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Different arthroscopic techniques exist for managing the extensor carpi radials brevis (ECRB) when treating refractory lateral epicondylitis. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of a standard arthroscopic débridement with ECRB tendon release to an arthroscopic ECRB tenotomy distal to its insertion without débridement using a retrospective cohort study design. This study included patients underwent arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis during 2 different time periods: 2016-2019 (débridement) and 2019-2021 (modified tenotomy without débridement). Patients were assessed preoperatively and at the last follow-up with Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Visual Analog Scale of pain. A total of 69 patients completed the follow-up (38 in the débridement group and 31 in the tenotomy group). Patients in both groups showed significant improvements were found in MEPS, DASH, and Visual Analog Scale after surgery. Patients in the tenotomy group had higher MEPSs and reported less pain with a minimum 2 year follow-up after surgery. DASH scores between groups were similar at all time periods. Arthroscopic modified tenotomy of the ECRB without débridement improves function and pain significantly for patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis, which is not inferior to arthroscopic débridement technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may impose substantial psychological and social burdens on caregivers and family members that are unique from other forms of dementia due to its distinctive clinical characteristics. This systematic review investigated these impacts on caregivers and family members. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase databases for relevant articles published from database inception to 23 March 2023. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated using a checklist. Thirty-six articles (six qualitative and thirty quantitative), including 5129 participants, were included in this review. Like other forms of dementia, FTD caregivers had significant caregiver burden levels and psychological impacts. Caregiver burden was associated with behavioural symptoms (e.g., apathy and disinhibition) and motor symptoms. The costs of caring for a patient with FTD were found to be higher than those for Alzheimer's disease. FTD patients often face challenges in obtaining a correct diagnosis and experience significant delays and multiple misdiagnoses. Healthcare professionals may also be less familiar with FTD than with Alzheimer's, leading to delayed diagnosis. This can cause considerable stress and deprive patients and caregivers of early intervention. FTD is associated with significant costs and caregiver burden levels, and the difficulties faced by caregivers and family members can be unique and challenging in different aspects when compared to other forms of dementia. Better education about FTD for family members and healthcare professionals is required to improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers, and more support needs to be provided at all stages of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptide transport is important for plant tissues where rapid proteolysis occurs, especially during germination and senescence, to enhance redistribution of organic nitrogen (N). However, the biological role of peptide transporters is poorly investigated in rice. We characterized the function of the peptide transporter OsNPF8.1 of rice nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family (NPF). Ectopic expression of OsNPF8.1 in yeast revealed that OsNPF8.1 encoded a high-affinity di-/tri-peptide transporter, and the osnpf8.1 mutants had a lower uptake rate of the fluorescent-labelled dipeptide c in leaves of rice seedlings. Histochemical assays showed that OsNPF8.1 was highly expressed in mesophyll cells and vascular parenchyma cells, but not detected in root hairs and epidermises. Expression of OsNPF8.1 was induced by N deficiency, drought, NaCl and abscisic acid, and kept at a high level in senescing leaves. Under N deficiency conditions, compared with the wild type Zhonghua 11, the osnpf8.1 mutants grew slower at the seedling stage, and had lower grain yield and lower N content in the grains. In contrast, OsNPF8.1 -over-expressing rice (OsNPF8.1 - OE) grew faster at the seedling stage and had a higher grain yield. The osnpf8.1 seedlings were less tolerant to salt and drought stresses. These results suggested that stress-induced organic N transportation mediated by OsNPF8.1 might contribute to balance plant growth and tolerate to salt/drought stress and N-deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to analyze the applicability of the World Health Organization's exclusionary guidelines for