The anti-hyperlipidemia effect of Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizome increased HDL via reverse cholesterol transfer.

Aim: Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizome (AM) has been used to treat hyperlipidemia for centuries, but its functional components and mechanisms are not clear. This research aimed to investigate the active components in AM and the mechanisms that underlie its anti-hyperlipidemia effect. Methods: SD rats were fed a high-sucrose high-fat diet in conjunction with alcohol (HSHFDAC) along with different AM extracts (AMW, AMO, AME, and AMP) for 4 weeks. AM's active components were analyzed using multiple databases, and their mechanisms were explored through network pharmacology. The relationship between AM's effect of enhancing serum HDL-c and regulating the expression of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT)-related proteins (Apo-A1, LCAT, and SR-BI) was further validated in the HSHFDAC-induced hyperlipidemic rats. The kidney and liver functions of the rats were measured to evaluate the safety of AM. Results: AMO, mainly comprised of volatile and liposoluble components, contributed the most significant anti-hyperlipidemia effect among the four extracts obtained from AM, significantly improving the blood lipid profile. Network pharmacology analysis also suggested that volatile and liposoluble components, comprise AM's main active components and they might act on signaling pathways associated with elevated HDL-c. Validation experiments found that AMO substantially and dose-dependently increased HDL-c levels, upregulated the expression of Apo-A1, SR-BI, and LCAT, improved the pathological changes in the kidney and liver, and significantly reduced the serum creatinine levels in rats with hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: The main anti-hyperlipidemia active components of AM are its volatile and liposoluble components, which may enhance serum HDL-c by increasing the expression of the RCT-related proteins Apo-A1, LCAT, and SR-BI.

Manufacturing, quality control, and GLP-grade preclinical study of nebulized allogenic adipose mesenchymal stromal cells-derived extracellular vesicles.

BACKGROUND: Human adipose stromal cells-derived extracellular vesicles (haMSC-EVs) have been shown to alleviate inflammation in acute lung injury (ALI) animal models. However, there are few systemic studies on clinical-grade haMSC-EVs. Our study aimed to investigate the manufacturing, quality control (QC) and preclinical safety of clinical-grade haMSC-EVs. METHODS: haMSC-EVs were isolated from the conditioned medium of human adipose MSCs incubated in 2D containers. Purification was performed by PEG precipitation and differential centrifugation. Characterizations were conducted by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Western blotting, nanoflow cytometry analysis, and the TNF-α inhibition ratio of macrophage [after stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]. RNA-seq and proteomic analysis with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used to inspect the lot-to-lot consistency of the EV products. Repeated toxicity was evaluated in rats after administration using trace liquid endotracheal nebulizers for 28 days, and respiratory toxicity was evaluated 24 h after the first administration. In vivo therapeutic effects were assessed in an LPS-induced ALI/ acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) rat model. RESULTS: The quality criteria have been standardized. In a stability study, haMSC-EVs were found to remain stable after 6 months of storage at - 80°C, 3 months at - 20 °C, and 6 h at room temperature. The microRNA profile and proteome of haMSC-EVs demonstrated suitable lot-to-lot consistency, further suggesting the stability of the production processes. Intratracheally administered 1.5 × 108 particles/rat/day for four weeks elicited no significant toxicity in rats. In LPS-induced ALI/ARDS model rats, intratracheally administered haMSC-EVs alleviated lung injury, possibly by reducing the serum level of inflammatory factors. CONCLUSION: haMSC-EVs, as an off-shelf drug, have suitable stability and lot-to-lot consistency. Intratracheally administered haMSC-EVs demonstrated excellent safety at the tested dosages in systematic preclinical toxicity studies. Intratracheally administered haMSC-EVs improved the lung function and exerted anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced ALI/ARDS model rats.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate confers protection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis, apoptosis, and autophagy via modulation of 14-3-3η.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the underlying mechanisms of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) are complex and involve multiple types of regulatory cell death, including ferroptosis, apoptosis, and autophagy. Thus, we aimed to identify the mechanisms underlying MIRI and validate the protective role of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and its related mechanisms in MIRI. An in vivo and in vitro models of MIRI were constructed. The results showed that pretreatment with EGCG could attenuate MIRI, as indicated by increased cell viability, reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and apoptosis, inhibited iron overload, abnormal lipid metabolism, preserved mitochondrial function, decreased infarct size, maintained cardiac function, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and reduced TUNEL-positive cells. Additionally, EGCG pretreatment could attenuate ferroptosis, apoptosis, and autophagy induced by MIRI via upregulating 14-3-3η protein levels. Furthermore, the protective effects of EGCG could be abolished with pAd/14-3-3η-shRNA or Compound C11 (a 14-3-3η inhibitor) but not pAd/NC-shRNA. In conclusion, EGCG pretreatment attenuated ferroptosis, apoptosis, and autophagy by mediating 14-3-3η and protected cardiomyocytes against MIRI.

