Asprosin promotes vascular inflammation via TLR4-NFκB-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in hypertension.

Objective: and design Mild vascular inflammation promotes the pathogenesis of hypertension. Asprosin, a newly discovered adipokine, is closely associated with metabolic diseases. We hypothesized that asprosin might led to vascular inflammation in hypertension via NLRP3 inflammasome formation. This study shows the importance of asprosin in the vascular inflammation of hypertension. Methods: Primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were obtained from the aorta of animals, including spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), NLRP3-/- and wild-type mice. Studies were performed in VSMCs in vitro, as well as WKY and SHR in vivo. Results: Asprosin expressions were up-regulated in VSMCs and media of arteries in SHR. Asprosin overexpression promoted NLRP3 inflammasome activation via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), accompanied with activation of NFκB signaling pathway in VSMCs. Exogenous asprosin protein showed similar roles in promoting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Knockdown of asprosin restrained NLRP3 inflammasome and p65-NFκB activation in VSMCs of SHR. NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 or NFκB inhibitor BAY11-7082 attenuated asprosin-caused VSMC proliferation and migration. Asprosin-induced interleukin-1ß production, proliferation and migration were attenuated in NLRP3-/- VSMCs. Local asprosin knockdown in common carotid artery of SHR attenuated inflammation and vascular remodeling. Conclusions: Asprosin promoted NLRP3 inflammasome activation in VSMCs by TLR4-NFκB pathway, and thereby stimulates VSMCs proliferation, migration, and vascular remodeling of SHR.

Asprosin contributes to vascular remodeling in hypertensive rats via superoxide signaling.

OBJECTIVE: Proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute to vascular remodeling. Asprosin, a newly discovered protein hormone, is involved in metabolic diseases. Little is known about the roles of asprosin in cardiovascular diseases. This study focused on the role and mechanism of asprosin on VSMC proliferation and migration, and vascular remodeling in a rat model of hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: VSMCs were obtained from the aortic media of 8-week-old male Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Asprosin was upregulated in the VSMCs of SHR. For in vitro studies, asprosin promoted VSMC proliferation and migration of WKY and SHR, and increased Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) activity, NOX1/2/4 protein expressions and superoxide production. Knockdown of asprosin inhibited the proliferation, migration, NOX activity, NOX1/2 expressions and superoxide production in the VSMCs of SHR. The roles of asprosin in promoting VSMC proliferation and migration were not affected by hydrogen peroxide scavenger, but attenuated by superoxide scavenger, selective NOX1 or NOX2 inhibitor. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was upregulated in SHR, TLR4 knockdown inhibited asprosin overexpression-induced proliferation, migration and oxidative stress in VSMCs of WKY and SHR. Asprosin was upregulated in arteries of SHR, and knockdown of asprosin in vivo not only attenuated oxidative stress and vascular remodeling in aorta and mesentery artery, but also caused a subsequent persistent antihypertensive effect in SHR. CONCLUSIONS: Asprosin promotes VSMC proliferation and migration via NOX-mediated superoxide production. Inhibition of endogenous asprosin expression attenuates VSMC proliferation and migration, and vascular remodeling of SHR.

Intervention of asprosin attenuates oxidative stress and neointima formation in vascular injury.

AIMS: Asprosin, a newly discovered hormone, is linked to insulin resistance. This study shows the roles of asprosin in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation, migration, oxidative stress and neointima formation of vascular injury. METHODS: Mouse aortic VSMCs were cultured, and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) was used to induce oxidative stress, proliferation and migration in VSMCs. Vascular injury was induced by repeatedly moving a guidewire in the lumen of carotid artery in mice. RESULTS: Asprosin overexpression promoted VSMC oxidative stress, proliferation and migration, which were attenuated by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) knockdown, antioxidant NAC, NOX1 inhibitor ML171 or NOX2 inhibitor GSK2795039. Asprosin overexpression increased NOX1/2 expressions, while asprosin knockdown increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) expressions. Asprosin inhibited Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Nrf2 activator sulforaphane increased HO-1 and NQO-1 expressions, and prevented asprosin-induced NOX1/2 upregulation, oxidative stress, proliferation and migration. Exogenous asprosin protein had similar roles to asprosin overexpression. PDGF-BB increased asprosin expressions. PDGF-BB-induced oxidative stress, proliferation and migration were enhanced by Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, but attenuated by asprosin knockdown. Vascular injury increased asprosin expression. Local asprosin knockdown in the injured carotid artery promoted HO-1 and NQO-1 expressions, but attenuated the NOX1 and NOX2 upregulation, oxidative stress, neointima formation and vascular remodeling in mice. INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION: Asprosin promotes oxidative stress, proliferation and migration of VSMCs via TLR4-Nrf2-mediated redox imbalance. Inhibition of asprosin expression attenuates VSMC proliferation and migration, oxidative stress and neointima formation in the injured artery. Asprosin might be a promising therapeutic target for vascular injury.

