An interpretable machine learning model with demographic variables and dietary patterns for ASCVD identification: from U.S. NHANES 1999-2018.

Current research on the association between demographic variables and dietary patterns with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is limited in breadth and depth. This study aimed to construct a machine learning (ML) algorithm that can accurately and transparently establish correlations between demographic variables, dietary habits, and ASCVD. The dataset used in this research originates from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (U.

Design and synthesis of coumarin-based amphoteric antimicrobials with biofilm interference and immunoregulation effects.

Bacterial infections pose a threat to human and animal health, and the formation of biofilm exacerbates the microbial threat. New antimicrobial agents to address this challenge are much needed. In this study, several new amphoteric compounds derived from the natural product coumarin were designed and synthesized by mimicking the structure and function of antimicrobial peptides.

Discovery of xanthone-based nitric oxide donors targeting biofilm clearance.

Bacteria biofilm infection seriously challenges clinical drug therapy. Nitric oxide (NO) was reported to disperse biofilm, eliminate bacteria resistance and kill bacteria. In this study, on the basis of membrane targeting of α-mangostin (α-MG) and the dispersion effect of NO on bacteria biofilms, we designed and synthesized 30 NO donors that α-MG was conjugated with a nitrobenzene or a nitrate and other four representative reference derivatives.

Biochemical, structural, and single-molecule characterization of LIG1 active site mutants demonstrate role of F635 and F872 residues for faithful ligation.

Human DNA ligase 1 (LIG1) finalizes DNA repair pathways by an ultimate ligation step and discriminates against nicks containing unusual ends, yet the contribution of the conserved active site residues for faithful end joining remains unknown. Here, using biochemistry, X-ray crystallography, and single-molecule approaches, we comprehensively characterized LIG1 mutants carrying Ala(A) and Leu(L) substitutions at the active site residues Phe(F)635 and Phe(F)872. Our results showed an abolished ligation of nick DNA substrates with all 12 non-canonical mismatches, while the mutagenic nick sealing of oxidatively damaged ends by wild-type enzyme is significantly reduced by F635A/L and F872A/L substitutions.

Colorimetric ammonia-sensing nanocomposite films based on starch/sodium alginate and Cu-Phe nanorods for smart packaging application.

The development of colorimetric ammonia-sensing smart packaging materials with real-time freshness detection ability are crucial for ensuring food safe. This research involved the construction of Cu-based framework (Cu-Phe) nanorods with colorimetric ammonia-sensing ability through an easy-to-perform aqueous solution method, and their subsequent utilization as nano inclusions in starch/sodium alginate (ST/SA) substrate to foster the creation of high-performance smart packaging materials. Research findings revealed that the addition of Cu-Phe nanorods (3, 6, 9 wt%) within ST/SA substrate led to the formation of compatible nanocomposite films with significantly augmented physical performance and functionality.

A novel α-mangostin derivative synergistic to antibiotics against MRSA with unique mechanisms.

Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) remains a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, often linked to complicated treatments, increased mortality risk, and significant cost burdens. Several antibacterial agents have been developed to address MRSA resistance. In this study, potential agents to combat MRSA resistance were explored, with the antibacterial activity of synthesized α-mangostin (α-MG) derivatives being evaluated alongside investigations into their cellular mechanisms against MRSA2.

Combined traditional Chinese medicine and anti-hypertensive treatments for renal hypertension: A network meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates significant effects on renal function, yet it remains unclear which TCM treatment yields the best clinical outcomes for renal hypertension (RH) management. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of various TCM treatments for RH compared to conventional Western medicine (CWM).

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM for RH were screened from 9 databases, covering the period up to July 2023.

Transarterial Embolization Using an Inorganic Phosphate Binder Modulates Immunity- and Angiogenesis-Related Factors in a Rat Model of Liver Cancer.

Purpose: To determine how low inorganic phosphate stress (LIPS) induced by sevelamer particle transarterial embolization (S-TAE) affects immune regulation and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Material And Methods: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using conventional ethiodized oil plus polyvinyl alcohol microspheres and S-TAE, which depletes intratumoral inorganic phosphate, were conducted on a McA-RH7777 orthotopic liver tumor model in rats, followed by the assessment of alterations in immunity-related and angiogenesis-related factors. The cells were cultured under hypoxic conditions and stimulated with LIPS to analyze the modulation of programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-α, and transforming growth factor-β1 expression using western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence assays.

Structures of LIG1 uncover the mechanism of sugar discrimination against 5'-RNA-DNA junctions during ribonucleotide excision repair.

Ribonucleotides in DNA cause several types of genome instability and can be removed by ribonucleotide excision repair (RER) that is finalized by DNA ligase 1 (LIG1). However, the mechanism by which LIG1 discriminates the RER intermediate containing a 5'-RNA-DNA lesion generated by RNase H2-mediated cleavage of ribonucleotides at atomic resolution remains unknown. Here, we determine X-ray structures of LIG1/5'-rG:C at the initial step of ligation where AMP is bound to the active site of the ligase and uncover a large conformational change downstream the nick resulting in a shift at Arg(R)871 residue in the Adenylation domain of the ligase.

Inhibition of XPR1-dependent phosphate efflux induces mitochondrial dysfunction: A potential molecular target therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma?

Xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus receptor 1 (XPR1) is the only known transporter associated with Pi efflux in mammals, and its impact on tumor progression is gradually being revealed. However, the role of XPR1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. A bioinformatics screen for the phosphate exporter XPR1 was performed in HCC patients.

Developing colorimetric ammonia-sensing nanocomposite films based on potato starch/PVA and ZnCu-BTC nanorods for real-time monitoring food freshness.

