Flexoelectricity Modulated Electron Transport of 2D Indium Oxide.

The phenomenon of flexoelectricity, wherein mechanical deformation induces alterations in the electron configuration of metal oxides, has emerged as a promising avenue for regulating electron transport. Leveraging this mechanism, stress sensing can be optimized through precise modulation of electron transport. In this study, the electron transport in 2D ultra-smooth In2O3 crystals is modulated via flexoelectricity. By subjecting cubic In2O3 (c-In2O3) crystals to significant strain gradients using an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip, the crystal symmetry is broken, resulting in the separation of positive and negative charge centers. Upon applying nano-scale stress up to 100 nN, the output voltage and power values reach their maximum, e.g. 2.2 mV and 0.2 pW, respectively. The flexoelectric coefficient and flexocoupling coefficient of c-In2O3 are determined as ≈0.49 nC m-1 and 0.4 V, respectively. More importantly, the sensitivity of the nano-stress sensor upon c-In2O3 flexoelectric effect reaches 20 nN, which is four to six orders smaller than that fabricated with other low dimensional materials based on the piezoresistive, capacitive, and piezoelectric effect. Such a deformation-induced polarization modulates the band structure of c-In2O3, significantly reducing the Schottky barrier height (SBH), thereby regulating its electron transport. This finding highlights the potential of flexoelectricity in enabling high-performance nano-stress sensing through precise control of electron transport.

Exploring Neuron-Specific Steroid Synthesis and DHEAS Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss. Recent studies have suggested a potential role for steroid synthesis in AD pathology. This study investigated the co-localization of steroidogenic enzymes in neuronal cells, changes in enzyme expression in an AD mouse model, and steroid expressions in human AD samples. Additionally, we conducted a steroidomic metabolomics analysis and evaluated the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) treatment in an AD mouse model. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed significant co-localization of cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1 (CYP17A1) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) proteins with α-synuclein in presynaptic neurons, suggesting active steroid synthesis in these cells. Conversely, such co-localization was absent in astrocytes. In the AD mouse model, a marked decrease in the expression of steroidogenic enzymes (Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Star) was observed, especially in areas with amyloid beta plaque accumulation. Human AD and MS brain tissues showed similar reductions in StAR and CYP17A1 expressions. Steroidomic analysis indicated a downregulation of key steroids in the serum of AD patients. DHEAS treatment in AD mice resulted in improved cognitive function and reduced Aß accumulation. Our findings indicate a neuron-specific pathway for steroid synthesis, potentially playing a crucial role in AD pathology. The reduction in steroidogenic enzymes and key steroids in AD models and human samples suggests that impaired steroid synthesis is a feature of neurodegenerative diseases. The therapeutic potential of targeting steroid synthesis pathways, as indicated by the positive effects of DHEAS treatment, warrants further investigation.

Three-Dimensional Human Posture Recognition by Extremity Angle Estimation with Minimal IMU Sensor.

Recently, posture recognition technology has advanced rapidly. Herein, we present a novel posture angle calculation system utilizing a single inertial measurement unit and a spatial geometric equation to accurately identify the three-dimensional (3D) motion angles and postures of both the upper and lower limbs of the human body. This wearable system facilitates continuous monitoring of body movements without the spatial limitations or occlusion issues associated with camera-based methods. This posture-recognition system has many benefits. Providing precise posture change information helps users assess the accuracy of their movements, prevent sports injuries, and enhance sports performance. This system employs a single inertial sensor, coupled with a filtering mechanism, to calculate the sensor's trajectory and coordinates in 3D space. Subsequently, the spatial geometry equation devised herein accurately computed the joint angles for changing body postures. To validate its effectiveness, the joint angles estimated from the proposed system were compared with those from dual inertial sensors and image recognition technology. The joint angle discrepancies for this system were within 10° and 5° when compared with dual inertial sensors and image recognition technology, respectively. Such reliability and accuracy of the proposed angle estimation system make it a valuable reference for assessing joint angles.

