Copper homeostasis and pregnancy complications: a comprehensive review.

Pregnancy complications pose challenges for both pregnant women and obstetricians globally, with the pathogenesis of many remaining poorly understood. Recently coined as a mode of cell death, cuproptosis has been proposed but remains largely unexplored. This process involves copper overload, resulting in the accumulation of fatty acylated proteins and subsequent loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins.

FABP5 regulates ROS-NLRP3 inflammasome in glutamate-induced retinal excitotoxic glaucomatous model.

Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) are a class of small molecular mass intracellular lipid chaperone proteins that bind to hydrophobic ligands, such as long-chain fatty acids. FABP5 expression was significantly upregulated in the N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) model, the microbead-induced chronic glaucoma model, and the DBA/2J mice. Previous studies have demonstrated that FABP5 can mediate mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in ischemic neurons, but the role of FABP5 in oxidative stress and cell death in retina NMDA injury models is unclear.

Caspase 3/GSDME-Mediated Corneal Epithelial Pyroptosis Promotes Dry Eye Disease.

Purpose: Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular surface inflammatory disease with a complex pathogenesis. Herein, the role and effect of gasdermin E (GSDME) in DED pathogenesis were explored.

Methods: In vitro, flow cytometry, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays were used to determine the effects of hyperosmotic stress on pyroptosis, apoptosis, and cell viability in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs).

Tuning the interlayer stacking of a vinylene-linked covalent organic framework for enhancing sacrificial agent-free hydrogen peroxide photoproduction.

The layer-stacking mode of a two-dimensional (2D) material plays a dominant role either in its topology or properties, but remains challenging to control. Herein, we developed alkali-metal ion-regulating synthetic control on the stacking structure of a vinylene-linked covalent triazine framework (termed spc-CTF) for improving hydrogen peroxide (HO) photoproduction. Upon the catalysis of EtONa in Knoevenagel polycondensation, a typical eclipsed stacking mode (spc-CTF-4@AA) was built, while a staggered one (spc-CTF-4@AB) was constructed using LiOH.

Improved porosity promotes reendothelialization and smooth muscle remodeling in decellularized tissue-engineered vascular grafts.

Decellularized tissue-engineered vascular grafts (dTEVGs) exhibit superior biocompatibility, anti-infection properties and repair potential, contributing to better patency and making them a more ideal choice for arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) in hemodialysis compared to chemically synthesized grafts. However, the unsatisfactory reendothelialization and smooth muscle remodeling of current dTEVGs limit their advantages. In this study, we investigated the use of elastase to improve the porosity of elastic fiber layers in dTEVGs, aiming to promote cell infiltration and achieve superior reendothelialization and smooth muscle remodeling.

Synergistically Boosted Na Migration and Deep Desodiation Stability of NASICON Cathode via High Entropy Regulation.

Mn-containing sodium superionic conductor (NASICON) compounds have shown considerable potential as cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to higher working voltage (V/V: 3.9 V), lower cost, and lower toxicity compared to full vanadium-based NASICON NaV(PO). Taking NaVMn(PO) (NVMP) as an example, its practical application is still restricted by poor electronic conductivity, sluggish intrinsic Na diffusion, and poor high-voltage stability.

Improving sulforaphane content in broccoli sprouts by applying Se: transcriptome profiling and coexpression network analysis provide insights into the mechanistic response.

Sulforaphane (SF) is a sulfur (S)-containing isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables and is known for its potent anticancer properties. Broccoli sprouts, in particular, are considered safe and healthy dietary choices due to their high SF content and other beneficial biological activities, such as enhanced metabolite ingestion. The application of selenium (Se) is an excellent approach to enhance the abundance of SF.

Circular mRNA Vaccine against SARS-COV-2 Variants Enabled by Degradable Lipid Nanoparticles.

