Relationship between freezing of gait in Parkinson disease and locus coeruleus dysfunction: a neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging study.

Background: Preliminary scientific evidence suggests that freezing of gait (FoG) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) is linked to noradrenergic dysfunction in the locus coeruleus (LC). However, definitive findings regarding the correlation between FoG occurrence and the LC are lacking. This study thus aimed to investigate the relationship between the FoG occurrence and LC degeneration in patients with PD by analyzing the signal characteristics of the LC in neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (NM-MRI).

Identification and functional characterization of AsWRKY9, a WRKY transcription factor modulating alliin biosynthesis in garlic (Allium sativum L.).

Background: The variations in alliin content are a crucial criterion for evaluating garlic quality and is the sole precursor for allicin biosynthesis, which is significant for the growth, development, and stress response of garlic. WRKY transcription factors are essential for enhancing stress resistance by regulating the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating alliin biosynthesis remain unexplored.

CircTEC Inhibits the Follicular Atresia in Buffalo () via Targeting miR-144-5p/FZD3 Signaling Axis.

The specific expression profile and function of circular RNA (circRNA) in follicular atresia remain largely unknown. Here, the circRNA expression profiles of granulosa cells derived from healthy follicles (HFs) and antral follicles (AFs) in buffalo were analyzed by RNA-seq, and the mechanism of a differentially expressed circRNA (DEcircRNA) circTEC regulating the granulosa cell function that affects follicular atresia was further explored. RNA-seq results showed that a total of 112 DEcircRNAs were identified.

In situ oxidized MoCT MXene film via electrochemical activation for smart electrochromic supercapacitors.

MoCT MXenes have great potential for multifunctional energy storage applications because of their outstanding electrical conductivity, superior cycling stability, and high optical transmittance. In this study, we fabricate MoCT film electrodes (referred to as MoC) on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates using the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique. To improve the energy-storage performance of MoCT film electrodes, we develop a convenient electrochemical activation process to prepare in situ oxidized MoCT/MoO film electrodes (referred to as EA-MoC).

Lysine acetylation and its role in the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) represents a severe inflammatory condition of the exocrine pancreas, precipitating systemic organ dysfunction and potential failure. The global prevalence of acute pancreatitis is on an ascending trajectory. The condition carries a significant mortality rate during acute episodes.

Non-surgery strategy versus hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with complete response after conversion therapy: a meta-analysis.

Background: There is ongoing debate surrounding the optimal therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients achieving complete response (CR) after conversion therapy. This meta-analysis compares the prognostic outcomes of non-surgery strategies with hepatectomy.

Methods: The systematic searches were conducted up to April 11, 2024, across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Programmable Synthesis of Cationic Azaperylenes via Rh(III)-Catalyzed Multiple C-H/N-H Bonds Activation and Annulation.

Rh(III)-catalyzed dual N-H and triple C-H activation/(4 + 2) annulation of 2-aryl-2,3-dihydro-1-perimidines and alkynes has been disclosed to construct 4,5,14,15-tetrasubstituted cationic azaperylenes with high yields (up to 95%) and broad scope. Tandem (4 + 2) annulation of 1-perimidines with vinylene carbonate and alkynes affords 4,5-disubstituted azaperylene salts, and -alkynyl 1-perimidines undergo an intra- and intermolecular annulation cascade to give 4,5,14-trisubstituted targets. Most of the intermediates were detected by ESI-MS, indicating a convincible mechanism including three possible paths.

Activated neutrophil membrane-coated tRF-Gly-CCC nanoparticles for the treatment of aortic dissection/aneurysm.

Aortic dissection/aneurysm (AAD) is a critical and life-threatening condition marked by a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. Gene therapy has emerged as a promising approach to treat AAD and slow its advancement. However, the clinical utility of gene therapy is impeded by significant challenges, including the scarcity of innovative genetic drugs in current medical practices and the absence of a streamlined gene delivery mechanism.

5-Methoxytryptophan Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Regulating Nrf2-Mediated Mitophagy.

