Abnormal sleep patterns are associated with depressive symptoms in Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Depression is an important public health issue among older adults, often associated with their sleep-related problems. We aimed to investigate the association between sleep-related problems and depressive symptoms among Chinese community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized self-reported data from 2896 participants (aged ≥60 years) from Shanghai, China. Nocturnal sleep duration and difficulty initiating sleep (DIS) symptoms were obtained through face-to-face questionnaires. Nocturnal sleep duration was categorized as 'short' (<7 h), 'normal' (7-8 h), and 'long' (>8 h). Subsequently, the 3 groups were further divided into 6 groups based on the presence of DIS, and the combined sleep behaviors were termed 'sleep patterns'. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the association of sleep variables and sleep patterns with the risk of depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Compared to the reference group, 'short sleep duration' and DIS symptoms were associated with depressive symptoms (with odds ratios (OR) of 1.50 and 1.79, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 1.14-1.97 and 1.39-2.31). When compared to 'normal sleep duration without DIS', both 'short sleep duration with DIS' (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.81-3.72) and 'normal sleep duration with DIS' (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.03-2.49) were statistically associated with depressive symptoms in adjusted regression models. CONCLUSION: Short sleep duration and DIS symptoms were found to be associated with depressive symptoms. Combining DIS symptoms with sleep duration, DIS was identified as a risk factor for elevated depressive symptoms in individuals with short and normal sleep durations. In managing depressive symptoms, it is imperative to thoroughly evaluate insomnia and nighttime sleep, which can provide valuable insights for nursing and medical policy.

A Time-Varying Mixture Integer-Valued Threshold Autoregressive Process Driven by Explanatory Variables.

In this paper, a time-varying first-order mixture integer-valued threshold autoregressive process driven by explanatory variables is introduced. The basic probabilistic and statistical properties of this model are studied in depth. We proceed to derive estimators using the conditional least squares (CLS) and conditional maximum likelihood (CML) methods, while also establishing the asymptotic properties of the CLS estimator. Furthermore, we employed the CLS and CML score functions to infer the threshold parameter. Additionally, three test statistics to detect the existence of the piecewise structure and explanatory variables were utilized. To support our findings, we conducted simulation studies and applied our model to two applications concerning the daily stock trading volumes of VOW.

A Dynamically Stable Sulfide Electrolyte Architecture for High-Performance All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

All-solid-state batteries employing sulfide solid electrolyte and Li metal anode are promising because of their high safety and energy densities. However, the interface between Li metal and sulfides suffers from catastrophic instability which stems the practical use. Here, a dynamically stable sulfide electrolyte architecture to construct the hierarchy of interface stability is reported. By rationally designing the multilayer structures of sulfide electrolytes, the dynamic decomposing-alloying process from MS4 (M = Ge or Sn) unit in sulfide interlayer can significantly prohibit Li dendrite penetration is revealed. The abundance of highly electronic insulating decompositions, such as Li2 S, at the sulfide interlayer interface helps to well constrain the dynamic decomposition process and preserve the long-term polarization stability is also highlighted. By using Li6 PS5 Cl||Li10 SnP2 S12 ||Li6 PS5 Cl electrolyte architecture, Li metal anode shows an unprecedented critical current density over 3 mA cm-2 and achieves the steady over-potential for ≈900 hours. Based upon the merits, the Li||LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 battery delivers a remarkable 75.3% retention even after 600 cycles at 1 C (1C-0.95 mA cm-2 ) under a low stack pressure of 15 MPa.

Novel Preparation of Graphene Foam with Adjustable Dielectric Properties for Efficient Microwave Absorption.