Association between A/G ratio and arterial stiffness among Chinese type 2 diabetics: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The android-to-gynoid fat ratio (A/G ratio), an emerging indicator of obesity independent of body mass index (BMI), has yet to be conclusively associated with arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to construct a nomogram to estimate arterial stiffness risk in diabetics and explore the interaction effect between A/G ratio and traditional obesity indicators on arterial stiffness. METHODS: 1313 diabetics were divided into 2 groups based on arterial stiffness identified by brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and demographic and clinical features were measured. The LASSO and multivariate logistics regression were used to develop the nomogram. Calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were applied to assess calibration and clinical usefulness. Interaction effect analysis was performed to quantify the interactive relationship of A/G ratio and obesity indicators on arterial stiffness. RESULTS: 6 independent predictors (age, gender, A/G ratio, SBP, LDL-C and HbA1C) were screened to construct a nomogram prediction model. The calibration curve demonstrated satisfactory agreement between predicted and actual probability, and the nomogram exhibited clinical beneficial at the threshold between 8 % and 95 % indicated by DCA. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.918 and 0.833 for training and external set, respectively. Further investigation revealed A/G ratio and BMI acted positively synergistically towards arterial stiffness, and in BMI-based subgroup analysis, elevated A/G ratio was a significant risk factor for arterial stiffness, especially in normal BMI. CONCLUSIONS: A/G ratio showed a substantial association with arterial stiffness, and the nomogram, incorporating age, gender, A/G ratio, SBP, LDL-C, and HbA1c, exhibited high predictive value. A/G ratio measurement in BMI-normal individuals assisted in identifying cardiovascular diseases early.

Cloning and functional verification of the CmHSP17.9 gene from chrysanthemum.

Small molecular heat shock proteins (sHSPs) belong to the HSP family of molecular chaperones. Under high-temperature stress, they can prevent the aggregation of irreversible proteins and maintain the folding of denatured proteins to enhance heat resistance. In this study, the CmHSP17.9-1 and CmHSP17.9-2 genes, which were cloned from chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum×morifolium 'Jinba') by homologous cloning, had a complete open reading frame of 480 bp each, encoding 159 amino acids. The protein subcellular localization analysis showed that CmHSP17.9-1 and CmHSP17.9-2 were located in the cytoplasm and mostly aggregated in granules, especially around the nucleus. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the relative expression level of the CmHSP17.9-1 and CmHSP17.9-2 genes was highest in the terminal buds of the chrysanthemum, followed by the leaves. CmHSP17.9-1 and CmHSP17.9-2 overex-pression vectors were constructed and used to transform the chrysanthemum; overexpression of these genes led to the chrysanthemum phenotypes being less affected by high-temperature, and the antioxidant capacity was enhanced. The results showed that chrysanthemum with overex-pression of the CmHSP17.9-1 and CmHSP17.9-2 genes had stronger tolerance than the wild type chrysanthemum after high-temperature treatment or some degree of heat exercise, and overex-pression of the CmHSP17.9-1 gene led to stronger heat resistance than that of the CmHSP17.9-2 gene, providing an important theoretical basis for the subsequent molecular breeding and pro-duction applications of chrysanthemum.

Optical design of low-location illumination based on asymmetric double freeform surfaces.