The emergence of mRNA vaccines offers great promise and a potent platform in combating various diseases, notably COVID-19. Nevertheless, challenges such as inherent instability and potential side effects of current delivery systems underscore the critical need for the advancement of stable, safe, and efficacious mRNA vaccines. In this study, a robust mRNA vaccine (cmRNA-1130) eliciting potent immune activation has been developed from a biodegradable lipid with eight ester bonds in the branched tail (AX4) and synthetic circular mRNA (cmRNA) encoding the trimeric Delta receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Unveiling immune resistance mechanisms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and emerging targets for antitumor immune response: tertiary lymphoid structures.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent malignancy in China, commonly associated with undifferentiated cell types and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The presence of intense lymphocytic infiltration and elevated expression of programmed cell death ligand 1(PD-L1) in NPC highlights its potential for immunotherapy, yet current treatment outcomes remain suboptimal. In this review, we explore the tumor microenvironment of NPC to better understand the mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy, evaluate current therapeutic strategies, and pinpoint emerging targets, such as tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), that could enhance treatment outcomes and prognostic accuracy.

Tumor metabolic regulators: key drivers of metabolic reprogramming and the promising targets in cancer therapy.

Metabolic reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a hallmark of cancer and a crucial determinant of tumor progression. Research indicates that various metabolic regulators form a metabolic network in the TME and interact with immune cells, coordinating the tumor immune response. Metabolic dysregulation creates an immunosuppressive TME, impairing the antitumor immune response.

LOX-induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis via the TGF-β/LOX/Snail axis in diabetic mice.

Background: The partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is emerging as a significant mechanism in diabetic nephropathy (DN). LOX is a copper amine oxidase conventionally thought to act by crosslinking collagen. However, the role of LOX in partial EMT and fibrotic progression in diabetic nephropathy has not been investigated experimentally.

Long non-coding RNA CAR10 promotes angiogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma by mediating nuclear LDHA to epigenetically regulate VEGFA/C.

Angiogenesis is a significant character of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and is an important reason leading to high mortality rates of LUAD patients. However, the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs regulating the angiogenesis in LUAD have not been fully elucidated. Here we show lncRNA chromatin-associated RNA 10 (CAR10) was upregulated in the tumor tissue of patients with LUAD and enhanced tumor metastasis.

Development of a novel multi-epitope subunit mRNA vaccine candidate to combat Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic bacterium prevalent in various environment, is a significant cause of nosocomial infections in ICUs. As the causative agent of pneumonia, septicemia, and meningitis, A. baumannii typically exhibits multidrug resistance and is associated with poor prognosis, thus led to a challenge for researchers in developing new treatment and prevention methods.

Sugemule-7 alleviates oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cell death, promoting synaptic plasticity recovery in mice with postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD) profoundly impacts the mental and physical health of women globally and is an incurable psychological disorder. Traditional pharmacological treatments often have strong side effects and may adversely affect infant health through breastfeeding, underscoring the critical need for natural and gentle treatment strategies. Sugemule-7, a traditional Chinese medicine comprising multiple natural plant ingredients, represents a potentially safer and more effective alternative.

Near-infrared fluorogenic RNA for in vivo imaging and sensing.

Fluorogenic RNA aptamers have various applications, including use as fluorescent tags for imaging RNA trafficking and as indicators of RNA-based sensors that exhibit fluorescence upon binding small-molecule fluorophores in living cells. Current fluorogenic RNA:fluorophore complexes typically emit visible fluorescence. However, it is challenging to develop fluorogenic RNA with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence for in vivo imaging and sensing studies.

Mitochondrial diseases: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic advances.

Mitochondria are essential for cellular function and viability, serving as central hubs of metabolism and signaling. They possess various metabolic and quality control mechanisms crucial for maintaining normal cellular activities. Mitochondrial genetic disorders can arise from a wide range of mutations in either mitochondrial or nuclear DNA, which encode mitochondrial proteins or other contents.

Inequitable distribution of risks associated with occupational heat exposure driven by trade.