Graphene foams (GFs) prepared via a hydrothermal method can be vacuum-dried directly without the need for freezing by adding naphthalene to the graphene hydrogels. By optimizing the GF preparation process, it is also possible to adjust the GF's dielectric properties by varying the amount of naphthalene added. Based on the comparison results, it was observed that controlling the addition of naphthalene could also modify the internal structure of GF and effectively regulate its dielectric properties. GF-80, synthesized with 80 g of naphthalene, exhibited exceptional microwave absorption (MA) performance. At a mass content of only 2% and a matching thickness of 3.38 mm, a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -55.89 dB was achieved. Moreover, GF-80, with a thickness of 2.31 mm, was shown to achieve a bandwidth of RL less than -10 dB across 6.88 GHz.

A photoelectrochemical aptasensor for tetracycline based on the self-assembly of 2D MoS2 on a 3D ZnO/Au/ITO electrode.

Two-dimensional (2D) layered MoS2 has good dispersion and adsorption properties, but being a narrow bandgap semiconductor limits its application in photoelectric sensing. In this study, a homogeneous photoelectrochemical sensor based on three-dimensional (3D) ZnO/Au/2D MoS2 is proposed for the ultrasensitive detection of tetracycline (TET). MoS2 is uniformly embedded on the 3D ZnO/Au surface by ordered self-assembly. The physical method of π-π interaction of MoS2 replaces the conventional use of chemically modifying aptamers on the electrode material surface. Under optimal conditions, this method has been successfully applied to the detection of TET in milk, honey, pig kidney and pork samples with reliable results. We believe that this study presents a method for the preparation of sensing carriers and target detection with great potential for application.

Homogeneous Photoelectrochemical Aptasensors for Tetracycline Based on Sulfur-Doped g-C3N4/n-GaN Heterostructures Formed through Self-Assembly.

The complex synthesis of photoelectric materials and the difficulty of fixing the identification elements on the photoelectrode are long-standing problems in the field of photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensing. In this work, a simple PEC aptasensor construction strategy based on a sulfur-doped g-C3N4 (SCN)/n-GaN heterostructure photoelectrode was proposed. The SCN/n-GaN heterostructure can be formed through self-assembly in solution since SCN can be uniformly dispersed in solution. In addition, as a dual-function mediate, an aptamer can be fixed on an SCN substrate automatically because of the good adsorption performance of SCN. Therefore, tedious steps of PEC electrode preparation and the fixing of recognition elements were both avoided. Compared with the traditional ones, the construction difficulty and time cost of the prepared PEC aptasensors are greatly reduced. The simplified experimental process improves the stability and reproducibility of the aptasensor. Finally, tetracycline (TET) was used as a model target to verify the sensing performance of the proposed PEC strategy. TET can consume the photogenerated holes of the SCN/n-GaN heterostructure, promote carrier migration, and result in the change in the photocurrent. The linear relationship between the change in the photocurrent intensity and the TET concentration can be used to detect TET. The aptasensor has a linear range of 0.10-10.0 nmol L-1 and the detection limit is 0.030 nmol L-1 (3S/N). The aptasensor was applied to the detection of TET in milk samples with satisfactory results.

