Mitochondrial Mayhem: How cigarette smoke induces placental dysfunction through MMS19 degradation.

Cigarette smoke (CS) has detrimental effects on placental growth and embryo development, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of CS on trophoblast cell proliferation and regulated cell death (RCD) by examining its interference with iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) proteins and the CIA pathway. Exposure to CS disrupted the cytosolic ISC assembly (CIA) pathway, downregulated ISC proteins, and decreased ISC maturation in the placenta of rats exposed to passive smoking.

Sensitive and Deep Coverage Phosphoproteome Detection Method Reveals Spleen as a More Sensitive Organ than Liver in Early Detection of Liver Fibrosis-Related Signaling Protein Dysregulation.

Although cathepsin S is transported from the spleen to the liver, where it cleaves collagen XVIII to produce endostatin and plays a critical role in the onset of early liver fibrosis, the relationship between liver fibrosis and spleen function remains underexplored. Given the roles of phosphorylation in disease, understanding its regulatory mechanism in early liver fibrosis is crucial. Despite advances in mass spectrometry enhancing phosphoproteomics, its application is limited by small clinical samples and subtle protein changes.

ABCA6 Regulates Chondrogenesis and Inhibits Joint Degeneration via Orchestrated Cholesterol Efflux and Cellular Senescence.

Patellar dysplasia (PD) can cause patellar dislocation and subsequent osteoarthritis (OA) development. Herein, a novel ABCA6 mutation contributing to a four-generation family with familiar patellar dysplasia (FPD) is identified. In this study, whole exome sequencing (WES) and genetic linkage analysis across a four-generation lineage presenting with six cases of FPD are conducted.

Automating the amino acid identification in elliptical dichroism spectrometer with Machine Learning.

Amino acid identification is crucial across various scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, pharmaceutical research, and medical diagnostics. However, traditional methods such as mass spectrometry require extensive sample preparation and are time-consuming, complex and costly. Therefore, this study presents a pioneering Machine Learning (ML) approach for automatic amino acid identification by utilizing the unique absorption profiles from an Elliptical Dichroism (ED) spectrometer.

The transcription factor GmFULc regulates soybean plant height by binding the promoter of a gibberellin-responsive gene.

Plant height is a crucial agronomic characteristic that substantially influences soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield.

Improvement of the Thermoelectric Properties in CNT/BiTe Composite Films Due to Evolution of the Depletion Layer and Point Defects under the Pulse Current Field.

A carbon nanotube (CNT) composite is an effective method to improve the thermoelectricity of materials. However, the depletion layer between the CNT and thermoelectric (TE) material always decreases the contribution of CNT to the conductivity of the TE material. It is important to eliminate the depletion layer for improving the TE properties.

Rapid radiation of a plant lineage sheds light on the assembly of dry valley biomes.

Southwest China is characterized by high plateaus, large mountain systems, and deeply incised dry valleys formed by major rivers and their tributaries. Despite the considerable attention given to alpine plant radiations in this region, the timing and mode of diversification of the numerous dry valley plant lineages remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the macroevolution of Isodon (Lamiaceae), a lineage commonly distributed in the dry valleys in southwest China and wetter areas of Asia and Africa.

Hypoxia Combined With Interleukin-17 Regulates Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α/Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells.

The pathogenesis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension may be multifactorial and requires further studies. We explored alterations in pulmonary artery endothelial cells under the hypoxic and elevated interleukin-17 conditions that are commonly present in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. We measured the serum interleukin-17 levels in 10 chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients and 10 healthy control persons.

Multidimensional Resonance Controlled by Critical Size in Printed Binary Colloidal Crystals for High-Contrast Imaging.

Colloidal crystal engineering enables the precise construction of structures with remarkable properties. However, the flexible and synergistic regulation of multiple properties of colloidal crystals remains a significant challenge. Here, we inspire from Brazilian opals to self-assemble polymer nanoparticles in the gaps of a single-layer opal substrate to fabricate large-scale binary colloidal crystals (BCCs).

Aucubin Promotes BMSCs Proliferation and Differentiation of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Patients by Regulating Ferroptosis and BMP2 Signalling.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a chronic systemic bone metabolism disorder. Promotion in the patterns of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) differentiation towards osteoblasts contributes to alleviating osteoporosis. Aucubin, a natural compound isolated from the well-known herbal medicine Eucommia, was previously shown to possess various pharmacological effects.

Effective Reduction of Transgene-Specific Immune Response With rAAV Vectors Co-Expressing miRNA-UL112-5p or ERAP1 shRNA.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has emerged as one of the best gene delivery vectors for human gene therapy in vivo. However, the clinical efficacy of rAAV gene therapy is often hindered by the host immune response against its transgene products. Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) is specialised to process peptides presented by class I molecules of major histocompatibility complex.

ERF114/115/109 are essential for jasmonate-repressed non-canonical JAZ8 activity in JA signaling.

Jasmonate (JA), a key plant hormone, regulates various aspects of plant development and stress responses, primarily through the degradation of canonical jasmonate-ZIM domain (JAZ) proteins by the SCF complex. While JAZ8, a non-canonical JAZ protein lacking the degron signal, has been shown to repress JA responses, the mechanism by which JA inhibits JAZ8 activity remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Arabidopsis ethylene response factor 114 (ERF114), ERF115, and ERF109 regulate JA signaling through interacting with JAZ8.

Thirteen serum biochemical indexes and five whole blood coagulation indices in a point-of-care testing analyzer: ideal protocol for evaluating pulmonary and critical care medicine.