Assessing the Clinical Effectiveness of an Exergame-Based Exercise Training Program Using Ring Fit Adventure to Prevent and Postpone Frailty and Sarcopenia Among Older Adults in Rural Long-Term Care Facilities: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Frailty and sarcopenia are geriatric syndromes of increasing concern and are associated with adverse health outcomes. They are more prevalent among long-term care facility (LTCF) users than among community dwellers. Exercise, especially multicomponent and progressive resistance training, is essential for managing these conditions. However, LTCFs, particularly in rural areas, face challenges in implementing structured exercise programs due to health care professional shortages. Moreover, older adults often become bored with repetitive exercise training and may lose interest over time. The Nintendo Switch Ring Fit Adventure (RFA) exergame is a novel exergame that combines resistance, aerobic, and balance exercises and offers a potential solution by boosting motivation in an immersive manner and reducing staff intervention needs. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of an exergame-based exercise training program delivered via RFA (exergame-RFA) in improving muscle mass and functional performance among older adult LTCF users. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted from August 2022 to September 2023 and involved older adult LTCF users (aged ≥60 y) in rural southern Taiwan. Participants were randomized into an intervention group (exergame-RFA plus standard care) or a control group (standard care alone). The intervention, conducted seated with arm fit skills and trunk control exercises using the RFA, lasted 30 minutes twice weekly over 12 weeks. The primary outcomes measured were the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures index (serving as an indicator of frailty status) and the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia (appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, handgrip strength, and gait speed). The secondary outcomes included functional performance (box and block test as well as maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the dominant upper extremity), muscle condition (muscle thickness measured using ultrasonography), activities of daily living (Kihon checklist), health-related quality of life (Short Form Health Survey-36), and cognitive function (brain health test). We used an intention-to-treat analysis, incorporating a simple imputation technique in statistical analysis. A mixed ANOVA, with time as a within-participant factor and intervention as a between-participant factor, was used to compare the training effects on outcomes. RESULTS: We recruited 96 individuals, of whom 60 (62%) underwent randomization. Of these 60 participants, 55 (92%) completed the study. Significant group×time interactions were observed in the intervention group in all primary outcomes (all P<.001, except P=.01 for handgrip strength) and most secondary outcomes, including maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the biceps (P=.004) and triceps brachii (P<.001) muscles, biceps muscle thickness measured using ultrasonography (P<.001), box and block test (P<.001), Kihon checklist (physical function: P=.01, mood status: P=.003, and total: P=.003), and brain health test (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The exergame-RFA intervention significantly improved muscle mass, strength, and functional performance among older adult users of rural LTCFs, offering a novel approach to addressing frailty and sarcopenia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05360667; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05360667. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.3389/fmed.2022.1071409.

BAPCP: A comprehensive and user-friendly web tool for identifying biomarkers from protein microarray technologies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Proteome microarrays are one of the popular high-throughput screening methods for large-scale investigation of protein interactions in cells. These interactions can be measured on protein chips when coupled with fluorescence-labeled probes, helping indicate potential biomarkers or discover drugs. Several computational tools were developed to help analyze the protein chip results. However, existing tools fail to provide a user-friendly interface for biologists and present only one or two data analysis methods suitable for limited experimental designs, restricting the use cases. METHODS: In order to facilitate the biomarker examination using protein chips, we implemented a user-friendly and comprehensive web tool called BAPCP (Biomarker Analysis tool for Protein Chip Platforms) in this research to deal with diverse chip data distributions. RESULTS: BAPCP is well integrated with standard chip result files and includes 7 data normalization methods and 7 custom-designed quality control/differential analysis filters for biomarker extraction among experiment groups. Moreover, it can handle cost-efficient chip designs that repeat several blocks/samples within one single slide. Using experiments of the human coronavirus (HCoV) protein microarray and the E. coli proteome chip that helps study the immune response of Kawasaki disease as examples, we demonstrated that BAPCP can accelerate the time-consuming week-long manual biomarker identification process to merely 3 min. CONCLUSIONS: The developed BAPCP tool provides substantial analysis support for protein interaction studies and conforms to the necessity of expanding computer usage and exchanging information in bioscience and medicine. The web service of BAPCP is available at https://cosbi.ee.ncku.edu.tw/BAPCP/.

Characterization of the structural and molecular interactions of Ferulic acid ethyl ester with human serum albumin and Lysozyme through multi-methods.

Ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE) is an essential raw material for the formulation of drugs for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and leukopenia. It is also used as a fixed aroma agent for food production due to its high pharmacological activity. In this study, the interaction of FAEE with Human serum albumin (HSA) and Lysozyme (LZM) was characterized by multi-spectrum and molecular dynamics simulations at four different temperatures. Additionally, the quenching mechanism of FAEE-HSA and FAEE-LZM were explored. Meanwhile, the binding constants, binding sites, thermodynamic parameters, molecular dynamics, molecular docking binding energy, and the influence of metal ions in the system were evaluated. The results of Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, CD, three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum, and resonance light scattering showed that the microenvironment of HSA and LZM and the protein conformation changed in the presence of FAEE. Furthermore, the effects of some common metal ions on the binding constants of FAEE-HSA and FAEE-LZM were investigated. Overall, the experimental results provide a theoretical basis for promoting the application of FAEE in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries and significant guidance for food safety, drug design, and development.

Beyond monetary value: how reward type drives cheating in a gender-judgment task.

Background: Investigating the effects of monetary incentives on dishonest behavior provides valuable insights into human integrity and ethical decision-making processes. This study is conducted through the lens of self-concept maintenance theory. Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the influence of different types of rewards (score-based vs. monetary) and their magnitude on dishonest behavior within a gender judgment task. Method: Using a quantitative experimental design, this study involved 116 participants who were randomly assigned to conditions that differed in reward type (score or money) and magnitude (10 yuan vs. 50 yuan). Dishonest behavior was assessed using a gender judgment task with mechanisms to simulate conditions conducive to planned cheating. Results: Results revealed significant differences in dishonesty rates between score and money conditions, with a higher proportion of dishonest participants observed in the score condition compared to the money condition. The timing of initial cheating was earlier in the score condition compared to the money condition. No significant differences were found in the proportion of dishonest participants, the cheating rate, or the timing of initial cheating across reward levels within either condition. The rate of cheating increased over time, suggesting a temporal dynamic in unethical decision making. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the nature of rewards significantly influences the likelihood of dishonest behavior, with intangible score-based rewards facilitating rationalizations for dishonesty more readily than tangible financial incentives. These findings enrich the understanding of moral psychology by highlighting the complex interplay between reward types, ethical rationalization, and the dynamics of dishonest behavior.

Cultivating the uncultured: Harnessing the "sandwich agar plate" approach to isolate heme-dependent bacteria from marine sediment.

In the classical microbial isolation technique, the isolation process inevitably destroys all microbial interactions and thus makes it difficult to culture the many microorganisms that rely on these interactions for survival. In this study, we designed a simple coculture technique named the "sandwich agar plate method," which maintains microbial interactions throughout the isolation and pure culture processes. The total yield of uncultured species in sandwich agar plates based on eight helper strains was almost 10-fold that of the control group. Many uncultured species displayed commensal lifestyles. Further study found that heme was the growth-promoting factor of some marine commensal bacteria. Subsequent genomic analysis revealed that heme auxotrophies were common in various biotopes and prevalent in many uncultured microbial taxa. Moreover, our study supported that the survival strategies of heme auxotrophy in different habitats varied considerably. These findings highlight that cocultivation based on the "sandwich agar plate method" could be developed and used to isolate more uncultured bacteria.

Intrasegmental recombination as an evolutionary force of Lassa fever virus.

Lassa fever (LF), caused by Lassa virus (LASV), is one of the most dangerous diseases to public health. Homologous recombination (HR) is a basic genetic power driving biological evolution. However, as a negative-stranded RNA virus, it is unknown whether HR occurs between LASVs and its influence on the outbreak of LF. In this study, after analyzing 575 S and 433 L segments of LASV collected in Africa, we found that LASV can achieve HR in both of its segments. Interestingly, although the length of S segment is less than half of the L segment, the proportion of LASVs with S recombinants is significantly higher than that with L recombinants. These results suggest that HR may be a feature of LASV, which can be set by natural selection to produce beneficial or eliminate harmful mutations for the virus, so it plays a role in LASV evolution during the outbreak of LF.

Zaxinone Synthase overexpression modulates rice physiology and metabolism, enhancing nutrient uptake, growth and productivity.