The catalytic triad of rice NARROW LEAF1 involves H234.

NARROW LEAF1 (NAL1) exerts a multifaceted influence on leaf morphology and crop yield. Recent crystal study proposed that histidine 233 (H233) is part of the catalytic triad. Here we report that unlike suggested previously, H234 instead of H233 is a component of the catalytic triad alongside residues D291 and S385 in NAL1. Remarkably, residue 233 unexpectedly plays a pivotal role in regulating NAL1's proteolytic activity. These findings establish a strong foundation for utilizing NAL1 in breeding programs aimed at improving crop yield.

Sex differences orchestrated by androgens at single-cell resolution.

Sex differences in mammalian complex traits are prevalent and are intimately associated with androgens1-7. However, a molecular and cellular profile of sex differences and their modulation by androgens is still lacking. Here we constructed a high-dimensional single-cell transcriptomic atlas comprising over 2.3 million cells from 17 tissues in Mus musculus and explored the effects of sex and androgens on the molecular programs and cellular populations. In particular, we found that sex-biased immune gene expression and immune cell populations, such as group 2 innate lymphoid cells, were modulated by androgens. Integration with the UK Biobank dataset revealed potential cellular targets and risk gene enrichment in antigen presentation for sex-biased diseases. This study lays the groundwork for understanding the sex differences orchestrated by androgens and provides important evidence for targeting the androgen pathway as a broad therapeutic strategy for sex-biased diseases.

Resveratrol protects cardiomyocytes against ischemia/reperfusion-induced ferroptosis via inhibition of the VDAC1/GPX4 pathway.

The present study aimed to explore how resveratrol (Res) confers myocardial protection by attenuating ferroptosis. In vivo and in vitro myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) models were established, with or without Res pretreatment. The results showed that Res pretreatment effectively attenuated MIRI, as evidenced by increased cell viability, reduced lactate dehydrogenase activity, decreased infarct size, and maintained cardiac function. Moreover, Res pretreatment inhibited MIRI-induced ferroptosis, as shown by improved mitochondrial integrity, increased glutathione level, decreased prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 level, inhibited iron overload, and abnormal lipid peroxidation. Of note, Res pretreatment decreased or increased voltage-dependent anion channel 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 (VDAC1/GPX4) expression, which was increased or decreased via anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) treatment, respectively. However, the overexpression of VDAC1 via pAd/VDAC1 and knockdown of GPX4 through Si-GPX4 reversed the protective effect of Res in A/R-induced H9c2 cells, whereas the inhibition of GPX4 with RSL3 abolished the protective effect of Res on mice treated with ischemia/reperfusion.Interestingly, knockdown of VDAC1 by Si-VDAC1 promoted the protective effect of Res on A/R-induced H9c2 cells and the regulation of GPX4. Finally, the direct interaction between VDAC1 and GPX4 was determined using co-immunoprecipitation. In conclusion, Res pretreatment could protect the myocardium against MIRI-induced ferroptosis via the VDAC1/GPX4 signaling pathway.

