Krait2: a versatile software for microsatellite investigation, visualization and marker development.

Background: Microsatellites are highly polymorphic repeat sequences ubiquitously interspersed throughout almost all genomes which are widely used as powerful molecular markers in diverse fields. Microsatellite expansions play pivotal roles in gene expression regulation and are implicated in various neurological diseases and cancers. Although much effort has been devoted to developing efficient tools for microsatellite identification, there is still a lack of a powerful tool for large-scale microsatellite analysis.

Molecular mechanism of protein-lipid interactions in steamed egg gelation and deterioration: A quantitative proteomic study.

Steamed egg (SE), a traditional egg dish, exhibits steaming time-dependent textural properties. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying SE gel formation and deterioration through quantitative proteomics combined with physicochemical characterization. Results showed optimal gel formation at 11 min steaming, while prolonged steaming (23 min) led to gel cracking and sensory deterioration.

Human embryo implantation: The complex interplay between endometrial receptivity and the microbiome.

The endometrial and vaginal microbiota have co-evolved with the reproductive tract and play a key role in both health and disease. However, the difference between endometrial and vaginal microbiota, as well as their association with reproductive outcomes in women undergoing frozen embryo transfer, remains unclear. 120 women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and whole embryo freezing were enrolled.

Investigating the relationship between goal orientation, self-efficacy, positive emotionality, and affective engagement among Chinese students.

This study delved into the complex interplay between self-efficacy, achievement goals, positive emotions, and affective engagement among university students in China. To achieve this, a stratified random sampling technique was employed, resulting in a sample of 391 students from four geographically distinct universities across China. The data collection relied on self-reported questionnaires that measured academic self-efficacy, goal orientation (specifically focusing on mastery versus performance goals), positive emotions, and various aspects of affective engagement, including enjoyment, satisfaction, and interest in learning.

Integrative Omics Analysis Reveals Mechanisms of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Djulis Spikes.

Djulis ( Koidz.), a member of the family plant, is noted for its vibrant appearance and significant ornamental value. However, the mechanisms underlying color variation in its spikes remain unexplored.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Oxidative Coupling of Methane over Metal-Loaded TiO Nanowires.

The photocatalytic oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) on metal-loaded one-dimensional TiO nanowires (TiO NWs) was performed. With metal loading, the electric and optical properties of TiO NWs were adjusted, contributing to the improvement of the activity and selectivity of the OCM reaction. In the photocatalytic OCM reaction, the 1.

From Species to Varieties: How Modern Sequencing Technologies Are Shaping Medicinal Plant Identification.

Background/objectives: Modern sequencing technologies have transformed the identification of medicinal plant species and varieties, overcoming the limitations of traditional morphological and chemical approaches. This review explores the key DNA-based techniques, including molecular markers, DNA barcoding, and high-throughput sequencing, and their contributions to enhancing the accuracy and reliability of plant identification. Additionally, the integration of multi-omics approaches is examined to provide a comprehensive understanding of medicinal plant identity.

SSL5-AnxA5 Fusion Protein Constructed Based on Human Atherosclerotic Plaque scRNA-Seq Data Preventing the Binding of Apoptotic Endothelial Cells, Platelets, and Inflammatory Cells.

Coronary obstruction following plaque rupture is a critical pathophysiological change in the progression of stable angina (SAP) to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The accumulation of platelets and various inflammatory cells on apoptotic endothelial cells is a key factor in arterial obstruction after plaque rupture. Through single-cell sequencing analysis (scRNA-seq) of plaques from SAP and ACS patients, we identified significant changes in the annexin V and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 pathways.

Sources of Lipopeptides and Their Applications in Food and Human Health: A Review.

Lipopeptides (LPs) are widely sourced surface-active natural products with a wide range of functions and low toxicity, high potency, and good biodegradability. In this paper, we summarize, for the first time, the plant, animal, microbial, and synthetic sources of LPs. We also introduce the applications of LPs in food and human health, including (1) LPs can inhibit the growth of food microorganisms during production and preservation.

