Causal Effects of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Bidirectional Two Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome and metabolites are intricately involved in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathogenesis, yet the precise causal relationships remain unclear due to confounding factors and reverse causation. This study employs bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) to clarify these connections.

Methods: Summary data from publicly available Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) concerning the gut microbiome, metabolites, and COPD were compiled.

A Novel Rhodamine B Derivative as a "Turn-on" Fluorescent Sensor for Cu with High Selectivity and Sensitivity.

The number of "turn-on" fluorescent probes for Cu is relatively limited, and interference from other metal cations presents a significant challenge for these sensors. In this study, we synthesized and characterized a rhodamine B-based sensor, designated as RBHP, using 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone (PMBP) and rhodamine B hydrazide. Selectivity, sensitivity, solvent effects, water content, and pH of RBHP in relation to Cu²⁺ were conducted.

Simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins in Radix Dipsaci and estimation of exposure risk for consumers.

Like many traditional Chinese herbal medicines, preparations from Radix Dipsaci are at risk of contamination by harmful mycotoxins; however, there have been no reports of actual contamination. In this study, we developed an analytical method to simultaneously detect eight mycotoxins in Radix Dipsaci and estimate the exposure risk for consumers. We have developed an analytical method utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to accurately determine the levels of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, OTA, ZEN, T-2 and ST mycotoxins in 45 batches of Radix Dipsaci sourced from major medicinal herb markets across five regions in China.

The GhEB1C gene mediates resistance of cotton to Verticillium wilt.

The GhEB1C gene of the EB1 protein family functions as microtubule end-binding protein and may be involved in the regulation of microtubule-related pathways to enhance resistance to Verticillium wilt. The expression of GhEB1C is induced by SA, also contributing to Verticillium wilt resistance. Cotton, as a crucial cash and oil crop, faces a significant threat from Verticillium wilt, a soil-borne disease induced by Verticillium dahliae, severely impacting cotton growth and development.

Propane wet reforming over PtSn nanoparticles on γ-AlO for acetone synthesis.

Acetone serves as an important solvent and building block for the chemical industry, but the current industrial synthesis of acetone is generally accompanied by the energy-intensive and costly cumene process used for phenol production. Here we propose a sustainable route for acetone synthesis via propane wet reforming at a moderate temperature of 350 C with the use of platinum-tin nanoparticles supported on γ-aluminium oxide (PtSn/γ-AlO) as catalyst. We achieve an acetone productivity of 858.

Accelerated Reversible Conversion of LiS to LiS by Spidroin Regulated Li Flux for High-performance Li-Sulfur Batteries.

Regulating the transformation of sulfur species is the key to improving the electrochemical performance of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, in particular, to accelerate the reversible conversion between solid phase LiS and LiS. Herein, we introduced Spidroin, which is a main protein in spider silk, as a dual functional separator coating in Li-S batteries to effectively adsorb polysulfides via the sequence of amino acids in its primary structure and regulate Li flux through the β-sheet of its secondary structure, thus accelerating the reversible transformation between LiS and LiS. Spidroin-based Li-S cells exhibited an exceptional electrochemical performance with a high specific capacity of 744.

Action expectancy modulates activity in the mirror neuron system and mentalizing system.

Action understanding involves two distinct processing levels that engage separate neural mechanisms: perception of concrete kinematic information and recognition of abstract action intentions. The mirror neuron system and the mentalizing system have both been linked to concrete action and abstract information processing, but their specific roles remain debatable. Here, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging study with 26 participants who passively observed expected and unexpected actions.

Correlations between oxidative balance score and female asthma among U.S. adults.

In order to explore the association of oxidative balance score (OBS) with female asthma among U.S. adults, we applied multiple logistic regression models, restricted cubic spline, and subgroup analysis using a cross-sectional study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

A biomarker exploration in small-cell lung cancer for brain metastases risk and prophylactic cranial irradiation therapy efficacy.

Background: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. Limited-stage (LS)-SCLC comprises only one-third of SCLC cases, resulting in limited molecularly targeted therapies and treatment options. Despite advances in thoracic and cranial irradiation leading to improved outcomes, a notable proportion of patients develop brain metastasis (BM), highlighting the importance of identifying high-risk patients for tailored screening and treatment strategies.

Effects of GABA on Oxidative Stress and Metabolism in High-Glucose Cultured Mongolian Sheep Kidney Cells.

The Mongolian sheep, emblematic of the Inner Mongolian grasslands, is renowned for its exceptional stress resistance and adaptability to harsh environments, drawing considerable attention. Recent research has unveiled the novel role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in combating oxidative stress. This investigation examined how GABA impacts renal-cortex and medulla cells from Mongolian sheep exposed to high-glucose stress conditions, utilizing gene expression analysis and non-targeted metabolomics.

Propensity-matched study on locally advanced esophageal cancer: surgery versus post-operative radiotherapy.

Background: This study aims to delineate the long-term outcomes and recurrence patterns of locally advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) patients managed with or without postoperative radiotherapy (PORT).

Methods: A retrospective cohort from two academic centers, encompassing patients who initially underwent esophagectomy and were pathologically staged T3-4, was analyzed. Survival outcomes were constructed using Kaplan-Meier method, with survival significance was evaluated using the log-rank test.

Budget impact analysis of high-priced orphan medicinal products intended for the treatment of rare diseases in China: evidence from a densely populated metropolis of Chengdu.

Background: An increasing number of orphan medicinal products (OMPs) are being included in social health insurance schemes, significantly improving access to medicines for patients with rare diseases. However, high-priced OMPs are still not covered, primarily due to health equity controversies and inadequate data systems required for economic evaluation. The aim of this study was to estimate the burden of drug expenditures and the size of the reimbursement budget required for high-priced OMPs from the perspectives of society and healthcare payers.

The impact of lenvatinib on sarcopenia in patients with advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Lenvatinib is a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TKI are suspected of exacerbating muscle loss in patients with cancer. In this study, we analyze the role of muscle loss in patients with advanced HCC treated with lenvatinib.