Exosomal PGE2 from M2 macrophages inhibits neutrophil recruitment and NET formation through lipid mediator class switching in sepsis.

Background: Excess polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) recruitment or excessive neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation can lead to the development of multiple organ dysfunction during sepsis. M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2-Exos) have exhibited anti-inflammatory activities in some inflammatory diseases to mediate organ functional protection, but their role in treating sepsis-related acute lung injury (ALI) remains unclear. In this study, we sought to investigate whether M2-Exos could prevent potentially deleterious inflammatory effects during sepsis-related ALI by modulating abnormal PMN behaviours.

Molecular identification of bulbospinal ON neurons by GPER, which drives pain and morphine tolerance.

The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) exerts bidirectional descending modulation of pain attributable to the activity of electrophysiologically identified pronociceptive ON and antinociceptive OFF neurons. Here, we report that GABAergic ON neurons specifically express G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). GPER+ neurons exhibited characteristic ON-like responses upon peripheral nociceptive stimulation.

Inhaled Pro-Efferocytic Nanozymes Promote Resolution of Acute Lung Injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a significant contributor to the morbidity and mortality of sepsis. Characterized by uncontrolled inflammation and excessive inflammatory cells infiltration in lung, ALI has been exacerbated by impaired efferocytosis (clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages). Through specific receptor recognition and activation of downstream signaling, efferocytic macrophages promote resolution of inflammation by efficiently engulfing dying cells, avoiding the consequent release of cellular inflammatory contents.

Fine-mapping and identification of a candidate gene controlling seed coat color in melon (Cucumis melo L. var. chinensis Pangalo).

MELO3C019554 encoding a homeobox protein (PHD transcription factor) is a candidate gene that involved in the formation of seed coat color in melon. Seed coat color is related to flavonoid content which is closely related to seed dormancy. According to the genetic analysis of a six-generation population derived from two parents (IC2508 with a yellow seed coat and IC2518 with a brown seed coat), we discovered that the yellow seed coat trait in melon is controlled by a single dominant gene, named CmBS-1.

Exosomal miR-30d-5p of neutrophils induces M1 macrophage polarization and primes macrophage pyroptosis in sepsis-related acute lung injury.

Background: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play an important role in sepsis-related acute lung injury (ALI). Accumulating evidence suggests PMN-derived exosomes as a new subcellular entity acting as a fundamental link between PMN-driven inflammation and tissue damage. However, the role of PMN-derived exosomes in sepsis-related ALI and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear.

G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) in the Rostral Ventromedial Medulla Is Essential for Mobilizing Descending Inhibition of Itch.

Chronic itch is a troublesome condition and often difficult to cure. Emerging evidence suggests that the periaqueductal gray (PAG)-rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) pathway may play an important role in the regulation of itch, but the cellular organization and molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that a group of RVM neurons distinctively express the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), which mediates descending inhibition of itch.

Driving Pressure-Guided Individualized Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) remains unclear. Recent evidence showed that driving pressure was closely related to PPCs. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that an individualized PEEP guided by minimum driving pressure during abdominal surgery would reduce the incidence of PPCs.

Comprehensive Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals the Flavonoid Metabolic Pathway Is Associated with Fruit Peel Coloration of Melon.

The peel color is an important external quality of melon fruit. To explore the mechanisms of melon peel color formation, we performed an integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome with three different fruit peel samples (grey-green 'W', dark-green 'B', and yellow 'H'). A total of 40 differentially expressed flavonoids were identified.

Comparative research on nucleocapsid and spike glycoprotein as the rapid immunodetection targets of COVID-19 and establishment of immunoassay strips.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak of COVID-19 has been a pandemic that infected more than 25.32 million people and caused more than 848.

Oral Administration of Penicillin or Streptomycin May Alter Serum Serotonin Level and Intestinal Motility via Different Mechanisms.

Background/aims: Enterochromaffin cells (EC cells) constitute the largest population of enteroendocrine cells and release serotonin (5-HT) in response to mechanical and chemical cues of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). How EC cells respond to altered microbiota such as due to antibiotic treatments remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that the pacemaker channel HCN2 might contribute to the regulation of EC cells functions and their responses to antibiotics-induced changes in intestinal flora.

GPER-Deficient Rats Exhibit Lower Serum Corticosterone Level and Increased Anxiety-Like Behavior.

Ample evidence suggests that estrogens have strong influences on the occurrence of stress-related mood disorders, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Through multiple approaches, we demonstrate that the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is widely distributed along the HPA axis and in brain structures critically involved in mood control. Genetic ablation of GPER in the rat resulted in significantly lower basal serum corticosterone level but enhanced ACTH release in response to acute restraint stress, especially in the female.

Platelet-derived exosomes promote neutrophil extracellular trap formation during septic shock.

Background: Platelets have been demonstrated to be potent activators of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation during sepsis. However, the mediators and molecular pathways involved in human platelet-mediated NET generation remain poorly defined. Circulating plasma exosomes mostly originating from platelets may induce vascular apoptosis and myocardial dysfunction during sepsis; however, their role in NET formation remains unclear.

A Novel Anti-Coagulative Nanocomplex in Delivering miRNA-1 Inhibitor Against Microvascular Obstruction of Myocardial Infarction.

