BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is widely considered to be a major risk factor for gastric cancer,contributing to its development through the Correa cascade.Yin Yang 1(YY1)is a transcription factor t...BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is widely considered to be a major risk factor for gastric cancer,contributing to its development through the Correa cascade.Yin Yang 1(YY1)is a transcription factor that acts as a promoter or suppressor of cancer progression.However,the role of YY1 in the inflammatory transformation associated with H.pylori-induced gastric cancer remains unclear.AIM To explore the expression of YY1 in gastric cancer and its impact on cancer progression with H.pylori infection.METHODS H.pylori bacteria were cocultured with GSE1 cells,AGS cells,and SGC7901 cells,as well as in infected and xenograft mouse models.Expression of YY1,members of the Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related proteins in gastric cancer was examined using Western blotting,quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction,and immunohistochemistry.Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test.The role of YY1 in gastric cancer cell proliferation was further evaluated through in vitro and in vivo assays.RESULTS YY1 was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells.Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that high YY1 expression correlated with a poor prognosis.YY1 expression showed a gradually increasing trend in H.pyloriinduced gastritis and gastric tumors.In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that H.pylori infection promoted phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3,thereby activating the EMT pathway,in which YY1 played a key role.YY1 and JAK2 interaction was validated by chromatin immunoprecipitation.YY1 knockdown or pharmacological inhibition reversed EMT and suppressed gastric cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.CONCLUSION These results suggest that YY1 plays an important role in progression of H.pylori-induced gastric cancer by activating EMT.展开更多
Streptococcus mutans(S. mutans), a major aetiologic agent of dental caries, is involved in systemic diseases, such as bacterial endocarditis, if it enters the bloodstream through temporary bacteraemia. Interleukin(IL...Streptococcus mutans(S. mutans), a major aetiologic agent of dental caries, is involved in systemic diseases, such as bacterial endocarditis, if it enters the bloodstream through temporary bacteraemia. Interleukin(IL)-1β, a proinflammatory cytokine, is related to the host defences against pathogens, and its synthesis, maturation, and secretion are tightly regulated by the activation of the inflammasome, an inflammatory signalling complex. This study examined the signalling mechanism of IL-1β secretion and the inflammasome pathway induced by S. mutans to explain the molecular mechanism through which systemic infection by oral streptococci can occur. After infection of THP-1 cells with S. mutans, the expression of inflammasome components was detected using various methods. S. mutans induced IL-1β secretion via caspase-1 activation, and S. mutans-induced IL-1β secretion required absent in melanoma(AIM2), NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3) and NLR family CARD domain-containing 4(NLRC4)inflammasome activation. In particular, the S. mutans-induced NLRP3 inflammasome was mediated by adenosine triphosphate(ATP) release, potassium depletion and lysosomal damage. Our study provides novel insight into the innate immune response against S. mutans infection.展开更多
Tumor-induced osteomalacia （TIO） is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in which ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 （FGF23） by non-malignant mesenchymal tumors causes phosphate wasting and bone fractures...Tumor-induced osteomalacia （TIO） is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in which ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 （FGF23） by non-malignant mesenchymal tumors causes phosphate wasting and bone fractures. Recent studies have implicated the hypoxia-inducible factor-la （HIF-la） in other phosphate wasting disorders caused by elevated FGF23, including X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and autosomal dominant hypophosphatemia. Here we provide evidence that HIF-la mediates aberrant FGF23 in TIO by transcriptionally activating its promoter. Immunohistochemical studies in phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors resected from patients with documented TIO showed that HIF-la and FGF23 were co-localized in spindle- shaped cells adjacent to blood vessels. Cultured tumor tissue produced high levels of intact FGF23 and demonstrated increased expression of HIF-la protein. Transfection of MC3T3-E1 and Saos-2 cells with a HIF-la expression construct induced the activity of a FGF23 reporter construct. Prior treatment of tumor organ cultures with HIF-la inhibitors decreased HIF-la and FGF23 protein accumulation and inhibited HIF-la-induced luciferase reporter activity in transfected cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed binding to a HIF-la consensus sequence within the proximal FGF23 promoter, which was eliminated by treatment with a HIF-la inhibitor. These results show for the first time that HIF-la is a direct transcriptional activator of FGF23 and suggest that upregulation of HIF-la activity in TIO contributes to the aberrant FGF23 production in these patients.展开更多
OBJECTIVES： An animal experiment clarified that insertion of an orthodontic apparatus activated the trigeminal neurons of the medulla oblongata. Orthodontic tooth movement is known to be associated with the sympathet...OBJECTIVES： An animal experiment clarified that insertion of an orthodontic apparatus activated the trigeminal neurons of the medulla oblongata. Orthodontic tooth movement is known to be associated with the sympathetic nervous system and controlled by the nucleus of the hypothalamus. However, the transmission of both has not been demonstrated in humans. The purpose of this study were to examine the activated cerebral areas using brain functional magnetic resonance imaging（MRI）, when orthodontic tooth separators were inserted, and to confirm the possibility of the transmission route from the medulla oblongata to the hypothalamus.METHODS： Two types of alternative orthodontic tooth separators（brass contact gauge and floss） were inserted into the right upper premolars of 10 healthy volunteers. Brain functional T2＊-weighted images and anatomical T1-weighted images were taken.RESULTS： The blood oxygenation level dependent（BOLD） signals following insertion of a brass contact gauge and floss significantly increased in the somatosensory association cortex and hypothalamic area.CONCLUSION： Our findings suggest the possibility of a transmission route from the medulla oblongata to the hypothalamus.展开更多
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are reported to act as effective adjuvants to elicit anti-tumor and anti-infection immunity. Here, we report that Hsp70-like protein 1 (Hsp70L1), a novel HSP derived from human dendritic cel...Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are reported to act as effective adjuvants to elicit anti-tumor and anti-infection immunity. Here, we report that Hsp70-like protein 1 (Hsp70L1), a novel HSP derived from human dendritic cells (DCs), has potent adjuvant effects that polarize responses toward Th1. With a calculated molecular weight of 54.8 kDa, Hsp70L1 is smaller in size than Hsp70 but resembles it both structurally and functionally. Hsp70L1 shares common receptors on DCs with Hsp70 and can interact with DCs, promoting DC maturation and stimulating secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 12p70 (IL-12p70), IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the chemokines IP-10, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), MIP-1beta, and normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). The induction of interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) secretion by Hsp70L1 is not shared by Hsp70, and other functional differences include more potent stimulation of DC IL-12p70, CC-chemokine, and CCR7 and CXCR4 expression by Hsp70L1. Immunization of mice with the hybrid peptide Hsp70L1-ovalbumin(OVA)(257-264) induces an OVA(257-264)-specific Th1 response and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) that results in significant inhibition of E.G7-OVA tumor growth. The ability of Hsp70L1 to activate DCs indicates its potential as a novel adjuvant for use with peptide immunizations; the Hsp70L1 antigen peptide hybrid may serve as a more effective vaccine for the control of cancer and infectious diseases.展开更多
