Hemocompatible nucleosome-inspired heparin-mimicking hydrogel microspheres for safe and efficient extracorporeal removal of circulating histones in critically ill patients.

Circulating histones have been identified as essential mediators that lead to hyperinflammation, platelet aggregation, coagulation cascade activation, endothelial cell injury, multiple organ dysfunction, and death in severe patients with sepsis, multiple trauma, COVID-19, acute liver failure, and pancreatitis. Clinical evidence suggests that plasma levels of circulating histones are positively associated with disease severity and survival in patients with such critical diseases. However, safe and efficient therapeutic strategies targeting circulating histones are lacking in current clinical practice.

Insights into the mechanisms, regulation, and therapeutic implications of extracellular matrix stiffness in cancer.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for cancer initiation, growth, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a significant tumor component that serves various functions, including mechanical support, TME regulation, and signal molecule generation. The quantity and cross-linking status of ECM components are crucial factors in tumor development, as they determine tissue stiffness and the interaction between stiff TME and cancer cells, resulting in aberrant mechanotransduction, proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and treatment resistance.

Trade-off movement between hydraulic resistance escape and shear stress escape by cancer cells.

In the circulatory system, the microenvironment surrounding cancer cells is complex and involves multiple coupled factors. We selected two core physical factors, shear stress and hydraulic resistance, and constructed a microfluidic device with dual negative inputs to study the trade-off movement behavior of cancer cells when facing coupled factors. We detected significant shear stress escape phenomena in the MDA-MB-231 cell line and qualitatively explained this behavior using a cellular force model.

Evaluation of the toxoplasma Urm1 gene deletion mutant (PruΔUrm1) as a promising vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis in mice.

Toxoplasmosis is a significant zoonotic disease that poses a serious threat to both human and animal health. Despite ongoing research, developing an effective vaccine for toxoplasmosis remains a challenge. In this study, we evaluated the vaccine potential of the Toxoplasma Urm1 gene deletion mutant (PruΔUrm1) by assessing its pathogenicity and protective efficacy in mice.

Machine learning and SHAP value interpretation for predicting comorbidity of cardiovascular disease and cancer with dietary antioxidants.

Objective: To develop and validate a machine learning model incorporating dietary antioxidants to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD)-cancer comorbidity and to elucidate the role of antioxidants in disease prediction.

Methods: Data were sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Antioxidants, including vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, were selected as key features.

[Screen exposure status and related factors in children with epilepsy].

Objectives: To understand the status of screen exposure in children with epilepsy and analyze the influencing factors for screen exposure time, providing a scientific basis for managing screen exposure in these children.

Methods: A convenience sampling method was used to select 275 children with epilepsy from outpatient clinics or those undergoing 24-hour electroencephalogram monitoring at two tertiary hospitals in Jinan from March to June 2023. Their parents (fathers or mothers) completed a questionnaire to collect data on screen exposure, parental screen regulation behaviors, and related information about the children and their families.

Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation to Alleviate Retinal Inflammation and Protect the Optic Nerve of OPTN(E50K)Mice.

OPTN (E50K) mutation is one of the significant pathogenic mutations in normal tension glaucoma (NTG). The molecular mechanism of NTG optic nerve injury is complex and diverse; its key mechanism is still unclear. The NLR family pyrin domain containing (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an essential role in the occurrence and development of inflammation.

Evaluation of the efficicacy of myrcene in the treatment of Eimeria tenella and Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Protozoan parasites such as Eimeria tenella and Toxoplasma gondii pose significant health challenges in livestock and humans. The limited treatment options and rising drug resistance underscore the urgent need for new therapies. This study investigates myrcene, a monoterpene hydrocarbon classified for its antiprotozoal potential against E.

Yi-Fei-San-Jie Chinese medicine formula reverses immune escape by regulating deoxycholic acid metabolism to inhibit TGR5/STAT3/PD-L1 axis in lung cancer.

Background: Yi-Fei-San-Jie Formula (YFSJF), a proprietary medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, has been widely used in clinical practice for several years and is currently being tested in randomized controlled trials for early-stage lung cancer in China. However, the mechanisms by which YFSJF affects lung cancer biology, particularly the immune microenvironment and metabolic processes, remain poorly understood.

Purpose: This study aims to explore how YFSJF modulates the immune microenvironment and metabolism in lung cancer, specifically its unique role in inhibiting immune evasion by targeting the TGR5/STAT3/PD-L1 pathway, which has not previously been reported.

High RRM2 Correlates with Mitochondrial and Immune Responses in the Eosinophilic Subtype of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the predominant subtype of RCC, is distinguished by unique biological characteristics and heterogeneity, including eosinophilic and clear subtypes. Notwithstanding progress in therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), the prognosis for individuals with metastatic ccRCC remains poor, presumably owing to metabolic alterations leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, which affects treatment response variability.

Methods: We analyzed histological and immunohistochemical data from a cohort at Dalian Medical University's First Affiliated Hospital alongside RNA-sequencing transcriptome data from the TCGA database.

SNAP25-induced MYC upregulation promotes high-grade neuroendocrine lung carcinoma progression.

Background: This study investigated the expression and role of Synaptosome associated protein 25 (SNAP25) in high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma (HGNEC).

