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IntroductionUlcerative colitis (UC) is often characterized by dysbiosis of the colonic microbiota and metabolic disturbances, which can lead to liver damage. Patchoulene epoxide (PAO), a tricyclic sesquiterpene derived from the aged essential oil of Pogostemonis Herba, is known for its anti-inflammatory and ulcer-healing properties. However, its dual protective role against UC and liver injury remains largely unexplored. This study aims to elucidate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of PAO against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC and liver injury in mice.MethodsColitis and liver injury in mice were induced by adding 3% DSS to their drinking water continuously for 7 days, and PAO at the doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg was administered orally to mice daily from the first day until the experimental endpoint. Stool consistency scores, blood stool scores, and body weights were recorded weekly. Disease activity index (DAI) was determined before necropsy, where colon and liver tissues were collected for biochemical analyses. Additionally, the fecal microbiome and its metabolites of treated mice were characterized using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metabolomics.ResultsPAO significantly reduced the disease activity index and mitigated colonic atrophy in UC mice. It also improved colonic and hepatic pathological changes by safeguarding tight and adherens junctions, and suppressing the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharide. These beneficial effects were attributed to PAO’s capability to regulate the colonic microbiota and metabolic processes. PAO was found to enhance the diversity of the colonic microbiota and to shift the microbial balance in UC mice. Specifically, it restored the microbiota from an Akkermansia-dominated state, characteristic of UC, to a healthier Muribaculaceae-dominated composition. Furthermore, PAO corrected the colon metabolic disturbance in UC mice by modulating the purine metabolism, notably increasing the abundance of deoxyadenosine, adenosine and guanine in UC mice.ConclusionsThe therapeutic effect of PAO on UC and liver injury was mainly attributed to its regulation of colonic microbiota and purine metabolism. These insights emphasize the overall therapeutic benefits of PAO in treating UC and liver injury.

BackgroundBreast cancer (BRCA) represents a substantial global health challenge marked by inadequate early detection rates. The complex interplay between the tumor immune microenvironment and fatty acid metabolism in BRCA requires further investigation to elucidate the specific role of lipid metabolism in this disease.MethodsWe systematically integrated nine machine learning algorithms into 184 unique combinations to develop a consensus model for lipid metabolism-related prognostic genes (LMPGS). Additionally, transcriptomics analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of this prognostic signature. Using the ESTIMATE method, we evaluated immune infiltration among different risk subgroups and assessed their responsiveness to immunotherapy. Tailored treatments were screened for specific risk subgroups. Finally, we verified the expression of key genes through in vitro experiments.ResultsWe identified 259 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to lipid metabolism through analysis of the cancer genome atlas program (TCGA) database. Subsequently, via univariate Cox regression analysis and C-index analysis, we developed an optimal machine learning algorithm to construct a 21-gene LMPGS model. We used optimal cutoff values to divide the lipid metabolism prognostic gene scores into two groups according to high and low scores. Our study revealed distinct biological functions and mutation landscapes between high-scoring and low-scoring patients. The low-scoring group presented a greater immune score, whereas the high-scoring group presented enhanced responses to both immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs. Single-cell analysis highlighted significant upregulation of CPNE3 in epithelial cells. Moreover, by employing molecular docking, we identified niclosamide as a potential targeted therapeutic drug. Finally, our experiments demonstrated high expression of MTMR9 and CPNE3 in BRCA and their significant correlation with prognosis.ConclusionBy employing bioinformatics and diverse machine learning algorithms, we successfully identified genes associated with lipid metabolism in BRCA and uncovered potential therapeutic agents, thereby offering novel insights into the mechanisms and treatment strategies for BRCA.

