K-Responsive Nanoparticles with Charge Reversal and Gating Synergistic Effects for Targeted Intracellular Bacteria Eradication.

Intracellular bacteria can evade the attack of the immune system and the bactericidal effects of most antibiotics due to the protective effect of the host cells. Herein, inspired by the stimuli-responsive behaviors of biological ion channels, a kind of synergistic cascade potassium ion (K)-responsive nanoparticles gated with K-responsive polymers is ingeniously designed to target intracellular bacteria and then control drug release. Due to the cooperative interaction of host-guest complexation and conformational transition of K-responsive polymers, the grafted gates based on these polymers could recognize high K concentration to reverse the negatively charged nanoparticles into positively charged ones for targeting bacteria and subsequently inducing a switch from the hydrophobic shrinking "off" state to the hydrophilic stretching "on" state for drug release.

A small RNA effector conserved in herbivore insects suppresses host plant defense by cross-kingdom gene silencing.

Herbivore insects deploy salivary effectors to manipulate the defense of their host plants. However, it remains unclear whether small RNAs from insects function as effectors in regulating plant-insect interactions. Here, we report that a microRNA (miR29-b) found in the saliva of phloem-feeding whitefly (Bemisa tabaci) can transfer into the host plant phloem during feeding and fine-tune the defense response of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).

Use of Machine Learning Models to Predict Microaspiration Measured by Tracheal Pepsin A.

Background: Enteral feeding intolerance, a common type of gastrointestinal dysfunction leading to underfeeding, is associated with increased mortality. Tracheal pepsin A, an indicator of microaspiration, was found in 39% of patients within 24 hours of enteral feeding. Tracheal pepsin A is a potential biomarker of enteral feeding intolerance.

Trace element zinc metabolism and its relation to tumors.

Zinc is an essential trace element in the human body, playing a crucial role in cellular metabolism.Dysregulation of zinc homeostasis can lead to abnormal cellular metabolism, contributing to diseases and closely related to tumor development. Adequate zinc intake can maintain zinc homeostasis in the body and support normal cellular metabolism.

CLK1 Activates YAP to Promote Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinogenesis.

Cdc2-like kinase 1 (CLK1) has dual-specificity kinase ability to phosphorylate tyrosine and serine/threonine protein residues. CLK1 regulates many physiological processes and has been shown to contribute to multiple types of cancer. Here, we investigated the functional role of CLK1 during intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) development.

Transcriptome sequencing and screening of anthocyanin related genes in purple potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Background: Pigmented potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are rich in anthocyanin, which have antioxidantiy and play an important role in health and medical. Nevertheless, the regulation mechanism of anthocyanins in purple potato at different growth stages remain unclear.

Mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio can predict the recurrence-free survival rate of patients after complete resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio (PVPR) and other indicators' predictive abilities. Simultaneously, a new nomogram for predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS) after gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) R0 resection was developed.

Methods: From January 2010 to July 2019, 295 patients with GIST who were operated on at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.

The starch excess and key genes underlying citrus leaf chlorosis by rootstock-scion incompatibility.

Leaf chlorosis caused by rootstock-scion incompatibility in citrus orchard badly affects fruit yield and quality. Starch excess and its key genes underlying citrus leaf chlorosis in incompatible graft remained unknown. Here, using created model incompatible/ compatible rootstock-scion combinations, we investigated starch content and distribution in 116 various chlorotic leaves of incompatible graft, and characterized the relationship between leaf chlorosis and starch accumulation.

Evolution of Copolymers of Epoxides and CO: Catalysts, Monomers, Architectures, and Applications.

The copolymerization of CO and epoxides presents a transformative approach to converting greenhouse gases into aliphatic polycarbonates (CO-PCs), thereby reducing the polymer industry's dependence on fossil resources. Over the past 50 years, a wide array of metallic catalysts, both heterogeneous and homogeneous, have been developed to achieve precise control over polymer selectivity, sequence, regio-, and stereoselectivity. This review details the evolution of metal-based catalysts, with a particular focus on the emergence of organoborane catalysts, and explores how these catalysts effectively address kinetic and thermodynamic challenges in CO/epoxides copolymerization.

Global, regional, and national burden of retinoblastoma in infants and young children: findings from the global burden of disease study 1990-2021.

Background: Retinoblastoma is considered a lethal but curable malignancy often presenting in childhood. We investigated its global, regional, and national burden among infants and young children from 1990 to 2021.

Methods: We obtained data on retinoblastoma incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021.

Hydrogel Grating Sensors with Boron Affinity and Molecular Imprinting Effects for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Tumor Marker Sialic Acid.