Urinary creatinine (Ucr) in the general Chinese population, and to identify Ucr related factors. We conduct a cross-sectional study using baseline data from 21,167 participants in the China National Human Biomonitoring Program. Mixed linear models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to analyze the associations between explanatory variables and Ucr concentration. The geometric mean and median concentrations of Ucr in the general Chinese population were 0.90 g/L and 1.01 g/L, respectively. And 9.36% samples were outside 0.3–3.0 g/L, including 7.83% below the lower limit and 1.53% above the upper limit. Middle age, male, obesity, smoking, higher frequency of red meat consumption and chronic kidney disease were associated significantly with higher concentrations of Ucr. Results of the RCS showed Ucr was positively and linearly associated with body mass index, inversely and linearly associated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides level, and glomerular filtration rate, and were non-linearly associated with triiodothyronine. The age- and gender-specific cut-off values of Ucr that determine the validity of urine samples in the general Chinese population were recommended. To avoid introducing bias into epidemiologic associations, the potential predictors of Ucr observed in the current study should be considered when using Ucr to adjust for variations in urine dilution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scroll vacuum pump is a dry vacuum pump with a wide range of applications. The radiated noise of a multi-stage scroll vacuum pump under different suction pressures is tested. The discharge velocity field is measured by the PIV technique. When the suction pressure changes from 101 kPa to 5 Pa, the average sound pressure level of the scroll pump decreases from 80.37 dB to 58.13 dB, which is reduced by 22.24 dB. The maximum and minimum sound power levels are 97 dB and 74.76 dB, respectively. The spectrum characteristics and the distribution law of radiated noise are analyzed. The measured noises at the rear of all operating conditions are the smallest, followed by the positions above the front part, and the next is the directly above position. Aeroacoustics is the main noise source in the scroll pump. Based on the CFD method, the simulation calculation is carried out at different suction pressures and the maximum simulation error is −5.7%. The location and formation mechanism of the aeroacoustics source are analyzed. In different working processes, the main excitation sources of aeroacoustics are different. The results are helpful to the noise source identification and aeroacoustics improvement of the scroll vacuum pump. • The radiated noise of the scroll pump is experimentally investigated. • The discharge velocity field of the scroll vacuum pump is measured by PIV. • The aeroacoustics sources of the scroll pump are analyzed by CFD. • Other noises of the scroll pump are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic study of heavy metal levels, bioaccessibilities, and gastrointestinal cytotoxicity in two popular consumed vegetables mint (Mentha spicata Linn.) and pea sprouts (Pisum sativum Linn.) from three major producing cities in Yunnan, Southwest China were conducted for evaluating potential health risk to local inhabitants. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb were 0.34, 0.06, 1.04, and 0.79 mg/kg, respectively, with Cr and Pb exceeding 1.86-2.63 folds greater than the limit of Chinese National Standards and WHO/FAO. Their average gastric and intestinal bioaccessibilities varied within 12.1-59.4% and 9-53.3%, 0-93.3% and 0-82%, 41.8-71.1% and 19.1-62.9%, 16.1-93.6% and 9.5-81.7%, respectively. Cd in mint was the highest (86.8% and 39%, in the gastric phase and intestinal phase), while Pb had the highest bioaccessibility of 69.9% and 48.7% in pea sprouts. The bioaccessible target hazard quotient (BTHQ) of As, Cr, and Pb from vegetables reflected no potential health risks. However, toxicity assays showed intestinal digesta induced significant cytotoxicity in human intestinal Caco-2 cells, indicating the existing models based on total or bioaccessible heavy metals may be not accurate enough to assess their human health risk, especially for adverse effects evaluation. Taken together, the human risk assessment should be modified by taking their gastrointestinal cytotoxicity into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand research advances and frontiers of acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) over the past decade through a bibliometric analysis. Publications related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. CiteSpace software was used to analyze the datasets and generate knowledge maps. A total of 445 relevant publications published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this