What are the problems and suggestions related to cancer health education in Sichuan, China? A qualitative study of community health workers (CHWs).

Background: Health education conducted by community health workers (CHWs) is an evidence-based strategy for promoting cancer prevention, cancer screening, and adherence to medical guidance from doctors. However, CHWs are confronted with some problems related to cancer health education in China. This study aimed to clarify CHWs' awareness of problems in cancer health education in China and the solutions that they were considering to improve the quality and efficiency of cancer health education.

An adaptive Bayesian randomized controlled trial of traditional Chinese medicine in progressive pulmonary fibrosis: Rationale and study design.

Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) is a progressive and lethal condition with few effective treatment options. Improvements in quality of life for patients with PPF remain limited even while receiving treatment with approved antifibrotic drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the potential to improve cough, dyspnea and fatigue symptoms of patients with PPF.

Zhongfeng Xingnao Liquid ameliorates post-stroke cognitive impairment through sirtuin1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway.

The activation of the sirtuin1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway has been shown to mitigate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Zhongfeng Xingnao Liquid (ZFXN) ameliorates post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). However, the underlying mechanism, particularly whether it involves protecting mitochondria and inhibiting apoptosis through the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, remains unclear.

Effects of silymarin on insulin resistance and sensitivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of silymarin on insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to September 2024 for relevant RCTs. The intervention required silymarin supplementation for at least 4 weeks.

Progress in the development of macrophage migration inhibitory factor small-molecule inhibitors.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) functions as a critical cytokine regulating inflammatory and immune responses. Extensive research has demonstrated its involvement in the progression of various cancers, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory disorders, establishing it as a pivotal target for anti-inflammatory and anticancer interventions. Therapeutic strategies aimed at MIF primarily focus on suppressing its activity through small molecule inhibitors and natural compounds.

Unveiling the role of OsSAP17: Enhancing plant resistance to drought and salt.

With the intensification of climate change coupled with the inadequate agricultural management in certain regions, plants face numerous challenges due to various abiotic stresses. Stress associated proteins (SAPs) are essential functional genes in plants for coping with stress. This research provides a functional analysis of OsSAP17, a protein belonging to the SAP family in rice.

Electrochemical reduction for chlorinated hydrocarbons contaminated groundwater remediation: Mechanisms, challenges, and perspectives.

Electrochemical reduction technology is a promising method for addressing the persistent contamination of groundwater by chlorinated hydrocarbons. Current research shows that electrochemical reductive dechlorination primarily relies on direct electron transfer (DET) and active hydrogen (H) mediated indirect electron transfer processes, thereby achieving efficient dechlorination and detoxification. This paper explores the influence of the molecular charge structure of chlorinated hydrocarbons, including chlorolefin, chloroalkanes, chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, and chloro-carboxylic acid, on reductive dechlorination from the perspective of molecular electrostatic potential and local electron affinity.

Regioselective 1,4-Addition of P(O)-H Species to In SituFormed 1-Benzopyrylium Ion from C3-Substituted 2-Chromene Hemiketals to Construct C3-Functionalized C4-Phosphorylated 4-Chromenes.

Herein, we report the first example that P(O)-H species including -phosphonates and -phosphine oxides could participate in a highly regioselective 1,4-addition to in situ generated 1-benzopyrylium ion from C3-substituted 2-chromene hemiketals, which provides a brand-new and effective approach for the synthesis of C4-phosphorylated 4-chromenes with diverse C3-functionality (ketone, ester, sulfonyl, aryl, and alkyl groups). In total, the reaction features the use of inexpensive Zn(ClO)·6HO as a catalyst, low catalyst loading (only 5 mol %), mild reaction conditions (60 °C, 10 min to 24 h), and broad substrate scope (46 examples) as well as good to high yields (>90% yield on average). More importantly, mechanistic experiments demonstrated the essential role of the C3-substituent on 2-chromene hemiketals in stabilizing the in situ generated 1-benzopyrylium ion and the regioselective 1,4-addition control.

