Current strategies for monitoring and controlling bacterial biofilm formation on medical surfaces.

Biofilms, intricate microbial communities that attach to surfaces, especially medical devices, form an exopolysaccharide matrix, which enables bacteria to resist environmental pressures and conventional antimicrobial agents, leading to the emergence of multi-drug resistance. Biofilm-related infections associated with medical devices are a significant public health threat, compromising device performance. Therefore, developing effective methods for supervising and managing biofilm growth is imperative.

Alterations and associations between lung microbiota and metabolite profiles in silica-induced lung injury.

Silicosis, caused by silica exposure, is the most widespread and deadliest occupational disease. However, effective treatments are lacking. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the mechanisms and targets involved in the development of silicosis.

Nontargeted Analysis of Coumarins in Source Water and Their Formation of Chlorinated Coumarins as DBPs in Drinking Water.

Coumarin was detected as one of the most abundant compounds by nontargeted analysis of natural product components in actual water samples prior to disinfection. More importantly, prechlorination of humic acid generated 3-hydroxycoumarin and monohydroxy-monomethyl-substituted coumarin with a total yield of ≤10.1%, which suggested the humic substance in raw water is an important source of coumarins.

Quantitative Proteomics of the CDK9 Interactome Reveals a Function of the HSP90-CDC37-P-TEFb Complex for BETi-Induced HIV-1 Latency Reactivation.

Brd4 has been intensively investigated as a promising drug target because of its implicated functions in oncogenesis, inflammation, and HIV-1 transcription. The formation of the Brd4-P-TEFb (CDK9/Cyclin T1) complex and its regulation of transcriptional elongation are critical for HIV latency reactivation and expression of many oncogenes. To further investigate the mechanism of the Brd4-P-TEFb complex in controlling elongation, mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics of the CDK9 interactome was performed.

Isobaric Stable Isotope N-Phosphorylation Labeling (iSIPL) for Ultrasensitive Proteome Quantification.

Stable isotope chemical labeling methods have been widely used for high-throughput mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative proteomics in biological and clinical applications. However, the existing methods are far from meeting the requirements for high sensitivity detection. In the present study, a novel isobaric stable isotope N-phosphorylation labeling (iSIPL) strategy was developed for quantitative proteome analysis.

Immune infiltration patterns and identification of new diagnostic biomarkers GDF10, NCKAP5, and RTKN2 in non-small cell lung cancer.

This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and analyze the role of immune cell infiltration in NSCLC. R software was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from NSCLC datasets obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and functional correlation analysis was performed. The machine learning algorithms were used to screen the potential biomarkers of NSCLC.

[Maxing Shigan Decoction improves lung and colon tissue damage caused by influenza virus infection through JAK1/2-STAT1 signaling pathway].

Based on Janus kinase 1/2-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(JAK1/2-STAT1) signaling pathway, this study explored the immune mechanism of Maxing Shigan Decoction in alleviating the lung tissue and colon tissue damage in mice infected with influenza virus. The influenza virus infection was induced in mice by nasal drip of influenza virus. The normal group, model group, oseltamivir group, antiviral granule group, and Maxing Shigan Decoction group were designed.

Exosomal EphA2 promotes tumor metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer by damaging endothelial barrier.

Many evidences show that exosomes play an important role in cancer development, invasion and metastasis. This study is based on the need to explore exosomal protein that promote breast cancer metastasis. We found that tyrosine kinase EphA2 was enriched in Triple-negative breast cancer -derived exosomes and it could disrupt the endothelial monolayer barrier through downregulating tight junction proteins of endothelial cells.

IGF-1-induced Muscle-Derived Stem Cells as a Potential Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Female Rats.

Purpose: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is prevalent among elderly women. This study aimed to discuss the potential of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs)-based therapy in treating SUI by exploring the effect of Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on transplanted MDSC and urethral sphincter function.

Materials And Methods: Bilaterally pudendal nerve-transected (PNT) female rats were divided into four groups: sham, PNT+ phosphate buffered solution (PBS) injection, PNT+IGF-1/MDSCs and PNT+ green fluorescent protein (GFP)/MDSCs.

2,6-Dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone formation from chlorination of substituted aromatic antioxidants and its control by pre-ozonation in drinking water treatment plant.

Halobenzoquinones are frequently detected as disinfection by-products in drinking water. Among identified halobenzoquinones, 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (2,6-DCBQ) is particularly toxic and is frequently detected in drinking water. Synthetic aromatic antioxidants discharged to source water may increase the risk of 2,6-DCBQ formation, as many studies suggest that aromatic compounds are the most likely precursors to 2,6-DCBQ.

Structural and functional insight into the effect of AFF4 dimerization on activation of HIV-1 proviral transcription.

Super elongation complex (SEC) is a positive regulator of RNA polymerase II, which is required for HIV-1 proviral transcription. AFF1/4 is the scaffold protein that recruits other components of SEC and forms dimer depending on its THD domain (TPRL with Handle Region Dimerization Domain). Here we report the crystal structure of the human AFF4-THD at the resolution of 2.

ELL-associated factors EAF1/2 negatively regulate HIV-1 transcription through inhibition of Super Elongation Complex formation.

The ELL (ELL1 and ELL2)-containing Super Elongation Complex (SEC) is required for efficient HIV-1 transactivation by the viral-encoded Tat protein. EAF1 and EAF2 are ELL-associated factors and considered as positive regulators of ELL. However, their role in HIV-1 transcriptional control is unknown.

