Role of small nucleolar RNAs in alternative splicing of the doublesex gene in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

More and more evidence shows that small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play diverse roles in development, stress response and other cellular processes, but functional study of intermediate-size ncRNAs is still rare. Here, the expression profile of 16 intermediate-size ncRNAs in ovary and testis of silkworm Bombyx mori were analyzed. Twelve ncRNAs, including 5 small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and 7 unclassified ncRNAs, accumulated more in the testis than in the ovary of silkworm, especially Bm-163, Bm-51 and Bm-68. Four ncRNAs (including three orphan snoRNAs and one unclassified ncRNA) had higher expression level in the ovary than in the testis, especially Bm-86. Overexpression of the testis-enriched snoRNA Bm-68 in the female led to the accumulation of male-specific isoform of doublesex (BmdsxM) and increased the expression ratio of BmdsxM: BmdsxF. While overexpression of ovary-enriched snoRNA Bm-86 in the male decreased the expression ratio of BmdsxM: BmdsxF, indicating the roles of the two snoRNAs played in the alternative splicing of Bmdsx of silkworm, which will provide new clues for the functional study of snoRNAs in insects.

Accumulative Rolling Mg/PLLA Composite Membrane with Lamellar Heterostructure for Enhanced Bacteria Inhibition and Rapid Bone Regeneration.

Developing composite materials with optimized mechanics, degradation, and bioactivity for bone regeneration has long been a crucial mission. Herein, a multifunctional Mg/Poly-l-lactic acid (Mg/PLLA) composite membrane based on the "materials plain" concept through the accumulative rolling (AR) method is proposed. Results show that at a rolling ratio of 75%, the comprehensive mechanical properties of the membrane in the rolling direction are self-reinforced significantly (elongation at break ≈53.2%, tensile strength ≈104.0 MPa, Young's modulus ≈2.13 GPa). This enhancement is attributed to the directional arrangement and increased crystallization of PLLA molecular chains, as demonstrated by SAXS and DSC results. Furthermore, the AR composite membrane presents a lamellar heterostructure, which not only avoids the accumulation of Mg microparticles (MgMPs) but also regulates the degradation rate. Through the contribution of bioactive MgMPs and their photothermal effect synergistically, the membrane effectively eliminates bacterial infection and accelerates vascularized bone regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the membrane exhibits outstanding rat skull bone regeneration performance in only 4 weeks, surpassing most literature reports. In short, this work develops a composite membrane with a "one stone, four birds" effect, opening an efficient avenue toward high-performance orthopedic materials.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate aggravates psoriasis-like skin lesions: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which is a widely used phthalate (PAE), has recently received public attention owing to it causing health problems. The aim of this study was to elucidate the aggravating effects of DEHP on psoriasis and skin toxicity. Human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells were treated with gradient concentrations of DEHP, and mice with imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasiform dermatitis were hypodermically injected with 40 µg/kg/day of DEHP for seven consecutive days. The skin condition was assessed based on the psoriasis area and severity index score, which indicated the deterioration of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions after DEHP exposure. To further analyze the effect of DEHP on psoriasis, the proliferation, inflammation, and tight junction (TJ) damage were examined, which correlated with the development and severity of psoriasis. The results showed that DEHP promoted proliferation both in vivo and in vitro, which manifested as epidermal thickening; an increase in cell viability; upregulation of Ki67, CDK2, cyclinD1, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen; and downregulation of p21. An excessive inflammatory response is an important factor that exacerbates psoriasis, and our results showed that DEHP can trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines as well as the infiltration of T cells. TJ disorders were found in mice and cells after DEHP treatment. Additionally, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was strongly activated during this process, which may have contributed to skin toxicity caused by DEHP. In conclusion, DEHP treatment promotes proliferation, inflammation, TJ disruption, and p38 MAPK activation in HaCaT cells and psoriasis-like skin lesions.