bibliometric analysis. The number of annual publications fluctuated from 2013 to 2016 but increased gradually from 2016 to 2022. China produced the highest number of publications, while the USA established the most extensive cooperation relationships. China Academy of Chinese Medical Science was the most productive institution. Chen Jiande D.Z. was the most prolific author and Rong Peijing holds the most extensive cooperation network. Han Jisheng was the most co-cited author. Relevant research involved mechanism exploration and clinical efficacy research, and "anti-inflammatory effect" was the most active research topic, especially cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The most cited references mainly focused on inflammation. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders were the most active medical conditions studied in this field. Research related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS mainly focused on anti-inflammation, and regulating gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function over the past decade. However, the mechanisms of the autonomic effects of acupuncture need further investigation. High-quality clinical studies are required to determine the optimal parameters of acupuncture for clinical application. • Research related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS mainly focused on anti-inflammation. • Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases are most studied in studying the mechanism of acupuncture regulation on the ANS. • The ANS has the potential to be the structural basis to explain the multi-target effects of acupuncture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the influence of emotion regulation on empathic ability among undergraduate nursing students, as well as the mediating role of emotional intelligence and self-consistency congruence. A cross-sectional study was employed to examine the relationship between the emotion regulation and empathic ability in Chinese nursing students. A total of 761 undergraduate nursing students were surveyed using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Chinese version), the Gross Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Wang and Law's Emotional Intelligence Scale and the Self-Harmony Scale. There was a significant positive correlation between emotion regulation, empathic ability and self-harmony. Significant positive correlations were also found between emotion regulation, empathic ability and emotional intelligence. Mediation analysis revealed that self-harmony and emotional intelligence partially mediated the predictive relationship between emotion regulation and empathic ability, with self-harmony showing a more significant mediating effect. The findings suggest that emotion regulation among undergraduate nursing students indirectly influences their empathic ability through parallel mediating effects of self-harmony and emotional intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sun-dried Spanish mackerel is a common food in Dalian and made by adding salt and sun drying, which has special physical, chemical, and microbiological properties. In this study, the physicochemical properties and microbial composition of commercially available sun-dried Spanish mackerel in Dalian were assessed, and some Lactobacillus strains were screened as a biopreservative for sun-dried Spanish mackerel preparation. The results showed that the total volatile base nitrogen content in the traditional sun-dried Spanish mackerel samples from Dalian was within 30 mg/100 g, the histamine content was 7 to 17 mg/ kg, and the dominant bacteria at the genus level were Lactobacillus, Psychrobacter, and Ralstonia. A strain with biopreservative potential was isolated from a sun-dried Spanish mackerel sample, identified as L. plantarum species by 16S rDNA sequencing, and assigned as L. plantarum X23. Fresh Spanish mackerel flesh was treated with 16% brine and L. plantarum X23 at a dose of 107 CFU/mL and then dried in the sun. The sun-dried Spanish mackerel flesh treated with 16% brine and L. plantarum X23 showed a decreased histamine and acid value, increased free amino acid content, and a higher sensory score compared with the sun-dried Spanish mackerel without L. plantarum X23 treatment (P , 0.05). In conclusion, the sun-dried Spanish mackerel purchased from the supermarkets in Dalian were safely edible, and L. plantarum X23 can significantly reduce the content of histamine and putrescine in self-made, low-salt, sun-dried Spanish mackerel and has potential as a biopreservative for sun-dried Spanish mackerel preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the associations of sarcopenia, handgrip strength and calf circumference with cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults. Totally 2,525 older adults were recruited from the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study. Cognitive impairment was assessed by the Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination. Handgrip strength was calculated from the means of the right and left hand values. Calf circumference was measured at the site of maximum circumference of the non-dominant leg. The formula developed by Ishii was used to define sarcopenia. Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations of sarcopenia, handgrip strength, and calf circumference with cognitive impairment. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 34.36%. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for cognitive impairment in individuals with sarcopenia was 2.55 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.86–3.50]. Compared with individuals in the first quartile (Q 1) of calf circumference, the adjusted ORs in the second, third, and fourth quartiles (Q 2 , Q 3 , and Q 4) were 0.75 (95% CI : 0.58–0.96), 0.59 (95% CI : 0.44–0.79), and 0.62 (95% CI : 0.45–0.8), respectively. Compared with individuals in Q 1 of handgrip strength, the adjusted OR s for Q 2 , Q 3 , and Q 4 were 0.49 (95% CI : 0.38–0.62), 0.31 (95% CI : 0.23–0.41), and 0.30 (95% CI : 0.21–0.44), respectively. Sarcopenia, identified by low handgrip strength and low calf circumference, was positively associated with cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CIK cell therapy has been extensively trialled in colorectal cancer. • CIK cell therapy can improve survival outcomes in CRC. • CIK cells are mostly an adjunct to standard treatment, primarily chemotherapy. • CIK cell culture and delivery protocols vary significantly and may affect outcomes. • There is a need to further investigate and standardise these protocols. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health burden and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Cytokine induced killer (CIK) cell therapy is an immunotherapy which has the potential to meet this need. Clinical trials of CIK cell therapy for the management of CRC have reported improved clinical outcomes. However, production and delivery protocols varied significantly, and many studies were reported only in Chinese language journals. Here we present the most comprehensive review of the clinical CIK cell therapy trials for CRC management to date. We accessed both English and Chinese language clinical studies, and summarise how CIK cell therapy has been implemented, from manufacturing to patient delivery. We discuss current challenges that impede wider adoption of CIK cell therapy in CRC management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insufficient infiltration of T cells in solid tumors hinders the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. Promoting T or CAR-T cells to efficiently and specifically migrate into solid tumors is critical for improving current immunotherapies, which remains a challenge. Herein, we proposed a CRISPR-based transcriptional activation (CRISPRa) nanomedicine for mobilizing tumor cells to recruit T cells by activating the expression of T cell chemokines CXC-chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9, CXCL10, and CXCL11. We demonstrated that the CRISPRa nanomedicine could dramatically upregulate the expression of these T cell chemokines in tumor cells, thereby facilitating T cell migration directionally into solid tumors. Intratumoral injection of the CRISPRa nanomedicine inhibited the growth of different solid tumors including melanoma, pancreatic, colonic, and breast cancers. Moreover, tumor-specific versions of the CRISPRa nanomedicine possessing the ability to upregulate the T cell chemokine expression only in tumors rather than normal tissues or cells were constructed. Systemic injection of the tumor-specific CRISPRa nanomedicine specifically recruited T or CAR-T cells into solid tumors and improved the therapeutic effects of ICB antibodies (anti-PD-L1 or anti-CTLA4) and CAR-T cells. Thus, the gene-activating nanomedicine provides a promising strategy for enhancing T cell infiltration to improve current immunotherapies against solid tumors. [Display omitted] • CRISPRa nanomedicine recruited effector T cells into tumors via activating T cell chemokines. • Tumor-specific CRISPRa nanomedicine could activate only tumors rather than normal organs to express T cell chemokines. • Systemic injection of the tumor-specific CRISPRa nanomedicine enhanced the efficacy of ICB antibodies and CAR-T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human rhinoviruses (HRV-16) cause the common cold. Although amantadine (Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) and other drugs treat upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), alternative medicines have shown promising