Purpose: The effects of 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) on mitophagy in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI) and its possible role in the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway are unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the levels of serum 5-MTP and mitophagy in patients with S-AKI and to evaluate the influence of 5-MTP on a lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced AKI model. Additionally, we sought to elucidate the mechanisms by which 5-MTP regulates mitophagy via Nrf2 mediation.

Sports training improves motor function after spinal cord injury by regulating microtubule dynamics.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in persistent disabilities, primarily due to deficient axon regeneration and irreversible neuronal loss. Sports training is a widely adopted intervention in clinical practice and research to promote axonal sprouting and synaptic plasticity, thereby improving motor function after SCI. However, the precise mechanisms by which sports training improves motor function after SCI remain incompletely understood.

GPER1 signaling restricts macrophage proliferation and accumulation in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Sex hormones and their related receptors have been reported to impact the development and progression of tumors. However, their influence on the composition and function of the tumor microenvironment is not well understood. We aimed to investigate the influence of sex disparities on the proliferation and accumulation of macrophages, one of the major components of the tumor microenvironment, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Role of RNA-binding Proteins in Regulating Cell Adhesion and Progression of the Atherosclerotic Plaque and Plaque Erosion.

Purpose Of Review: RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have emerged as crucial regulators of post-transcriptional processes, influencing the fate of RNA. This review delves into the biological functions of RBPs and their role in alternative splicing concerning atherosclerosis (AS), highlighting their participation in essential cellular processes. Our goal is to offer new insights for cardiovascular disease research and treatment.

LC3-associated phagocytosis and human diseases: Insights from mechanisms to therapeutic potential.

LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) is a distinct type of autophagy that involves the sequestration of extracellular material by phagocytes. Beyond the removal of dead cells and cellular debris from eukaryotic cells, LAP is also involved in the removal of a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These events are integral to multiple physiological and pathological processes, such as host defense, inflammation, and tissue homeostasis.

PP2 suppresses proliferation and migration of C6 Glioma and MDA-MB-231 cells by targeting both fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and Src.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is involved in the progression of glioma, a most common type of brain tumor, and breast tumors. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of the inhibitor PP2 on cell proliferation and migration in glioma and breast tumor cells, and to characterize the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. The inhibitory effect of PP2 on the tumorigenic potential of C6 glioma and MDA-MB-231 cells was examined by proliferation, migration, and invasion assays, and apoptotic analysis.

Gastrodin Alleviates Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension and Myocardial Apoptosis via Inhibition of the PRDX2/p53 Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro.

Gastrodin, a highly potent compound found in the traditional Chinese medicine Blume, exhibits significant antihypertensive properties. However, its role and the mechanism behind its protective effects on hypertensive cardiac conditions are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the cardiac protective effects and underlying mechanisms of gastrodin in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertensive models, both in vivo and in vitro.

Laser Direct Writing of Setaria Virids-Inspired Hierarchical Surface with TiO Coating for Anti-Sticking of Soft Tissue.

In minimally invasive surgery, the tendency for human tissue to adhere to the electrosurgical scalpel can complicate procedures and elevate the risk of medical accidents. Consequently, the development of an electrosurgical scalpel with an anti-sticking coating is critically important. Drawing inspiration from nature, we identified that the leaves of Setaria Virids exhibit exceptional non-stick properties.

A new strategy of using low-dose caffeic acid carbon nanodots for high resistance to poorly differentiated human papillary thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine malignancies in clinical practice. Traditional surgery and radioactive iodine ablation have poor treatment results for poorly differentiated thyroid cancer, and there is a risk of metastasis and recurrence. In this study, caffeic acid, a natural herbal extract with certain biological activity, has been as precursor to prepare new caffeic acid carbon nanodots via a one-step hydrothermal method.

SENP3 mediates the deSUMOylation and degradation of YAP1 to regulate the progression of triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a prevalent malignancy in women, casting a formidable shadow on their well-being. Positioned within the nucleolus, SUMO-specific protease 3 (SENP3) assumes a pivotal role in the realms of development and tumorigenesis. However, the participation of SENP3 in TNBC remains a mystery.