The development of optical optics for low-location road lighting is a challenging problem in providing high luminance and uniformity of illumination and meeting many other specific requirements. This study proposes an optical design method of low-location illumination based on an asymmetric double freeform surface lens. The ray emitted from the light source is refracted and reflected through the different surface types to the corresponding area of the receiving surface. In the design example, the road has dual-side mounted luminaires and a width of 6 m, and a height of 0.8 m. Simulation results indicate that, compared with conventional high-pole streetlights, the luminance uniformity had increased from 0.60 to 0.66, the illuminance uniformity had improved from 0.75 to 0.86, and the glare had been reduced.

The genomic history and global migration of a windborne pest.

Many insect pests, including the brown planthopper (BPH), undergo windborne migration that is challenging to observe and track. It remains controversial about their migration patterns and largely unknown regarding the underlying genetic basis. By analyzing 360 whole genomes from around the globe, we clarify the genetic sources of worldwide BPHs and illuminate a landscape of BPH migration showing that East Asian populations perform closed-circuit journeys between Indochina and the Far East, while populations of Malay Archipelago and South Asia undergo one-way migration to Indochina. We further find round-trip migration accelerates population differentiation, with highly diverged regions enriching in a gene desert chromosome that is simultaneously the speciation hotspot between BPH and related species. This study not only shows the power of applying genomic approaches to demystify the migration in windborne migrants but also enhances our understanding of how seasonal movements affect speciation and evolution in insects.

Inflammation and Connexin 43 profiles in the prefrontal cortex are relevant to stress susceptibility and resilience in mice.

Depression is a major chronic mental illness worldwide, characterized by anhedonia and pessimism. Exposed to the same stressful stimuli, some people behave normally, while others exhibit negative behaviors and psychology. The exact molecular mechanisms linking stress-induced depressive susceptibility and resilience remain unclear. Connexin 43 (Cx43) forms gap junction channels between the astrocytes, acting as a crucial role in the pathogenesis of depression. Cx43 dysfunction could lead to depressive behaviors, and depression down-regulates the expression of Cx43 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Besides, accumulating evidence indicates that inflammation is one of the most common pathological features of the central nervous system dysfunction. However, the roles of Cx43 and peripheral inflammation in stress-susceptible and stress-resilient individuals have rarely been investigated. Thus, animals were classified into the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-susceptible group and the CUS-resilient group based on the performance of behavioral tests following the CUS protocol in this study. The protein expression of Cx43 in the PFC, the Cx43 functional changes in the PFC, and the expression levels including interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, IL-2, IL-10, and IL-18 in the peripheral serum were detected. Here, we found that stress exposure triggered a significant reduction in Cx43 protein expression in the CUS-susceptible mice but not in the CUS-resilient mice accompanied by various Cx43 phosphorylation expression and the changes of inflammatory signals. Stress resilience is associated with Cx43 in the PFC and fluctuation in inflammatory signaling, showing that therapeutic targeting of these pathways might promote stress resilience.

Pirin Promotes the Progression of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer by Increasing ODC1 to Suppress Autophagy.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a common malignant tumor, requires deeper pathogenesis investigation. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal degradation process that is frequently blocked during cancer progression. It is an urgent need to determine the novel autophagy-associated regulators in NSCLC. Here, we found that pirin was upregulated in NSCLC, and its expression was positively correlated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of pirin inhibited autophagy and promoted NSCLC proliferation. We then performed data-independent acquisition-based quantitative proteomics to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in pirin-overexpression (OE) or pirin-knockdown (KD) cells. Among the pirin-regulated DEPs, ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1) was downregulated in pirin-KD cells while upregulated along with pirin overexpression. ODC1 depletion reversed the pirin-induced autophagy inhibition and pro-proliferation effect in A549 and H460 cells. Immunohistochemistry showed that ODC1 was highly expressed in NSCLC cancer tissues and positively related with pirin. Notably, NSCLC patients with pirinhigh/ODC1high had a higher risk in terms of overall survival. In summary, we identified pirin and ODC1 as a novel cluster of prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC and highlighted the potential oncogenic role of the pirin/ODC1/autophagy axis in this cancer type. Targeting this pathway represents a possible therapeutic approach to treat NSCLC.