Rapid and sensitive detection of the concentration of sialic acid (SA) in serum is crucial for early tumor screening and prognostic assessment; however, it still remains challenging. Here, we propose a novel kind of hydrogel grating sensor with boron affinity and molecular imprinting effects (B-MIP) for the rapid and sensitive detection of SA concentration in serum. The hydrogel gratings feature uniform surface relief microstructures and incorporate highly specific recognition binding sites into SA molecules provided by boron affinity and molecular imprinting.

Associations Among Racial Discrimination, Perceived Stress, and Birth Satisfaction in Black Women in the Postpartum Period.

Objective: To examine associations among experiences of racial discrimination, perceived stress, and birth satisfaction and to test if perceived stress mediates the relationship between racial discrimination and birth satisfaction among Black women in the postpartum period.

Design: Secondary analysis of data from the Biosocial Impact on Black Births study.

Setting: A postpartum unit of a large hospital in Central Florida.

Immobilization of Lipase from and Its Glycerolysis Ability in Diacylglycerol Preparation.

In the glycerolysis process for diacylglycerol (DAG) preparation, free lipases suffer from poor stability and the inability to be reused. To address this, a cost-effective immobilized lipase preparation was developed by cross-linking macroporous resin with poly (ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) followed by lipase adsorption. The selected immobilization conditions were identified as pH 7.

Metabolic and Molecular Insights Into Nicotiana benthamiana Trichome Exudates: An Ammunition Depot for Plant Resistance Against Insect Pests.

Nicotiana benthamiana, a widely acknowledged laboratory model plant for molecular studies, exhibits lethality to certain insect pests and can serve as a dead-end trap plant for pest control in the field. However, the underlying mechanism of N. benthamiana's resistance against insects remains unknown.

Enzymatic preparation of diacylglycerols: lipase screening, immobilization, characterization and glycerolysis performance.

Backgrounds: Glycerolysis, with its advantages of readily available raw materials, simple operation, and mild reaction conditions, is a primary method for producing diacylglycerol (DAG). However, enzymatic glycerolysis faces challenges such as high enzyme costs, low reuse efficiency, and poor stability. The study aims to develop a cost-effective immobilized enzyme by covalently binding lipase to pre-activated carriers through the selection of suitable lipases, carriers, and activating agents.

Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Macular Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Parameters and Their Associated Factors in Cynomolgus Macaques.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to define the normal range of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), macular ganglion cell layer (mGCL), and macular inner plexiform layer (mIPL) thickness in cynomolgus macaques, and explore their inter-relationship and correlation with age, refractive errors, and axial length (AL).

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we measured biometric and refractive parameters, and pRNFL/mGCL/mIPL thickness in 357 healthy cynomolgus macaques. Monkeys were divided into groups by age and spherical equivalent (SE).

Lens Power and Associated Factors in Nonhuman Primate Subjects: A Cross-sectional Study.

Purpose: We aimed to examine the normative profile of crystalline lens power (LP) and its associations with ocular biometric parameters including age, axial length (AL), spherical equivalent refraction (SE), corneal radius (CR), lens thickness, anterior chamber depth, and AL/CR ratio among a cynomolgus monkey colony.

Methods: This population-based cross-sectional Non-human Primate Eye Study recruited middle-aged subjects in South China. All included macaques underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination.

Racial Discrimination, Social Support, and Psychological Distress Among Black Pregnant Women.

Background: Black pregnant women who experience racial discrimination are at an increased risk of psychological distress. Studies have not adequately addressed if social support may moderate the association between experiences of racial discrimination and psychological distress among Black pregnant women.

Objective: We sought to examine the moderating effect of social support on the association between experiences of racial discrimination and psychological distress among Black pregnant women.

A Mixed Methods Approach to Understand Mother-Father Relationship and Perceived Stress Among Black Pregnant Women.

Background: Black women in the United States report moderate to high levels of perceived stress during pregnancy. Though lower levels of involvement and support from father of the baby (FOB) and higher levels of conflict have been associated with higher levels of maternal perceived stress, it is not clear how Black pregnant women experience the mother-father relationship and its influence on perceived stress.

Purpose: To examine and describe the mother-father relationship and its role in experiences of perceived stress from the perspective of Black pregnant women.

Association of vision and hearing impairment and dietary diversity among the oldest old in China: findings from the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey.

Background: The presence of sensory impairment among older age cohorts exerts a significant impact on both individuals and society generally. Although the impact of dietary patterns on health is vital across all stages of life, there still a paucity of comprehensive research on the association between dietary variety and sensory impairments.

Objective: To investigate the potential relationship between dietary diversity and the prevalence of visual and hearing impairment or dual sensory impairments (visual and hearing impairment) among the oldest old population.