Distinct human Langerhans cell subsets orchestrate reciprocal functions and require different developmental regulation.

Langerhans cells (LCs) play a pivotal role in skin homeostasis, and the heterogeneity of LCs has long been considered. In this study, we have identified two steady-state (LC1 and LC2) and two activated LC subsets in the epidermis of human skin and in LCs derived from CD34+ hemopoietic stem cells (HSC-LCs) by utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing and mass cytometry. Analysis of HSC-LCs at multiple time-points during differentiation revealed that EGR1 and Notch signaling were among the top pathways regulating the bifurcation of LC1 and LC2. LC1 were characterized as classical LCs, mainly related to innate immunity and antigen processing. LC2 were similar to monocytes or myeloid dendritic cells, involving in immune responses and leukocyte activation. LC1 remained stable under inflammatory microenvironment, whereas LC2 were prone to being activated and demonstrated elevated expression of immuno-suppressive molecules. We revealed distinct human LC subsets that require different developmental regulation and orchestrate reciprocal functions.

Deforming lanthanum trihydride for superionic conduction.

With strong reducibility and high redox potential, the hydride ion (H-) is a reactive hydrogen species and an energy carrier. Materials that conduct pure H- at ambient conditions will be enablers of advanced clean energy storage and electrochemical conversion technologies1,2. However, rare earth trihydrides, known for fast H migration, also exhibit detrimental electronic conductivity3-5. Here we show that by creating nanosized grains and defects in the lattice, the electronic conductivity of LaHx can be suppressed by more than five orders of magnitude. This transforms LaHx to a superionic conductor at -40 °C with a record high H- conductivity of 1.0 × 10-2 S cm-1 and a low diffusion barrier of 0.12 eV. A room-temperature all-solid-state hydride cell is demonstrated.

An insight into the role of branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BKD) complex in branched-chain fatty acid biosynthesis and virulence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterial pathogen that causes listeriosis. Positive regulatory factor A (PrfA) is a pleiotropic master activator of virulence genes of L. monocytogenes that becomes active upon the entry of the bacterium into the cytosol of infected cells. L. monocytogenes can survive and multiply at low temperatures; this is accomplished through the maintenance of appropriate membrane fluidity via branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) synthesis. Branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BKD), which is composed of four polypeptides encoded by lpd, bkdA1, bkdA2, and bkdB, is known to play a vital role in BCFA biosynthesis. Here, we constructed BKD-deficient Listeria strains by in-frame deletion of lpd, bkdA1, bkdA2, and bkdB genes. To determine the role in in vivo and in vitro, mouse model challenges, plaque assay in murine L2 fibroblast, and intracellular replication in J744A.1 macrophage were conducted. BKD-deficient strains exhibited defects in BCFA composition, virulence, and PrfA-regulon function within the host cells. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that the transcript level of the PrfA-regulon was lower in ΔbkdA1 strain than those in the wild-type. This study demonstrates that L. monocytogenes strains lacking BKD complex components were defective in PrfA-regulon function, and full activation of wild-type prfA may not occur within host cells in the absence of BKD. Further study will investigate the consequences of BKD deletion on PrfA function through altering BCFA catabolism.IMPORTANCEListeria monocytogenes is the causative agent of listeriosis, a disease with a high mortality rate. In this study, we have shown that the deletion of BKD can impact the function of PrfA and the PrfA-regulon. The production of virulence proteins within host cells is necessary for L. monocytogenes to promote its intracellular survival and is likely dependent on membrane integrity. We thus report a link between L. monocytogenes membrane integrity and the function of PrfA. This knowledge will increase our understanding of L. monocytogenes pathogenesis, which may provide insight into the development of antimicrobial agents.

Propionate alleviates itch in murine models of atopic dermatitis by modulating sensory TRP channels of dorsal root ganglion.