Secondary Amine Pendant ß-Peptide Polymers Displaying Potent Antibacterial Activity and Promising Therapeutic Potential in Treating MRSA-Induced Wound Infections and Keratitis.

Interest in developing antibacterial polymers as synthetic mimics of host defense peptides (HPDs) has accelerated in recent years to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Positively charged moieties are critical in defining the antibacterial activity and eukaryotic toxicity of HDP mimics. Most examples have utilized primary amines or guanidines as the source of positively charged moieties, inspired by the lysine and arginine residues in HDPs. Here, we explore the impact of amine group variation (primary, secondary, or tertiary amine) on the antibacterial performance of HDP-mimicking ß-peptide polymers. Our studies show that a secondary ammonium is superior to either a primary ammonium or a tertiary ammonium as the cationic moiety in antibacterial ß-peptide polymers. The optimal polymer, a homopolymer bearing secondary amino groups, displays potent antibacterial activity and the highest selectivity (low hemolysis and cytotoxicity). The optimal polymer displays potent activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and high therapeutic efficacy in treating MRSA-induced wound infections and keratitis as well as low acute dermal toxicity and low corneal epithelial cytotoxicity. This work suggests that secondary amines may be broadly useful in the design of antibacterial polymers.

miR-92a-1-p5 Modulated Expression of the flightin Gene Regulates Flight Muscle Formation and Wing Extension in the Pea Aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea).

Aphids exhibit wing polyphenism. Winged and wingless aphid morphs are produced by parthenogenesis depending on population density and host plant quality. Recent studies showed that microRNAs in alate and apterous individuals have differential expression and are involved in wing dimorphism of Acyrthosiphon pisum. From which miR-92a-1-p5 can target the mRNA of flight muscle gene flightin in vitro, but what effect they have on wing development of aphid is unclear. Here with the nanocarrier-delivered RNA interference (RNAi) method, flightin gene was knocked down in winged nymphs of A. pisum. Results showed that the majority (63.33%) of adults had malformed wings, the shape of dorsal longitudinal muscle (DLM) was deformed severely, the dorsoventral flight muscle (DVM) became wider and looser in aphids with flightin reduction compared with the negative control. Overexpression of miR-92a-1-p5 caused decreased expression of flightin and malformed wings of aphids, with a mutant ratio of 62.50%. Morphological analysis of flight musculature showed the consistent result as that with flightin knockdown. These results suggest that flightin is essential for flight musculature formation and wing extension in A. pisum, which can be modulated by miR-92a-1-p5.

Reduced capsular contracture with smooth and textured breast implants following submuscular mammoplasty: systematic literature review.

Background: Capsular contracture is common in breast augmentation and reconstruction surgery. The present systematic review discusses the safety of textured and smooth implants in the submuscular position. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE from inception until June 2020. The primary outcome was reduction of capsular contracture (Baker grade); others included time of capsular contracture onset, implant position/rupture rate/surface, hematoma/seroma risk, surgeon assessment and patient satisfaction. A total of 7731 patients were included from six publications. Results: The overall risk rate for capsular contracture increased from 7.6 to 25% in 10 years. The capsular contracture rates in textured and smooth implants were 3-14% and 6-20%, respectively, and no significant difference between implants was observed when the implants were placed submuscularly. Submuscular placement and textured implants also reduced the incidence of other complications. Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that appropriate placement reduces capsular contracture rate, irrespective of implant surface.

Lay abstract Breast reconstruction using breast implants is accompanied by complications that occur following surgery and which can lead to repeated surgeries and, ultimately, patient dissatisfaction. A search of published research was conducted on two major databases, and research published before June 2020 was included in our analysis. The primary outcome was the reduction of capsular contracture, a particular postoperative complication. Six articles (including one randomized controlled trial) were identified, with a total of 7731 patients. The overall risk for developing capsular contracture in breast reconstruction and augmentation patients increased from 7.6 to 25% over a period of 10 years. This systematic review suggests that with appropriate placement of the implant, the rate of capsular contracture and other complications can be reduced in women undergoing surgery, irrespective of implant surface type.