Transcriptional regulation of metal metabolism- and nutrient absorption-related genes in Eucalyptus grandis by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi at different zinc concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Eucalyptus spp. are candidates for phytoremediation in heavy metal (HM)-polluted soils as they can adapt to harsh environments, grow rapidly, and have good economic value. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are the most widely distributed plant symbiotic fungi in nature, and they play an important role in promoting the phytoremediation of HM-polluted soils. However, few studies have evaluated the HM detoxification mechanism of E. spp. in symbiosis with AMF, and thus, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. RESULTS: The gene transcription and metabolic pathways of E. grandis were studied with and without inoculation with AMF and at different zinc (Zn) concentrations. Here, we focused on the transcript level of six HM-related gene families (ZNT, COPT/Ctr, YSL, ZIFL and CE). Under high-Zn conditions, thirteen genes (ZNT:2, COPT/Ctr:5, YSL:3, ZIFL:1, CE:2) were upregulated, whereas ten genes (ZNT:3, COPT/Ctr:2, YSL:3, ZIFL:1, CE:1) were downregulated. With AMF symbiosis under high-Zn conditions, ten genes (ZNT:4, COPT/Ctr:2, YSL:3, CE:1) were upregulated, whereas nineteen genes (ZNT:9, COPT/Ctr:2, YSL:3, ZIFL:4, CE:1) were downregulated. Under high-Zn conditions, genes of three potassium-related transporters, six phosphate transporters (PHTs), and two nitrate transporters (NRTs) were upregulated, whereas genes of four potassium-related transporters,four PHTs, and four nitrogen-related transporters were downregulated. With AMF symbiosis under high-Zn conditions, genes of two potassium-related transporters, six ammonium transporters (AMTs) and five PHTs were upregulated, whereas genes of six potassium-related transporters, two AMTs and five PHTs were downregulated. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicates that AMF increases the resistance of E. grandis to high-Zn stress by improving nutrients uptake and regulating Zn uptake at the gene transcription level. Meanwhile, our findings provide a genome-level resource for the functional assignments of key genes regulated by Zn treatment and AM symbiosis in six HM-associated gene families and macromineral nutrient-related gene families of E. grandis. This may contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of the response to Zn stress in E. grandis with AM symbiosis at the aspect of the interaction between HM tolerance and nutrient acquisition.

A novel 450-nm laser-mediated sinoporphyrin sodium-based photodynamic therapy induces autophagic cell death in gastric cancer through regulation of the ROS/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become an ideal and promising therapeutic method for fighting cancer, but its common application in clinical practice is prevented by the limitations of expensive devices in light sources and phototoxicity in photosensitizers. The aim of this study was to explore the antitumor efficiency of the novel 450-nm blue laser (BL) combined with sinoporphyrin sodium (DVDMS)-mediated PDT against human gastric cancer (GC) in vitro and in vivo, focusing on autophagy pathway. METHODS: Cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays in HGC27, MGC803, AGS, and GES-1 cells. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and western blotting. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Autophagy was determined by transmission electron microscopy and western blotting. The antitumor effect of BL-PDT in vivo was detected by a subcutaneous tumor model in nude mice. RESULTS: The novel 450-nm laser-mediated DVDMS-based PDT caused remarkable growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in GC cells in vitro by the production of excessive ROS. Autophagy flux was induced by BL-PDT in GC cells, as determined by LC3 conversion assay, LC3 turnover assay, and mRFP-GFP-LC3 puncta assay. Furthermore, autophagy induction was demonstrated to positively contribute to BL-PDT-induced apoptotic effects on GC cells. Mechanically, ROS/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was identified to involve in the regulation of BL-PDT-induced autophagy as determined by transcriptomic analysis and functional studies. Consistently, xenograft studies confirmed the significant antitumor effect of BL-PDT and its favorable safety in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The novel 450-nm laser-mediated DVDMS-based PDT may be a safe and effective approach against GC. Our results thus provide compelling evidence for the therapeutic application of BL-PDT in human GC.

N, S-Coordinated Co Single Atomic Catalyst Boosting Adsorption and Conversion of Lithium Polysulfides for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Boosting reversible solid-liquid phase transformation from lithium polysulfides to Li2 S and suppressing the shuttling of lithium polysulfides from the cathode to the lithium anode are critical challenges in lithium-sulfur batteries. Here, sulfiphilic single atomic cobalt implanted in lithiophilic heteroatoms-dopped carbon (SACo@HC) matrix with a CoN3 S structure for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries is reported. Density functional theory calculation and in situ experiments demonstrate that the optimal CoN3 S structure in SACo@HC can effectively improve the adsorption and redox conversion efficiency of lithium polysulfides. Consequently, the S-SACo@HC composite with sulfur loading of 80 wt% delivers a high capacity of 1425.1 mAh g-1 at 0.05 C and outstanding rate performance with 745.9 mAh g-1 at 4 C. Furthermore, a capacity of 680.8 mAh g-1 at 0.5 C with a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (6 µL mg-1 ) can be achieved even after 300 cycles. With the harsh conditions of lean electrolyte (E/S = 4 µL mg-1 ) and high sulfur loading (5.4 mg cm-2 ), a superior area capacity of 5.8 mAh cm-2 can be obtained. This work contributes to building a profound understanding of the adsorption and interface engineering of lithium polysulfides and provides ideas to tackle the long-standing polysulfide shuttle problem of lithium-sulfur batteries.