BACKGROUND: Itch is the most common symptom of atopic dermatitis (AD) and significantly decreases the quality of life. Skin microbiome is involved in AD pathogenesis, whereas its role in the regulation of itch remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of skin microbial metabolite propionate on acute and chronic pruritus and to explore the mechanism. METHODS: Using various mouse models of itch, the roles of propionate were explored by behavioral tests and histopathology/immunofluorescent analysis. Primary-cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons and HEK293 cells expressing recombinant human TRP channels were utilized for in vitro calcium imaging/in vivo miniature two-photon imaging in combination with electrophysiology and molecular docking approaches for investigation of the mechanism. RESULTS: Propionate significantly alleviated itch and alloknesis in various mouse models of pruritus and AD and decreased the density of intraepidermal nerve fibers. Propionate reduced the responsiveness of dorsal root ganglion neurons to pruritogens in vitro, attenuated the hyper-excitability in sensory neurons in MC903-induced AD model, and inhibited capsaicin-evoked hTRPV1 currents (IC50 = 20.08 ± 1.11 µM) via interacting with the vanilloid binding site. Propionate also decreased the secretion of calcitonin gene-related peptide by nerves in MC903-induced AD mouse model, which further attenuated itch and skin inflammation. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a protective effect of propionate against persistent itch through direct modulation of sensory TRP channels and neuropeptide production in neurons. Regulation of itch via the skin microbiome might be a novel strategy for the treatment of AD.

Effectiveness of Roy Adaptation Model-Based Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in Elderly Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Curative Resection.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a Roy adaptation model (RAM)-based cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) intervention on elderly patients diagnosed with primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing curative resection. A total of 280 patients diagnosed with primary NSCLC were randomized into RAM-based CST group and control group. Outcomes were assessed at three intervals: pre-surgery, discharge, and one-month post-discharge. Cognitive function was evaluated using Mini-Cognitive test. Postoperative delirium prevalence was determined within 48 hours post-surgery using Nursing Delirium Screening Scale. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale evaluated anxiety and depression symptoms, while Quality of Life (QoL) was assessed via Short Form-36 (SF36) Health Survey. The RAM-based CST group demonstrated significantly higher Mini-Cog test scores than the control group upon discharge and post-intervention. Patients with RAM-based CST exhibited a decrease in postoperative delirium compared to the control group. The RAM-based CST intervention yielded an improvement in anxiety and depression at discharge and 1-month post-discharge compared to preoperative levels. Additionally, the RAM-based CST group exhibited substantial enhancements in SF36 subcategory scores at 1-month post-discharge compared to pre-surgery. At post-intervention, the RAM-based CST group demonstrated significantly higher scores than the control group across various health-related domains, including role limitations due to emotional problems, mental health, general health perception, bodily pain, and role limitations due to physical problems. The RAM-based CST intervention in elderly NSCLC patients undergoing curative resection yielded significant enhancements in cognitive function, reduced delirium incidence, improved emotional well-being, and better QoL postoperatively.

Dysregulated lipidome of sebum in patients with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Lipids are the major components of skin barrier, mainly produced by keratinocytes and sebaceous glands. Previous studies on barrier dysfunction of atopic dermatitis (AD) mainly focus on the lipids from keratinocytes, whereas the role of sebaceous gland-derived lipids in AD has long been underrecognized. METHODS: The sebum secreted on the skin surface of AD patients was measured using the Delfin Sebum Scale. Sebum was collected using Sebutape patches and subjected for liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Multivariate data analysis was applied to explore the relationship among the lipidome, clinical features, and sebaceous gland-related molecules. RESULTS: The amount of sebum secreted from sebaceous glands was decreased in AD patients and was negatively correlated with the barrier function and disease severity. LC-MS/MS revealed the lipidome of sebum, which clustered distinctly between AD patients and healthy individuals. Among the differential lipid subclasses, triglycerides (TG) were exclusively decreased in AD patients and correlated with disease severity. The first principal component scores of AD patients, which represented the main signature of the lipidome, were positively correlated with the SCORAD scores and were significantly different across the patient groups with differential clinical symptoms such as skin dryness and pruritus. Further analysis on the previously published transcriptome data revealed aberrant expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in non-lesional skin of AD patients, which was associated with skin inflammation and barrier dysfunction and mainly derived from inner root sheath keratinocytes and sebaceous gland cells. CONCLUSION: Atopic dermatitis patients demonstrated a deviated lipidome of sebum and aberrant lipid metabolism in sebaceous glands, indicating a possible role of lipids from sebaceous glands in the pathogenesis of AD.