Impact of third-order dispersion on the dynamics of dissipative solitons in an ultrafast fiber laser.

Dissipative solitons (DSs), due to the complex interplay among dispersion, nonlinear, gain and loss, illustrate abundant nonlinear dynamics behaviors. Especially, dispersion plays an important role in the research of DS dynamics in ultrafast fiber lasers. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effect of even-order dispersion, i.e., group velocity dispersion (GVD) and fourth-order dispersion. In fact, odd-order dispersions, such as third-order dispersion (TOD), also significantly influences the dynamics of DSs. However, due to the lack of dispersion engineering tools, few experimental researches in this domain have been reported. In this work, by employing a pulse shaper in ultrafast fiber laser, an in-depth exploration of the DS dynamics influenced by TOD was conducted. With the increase of TOD value, the stable single DS undergoes a splitting into two solitons and then enters explosion state, and ultimately evolves into a chaotic state. The laser operation state is correlated to dispersion profile, which could be controlled by TOD. Here, the positive dispersion at long-wavelength side will be gradually shifted to negative dispersion by increasing the TOD, where soliton effect will drive the transitions. These findings offer valuable insights into the nonlinear dynamics of ultrafast lasers and may also foster applications involving higher-order dispersion.

Serum PYCARD may become a new diagnostic marker for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this investigation is to analyze the levels and clinical relevance of serum PYCARD (Pyrin and CARD domain-containing protein, commonly known as ASC-apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain), interleukin-38 (IL-38), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in individuals afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Our study comprised 88 individuals diagnosed with RA who sought medical attention at the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University during the period spanning November 2021 to June 2023, constituting the test group. Additionally, a control group of 88 individuals who underwent health assessments at the same hospital during the aforementioned timeframe was included for comparative purposes. The study involved the assessment of IL-38, IL-6, PYCARD, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels in both groups. The research aimed to explore the correlations and diagnostic efficacy of these markers, employing pertinent statistical analyses for comprehensive evaluation. RESULTS: The test group had higher expression levels of PYCARD, IL-6, and IL-38 than the control group (P < 0.05). Based on the correlation analysis, there was a strong relationship between PYCARD and IL-38 (P < 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.97, 0.96, and 0.96 when using combinations of PYCARD and anti-CCP, IL-38 and anti-CCP, and IL-6 and anti-CCP for predicting RA, respectively. Importantly, all three of these pairs demonstrated superior AUC values compared to PYCARD, IL-38, IL-6, ESR, or anti-CCP used as standalone diagnostic indicators. CONCLUSION: PYCARD, IL-6, and IL-38 exhibit promising potential as novel diagnostic markers and may constitute valuable tools for supporting the diagnosis of RA.

Prognostic model on pregnancy outcomes for women with recurrent spontaneous abortions treated with cyclosporin A: A single-institution experience.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify prognostic factors for pregnancy outcomes and construct a prognostic model for pregnancy outcomes in women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions (RSA) treated with cyclosporin A. METHODS: A total of 154 RSA patients treated with cyclosporin A between October 2016 and October 2018 were retrospectively recruited. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify the prognostic factors for pregnancy success in RSA women treated with cyclosporin A. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to construct prognostic value, and the prognostic performance was assessed using area under the ROC. RESULTS: After adjusting potential confounding factors, the authors noted increased age (OR = 0.771; 95 % CI 0.693‒0.858; p < 0.001) and positive antinuclear antibodies (OR = 0.204; 95 % CI 0.079‒0.526; p = 0.001) were associated with a reduced incidence of pregnancy success, while positive anti-ß2 glycoprotein-I-antibody (OR = 21.941; 95 % CI 1.176‒409.281; p = 0.039) was associated with an increased incidence of pregnancy success after treated with cyclosporin A. The AUC of combining these variables for predicting pregnancy failure was 0.809 (95 % CI 0.735‒0.880). CONCLUSIONS: This study systematically identified the prognostic factors for pregnancy success in women treated with cyclosporin A, and the constructed prognostic model based on these factors with relatively higher prognostic value. Further large-scale prospective studies should be performed to validate the prognostic value of the constructed model.

Integration of transcriptome, gut microbiota, and physiology reveals toxic responses of the red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) to imidacloprid.

Imidacloprid enters the water environment through rainfall and causes harm to aquatic crustaceans. However, the potential chronic toxicity mechanism of imidacloprid in crayfish has not been comprehensively studied. In this study, red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) were exposed to 11.76, 35.27, or 88.17 µg/L imidacloprid for 30 days, and changes in the physiology and biochemistry, gut microbiota, and transcriptome of C. quadricarinatus and the interaction between imidacloprid, gut microbiota, and genes were studied. Imidacloprid induced oxidative stress and decreased growth performance in crayfish. Imidacloprid exposure caused hepatopancreas damage and decreased serum immune enzyme activity. Hepatopancreatic and plasma acetylcholine decreased significantly in the 88.17 µg/L group. Imidacloprid reduced the diversity of the intestinal flora, increased the abundance of harmful flora, and disrupted the microbiota function. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the number of up-and-down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) increased significantly with increasing concentrations of imidacloprid. DEG enrichment analyses indicated that imidacloprid inhibits neurotransmitter transduction and immune responses and disrupts energy metabolic processes. Crayfish could alleviate imidacloprid stress by regulating antioxidant and detoxification-related genes. A high correlation was revealed between GST, HSPA1s, and HSP90 and the composition of gut microorganisms in crayfish under imidacloprid stress. This study highlights the negative effects and provides detailed sequencing data from transcriptome and gut microbiota to enhance our understanding of the molecular toxicity of imidacloprid in crustaceans.

Gastrin-Releasing Peptide/Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor Participation in Itch Sensation Signaling in the Spinal Cord of Uremic Pruritus Mice.

Background: Uremic pruritus is a prevalent clinical symptom in maintenance dialysis patients. Existing evidence establishes a connection between itch transmission and the gastrin-releasing peptide/gastrin-releasing peptide receptor signaling pathway. Objective: To investigate the involvement of the gastrin-releasing peptide/gastrin-releasing peptide receptor in itch sensation signaling within the spinal cord of uremic pruritus. Design: An animal study was conducted. Setting: The research was conducted at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Participants: A total of 50 male C57BL/6J mice (weight: 30-40 g) were acquired from Beijing Weitonglihua Laboratory Animal Center. Interventions: Mice were categorized into five groups: normal, sham, Y, A, and B. The Y group received intrathecal injections of saline (5 ul). The A group received intrathecal injections of gastrin-releasing peptide (0.1 nmol, 5 ul), and the B group received intrathecal injections of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist RC-3095 (0.3 mmol, 5 ul). Primary Outcome Measures: (1) Pruritus behavior of mice and (2) expression of gastrin-releasing peptide, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, and inositol trisphosphate. Results: Scratching times in the Y group significantly surpassed those of normal and sham groups, increasing over time. Gastrin-releasing peptide and receptor expression rose in the uremic pruritus mouse model compared to normal and sham groups (P < .05). Expression of gastrin-releasing peptide and its receptor was significantly elevated in the uremic pruritus mouse model compared to the normal and sham groups (P < .05). Inositol trisphosphate expression in the dorsal spinal horn of Y group mice increased compared to normal and sham groups. Intrathecal gastrin-releasing peptide heightened inositol trisphosphate expression, while the peptide receptor antagonist RC-3095 reduced it. Y group scratching times were higher than normal and sham groups, increasing after intrathecal gastrin-releasing peptide but decreasing after RC-3095 injection. Conclusion: The gastrin-releasing peptide/gastrin-releasing peptide receptor signaling pathway is involved in the development of uremic pruritus.