GLP-1 in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Promotes Sympathetic Activation and Hypertension.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its analogs are widely used for diabetes treatment. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is crucial for regulating cardiovascular activity. This study aims to determine the roles of GLP-1 and its receptors (GLP-1R) in the PVN in regulating sympathetic outflow and blood pressure. Experiments were carried out in male normotensive rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded. GLP-1 and GLP-1R expressions were present in the PVN. PVN microinjection of GLP-1R agonist recombinant human GLP-1 (rhGLP-1) or EX-4 increased RSNA and MAP, which were prevented by GLP-1R antagonist exendin 9-39 (EX9-39) or GLP-1R antagonist 1, superoxide scavenger tempol, antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor apocynin, adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibitor SQ22536 or protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89. PVN microinjection of rhGLP-1 increased superoxide production, NADPH oxidase activity, cAMP level, AC, and PKA activity, which were prevented by SQ22536 or H89. GLP-1 and GLP-1R were upregulated in the PVN of SHR. PVN microinjection of GLP-1 agonist increased RSNA and MAP in both WKY and SHR, but GLP-1 antagonists caused greater effects in reducing RSNA and MAP in SHR than in WKY. The increased superoxide production and NADPH oxidase activity in the PVN of SHR were augmented by GLP-1R agonists but attenuated by GLP-1R antagonists. These results indicate that activation of GLP-1R in the PVN increased sympathetic outflow and blood pressure via cAMP-PKA-mediated NADPH oxidase activation and subsequent superoxide production. GLP-1 and GLP-1R upregulation in the PVN partially contributes to sympathetic overactivity and hypertension.

A simplification of intricate multifocal electroretinogram understanding: A mini-review.

Variation of multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) data presentation in existing scientific publications is a challenge for eye care practitioners to apply the scientific information for evidence-based practice in patient management. This review offers an overview of the mfERG data presentation types. Eight types of data presentation in the form of a table, scatter plot, line graph, bar graph/box plot, single waveform/a group of waveforms, trace array topography, three-dimensional topography, and two-dimensional topography are identified. The table format is used to provide the exact values. Line graphs, scatter, and box plots offer information about the relationship of mfERG values. Waveforms are helpful for comparison between groups or conditions. Topographies outline the retinal, especially the specific localized retinal abnormalities. An infographic of fundamental mfERG electrical response with definitions and clinical indications is provided to bridge the gap between researchers and clinicians to facilitate efficient clinical application.

Enhancing water quality and ecosystems of reclaimed water-replenished river: A case study of Dongsha River, Beijing, China.

The use of reclaimed water for urban river replenishment has raised concerns regarding its impact on water quality and aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to reveal the improvements seen in an urban river undergoing a practical water eco-remediation after being replenished with reclaimed water. A one-year monitoring of water quality, phytoplankton, and zooplankton was carried out in Dongsha River undergoing eco-remediation in Beijing, China. The results showed that compared to the unrestored river, the concentrations of COD, NH4+-N, TP, and TN decreased by 28.22 ± 7.88 %, 40.24 ± 11.77 %, 44.17 ± 17.29 %, and 28.66 ± 10.39 % in the restoration project area, respectively. The concentration of Chlorophyll-a in the restoration area was maintained below 40 µg/L. During summer, when algal growth is vigorous, the density of Cyanophyta in the unrestored river decreased from 46.84 × 104cells/L to 16.32 × 104cells/L in the restored area, while that of Chlorophyta decreased from 41.61 × 104cells/L to 11.87 × 104cells/L, a reduction of 65.16 % and 71.47 %, respectively. The dominant phytoplankton species were replaced with Bacillariophyta, such as Synedra sp. and Nitzschia sp., indicating that the restoration of aquatic plants reduces the risk of Cyanophyta blooms. Zooplankton species also changed in the restoration area, especially during summer. The density of pollution-tolerant Rotifer and Protozoa decreased by 31.06 % and 27.22 %, while the density of clean water indicating Cladocera increased by 101.19 %. We further calculated the diversity and evenness index of phytoplankton and zooplankton within and outside the restoration area. The results showed that the Shannon-Weaver index for phytoplankton and zooplankton in the restoration area was 2.1 and 1.91, which was higher than those in the river (1.84 and 1.82). This further confirmed that aquatic plant restoration has positive effects. This study can provide a practical reference and theoretical basis for the implementation of water ecological restoration projects in other reclaimed water rivers in China.

Prevalence, outcomes and associated factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in psoriasis patients of Southwest China: a cross-sectional survey.