Dear Editor,Human papillomaviruses(HPV)are a large group(>200genotypes)of small double-stranded DNA viruses(https://pave.niaid.nih.gov/).Although infections by most HPV types are asymptomatic,persistent infections ...Dear Editor,Human papillomaviruses(HPV)are a large group(>200genotypes)of small double-stranded DNA viruses(https://pave.niaid.nih.gov/).Although infections by most HPV types are asymptomatic,persistent infections in cervical and ano-genital epithelia by high-risk展开更多
<abstract>The recent development of a prosaposin -/- mouse model has allowed the investigation of the role of prosaposin in the development of the male reproductive organs. A morphometric analysis of the male re...<abstract>The recent development of a prosaposin -/- mouse model has allowed the investigation of the role of prosaposin in the development of the male reproductive organs. A morphometric analysis of the male reproductive system of 37 days old mice revealed that prosaposin ablation produced a 30 % reduction in size and weight of the testes, 37 % of the epididymis, 75 % of the seminal vesicles and 60 % of the prostate glands. Light microscopy (LM) showed that smaller testis size from homozygous mutant mice was associated with reduced spermiogenesis. Both, dorsal and ventral lobules of the prostate glands were underdeveloped in the homozygous mutant. LM analysis also showed that prostatic alveoli were considerably smaller and lined by shorter epithelial cells in the homozygous mutant. Smaller tubular diameter and shorter undifferentiated epithelial cells were also observed in seminal vesicles and epididymis. In the efferent ducts of the homozygous mutant mice, the epithelium was composed exclusively of ciliated cells in contrast to the heterozygotes, which showed the presence of nonciliated cells. Radioimmunoassays demonstrated that testosterone levels were normal or higher in mice with the inactivated prosaposin gene. Immunostaining of prostate sections with an anti-androgen receptor antibody showed that the epithelial cells lining the alveoli express androgen receptor in both the heterozygous and homozygous tissue. Similarly, sections immunostained with antibodies to the phosphorylated MAPKs and Akts strongly reacted with tall prostatic secretory cells in prostate from heterozygous mouse. On the other hand, the epithelial cells in the homozygous prostate remained unstained or weakly stained. These findings demonstrate that inactivation of the prosaposin gene affected the development of the prostate gland and some components of the MAPK pathway. 63 )展开更多
Objective： Salmonella enterica remains a major cause of food-borne disease in humans, and Salmonella Typhimurium （ST） contamination of poultry products is a worldwide problem. Since macrophages play an essential ro...Objective： Salmonella enterica remains a major cause of food-borne disease in humans, and Salmonella Typhimurium （ST） contamination of poultry products is a worldwide problem. Since macrophages play an essential role in controlling Salmonella infection, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glycyrrhizic acid （GA） on immune function of chicken HD11 macrophages. Methods： Chicken HD11 macrophages were treated with GA （0, 12.5 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 800 pg/ml） and lipopolysaccharide （LPS, 500 ng/ml） for 3, 6, 12, 24, or 48 h. Evaluated responses included phagocytosis, bacteria-killing, gene expression of cell surface molecules （cluster of differentiation 40 （CD40）, CD80, CD83, and CD197） and antimicrobial effectors （inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）, NADPH oxidase-1 （NOX-1）, interferon-γ （IFN-γ）, LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α factor （LITAF）, interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-IO）, and production of nitric oxide （NO） and hydrogen peroxide （H202）. Results： GA increased the internalization of both fiuorescein isothiocyanate （FITC）-dextran and ST by HD11 cells and markedly decreased the intracellular survival of ST. We found that the messenger RNA （mRNA） expression of cell surface molecules （CD40, CDSO, CD83, and CD197） and cytokines （IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10） of HD11 cells was up-regulated following GA exposure. The expression of iNOS and NOX-1 was induced by GA and thereby the productions of NO and H202 in HD11 cells were enhanced. Notably, it was verified that nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） and c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） pathways were responsible for GA-induced synthesis of NO and IFN-γ gene expression. Conclusions： Taken together, these results suggested that GA exhibits a potent immune regulatory effect to activate chicken macrophages and enhances Salmonella-killing capacity.展开更多
Obesity is an established risk factor for endometrial cancer.Leptin,a secreted protein of the ob gene by white adipose tissue,plays an important role in the regulation of food intake and energy consumption in the brai...Obesity is an established risk factor for endometrial cancer.Leptin,a secreted protein of the ob gene by white adipose tissue,plays an important role in the regulation of food intake and energy consumption in the brain and acts as a potential growth stimulator in normal and neoplastic cancer cells.However,a direct role for leptin in endometrial cancer has not been demonstrated.In the present study,the effect of leptin on the proliferation of Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells was investigated as well as the possible mechanism（s） underlying this action in endometrial cancers which express both short and long isoforms of leptin receptors.The expression of leptin receptor（ObRb） in Ishikawa cells was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.The cells after serum starvation,were treated by leptin with various concentrations（0,10,50,100,150 ng/mL） for different durations（6,12,24 h）.The effect of leptin treatment on cell proliferation was examined by MTT assay.Meanwhile,inhibitory effect of Janus tyrosine kinase 2（JAK2）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3（STAT3） inhibitor AG490 or extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2（ERK1/2） inhibitor PD98059 on the proliferation of Ishikawa cells induced by leptin was also studied.Ishikawa cells were treated with 100 ng/mL leptin for various periods（0,20,40,60 min）,and the levels of STAT3 phosphorylation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were examined by Western blotting.The results showed that leptin induced the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the activation of ERK1/2 in a time-and dose-dependent manner in the Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells.Blocking STAT3 phosphorylation with the inhibitor AG490,or blocking ERK1/2 activation by the specific ERK1/2 kinase inhibitor,PD98059,abolished leptin-induced proliferation of Ishikawa cells.In addition,leptin was found to potently induce the invasion of endometrial cancer cells in a Matrigel invasion assay.Leptin-stimulated invasion was effectively blocked by pharmacological inhibitors of STAT3（AG490） and ERK1/2 kinase（PD98059）.These results suggested that leptin promotes endometrial cancer growth and invasiveness by activating STAT3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways and therefore blocking its action at the receptor level can be a rational therapeutic strategy.展开更多