Methods: We used differentially expressed analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify key genes and modules in HGNEC. KEGG and GO analyses helped understand these genes' roles, and ROC curves assessed their diagnostic value.

Zinc Finger Protein 536 is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker that Promotes Neuroblastoma Progression via VEGFR2-PI3K-AKT Pathway.

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a well-known pediatric malignancy intertwined with neurodevelopment. Previously implicated in neuronal differentiation, Zinc Finger Protein 536 (ZNF536) has emerged as a promising prognostic and immune-related biomarker in our pan-cancer analysis.

Methods: Single-cell RNA transcriptome sequencing, bulk transcriptome analysis, and immuno-histochemistry were used to assess ZNF536 expression and its association with prognosis.

Climate change effects on the diversity and distribution of soybean true bugs pests.

Background: Climate change and pests are two major factors in the reduction of global soybean yields. The diversity and geographic distribution of soybean true bug pests vary across soybean production areas worldwide, and climate change impacts are different across species and regions. Therefore, we integrated spatial and temporal predictions at the global scale to predict the impact of global warming on the distribution of 84 soybean true bug pests by the maximum entropy niche model (MaxEnt) under present (1970-2000) and future (2041-2060) scenarios.

Cornus Officinalis Total Glycosides Alleviate Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis via the B7-CD28/CTLA-4 Costimulatory Pathway.

Cornus officinalis total glycosides (COTG) derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Cornus officinalis, is a natural immunosuppressant and has been extensively studied in immunomodulation and immunosuppression. This study aimed to explore the effects of COTG on granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) and its associated mechanisms. Compared to the model group, COTG effectively ameliorated histopathological damage to breast tissue, reduced mammary gland suppuration, and enhanced the blood-milk barrier.

Unpacking interplays between competitiveness, cooperativeness, and social comparison orientation: A network psychometric approach and replication.

Emerging evidence highlights the role of social comparison in competition and cooperation, yet the dynamics among competitiveness, cooperativeness, and social comparison orientation (SCO) remain underexplored. In the present study, we sought to unravel these complex interplays employing graphical Gaussian models (GGMs) and characterize the network structures utilizing cross-sectional data derived from 1073 Chinese participants. A pre-registered independent sample (n = 1348) served to examine the replicability and robustness of our initial findings.

GALNT6 promotes bladder cancer malignancy and immune escape by epithelial-mesenchymal transition and CD8 T cells.

Bladder cancer (BC) ranks as the sixth cancer in males and the ninth most common cancer worldwide. Conventional treatment modalities, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, have limited efficacy in certain advanced instances. The involvement of GALNT6-mediated aberrant O-glycosylation modification in several malignancies and immune evasion is a subject of speculation.

Developmental patterns and computational mechanisms of school-aged children's fairness-related decision making under social comparison.

The developmental patterns and computational mechanisms underlying the impact of unfair offers and social comparisons on school-aged children's fairness-related decision making remain unclear. To address this, we recruited 190 children aged 8 to 12 years (52.1% female) in a multi-responder ultimatum game.

Puerarin Attenuates Insulin Resistance by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Suppresses Inflammation by Modulating the JNK and IKKβ/NF-κB Pathways in Epididymal White Adipose Tissue of Mice on a High-Fat Diet.

Scope: Obesity is associated with insulin resistance (IR), which is characterized by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in multiple organs. ER stress in adipose tissue causes metabolic disturbances and activates inflammatory signaling pathways. Puerarin, an isoflavone extracted from Pueraria lobata, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects.

Cu Single-Atom Nanozyme-Mediated Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of MicroRNA-622.

MicroRNA (miRNA) detection is a critical aspect of disease diagnosis, and recent studies indicate that miRNA-622 could be a potential target for lung cancer. Herein, Cu single atoms were anchored on graphitic carbon nitride (Cu SAs@CN) as a coreaction accelerator applied in luminol-HO system, thereby establishing an efficient and sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor for miRNA-622 detection. Cu SAs@CN was explored to possess excellent enzyme-like activities that promote the generation of abundant reactive oxygen species, which amplified ECL emission.

Diversity and distribution of bamboo-feeding true bugs in China.

The Bambusoideae subfamily, originating in the late Cretaceous, has evolved to include over 1500 species globally. Notably, China hosts the richest diversity of Bambusoideae, with 728 species documented. After a long period of coevolution, plenty of animals could feed on these plants rich in cellulose and lignin.

Identification and validation of sialyltransferase ST3Gal5 in bladder cancer through bioinformatics and experimental analysis.

Background: Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the top ten most common cancers in the world. Aberrant sialylation is a common feature in tumorigenesis and tumor immunity. This study seeks to explore the potential impact of sialyltransferase ST3Gal5 on BLCA.

An integrative temperature-controlled microfluidic system for budding yeast heat shock response analysis at the single-cell level.

Cells can respond and adapt to complex forms of environmental change. Budding yeast is widely used as a model system for these stress response studies. In these studies, the precise control of the environment with high temporal resolution is most important.

A multilayer microfluidic system for studies of the dynamic responses of cellular proteins to oxygen switches at the single-cell level.

Oxygen levels vary in the environment. Oxygen availability has a major effect on almost all organisms, and oxygen is far more than a substrate for energy production. However, less is known about related biological processes under hypoxic conditions and about the adaptations to changing oxygen concentrations.