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Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is gaining increasing attention, with different subtypes being distinguished for separate research and treatment. The emphysema subtype is characterized by widespread alveolar destruction, which may be associated with aggravated alveolar damage and abnormal repair. Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s), known for their stem cell potential, have recently emerged as a promising target for COPD treatment. However, to date, few studies have elucidated the specific mechanisms by which AEC2s induce alveolar regeneration. Methods: Lung tissue samples from COPD patients were collected, and bioinformatics analysis was used to identify expression profiles affecting the emphysema phenotype and target genes regulating AEC2 proliferation. In vitro models of smoke-induced injury and viral transfection were established to clarify the role of the target gene PARD6B in regulating AEC2s proliferation and transdifferentiation potential. Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were employed to elucidate the specific regulatory mechanisms. Primary mouse AEC2s were isolated for 3D spheroid formation experiments to further validate the role of the target gene. Results: We observed impaired self-proliferation and enhanced transdifferentiation of AEC2s into AEC1s in lung tissues from COPD patients with emphysema subtype, which was associated with reduced expression of PARD6B. Interestingly, PARD6B primarily functioned as part of a complex in AEC2s. Mechanistically, we found that reduced levels of the PAR3-PARD6B-PRKCI complex could arrest the cell cycle of AEC2s in the G0-G1 phase, thereby impairing their self-proliferation. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism for alveolar regeneration, highlighting a potential therapeutic target for managing the emphysema subtype of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystal structures of extended aromatic hydrocarbons are reviewed by applying the tools developed in my previous paper. Many large-area compounds have stacking (γ) structures, in which usually the longest edge with the maximum number of parallel peripheral hydrogen atoms forms the non-parallel (T-type) intercolumnar contact because the intermolecular energy is maximized due to the electrostatic attraction. The herringbone (HB) structure is regarded as the extreme limit. When the long edge is curved or blocked by substituents, a pitched π-stack structure is realized in which the molecular terminal forms the non-parallel contact. Since compounds with five-membered rings have tilted edges, unsymmetrical wedge-like molecules realize modified HB structures, but symmetrical molecules form a kind of stacking () structure with a large dihedral angle of 130°. The stacking (γ) structure of large-area aromatic hydrocarbons is situated at the connecting point of the HB, pitched π-stack, and -structures because these structures have the same lattice symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonylureas (SUs)—a class of drugs primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes—have recently attracted interest for their potential anticancer properties. While some studies have explored the chemical modification or design of new SU derivatives, our work instead centers on biological evaluations of all commercially available SUs in combination with doxorubicin (DOXO). These antidiabetic agents act by stimulating insulin secretion via KATP channel inhibition, and because KATP channels share structural features with ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters involved in multidrug resistance (e.g., P-glycoprotein, MRP1, and MRP2), SUs may also reduce cancer cell drug efflux. In this study, we systematically examined each commercially available SU for potential synergy with DOXO in a panel of human cancer cell lines. Notably, combining DOXO with glimepiride (GLIM), the newest SU, results in a 4.4-fold increase in cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells relative to DOXO alone. Mechanistic studies suggest that the observed synergy may arise from increased intracellular accumulation of DOXO. Preliminary in vivo experiments support these findings, showing that DOXO (5 mg/kg, i.v.) plus GLIM (4 mg/kg, i.p.) is more effective at inhibiting 4T1 tumor growth in mice than DOXO alone. Additionally, we show that adding a small amount of the surfactant Tween-80 to culture media affects SU binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA), potentially unmasking anticancer effects of SUs that strongly bind to proteins. Overall, these results underscore the potential of repurposing existing SUs to enhance standard chemotherapy regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine-derived polysaccharides have sparked immense interest in the nutraceutical industry as they possess a wide range of bioactivities which are highlighted in this review. These include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, gut microbiota regulator, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity. Algae, marine invertebrates, vertebrates, and microorganisms are the main sources of marine polysaccharides, such as alginate, fucoidan, laminarin, carrageenan, chitosan, glycosaminoglycans, and exopolysaccharides. The structure and functional groups of these compounds influence their bioactive properties. Moreover, the functional properties of polysaccharides, such as gelling, thickening, and stabilising capabilities, are also crucial in product development, where they can serve as gluten substitutes in bakery goods and stabilisers in icings, sauces, and yoghurts. The potential of commercial products under development, such as marine polysaccharide supplements, is discussed, along with already commercialised products in the nutraceutical market. This review emphasises the enormous potential of marine-derived polysaccharides as bioactive compounds with health benefits and commercial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the geochemical characteristics of coal in the Ningwu Coalfield of Shanxi Province and the coal-forming environments reflected by it, a detailed geochemical study was carried out on the No. 5 coal of the Zhaokai Mine. The results show that the content of major-element oxides SiO2 and Al2O3 is high. The trace elements Ni, Nb, Mo, Cd, Sn, Hf, Ta, W, Th, and U are slightly enriched, while the elements Li and Zr are enriched, indicating an overall LREY enrichment type in the samples. Elemental parameters