Atorvastatin, a lipid-lowering medication, provides neuroprotective effects, although the precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Our previous studies confirmed activated autophagy following spinal cord injury, w...Atorvastatin, a lipid-lowering medication, provides neuroprotective effects, although the precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Our previous studies confirmed activated autophagy following spinal cord injury, which was conducive to recovery of neurological functions. We hypothesized that atorvastatin could also activate autophagy after spinal cord injury, and subsequently improve recovery of neurological functions. A rat model of spinal cord injury was established based on the Allen method. Atorvastatin（5 mg/kg） was intraperitoneally injected at 1 and 2 days after spinal cord injury. At 7 days post-injury, western blot assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dU TP nick-end labeling（TUNEL） staining results showed increased Beclin-1 and light chain 3B gene and protein expressions in the spinal cord injury ＋ atorvastatin group. Additionally, caspase-9 and caspase-3 expression was decreased, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells was reduced. Compared with the spinal cord injury ＋ saline group, Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores significantly increased in the spinal cord injury ＋ atorvastatin group at 14–42 days post-injury. These findings suggest that atorvastatin activated autophagy after spinal cord injury, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted recovery of neurological function.展开更多
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of caprylic acid(C8:0)on lipid metabolism and inflammation,and examine the mechanisms underlying these effects in mice and cells.Methods Fifty-six 6-week-old male ...Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of caprylic acid(C8:0)on lipid metabolism and inflammation,and examine the mechanisms underlying these effects in mice and cells.Methods Fifty-six 6-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to four groups fed a highfat diet(HFD)without or with 2%C8:0,palmitic acid(C16:0)or eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA).RAW246.7 cells were randomly divided into five groups:normal,lipopolysaccharide(LPS),LPS+C8:0,LPS+EPA and LPS+cAMP.The serum lipid profiles,inflammatory biomolecules,and ABCA1 and JAK2/STAT3 mRNA and protein expression were measured.Results C8:0 decreased TC and LDL-C,and increased the HDL-C/LDL-C ratio after injection of LPS.Without LPS,it decreased TC in mice(P<0.05).Moreover,C8:0 decreased the inflammatory response after LPS treatment in both mice and cells(P<0.05).Mechanistic investigations in C57BL/6J mouse aortas after injection of LPS indicated that C8:0 resulted in higher ABCA1 and JAK2/STAT3 expression than that with HFD,C16:0 and EPA,and resulted in lower TNF-α,NF-κB mRNA expression than that with HFD(P<0.05).In RAW 264.7 cells,C8:0 resulted in lower expression of pNF-κBP65 than that in the LPS group,and higher protein expression of ABCA1,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 than that in the LPS and LPS+cAMP groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Our studies demonstrated that C8:0 may play an important role in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response,and the mechanism may be associated with ABCA1 and the p-JAK2/p-STAT3 signaling pathway.展开更多
Cobalt-rich perovskite oxides play a paramount role in catalyzing oxygen evolution reaction(OER)on account of their acceptable intrinsic activity but are still challenging due to the high costs and undesired stability...Cobalt-rich perovskite oxides play a paramount role in catalyzing oxygen evolution reaction(OER)on account of their acceptable intrinsic activity but are still challenging due to the high costs and undesired stability.In response to the defects,herein,the Mg-incorporated perovskite cobaltite SrCo_(0.6)Fe_(0.3M)g_(0.1)O_(3-δ)(SCFM-0.1)is proposed as a novel earth-abundant and durable OER electrocatalyst.A well-consolidated cubic-symmetry structure and more active oxygen intermediates are enabled upon Mg substitution.Hence,the optimized SCFM-0.1 perovskite oxide achieves prominent OER electrocatalytic performance,that is,a low overpotential of only 320 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2),a small Tafel slope of 65 mV dec^(-1),as well as an outstanding durability within 20 h,substantially outperforming that of the pristine SrCo_(0.7)Fe_(0.3)O_(3-δ)and benchmark Ba_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ)and IrO_(2) catalysts.The strong pHdependent behavior associated with lattice oxygen activation mechanism for SCFM-0.1 catalyst is also confirmed.This work paves a unique avenue to develop cost-effective and robust perovskite cobaltites for efficient OER electrocatalysis.展开更多
Inclusion bodies(IBs)of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation(LLPS)and contain internal structures termed“IB-associated granules”(IBAGs),where anti-termination factor M2-1 and ...Inclusion bodies(IBs)of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation(LLPS)and contain internal structures termed“IB-associated granules”(IBAGs),where anti-termination factor M2-1 and viral mRNAs are concentrated.However,the mechanism of IBAG formation and the physiological function of IBAGs are unclear.Here,we found that the internal structures of RSV IBs are actual M2-1-free viral messenger ribonucleoprotein(mRNP)condensates formed by secondary LLPS.Mechanistically,the RSV nucleoprotein(N)and M2-1 interact with and recruit PABP to IBs,promoting PABP to bind viral mRNAs transcribed in IBs by RNArecognition motif and drive secondary phase separation.Furthermore,PABP-eIF4G1 interaction regulates viral mRNP condensate composition,thereby recruiting specific translation initiation factors(eIF4G1,eIF4E,eIF4A,eIF4B and eIF4H)into the secondary condensed phase to activate viral mRNAs for ribosomal recruitment.Our study proposes a novel LLPS-regulated translation mechanism during viral infection and a novel antiviral strategy via targeting on secondary condensed phase.展开更多
Cosmetics are used to improve physical appearance, but the benefits may be limited to people without visual impairment. The importance of attractiveness among blind persons has not been assessed. We investigated the i...Cosmetics are used to improve physical appearance, but the benefits may be limited to people without visual impairment. The importance of attractiveness among blind persons has not been assessed. We investigated the influence of makeup on brain activity of blind persons using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants were 7 blind females (BFs) who learned to fully apply makeup and 9 mostly age-matched normally sighted females (NSFs). Brain activity was measured using fMRI before and after application of makeup and during a makeup image task in each state. In the default mode network at rest, there was no difference between the BFs and NSFs. However, a lateral visual network to the opposite side was observed in the NSFs, whereas no such network was noted in the BFs. A weak network was noted in the BFs in the occipital fusiform gyrus and temporal occipital fusiform cortex, and an extensive visual area network defect was noted. Also, activity after makeup application was significantly higher in the nucleus accumbens, pallidum, and hippocampus. Activity in the right middle cingulate gyrus, right cerebral white matter, and right anterior cingulate gyrus was higher before makeup in both BFs and NSFs, and the activity was significantly higher and more extensive in the BFs. In conclusion, applying makeup is a personally rewarding activity, even for BFs, as it strongly activates the reward system and the reward/memory system network, even in the absence of a visual area network.展开更多
Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder aggravated by chronic neuroinflammation largely driven by reactive astrocytes.These cells promote epileptogenesis through persistent cytokine secretion and glial scar format...Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder aggravated by chronic neuroinflammation largely driven by reactive astrocytes.These cells promote epileptogenesis through persistent cytokine secretion and glial scar formation.Current antiepileptic drugs remain ineffective in targeting these mechanisms due to limited blood-brain barrier(BBB)permeability and poor astrocytic specificity.A transferrin-functionalized biomimetic nanotherapeutic loaded with resveratrol(RN@RTA)was developed to regulate astrocyte-mediated inflammation by activating sirtuin 1(SIRT1)and suppressing the mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor Kappalight-chain-enhancer of activated B cells(MAPK/NF-κB)axis.Using in vitro BBB models,primary astrocytes,and a pilocarpine-induced chronic epilepsy mouse model,we evaluated the capacity of RN@RTA to cross the BBB,inhibit inflammatory signaling,and reduce seizure activity.Mechanistic assays included immunoprecipitation of NF-κB complexes,cytokine quantification,RNA sequencing,and histopathological assessments of glial and synaptic markers.RN@RTA achieved 82%uptake by hippocampal astrocytes and significantly reduced Il6,Tnf-α,and Nlrp3 expression.SIRT1 activation disrupted the NF-κB p65/p300 complex,leading to transcriptional repression of inflammatory genes and enhancement of autophagy.In vivo,seizure frequency decreased by 67%,synaptic structure was preserved,and astrogliosis was markedly alleviated.The findings demonstrate a dual regulatory mechanism in which RN@RTA suppresses neuroinflammatory signaling and restores neural homeostasis,offering a promising molecularly targeted approach for refractory epilepsy.展开更多
Fenton-like technology based on peroxymonosulfate activation has shown great potential in refractory organics degradation.In this work,single Fe atom catalysts were synthesized through facile ball milling and exhibite...Fenton-like technology based on peroxymonosulfate activation has shown great potential in refractory organics degradation.In this work,single Fe atom catalysts were synthesized through facile ball milling and exhibited very high performance in peroxymonosulfate activation.The Fe single-atom filled an N vacancy on the triazine ring edge of C_(3)N_(4),as confirmed through X-ray absorption fine structure,density functional calculation and elec-tron paramagnetic resonance.The SAFe_(0.4)–C_(3)N_(4)/PMS system could completely remove phenol(20 mg/L)within 10 min and its first-order kinetic constant was 12.3 times that of the Fe_(3)O_(4)/PMS system.Under different ini-tial pH levels and in various anionic environments,SAFe_(0.4)–C_(3)N_(4) still demonstrated excellent catalytic activity,achieving a removal rate of over 90%for phenol within 12 min.In addition,SAFe_(0.4)–C_(3)N_(4) exhibited outstanding selectivity in reaction systems with different pollutants,showing excellent degradation effects on electron-rich pollutants only.Hydroxyl radicals(•OH),singlet oxygen(1O_(2))and high-valent iron oxide(Fe(Ⅳ)=O)were de-tected in the SAFe_(0.4)–C_(3)N_(4)/PMS system through free radical capture experiments.Further experiments on the quenching of active species and a methyl phenyl sulfoxide probe confirmed that 1O_(2) and Fe(Ⅳ)=O played dom-inant roles.Additionally,the change in the current response after adding PMS and phenol in succession proved that a direct electron transfer path between organic matter and the catalyst surface was unlikely to exist in the SAFe_(0.4)–C_(3)N_(4)/PMS/Phenol degradation system.This study provides a new demonstration of the catalytic mech-anism of single-atom catalysts.展开更多
Developing accurate methods for visualizing the expressions of proteins during the life process is a hotspot in the biochemical research field.Glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),one type of selenoproteins,was previously i...Developing accurate methods for visualizing the expressions of proteins during the life process is a hotspot in the biochemical research field.Glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),one type of selenoproteins,was previously identified as a significant ferroptosis-regulated protein.Therefore,a novel approach was established to visualize the activation process of selenocysteine(Sec)toward GPX4 via an Au–Se bonded fluorescent nanoprobe and assisted by western blot analysis.The Au–Se nanoprobe was constructed by selenol-modified peptides for monitoring the concentration changes of Sec.The fluorescence intensity of Sec in confocal fluorescence imaging positively correlates with GPX4's activation level,proved by western blot analysis in living cells.This study provides an intuitional and visual strategy for predicting the functional expression of GPX4 during the ferroptosis process and offers new directions for the future investigation of proteins'functional expressions.展开更多
Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apopt...Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.展开更多
To elucidate the effect of calcite-regulated activated carbon(AC)structure on low-temperature denitrification performance of SCR catalysts,this work prepared a series of Mn-Ce/De-AC-xCaCO_(3)(x is the calcite content ...To elucidate the effect of calcite-regulated activated carbon(AC)structure on low-temperature denitrification performance of SCR catalysts,this work prepared a series of Mn-Ce/De-AC-xCaCO_(3)(x is the calcite content in coal)catalysts were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method,followed by acid washing to remove calcium-containing minerals.Comprehensive characterization and low-temperature denitrification tests revealed that calcite-induced structural modulation of coal-derived AC significantly enhances catalytic activity.Specifically,NO conversion increased from 88.3%of Mn-Ce/De-AC to 91.7%of Mn-Ce/De-AC-1CaCO_(3)(210℃).The improved SCR denitrification activity results from the enhancement of physicochemical properties including higher Mn^(4+)content and Ce^(4+)/Ce^(3+)ratio,an abundance of chemisorbed oxygen and acidic sites,which could strengthen the SCR reaction pathways(richer NH_(3)activated species and bidentate nitrate active species).Therefore,NO removal is enhanced.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Hemiplegia,a prevalent stroke-related condition,is often studied for motor dysfunction;however,spasticity remains under-researched.Abnormal muscle tone significantly hinders hemiplegic patients’walking rec...BACKGROUND:Hemiplegia,a prevalent stroke-related condition,is often studied for motor dysfunction;however,spasticity remains under-researched.Abnormal muscle tone significantly hinders hemiplegic patients’walking recovery.OBJECTIVE:To determine whether early suspension-protected training with a personal assistant machine for stroke patients enhances walking ability and prevents muscle spasms.METHODS:Thirty-two early-stage stroke patients from Shenzhen University General Hospital and the China Rehabilitation Research Center were randomly assigned to the experimental group(n=16)and the control group(n=16).Both groups underwent 4 weeks of gait training under the suspension protection system for 30 minutes daily,5 days a week.The experimental group used the personal assistant machine during training.Three-dimensional gait analysis(using the Cortex motion capture system),Brunnstrom staging,Fugl-Meyer Assessment for lower limb motor function,Fugl-Meyer balance function,and the modified Ashworth Scale were evaluated within 1 week before the intervention and after 4 weeks of intervention.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After the 4-week intervention,all outcome measures showed significant changes in each group.The experimental group had a small but significant increase in the modified Ashworth Scale score(P<0.05,d=|0.15|),while the control group had a large significant increase(P<0.05,d=|1.48|).The experimental group demonstrated greater improvements in walking speed(16.5 to 38.44 cm/s,P<0.05,d=|4.01|),step frequency(46.44 to 64.94 steps/min,P<0.05,d=|2.32|),stride length(15.50 to 29.81 cm,P<0.05,d=|3.44|),and peak hip and knee flexion(d=|1.82|to|2.17|).After treatment,the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in walking speed(38.44 vs.26.63 cm/s,P<0.05,d=|2.75|),stride length,peak hip and knee flexion(d=|1.31|to|1.45|),step frequency(64.94 vs.59.38 steps/min,P<0.05,d=|0.85|),and a reduced support phase(bilateral:24.31%vs.28.38%,P<0.05,d=|0.88|;non-paretic:66.19%vs.70.13%,P<0.05,d=|0.94|).For early hemiplegia,personal assistant machine-assisted gait training under the suspension protection system helps establish a correct gait pattern,prevents muscle spasms,and improves motor function.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82372646Research Fund of Anhui Institute of Translational Medicine,No.2023zhyx-C70 and No.2023zhyx-C80.