Identification and molecular analysis of 17 novel variants of hydroxymethylbilane synthase in Chinese patients with acute intermittent porphyria.

A partial deficiency of the heme biosynthetic enzyme hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) leads to acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), a severe neurovisceral, autosomal dominant disorder with low penetrance. Even though in-depth investigations of the HMBS variants have been carried out by researchers in Britain, France, Russia, and Sweden, this area remains uninvestigated in China owing to the rarity and lack of clinical understanding of the disease. In this study, 78 unrelated AIP patients revealed 48 different HMBS variants, of which 17 were novel. These included 22 missense variants, 9 splicings, 5 nonsense variants, 10 small deletions, 1 repeat insertion, and 1 complex deletion-insertion variant. The variant c.673C > T, found in 10 unrelated patients, was the most frequent variant, followed by the variant c.517C > T, found in 7 unrelated patients. We performed western blotting and immunofluorescence staining with four novel variants (c.653G > A, c.597dupC, c.726-727del, and c.1045_1046delAA) to detect the expression levels of mutant HMBSs. The results showed a variant-mediated decrease in the mutant-HMBS level, suggesting that the variant resulted in impaired gene product functions. Moreover, the in vitro functional verification in this study provided PS3_moderate evidence for American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) to grade the pathogenicity of novel variants in AIP.

Knockdown of CXCL5 inhibits the invasion, metastasis and stemness of bladder cancer lung metastatic cells by downregulating CD44.

In our previous studies, we found that T24 lung metastatic cancer cells showed high invasion and metastasis abilities and cancer stem cell characteristics compared with T24 primary cancer cells. By screening for the expression of CXC chemokines in both cell lines, we found that CXCL5 is highly expressed in T24-L cells. The aim of this study is to shed light on the relationship of CXCL5 with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs). RNAi technology was used to decrease CXCL5 expression in the T24-L cell line, and the EMT and CSCs of the shCXCL5 group and the control group were compared. The CXCR2 inhibitor SB225002 was used to inhibit the receptor of CXCL5 to determine the effect of the CXCL5/CXCR2 axis. The knockdown of CXCL5 expression in T24-L cells reduced their EMT and CSC characteristics. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed the downregulation of N-cadherin, Vimentin and CD44. In addition, when CD44 expression was knocked down, the EMT ability of the cells was also inhibited. This phenomenon was most pronounced when both CXCL5 and CD44 were knocked down. CXCL5 and CD44 can affect the EMT and stem cell capacity of T24-L cells through some interaction.

Prevalence and surveillance of tuberculosis in Yemen from 2006 to 2018.

Tuberculosis is a major public health issue in Yemen, a country located at the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, while the situation of tuberculosis had been further exacerbated since the war started in 2015. The objective of this study is to investigate the incidence of tuberculosis in Yemen before the outbreak of COVID-19, from 2006 to 2018. During the 13-year period, 92 482 patients were enrolled in the TB programme records from the 22 governorates. Almost equal number of cases were diagnosed between males and females (a male to female ratio, 1.03:1). A notable rising incidence was observed in all age groups starting from 2011. The sharpest increase occurred in children under age 15, rising by 8.0-fold from 0.5 in the period 2006-2010 to 4.1 in the period 2011-2018. Paediatric TB accounted for 9.6% of all reported cases. In terms of the patient residence, incidence has more than doubled in Sana'a city, Sana'a Gov., Hajjah and Saadah. Concomitant diseases with tuberculosis included diabetes mellitus (14.0%), brucellosis (6.1%), hepatitis (6.0%), rheumatoid arthritis (4.3%), renal disorders (2.5%) and HIV infection (2.5%). Development of interventions to reduce tuberculosis incidence in children and concomitant communicable diseases is urgently needed.