The exposure to extreme heat at workplaces poses substantial threat to human effort and manual labour. This becomes more prominent due to the global dispersion of labour-intensive production activities via trade. We combine a climate model with an input-output model to quantify the risks associated with trade-related occupational extreme heat exposure.

Interfacial Oxygen Vacancy-Copper Pair Sites on Inverse CeO2/Cu Catalyst Enable Efficient CO2 Electroreduction to Ethanol in Acid.

Renewable electricity-driven electrochemical reduction of CO2 offers a promising route for production of high-value ethanol. However, the current state of this technology is hindered by low selectivity and productivity, primarily due to limited understanding of the atomic-level active sites involved in ethanol formation. Herein, we identify that the interfacial oxygen vacancy-neighboring Cu (Ov-Cu) pair sites are the active sites for CO2 electroreduction to ethanol.

On-site visual quantification of alkaline phosphatase activity in cells using a smartphone-based approach.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a critical biomarker associated with various physiological and pathological processes, making its detection essential for disease diagnosis and biomedical research. In this study, we developed a novel, simple, and portable visual quantification method for ALP activity in cells using an efficient CuZnS nanomaterial with peroxidase-like properties, integrated into a smartphone-based platform for enhanced usability. The CuZnS nanomaterial catalyzes the breakdown of H₂O₂, generating ·OH radicals that oxidize the colorless substrate TMB into blue oxTMB, which is subsequently reduced back to TMB by ascorbic acid (AA).

Rapid and dual-mode nitrite detection with improved sensitivity by nanointerface-regulated ultrafast Griess assay.

Background: The rapid and sensitive detection of nitrite is important to human health protection due to its carcinogenic and teratogenic risks with excessive intake. The Griess assay is widely applied for the design of nitrite detection system. However, its relatively slow reaction kinetics and sole colorimetry mode might limit it's the sensitivity and practical application.

Severe hyperhomocysteinemia due to MTHFR deficiency caused by a new mutation: A case report and literature review.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene, leading to a variety of clinical manifestations. In October 2022, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University admitted a 21-year-old male patient with neuropsychiatric disorders, presenting primarily with cognitive decline, limb tremors, abnormal mental and behavioral symptoms, seizures, and gait disturbances. These symptoms had gradually developed over 5 years, worsening significantly in the past year.

Research progress in anti-renal fibrosis drugs.

Renal fibrosis is the common pathological basis for the progressive development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by various etiologies. It is characterized by the persistent deposition of extracellular matrix, leading to renal tissue damage and impaired renal function, and ultimately progressing to kidney failure. Current clinical treatments for CKD mainly focus on managing the primary diseases, with no specific drugs targeting renal fibrosis.

Pyroptosis and sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death triggered by inflammatory caspases, dependent on the gasdermin (GSDM) family proteins forming membrane pores in the plasma membrane, with GSDM proteins serving as the executors of pyroptosis. This process can activate a robust inflammatory response through a cascade effect. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is a classical inflammatory disease with no specific therapeutic drug available.

Multidisciplinary integration and fusion based on critical care medicine and immunology: History, current status, and prospects.

Critical care medicine focuses on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment approaches for life-threatening conditions, including sepsis, severe trauma/burns, hemorrhagic shock, heatstroke, and acute pancreatitis, all of which have high incidence rates. These conditions are primarily characterized by acute multi-organ dysfunction, with sudden onset, severe illness, and high mortality rates. Additionally, critical care treatment demands substantial medical resources, imposing significant economic burdens on patients' families and society.

Application of tumor organoids simulating the tumor microenvironment in basic and clinical research of tumor immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy has led to groundbreaking advances in anti-tumor treatment, yet significant clinical challenges remain such as the low proportion of beneficiaries and the lack of effective platforms for predicting therapeutic response. Organoid technology provides a novel solution to these issues. Organoids are three-dimensional tissue cultures derived from adult stem cells or pluripotent stem cells that closely replicate the structural and biological characteristics of native organs, demonstrating particularly strong potential in modeling the tumor microenvironment (TME).