文摘BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is widely considered to be a major risk factor for gastric cancer,contributing to its development through the Correa cascade.Yin Yang 1(YY1)is a transcription factor that acts as a promoter or suppressor of cancer progression.However,the role of YY1 in the inflammatory transformation associated with H.pylori-induced gastric cancer remains unclear.AIM To explore the expression of YY1 in gastric cancer and its impact on cancer progression with H.pylori infection.METHODS H.pylori bacteria were cocultured with GSE1 cells,AGS cells,and SGC7901 cells,as well as in infected and xenograft mouse models.Expression of YY1,members of the Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related proteins in gastric cancer was examined using Western blotting,quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction,and immunohistochemistry.Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test.The role of YY1 in gastric cancer cell proliferation was further evaluated through in vitro and in vivo assays.RESULTS YY1 was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells.Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that high YY1 expression correlated with a poor prognosis.YY1 expression showed a gradually increasing trend in H.pyloriinduced gastritis and gastric tumors.In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that H.pylori infection promoted phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3,thereby activating the EMT pathway,in which YY1 played a key role.YY1 and JAK2 interaction was validated by chromatin immunoprecipitation.YY1 knockdown or pharmacological inhibition reversed EMT and suppressed gastric cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.CONCLUSION These results suggest that YY1 plays an important role in progression of H.pylori-induced gastric cancer by activating EMT.
基金A National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the government of South Korea (MEST no. 2012R1A2A2A01015470) supported this research
文摘Streptococcus mutans(S. mutans), a major aetiologic agent of dental caries, is involved in systemic diseases, such as bacterial endocarditis, if it enters the bloodstream through temporary bacteraemia. Interleukin(IL)-1β, a proinflammatory cytokine, is related to the host defences against pathogens, and its synthesis, maturation, and secretion are tightly regulated by the activation of the inflammasome, an inflammatory signalling complex. This study examined the signalling mechanism of IL-1β secretion and the inflammasome pathway induced by S. mutans to explain the molecular mechanism through which systemic infection by oral streptococci can occur. After infection of THP-1 cells with S. mutans, the expression of inflammasome components was detected using various methods. S. mutans induced IL-1β secretion via caspase-1 activation, and S. mutans-induced IL-1β secretion required absent in melanoma(AIM2), NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3) and NLR family CARD domain-containing 4(NLRC4)inflammasome activation. In particular, the S. mutans-induced NLRP3 inflammasome was mediated by adenosine triphosphate(ATP) release, potassium depletion and lysosomal damage. Our study provides novel insight into the innate immune response against S. mutans infection.
基金supported by NIH grants AR049510 (TLC) and AR045955 (LDQ)
文摘Tumor-induced osteomalacia （TIO） is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in which ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 （FGF23） by non-malignant mesenchymal tumors causes phosphate wasting and bone fractures. Recent studies have implicated the hypoxia-inducible factor-la （HIF-la） in other phosphate wasting disorders caused by elevated FGF23, including X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and autosomal dominant hypophosphatemia. Here we provide evidence that HIF-la mediates aberrant FGF23 in TIO by transcriptionally activating its promoter. Immunohistochemical studies in phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors resected from patients with documented TIO showed that HIF-la and FGF23 were co-localized in spindle- shaped cells adjacent to blood vessels. Cultured tumor tissue produced high levels of intact FGF23 and demonstrated increased expression of HIF-la protein. Transfection of MC3T3-E1 and Saos-2 cells with a HIF-la expression construct induced the activity of a FGF23 reporter construct. Prior treatment of tumor organ cultures with HIF-la inhibitors decreased HIF-la and FGF23 protein accumulation and inhibited HIF-la-induced luciferase reporter activity in transfected cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed binding to a HIF-la consensus sequence within the proximal FGF23 promoter, which was eliminated by treatment with a HIF-la inhibitor. These results show for the first time that HIF-la is a direct transcriptional activator of FGF23 and suggest that upregulation of HIF-la activity in TIO contributes to the aberrant FGF23 production in these patients.
基金partially supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(C)(26462862)from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
文摘OBJECTIVES： An animal experiment clarified that insertion of an orthodontic apparatus activated the trigeminal neurons of the medulla oblongata. Orthodontic tooth movement is known to be associated with the sympathetic nervous system and controlled by the nucleus of the hypothalamus. However, the transmission of both has not been demonstrated in humans. The purpose of this study were to examine the activated cerebral areas using brain functional magnetic resonance imaging（MRI）, when orthodontic tooth separators were inserted, and to confirm the possibility of the transmission route from the medulla oblongata to the hypothalamus.METHODS： Two types of alternative orthodontic tooth separators（brass contact gauge and floss） were inserted into the right upper premolars of 10 healthy volunteers. Brain functional T2＊-weighted images and anatomical T1-weighted images were taken.RESULTS： The blood oxygenation level dependent（BOLD） signals following insertion of a brass contact gauge and floss significantly increased in the somatosensory association cortex and hypothalamic area.CONCLUSION： Our findings suggest the possibility of a transmission route from the medulla oblongata to the hypothalamus.
文摘Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are reported to act as effective adjuvants to elicit anti-tumor and anti-infection immunity. Here, we report that Hsp70-like protein 1 (Hsp70L1), a novel HSP derived from human dendritic cells (DCs), has potent adjuvant effects that polarize responses toward Th1. With a calculated molecular weight of 54.8 kDa, Hsp70L1 is smaller in size than Hsp70 but resembles it both structurally and functionally. Hsp70L1 shares common receptors on DCs with Hsp70 and can interact with DCs, promoting DC maturation and stimulating secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 12p70 (IL-12p70), IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the chemokines IP-10, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), MIP-1beta, and normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). The induction of interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) secretion by Hsp70L1 is not shared by Hsp70, and other functional differences include more potent stimulation of DC IL-12p70, CC-chemokine, and CCR7 and CXCR4 expression by Hsp70L1. Immunization of mice with the hybrid peptide Hsp70L1-ovalbumin(OVA)(257-264) induces an OVA(257-264)-specific Th1 response and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) that results in significant inhibition of E.G7-OVA tumor growth. The ability of Hsp70L1 to activate DCs indicates its potential as a novel adjuvant for use with peptide immunizations; the Hsp70L1 antigen peptide hybrid may serve as a more effective vaccine for the control of cancer and infectious diseases.
基金supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of HealthNational Cancer Institutethe Center for Cancer Research
文摘Dear Editor,Human papillomaviruses(HPV)are a large group(>200genotypes)of small double-stranded DNA viruses(https://pave.niaid.nih.gov/).Although infections by most HPV types are asymptomatic,persistent infections in cervical and ano-genital epithelia by high-risk
文摘<abstract>The recent development of a prosaposin -/- mouse model has allowed the investigation of the role of prosaposin in the development of the male reproductive organs. A morphometric analysis of the male reproductive system of 37 days old mice revealed that prosaposin ablation produced a 30 % reduction in size and weight of the testes, 37 % of the epididymis, 75 % of the seminal vesicles and 60 % of the prostate glands. Light microscopy (LM) showed that smaller testis size from homozygous mutant mice was associated with reduced spermiogenesis. Both, dorsal and ventral lobules of the prostate glands were underdeveloped in the homozygous mutant. LM analysis also showed that prostatic alveoli were considerably smaller and lined by shorter epithelial cells in the homozygous mutant. Smaller tubular diameter and shorter undifferentiated epithelial cells were also observed in seminal vesicles and epididymis. In the efferent ducts of the homozygous mutant mice, the epithelium was composed exclusively of ciliated cells in contrast to the heterozygotes, which showed the presence of nonciliated cells. Radioimmunoassays demonstrated that testosterone levels were normal or higher in mice with the inactivated prosaposin gene. Immunostaining of prostate sections with an anti-androgen receptor antibody showed that the epithelial cells lining the alveoli express androgen receptor in both the heterozygous and homozygous tissue. Similarly, sections immunostained with antibodies to the phosphorylated MAPKs and Akts strongly reacted with tall prostatic secretory cells in prostate from heterozygous mouse. On the other hand, the epithelial cells in the homozygous prostate remained unstained or weakly stained. These findings demonstrate that inactivation of the prosaposin gene affected the development of the prostate gland and some components of the MAPK pathway. 63 )
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31472128)
文摘Objective： Salmonella enterica remains a major cause of food-borne disease in humans, and Salmonella Typhimurium （ST） contamination of poultry products is a worldwide problem. Since macrophages play an essential role in controlling Salmonella infection, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glycyrrhizic acid （GA） on immune function of chicken HD11 macrophages. Methods： Chicken HD11 macrophages were treated with GA （0, 12.5 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 800 pg/ml） and lipopolysaccharide （LPS, 500 ng/ml） for 3, 6, 12, 24, or 48 h. Evaluated responses included phagocytosis, bacteria-killing, gene expression of cell surface molecules （cluster of differentiation 40 （CD40）, CD80, CD83, and CD197） and antimicrobial effectors （inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）, NADPH oxidase-1 （NOX-1）, interferon-γ （IFN-γ）, LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α factor （LITAF）, interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-IO）, and production of nitric oxide （NO） and hydrogen peroxide （H202）. Results： GA increased the internalization of both fiuorescein isothiocyanate （FITC）-dextran and ST by HD11 cells and markedly decreased the intracellular survival of ST. We found that the messenger RNA （mRNA） expression of cell surface molecules （CD40, CDSO, CD83, and CD197） and cytokines （IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10） of HD11 cells was up-regulated following GA exposure. The expression of iNOS and NOX-1 was induced by GA and thereby the productions of NO and H202 in HD11 cells were enhanced. Notably, it was verified that nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） and c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） pathways were responsible for GA-induced synthesis of NO and IFN-γ gene expression. Conclusions： Taken together, these results suggested that GA exhibits a potent immune regulatory effect to activate chicken macrophages and enhances Salmonella-killing capacity.
文摘Obesity is an established risk factor for endometrial cancer.Leptin,a secreted protein of the ob gene by white adipose tissue,plays an important role in the regulation of food intake and energy consumption in the brain and acts as a potential growth stimulator in normal and neoplastic cancer cells.However,a direct role for leptin in endometrial cancer has not been demonstrated.In the present study,the effect of leptin on the proliferation of Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells was investigated as well as the possible mechanism（s） underlying this action in endometrial cancers which express both short and long isoforms of leptin receptors.The expression of leptin receptor（ObRb） in Ishikawa cells was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.The cells after serum starvation,were treated by leptin with various concentrations（0,10,50,100,150 ng/mL） for different durations（6,12,24 h）.The effect of leptin treatment on cell proliferation was examined by MTT assay.Meanwhile,inhibitory effect of Janus tyrosine kinase 2（JAK2）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3（STAT3） inhibitor AG490 or extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2（ERK1/2） inhibitor PD98059 on the proliferation of Ishikawa cells induced by leptin was also studied.Ishikawa cells were treated with 100 ng/mL leptin for various periods（0,20,40,60 min）,and the levels of STAT3 phosphorylation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were examined by Western blotting.The results showed that leptin induced the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the activation of ERK1/2 in a time-and dose-dependent manner in the Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells.Blocking STAT3 phosphorylation with the inhibitor AG490,or blocking ERK1/2 activation by the specific ERK1/2 kinase inhibitor,PD98059,abolished leptin-induced proliferation of Ishikawa cells.In addition,leptin was found to potently induce the invasion of endometrial cancer cells in a Matrigel invasion assay.Leptin-stimulated invasion was effectively blocked by pharmacological inhibitors of STAT3（AG490） and ERK1/2 kinase（PD98059）.These results suggested that leptin promotes endometrial cancer growth and invasiveness by activating STAT3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways and therefore blocking its action at the receptor level can be a rational therapeutic strategy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81471854
文摘Atorvastatin, a lipid-lowering medication, provides neuroprotective effects, although the precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Our previous studies confirmed activated autophagy following spinal cord injury, which was conducive to recovery of neurological functions. We hypothesized that atorvastatin could also activate autophagy after spinal cord injury, and subsequently improve recovery of neurological functions. A rat model of spinal cord injury was established based on the Allen method. Atorvastatin（5 mg/kg） was intraperitoneally injected at 1 and 2 days after spinal cord injury. At 7 days post-injury, western blot assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dU TP nick-end labeling（TUNEL） staining results showed increased Beclin-1 and light chain 3B gene and protein expressions in the spinal cord injury ＋ atorvastatin group. Additionally, caspase-9 and caspase-3 expression was decreased, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells was reduced. Compared with the spinal cord injury ＋ saline group, Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores significantly increased in the spinal cord injury ＋ atorvastatin group at 14–42 days post-injury. These findings suggest that atorvastatin activated autophagy after spinal cord injury, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted recovery of neurological function.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Fund of China[no.81703204].