Serum biomarker-based endotypes of atopic dermatitis in China and prediction for efficacy of dupilumab.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly heterogeneous disease clinically and biologically. Serum biomarkers have been utilized for endotype identification and have the potential to be predictors for treatment. OBJECTIVES: To explore the serum biomarker-based endotypes of Chinese patients with AD and to identify biomarkers for prediction of the efficacy of dupilumab. METHODS: Sera from 125 patients with moderate-to-severe AD and 60 normal controls (NC) were analysed for 24 cytokines/chemokines using the magnetic Luminex assay. After the patients received 16 weeks of dupilumab treatment, the efficacy was evaluated, and blood eosinophils, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E and biomarkers were measured. RESULTS: Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe AD were characterized by T-helper (Th)2-dominant serum biomarkers that were mixed with differentially increased Th1-, Th17- and Th22-type cytokines/chemokines, and it was mainly Th2-type serum biomarkers that were positively correlated with disease severity and eosinophil counts. Adult (but not adolescent or elderly) patients with AD showed a consistent and more significant increase of biomarkers across different types of inflammation. The patients were grouped into two clusters by unsupervised k-means analysis, which were differentially associated with inflammation. Treatment with dupilumab decreased the levels of most cytokines/chemokines analysed. While there was no difference between the two clusters in the efficacy of dupilumab, baseline levels of CD25/soluble interleukin (sIL)-2Rα, IL-31 and IL-36ß were identified as predictive factors associated with the efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed two inflammation-related endotypes of Chinese patients with AD based on serum biomarkers. High levels of CD25/sIL-2Rα, IL-31 and IL-36ß might predict good efficacy of dupilumab treatment.

Validation of diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis and proposal of novel diagnostic criteria for adult and elderly Chinese populations: a multicentre, prospective, clinical setting-based study.

BACKGROUND: A previous validation study showed a very low sensitivity and higher specificity associated with Hanifin and Rajka criteria (H&R) and the UK Working Party criteria (UKWP) in diagnosing AD vs. the Chinese criteria of atopic dermatitis (AD) for children (CCAD). However, their diagnostic efficacy in adult and elderly Chinese populations remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To validate the diagnostic efficacy of three sets of AD criteria in adult and elderly Chinese populations in a hospital setting. METHODS: A total of 1034 patients (aged 19-95 years) from five university hospital dermatological clinics were recruited. Medical history, dermatological examination, AD diagnosis and evaluation of AD severity were done by dermatologists. Each patient was investigated by two dermatologist panels, one to establish a clinical diagnosis, and the other to identify and record the major or minor signs of H&R criteria, UKWP criteria and CCAD. Taking clinical diagnosis as the reference, the diagnostic efficacy of three sets of diagnostic criteria was evaluated. The χ2 test or rank sum test were used for between-groups comparisons. RESULTS: CCAD had a higher sensitivity (84.0%), especially among mild and moderate cases of AD (72.7% and 90.3%, respectively), than the H&R (58.0%; P < 0.001) and UKWP criteria (56.0%; P < 0.001) in diagnosing AD. The specificity of CCAD (92.7%) was slightly lower than the H&R (97.3%; P < 0.001) or UKWP criteria (97.4%; P < 0.001). The CCAD had the highest Youden index (0.77), accuracy rate (0.90) and Kappa value (0.76) of the three sets of diagnostic criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with results in a population of Chinese children, although the H&R and UKWP criteria had a high specificity for diagnosing AD, their low sensitivity limited their use in adult and elderly Chinese patients. Based on the high sensitivity and favourable diagnostic efficacy, the CCAD is proposed for AD diagnosis in adult and elderly Chinese populations, especially for cases of mild and moderate AD.

A single-center, randomized, controlled study on the efficacy of niacinamide-containing body emollients combined with cleansing gel in the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of niacinamide-containing body emollients combined with a cleansing gel on the clinical symptoms of mild atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults. METHODS: From July 2022 to January 2023, adults with mild AD were enrolled at Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University using single-center, randomized and placebo-controlled methods. They were divided into three groups: the control group, treatment group 1 (T1) receiving niacinamide-containing body emollients alone, and treatment group 2 (T2) receiving emollients plus niacinamide-containing cleansing gel. All patients were orally administered 10 mg of ebastine tablets daily. AD severity (SCORAD score), peak pruritus numeric rating scale (PP-NRS), patient-oriented measure of eczema (POEM), dermatological quality of life index (DLQI) score, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and stratum corneum water content (SCWC) were measured by the same dermatologist at days 0, 7, 14, and 28. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were enrolled, including 38 in the control group, 42 in the T1 group and 42 in the T2 group. There were no obvious adverse reactions at the end of the study and the clinical scores and stratum corneum barrier of all the groups improved significantly relative to baseline. The SCORAD, PP-NRS, DLQI, TEWL and SCWC scores in T1 group (12.43 ± 3, 3.3 ± 0.9, 7.1 ± 2.33, 17.1 ± 9.12, 67.2 ± 21.46, seperately) and T2 group (11.17 ± 3.26, 3 ± 1.3, 6.5 ± 2.11, 16.3 ± 9.12, 69.4 ± 24.52, seperately) were significantly improved than the control group(15.1 ± 3.64, 4.3 ± 1.7, 9.5 ± 2.46, 21.2 ± 9.47, 52.7 ± 22.43, seperately) at the endpoint of the study, while compared the POEM scores, only T2 group showed the difference with control group (5.2 ± 1.4 vs. 6 ± 1.6). The epidermal barrier parameters of TEWL and SCWC in the T2 group (17.57 ± 5.24, 66.46 ± 21.38, seperately) were significantly better than that of the T1 (19.96 ± 4.45, 56.45 ± 20.48, seperately) and control group(21.89 ± 7.03, 51.56 ± 16.58, seperately) on the 14th day of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The use of niacinamide-containing body emollients can significantly improve the clinical symptoms, quality of life, and skin barrier function in patients with mild AD. The addition of niacinamide-containing cleansing gel can also affect the clinical efficacy at certain time points.