Circulating tumor cells may serve as a supplement to RECIST in neoadjuvant chemotherapy of patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been shown to be associated with the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) and the prognosis of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients. Our study aimed to investigate whether the change of CTC status during NCT could serve as a supplement to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) in the treatment and evaluation of LABC patients. METHODS: 6 ml of blood samples were collected before NCT, after the first cycle of NCT and after the completion of NCT, respectively. According to the change of CTC number during NCT, the patients were divided into "CTC low-response (low-R)" group and "CTC high-response (high-R)" group. Survival data of each group of patients were obtained through long-term follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients diagnosed with LABC were enrolled. The median follow-up for distant metastasis was 27 months (range 7-36 months). There was no significant difference in distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) between PR/CR group and PD/SD group (P = 0.0914), while CTC low-R group had a worse DMFS than CTC high-R group (P = 0.0199). In PR/CR subgroup, patients with CTC low-R showed a lower DMFS compared with those with CTC high-R (P = 0.0159). However, in PD/SD subgroup, there was no significant difference in DMFS between CTC low-R and CTC high-R group (P = 0.7521). In terms of assessing response to NCT, CTC change or RECIST classification alone had an AUC of 0.533 (95% CI 0.277-0.790) and 0.700 (95% CI 0.611-0.789), respectively. When combining the two, the AUC slightly increased to 0.713 (95% CI 0.532-0.895). CONCLUSION: The change of CTC number during NCT has a potential to serve as a supplement to RECIST in the assessment of NCT efficacy and the prognosis of LABC patients.

Quadriceps muscle strength at 2 years following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is associated with tibiofemoral joint cartilage volume.

PURPOSE: Quadriceps strength deficits following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are linked to altered lower extremity biomechanics, tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) space narrowing and cartilage composition changes. It is unknown, however, if quadriceps strength is associated with cartilage volume in the early years following ACLR prior to the onset of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA) development. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between quadriceps muscle strength (peak and across the functional range of knee flexion) and cartilage volume at ~ 2 years following ACLR and determine the influence of concomitant meniscal pathology. METHODS: The involved limb of 51 ACLR participants (31 isolated ACLR; 20 combined meniscal pathology) aged 18-40 years were tested at 2.4 ± 0.4 years post-surgery. Isokinetic knee extension torque generated in 10° intervals between 60° and 10° knee flexion (i.e. 60°-50°, 50°-40°, 40°-30°, 30°-20°, 20°-10°) together with peak extension torque were measured. Tibial and patellar cartilage volumes were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The relationships between peak and angle-specific knee extension torque and MRI-derived cartilage volumes were evaluated using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: In ACLR participants with and without meniscal pathology, higher knee extension torques at 60°-50° and 50°-40° knee flexion were negatively associated with medial tibial cartilage volume (p < 0.05). No significant associations were identified between peak concentric or angle-specific knee extension torques and patellar cartilage volume. CONCLUSION: Higher quadriceps strength at knee flexion angles of 60°-40° was associated with lower cartilage volume on the medial tibia ~ 2 years following ACLR with and without concomitant meniscal injury. Regaining quadriceps strength across important functional ranges of knee flexion after ACLR may reduce the likelihood of developing early TFJ cartilage degenerative changes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The Detection of Pine Wilt Disease: A Literature Review.