文摘Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of caprylic acid(C8:0)on lipid metabolism and inflammation,and examine the mechanisms underlying these effects in mice and cells.Methods Fifty-six 6-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to four groups fed a highfat diet(HFD)without or with 2%C8:0,palmitic acid(C16:0)or eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA).RAW246.7 cells were randomly divided into five groups:normal,lipopolysaccharide(LPS),LPS+C8:0,LPS+EPA and LPS+cAMP.The serum lipid profiles,inflammatory biomolecules,and ABCA1 and JAK2/STAT3 mRNA and protein expression were measured.Results C8:0 decreased TC and LDL-C,and increased the HDL-C/LDL-C ratio after injection of LPS.Without LPS,it decreased TC in mice(P<0.05).Moreover,C8:0 decreased the inflammatory response after LPS treatment in both mice and cells(P<0.05).Mechanistic investigations in C57BL/6J mouse aortas after injection of LPS indicated that C8:0 resulted in higher ABCA1 and JAK2/STAT3 expression than that with HFD,C16:0 and EPA,and resulted in lower TNF-α,NF-κB mRNA expression than that with HFD(P<0.05).In RAW 264.7 cells,C8:0 resulted in lower expression of pNF-κBP65 than that in the LPS group,and higher protein expression of ABCA1,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 than that in the LPS and LPS+cAMP groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Our studies demonstrated that C8:0 may play an important role in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response,and the mechanism may be associated with ABCA1 and the p-JAK2/p-STAT3 signaling pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22108043)Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(No.2023A1515012711).
文摘Cobalt-rich perovskite oxides play a paramount role in catalyzing oxygen evolution reaction(OER)on account of their acceptable intrinsic activity but are still challenging due to the high costs and undesired stability.In response to the defects,herein,the Mg-incorporated perovskite cobaltite SrCo_(0.6)Fe_(0.3M)g_(0.1)O_(3-δ)(SCFM-0.1)is proposed as a novel earth-abundant and durable OER electrocatalyst.A well-consolidated cubic-symmetry structure and more active oxygen intermediates are enabled upon Mg substitution.Hence,the optimized SCFM-0.1 perovskite oxide achieves prominent OER electrocatalytic performance,that is,a low overpotential of only 320 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2),a small Tafel slope of 65 mV dec^(-1),as well as an outstanding durability within 20 h,substantially outperforming that of the pristine SrCo_(0.7)Fe_(0.3)O_(3-δ)and benchmark Ba_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ)and IrO_(2) catalysts.The strong pHdependent behavior associated with lattice oxygen activation mechanism for SCFM-0.1 catalyst is also confirmed.This work paves a unique avenue to develop cost-effective and robust perovskite cobaltites for efficient OER electrocatalysis.
基金supported by the grants from National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFC2300702 and 2021YFC2300200)the Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(2021CFB364)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82130064,81825015,U22A20337 and 32000119)the Key Biosafety Science and Technology Program of Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory(JXBS001).
文摘Inclusion bodies(IBs)of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation(LLPS)and contain internal structures termed“IB-associated granules”(IBAGs),where anti-termination factor M2-1 and viral mRNAs are concentrated.However,the mechanism of IBAG formation and the physiological function of IBAGs are unclear.Here,we found that the internal structures of RSV IBs are actual M2-1-free viral messenger ribonucleoprotein(mRNP)condensates formed by secondary LLPS.Mechanistically,the RSV nucleoprotein(N)and M2-1 interact with and recruit PABP to IBs,promoting PABP to bind viral mRNAs transcribed in IBs by RNArecognition motif and drive secondary phase separation.Furthermore,PABP-eIF4G1 interaction regulates viral mRNP condensate composition,thereby recruiting specific translation initiation factors(eIF4G1,eIF4E,eIF4A,eIF4B and eIF4H)into the secondary condensed phase to activate viral mRNAs for ribosomal recruitment.Our study proposes a novel LLPS-regulated translation mechanism during viral infection and a novel antiviral strategy via targeting on secondary condensed phase.
文摘Cosmetics are used to improve physical appearance, but the benefits may be limited to people without visual impairment. The importance of attractiveness among blind persons has not been assessed. We investigated the influence of makeup on brain activity of blind persons using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants were 7 blind females (BFs) who learned to fully apply makeup and 9 mostly age-matched normally sighted females (NSFs). Brain activity was measured using fMRI before and after application of makeup and during a makeup image task in each state. In the default mode network at rest, there was no difference between the BFs and NSFs. However, a lateral visual network to the opposite side was observed in the NSFs, whereas no such network was noted in the BFs. A weak network was noted in the BFs in the occipital fusiform gyrus and temporal occipital fusiform cortex, and an extensive visual area network defect was noted. Also, activity after makeup application was significantly higher in the nucleus accumbens, pallidum, and hippocampus. Activity in the right middle cingulate gyrus, right cerebral white matter, and right anterior cingulate gyrus was higher before makeup in both BFs and NSFs, and the activity was significantly higher and more extensive in the BFs. In conclusion, applying makeup is a personally rewarding activity, even for BFs, as it strongly activates the reward system and the reward/memory system network, even in the absence of a visual area network.
基金supported by the Health Commission of Hubei Province scientific research project(No.WJ2021M143)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.413000714)+2 种基金the Research Fund of Anhui Institute of translational medicine(No.2023zhyx-C61)the Research Fund Project of Anhui Medical University(No.2022xkj148)Hubei Society of Pathology General Project(No.2025HBAP013).
文摘Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder aggravated by chronic neuroinflammation largely driven by reactive astrocytes.These cells promote epileptogenesis through persistent cytokine secretion and glial scar formation.Current antiepileptic drugs remain ineffective in targeting these mechanisms due to limited blood-brain barrier(BBB)permeability and poor astrocytic specificity.A transferrin-functionalized biomimetic nanotherapeutic loaded with resveratrol(RN@RTA)was developed to regulate astrocyte-mediated inflammation by activating sirtuin 1(SIRT1)and suppressing the mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor Kappalight-chain-enhancer of activated B cells(MAPK/NF-κB)axis.Using in vitro BBB models,primary astrocytes,and a pilocarpine-induced chronic epilepsy mouse model,we evaluated the capacity of RN@RTA to cross the BBB,inhibit inflammatory signaling,and reduce seizure activity.Mechanistic assays included immunoprecipitation of NF-κB complexes,cytokine quantification,RNA sequencing,and histopathological assessments of glial and synaptic markers.RN@RTA achieved 82%uptake by hippocampal astrocytes and significantly reduced Il6,Tnf-α,and Nlrp3 expression.SIRT1 activation disrupted the NF-κB p65/p300 complex,leading to transcriptional repression of inflammatory genes and enhancement of autophagy.In vivo,seizure frequency decreased by 67%,synaptic structure was preserved,and astrogliosis was markedly alleviated.The findings demonstrate a dual regulatory mechanism in which RN@RTA suppresses neuroinflammatory signaling and restores neural homeostasis,offering a promising molecularly targeted approach for refractory epilepsy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22406081,22276086,22306086)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province(No.20232BAB213029),all of which are greatly acknowledged by the authors.