IntroductionSpent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a solid waste in agricultural production that contains abundant lignocellulosic fibers. The indiscriminate disposal of SMS will lead to significant resource waste and pollution of the surrounding environment.The isolation and screening of microorganisms with high cellulase degradation capacity is the key to improving SMS utilization.MethodsThe cellulose-degrading microbial consortiums were constructed through antagonism and enzyme activity test. The effect of microbial consortiums on lignocellulose degradation was systematically evaluated by SMS liquid fermentation experiments.ResultsIn this study, four strains of cellulose-degrading bacteria were screened, and F16, F, and F7 were identified as B. amyloliquefaciens, PX1 identified as B. velezensis. At the same time, two groups of cellulose efficient degrading microbial consortiums (PX1 + F7 and F16 + F) were successfully constructed. When SMS was used as the sole carbon source, their carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activities were 225.16 and 156.63 U/mL, respectively, and the filter paper enzyme (FPase) activities were 1.91 and 1.64 U/mL, respectively. PX1 + F7 had the highest degradation rate of hemicellulose and lignin, reaching 52.96% and 52.13%, respectively, and the degradation rate of F16 + F was as high as 56.30%. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis showed that the surface microstructure of SMS changed significantly after microbial consortiums treatment, and the change of absorption peak in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the increase of crystallinity in X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that the microbial consortiums had an actual degradation effect on SMS. The results showed that PX1 + F7 and F16 + F could effectively secrete cellulase and degrade cellulose, which had practical significance for the degradation of SMS.DiscussionIn this study, the constructed PX1 + F7 and F16 + F strains can effectively secrete cellulase and degrade cellulose, which holds practical significance in the degradation of SMS. The results can provide technical support for treating high-cellulose solid waste and for the comprehensive utilization of biomass resources.

BackgroundVisual field defect (VFD) refers to the phenomenon that the eye is unable to see a certain area within the normal range of vision, which may be caused by eye diseases, neurological diseases and other reasons. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is expected to be an effective treatment for the recovery or partial recovery of VFD. This paper describes the potential for tDCS in combination with visual retraining strategies to have a positive impact on vision recovery, and the potential for neuroplasticity to play a key role in vision recovery.MethodsThis case report includes two patients. Patient 1 was diagnosed with a right occipital hemorrhage and homonymous hemianopia. Patient 2 had multiple facial fractures, a contusion of the right eye, and damage to the optic nerve of the right eye, which was diagnosed as a peripheral nerve injury (optic nerve injury). We administered a series of treatments to two patients, including transcranial direct current stimulation; visual field restoration rehabilitation: paracentric gaze training, upper and lower visual field training, VR rehabilitation, and perceptual training. One time per day, 5 days per week, total 6 weeks.ResultsAfter 6 weeks of visual rehabilitation and tDCS treatment, Patient 1 Humphrey visual field examination showed a significant improvement compared to the initial visit, with a reduction in the extent of visual field defects, increased visual acuity, and improvement in most visual functions. Patient 2 had an expanded visual field, improved visual sensitivity, and substantial improvement in visual function.ConclusionOur case reports support the feasibility and effectiveness of tDCS combined with visual rehabilitation training in the treatment of occipital stroke and optic nerve injury settings.

The carotid web is commonly found in the carotid bulb or the beginning of the internal carotid artery. It presents as a thin layer of proliferative intimal tissue originating from the arterial wall and extending into the vessel lumen. A large body of research has proven that the carotid web is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. This review summarizes the current research status of the carotid web and focuses on its imaging presentation.

Daphnia galeata is a common and dominant species in warmer waters, and has a strong top-down effect on both phytoplankton and bacteria. The knowledge of its temporal and spatial patterns of genetic diversity is fundamental in understanding its population dynamics and potential ecological function in ecosystems. Its population genetics have been investigated at regional scales but few within regions or at smaller spatial scales. Here, we examined the fine-scale spatial genetic variation of D. galeata within four large, deep reservoirs in wet and dry seasons and the six-year variation of genetic diversity in one of the reservoirs by using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and microsatellites (simple sequence repeat). Our study shows that fine-scale spatial genetic variation commonly occurred within the reservoirs, indicating strong environmental selection at least in the two of reservoirs with strong longitudinal gradients. Since the environmental gradients established in the dry season was largely reduced in the wet season, the fine-scale spatial genetic variation was much higher in the dry season. The dynamics of local genetic diversity did not follow the theoretical pattern of rapid erosion but peaked in mid or mid-late growth season. The local genetic diversity of D. galeata appears to be shaped and maintained not only by recruitment from resting egg banks but also by gene flow within reservoirs. The temporal and fine-scale genetic variation within a water body suggests that it is necessary to pay attention to sampling periods and locations of a given water body in regional studies.