In this study we aimed to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in psoriasis patients, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated risk factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2023 to March 2023. Information was obtained with online questionnaire about psoriasis patients on demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcomes, vaccination, and routine protection against COVID-19. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore risk factors with SARS-CoV-2 infection and exacerbation of psoriasis. A total of 613 participants were recruited. 516 (84.2%) were infected, and associated factors were sex, working status, routine protection against COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccination, impaired nail, infection exacerbate psoriasis, and severity of psoriasis. Among the patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, 30 (5.8%) required hospitalization, 122 (23.6%) had psoriasis exacerbation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and associated factors were subtype of psoriasis, discontinuation of psoriasis treatment during SARS-CoV-2 infection, response following COVID-19 vaccination, and severity of psoriasis. Booster dose vaccination contributed a low probability of COVID-19 sequelae. COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness was unsatisfactory, while booster dose vaccination reduced the occurrence of COVID-19 sequelae in psoriasis patients of Southwest China. Patients treated with psoriasis shown to be safe, without a higher incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19hospitalization compared to untreated patients. Stopping treatment during SARS-CoV-2 infection led to psoriasis exacerbation, so psoriasis treatment could be continued except severe adverse reaction.

Dynamic changes in calcium signals during root gravitropism.

Gravitropism is a vital mechanism through which plants adapt to their environment. Previous studies indicated that Ca2+ may play an important role in plant gravitropism. However, our understanding of the calcium signals in root gravitropism is still largely limited. Using a vertical stage confocal and transgenic Arabidopsis R-GECO1, our data showed that gravity stimulation enhances the occurrence of calcium spikes and increases the Ca2+ concentration in the lower side of the root cap. Furthermore, a close correlation was observed in the asymmetry of calcium signals with the inclination angles at which the roots were oriented. The frequency of calcium spikes on the lower side of 90°-rotated root decreases rapidly over time, whereas the asymmetric distribution of auxin readily strengthens for up to 3 h, indicating that the calcium spikes, promoted by gravity stimulation, may precede auxin as one of the early signals. In addition, the root gravitropism of starchless mutants is severely impaired. Correspondingly, no significant increase in calcium spike occurrence was observed in the root caps of these mutants within 15 min following a 90° rotation, indicating the involvement of starch grains in the formation of calcium spikes. However, between 30 and 45 min after a 90° rotation, asymmetric calcium spikes were indeed observed in the root of starchless mutants, suggesting that starch grains are not indispensable for the formation of calcium spikes. Besides, co-localization analysis suggests that the ER may function as calcium stores during the occurrence of calcium spikes. These findings provide further insights into plant gravitropism.

Increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections due to Volvariella Volvacea.

PURPOSE: We aimed to show the increasing incidence of invasive fungal infections due to Volvariella Volvacea in patients with immunosuppression. METHODS: We present a case of an invasive fungal infection caused by Volvariella volvacea, and summarize the clinical and pathological features based on this case and a review of the literature. RESULTS: A total of seven patients with IFIs due to Volvariella Volvacea have been reported in the literature. The majority of cases have been obtained between 2019 and 2022. Including our case, they all had acquired immunosuppression. The lung and brain were the most commonly affected organs. All eight of these patients received antifungal therapy, but five still died one to seven months after occurrences of IFIs. CONCLUSION: The incidence of invasive fungal infections due to Volvariella Volvacea is increasing in recent years. It mainly occurred in patients with immunosuppression, especially in patients with malignant hematological cancers, and increased mortality.

Genotype characterization of tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency in two Tibetan children.