Solvent-Dependent Core-Modified Rubyrin Self-Assembly at Liquid/Solid Interfaces.

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was utilized to disclose four novel core-modified rubyrin self-assembly behaviors on the highly-oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface, of which N2S4-OR(1)/N2Se4-OR(2) had no phenanthrene pyrrole ring and N2S4-OR(3)/N2Se4-OR(4) had phenanthrene-fused pyrrole rings and meso-aryl substituents. It was discovered that the core-modified rubyrin could self-assemble into either face-on or edge-on monolayer structures selectively at the liquid/HOPG interface in different solvents. There was an obvious solvent-dependent self-assembly for N2S4-OR(3)/N2Se4-OR(4), which adopted an edge-on and face-on structure in 1-phenyloctane and 1-heptanoic acid solvents, respectively, whereas N2S4-OR(1)/N2Se4-OR(2) showed no obvious difference in the assembly structure, which both adopted a face-on structure in the two solvents. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also utilized to reveal the relevant self-assembly mechanisms. This study shows a typical solvent effect regulating core-modified rubyrin self-assembly, which is essential for porphyrin-based functional devices' design and manufacture.

Poly(2-Oxazoline)-Based Functional Peptide Mimics: Eradicating MRSA Infections and Persisters while Alleviating Antimicrobial Resistance.

Peptides have important biological functions. However, their susceptibility to proteolysis limits their applications. We demonstrated here for the first time, that poly(2-oxazoline) (POX) can work as a functional mimic of peptides. POX-based glycine pseudopeptides, a host defense peptide mimic, had potent activities against methicillin-resistant S. aureus, which causes formidable infections. The POX mimic showed potent activity against persisters that are highly resistant to antibiotics. S. aureus did not develop resistance to POX owning to the reactive oxygen species related antimicrobial mechanism. POX-treated S. aureus is sensitive to common antibiotics, demonstrating no observable antimicrobial pressure or cross-resistance in using antimicrobial POX. This study highlights POX as a new type of functional mimic of peptides and opens new avenues in designing and exploring peptide mimetics for biological functions and applications.

Silk-Inspired ß-Peptide Materials Resist Fouling and the Foreign-Body Response.

The functions of implants like medical devices are often compromised by the host's foreign-body response (FBR). Herein, we report the development of low-FBR materials inspired by serine-rich sericin from silk. Poly-ß-homoserine (ß-HS) materials consist of the hydrophilic unnatural amino acid ß-homoserine. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ß-HS resist adsorption by diverse proteins, as well as adhesion by cells, platelets, and diverse microbes. Experiments lasting up to 3 months revealed that, while implantation with control PEG hydrogels induced obvious inflammatory responses, collagen encapsulation, and macrophage accumulation, these responses were minimal with ß-HS hydrogels. Strikingly, the ß-HS hydrogels induce angiogenesis in implant-adjacent tissues. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the low FBR performance of ß-HS results from what we term "dual hydrogen bonding hydration", wherein both the backbone amide groups and the sidechain hydroxyl groups of ß-HS undergo hydration.

Selective Adsorption of C60 in the Supramolecular Nanopatterns of Donor-Acceptor Porphyrin Derivatives.

The nanostructure of active layers consisting of donor and acceptor molecules is responsible for the separation and transfer processes of charge carriers, which may result in different photoelectric conversion efficiencies of organic photovoltaic cells (OPVCs). Therefore, intensive study on the relationships among nanostructures, intermolecular interactions, and molecular chemical skeletons is necessary for preparing controlled nanostructures of active layers by designing photovoltaic molecules. In this research, the self-assembled nanopatterns of three (DPP-ZnP-E)2-based molecules on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface were probed by scanning tunneling microscopy and analyzed by density functional theory calculations. The results indicated that different bridges, diethynylene, diethynylene-dithienyl, and diethynylene-phenylene, in (DPP-ZnP-E)2-based molecules not only made a difference to intermolecular interactions and cooperated with molecule-substrate interactions, consequently affecting the packed nanopattern, but also influenced the adsorption of fullerene acceptors in the nanopatterns of (DPP-ZnP-E)2-based molecules. C60 molecules were found to be selectively adsorbed atop the dithienyl groups of (DPP-ZnP-E)2-2T donor molecules probably by S···π interactions compared with (DPP-ZnP-E)2 or (DPP-ZnP-E)2-Ph molecules. This study on the assembled nanopatterns of the three (DPP-ZnP-E)2-based molecules would be conductive to (DPP-ZnP-E)2-based optoelectronic materials design in OPVCs.

