Double network hydrogels encapsulating genetically modified dedifferentiated chondrocytes for auricular cartilage regeneration.

Microtia profoundly affects patients' appearance and psychological well-being. Tissue engineering ear cartilage scaffolds have emerged as the most promising solution for ear reconstruction. However, constructing tissue engineering ear cartilage scaffolds requires multiple passaging of chondrocytes, resulting in their dedifferentiation and loss of their special phenotypes and functions.

State-to-state scattering of highly vibrationally excited NO with argon at collision energies over 1 eV.

We present state-to-state differential cross sections for rotationally inelastic collisions of vibrationally excited NO XΠ ( = 9) with Ar using a near-counterpropagating molecular beam geometry. These were obtained using the stimulated emission pumping technique coupled with velocity map imaging. Collision energies well over ∼1 eV were achieved and rotational excitations up to ∼Δ = 60 recorded for the first time for inelastic collisions.

Whole-exome sequencing association study reveals genetic effects on tumor microenvironment components in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) presents a substantial clinical challenge due to the limited understanding of its genetic underpinnings. Here we conduct the largest scale whole-exome sequencing association study of NPC to date, encompassing 6,969 NPC cases and 7,100 controls. We unveil 3 germline genetic variants linked to NPC susceptibility: a common rs2276868 in RPL14, a rare rs5361 in SELE, and a common rs1050462 in HLA-B.

Tandem Versus Single Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for High-Risk Multiple Myeloma in the Era of Novel Agents: A Real-World Study of China.

Background: This study compares the efficacy and safety of single autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) versus tandem ASCT for multiple myeloma (MM) patients in the era of novel agents.

Methods: A total of 112 high-risk MM patients were included (single ASCT, (n = 57) or tandem ASCT(n = 55) in this retrospective multicenter study. Responses and outcomes were evaluated.

Investigating the Role of TRPV4 and GPR35 Interaction in Endothelial Dysfunction in Aging Mice.

Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by a decline in endothelial physiological functions, is a significant aspect of cardiovascular aging, contributing notably to arterial stiffness, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Transient receptor potential channel V4 (TRPV4), a key member of Ca-permeable channels, plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular functions. However, the role and mechanisms of TRPV4 in aging-related endothelial dysfunction remain incompletely understood.

VSMC-specific TRPC1 deletion attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling.

Transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) channel, a Ca-permeable ion channel widely expressed in vasculature, has been reported to be involved in various cardiovascular disorders. However, the pathophysiological function of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-derived TRPC1 in hypertension and hypertensive cardiovascular remodeling remains to be defined. In this study, we found increased TRPC1 expression in both angiotensin II (AngII)-treated VSMCs and aortas from AngII-infused mice.

Bidirectional associations of grip strength-gait speed with mild cognitive impairment and specific cognitive abilities among older adults: A longitudinal analysis.

Background: Previous studies showed that physical performance was associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). As the easily measured aging biomarkers, grip strength and gait speed could effectively reflect physical function. However, whether grip strength, gait speed, and the combination of the two were bidirectionally associated with MCI and specific cognitive function domains, have not been explored.

Engineering mRNA vaccine with broad-spectrum protection against SARS-cov-2 variants.

Herd immunity through mass vaccination is an effective method for preventing infectious diseases. However, the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, with their frequent mutations, largely evade the immune response and protection induced by COVID-19 vaccines. Here, we designed messenger RNAs encoding mutant epitopes of the spike protein shared among various COVID-19 variants.

Conference 2024: Building an innovative scientific research ecosystem for microbiome and One Health.

The Conference 2024 provides a platform to promote the development of an innovative scientific research ecosystem for microbiome and One Health. The four key components - Technology, Research (Biology), Academic journals, and Social media - form a synergistic ecosystem. Advanced technologies drive biological research, which generates novel insights that are disseminated through academic journals.

Two new strains of Streptomyces with metabolic potential for biological control of pear black spot disease.

Background: Pear black spot is caused by Alternaria tenuissima. It is one of the diseases of concern limiting pear production worldwide. Existing cultivation methods and fungicides are not sufficient to control early blight.

Identifying proteins and pathways associated with multimorbidity in 53,026 adults.

Background And Aims: Multimorbidity, the coexistence of multiple chronic diseases, is a rapidly expanding global health challenge, carrying profound implications for patients, caregivers, healthcare systems, and society. Investigating the determinants and drivers underlying multiple chronic diseases is a priority for disease management and prevention.

Method: This prospective cohort study analyzed data from the 53,026 participants in the UK Biobank from baseline (2006 to 2010) across 13.

ATM/ATR-Mediated DNA Damage Response Facilitates SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Induced Syncytium Formation.

Multinucleated cells are present in lung tissues of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. Although the spike protein can cause the fusion of infected cells and ACE2-expressing cells to form syncytia and induce damage, how host cell responses to this damage and the role of DNA damage response (DDR) signals in cell fusion are still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on the fusion of homologous and heterologous cells expressing ACE2 in vitro models, focusing on the protein levels of ATR and ATM, the major kinases responding to DNA damage, and their substrates CHK1 and CHK2.

Manipulation of Surface Potential Distribution Enhances Osteogenesis by Promoting Pro-Angiogenic Macrophage Polarization via Activation of the PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway.