Background: Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency is a rare cause of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA). The incidence of this condition varies based on region and ethnicity. In the early stages, patients typically do not exhibit any symptoms, and HPA is identified only through newborn screening for diseases. It is important to distinguish BH4 deficiency from phenylketonuria (PKU, MIM # 261600). Timely diagnosis and treatment of BH4 deficiency are crucial for the prognosis of patients. Case presentation: We present two rare cases of Chinese Tibetan children with BH4D, diagnosed through biochemical tests and genetic sequencing. Case 1 is a male infant, 2 months old, with a newborn screening (NBS) Phe level of 1212 µmol/L (reference range <120 µmol). The biopterin(B) level was 0.19 mmol/molCr (reference range: 0.42-1.92 mmol/molCr), with a B% of 5.67% (reference range: 19.8%-50.3%). Gene sequencing revealed a homozygous missense variant [NM_000317.3 (PTS): c.259C > T (p.Pro87Ser), rs104894276, ClinVar variation ID: 480]. The patient was treated with a Phe-reduced diet and oral sapropterin, madopar and is currently 3 years and 4 months old, showing mild global developmental delay. Case 2 is a 40-day-old female infant with a Phe level of 2442.11 µmol/L and dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) activity of 0.84 nmol/(min. 5 mm disc) (reference range: 1.02-3.35 nmol/min.5 mm disc. Gene sequencing revealed a compound heterozygous genotype [NM_000320.3(QDPR): c.68G > A (p.Gly23Asp), rs104893863, ClinVar Variation ID: 490] and [NM_000320.3(QDPR) c.419C > A (p. Ala140Asp), ClinVar ID: 2444501]. The patient was treated with a Phe-reduced diet and oral madopar, 5-hydroxytryptophan. At the age of 1 year, she exhibited severe global developmental delay with seizures. Conclusion: We identified and treated two cases of BH4D in Tibetan populations in China, marking the first confirmed instances. Our report emphasizes the significance of conducting differential diagnosis tests for BH4D.

Controllable Manipulation of Large-Volume Droplet on Non-Slippery Surfaces Based on Triboelectric Contactless Charge Injection.

Controllable droplet manipulation is crucial in diverse scientific and engineering fields. Traditional electric-based methods usually rely on commercial high-voltage (HV) power sources, which are typically bulky, expensive, and potentially hazardous. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a highly studied device that can generate HV output with limited current, showing great potential in droplet manipulation applications. However, current TENG-based approaches usually utilize traditional free-standing TENGs that produce short-pulsed alternating-current signals. This limitation hinders continuous electrostatic forces necessary for precise droplet control, leading to complex circuitry and suboptimal droplet motion control in terms of volume, distance, direction, and momentum. Here, a triboelectric contactless charge injection (TCCI) method employing a novel dual-functional triboelectric nanogenerator (DF-TENG), is proposed. The DF-TENG can produce both high voltage and constant current during unidirectional motion, enabling continuous corona discharges for contactless charge injection into the droplets. Using this method, a large-volume droplet (3000 µL) can be controlled with momentum up to 115.2 g mm s-1, quintupling the highest value recorded by the traditional methods. Moreover, the TCCI method is adaptable for a variety of non-slippery substrates and droplets of different compositions and viscosities, which makes it an ideal manipulation strategy for droplet transport, chemical reactions, and even driving solids.

Genetic analysis of a pedigree with MECP2 duplication syndrome in China.

BACKGROUND: MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is a rare X-linked genomic disorder that primarily affects males. It is characterized by delayed or absent speech development, severe motor and cognitive impairment, and recurrent respiratory infections. MDS is caused by the duplication of a chromosomal region located on chromosome Xq28, which contains the methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene. MECP2 functions as a transcriptional repressor or activator, regulating genes associated with nervous system development. The objective of this study is to provide a clinical description of MDS, including imaging changes observed from the fetal period to the neonatal period. METHODS: Conventional G-banding was employed to analyze the chromosome karyotypes of all pedigrees under investigation. Subsequently, whole exome sequencing (WES), advanced biological information analysis, and pedigree validation were conducted, which were further confirmed by copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). RESULTS: Chromosome karyotype analysis revealed that a male patient had a chromosome karyotype of 46,Y,dup(X)(q27.2q28). Whole-exon duplication in the MECP2 gene was revealed through WES results. CNV-seq validation confirmed the presence of Xq27.1q28 duplicates spanning 14.45 Mb, which was inherited from a mild phenotype mother. Neither the father nor the mother's younger brother carried this duplication. CONCLUSION: In this study, we examined a male child in a family who exhibited developmental delay and recurrent respiratory tract infections as the main symptoms. We conducted thorough family investigations and genetic testing to determine the underlying causes of the disease. Our findings will aid in early diagnosis, genetic counseling for male patients in this family, as well as providing prenatal diagnosis and reproductive guidance for female carriers.