Unravelling the Self-Assembly of Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based Photovoltaic Molecules.

The nanostructure of bulk heterojunction in an organic solar cell dominating the electron transport process plays an important role in improving the device efficiency. However, there is still a great need for further understanding the local nanostructures from the viewpoint of molecular design because of the complex alignment in the solid film. In this work, four kinds of photovoltaic materials containing a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) unit combined with other different building blocks were selected and their self-assembled structures on a solid surface were studied by scanning tunneling microscopy technique in combination with theory calculations. The results reveal these DPP-based photovoltaic molecules self-assembled into different nanostructures, which strongly depend on the chemical structure, in particular the backbones and alkyl side chains. The planarities of backbones are affected both by molecule-substrate interaction and steric hindrance induced by the substituted thiophene or benzo[ b]thiophene units on DPP and porphyrin building blocks. The substituted branched alkyl side chains are out of the plane, which are influenced by the alignments of molecular backbones. In addition, the solution concentration also shows a large effect on the self-assembled nanostructures. This systematic research on the self-assembled structures of DPP-based semiconductors on a surface would provide guidance for designing materials and controlling the morphology of a donor/acceptor heterojunction system.

Treatment of Xanthelasma Palpebrarum With Intralesional Pingyangmycin.

BACKGROUND: Xanthelasma palpebrarum (xanthelasma) is the most common type of cutaneous xanthoma, and many patients tend to seek medical treatments for cosmetic reasons. Many methods treating xanthelasma have been proposed, but none of these options can be regarded as a perfect solution. OBJECTIVE: To study and evaluate the intralesional injection treatment of xanthelasma with pingyangmycin, which has been widely used as a broad-spectrum antitumor antibiotic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 21 lesions in 12 patients were treated by intralesional pingyangmycin. Photographs were taken before and after each treatment session. Patients were followed up for 7 to 36 months. RESULTS: All patients except one received satisfactory results after up to 2 sessions. Only 1 patient had a local recurrence 1 year after the treatment. No severe complications such as infection, atrophy, ulceration, or scar were noticed. CONCLUSION: Intralesional pingyangmycin is a cheap, effective, and safe treatment for xanthelasma, which has been well accepted by patients.

Simultaneous determination of 226Ra and 228Ra in food samples using liquid scintillation counting.

The 228Ra and 226Ra isotopes of radium are significant contaminants in food, raising public concern because of their radiotoxicity. Several methods are available for determining 228Ra and 226Ra. However, the application of these procedures is not focused on food but only on water and environmental matrices. In this study, a cost-effective method for the simultaneous determination of 226Ra and 228Ra radioactivity in food samples using liquid scintillation counting was developed. The overall efficiencies of 226Ra and 228Ra in the food samples are 69.4-78.4% and 30.1-35.8%, respectively. The minimum detectable activities of 226Ra and 228Ra are 11.3 mBq/g and 33.4 mBq/g, respectively, in our food sample, obtained using a 1.0 g ash sample and 60 min of counting time. The method was validated using IAEA-certified reference materials and compared with data obtained using gamma spectrometry in tea, kelp, and oyster samples.

Transcriptomic and Metatranscriptomic Analyses Provide New Insights into the Response of the Pea Aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) to Acetamiprid.