results. In this study, we investigate the antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects of the herbal product Avrocil (THG Ltd.), using an HRV-16-infected airway epithelial model. HRV-16 susceptible HeLa and human bronchial epithelial cells were cultured and differentiated for cytotoxicity test of Avrocil (THG Ltd.) using a colorimetric assay. The viral copy number was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for testing antiviral effects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels as markers of inflammation. Overall, Avrocil (THG Ltd.) exhibited significant anti-HRV-16 effect, causing a change in the morphology of HRV-16 infected cells. The recovery rate of bronchial epithelial cells that had sustained such cytopathic effects was 22–58%; both raw and tea forms of the herbal product completely suppressed viral replication in bronchial epithelial cells. Avrocil (THG Ltd.) extracts also suppressed the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α after viral infection. This study provides the first empirical in vitro evidence of the robust antiviral and antiinflammatory effects of Avrocil (THG Ltd.), a new plant-based product that contains Lithospermum erythrorhizon , Siraitia grosvenorii, and other herbs, combined in a proprietary formula. Further in vitro and in vivo studies should be carried out to investigate how Avrocil (THG Ltd.) might affect replication of other viruses that similarly target the nasal and bronchial epithelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

· Shield is a feasible way to improve the bypass effect and enhance the heat transfer of heat sink. · Experimental and numerical studies of fin array with wedge shield installed in the top bypass are proposed. · Shield inclination angle has a significant effect on the thermal and hydraulic performance. · The maximum enhancement of heat transfer is about 12% and 16% under identical pressure drop and pumping power. In this study, the thermal and hydraulic performances of fin array with a wedge shield installed in the bypass to alter the flow were experimentally and numerically investigated. The effect of the wedge shield inclination angle was explored at Reynolds numbers ranging from 2753 to 20,825. The mean Nusselt number and friction factor were measured in a wind tunnel with the varying volume rate of inlet air flow. The comprehensive performance evaluation criteria under identical pressure drop and identical pumping power were adopted to evaluate the effect of the wedge shield. The velocity, temperature and pressure fields, and the local Nusselt number were characterized using ANSYS Fluent. The results indicated that the heat transfer enhanced and the flow resistance increased by the wedge shield effect. At a same Reynolds number, the mean Nusselt number and friction factor reach their maximum values at θ S = 10 ∘ and θ S = 60 ∘ , respectively. According to the comprehensive performance evaluation, the applicable condition of wedge shield to enhance fin array performance was the inclination angle θ S = 135 ∘ at Reynolds number Re =3286, in which the enhancement was approximately 9% under identical pressure drop and 14% under identical pumping power. The numerical results showed that the velocity increase in fin channel and recirculation zone, caused by the blockage of the wedge shield, was the fundamental mechanism of wedge shield to enhance the heat transfer and increase the flow resistance. The velocity increase and recirculation zone, along with the low temperature region and high pressure in the entrance region of the fin channel caused by them, were all affected by the wedge shield inclination angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • •The band offsets and electrical properties of ErZO/β-Ga 2 O 3 and GZO/β-Ga 2 O 3 heterojunctions were investigated. • •The conduction band offset is 0.88 eV for ErZO and 0.96 eV for GZO, and the corresponding valance band offsets were 0.46 eV and 0.16 eV. • •The barrier height of the W F was 0.05 eV between ErZO and β-Ga 2 O 3 ; and 0.16 eV between GZO and β-Ga 2 O 3. • •The low band offset and barrier height lead to nature ohmic behavior with vertical structure of ErZO/β-Ga 2 O 3 /ErZO and sensitive UV light detection response of the β-Ga 2 O 3 /ErZO/Ti/Au structure. The fabrication of ohmic contacts on wide bandgap semiconductors, such as β-Ga 2 O 3 , is difficult as the scarcity of metals with low-enough work function. The insertion of n+-doped metal oxide layer between metal and the β-Ga 2 O 3 layers are effective for improving the ohmic behaviour. β-Ga 2 O 3 , Erbium doped ZnO (ErZO), and Gallium doped ZnO (GZO) films with high crystallinity were deposited by pulsed laser deposition. The band offsets and electrical properties of ErZO/β-Ga 2 O 3 and GZO/β-Ga 2 O 3 heterojunctions were