Detection of skin thickness and density in healthy Chinese people by using high-frequency ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES: Due to a recent development of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) systems, it is easier to realize high-resolution in vivo imaging of the biological tissues. The object of this study was to map the thickness and echo density of skin layers in healthy Chinese people and assess the influence of gender, age, and region on it. METHODS: A total of 189 volunteers (85 male, 104 female) with age range of 22-75-year old (mean age of 41.2-year old) were enrolled. The thickness and density of the epidermis and dermis layer were detected by high-frequency (22 or 75 MHz) ultrasonography at 13 different anatomical sites, including the forehead, cheeks, flexor and extensor forearms, flexor and extensor upper arms, inner and outer legs, inner and outer thighs, back, and abdomen. RESULTS: The thickness and density of epidermis/dermis between different anatomical sites were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The epidermis thickness of the face and trunk were less than that of the limbs, whereas the thicknesses of the dermis were on the contrary. The density of the epidermis/dermis of the face and trunk were less than that of the limbs. The thickness of dermis in most of the sites were higher in male than in female, and the density of epidermis and dermis in most of the sites were less in men than in women. The thicknesses/densities of dermis were lower in older age group in almost all sites, whereas only several sites reached statistical. The difference between the north and south regions showed the environment also influenced the thickness and density of the skin. CONCLUSION: HFUS provides a simple noninvasive method for evaluating the skin thickness and echo-density, which, reflecting intradermal structure, exhibit systematic regional variation. With the establishment of Chinese phenotypic database of skin thickness and density, it will be helpful for the skin disease assessment, skin surgery, and cosmetology technology.

Massive Pelvic Hematoma After Atrial Septal Defect Closure Via Femoral Vein Cannulation.

We report a rare case of pelvic hematoma caused by iatrogenic external iliac artery hemorrhage following transfemoral venipuncture for atrial septal defect closure. By means of urgent femoral arteriography, bleeding in the branches of the external iliac artery was confirmed and occlusion of the bleeding branches was performed, thus avoiding the need for surgical laparotomy. The patient recovered well, and the hematoma significantly was reduced 2 months after surgery.

Cascade Synthesis of Benzotriazulene with Three Embedded Azulene Units and Large Stokes Shifts.

We report here the one-pot synthesis of benzo[1,2-a : 3,4-a' : 5,6-a'']triazulene (BTA), wherein three azulene units are embedded through a tandem reaction comprising two steps, Suzuki coupling and Knoevenagel condensation, between a readily available triborylated truxene precursor and 8-bromo-1-naphthaldehyde. Its nitration leads to a regioselective trinitrated product, namely, BTA-NO2 . Single-crystal X-ray crystallography revealed that the superstructure of BTA consists of a dimer stacked by two enantiomeric helicene conformers, while that of BTA-NO2 consists of an unprecedented π-tetramer stacked from two enantiomeric dimers, that is, four distinct helicene conformers. Both compounds show excellent stability and fluorescence with large Stokes shifts of up to 5100 cm-1 . In addition, BTA-NO2 exhibits a unique solvatochromic effect in different solvents and hydrogen-bonding-induced emission transfer in different ratios of THF/H2 O solutions.