Exploring the Anticancer Potential of MonoHER (7-Mono-O-(β-Hydroxyethyl)-Rutoside): Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis in HepG2 Cells.

Background/aim: Flavonoids are a group of polyphenols, abundantly present in our diet. Although, based on their chemoprotective effects, intake of flavonoids is associated with a high anticancer potential as evidenced in in vitro and in vivo models, the molecular mechanism is still elusive. This study explores the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of the semi-synthetic flavonoid MonoHER (7-mono-O-(β-hydroxyethyl)-rutoside) in vitro on cancer cells.

White Matter-Gray Matter Correlation Analysis Based on White Matter Functional Gradient.

Background: The spontaneous fluctuations in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals of the brain's gray matter (GM) have been interpreted as representations of neural activity variations. In previous research, white matter (WM) signals, often considered noise, have also been demonstrated to reflect characteristics of functional activity and interactions among different brain regions. Recently, functional gradients have gained significant attention due to their success in characterizing the functional organization of the whole brain.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of collecting duct carcinoma in the renal: a case report misdiagnosed as renal abscess on computed tomography scan.

Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC), also known as Bellini duct carcinoma, is a rare malignancy with significant challenges in early diagnosis. This paper presents a case report of CDC that was misdiagnosed as renal abscess on computed tomography (CT). A 49-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with bilateral lumbar pain, exacerbated on the left side, accompanied by hematuria.

Qizhu Rougan Granules suppress liver fibrosis by inhibiting the expression of the P2Y14 receptor on hepatic stellate cells.

Introduction: Liver fibrosis is a globally prevalent chronic liver disease, often representing the advanced stage of various chronic liver conditions. Despite its widespread occurrence, there is currently no widely accepted or effective treatment for liver fibrosis. However, increasing evidence supports the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in inhibiting the progression of fibrosis.

A family with normal sperm motility carrying a sY86 deletion in AZFa region and partial deletion in AZFc region.

Introduction: Usually, patients with sY84 or sY86 deficiency present with azoospermia, but recent studies have shown that some males with partial AZFa deletions, including sY84 or sY86, exhibit normal fertility. Here, we reported a rare case of AZF deletion in a family, where both father and son exhibited a deletion at the sY86 site in the AZFa region and a partial deletion in the AZFc region.

Methods And Results: Detection was performed using classical multiplex polymerase chain reaction and the "Male AZF Full-region Detection" Panel, revealing specific deletions in AZFa: Yq11.

MnGA with multiple enzyme-like properties for acute wound healing by reducing oxidative stress and modulating signaling pathways.

Nanozymes with specific catalytic activity inhibit inflammation and promote wound healing efficiently and safely. In this work, multifunctional manganese-based nanozymes (MnGA) with antioxidant properties were successfully constructed via a simple coordination reaction in which manganese chloride was used as the manganese source and gallic acid (GA) was used as the ligand solution. MnGA possesses both catalase-like (CAT-like) and superoxide dismutase-like (SOD-like) activities and a reactive nitrogen species (RNS) scavenging capacity, which enables it to efficiently inhibit the inflammatory response.

In(III)-Catalyzed 1,2-Hydrophosphorylation of 3-Alkynyl-3-hydroxyisoindolinones to 3,3-Disubstituted Isoindolinones Featuring Both Phosphoryl and Alkynyl Groups at the C3-Position.

We report a highly regioselective 1,2-addition of P(O)-H compounds to the in situ generated β,γ-alkynyl-α-ketimine derived from 3-alkynyl-3-hydroxyisoindolinones, which provided a general protocol for the preparation of 3,3-disubstituted isoindolinones featuring both phosphoryl and alkynyl groups at a quaternary carbon center. The use of only 2-5 mol % of an inexpensive catalyst (In(ClO)·8HO or Bi(OTf)) allowed the smooth output of the desired products under mild conditions (25 °C, 0.5-24 h) with a broad substrate scope (35 examples) in up to >99% yield.