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a global quarantine disease of forests that mainly affects Pinaceae species. The disease spreads rapidly. Once infected, pine trees have an extremely high mortality rate. This paper provides a summary of the common techniques used to detect PWD, including morphological-, molecular-, chemical- and physical-based methods. By comprehending the complex relationship among pinewood nematodes, vectors and host pine trees and employing the available approaches for nematode detection, we can improve the implementation of intervention and control measures to effectively reduce the damage caused by PWD. Although conventional techniques allow a reliable diagnosis of the symptomatic phase, the volatile compound detection and remote sensing technology facilitate a rapid diagnosis during asymptomatic stages. Moreover, the remote sensing technology is capable of monitoring PWD over large areas. Therefore, multiple perspective evaluations based on these technologies are crucial for the rapid and effective detection of PWD.

Highly Sensitive and Selective Photoelectrochemical Aptasensors for Cancer Biomarkers Based on MoS2/Au/GaN Photoelectrodes.

An Au/GaN photoelectrode was prepared by sputtering 30 nm thick Au film on the surface of n-type gallium nitride (GaN). When the electrode contacts with multilayered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), photogenerated electrons and photogenerated holes transfer to MoS2 because of the band gap matching of MoS2 and GaN. The presence of Au promotes charge transfer and results in a greater recombination of electrons and holes; by this means, a more significant suppression of photocurrent can be detected. This characteristic has been coupled with the high selectivity of an aptamer and applied to develop a novel photoelectrochemical aptasensor for cancer biomarkers (alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) as a model). The aptamer of AFP was modified on the surface of the Au/GaN photoelectrode by Au-S bonds, which can bind to the target protein with high selectivity. Then, the transfer process of the charge carriers of GaN to MoS2 can be blocked by the target protein so that the suppression of photocurrent is reduced. The difference of the photocurrent in the presence and absence of AFP (ΔI) showed a linear relationship with AFP concentration that ranged from 1.0-150 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9995), and the detection limit was 0.3 ng/mL. The standard addition recovery rates ranged from 85.2 to 91.7%. The method possessed good sensitivity and high selectivity for AFP detection. The developed biosensor can be modified to detect other cancer biomarkers by simply replacing the aptamer used.

Protectin conjugates in tissue regeneration 1 restores lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx loss via ALX/SIRT1/NF-kappa B axis.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial glycocalyx loss is integral to increased pulmonary vascular permeability in sepsis-related acute lung injury. Protectin conjugates in tissue regeneration 1 (PCTR1) is a novel macrophage-derived lipid mediator exhibiting potential anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving benefits. METHODS: PCTR1 was administrated intraperitoneally with 100 ng/mouse after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenged. Survival rate and lung function were used to evaluate the protective effects of PCTR1. Lung inflammation response was observed by morphology and inflammatory cytokines level. Endothelial glycocalyx and its related key enzymes were measured by immunofluorescence, ELISA, and Western blot. Afterward, related-pathways inhibitors were used to identify the mechanism of endothelial glycocalyx response to PCTR1 in mice and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after LPS administration. RESULTS: In vivo, we show that PCTR1 protects mice against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis, as shown by enhanced the survival and pulmonary function, decreased the inflammatory response in lungs and peripheral levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1ß. Moreover, PCTR1 restored lung vascular glycocalyx and reduced serum heparin sulphate (HS), syndecan-1 (SDC-1), and hyaluronic acid (HA) levels. Furthermore, we found that PCTR1 downregulated heparanase (HPA) expression to inhibit glycocalyx degradation and upregulated exostosin-1 (EXT-1) protein expression to promote glycocalyx reconstitution. Besides, we observed that BAY11-7082 blocked glycocalyx loss induced by LPS in vivo and in vitro, and BOC-2 (ALX antagonist) or EX527 (SIRT1 inhibitor) abolished the restoration of HS in response to PCTR1. CONCLUSION: PCTR1 protects endothelial glycocalyx via ALX receptor by regulating SIRT1/NF-κB pathway, suggesting PCTR1 may be a significant therapeutic target for sepsis-related acute lung injury.