JMJD6 cleaves MePCE to release positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) in higher eukaryotes.

More than 30% of genes in higher eukaryotes are regulated by promoter-proximal pausing of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Phosphorylation of Pol II CTD by positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) is a necessary precursor event that enables productive transcription elongation. The exact mechanism on how the sequestered P-TEFb is released from the 7SK snRNP complex and recruited to Pol II CTD remains unknown.

Positive association between MIC gene polymorphism and tuberculosis in Chinese population.

The disease progression and morbidity of tuberculosis (TB) infections are determined by virulence of the micro-organism, host genetic factors and environmental factors. The highly polymorphic MHC class I chain-related gene (MIC) could serve as a potential host genetic candidate. To investigate the association of MIC polymorphism with TB infection, 124 patients and 191 ethnically matched controls from Hunan province, Southern China, were genotyped for the MIC polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific priming and sequencing-based typing.

Monitoring and exposure assessment of organophosphorus flame retardants in source and drinking water, Nanjing, China.

This study developed a new method to determine the residues of 13 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in drinking water by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) technique and investigated the chemical distribution in water samples from municipal plants along the Yangtze River in Nanjing. The linear calibration correlation coefficients R for all 13 OPFRs were at least 0.998 0.

[Determination of three volatile -nitrosamine in drinking water by solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with programmable temperature vaporizer-based large volume injection].

A method had been developed for the determination of three -nitrosamines, namely, -nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), -nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA), and -nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in drinking water by solid phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS) with programmable temperature vaporizer (PTV)-based large volume injection (LVI). The -nitrosamine compounds were extracted from the water sample using a solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge filled with coconut charcoal, and then eluted with 10 mL methylene chloride. The eluate was dried by anhydrous sodium sulfate and 10 μL was injected into the GC-MS/MS by PTV-LVI.

MICB*002 and MICB*014 protect against rheumatoid arthritis, whereas MICA*009 and MICA*A6 are associated with rheumatoid arthritis in a Hainan Han Chinese population.

Aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as an inflammatory autoimmune disease affects the synovial joints as well as other organs and tissues. Since aberrant expression of MIC molecules has been observed in RA patient, MIC genotypes might play certain roles in the development of RA.

Method: To explore the association of MICA and MICB polymorphisms with RA in a Han Chinese population in Hainan Island, samples from 172 RA and 137 healthy controls were genotyped for MICA and MICB.

Association Between Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Chain-Related Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Background: Major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene (MIC) polymorphisms have been associated with many autoimmune diseases. To explore the correlation between MIC polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we compared the sequence of the MIC gene in Han Chinese patients with SLE from Hainan Island, China, with healthy individuals.

Methods: In this study, the MIC polymorphisms in 296 subjects (159 patients with SLE and 137 healthy volunteers) of Han ethnicity from Hainan Island were characterized.

STAT3-mediated TLR2/4 pathway upregulation in an IFN-gamma-induced Chlamydia trachomatis persistent infection model.

Inflammatory pathological injury caused by Chlamydia trachomatis persistent infection could lead to a variety of urogenital tract diseases. By comparing the cytokine production and PRR (pattern recognition receptor) expression between cell models with acute or persistent C. trachomatis infection, our data supported that persistent infection of C.

Occupational electromagnetic field exposures associated with sleep quality: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by mobile phone and other machineries concerns half the world's population and raises the problem of their impact on human health. The present study aims to explore the effects of electromagnetic field exposures on sleep quality and sleep duration among workers from electric power plant.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an electric power plant of Zhejiang Province, China.

IGF-1 gene-modified muscle-derived stem cells are resistant to oxidative stress via enhanced activation of IGF-1R/PI3K/AKT signaling and secretion of VEGF.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress increases in skeletal muscle with aging and decreases the viability of implanted cells. Type 1 insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) promotes the survival of skeletal muscle cells under oxidative stress. It is unknown whether IGF-1 protects muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) from oxidative stress.

Identification of pathology from diesel exhaust particles in the bladder in a rat model by aspiration of particles from the pharynx.

To determine whether diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) could be a toxic agent to the bladder, rats were exposed to different concentrations of DEPs for one month or three months. When the rats were sacrificed, morphologic changes of the urothelium were investigated. The antioxidase activity and the levels of lipid peroxidation in the bladder were assayed.

Cell type-dependent induction of DNA damage by 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields does not result in significant cellular dysfunctions.

Background: Although IARC clarifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) as possible human carcinogen, the debate on its health impact continues due to the inconsistent results. Genotoxic effect has been considered as a golden standard to determine if an environmental factor is a carcinogen, but the currently available data for RF-EMF remain controversial. As an environmental stimulus, the effect of RF-EMF on cellular DNA may be subtle.

Association between extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields occupations and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a meta-analysis.

Objectives: To estimate the relationship between exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by a meta-analysis.

Methods: Through searching PubMed databases (or manual searching) up to April 2012 using the following keywords: "occupational exposure", "electromagnetic fields" and "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" or "motor neuron disease", seventeen studies were identified as eligible for this meta-analysis. The associations between ELF-EMF exposure and the ALS risk were estimated based on study design (case-control or cohort study), and ELF-EMF exposure level assessment (job title or job-exposure matrix).