2Ti2C3O2) could promote the decomposition of water owing to the stronger electron-donating ability of the atomic state Ru. In addition, Ru could also improve the binding ability of the catalyst to H by adjusting the surface electron distribution. As a result, RuS-Mo2Ti2C3O2 exhibits excellent HER performance with a water decomposition potential barrier of 0.292 eV and a H adsorption Gibbs free energy of -0.041 eV. These explorations bring new prospects for single atoms supported on Mo-based MXenes in the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction.

Identifying yield-related genes in maize based on ear trait plasticity.

BACKGROUND: Phenotypic plasticity is defined as the phenotypic variation of a trait when an organism is exposed to different environments, and it is closely related to genotype. Exploring the genetic basis behind the phenotypic plasticity of ear traits in maize is critical to achieve climate-stable yields, particularly given the unpredictable effects of climate change. Performing genetic field studies in maize requires development of a fast, reliable, and automated system for phenotyping large numbers of samples. RESULTS: Here, we develop MAIZTRO as an automated maize ear phenotyping platform for high-throughput measurements in the field. Using this platform, we analyze 15 common ear phenotypes and their phenotypic plasticity variation in 3819 transgenic maize inbred lines targeting 717 genes, along with the wild type lines of the same genetic background, in multiple field environments in two consecutive years. Kernel number is chosen as the primary target phenotype because it is a key trait for improving the grain yield and ensuring yield stability. We analyze the phenotypic plasticity of the transgenic lines in different environments and identify 34 candidate genes that may regulate the phenotypic plasticity of kernel number. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that as an integrated and efficient phenotyping platform for measuring maize ear traits, MAIZTRO can help to explore new traits that are important for improving and stabilizing the yield. This study indicates that genes and alleles related with ear trait plasticity can be identified using transgenic maize inbred populations.

Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells alleviate Parkinson's disease and neuronal damage through inhibition of microglia.

Microglia-mediated inflammatory responses have been shown to play a crucial role in Parkinson's disease. In addition, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells have shown anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, whether they can protect neurons in Parkinson's disease by inhibiting microglia-mediated inflammatory responses is not yet known. In this study, exosomes were isolated from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and injected into a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease. We found that the exosomes injected through the tail vein and lateral ventricle were absorbed by dopaminergic neurons and microglia on the affected side of the brain, where they repaired nigral-striatal dopamine system damage and inhibited microglial activation. Furthermore, in an in vitro cell model, pretreating lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 cells with exosomes reduced interleukin-1ß and interleukin-18 secretion, prevented the adoption of pyroptosis-associated morphology by BV2 cells, and increased the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells. Potential targets for treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes were further identified by high-throughput microRNA sequencing and protein spectrum sequencing. Our findings suggest that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes are a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease, and that their neuroprotective effects may be mediated by inhibition of excessive microglial proliferation.

In Situ Formation ZnIn2 S4 /Mo2 TiC2 Schottky Junction for Accelerating Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Kinetics: Manipulation of Local Coordination and Electronic Structure.

Regulating electronic structures of the active site by manipulating the local coordination is one of the advantageous means to improve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) kinetics. Herein, the ZnIn2 S4 /Mo2 TiC2 Schottky junctions are designed to be constructed through the interfacial local coordination of In3+ with the electronegative O terminal group on Mo2 TiC2 based on the different work functions. Kelvin probe force microscopy and charge density difference reveal that an electronic unidirectional transport channel across the Schottky interface from ZnIn2 S4 to Mo2 TiC2 is established by the formed local nucleophilic/electrophilic region. The increased local electron density of Mo2 TiC2 inhibits the backflow of electrons, boosts the charge transfer and separation, and optimizes the hydrogen adsorption energy. Therefore, the ZnIn2 S4 /Mo2 TiC2 photocatalyst exhibits a superior PHE rate of 3.12 mmol g-1 h-1 under visible light, reaching 3.03 times that of the pristine ZnIn2 S4 . This work provides some insights and inspiration for preparing MXene-based Schottky catalysts to accelerate PHE kinetics.

Hinokitiol Selectively Enhances the Antibacterial Activity of Tetracyclines against Staphylococcus aureus.

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance causes an urgent need for alternative agents to combat drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Plant-derived compounds are promising candidates for the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Hinokitiol (ß-thujaplicin), a natural tropolone derivative found in the heartwood of cupressaceous plants, has been widely used in oral and skin care products as an antimicrobial agent. The aim of this work was to study the synergy potential of hinokitiol with antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus, which is an extremely successful opportunistic pathogen capable of causing nosocomial and community-acquired infections worldwide. The MIC was determined by the broth microdilution method, and the effect of combinations was evaluated through fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI). The mechanism behind this synergy was also investigated by using fluorescence spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The MICs of hinokitiol alone against most S. aureus strains were 32 µg/mL. Selectively synergistic activities (FICIs of ≤0.5) were observed for combinations of this phytochemical with tetracyclines against all tested strains of S. aureus. Importantly, hinokitiol at 1 µg/mL completely or partially reversed tetracycline resistance in staphylococcal isolates. The increased accumulation of tetracycline inside S. aureus in the presence of hinokitiol was observed. In addition, hinokitiol promoted the uptake of ethidium bromide (EB) in bacterial cells without membrane depolarization, suggesting that it may be an efflux pump inhibitor. IMPORTANCE The disease caused by S. aureus is a public health issue due to the continuing emergence of drug-resistant strains, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Tetracyclines, one of the old classes of antimicrobials, have been used for the treatment of infections caused by S. aureus. However, the increased resistance to tetracyclines together with their toxicity have limited their use in the clinic. Here, we demonstrated that the combination of hinokitiol and tetracyclines displayed synergistic antibacterial activity against S. aureus, including tetracycline-resistant strains and MRSA, offering a potential alternative approach for the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium.