A new endophytic Penicillium oxalicum with aphicidal activity and its infection mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Aphid infestation adversely affects the yield and quality of crops. Rapid reproduction and insecticidal resistance have made controlling aphids in the field challenging. Therefore, the present study investigated the insecticidal property of Penicillium oxalicum (QLhf-1) and its mechanism of action against aphids, Hyalopterus arundimis Fabricius. RESULTS: Bioassay revealed that the control efficacy of the spores against aphids (86.30% and 89.05% on the third day and fifth day after infection, respectively) were higher than other components, such as the mycelium. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that QLhf-1 invaded the aphid cuticle through spores and used the aphid tissues as a nutrient source for growth and reproduction, causing stiffness and atrophy and a final death. Three extracellular enzymes, lipase, protease, and chitinase had a synergistic effect with spores, and they acted together to complete the infection process by degrading the aphid body wall and accelerating the infection process. CONCLUSION: The newly discovered endophytic penicillin strain P. oxalicum 'QLhf-1' can effectively kill aphids. The results provided strong evidence for the biological control of aphids, and lay a foundation for the development and utilization of QLhf-1. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pulmonary embolism in patients with chronic coronary syndrome masquerading as acute coronary syndrome: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolisms (PEs) exhibit clinical features similar to those of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including electrocardiographic abnormalities and elevated troponin levels, which frequently lead to misdiagnoses in emergency situations. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a case of PE coinciding with chronic coronary syndrome in which the patient's condition was obscured by symptoms mimicking ACS. A 68-year-old female with syncope presented to the hospital. Upon admission, she was found to have elevated troponin levels and an electrocardiogram showing ST-segment changes across multiple leads, which initially led to a diagnosis of ACS. Emergency coronary arteriography revealed occlusion of the posterior branches of the left ventricle of the right coronary artery, but based on the complexity of the intervention, the occlusion was considered chronic rather than acute. On the 3rd day after admission, the patient experienced recurrent chest tightness and shortness of breath, which was confirmed as acute PE by emergency computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Following standardized anticoagulation treatment, the patient improved and was subsequently discharged. CONCLUSIONS: This case report highlights the importance of recognizing the nonspecific features of PE. Clinicians should be vigilant when identifying other clinical features that are difficult to explain accompanying the expected disease, and it is necessary to carefully identify the causes to prevent missed diagnoses or misdiagnoses.

The evaluation and enhancement strategies of core competencies for older adult caregivers in integrated medical and older adult care institutions.

The study aimed to understand the main skills of older adult caregivers and find ways to improve these skills. We selected participants using a method called random cluster sampling, where caregivers from 17 different medical and nursing care facilities across seven districts in Hangzhou were chosen. We collected 492 valid questionnaires and conducted interviews with 150 people. To analyze the data, we used T-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to identify what factors affect caregivers' skills. We also performed multiple regression analysis to explore these factors in more depth. The analysis showed that age (p = 0.041), annual income (p < 0.001), and having a training certificate (p < 0.001) significantly influence the skills of older adult caregivers. Specifically, caregivers' age and whether they had a training certificate were linked to how competent they were, with income being a very strong factor. The study highlighted a gap between the caregivers' current skills and the skills needed for high-quality care. This gap shows the need for training programs that are specifically tailored to the caregivers' diverse needs and cultural backgrounds. Medical and eldercare facilities should adjust their work and educational programs accordingly. It's also important to look at how caregivers are paid to make sure their salary reflects their skills and the quality of care they provide. Finally, it's crucial to integrate a comprehensive training program that leads to certification within eldercare organizations.

Association between admission pan-immune-inflammation value and short-term mortality in septic patients: a retrospective cohort study.

Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV) has recently received more attention as a novel indicator of inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the association between PIV and prognosis in septic patients. Data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. The primary and secondary outcomes were 28-day and 90-day mortality. The association between PIV and outcomes was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression analysis, restricted cubic spline curves and subgroup analysis. A total of 11,331 septic patients were included. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that septic patients with higher PIV had lower 28-day survival rate. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, log2-PIV was positively associated with the risk of 28-day mortality [HR (95% CI) 1.06 (1.03, 1.09), P < 0.001]. The relationship between log2-PIV and 28-day mortality was non-linear with a predicted inflection point at 8. To the right of the inflection point, high log2-PIV was associated with an increased 28-day mortality risk [HR (95% CI) 1.13 (1.09, 1.18), P < 0.001]. However, to the left of this point, this association was non-significant [HR (95% CI) 1.01 (0.94, 1.08), P = 0.791]. Similar results were found for 90-day mortality. Our study showed a non-linear relationship between PIV and 28-day and 90-day mortality risk in septic patients.

NOX4-mediated astrocyte ferroptosis in Alzheimer's disease.

This study investigates NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) involvement in iron-mediated astrocyte cell death in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) using single-cell sequencing data and transcriptomes. We analyzed AD single-cell RNA sequencing data, identified astrocyte marker genes, and explored biological processes in astrocytes. We integrated AD-related chip data with ferroptosis-related genes, highlighting NOX4. We validated NOX4's role in ferroptosis and AD in vitro and in vivo. Astrocyte marker genes were enriched in AD, emphasizing their role. NOX4 emerged as a crucial player in astrocytic ferroptosis in AD. Silencing NOX4 mitigated ferroptosis, improved cognition, reduced Aß and p-Tau levels, and alleviated mitochondrial abnormalities. NOX4 promotes astrocytic ferroptosis, underscoring its significance in AD progression.

Study on the relationship between body mass index and blood pressure indices in children aged 7-17 during COVID-19.

Background: To explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI), age, sex, and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, SBP; diastolic blood pressure, DBP) in children during COVID-19, providing reference for the prevention and screening of hypertension in children. Methods: This study adopted a large-scale cross-sectional design to investigate the association between BMI and blood pressure in 7-17-year-old students in City N, China, during COVID-19. Thirty-six primary and secondary schools in City N were sampled using a stratified cluster sampling method. A total of 11,433 students aged 7-17 years in City N, China, were selected for blood pressure (Diastolic blood pressure, DBP, Systolic blood pressure, SBP), height, and weight, Resting heart rate (RHR), chest circumference, measurements, and the study was written using the STROBE checklist. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0, calculating the mean and standard deviation of BMI and blood pressure for male and female students in different age groups. Regression analysis was employed to explore the impact of BMI, age, and sex on SBP and DBP, and predictive models were established. The model fit was evaluated using the model R2. Results: The study included 11,287 primary and secondary school students, comprising 5,649 boys and 5,638 girls. It was found that with increasing age, BMI and blood pressure of boys and girls generally increased. There were significant differences in blood pressure levels between boys and girls in different age groups. In regression models, LC, Age, BMI, and chest circumference show significant positive linear relationships with SBP and DBP in adolescents, while RHR exhibits a negative linear relationship with SBP. These factors were individually incorporated into a stratified regression model, significantly enhancing the model's explanatory power. After including factors such as Age, Gender, and BMI, the adjusted R2 value showed a significant improvement, with Age and BMI identified as key predictive factors for SBP and DBP. The robustness and predictive accuracy of the model were further examined through K-fold cross-validation and independent sample validation methods. The validation results indicate that the model has a high accuracy and explanatory power in predicting blood pressure in children of different weight levels, especially among obese children, where the prediction accuracy is highest. Conclusion: During COVID-19, age, sex, and BMI significantly influence blood pressure in children aged 7-17 years, and predictive models for SBP and DBP were established. This model helps predict blood pressure in children and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Confirmation of factors such as sex, age, and BMI provide a basis for personalized health plans for children, especially during large-scale infectious diseases, providing guidance for addressing health challenges and promoting the health and well-being of children.

[Preparation and performance evaluation of fast dissolving polymer microneedles piggybacked with sitagliptin].

The dramatic rise in the number of obese/overweight people is a global public health challenge that urgently requires novel and effective therapies. In this study, we designed a fast dissolving polymer microneedle array patch (SGN-PVP/PVA-MN) with sitagliptin as a model drug for treating obesity, focusing on the preparation process of the patch. We then characterized the morphology and dimensions of SGN-PVP/PVA-MN. Furthermore, we delved into the mechanical properties, solubility, skin-puncturing capability, and transdermal drug diffusion and release kinetics of SGN-PVP/PVA-MN. The results demonstrated that SGN-PVP/PVA-MN exhibited favorable morphology and mechanical properties, effectively penetrating the stratum corneum and creating microchannels for rapid transdermal drug diffusion. The in vitro transdermal diffusion assays revealed the release of 64.5% of the drug within 2 min and 95.7% within 10 min. With rapid dissolution and high drug diffusion efficiency, SGN-PVP/PVA-MN is poised to serve as an effective and safe treatment option for the individuals with obesity.

2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-ß-D-glucoside promotes liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice: The potential involvement of PPARα-mediated fatty acid metabolism.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-ß-D-glucoside (TSG) is the principal bioactive compound contained in Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PMT), which is traditionally recorded to possess tonic and anti-aging efficacy. AIM OF THE STUDY: To identify the TSG-provided promotion on liver regeneration (LR) following partial hepatectomy (PHx) in mice and to explicate its involved mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The promotion of TSG on LR was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), 5-bromodeoxyuridinc (BrdU) and Ki-67 staining, and measuring the level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Cyclin D1 in mice with PHx at different time points. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO, GSE15239) database and the label-free quantitative proteomics from liver of mice at 24 h after PHx were integrated to identify potential involved critical proteins, which were verified by Western-blot, Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), molecular docking and luciferase activity assay. Primary hepatocytes isolated from mice were used to investigate the TSG-provided promotion on proliferation in vitro. RESULTS: TSG (20 mg/kg) promoted LR in mice after PHx. Results from RNA expression data from clinical samples and proteomic analysis from liver tissues indicated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)-mediated fatty acid metabolism pathway were crucially associated with the TSG-provided promotion on LR. TSG enhanced the nuclear translocation of PPARα and the mRNA expression of a series of PPARα-regulated downstream genes. In addition, TSG lowered hepatic triglyceride (TG) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) amounts and increased hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level in mice after PHx. TSG up-regulated the transcriptional activity of PPARα in vitro. Next results displayed that TSG promoted cell proliferation as well as ATP level in mice primary hepatocytes, which were abolished when PPARα was suppressed. Meanwhile, the cell viability was also elevated in mice primary hepatocytes treated with ATP. CONCLUSION: Activating PPARα-mediated fatty acid ß-oxidation (FAO) pathway led to the production of ATP, which contributed to the TSG-provided promotion on LR after PHx in mice.

Identification of lignans as selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors from the extract of Acanthopanacis cortex.

Acanthopanacis cortex (the dried root bark of Acanthopanax gracilistylus W. W. Smith) has been used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases in China for over 2000 years. Four previously undescribed lignans (1-4) and 12 known lignans (5-16) were isolated from Acanthopanacis cortex. In this study, the inhibitory activities of compounds 1-16 against neutrophil elastase (NE), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are reported. The results show that compounds 1-16 exhibit weak inhibitory activities against NE and COX-1. However, compounds 2, 6-8 and 13-16 demonstrate better COX-2 inhibitory effects with IC50 values from 0.75 to 8.17 µΜ. These findings provide useful information for the search for natural selective COX-2 inhibitors.

Advances in nanoporous materials for next-generation battery applications.

In recent years, nanoporous materials, mainly represented by metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), have shown unparalleled potential in critical applications such as energy storage, gas separation and catalysis. The integration of MOFs/COFs into battery technology has garnered substantial research attention since it was found that such materials also play important roles in batteries. The highly controllable nanoporous features of MOFs/COFs enable the regulation of the solvation environment of lithium ions, thereby significantly improving the performance of lithium metal batteries. Moreover, the selective adsorption features of MOFs/COFs make them particularly useful for stabilising high nickel cathodes and sulfur cathodes. This review provides an overview of the application of MOFs/COFs in batteries, and explores potential future directions and challenges in this rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field.

Status quo and factors of depression and anxiety in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer after plasma electrocision.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is a type of cancer with a high incidence in men. Plasma electrosurgery (PES) is often used in the treatment of bladder cancer. Postoperative complications often cause depression and anxiety in patients after surgery. AIM: To investigate the current state of depression and anxiety after PES in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and analyze the factors affecting them. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to compare the baseline data of patients by collecting their medical history and grouping them according to their mental status into negative and normal groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors affecting the occurrence of anxiety and depression after surgery in patients with bladder cancer. RESULTS: Comparative analyses of baseline differences showed that the patients in the negative and normal groups differed in terms of their first surgery, economic status, educational level, and marital status. A logistic regression analysis showed that it affected the occurrence of anxiety in patients with bladder cancer, and the results showed that whether the risk factors were whether or not it was the first surgery, monthly income between 3000 and 3000-6000, secondary or junior high school education level, single, divorced, and widowed statuses. CONCLUSION: The risk factors affecting the onset of anxiety and depression in bladder cancer patients after PES are the number of surgeries, economic status, level of education, and marital status. This study provides a reference for the clinical treatment and prognosis of bladder cancer patients in the future.

Effect of macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition on silicosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to explore the effect of macrophage polarization and macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in silicosis. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into a control group and a silicosis group developed using a HOPE MED 8050 dynamic automatic dusting system. Murine macrophage MH-S cells were randomly divided into a control group and an SiO2 group. The pathological changes in lung tissue were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Van Gieson (VG) staining. The distribution and location of macrophage marker (F4/80), M1 macrophage marker (iNOS), M2 macrophage marker (CD206), and myofibroblast marker (α-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA]) were detected using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining. The expression changes in iNOS, Arg, α-SMA, vimentin, and type I collagen (Col I) were measured using Western blot. RESULTS: The results of HE and VG staining showed obvious silicon nodule formation and the distribution of thick collagen fibers in the lung tissue of the silicosis group. Macrophage marker F4/80 increased gradually from 8 to 32 weeks after exposure to silica. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining results revealed that there were more iNOS-positive cells and some CD206-positive cells in the lung tissue of the silicosis group at 8 weeks. More CD206-positive cells were found in the silicon nodules of the lung tissues in the silicosis group at 32 weeks. Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of Inducible nitric oxide synthase and Arg protein in the lung tissues of the silicosis group were upregulated compared with those of the control group. The results of immunofluorescence staining showed the co-expression of F4/80, α-SMA, and Col I, and CD206 and α-SMA were co-expressed in the lung tissue of the silicosis group. The extracted rat alveolar lavage fluid revealed F4/80+α-SMA+, CD206+α-SMA+, and F4/80+α-SMA+Col I+ cells using immunofluorescence staining. Similar results were also found in MH-S cells induced by SiO2. CONCLUSIONS: The development of silicosis is accompanied by macrophage polarization and MMT.

Synergistic Copper-Aminocatalysis for Direct Tertiary α-Alkylation of Ketones with Electron-Deficient Alkanes.

In this study, a novel approach for the tertiary α-alkylation of ketones using alkanes with electron-deficient C─H bonds is presented, employing a synergistic catalytic system combining inexpensive copper salts with aminocatalysis. This methodology addresses the limitations of traditional alkylation methods, such as the need for strong metallic bases, regioselectivity issues, and the risk of over alkylation, by providing a high reactivity and chemoselectivity without the necessity for pre-functionalized substrates. The dual catalytic strategy enables the direct functionalization of C(sp3)─H bonds, demonstrating remarkable selectivity in the presence of conventional C(sp3)─H bonds that are adjacent to heteroatoms or π systems, which are typically susceptible to single-electron transfer processes. The findings contribute to the advancement of alkylation techniques, offering a practical and efficient route for the construction of C(sp3)─C(sp3) bonds, and paving the way for further developments in the synthesis of complex organic molecules.

Black rice diet alleviates colorectal cancer development through modulating tryptophan metabolism and activating AHR pathway.

Consumption of dietary fiber and anthocyanin has been linked to a lower incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study scrutinizes the potential antitumorigenic attributes of a black rice diet (BRD), abundantly rich in dietary fiber and anthocyanin. Our results demonstrate notable antitumorigenic effects in mice on BRD, indicated by a reduction in both the size and number of intestinal tumors and a consequent extension in life span, compared to control diet-fed counterparts. Furthermore, fecal transplants from BRD-fed mice to germ-free mice led to a decrease in colonic cell proliferation, coupled with maintained integrity of the intestinal barrier. The BRD was associated with significant shifts in gut microbiota composition, specifically an augmentation in probiotic strains Bacteroides uniformis and Lactobacillus. Noteworthy changes in gut metabolites were also documented, including the upregulation of indole-3-lactic acid and indole. These metabolites have been identified to stimulate the intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, inhibiting CRC cell proliferation and colorectal tumorigenesis. In summary, these findings propose that a BRD may modulate the progression of intestinal tumors by fostering protective gut microbiota and metabolite profiles. The study accentuates the potential health advantages of whole-grain foods, emphasizing the potential utility of black rice in promoting health.

Correction: Deng et al. Therapeutic Potential of a Combination of Electroacupuncture and Human iPSC-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles for Ischemic Stroke. Cells 2022, 11, 820.

The authors wish to make the following changes to their paper [...].

Ginsenoside Rg1 mitigates cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury in mice by inhibiting autophagy through activation of mTOR signalling.

Reperfusion injury, which is distinct from ischaemic injury, occurs when blood flow is restored in previously ischaemic brain tissue, further compromising neurons and other cells and worsening the injury. There is currently a lack of pharmaceutical agents and therapeutic interventions that specifically mitigate cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), a protopanaxatriol-type saponin isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, has been found to protect against cerebral I/R injury, but its intricate protective mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Numerous studies have shown that autophagy plays a crucial role in protecting brain tissue during the I/R process and is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy for effective treatment. In this study, we investigated whether Rg1 protected against I/R damage in vitro and in vivo by regulating autophagy. Both MCAO and OGD/R models were established. SK-N-AS and SH-SY5Y cells were subjected to OGD followed by reperfusion with Rg1 (4-32 µM). MCAO mice were injected with Rg1 (30 mg·kg-1·d-1. i.p.) for 3 days before and on the day of surgery. Rg1 treatment significantly mitigated ischaemia/reperfusion injury both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the induction of autophagy contributed to I/R injury, which was effectively inhibited by Rg1 in both in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral I/R injury. Rg1 inhibited autophagy through multiple steps, including impeding autophagy initiation, inducing lysosomal dysfunction and inhibiting cathepsin enzyme activities. We revealed that mTOR activation was pivotal in mediating the inhibitory effect of Rg1 on autophagy. Treatment with Torin-1, an autophagy inducer and mTOR-specific inhibitor, significantly reversed the impact of Rg1 on autophagy, decreasing its protective efficacy against I/R injury both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our results suggest that Rg1 may serve as a promising drug candidate against cerebral I/R injury by inhibiting autophagy through activation of mTOR signalling.

Current Applications of Colorectal Cancer Organoids: A Review.

Colorectal cancer is a prevalent malignancy, with advanced and metastatic forms exhibiting poor treatment outcomes and high relapse rates. To enhance patient outcomes, a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiological processes and the development of targeted therapies are imperative. The high heterogeneity of colorectal cancer demands precise and personalized treatment strategies. Colorectal cancer organoids, a three-dimensional in vitro model, have emerged as a valuable tool for replicating tumor biology and exhibit promise in scientific research, disease modeling, drug screening, and personalized medicine. In this review, we present an overview of colorectal cancer organoids and explore their applications in research and personalized medicine, while also discussing potential future developments in this field.

The Assessment of the Association of Proton Pump Inhibitor Usage with Chronic Kidney Disease Progression through a Process Mining Approach.

Previous studies have suggested an association between Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to assess the association between PPI use and CKD progression by analysing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) trajectories using a process mining approach. We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2011, utilising data from the Stockholm Creatinine Measurements (SCREAM). New users of PPIs and H2 blockers (H2Bs) with CKD (eGFR < 60) were identified using a new-user and active-comparator design. Process mining discovery is a technique that discovers patterns and sequences in events over time, making it suitable for studying longitudinal eGFR trajectories. We used this technique to construct eGFR trajectory models for both PPI and H2B users. Our analysis indicated that PPI users exhibited more complex and rapidly declining eGFR trajectories compared to H2B users, with a 75% increased risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49 to 2.06) of transitioning from moderate eGFR stage (G3) to more severe stages (G4 or G5). These findings suggest that PPI use is associated with an increased risk of CKD progression, demonstrating the utility of process mining for longitudinal analysis in epidemiology, leading to an improved understanding of disease progression.