suggest that the sedimentary environment in the study area is continental sedimentary, and the whole environment is reductive. The macerals in the coal samples are mainly vitrinite, with an average vitrinite reflectance (Ro) of 0.744%. The distribution range of n-alkanes in the coal samples is from n-C14~n-C32, with the main peak carbons being n-C24 and n-C25, showing the post-single-peak type distribution pattern. The average odd–even predominance index (OEP) is 0.40, the average of the light and heavy hydrocarbons ratio ( ∑ C 21 − / ∑ C 22 + ) is 0.42, and the average of Pr/n-C17 and Ph/n-C18 are 1.08 and 0.23, respectively. The coal samples also contain various aromatic hydrocarbons, mainly from the naphthalene- and phenanthrene-series compounds. Biomarker parameters indicate that the parent material of the coal samples in the study area is mainly continental higher plants. The maturity is low, and the coal-forming environment is a reduction environment. This study of the No. 5 coal's geochemical characteristics has laid a foundation for the efficient, green, and comprehensive exploitation of coal resources in this region, and has also provided an important basis for the sustainable development of coal resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug repositioning, the practice of identifying novel applications for existing drugs beyond their originally intended medical indications, stands as a transformative strategy revolutionizing pharmaceutical productivity. In contrast to conventional drug development approaches, this innovative method has proven to be exceptionally effective. This is particularly relevant for cancer therapy, where the demand for groundbreaking treatments continues to grow. This review focuses on drug repositioning for ovarian cancer treatment, showcasing a comprehensive exploration grounded in thorough in vitro experiments across diverse cancer cell lines, which are validated through preclinical in vivo models. These insights not only shed light on the efficacy of these drugs but also expand in potential synergies with other pharmaceutical agents, favoring the development of cost-effective treatments for cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have indicated that retinol and vitamin D may be associated with the oncogenesis of tongue cancer. Therefore, we aimed to assess the causal relationships of retinol and vitamin D with the risk of tongue cancer using the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method. Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to retinol, vitamin D and tongue cancer were obtained from the up-to-date genome-wide association study (GWAS) catalogue, which was screened for instrumental variables (IVs). We performed two-sample MR analyses and used inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method. Additionally, we used the MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) method, MR-Egger intercept analysis, Cochran's Q test and leave-one-out analysis to evaluate the sensitivity of MR. Results: The IVW method revealed that retinol was not significantly correlated with the risk of tongue cancer (OR = 0.8602; 95% CI = 0.4453–1.6617; P = 0.654). However, the causal relationship between vitamin D and the risk of tongue cancer was significant according to IVW (OR = 0.4003; 95% CI = 0.1868–0.8577; P = 0.019). The sensitivity analysis did not detect any significant horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Conclusions: Given the limitations of this study, our MR study suggests that retinol is unlikely to influence the risk of tongue cancer, but vitamin D may decrease the risk of tongue cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates a new method for making soap by using chitosan (CH) obtained from discarded cephalopod waste. This strategy aims to tackle the environmental issues related to trash disposal. Low molecular weight chitosan (LMWCH) was developed by extracting chitin, converting into chitosan and subjecting it to gamma irradiation for reducing the molecular weight. The chitosan has a molecular weight of 982 Da, making it well-suited for being included in soap compositions and providing strong anti-microbial activity. The soap that was produced demonstrated desirable attributes, such as a moisture content of 17.13%, a pH level of 9, and a stable fatty acid content, indicating its potential for successful commercial use. The soap had significant antibacterial activity against common pathogens such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans (C.albicans). After 36 h, it produced zones of inhibition measuring 7.7 ± 1.05 mm and 8.4 ± 0.5 mm respectively. The research's reliability is based on its meticulous experimental technique, which included comprehensive characterization of both the chitosan derivative and the final soap product. Moreover, conducting antimicrobial testing on widely recognized pathogens enhances the credibility of the soap's possible practical uses in hygiene goods. Overall, this study underscores the feasibility of utilizing waste materials for sustainable soap production while offering potential antimicrobial benefits, thus contributing to both environmental conservation and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of functional food's role in human nutrition as well as in the prevention of diseases, especially the treatment of chronic diseases like cancer, is an innovative field of research. Based on the studies regarding the antioxidant potential of oyster mushroom extract, it is evident that it has anticancer properties. The current article reviews the health benefits of edible oyster-mushroom-derived bioactive compounds, and how they specifically activate or regulate the immune system by affecting the maturation, differentiation, and proliferation of immune cells, thereby inhibiting cancer cell metastasis and growth. Mushrooms show anticancer potential by regulating a single molecule of a specific signaling pathway or by having multiple targets in the same or different signaling pathways. In addition, the prebiotic effects of mushrooms could enhance quality of life during and after cancer therapy by recovering the intestinal microbiota. More clinical research on oyster mushrooms needs to be conducted, and future studies should investigate the preventive aspects, which aid in reducing the rate of cancer occurrence, and the positive impact in cancer patients to prove that oyster mushrooms are preventive as a functional food as well as a curing dietary supplement for cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]