investigated, which revealed the nested gap (type I) structures. The conduction band offsets were determined to be 0.88 eV for ErZO and 0.96 eV for GZO, and their corresponding valance band offsets were found to be 0.46 eV and 0.16 eV. In addition, the difference of the work functions between ErZO and β-Ga 2 O 3 was 0.05 eV; and 0.16 eV between GZO and β-Ga 2 O 3. Solar blind UV detector having fork electrode structure of as-grown β-Ga 2 O 3 /ErZO/Ti/Au structure showed good ohmic performance and have superior detector performance comparing with the other two electrode structures, which was ascribed to ErZO's low band offset and small work function difference with β-Ga 2 O 3. The present result provides an option for fabricating ohmic contact on β-Ga 2 O 3 without the need for post-growth annealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cordyceps militaris is a well-known fungus that contains multiple bioactive proteins providing various physiology benefits. However, limited studies on the immunomodulatory activity of C. militaris protein have been performed. This study intended to identify a C. militaris immunomodulatory protein (CMIMP) and determined its effect on macrophages. Using gene mining, a novel CMIMP was successfully identified. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree showed that CMIMP belonged to the fugal immunomodulatory protein (FIP) family. Detections on macrophages showed that CMIMP induced macrophages to differentiate into M1 phenotype, accompanied by increasing the secretion of proinflammation cytokines. Further experiments displayed that nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were activated, but NF-κB pathway was proved to be responsible for regulating CMIMP-triggered cell differentiation. In addition, instead of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4 was demonstrated to be the veritable receptor that mediated CMIMP-induced macrophage differentiation. In conclusion, CMIMP induced macrophages to M1 phenotype through the TLR4-NF-κB pathway and was a promising functional food ingredient or medicament. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To further explore the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by determining the prevalence of GDM in women diagnosed with NAFLD antepartum.Methods: Electronic databases were searched using specific keywords. Original studies of adult women reporting NAFLD (confirmed on imaging) and GDM (confirmed via oral glucose tolerance test) prevalence were included. Studies involving women with pre-gestational pre-diabetes, type 1/type 2 diabetes, chronic liver disease/cirrhosis unrelated to NAFLD were excluded. The prevalence of GDM occurring in women with NAFLD was calculated along with pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the random effects model.Results: Seven studies (total 2299 participants) were included. The prevalence of GDM in women with NAFLD was 26.0% (95% CI 20.9-31.7%, I2 = 48%, τ2 = 0.06). The odds of having GDM were 2.9 times higher in pregnant women diagnosed with NAFLD compared with non-NAFLD women, although a high degree of heterogeneity existed (unadjusted OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0-8.4, I2 = 81%, τ2 = 0.83, p < 0.05).Conclusion: Our study provides further insight into the prevalence of GDM in pregnant women diagnosed with NAFLD. There is a current lack of well-conducted studies examining this complex association between NAFLD and GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to investigate the effect of bioaugmentation on batch anaerobic digestion of chicken manure. The digestion performance with and without bioaugmentation and bioaugmented efficiency under different dosages were compared. The results demonstrated that bioaugmentation increased the methane yield and shortened the methane production time in batch reactors. Compared to the un-bioaugmented control, the methane yield of bioaugmented digesters was increased by 1.2-, 1.7-, 2.2-, 3.4-, and 3.6-fold at addition ratios of 0.07, 0.14, 0.21, 0.27, and 0.34 g VS bioaugmentation seed (BS) /g VS CM , respectively. However, higher bioaugmentation doses (0.34 g VS BS /g VS CM) did not exhibit significantly improved bioaugmentation efficiency, thus, the recommended dose is 0.27 g VS BS /g VS CM for biomethane conversion of CM. Moreover, whole genome pyrosequencing revealed that Methanoculleus and Methanobrevibacter predominated the non-bioaugmentation digesters, whereas Methanothrix , Methanobacterium , and Methanomassiliicoccus were the dominant methanogens in bioaugmentation digesters. The increased methane may be explained by an increase in the Methanothrix population, which accelerated acetic acid degradation. With bioaugmentation the mainly methanogenic pathways have become more diverse. From gene function