BackgroundMounting studies have investigated impairments in social cognitive domains (including theory of mind [ToM] and facial emotion recognition [FER] in adult patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, to date, inconsistent findings remain.MethodsA search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted until December 2021. Hedges g effect sizes were computed with a random-effects model. Meta-regressions were used to assess the potential confounding factors of between-study variability in effect sizes.ResultsThe meta-analysis included 41 studies, with a combined sample of 1,749 adult patients with TLE and 1,324 healthy controls (HCs). Relative to HCs, adult patients with TLE showed large impairments in ToM (g = −0.92) and cognitive ToM (g = −0.92), followed by medium impairments in affective ToM (g = −0.79) and FER (g = −0.77). Besides, no (statistically) significant differences were observed between the magnitude of social cognition impairment in adult with TLE who underwent and those who did not undergo epilepsy surgery. Meta-regressions exhibited that greater severity of executive functioning was associated with more severe ToM defects, and older age was associated with more severe FER defects.ConclusionsResults of this meta-analysis suggest that adult patients with TLE show differential impairments in the core aspects of social cognitive domains (including ToM and FER), which may help in planning individualized treatment with appropriate cognitive and behavioral interventions.

Amylose content (AC) is an important indicator for rice quality grading. The rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology provides rich spectral and spatial information on observed objects, making non-destructive monitoring of crop quality possible. To test the potential of UAV-based hyperspectral images in AC estimation, in this study, observations on five rice cultivars were carried out in eastern China (Zhejiang province) for four consecutive years (from 2017 to 2020). The correlations between spectral and textural variables of UAV-based hyperspectral images at different growth stages (booting, heading, filling, and ripening) and AC (%) were analyzed, and the linear regression models based on spectral variables alone, textural variables alone, and combined spectral and textural variables were established. The results showed that the sensitive bands (P< 0.001) to AC were mainly centered in the green (536∽568 nm) and red regions (630∽660nm), with spectral and textural variables at the ripening stage giving the highest negative correlation coefficient of -0.868 and -0.824, respectively. Models based on combined spectral and textural variables give better estimation than those based on spectral or textural variables alone, characterized by less variables and higher accuracy. The best models using spectral or textural variables alone both involved three growth stages (heading, filling, and ripening), with root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.01% and 1.04%, respectively, while the models based on combined spectral and textural variables have RMSE of 1.04% 0.844% with only one (ripening stage) or two (ripening and filling stages) growth stages involved. The combination of spectral and textural variables of UAV-based hyperspectral images is expected to simplify data acquisition and enhance estimation accuracy in remote sensing of rice AC.

Solution-processed scintillators hold great promise in fabrication of low-cost X-ray detectors. However, state of the art of these scintillators is still challenging in their environmental toxicity and instability. In this study, we develop a class of tetradecagonal CuI microcrystals as highly stable, eco-friendly, and low-cost scintillators that exhibit intense radioluminescence under X-ray irradiation. The red broadband emission is attributed to the recombination of self-trapped excitons in CuI microcrystals. We demonstrate the incorporation of such CuI microscintillator into a flexible polymer to fabricate an X-ray detector for high-resolution imaging with a spatial resolution up to 20 line pairs per millimeter (lp mm−1), which enables sharp image effects by attaching the flexible imaging detectors onto curved object surfaces.