The accurate and timely detection of biochemical coagulation indicators is pivotal in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Despite their reliability, traditional laboratories often lag in terms of rapid diagnosis. Point-of-care testing (POCT) has emerged as a promising alternative, which is awaiting rigorous validation.

Mesoporous Single-Crystal FeFe(CN)6 Microspheres for Superior Potassium-Ion Storage.

Metal hexacyanoferrates (HCFs), also known as Prussian blue analogues, are ideal cathodes for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to their nontoxicity and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, obtaining metal HCF cathode materials with both long-term cycling stability and high rate performance remains a daunting challenge. In this study, we present mesoporous single-crystalline iron hexacyanoferrate (MSC-FeHCF) microspheres, featuring a single-crystalline structure that contains interconnected pores spanning the entire crystal lattice.

Risk Factors for Symptoms in Patients With Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa in the Upper Esophagus.

This study is aimed at comparing the clinical characteristics and histological types of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with heterotopic gastric mucosa in the upper esophagus (HGMUE) and exploring the factors influencing the occurrence and severity of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms in these patients. HGMUE is a potential cause of LPR symptoms. This retrospective analysis evaluated 70 patients with HGMUE using a detailed questionnaire.

The empowering influence of air-liquid interface culture on skin organoid hair follicle development.

Background: Rodent models have been widely used to investigate skin development, but do not account for significant differences in composition compared to human skin. On the other hand, two-dimensional and three-dimensional engineered skin models still lack the complex features of human skin such as appendages and pigmentation. Recently, hair follicle containing skin organoids (SKOs) with a stratified epidermis, and dermis layer have been generated as floating spheres from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).

Value of diaphragmatic ultrasound parameters in assessing weaning outcomes and survival in ventilator-dependent intensive care unit patients.

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the utility of diaphragmatic ultrasound parameters in assessing ventilator weaning outcomes and survival in ventilator-dependent intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods: A total of 105 ventilator-dependent ICU patients admitted to our hospital between October 2019 and February 2024 were included in this study. Depending on weaning outcomes, patients were divided into a successful group (n = 86) and a failure group (n = 19).

PAR2 promotes malignancy in lung adenocarcinoma.

Proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) is closely linked to tumor malignancy, but its biological role in cancer remains underexplored. In this study, we assessed PAR2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and normal lung tissues, analyzed associations between clinicopathological features and survival rates, and confirmed that PAR2 promotes apoptosis resistance and reduces cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells. Using TCGA datasets, western blotting, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we observed a significant increase in PAR2 levels in LUAD samples compared to normal tissues (P<0.

NOTCH1 regulates the DNA damage response and sorafenib resistance by activating ATM in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective: This study investigates the mechanism underlying sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC), focusing on DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways to develop targeted therapeutic strategies.

Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was used to screen genes associated with sorafenib resistance, which was further demonstrated by western blotting. Cell proliferation was determined using the EdU assay.

Efficacy of moisture chamber goggles combined with fluorometholone eye drops on visual function and oxidative stress in patients with dry eye disease.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Moisture Chamber Goggles combined with Fluorometholone eye drops on visual function and oxidative stress in patients with dry eye disease.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 patients with dry eye disease treated at Ninghai First Hospital from January 2021 to May 2023. Patients were divided into a combination group (n=40, receiving Fluorometholone eye drops and Moisture Chamber Goggles) and a monotherapy group (n=40, receiving Fluorometholone eye drops alone) based on treatment regimens.

Association of diethylhexyl phthalate exposure with serum thyroid hormone levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Evidence suggests that diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) may disrupt thyroid hormone homeostasis by targeting multiple components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, potentially harming human health. However, the relationship between DEHP exposure and thyroid function remains debated. We performed a meta-analysis to clarify the association between DEHP exposure and thyroid function.

Internet-enhanced continuity of care reduces postoperative complications and improves outcomes in pediatric strabismus surgery.

Objective: To explore the application value of Internet Family Engagement Continuum of Care in strabismus ambulatory surgery and evaluate its impact on postoperative complications, children's quality of life, and parental satisfaction.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 257 children who underwent strabismus ambulatory surgery in our hospital from February 2022 to December 2023. The children were divided into a control group (n=149), which received routine nursing services and telephone follow-up, and an observation group (n=108), which received Internet Family Engagement Continuum of Care through a mobile medical platform.

Heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase 2 promotes gastric cancer progression by modulating the TGF-β/smad2/3 pathway.

Objective: To investigate the role of heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase 2 (HS6ST2) in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods: HS6ST2 expression in GC and adjacent normal gastric mucosa was first detected via immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The correlation between the expression level of HS6ST2 and clinicopathological parameters were observed.

Disruption of BCAA degradation is a critical characteristic of diabetic cardiomyopathy revealed by integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis.

In this study, we integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in a diabetic rat model. Functional and molecular characterizations revealed significant cardiac injury, dysfunction, and ventricular remodeling in DCM. A thorough analysis of global changes in genes and metabolites showed that amino acid metabolism, especially the breakdown of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as valine, leucine, and isoleucine, is highly dysregulated.

Comparison of hand-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large pheochromocytomas: a retrospective study.

Background: It remains uncertain whether hand-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy (HAL) has advantages in treating large pheochromocytomas (PHEOs). This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of HAL compared to laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on patients with PHEOs ≥6 cm who received HAL (n=16) and LA (n=20) at Shandong Provincial Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023.