Cross-kingdom RNA interference mediated by insect salivary microRNAs may suppress plant immunity.

Communication between insects and plants relies on the exchange of bioactive molecules that traverse the species interface. Although proteinic effectors have been extensively studied, our knowledge of other molecules involved in this process remains limited. In this study, we investigate the role of salivary microRNAs (miRNAs) from the rice planthopper Nilaparvata lugens in suppressing plant immunity. A total of three miRNAs were confirmed to be secreted into host plants during insect feeding. Notably, the sequence-conserved miR-7-5P is specifically expressed in the salivary glands of N. lugens and is secreted into saliva, distinguishing it significantly from homologues found in other insects. Silencing miR-7-5P negatively affects N. lugens feeding on rice plants, but not on artificial diets. The impaired feeding performance of miR-7-5P-silenced insects can be rescued by transgenic plants overexpressing miR-7-5P. Through target prediction and experimental testing, we demonstrate that miR-7-5P targets multiple plant genes, including the immune-associated bZIP transcription factor 43 (OsbZIP43). Infestation of rice plants by miR-7-5P-silenced insects leads to the increased expression of OsbZIP43, while the presence of miR-7-5P counteracts this upregulation effect. Furthermore, overexpressing OsbZIP43 confers plant resistance against insects which can be subverted by miR-7-5P. Our findings suggest a mechanism by which herbivorous insects have evolved salivary miRNAs to suppress plant immunity, expanding our understanding of cross-kingdom RNA interference between interacting organisms.

Positive buttress reduction in femoral neck fractures: a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in young adults are usually caused by high-energy trauma, and their treatment remains a challenging issue for orthopedic surgeons. The quality of reduction is considered an important factor in improving the poor prognosis of patients with FNFs. In recent years, positive buttress closed reduction technique has received widespread attention in the treatment of FNFs. This comprehensive literature review is designed to encapsulate the impacts of both non-anatomic and anatomic reduction on the biomechanical stability, clinical outcomes, and postoperative complications in the management of FNFs, conjecture the efficacy of positively braced reduction techniques and provide a thorough summarization of the clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this literature review, we have examined all clinical and biomechanical studies related to the treatment of FNFs using non-anatomical reduction or positive and negative buttress reduction. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Embase Library databases were searched systematically for studies published before September 1, 2023. Published literature on fracture reduction techniques for treating FNFs was reviewed. In addition, we evaluated the included literature using the MINORs tool. RESULTS: Although the "arch bridge" structure formed by the positive buttress reduction technique improved the support to the cortical bone and provided a more stable biomechanical structure, no significant differences were noted in the clinical efficacy and incidence of postoperative complications between the positive buttress reduction and anatomical reduction. CONCLUSION: Positive buttress reduction is an effective treatment method for young patients with FNFs. When facing difficult-to-reduce FNF, positive buttress reduction should be considered first, followed by anatomical reduction. However, negative buttress reduction should be avoided.

A Porphyrin-Based 3D Metal-Organic Framework Featuring [Cu8Cl6]10+ Cluster Secondary Building Units: Synthesis, Structure Elucidation, Anion Exchange, and Peroxidase-Like Activity.

Herein, we report a rare example of cationic three-dimensional (3D) metal-organic framework (MOF) of [Cu5Cl3(TMPP)]Cl5 ⋅ xSol (denoted as Cu-TMPP; H2TMPP=meso-tetrakis (6-methylpyridin-3-yl) porphyrin; xSol=encapsulated solvates) supported by [Cu8Cl6]10+ cluster secondary building units (SBUs) wherein the eight faces of the Cl--based octahedron are capped by eight Cu2+. Surface-area analysis indicated that Cu-TMPP features a mesoporous structure and its solvate-like Cl- counterions can be exchanged by BF4 -, PF6 -, and NO3 -. The polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated Cu-TMPP (denoted as Cu-TMPP-PVP) demonstrated good ROS generating ability, producing ⋅OH in the absence of light (peroxidase-like activity) and 1O2 on light irradiation (650 nm; 25 mW cm-2). This work highlights the potential of Cu-TMPP as a functional carrier of anionic guests such as drugs, for the combination therapy of cancer and other diseases.