Acetamiprid is a broad-spectrum neonicotinoid insecticide used in agriculture to control aphids. While recent studies have documented resistance to acetamiprid in several aphid species, the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome and metatranscriptome of a laboratory strain of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris, 1776), with reduced susceptibility to acetamiprid after nine generations of exposure to identify candidate genes and the microbiome involved in the adaptation process. Sequencing of the transcriptome of both selected (RS) and non-selected (SS) strains allowed the identification of 14,858 genes and 4938 new transcripts. Most of the differentially expressed genes were associated with catalytic activities and metabolic pathways involving carbon and fatty acids. Specifically, alcohol-forming fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) and acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSF2), both involved in the synthesis of epidermal wax layer components, were significantly upregulated in RS, suggesting that adaptation to acetamiprid involves the synthesis of a thicker protective layer. Metatranscriptomic analyses revealed subtle shifts in the microbiome of RS. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of acetamiprid adaptation by the pea aphid and provide new insights for aphid control strategies.

Biodegradable implant of magnesium/polylactic acid composite with enhanced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Addressing fracture-related infections (FRI) and impaired bone healing remains a significant challenge in orthopedics and stomatology. Researchers aim to address this issue by utilizing biodegradable biomaterials, such as magnesium/poly lactic acid (Mg/PLA) composites, to offer antibacterial properties during the degradation of biodegradable implants. Existing Mg/PLA composites often lack sufficient Mg content, hindering their ability to achieve the desired antibacterial effect. Additionally, research on the anti-inflammatory effects of these composites during late-stage degradation is limited. To strengthen mechanical properties, bolster antibacterial efficacy, and enhance anti-inflammatory capabilities during degradation, we incorporated elevated Mg content into PLA to yield Mg/PLA composites. These composites underwent in vitro degradation studies, cellular assays, bacterial tests, and simulation of the PLA degradation microenvironment. 20 wt% and 40 wt% Mg/PLA composites displayed significant antibacterial properties, with three composites exhibiting notable anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, elevated Mg content detrimentally impacted mechanical properties. The findings suggest that Mg/PLA composites hold promise in augmenting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory attributes within polymers, potentially serving as temporary regenerative materials for treating bone tissue defects complicated by infections.

Pyramidal multiple-theory (multi-type, multi-method and multi-layer) for facial fat grafting.

BACKGROUND: Age-related changes to the face pertinent anatomy and important aspects of autologous fat grafting have been widely applied in facial rejuvenation. Various types of autologous fat products (Macrofat, Microfat, SEFF, nanofat, and SVF-gel) with different properties and applicabilities have been introduced and available for surgeons. METHODS: Key differences between common techniques for fat processing and infiltration. Develop a plan for patients based on site-specific facial anatomical zones, we suggested a pyramidal multiple-theory (multi-type, multi-method and multi-layer) for facial fat grafting. Based on the complicated mechanism of the face decrepitude in different layers of facial soft tissue, autologous fat products with various particle sizes and components into different layers. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients underwent this facial fat grafting strategy from June 2020 to Jan 2022. All achieved cosmetic improvements, with higher patients' satisfaction, and minor complications. Our facial fat grafting strategy takes advantage of different fat products and is able to address the physiological tissue changes during aging, more properly and targetedly, than the traditional facial fat grafting. CONCLUSIONS: Fat grafting to the face aids in volume restoration and rejuvenation, thereby addressing soft-tissue atrophy associated with the aging face, acquired conditions, or congenital malformations. The technique described as "lipo-tumescence" has been successfully used in the breast and other regions of the body that have radiation damage and is discussed in this article specifically for the face and neck.

Favorable effect of herbal extract on androgenic alopecia: A case report.