Many studies have investigated impairments in two key domains of social cognition (theory of mind [ToM] and facial emotion recognition [FER]) in children and adolescents with epilepsy. However, inconsistent conclusions were found. Our objective was to characterize social cognition performance of children and adolescents with epilepsy. A literature search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase databases. The article retrieval, screening, quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale), and data extraction were performed independently by two investigators. A random-effects model was used to examine estimates. The meta-analysis included 19 studies, with a combined sample of 623 children and adolescents with epilepsy (mean [SD] age, 12.13 [2.62] years; 46.1% female) and 677 healthy controls [HCs]) (mean [SD] age, 11.48 [2.71] years; 50.7% female). The results revealed that relative to HCs, children and adolescents with epilepsy exhibited deficits in ToM (g = −1.08, 95% CI [−1.38, −0.78], p < 0.001, the number of studies [k] = 13), FER (g = −0.98, 95% CI [−1.33, −0.64], p < 0.001, k = 12), and ToM subcomponents (cognitive ToM: g = −1.04, 95% CI [−1.35, −0.72], p < 0.001, k = 12] and affective ToM: g = −0.73, 95% CI [−1.12, −0.34], p < 0.001, k = 8). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in social cognition deficits between children and adolescents with focal epilepsy and generalized epilepsy. Meta-regressions confirmed the robustness of the results. These quantitative results further deepen our understanding of the two core domains of social cognition in children and adolescents with epilepsy and may assist in the development of cognitive interventions for this patient population.Systematic review registration:https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-3-0011/, identifier INPLASY202230011.

Detection of haloalkanes is of great industrial and scientific importance because some haloalkanes are found serious biological and atmospheric issues. The development of a flexible, wearable sensing device for haloalkane assays is highly desired. Here, we develop a paper-based microfluidic sensor to achieve low-cost, high-throughput, and convenient detection of haloalkanes using perovskite nanocrystals as a nanoprobe through anion exchanging. We demonstrate that the CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, or I) nanocrystals are selectively and sensitively in response to haloalkanes (CH2Cl2, CH2Br2), and their concentrations can be determined as a function of photoluminescence spectral shifts of perovskite nanocrystals. In particular, an addition of nucleophilic trialkyl phosphines (TOP) or a UV-photon-induced electron transfer from CsPbX3 nanocrystals is responsible for achieving fast sensing of haloalkanes. We further fabricate a paper-based multichannel microfluidic sensor to implement fast colorimetric assays of CH2Cl2 and CH2Br2. We also demonstrate a direct experimental observation on chemical kinetics of anion exchanging in lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals using a slow solvent diffusion strategy. Our studies may offer an opportunity to develop flexible, wearable microfluidic sensors for haloalkane sensing, and advance the in-depth fundamental understanding of the physical origin of anion-exchanged nanocrystals.

Embryonic Sertoli cells (eSCs) possess multiple supporting functions and research value in gonadal development and sex determination. However, the limitation of acquiring quality eSCs had hindered the further application. Herein, we successfully derived non-genetically modified (non-GM)-induced embryonic Sertoli-like cells (eSLCs) from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with a TM4 cell-derived conditioned medium containing recombinant endogenous protein factors Sry, Sox9, Sf1, Wt1, Gata4, and Dmrt1. These eSLCs were determined through morphology; transcriptional expression levels of stage-specific, epithelial, and mesenchymal marker genes; flow cytometry, immunofluorescence; and immunocytochemistry and functionally determined by coculture with spermatogonia stem cells. Results indicated that these eSLCs performed similarly to eSCs in specific biomarkers and expression of marker genes and supported the maturation of spermatogonia. The study induced eSLCs from mouse ESCs by defined protein factors. However, the inducing efficiency of the non-GM method was still lower than that of the lentiviral transduction method. Thus, this work established a foundation for future production of non-GM eSLCs for clinical applications and fundamental theory research.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) own unique capabilities to communicate with nucleic acids and ribonucleoproteins and are emerging as indispensable compositions of the regulatory messages encoded in the genome. Due to lack of 3′ termini, circRNAs are more resistant to degradation by exonuclease RNase R and possess greater stability than linear RNAs. Moreover, circRNAs can act as microRNA (miRNA) sponge and affect messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing and transcription. By virtue of their great stability and elaborate regulatory mechanisms of gene expression, circRNAs play important roles in certain physiological activities. The development, homeostasis and stress response of the central nervous system (CNS) depend upon precise temporal and spatial regulation of gene networks. Moreover, emerging evidence has revealed that circRNAs are spatiotemporally regulated and dynamically expressed during brain development; therefore, they can exert significant influences on CNS development and diseases. In this review, we highlight the biogenesis of circRNAs and their central roles in regulation of CNS development and diseases.