Insulin resistance-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis in trophoblasts: protective role of metformin.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects up to 14% of pregnancies globally, with insulin resistance (IR) playing a critical but often underappreciated role in its pathogenesis. Yet the specific impact of insulin at IR levels on mitochondrial function and pyroptosis in first-trimester trophoblasts remains unclear. Metformin use in GDM pregnancies is rising, but its impact on placental mitochondrial function is uncertain.

Catalytic Atroposelective Electrophilic Amination to Access Axially Chiral Diaryl Phenols.

An enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral diaryl phenols containing sulfonamide groups has been achieved involving an electrophilic amination of 1,1'-biaryl-2,6-diols with N-sulfonyl quinone diimines, catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid. This atroposelective reaction offers a modular approach to enantiopure diaryl phenols, with good to excellent yields.

miR-214-3p attenuates ferroptosis-induced cellular damage in a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy through the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.

Ferroptosis has been implicated in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study aimed to identify novel ferroptosis-related regulators involved in the pathophysiology of DR using an in vivo streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model in C57BL/6J mice and cultured primary human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRECs). Transmission electron microscopy revealed mitochondrial morphological changes consistent with ferroptosis in vascular endothelial cells from STZ-treated mice.

LAMP Assay Coupled with a Argonaute System for the Rapid Detection of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection can lead to serious acute intestinal infectious disease, bringing huge economic losses to the pig industry. In addition to triggering an extremely high mortality rate for lactating piglets, there is currently a lack of effective treatments and vaccines. Therefore, rapid, accurate, sensitive, and specific detection of PEDV is critical for timely control.

Recent advances in the effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion and encapsulation on peptide bioactivity and stability.

Food-derived bioactive peptides have garnered significant attention from researchers due to their specific biological functions, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoporosis properties. Despite extensive research, the bioactivity of these peptides may be compromised in the gastrointestinal tract due to enzymatic hydrolysis before reaching the bloodstream or target cells. Therefore, understanding the fate of bioactive peptides during digestion is crucial before advancing to clinical trials and commercial applications.

Immune Checkpoints Are New Therapeutic Targets in Regulating Cardio-, and Cerebro-Vascular Diseases and CD4Foxp3 Regulatory T Cell Immunosuppression.

Although previous reviews explored the roles of selected immune checkpoints (ICPs) in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cerebrovascular diseases from various perspectives, many related aspects have yet to be thoroughly reviewed and analyzed. Our comprehensive review addresses this gap by discussing the cellular functions of ICPs, focusing on the tissue-specific and microenvironment-localized transcriptomic and posttranslational regulation of ICP expressions, as well as their functional interactions with metabolic reprogramming. We also analyze how 14 pairs of ICPs, including CTLA-4/CD86-CD80, PD1-PDL-1, and TIGIT-CD155, regulate CVD pathogenesis.

Topological Distribution of KCNH2 Variants and Genotype-Phenotype Relationship in Patients With Long QT Syndrome.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the topological distribution of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the KCNH2 gene from patients with type 2 long QT syndrome (LQT2) and to explore the genotype-phenotype relationships.

Methods: Information on KCNH2 variants in LQT2 patients was retrospectively obtained from the HGMD, ClinVar, and PubMed databases through October 2022. Pathogenicity of SNV was classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.

Identification of pollutant markers in rural mountainous areas of China by combining non-targeted analysis with zebrafish embryo toxicity tests.

Emerging pollutants (EPs) are increasingly found around the world, yet their composition and the risks pose to soil environments remain unclear, making a challenge to EP management, particularly in mountainous rural areas. In this study, we collected soils from three types of mountainous villages, each representing different levels of economic development: an industrial village, an ecotourism village, and an agricultural village. We analyzed these samples using non-target analysis and Danio rerio embryotoxicity test (ZET).

Perfluorooctanoate and nano-titanium dioxide modulate male gonadal function in the mussel Mytilus coruscus.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO₂) are widely used in industrial applications such as manufacturing and textiles, and can be released into the environment, causing toxicity to marine organisms. To study the effects of these pollutants on the gonadal development, we exposed the males of Mytilus coruscus to varying PFOA concentrations (2 and 200 μg/L) alone or combined with nano-TiO (0.1 mg/L, size: 25 nm) for 14 days.

Assembly-foaming synthesis of hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon supported single-atom iron catalysts for efficient oxygen reduction.

High-performance electrocatalysts are highly concerned in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) related energy applications. However, facile synthesis of hierarchically porous structures with highly exposed active sites and improved mass transfer is challenging. Herein, we develop a novel assembly-foaming strategy for synthesizing hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon supported single-atom iron catalysts.

Integration of metabolomics methodologies for the development of predictive models for mortality risk in elderly patients with severe COVID-19.

Background: The rapid evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global immunization efforts have rendered early metabolomics studies potentially outdated, as they primarily involved non-exposed, non-vaccinated populations. This paper presents a predictive model developed from up-to-date metabolomics data integrated with clinical data to estimate early mortality risk in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Our study addresses the critical gap in current research by utilizing current patient samples, providing fresh insights into the pathophysiology of the disease in a partially immunized global population.

Effects of perfluorooctanoic acid and nano titanium dioxide on the immune response and energy allocation in Mytilus coruscus.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) functions as a surfactant, while nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO) serves as an antibacterial agent. These substances are extensively utilized in industrial production and, upon release into aquatic environments, pose significant threats to the viability and development of marine organisms. However, research into the effects of PFOA and nano-TiO on the immune functions and cellular energy allocation (CEA) of bivalves remains limited.