Berberine protects diabetic nephropathy by suppressing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition involving the inactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Accumulating evidence has implicated that berberine (BBR) has a beneficial effect on diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but its mechanism is not clear. The aim of this study was to assess whether berberine could alleviate tubulointerstitial fibrosis and attenuate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its possible molecular mechanism. High-fat diet (HFD) followed by injection of STZ was used to induce diabetic rats in vivo. After the onset of diabetes, rats were treated with either BBR or saline for 12 weeks. In vitro, the human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) was exposed to high glucose, with or without BBR. The influence of berberine on renal tubulointerstitial histological changes, markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and (NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3) NLRP3 inflammasome expression were examined. Results showed that in vivo, BBR could significantly ameliorate microalbumin and renal pathologic changes in diabetic rats. Immunofluorescence showed that BBR could inhibit EMT. Furthermore, BBR could down-regulate the level of the NLRP3 inflammasome in diabetic rats. Consistently, in vitro, BBR suppressed high glucose-induced EMT and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HK-2. Our study demonstrated that BBR could inhibit high glucose-induced EMT and renal interstitial fibrosis by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome. BBR might be used as a novel drug to ameliorate tubulointerstitial fibrosis in DKD.

Linear Nonalternant Isomers of Acenes Fusing Multiple Azulene Units.

A modular approach to azulene building blocks was developed starting from readily available aryl-substituted cyclopentadiene and ortho-haloaryl aldehyde by dehydration condensation followed by palladium-catalyzed C-H coupling. It facilitates the synthesis of four nonalternant isomers of pentacene and hexacene, namely, dibenzo[e,g]azulene, benzo[1,2-f : 5,4-f']diazulene, benzo[1,2-f : 4,5-f']diazulene, and naphtho[2,3-f : 6,7-f']diazulene, which exhibit narrow band gaps with high stability in addition to protonation-caused enhanced near-infrared fluorescence. We discovered that in these isomers, i) constitutional isomerism influences significantly their photoelectric properties and ii) the elongation of the conjugation system does not necessarily lead to a narrowing in the band gap. Due to the easy modifiability of the nonazulene building blocks, this strategy can be extended to modularly prepare numerous multiazulene-fused aromatics.

Zeaxanthin improved diabetes-induced anxiety and depression through inhibiting inflammation in hippocampus.

It is generally accepted that inflammation plays a key role in anxiety and depression induced by diabetes. However, the underlying mechanism and effective treatment method of these diabetes-associated behavior disorders remain to be determined. In the present study, we attempted to illuminate the implication of zeaxanthin in anxiety, depression and neuroinflammation caused by hyperglycemia, and further elaborate the relevant mechanism under these neuropsychiatric disorders. In the current work, diabetic rats were induced by high glucose and fat diet followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin, and zeaxanthin was orally administration every day (From 6th to 19th week). Diabetes-associated anxiety and depression were assessed using open field test (OFT) and Forced swimming test (FST) respectively. Moreover, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hippocampus were tested using ELISA and WB. Data showed that long-term zeaxanthin treatment improve diabetic symptoms and alleviate anxiety and depression in diabetic rats. Furthermore, excessive production of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α could be reduced with zeaxanthin treatment. In conclusion, we suggested that zeaxanthin can ameliorate diabetes-associated anxiety and depression, inhibit inflammation in diabetic rats. Our results could provide a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of abnormal behavior induced by hyperglycemia.

The chemical constituents from Urtica fissa leaves.

A new ceramide urticamide (1), two new secolignans urticalactones I (2) and Ⅱ (3), and a new flavonoid glycoside urticaside (4), together with 15 known compounds (4-19), were isolated from the leaves of Urtica fissa, a folk medicine for rheumatism arthritis in China. The active evaluation results showed that 1, 2, 3, 8, and 13 possessed the potent anti-inflammatory. They could inhibit the release of NO and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, with IC50 values less than 4.0 µM.

Genetic and environmental influences on the relationship between ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems: A Chinese twin study.

Several twin studies have investigated the overlap between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and externalizing problems; however, limited information is known regarding the genetic and environmental contribution to the overlap between ADHD and internalizing problems. This study examined the genetic and environmental influences on the variation in and covariation between ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems by using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We investigated 1,316 child and adolescent twins, including 780 monozygotic twins and 536 dizygotic twins, aged 6 years to 18 years from the Chinese Child and Adolescent Twin Registry. ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems were quantified through parent rating by using the Attention Problems Scale and other three scales, which include Anxious/Depressed, Withdrawn, and Somatic Complaints of CBCL. Genetic and environmental susceptibilities common to ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems were examined through bivariate twin modeling. Results showed that genetic factors substantially influenced the ADHD symptoms with a heritability of 72%. Modest genetic influences and substantial shared environmental influences (20-77%) were observed in the three internalizing problem scales. Common genetic and shared environmental influences were essential for the overlap between ADHD and the three internalizing problems respectively. Approximately one-fifth of the genetic variance of ADHD symptoms was shared with anxiety/depression. In conclusion, substantial genetic and shared environmental influences on ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems were observed in Chinese children and adolescents. Our finding supports a common etiology between ADHD and internalizing problems. This finding can also help explain the co-existence of these behavior problems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Light-Driven De/Rehydrogenation of a LiH Surface under Ambient Conditions.