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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe disease characterized by abnormal pulmonary vascular remodeling and increased right ventricular pressure load, posing a significant threat to patient health. While some pathological mechanisms of PAH have been revealed, the deeper mechanisms of pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. In recent years, bioinformatics has provided a powerful tool for a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms of PAH through the integration of techniques such as multi-omics analysis, artificial intelligence, and Mendelian randomization. This review focuses on the bioinformatics methods and technologies used in PAH research, summarizing their current applications in the study of disease mechanisms, diagnosis, and prognosis assessment. Additionally, it analyzes the existing challenges faced by bioinformatics and its potential applications in the clinical and basic research fields of PAH in the future.

Semiconducting polymer dots for multifunctional integrated nanomedicine carriers.

The expansion applications of semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) among optical nanomaterial field have long posed a challenge for researchers, promoting their intelligent application in multifunctional nano-imaging systems and integrated nanomedicine carriers for diagnosis and treatment. Despite notable progress, several inadequacies still persist in the field of Pdots, including the development of simplified near-infrared (NIR) optical nanoprobes, elucidation of their inherent biological behavior, and integration of information processing and nanotechnology into biomedical applications. This review aims to comprehensively elucidate the current status of Pdots as a classical nanophotonic material by discussing its advantages and limitations in terms of biocompatibility, adaptability to microenvironments in vivo, etc. Multifunctional integration and surface chemistry play crucial roles in realizing the intelligent application of Pdots. Information visualization based on their optical and physicochemical properties is pivotal for achieving detection, sensing, and labeling probes. Therefore, we have refined the underlying mechanisms and constructed multiple comprehensive original mechanism summaries to establish a benchmark. Additionally, we have explored the cross-linking interactions between Pdots and nanomedicine, potential yet complete biological metabolic pathways, future research directions, and innovative solutions for integrating diagnosis and treatment strategies. This review presents the possible expectations and valuable insights for advancing Pdots, specifically from chemical, medical, and photophysical practitioners' standpoints.

Purification Effect of Water Eutrophication Using the Mosaic System of Submerged-Emerged Plants and Growth Response.

Aquatic plants play a crucial role in the sustainable management of eutrophic water bodies, serving as a valuable tool for water purification. However, the effectiveness of using aquatic plants for improving water quality is influenced by landscape considerations. In practical applications, challenges arise concerning low purification efficiency and compromised aesthetic appeal when utilizing plants for water purification. To address these issues, this study aimed to examine the impact of aquatic plants on the purification of simulated landscape water bodies, specifically focusing on the effectiveness of the mosaic system of submerged-emerged plants in remediating eutrophic water bodies. Our findings indicated that individual aquatic plants exhibited limited efficacy in pollutant (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen, and chemical oxygen demand) removal. However, when combined in appropriate proportions, submerged plants could enhance species growth and improve the purification efficiency of polluted water bodies. Notably, the mosaic system of submerged-emerged plants neither significantly promoted nor inhibited the growth of each other, but it effectively removed pollutants from the simulated water bodies and inhibited turbidity increase. The comprehensive evaluation ranked the purification capacity as Canna indica-submerged plants combination (C + S) > Thalia dealbata-submerged plants combination (T + S) > Iris pseudacorus-submerged plants combination (I + S) > Lythrum salicaria-submerged plants combination (L + S). Both C + S and T + S configurations effectively mitigated the rise of water turbidity and offered appealing landscape benefits, making them viable options for practical applications in urban landscape water bodies. Our study highlights that a submerged-emerged mosaic combination is a means of water purification that combines landscape aesthetics and purification efficiency.

Penicilloneines A and B, Quinolone-Citrinin Hybrids from a Starfish-Derived Penicillium sp.