Preliminary characterization of Ramaria botrytoides polysaccharide RB-P1-1 and analysis of its hypoglycemic effects by altering the gut microbiota and metabolites in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Gut microbiota has a symbiotic relationship with the host and is closely linked to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Polysaccharides are natural bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on T2DM; however, the mechanisms underlying their effects remain unclear. This study investigated the hypoglycemic effects of a purified polysaccharide, RB-P1-1, from Ramaria botrytoides and assessed its association with gut microbiota and metabolite changes using 16S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively.

Perspective: Pathological transdifferentiation-a novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases and chronic inflammation.

Pathological transdifferentiation, where differentiated cells aberrantly transform into other cell types that exacerbate disease rather than promote healing, represents a novel and significant concept. This perspective discusses its role and potential targeting in cardiovascular diseases and chronic inflammation. Current therapies mainly focus on mitigating early inflammatory response through proinflammatory cytokines and pathways targeting, including corticosteroids, TNF-α inhibitors, IL-1β monoclonal antibodies and blockers, IL-6 blockers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), along with modulating innate immune memory (trained immunity).

Air-water exchange: Toxicities, risks and PAHs compounds in the three gorges reservoir of China.

Air-water exchange is inevitably accompanied by the transportation of contaminants between atmosphere and water, which significantly leads to the alterations of toxicity and risks. However, the resulting changes of toxicity and risk in water and air due to the cross-interfacial transport of pollutants are still unclear. In this study, the water and atmospheric samples at the Pengxi River located in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), China, were collected in winter and summer seasons respectively.

The Hcp2b of APEC induces mitochondrial damage in chicken DF-1 cells.

The haemolysin co-regulatory protein (Hcp) plays a significant role in the pathogenicity of avian pathogenic (APEC) as an effector protein of the type VI secretion system (T6SS) to the host. Meanwhile, mitochondria in the host are the target of effector proteins of various secretion systems. Here, we explored the effects of APEC effector Hcp2b on the mitochondria of DF-1 cells and found that Hcp2b results in damage in mitochondria.

Bioactive compounds regulate appetite through the melanocortin system: a review.

Obesity, a significant health crisis, arises from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Enhancing appetite regulation has garnered substantial attention from researchers as a novel and effective strategy for weight management. The melanocortin system, situated in the hypothalamus, is recognized as a critical node in the regulation of appetite.

The disparities in health risks of multiple pollutants through soil and dietary exposure in a rural-urban area based on accessibility method.

Rapid urbanization has resulted in disparities in environmental conditions for different communities in suburban area. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the occurrence of pollutants in the soil and dietary food, and associated health risks in an urban-rural transitional area. The levels of potential toxic pollutants, notably metals, organophosphate esters (OPEs), and agrochemicals in surface soil and dietary food were evaluated.

Mechanistic insights into EGCG's preventive effects on obesity-induced precocious puberty through multi-omics analyses.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has demonstrated potential effects on obesity-induced precocious puberty, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Female mice were randomly assigned into control (CON), EGCG-treated (EGCG), high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD with EGCG treatment (HFDEGCG) groups. Key measurements included body weight, vaginal opening time, and serum sex hormone levels.

[CXCL8 generates an immunosuppressive microenvironment in colorectal cancer through induction of M2 macrophage infiltration and inhibition of CD8 T cell infiltration].

Objective To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of CXCL8 on the microenvironment in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Subcutaneous transplanted tumor model in BALB/c mice was established using CXCL8-overexpressing CT26, a murine CRC cell line . Tumor growth was monitored, and after three weeks of formation, the tumors were excised, and the spleens were harvested.

Conversion of Rice Field Ecosystems from Conventional to Ecological Farming: Effects on Pesticide Fate, Ecotoxicity and Soil Properties.

Rice is an important staple food around the world, the cultivation as sustainable agriculture and food supply are key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030. In order to analyze the sustainability of the rice paddy ecosystem, a comparative study was carried out during the rice growing season between paddies with conventional agriculture (CA) and ecological agriculture (EA), integrating analysis of physico-chemical characteristics of soil and soil pore water, pesticide residues, acute toxic effects and potential ecological risk, as well as aquatic invertebrate community structure dynamics. Our study found that total carbon and nitrogen present in soil were significantly higher in CA than in EA, while opposite results were found in soil pore water, implying the improvement on soil properties in EA.

Comprehensive assessment on the association of dietary vitamins with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among individuals with prediabetes: evidence from NHANES 1999-2018.

: Prediabetes has become a global health issue, and currently, the relationship between vitamin levels and mortality in prediabetes remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between the levels of eleven vitamins and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in prediabetes patients. : This cross-sectional study included 14 634 prediabetes patients from 10 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2018.

A Multi-Center Study on the Implementation and Challenges of Nursing Three-Level Ward Rounds in Tertiary Hospitals in Shanxi Province.

Background: The "Key Points of the Core System of Medical Quality and Safety" (hereinafter referred to as the "Key Points") was promulgated by the National Health Commission of China in 2018, requiring that nursing ward rounds should be carried out with reference to the three-level ward round system; In 2020 and 2022 editions of the "Evaluation Standards for Tertiary Hospitals", which were implemented in China, required that nursing ward rounds should be carried out with reference to the "Key Points". Additionally, the Action Plan for Comprehensively Improving Medical Quality (2023-2025) also mentions the need to improve the quality of three-level ward rounds. However, there are no detailed guidelines regarding implementing "Nursing Three-level Ward Rounds".

VSIG4 induces the immunosuppressive microenvironment by promoting the infiltration of M2 macrophage and Tregs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma and has a poor prognosis. Despite the impressive advancements in treating ccRCC using immune checkpoint (IC) blockade, such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, a considerable number of ccRCC patients experience adaptive resistance. Therefore, exploring new targetable ICs will provide additional treatment options for ccRCC patients.