RATIONALE: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent condition with progressive miniaturization of hair follicles. Currently, reliable treatments have remained limited, and complementary medications for AGA are still being investigated. Traditional Chinese medicine formulas have conspicuous advantages in the treatment of AGA with good development prospects. Zimmer aqueous spray (ZAS) is a water spray containing Zimmer herbal extract powder (ZMWP), which consists of Ligustri lucidi Fructus, Ecliptae Herba, Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) Harald. and Polygonatum sibiricum Delar. ex Redoute, etc. ZMWP is an active ingredient in the prevention of hair loss. Our aim is to provide evidence for the effectiveness of ZAS in the treatment of AGA. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 41-year-old man had suffered from hair loss for 8 years. INTERVENTIONS: The patient with moderate AGA received 3 to 4 mL ZAS daily or every other day for 3 months. OUTCOMES: The hair density obviously increased after 3 months of therapy. The improvement of hair diameter, vellus hair rate, and 1 hair pilosebaceous unit rate were observed with a trichoscopy and quantitatively analyzed. Besides, honeycomb pigment pattern mitigated and arborized red lines. LESSONS: The results suggested that ZMWP might have the capability of improving hair growth and attenuating AGA, which can be a promising alternative treatment of AGA.

High definition transcranial direct current stimulation of the Cz improves social dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized, sham, controlled study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Cz of high-definition 5-channel tDCS (HD-tDCS) on social function in 4-12 years-old children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study was a randomized, double-blind, pseudo-controlled trial in which 45 ASD children were recruited and divided into three groups with sex, age, and rehabilitation treatment as control variables. Each group of 15 children with ASD was randomly administered active HD-tDCS with the Cz as the central anode, active HD-tDCS with the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3) as the central anode, and sham HD-tDCS with the Cz as the central anode with 14 daily sessions in 3 weeks. The Social Responsiveness Scale Chinese Version (SRS-Chinese Version) was compared 1 week after stimulation with values recorded 1 week prior to stimulation. At the end of treatment, both the anodal Cz and anodal left DLFPC tDCS decreased the measures of SRS-Chinese Version. The total score of SRS-Chinese Version decreased by 13.08%, social cognition decreased by 18.33%, and social communication decreased by 10.79%, which were significantly improved over the Cz central anode active stimulation group, especially in children with young age, and middle and low function. There was no significant change in the total score and subscale score of SRS-Chinese Version over the Cz central anode sham stimulation group. In the F3 central anode active stimulation group, the total score of SRS-Chinese Version decreased by 13%, autistic behavior decreased by 19.39%, and social communication decreased by 14.39%, which were all significantly improved. However, there was no significant difference in effect between the Cz and left DLPFC stimulation conditions. HD-tDCS of the Cz central anode may be an effective treatment for social dysfunction in children with ASD.

Standard: Human intestinal cancer organoids.

Intestinal cancer is one of the most frequent and lethal types of cancer. Modeling intestinal cancer using organoids has emerged in the last decade. Human intestinal cancer organoids are physiologically relevant in vitro models, which provides an unprecedented opportunity for fundamental and applied research in colorectal cancer. "Human intestinal cancer organoids" is the first set of guidelines on human intestinal organoids in China, jointly drafted and agreed by the experts from the Chinese Society for Cell Biology and its branch society: the Chinese Society for Stem Cell Research. This standard specifies terms and definitions, technical requirements, test methods for human intestinal cancer organoids, which apply to the production and quality control during the process of manufacturing and testing of human intestinal cancer organoids. It was released by the Chinese Society for Cell Biology on 24 September 2022. We hope that the publication of this standard will guide institutional establishment, acceptance and execution of proper practocal protocols, and accelerate the international standardization of human intestinal cancer organoids for clinical development and therapeutic applications.

Unexpected anomeric selectivity of a 1-C-arylglycal donor in Kdo glycoside synthesis.

A novel class of 1-C-arylglycals was developed and subjected to N-iodosuccinimide-mediated glycosylations with alcohols. Unexpectedly, all reactions provided 2-iodo-ß-D-ketopyranosides in high yields and excellent stereoselectivity. After removal of the 2-iodide by radical conditions, the aryl group was smoothly oxidized to provide the corresponding ß-Kdo glycosides. A mechanism for the stereoselective formation of ß-D-ketopyranosides was proposed, which was supported by evidence from X-ray crystallography.