Regulation of the immune response is key to promoting bone regeneration by electroactive biomaterials. However, how electrical signals at the micro- and nanoscale regulate the immune response and subsequent angiogenesis during bone regeneration remains to be elucidated. Here, the distinctly different surface potential distributions on charged poly(vinylidene fluoridetrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) matrix surfaces are established by altering the dimensions of ferroelectric nanofillers from 0D BaTiO nanoparticles (homogeneous surface potential distribution, HOPD) to 1D BaTiO nanofibers (heterogeneous surface potential distribution, HEPD).

Apatite textural and geochemical insights into the petrogenesis of intrusive rocks.

Apatite is widely used as an indicator mineral to reflect the characteristics and petrogenesis of host magma. In this study, we present apatite geochemical and in-situ Sr-Nd isotopic data of monzogranite, granodiorite and dioritic enclave in the eastern Songnen-Zhangguangcai Range Massif, aiming to fingerprinting their petrogenesis and magmatic evolution processes. Based on apatite textures and geochemistry characteristics, the apatites were categorized into two distinct groups.

Efficient identification of genomic insertions and surrounding regions in two transgenic maize events using third-generation single-molecule nanopore sequencing technology.

The increasing development of new genetically modified organisms underscores the critical need for comprehensive safety assessments, emphasizing the significance of molecular evidence such as gene integration, copy numbers, and adjacent sequences. In this study, the maize nitrate-efficient utilization gene ZmNRT1.1 A was introduced into maize variety y822 using transgenic technology, producing transgenic maize events ND4401 and ND4403 with enhanced tolerance to low nitrogen stress.

Machine learning algorithms in constructing prediction models for assisted reproductive technology (ART) related live birth outcomes.

Currently applicable models for predicting live birth outcomes in patients who received assisted reproductive technology (ART) have methodological or study design limitations that greatly obstruct their dissemination and application. Models suitable for Chinese couples have not yet been identified. We conducted a retrospective study by using a database includes a total of 11,938 couples who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment between January 2015 and December 2022 in a medical institution of southwest China Yunnan province.

Non-carcinogenic health risks of fluoride exposure in minors based on national surveillance in China, 2014 and 2018.

High fluoride concentrations in groundwater represent a substantial global public health concern. In China, over 70 million individuals suffer from drinking water fluorosis. This study reports national surveillance data in 2014 and 2018, dividing affected areas into six regions.

Total glucosides of paeony ameliorates chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain by suppressing microglia pyroptosis through the inhibition of KAT2A-mediated p38 pathway activation and succinylation.

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP) is a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy. Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) have been shown to be effective in pain management. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of TGP in alleviating CINP.

The relationship between serum vitamin C levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in children.

The relationship between vitamin C nutritional status and inflammation has garnered increasing attention, but studies in younger populations are limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum vitamin C and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in children and adolescents. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Cross sectional associations of physical activity and sleep with mental health among Chinese university students.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the levels of physical activity (PA), sleep, and mental health (MH), specifically depression, anxiety, and stress, among Chinese university students. It also aimed to analyze the influencing factors of MH, providing a theoretical foundation for developing intervention programs to improve college students' mental health.

Methods: A stratified, clustered, and phased sampling method was employed.

SEAD reference panel with 22,134 haplotypes boosts rare variant imputation and genome-wide association analysis in Asian populations.

Limited whole genome sequencing (WGS) studies in Asian populations result in a lack of representative reference panels, thus hindering the discovery of ancestry-specific variants. Here, we present the South and East Asian reference Database (SEAD) panel ( https://imputationserver.westlake.

Sub-millimeter fiberscopic robot with integrated maneuvering, imaging, and biomedical operation abilities.

Small-scale continuum robots hold promise for interventional diagnosis and treatment, yet existing models struggle to achieve small size, precise steering, and visualized functional treatment simultaneously, termed an "impossible trinity". This study introduces an optical fiber-based continuum robot integrated imaging, high-precision motion, and multifunctional operation abilities at submillimeter-scale. With a slim profile of 0.

High piezoelectric property with exceptional stability in self-poled ferroelectric films.

Ferroelectric films are highly sought-after in micro-electro-mechanical systems, particularly with the trend towards miniaturization. However, their tendency to depolarize and degradation in piezoelectric properties when exposed to packaging procedures at temperatures exceeding 260 °C remains a significant challenge. Here, we reveal the prerequisites for self-poling and leverage these insights to achieve unprecedented macroscopic performance through a two-step approach involving texture construction and hierarchical heterogeneity engineering.

An adenosine analog shows high antiviral potency against coronavirus and arenavirus mainly through an unusual base pairing mode.

By targeting the essential viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), nucleoside analogs (NAs) have exhibited great potential in antiviral therapy for RNA virus-related diseases. However, most ribose-modified NAs do not present broad-spectrum features, likely due to differences in ribose-RdRP interactions across virus families. Here, we show that HNC-1664, an adenosine analog with modifications both in ribose and base, has broad-spectrum antiviral activity against positive-strand coronaviruses and negative-strand arenaviruses.

Ferritin-Based Supramolecular Assembly Drug Delivery System for Aminated Fullerene Derivatives to Enhance Tumor-Targeted Therapy.

Owing to their attractive antitumor effects, aminated fullerene derivatives are emerging as promising therapeutic drugs for cancer. However, their in vivo applications are severely limited due to cation toxicity. To address this problem, human heavy chain ferritin (HFn), possessing natural biocompatibility is utilized, to develop a novel supramolecular assembly drug delivery system.