Smart packaging material capable of real-time monitoring of food freshness is essential for ensuring food safe. At present, colorimetric ammonia-sensing smart film often possesses issues with complicated production, high cost, and inferior long-term colour stability. Herein, Zinc‑copper bimetallic organic framework (ZnCu-BTC, BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate acid) nanorods with colorimetric ammonia-responsiveness were synthesized by adopting facile aqueous solution method, which were then explored as nano inclusions in potato starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PS/PVA) composite film towards developing high-performance smart packaging material.

High-performance carboxymethyl starch/PVA based intelligent packaging films engineered with Cu-Trp nanocrystal as functional compatibilizer.

A spindle-like Cu-based framework (Cu-Trp, Trp = L-Tryptophan) nanocrystal with ammonia-responsiveness was fabricated via simple aqueous solution approach, and it was subsequently explored as a functional compatibilizer of carboxymethyl starch/polyvinyl alcohol (CMS/PVA) blend toward constructing high-performance intelligent packaging films. The results showed that incorporation of Cu-Trp nanocrystal into CMS/PVA blend resulted in significant promotions regarding to the compatibility, mechanical strength (42.92 MPa), UV-blocking (with UV transmittance of only 2.

Antimicrobial activity and structure-activity relationships of molecules containing mono- or di- or oligosaccharides: An update.

Bacterial infections are the second leading cause of death worldwide, and the evolution and widespread distribution of antibiotic-resistance elements in bacterial pathogens exacerbate the threat crisis. Carbohydrates participate in bacterial infection, drug resistance and the process of host immune regulation. Numerous antimicrobials derived from carbohydrates or contained carbohydrate scaffolds that are conducive to an increase in pathogenic bacteria targeting, the physicochemical properties and druggability profiles.

The association between statin use and diabetic nephropathy in US adults: data from NHANES 2005 - 2018.

Background: A serious consequence of diabetes is diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is commonly treated by statins. Studies evaluating the effects of statin medication have yielded inconsistent results regarding the potential association with diabetic nephropathy. To manage diabetic nephropathy's onset and improve the quality of life of patients, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of its contributing factors.

Impact of DNA ligase 1 and IIIα interactions with APE1 and polβ on the efficiency of base excision repair pathway at the downstream steps.

Base excision repair (BER) requires a tight coordination between the repair enzymes through protein-protein interactions and involves gap filling by DNA polymerase (pol) β and subsequent nick sealing by DNA ligase (LIG) 1 or LIGIIIα at the downstream steps. Apurinic/apyrimidinic-endonuclease 1 (APE1), by its exonuclease activity, proofreads 3' mismatches incorporated by polβ during BER. We previously reported that the interruptions in the functional interplay between polβ and the BER ligases result in faulty repair events.

Panax notoginseng saponins improve oral submucous fibrosis by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.

Objective: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, insidious, progressive mucosal disease that may be affected by mutations in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) is a powerful anti-fibrosis agent; however, its effect and mechanism in treating OSF remain unclear. This study investigated the effect and mechanism of PNS treatment for OSF.

Diagnostic performance of F‑DCFPyL PET vs. Ga‑PSMA PET/CT in patients with suspected prostate cancer: A systemic review and meta‑analysis.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the diagnostic performance of Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT was compared with that of F-DCFPyL PET for patients with suspected prostate cancer (PCa). Up to September 2023, the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were thoroughly searched for relevant papers. Studies examining the diagnostic performance of F-DCFPyL PET and Ga-PSMA PET/CT in patients with suspected PCa were included in the present review.

Sevelamer reverses liver fibrosis by deactivation of hepatic stellate cells.

Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by a progressive wound healing response caused by chronic liver injury. Currently, there are no approved clinical treatments for liver fibrosis. Sevelamer is used clinically to treat hyperphosphatemia and has shown potential therapeutic effects on liver diseases.

Impact of polβ/XRCC1 Interaction Variants on the Efficiency of Nick Sealing by DNA Ligase IIIα in the Base Excision Repair Pathway.

Base excision repair (BER) requires a coordination from gap filling by DNA polymerase (pol) β to subsequent nick sealing by DNA ligase (LIG) IIIα at downstream steps of the repair pathway. X-ray cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1), a non-enzymatic scaffolding protein, forms repair complexes with polβ and LIGIIIα. Yet, the impact of the polβ mutations that affect XRCC1 interaction and protein stability on the repair pathway coordination during nick sealing by LIGIIIα remains unknown.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of the positional isomers of the galactose conjugates able to target hepatocellular carcinoma cells via ASGPR-mediated cellular uptake and cytotoxicity.

Galactose as a recognizing motif for asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is a widely accepted vector to deliver cytotoxic agents in the therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the individual hydroxyl group of galactose (Gal) contributed to recognizing ASGPR is obscure and remains largely unanswered in the design of glycoconjugates. Herein, we designed and synthesized five positional isomers of Gal-anthocyanin Cy5.0 conjugates and three Gal-doxorubicin (Dox) isomers, respectively.

Smart packaging films based on corn starch/polyvinyl alcohol containing nano SIM-1 for monitoring food freshness.

There is at present an acute need for the construction of biopolymer-based smart packaging material that can be applied for the real-time visual monitoring of food freshness. Herein, a nano-sized substituted imidazolate material (SIM-1) with ammonia-sensitive and antibacterial ability was effectively manufactured and then anchored within corn starch/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) blend to construct biopolymeric smart active packaging material. The structure, physical and functional performances of CS/PVA-based films with different content of SIM-1 (0.