Correction: Synthesis and biological evaluation of hybrids from farnesylthiosalicylic acid and hydroxylcinnamic acid with dual inhibitory activities of Ras-related signaling and phosphorylated NF-κB.

Correction for 'Synthesis and biological evaluation of hybrids from farnesylthiosalicylic acid and hydroxylcinnamic acid with dual inhibitory activities of Ras-related signaling and phosphorylated NF-κB' by Yong Ling et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2014, 12, 4517-4530, DOI: 10.1039/C4OB00023D.

6-Gingerol suppresses tumor cell metastasis by increasing YAPser127 phosphorylation in renal cell carcinoma.

According to the World Health Organization, the incidence and mortality rates of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are rapidly increasing worldwide. Serious side effects caused by immune therapy and resistance to targeted drug therapy are urgent clinical problems facing kidney treatment. There is increasing global interest in developing natural products with a reduced number of side effects as adjunctive therapeutic options for RCC. Ginger is a spice and herbal remedy used worldwide, and 6-gingerol is a major pharmacologically active ingredient in ginger. In our study, we found that 6-gingerol suppressed RCC cell migration and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, reduction in MMP2, Slug, and Vimentin protein levels was observed following 6-gingerol treatment of 786-O and ACHN cells. Furthermore, we revealed the mechanisms underlying the ability of 6-gingerol to inhibit RCC cell migration and metastasis. 6-Gingerol increased yes-associated protein (YAP)ser127 phosphorylation and reduced YAP levels in cell nuclei. We also used a series of loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments to support our results. Western blot results showed that MMP2, Slug, and Vimentin protein expression was downregulated in YAP-silenced cells and upregulated in YAP-overexpressing cells. Transwell data demonstrated that YAP suppressed RCC migration ability. Immunofluorescence images showed that 6-gingerol decreased YAP levels, leading to disordered F-actin and a reduction in cell lamellipodia. Overall, our results indicated that 6-gingerol is a potential antimetastatic compound for use in kidney therapy.

Patellar cartilage increase following ACL reconstruction with and without meniscal pathology: a two-year prospective MRI morphological study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) together with concomitant meniscal injury are risk factors for the development of tibiofemoral (TF) osteoarthritis (OA), but the potential effect on the patellofemoral (PF) joint is unclear. The aim of this study was to: (i) investigate change in patellar cartilage morphology in individuals 2.5 to 4.5 years after ACLR with or without concomitant meniscal pathology and in healthy controls, and (ii) examine the association between baseline patellar cartilage defects and patellar cartilage volume change. METHODS: Thirty two isolated ACLR participants, 25 ACLR participants with combined meniscal pathology and nine healthy controls underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with 2-year intervals (baseline = 2.5 years post-ACLR). Patellar cartilage volume and cartilage defects were assessed from MRI using validated methods. RESULTS: Both ACLR groups showed patellar cartilage volume increased over 2 years (p < 0.05), and isolated ACLR group had greater annual percentage cartilage volume increase compared with controls (mean difference 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0, 6.3%, p = 0.008) and combined ACLR group (mean difference 2.2, 95% CI 0.2, 4.2%, p = 0.028). Patellar cartilage defects regressed in the isolated ACLR group over 2 years (p = 0.02; Z = - 2.33; r = 0.3). Baseline patellar cartilage defect score was positively associated with annual percentage cartilage volume increase (Regression coefficient B = 0.014; 95% CI 0.001, 0.027; p = 0.03) in the pooled ACLR participants. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertrophic response was evident in the patellar cartilage of ACLR participants with and without meniscal pathology. Surprisingly, the increase in patellar cartilage volume was more pronounced in those with isolated ACLR. Although cartilage defects stabilised in the majority of ACLR participants, the severity of patellar cartilage defects at baseline influenced the magnitude of the cartilage hypertrophic response over the subsequent ~ 2 years.