Exploring the causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and myasthenia gravis: A two-way Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Based on previous research, it is well-established that myasthenia gravis (MG) is linked to chronic inflammation. However, the exact nature of the relationship between inflammatory factors and the development of MG remains unclear. Consequently, the objective of this study is to explore whether alterations in the levels of inflammatory factors, as influenced by genetic factors, are associated with the occurrence of MG.

Engineering hybrid CuS/CoS nanocages by ion reutilization for highly sensitive glucose sensing platforms.

Constructing hybrid hollow nano-electrocatalysts with various transition metal sulfides (TMSs) is highly desirable for sensitive enzyme-free glucose monitoring, but limited research has been conducted due to the constraints of current demanding synthesis technologies. In this study, we integrated CuS and CoS as hybrid nanocages (h-NCs) by advanced synthetic strategies, including coordinated etching and precipitation (CEP) and template ion reutilization. The resulting CuS/CoS h-NCs induced good synergistic effect in electrocatalytic activities, glucose adsorption, and electrical conductivity, as validated by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Polysaccharides from Cordyceps cicadae Ameliorate Reproductive Impairments in Male Mouse through the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis.

Scope: Cordyceps cicadae polysaccharides have received attention due to their potential in treating hyperglycemia and enhancing renal function. The beneficial effect of the purified C. cicadae polysaccharides fraction (CCP-1) on the reproductive impairments and spermatogenesis dysfunction of immunocompromised mice is unavailable and is studied herein.

Three-dimensional reconstruction method for layered structures based on a frequency modulated continuous wave terahertz radar.

The feasibility of employing a continuous-wave terahertz detection system for non-contact and non-destructive testing (NDT) in multi-layered bonding structures is assessed in this study. The paper introduces the detection principle of terahertz frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar and outlines the two-dimensional (2D) scanning platform, which integrates optical lenses, three linear actuators, a control platform, and data acquisition units. Experimental results on two types of insulation with prefabricated defects demonstrate the capability of terahertz waves for transparent inspection imaging.

Structural characterization and anti-hyperuricemic effect of a mannogalactan from Armillariella tabescens mycelium.

Hyperuricemia and its complications caused by purine metabolism disorder continue to occur, which require effective drug treatment with fewer side effects. This study explored the positive effects of a natural homogeneous polysaccharide (AT-W) from the mycelium of Armillariella tabescens in a mouse hyperuricemia model. Structural characterization showed that the average molecular weight of AT-W is 25.

m5C and m6A modifications regulate the mobility of pumpkin CHOLINE KINASE 1 mRNA under chilling stress.

Mobile mRNAs serve as crucial long-distance signaling molecules, responding to environmental stimuli in plants. Although many mobile transcripts have been identified, only a limited subset has been characterized as functional long-distance signals within specific plant species, raising an intriguing question about whether the prevalence of species specificity in mobile transcripts implies a divergence in the mechanisms governing mRNA mobility across distinct plant species. Our study delved into the notable case of CHOLINE KINASE 1 (CK1), an extensively studied instance of mobile mRNAs regulated by a tRNA-like sequence (TLS) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana).

Allergo-immunopathology mechanism of thymol-inhibiting airway remodeling in asthmatic mice by regulating TGF-β/Smad3 pathway.

Allergic asthma is an important public health problem and is a complicated respiratory sickness that is characterized by bronchial inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and breathlessness. Asthma is orchestrated by type 2 immune response and remodeling is one of the important outputted problem in chronic asthma. Thymol is a naturally occurring monocyclic phenolic, it has a series of biological properties, and its immunomodulatory and anti-remodeling effects on allergic asthma were evaluated.

Yellow tea polysaccharides protect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via regulation of gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in mice.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major clinical and global public health issue, with no specific pharmacological treatment available. Currently, there is a lack of approved drugs for the clinical treatment of NAFLD. Large-leaf yellow tea polysaccharides (YTP) is a natural biomacromolecule with excellent prebiotic properties and significant therapeutic effects on multiple metabolic diseases.

Combined application of myo-inositol and corn steep liquor enhances seedling growth and cold tolerance in cucumber and tomato.

Low temperatures pose a common challenge in the production of cucumbers and tomatoes, hindering plant growth and, in severe cases, leading to plant death. In our investigation, we observed a substantial improvement in the growth of cucumber and tomato seedlings through the application of corn steep liquor (CSL), myo-inositol (MI), and their combinations. When subjected to low-temperature stress, these treatments resulted in heightened levels of photosynthetic pigments, thereby fostering enhanced photosynthesis in both tomato and cucumber plants.

Reaction Center Shifting in Partially Fluorinated Electrolytes for Robust Lithium Metal Battery.

The strategic formulation of a compatible electrolyte plays a pivotal role in extending the longevity of lithium-metal batteries (LMBs). Here, we present findings on a partially fluorinated electrolyte distinguished by a subdued solvation affinity towards Li ions and a concentrated anion presence within the primary solvation layer. This distinctive solvation arrangement redirects the focal points of reactions from solvent molecules to anions, facilitating the predominant involvement of anions in the creation of a LiF-enriched solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI).

SlNAC3 suppresses cold tolerance in tomatoes by enhancing ethylene biosynthesis.

Low temperature stress poses a significant challenge to the productivity of horticultural crops. The dynamic expression of cold-responsive genes plays a crucial role in plant cold tolerance. While NAC transcription factors have been extensively studied in plant growth and development, their involvement in regulating plant cold tolerance remains poorly understood.

The safety and tolerability of a one strength dose-escalation scheme for subcutaneous immunotherapy with a native house dust mite extract in Chinese children: A multicenter, randomized, open label clinical trial.

Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is still the only treatment that may affect the natural cause of allergic disease. This study is to investigate whether an accelerated up-dosing scheme for subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) using a native house dust mite (HDM) allergen extract is as safe as the standard 3-strengths dose-escalation scheme in children with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis with or without asthma in China.

Methods: In this multicenter, open label, randomized controlled trial, the children aged 5-14 years were randomized 1:1 either to One Strength group or the Standard group.

Combined Strategies Enable Highly Selective Light Olefins and -Xylene Production on Single Catalyst Bed.

Achieving multiple high-value-added chemical production through novel reaction processes and shape-selective catalytic strategy is the key to realizing efficient low-carbon catalytic processes. In this work, a methanol-toluene coreaction system was developed, and combined control strategies of reaction pathway guidance and shape-selective catalysis were applied for the successful production of light olefins and -xylene on single HZSM-5 catalyst bed. Cofeeding toluene additionally provides reactive and flowing aromatic hydrocarbon pool species that change the dominant reaction pathway in the complex network of the methanol reaction on HZSM-5 and promote the formation of ethylene.

Synergetic effects and inhibition mechanisms of the polysaccharide-selenium nanoparticle complex in human hepatocarcinoma cell proliferation.

Background: Active components from natural fungal products have shown promising potential as anti-tumor therapeutic agents. In the search for anti-tumor agents, research to overcome the drawbacks of high molecular weight and low bioavailability of pure polysaccharides, polysaccharide-conjugated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) has attracted much attention.

Results: A novel polysaccharide-selenium nanoparticle complex was produced, in which SeNPs were decorated with polysaccharide obtained from fermented mycelia broth of Lactarius deliciosus (FLDP).

Armillariella tabescens polysaccharide treated rats with oral ulcers through modulation of oral microbiota and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

We identified Armillariella tabescens polysaccharide (PAT-W), a compound isolated from a Chinese medicinal mushroom, as a potential novel oral ulcer (OU) drug. In treating OU rats with PAT-W, especially in the high-dose group, oral mucous tissue TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were markedly reduced, and pathological morphology and oxidative stress were effectively improved. Western blot analysis showed that the PAT-W channel ameliorated OU mucous tissue damage, which depends on the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway.

An experimental model for primary neuropathic corneal pain induced by long ciliary nerve ligation in rats.

Neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) is a new and ill-defined disease characterized by pain, discomfort, aching, burning sensation, irritation, dryness, and grittiness. However, the mechanism underlying NCP remain unclear. Here, we reported a novel rat model of primary NCP induced by long ciliary nerve (LCN) ligation.

Pencil Beam Scanning Carbon Ion Radiotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Purpose: Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) has emerged as a promising treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, evidence of using the pencil beam scanning (PBS) technique to treat moving liver tumors remains lacking. The present study investigated the efficacy and toxicity of PBS CIRT in patients with HCC.

Combined Application of Myo-Inositol and Corn Steep Liquor from Agricultural Waste Alleviate Salt Stress in .

Salinity poses a significant threat to plant growth through induction of osmotic and ionic stress and disruption of nutrient absorption. Biostimulants derived from agricultural waste offer a sustainable solution to alleviate salt-induced damage to plants and contribute to a circular and sustainable economy. In this study, we applied a combination of myo-inositol and corn steep liquor from waste sources to seedling cabbage ( subsp.

Cucumber malate decarboxylase, CsNADP-ME2, functions in the balance of carbon and amino acid metabolism in fruit.

Central metabolism produces carbohydrates and amino acids that are tightly correlated to plant growth and thereby crop productivity. Malate is reported to link mitochondrial respiratory metabolism with cytosolic biosynthetic pathways. Although the function of malate metabolism-related enzymes in providing carbon has been characterized in some plants, evidence for this role in the fleshy fruit of cucumber is lacking.

A Laser-Induced Graphene-Based Sensor Modified with CeO for Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides with Improved Performance.

In this work, a flexible electrochemical sensor was developed for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). To fabricate the sensor, graphene was generated in situ by laser-induced graphene (LIG) technology on a flexible substrate of polyimide (PI) film to form a three-electrode array, and pralidoxime (PAM) chloride was used as the probe molecule. CeO was used to modify the working electrode to improve the sensitivity of the sensor because of its electrocatalytic effect on the oxidation of PAM, and the Ag/AgCl reference electrode was prepared by the drop coating method.

Effects of additives on the performance of a laser-induced graphene sensor modified with ZrO nanoparticles for OP detection.

In this study, a simple and portable electrochemical sensor based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) has been developed to systematically investigate the feasibility of LIG as an electrode to detect organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). It proves that the LIG-based electrode has a relatively high electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and heterogeneous electron transfer (HET) of 0.100 cm and 0.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue alteration in aging process associated with thyroid hormone signaling.

Background: Functional changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) occur earlier in the aging process and play an important role in the occurrence and development of age-related metabolic diseases. The mechanism of this phenomenon is still unclear, and the change in adipose tissue with age is poorly understood.

Methods: We used transcriptome sequencing (RNA seq) to screen differentially expressed genes at the mRNA level, and analyzed the functional characteristics of the differential genes through GO and KEGG analysis in human SAT of all ages.

Cavity-controlled methanol conversion over zeolite catalysts.

The successful development and application in industry of methanol-to-olefins (MTO) process brought about an innovative and efficient route for olefin production via non-petrochemical resources and also attracted attention of C1 chemistry and zeolite catalysis. Molecular sieve catalysts with diversified microenvironments embedding unique channel/cavity structure and acid properties, exhibit demonstrable features and advantages in the shape-selective catalysis of MTO. Especially, shape-selective catalysis over 8-MR and cavity-type zeolites with acidic supercage environment and narrow pore opening manifested special host-guest interaction between the zeolite catalyst and guest reactants, intermediates and products.