文摘Fenton-like technology based on peroxymonosulfate activation has shown great potential in refractory organics degradation.In this work,single Fe atom catalysts were synthesized through facile ball milling and exhibited very high performance in peroxymonosulfate activation.The Fe single-atom filled an N vacancy on the triazine ring edge of C_(3)N_(4),as confirmed through X-ray absorption fine structure,density functional calculation and elec-tron paramagnetic resonance.The SAFe_(0.4)–C_(3)N_(4)/PMS system could completely remove phenol(20 mg/L)within 10 min and its first-order kinetic constant was 12.3 times that of the Fe_(3)O_(4)/PMS system.Under different ini-tial pH levels and in various anionic environments,SAFe_(0.4)–C_(3)N_(4) still demonstrated excellent catalytic activity,achieving a removal rate of over 90%for phenol within 12 min.In addition,SAFe_(0.4)–C_(3)N_(4) exhibited outstanding selectivity in reaction systems with different pollutants,showing excellent degradation effects on electron-rich pollutants only.Hydroxyl radicals(•OH),singlet oxygen(1O_(2))and high-valent iron oxide(Fe(Ⅳ)=O)were de-tected in the SAFe_(0.4)–C_(3)N_(4)/PMS system through free radical capture experiments.Further experiments on the quenching of active species and a methyl phenyl sulfoxide probe confirmed that 1O_(2) and Fe(Ⅳ)=O played dom-inant roles.Additionally,the change in the current response after adding PMS and phenol in succession proved that a direct electron transfer path between organic matter and the catalyst surface was unlikely to exist in the SAFe_(0.4)–C_(3)N_(4)/PMS/Phenol degradation system.This study provides a new demonstration of the catalytic mech-anism of single-atom catalysts.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21775091,91753111,21927811)the Key Research and Development Program of Shandong Province(2018YFJH0502)。
文摘Developing accurate methods for visualizing the expressions of proteins during the life process is a hotspot in the biochemical research field.Glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),one type of selenoproteins,was previously identified as a significant ferroptosis-regulated protein.Therefore,a novel approach was established to visualize the activation process of selenocysteine(Sec)toward GPX4 via an Au–Se bonded fluorescent nanoprobe and assisted by western blot analysis.The Au–Se nanoprobe was constructed by selenol-modified peptides for monitoring the concentration changes of Sec.The fluorescence intensity of Sec in confocal fluorescence imaging positively correlates with GPX4's activation level,proved by western blot analysis in living cells.This study provides an intuitional and visual strategy for predicting the functional expression of GPX4 during the ferroptosis process and offers new directions for the future investigation of proteins'functional expressions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32271043(to ZW)and 82171047(to YM)the both Science and Technology Major Project of Shanghai,No.2018SHZDZX01 and ZJLabShanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology(to ZW)。
文摘Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.
基金Supported by the Science and Technology Cooperation and Exchange special project of Cooperation of Shanxi Province(202404041101014)the Fundamental Research Program of Shanxi Province(202403021212333)+3 种基金the Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U24A20555)the Lvliang Key R&D of University-Local Cooperation(2023XDHZ10)the Initiation Fund for Doctoral Research of Taiyuan University of Science and Technology(20242026)the Outstanding Doctor Funding Award of Shanxi Province(20242080).
文摘To elucidate the effect of calcite-regulated activated carbon(AC)structure on low-temperature denitrification performance of SCR catalysts,this work prepared a series of Mn-Ce/De-AC-xCaCO_(3)(x is the calcite content in coal)catalysts were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method,followed by acid washing to remove calcium-containing minerals.Comprehensive characterization and low-temperature denitrification tests revealed that calcite-induced structural modulation of coal-derived AC significantly enhances catalytic activity.Specifically,NO conversion increased from 88.3%of Mn-Ce/De-AC to 91.7%of Mn-Ce/De-AC-1CaCO_(3)(210℃).The improved SCR denitrification activity results from the enhancement of physicochemical properties including higher Mn^(4+)content and Ce^(4+)/Ce^(3+)ratio,an abundance of chemisorbed oxygen and acidic sites,which could strengthen the SCR reaction pathways(richer NH_(3)activated species and bidentate nitrate active species).Therefore,NO removal is enhanced.
文摘BACKGROUND:Hemiplegia,a prevalent stroke-related condition,is often studied for motor dysfunction;however,spasticity remains under-researched.Abnormal muscle tone significantly hinders hemiplegic patients’walking recovery.OBJECTIVE:To determine whether early suspension-protected training with a personal assistant machine for stroke patients enhances walking ability and prevents muscle spasms.METHODS:Thirty-two early-stage stroke patients from Shenzhen University General Hospital and the China Rehabilitation Research Center were randomly assigned to the experimental group(n=16)and the control group(n=16).Both groups underwent 4 weeks of gait training under the suspension protection system for 30 minutes daily,5 days a week.The experimental group used the personal assistant machine during training.Three-dimensional gait analysis(using the Cortex motion capture system),Brunnstrom staging,Fugl-Meyer Assessment for lower limb motor function,Fugl-Meyer balance function,and the modified Ashworth Scale were evaluated within 1 week before the intervention and after 4 weeks of intervention.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After the 4-week intervention,all outcome measures showed significant changes in each group.The experimental group had a small but significant increase in the modified Ashworth Scale score(P<0.05,d=|0.15|),while the control group had a large significant increase(P<0.05,d=|1.48|).The experimental group demonstrated greater improvements in walking speed(16.5 to 38.44 cm/s,P<0.05,d=|4.01|),step frequency(46.44 to 64.94 steps/min,P<0.05,d=|2.32|),stride length(15.50 to 29.81 cm,P<0.05,d=|3.44|),and peak hip and knee flexion(d=|1.82|to|2.17|).After treatment,the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in walking speed(38.44 vs.26.63 cm/s,P<0.05,d=|2.75|),stride length,peak hip and knee flexion(d=|1.31|to|1.45|),step frequency(64.94 vs.59.38 steps/min,P<0.05,d=|0.85|),and a reduced support phase(bilateral:24.31%vs.28.38%,P<0.05,d=|0.88|;non-paretic:66.19%vs.70.13%,P<0.05,d=|0.94|).For early hemiplegia,personal assistant machine-assisted gait training under the suspension protection system helps establish a correct gait pattern,prevents muscle spasms,and improves motor function.