perspective, bioaugmentation enhanced metabolic activities in digestor which function better in metabolism. [Display omitted] • Methanogenic cultures used for bioaugmentation improved anaerobic digestion. • The optimal dose was 0.27 g VS BS /g VS CM in a batch digester of chicken manure. • Bioaugmentation can reconstruct the methanogenic community. • The abundance of Methanothrix was increased with bioaugmentation. • The proportion of key gene function has changed with bioaugmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N2) gas in the atmosphere is partially replenished by microbial denitrification of ammonia. Recent study has shown that Alcaligenes ammonioxydans oxidizes ammonia to dinitrogen via a process featuring the intermediate hydroxylamine, termed "Dirammox" (direct ammonia oxidation). However, the unique biochemistry of this process remains unknown. Here, we report an enzyme involved in Dirammox that catalyzes the conversion of hydroxylamine to N2. We tested previously annotated proteins involved in redox reactions, DnfA, DnfB, and DnfC, to determine their ability to catalyze the oxidation of ammonia or hydroxylamine. Our results showed that none of these proteins bound to ammonia or catalyzed its oxidation; however, we did find DnfA bound to hydroxylamine. Further experiments demonstrated that, in the presence of NADH and FAD, DnfA catalyzed the conversion of 15N-labeled hydroxylamine to 15N2. This conversion did not happen under oxygen (O2)-free conditions. Thus, we concluded that DnfA encodes a hydroxylamine oxidase. We demonstrate that DnfA is not homologous to any known hydroxylamine oxidoreductases and contains a diiron center, which was shown to be involved in catalysis via electron paramagnetic resonance experiments. Furthermore, enzyme kinetics of DnfA were assayed, revealing a Km of 92.9 ± 3.0 μM for hydroxylamine and a kcat of 0.028 ± 0.001 s-1. Finally, we show that DnfA was localized in the cytoplasm and periplasm as well as in tubular membrane invaginations in HO-1 cells. To the best of our knowledge, we conclude that DnfA is the first enzyme discovered that catalyzes oxidation of hydroxylamine to N2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has shown that T-2 toxin can damage cartilage, resulting in a disease phenotype similar to osteoarthritis. The precise molecular mechanism by which T-2 toxin causes chondrocyte injury, however, is unknown. The purpose of this study was to look into the role of YAP in T-2 toxin-induced rat chondrocyte injury. Based on research results, T-2 toxin decreased the levels of collagen II and PCNA while increasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase MMP13. These findings supported the T-2 toxin's detrimental effect on chondrocytes. YAP's role in T-2 toxin-induced chondrocyte injury was also investigated. Total YAP and related nuclear proteins were found to decrease as the concentration of T-2 toxin increased. While PYAP expression was not significantly altered in response to T-2 toxin, the PYAP/YAP ratio decreased as the T-2 toxin concentration increased, implying that the HIPPO signaling pathway was activated. Furthermore, the YAP-specific inhibitor Verteporfin was used to investigate the role of YAP in T-2 toxin-induced chondrocyte injury. YAP inhibition increased MMP13 expression while decreasing COL2 and PCNA levels. In summary, the current study found that T-2 toxin decreased the levels of COL2 and PCNA while increasing the expression of MMP13 in chondrocytes after inhibiting YAP, providing a new insight into the mechanism of T-2 toxin-induced cartilage damage. Schematic diagram for the molecular mechanism of YAP in T-2 toxin-induced chondrocyte injury. T-2 toxin phosphorylates YAP in the cytoplasm and inhibits the entry of YAP into the nucleus for binding to transcription factors, resulting in the upregulation of MMP13, the downregulation of Collagen II, the reduction of PCNA, and ultimately chondrocyte damage. [Display omitted] • Yes-related protein is the most critical effector of HIPPO signaling pathway to regulate proliferation and apoptosis. • Nuclear expression of Yes-related proteins was decreased when chondrocytes were treated with T-2 toxin. • T-2 toxin stimulates the expression of MMP 13 and degradation of collagen type II through Yes-related protein. • T-2 toxin inhibits chondrocyte proliferation, perhaps by suppressing the expression of Yes-related protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lidocaine was an anesthetic commonly used for analgesia, but the neurotoxicity could not be ignored. However, benzodiazepines could alleviate the toxicity when combined with other drugs. Purpose To explore the molecular mechanism of benzodiazepines in protecting nerve cells after the induction of lidocaine. Methods PC12 cells were induced by lidocaine (0 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM and 1 mM) first and then treated by benzodiazepines (0 μM–200 μM). RT-qPCR assays measured RNA expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and microRNA-133a-3p (miR-133a-3p) in PC12 cell line, respectively. Western blot was for protein detections of EGFR and caspase-3. Flow cytometry assay assessed apoptosis and cellular viability was validated via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) test. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the potential link between miR-133a-3p and EGFR and the binding was verified using the Dual luciferase reporter experiment. Results Benzodiazepines increased cellular viability of PC12 cells up to 100 μM while suppressed viability between 100 and 200 μM. Benzodiazepines (0 μM, 10 μM, 50 μM and 100 μM) did not regulate PC12 cell viability but promoted the viability of lidocaine-treated PC12 cells. Lidocaine downregulated miR-133a-3p RNA expression but facilitated EGFR mRNA expression, which was reversed after treated by benzodiazepines. MiR-133a-3p targeted and negatively regulated EGFR expressions in mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, miR-133a-3p inhibitor and overexpressed EGFR transfection both restrained the decreased PC12 cell viability and prompted cell apoptosis caused by benzodiazepines. Conclusion Benzodiazepines restrained lidocaine-induced toxicity in PC12 cells which secured viability and reduced apoptosis via miR-133a-3p/EGFR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron homeostasisis is integral to normal physiological and biochemical processes of lungs. The maintenance of iron homeostasis involves the process of intake, storage and output, dependening on iron-regulated protein/iron response element system to operate tightly metabolism-related genes, including TFR1, DMT1, Fth , and FPN. Dysregulation of iron can lead to iron overload, which increases the virulence of microbial colonisers and the occurrence of oxidative stress, causing alveolar epithelial cells to undergo necrosis and apoptosis, and form extracellular matrix. Accumulated iron drive iron-dependent ferroptosis to exacerbated pulmonary fibrosis. Notably, the iron chelator deferoxamine and the lipophilic antioxidant ferritin-1 have been shown to attenuate ferroptosis and inhibit lipid peroxidation in pulmonary fibrosis. The paper summarises the regulatory mechanisms of dysregulated iron metabolism and ferroptosis in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Targeting iron metabolism may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagosome-lysosome pathway (ALP) insufficiency has been suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy. However, the mechanisms underlying ALP insufficiency remain largely unknown, and strategies to specifically manipulate ALP insufficiency for treating cardiac hypertrophy are lacking. Transcription factor EB (TFEB), as a master regulator of ALP, regulates the generation and function of autophagosomes and lysosomes. We found that TFEB was significantly decreased, whereas autophagosome markers were increased in phenylephrine (PE)-induced and transverse aortic constriction-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and failing hearts from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Knocking down TFEB induced ALP insufficiency, as indicated by increased autophagosome markers, decreased light chain 3II flux, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy manifested through increased levels of atrial natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain and enlarged cell size. The effects of TFEB knockdown were abolished by promoting autophagy. TFEB overexpression improved autophagic flux and attenuated PE-stimulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and transverse aortic constriction-induced hypertrophic remodeling, fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction. Curcumin analog compound C1, a specific TFEB activator, similarly attenuated PE-induced ALP insufficiency and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. TFEB knockdown increased the accumulation of GATA4, a transcription factor for several genes causing cardiac hypertrophy by blocking autophagic degradation of GATA4, whereas knocking down GATA4 attenuated TFEB downregulation-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Both TFEB overexpression and C1 promoted GATA4 autophagic degradation and alleviated PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In conclusion, TFEB downregulation plays a vital role in the development of pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by causing ALP insufficiency and blocking autophagic degradation. Activation of TFEB represents a potential therapeutic strategy for treating cardiac hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]