Lithium hydride (LiH), a saline hydride with a hydrogen density of 12.6 wt %, is highly thermostable, which hinders its extensive application in hydrogen storage. In this study, we demonstrate a distinct photodecomposition of LiH under ambient conditions. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) illumination induces hydrogen release and creates surface hydrogen vacancies on LiH. The subsequent H- migration enables hydrogen desorption and the accumulation of vacancies at the subsurface, resulting in the generation of metallic Li clusters. Rehydrogenation, on the contrary, can be charged under UV-vis illumination in 1 bar H2. Such phenomena show that the thermodynamic and kinetic limits in the re/dehydrogenation of LiH can be broken under illumination, which allows hydrogen storage over the LiH surface at temperatures ∼600 K lower than those of the corresponding thermal process. This work provides new insights into the interaction of semiconducting hydrides and photons and opens an avenue for the development and optimization of materials for hydrogen storage and related photodriven reactions.

Postbiotic of Pediococcus acidilactici GQ01, a Novel Probiotic Strain Isolated from Natural Fermented Wolfberry, Attenuates Hyperuricaemia in Mice through Modulating Uric Acid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota.

Hyperuricaemia (HUA) is a disorder of purine metabolism, which manifests itself as an increase in uric acid production and a decrease in uric acid excretion, as well as a change in the structure of the intestinal microbiota. Most of the drugs currently used to treat HUA have significant side effects, and it is essential to find a treatment for HUA that is free of side effects. In this study, a novel strain, Pediococcus acidilactici GQ01, was screened from natural fermented wolfberry. The effects of both live bacteria GQ01 and its heat-killed G1PB postbiotic on HUA were investigated. The results showed that both probiotic GQ01 and G1PB postbiotics could effectively decrease blood uric acid, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels in the HUA mice model. P. acidilactici GQ01 was more effective in inhibiting ADA activity, while G1PB postbiotics was more effective in inhibiting XOD activity. Meanwhile, GQ01 and G1PB were able to ameliorate liver and kidney tissue injury, upregulate the expression of ABCG2 in kidney and XOD gene in liver, downregulate the protein expression of URAT1 and GLUT9 in kidney, and therefore reduce the value of blood uric acid by decreasing the uric acid reabsorption and increasing the excretion of uric acid. Additionally, both probiotics and postbiotics could regulate the intestinal microbiota structure of HUA mice, so as to bring the dysfunctional intestinal composition back to normal. Furthermore, P. acidilactici GQ01 and G1PB postbiotics can increase the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in the intestinal tract, improve the intestinal function, and maintain the healthy homeostatic state of the intestinal tract. In summary, P. acidilactici GQ01 and its G1PB postbiotics may be developed as functional food or drug materials capable of treating HUA.

Multi-omics signatures reveal genomic and functional heterogeneity of Cutibacterium acnes in normal and diseased skin.

Cutibacterium acnes is the most abundant bacterium of the human skin microbiome since adolescence, participating in both skin homeostasis and diseases. Here, we demonstrate individual and niche heterogeneity of C. acnes from 1,234 isolate genomes. Skin disease (atopic dermatitis and acne) and body site shape genomic differences of C. acnes, stemming from horizontal gene transfer and selection pressure. C. acnes harbors characteristic metabolic functions, fewer antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors, and a more stable genome compared with Staphylococcus epidermidis. Integrated genome, transcriptome, and metabolome analysis at the strain level unveils the functional characteristics of C. acnes. Consistent with the transcriptome signature, C. acnes in a sebum-rich environment induces toxic and pro-inflammatory effects on keratinocytes. L-carnosine, an anti-oxidative stress metabolite, is up-regulated in the C. acnes metabolome from atopic dermatitis and attenuates skin inflammation. Collectively, our study reveals the joint impact of genes and the microenvironment on C. acnes function.