Great progress has been made in miRNA nanodelivery for the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). However, miRNA nanodelivery within the infarct is impeded by microvascular obstruction as a local circulatory disorder caused by microthrombus formation in microvessels. Knowing that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) can effectively prevent microthrombus formation in microcirculation, it is hypothesized whether surface modification of the nanocarrier with LMWH can overcome microvascular obstruction in the infarct area for better miRNA delivery.

Activation of the G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Elicits Store Calcium Release and Phosphorylation of the Mu-Opioid Receptors in the Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells.

Estrogens exert extensive influences on the nervous system besides their well-known roles in regulation of reproduction and metabolism. Estrogens act via the nuclear receptor ERα and ERβ to regulate gene transcription (classical genomic effects). In addition, estrogens are also known to cause rapid non-genomic effects on neuronal functions including inducing fast changes in cytosolic calcium level and rapidly desensitizing the μ type opioid receptor (MOR).

Nanoparticle reinforced bacterial outer-membrane vesicles effectively prevent fatal infection of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Infection resulting from carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is an intractable clinical problem. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from CRKP are believed to be potential vaccine candidates. However, their immune response remains elusive due to low structural stability and poor size homogeneity.

Self-Albumin Camouflage of Carrier Protein Prevents Nontarget Antibody Production for Enhanced LDL-C Immunotherapy.

Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Peptide-based PCSK9 vaccines have shown a promising prospect of reducing LDL-C. In peptide vaccine (pVax) design, the peptide antigens need to conjugate with carrier protein (CP).

Promoting sleep and circadian health may prevent postoperative delirium: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

This systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized clinical trials aimed to clarify the efficacy of sleep and circadian interventions on preventing postoperative delirium. The search and screening identified 13 trials with great heterogeneity in interventions, surgery types as well as methods for evaluating delirium, sleep and circadian rhythms. Meta-analyses revealed that sleep and circadian interventions were associated with decreased incidences of postoperative delirium (pooled relative risk (RR) = 0.

PCSK9 Hapten Multicopy Displayed onto Carrier Protein Nanoparticle: An Antiatherosclerosis Vaccine.

In recent years, various vaccination strategies have shed new light on the treatment of atherosclerosis. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a hot target in the development of antiatherosclerosis vaccine. However, the efficacy of conventional PCSK9 is largely limited by poor immunogenicity and low hapten density.

Developmental neurotoxicity in the context of multiple sevoflurane exposures: Potential role of histone deacetylase 6.

Animal studies have demonstrated that multiple exposures to sevoflurane during the postnatal period lead to impaired synaptogenesis and cognitive deficits in adulthood. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a unique isoform of class II histone deacetylases (HDACs), mediates diverse cellular processes such as cell survival, inflammation, intracellular trafficking and protein degradation.

Intraoperative monitoring of nociception for opioid administration: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Under-dosage or over-dosage of intraoperative analgesia can cause harm to patients. Many studies have demonstrated the clinical advantages of nociception monitoring tools, but with some conflicting results. To clarify the issue, this meta-analysis compared the effects of Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI), Surgical Pleth Index (SPI), and pupillometry monitoring methods with those of analgesia management practices of intraoperative opioid administration.

Propofol postconditioning protects H9c2 cells from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by inducing autophagy via the SAPK/JNK pathway.

Propofol postconditioning (P‑PostC) offers cardioprotection in mice, and the upregulation of autophagy protects cardiac cells against ischemia/reperfusion injury. The present study aimed to examine the effects of P‑PostC on the induction of autophagy and its potential roles in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. Rat heart‑derived H9c2 cells were exposed to H/R, comprising 6 h of hypoxia followed by 4 h of reoxygenation, as well as postconditioning with various concentrations of propofol at the onset of reperfusion.

Delivery of microRNA-1 inhibitor by dendrimer-based nanovector: An early targeting therapy for myocardial infarction in mice.

Myocardial infarction (MI), known to be rapidly progressed and fatal, necessitates a timely and effective intervention particularly within golden 24 h. The crux is to develop a therapeutic agent that can early target the infarct site with integrated therapeutic capacity. Finding the AT receptor being most over-expressed at 24 h after MI, we developed a nanovector (AT-PEG-DGL) anchored with AT targeting peptide, and simultaneously armed it with specific microRNA-1 inhibitor (AMO-1) to attenuate cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Enhancement in Tonically Active Glutamatergic Inputs to the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Contributes to Neuropathic Pain-Induced High Blood Pressure.

Neuropathic pain increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension with the characteristic of sympathetic overactivity. The enhanced tonically active glutamatergic input to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) contributes to sympathetic overactivity and blood pressure (BP) in cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesize that neuropathic pain enhances tonically active glutamatergic inputs to the RVLM, which contributes to high level of BP and sympathetic outflow.

Aging-Impaired Filamentous Actin Polymerization Signaling Reduces Alveolar Macrophage Phagocytosis of Bacteria.

In elderly patients, bacterial infection often causes severe complications and sepsis. Compared to younger patients, older patients are more susceptible to sepsis caused by respiratory infection. Macrophage (Mϕ) phagocytosis of bacteria plays a critical role in the clearance of pathogens and the initiation of immune responses.