Penicilloneines A (1) and B (2) are the first reported quinolone-citrinin hybrids. They were isolated from the starfish-derived fungus Penicillium sp. GGF16-1-2, and their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic, chemical, computational, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Penicilloneines A (1) and B (2) share a common 4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1H)-quinolone unit; however, they differ in terms of citrinin moieties, and these two units are linked via a methylene bridge. Penicilloneines A (1) and B (2) exhibited antifungal activities against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, with lethal concentration 50 values of 0.02 and 1.51 µg/mL, respectively. A mechanistic study revealed that 1 could inhibit cell growth and promote cell vacuolization and consequent disruption of the fungal cell walls via upregulating nutrient-related hydrolase genes, including putative hydrolase, acetylcholinesterase, glycosyl hydrolase, leucine aminopeptidase, lipase, and beta-galactosidase, and downregulating their synthase genes 3-carboxymuconate cyclase, pyruvate decarboxylase, phosphoketolase, and oxalate decarboxylase.

A facile electrochemical immunosensor based on EDTA-Pb2+ complexation reaction.

The sensitivity of electrochemical (EC) sensors has been improved through the development of multiple approaches. However, the majority of EC sensors were limited in their practical application by high costs or tedious procedures. Herein, based on ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-Pb2+ complexation reaction, a facile and affordable immunosensor was designed. Pb2+-magnesium silicate hydrate was served as the sensing substrate. The immunorecognition process was carried out in the Eppendorf tube, and antibody-functionalized Pb2+-polydopamine was utilized as immunoprobe. In the tube, the quantitative and appropriate excess of EDTA was introduced to complex with Pb2+ on the immunoprobes. The remaining EDTA was added to the sensing substrate surface to coordinate with some Pb2+ in it. This leaded to the reduction of the EC signal of Pb2+, which was related to the antigen concentration. Using prostate-specific antigen as the model analyte, the sensitive detection was realized with a low limit of detection (30.49 fg mL-1). Remarkably, the assay results were available within 24 min, sensibly faster than the most existing EC sensors.

Paternal preconception alcohol consumption increased Angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction in male offspring cerebral arteries via oxidative stress-AT1R pathway.

Alcohol consumption is popular worldwidely and closely associated with cardiovascular diseases. Influences of paternal preconception alcohol consumption on offspring cerebral arteries are largely unknown. Male rats were randomly given alcohol or water before being mated with alcohol-naive females to produce alcohol- and control-sired offspring. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) was tested with a Danish Myo Technology wire myograph, patch-clamp, IONOPTIX, immunofluorescence and quantitative PCR. Alcohol consumption enhanced angiotensin II (AngII)-mediated constriction in male offspring MCA mainly via AT1R. PD123,319 only augmented AngII-induced constriction in control offspring. AngII and Bay K8644 induced stronger intracellular calcium transient in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from MCA of alcohol offspring. L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (L-Ca2+ ) current at baseline and after AngII-stimulation was higher in VSMCs. Influence of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKC a ) was lower. Caffeine induced stronger constriction and intracellular calcium release in alcohol offspring. Superoxide anion was higher in alcohol MCA than control. Tempol and thenoyltrifluoroacetone alleviated AngII-mediated contractions, while inhibition was significantly higher in alcohol group. The mitochondria were swollen in alcohol MCA. Despite lower Kcnma1 and Prkce expression, many genes expressions were higher in alcohol group. Hypoxia induced reactive oxygen species production and increased AT1R expression in control MCA and rat aorta smooth muscle cell line. In conclusion, this study firstly demonstrated paternal preconception alcohol potentiated AngII-mediated vasoconstriction in offspring MCA via ROS-AT1R. Alcohol consumption increased intracellular calcium via L-Ca2+ channel and endoplasmic reticulum and decreased BKCa function. The present study provided new information for male reproductive health and developmental origin of cerebrovascular diseases.