The rice Zaxinone Synthase (ZAS) gene encodes a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) that forms the apocarotenoid growth regulator zaxinone in vitro. Here, we generated and characterized constitutive ZAS-overexpressing rice lines, to better understand ZAS role in determining zaxinone content and regulating growth and architecture. ZAS overexpression enhanced endogenous zaxinone level, promoted root growth and increased the number of productive tillers, leading to about 30% higher grain yield per plant. Hormone analysis revealed a decrease in strigolactone (SL) content, which we confirmed by rescuing the high-tillering phenotype through application of a SL analogue. Metabolomics analysis revealed that ZAS overexpressing plants accumulate higher amounts of monosaccharide sugars, in line with transcriptome analysis. Moreover, transgenic plants showed higher carbon (C) assimilation rate and elevated root phosphate, nitrate and sulphate level, enhancing the tolerance towards low phosphate (Pi). Our study confirms ZAS as an important determinant of rice growth and architecture and shows that ZAS regulates hormone homoeostasis and a combination of physiological processes to promote growth and grain yield, which makes this gene an excellent candidate for sustainable crop improvement.

Crohn's disease treatment and memory T-cell subset changes: insights from a case series.

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with significant morbidity, affecting millions worldwide. The intricacies of immune responses in CD, especially post-treatment, remain a vital area of exploration. While memory T (Tm)-cell subsets play a pivotal role in adaptive immunity, their specific function in patients with CD after treatment is not well-understood. This study aims to investigate the effect and function of Tm-cell subsets in these patients, addressing a crucial knowledge gap in the context of CD therapeutics. Methods: A total of eight patients diagnosed with CD were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. All patients were treated with either anti-inflammatory agents, immunosuppressive drugs, or a combination of both. For comparison, healthy donors were enrolled based on exclusion of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and lymphocytes were isolated from blood and lymph node tissue respectively. The phenotype and cytokine production of T lymphocytes from both CD patients and healthy donors were analyzed using flow cytometry. Statistical comparisons of the outcomes between CD patients and healthy donors were made using Mann-Whitney test (two-tailed) and Student t-test. Results: Post-treatment CD patients exhibited an altered T cell distribution with a notable increase in CD8+ T cells in PBMCs (P=0.0005), and altered frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). Tm cells showed decreased interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production, with significant alterations in the frequency of IFN-γ-producing CD8+ stem cell-like Tm (Tscm) cells in lesions of the MLNs from patients with CD (CD-M-Lys) compared to healthy MLNs from patients with CD (N-M-Lys) (P=0.0152). Differences in tissue-resident Tm (Trm)-cell subset frequencies were observed between the MLNs and small intestinal mucosa in CD patients. Conclusions: The treatments with anti-inflammatory agents and/or immunosuppressive drugs have a significant effect on the frequency and function of Tm-cell subsets. Clinically, these findings suggest a potential therapeutic avenue in modulating Tm-cell responses, which might be particularly beneficial for conditions where immune response modulation is crucial. Further clinical studies are warranted to explore the full therapeutic implications of these findings.

Latent profile analysis of Eysenck's personality dimensions and psychological constructs in university students.

Background: The exploration of personality traits in relation to psychological constructs has become increasingly relevant in understanding the mental health of university students (the emerging adulthood). Studies have focused on how dimensions intersect with various psychological parameters. Aim: The study aims to identify distinct personality profiles among university students based on Eysenck's personality dimensions and investigate how these profiles differ across psychological constructs. Method: A quantitative methodology was utilized, involving 708 university students from Wenzhou and Nanjing in China as participants. The research employed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire along with other psychological measures. Latent Profile Analysis was applied to categorize the participants into distinct personality profiles. Results: Four distinct personality profiles emerged: 'The Reserved Analyst,' 'The Social Diplomat,' 'The Unconventional Pragmatist,' and 'The Impulsive Truth-Teller.' Significant differences were found among these profiles on various psychological constructs. 'The Social Diplomat' exhibited the most adaptive psychological profile, with higher cognitive reappraisal (F = 45.818, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.163), meaning in life (F = 17.764, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.070), and positive coping (F = 40.765, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.148) compared to other profiles. Conversely, 'The Reserved Analyst' showed higher intolerance of uncertainty (F = 13.854, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.056) and state anxiety (F = 26.279, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.101). Conclusion: This study enriches the understanding of personality traits in relation to psychological constructs within the context of university student populations. By identifying distinct personality profiles, it lays the groundwork for developing tailored mental health strategies that cater to the specific needs of different student groups.

Niaodukang mixture inhibits micro-inflammation in CKD rats by enhancing MiR-146a levels in enterogenous exosomes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Niaodukang mixture (NDK) is a preparation known for its ability to lower serum creatine levels in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is commonly administered at medical facilities like the Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The initial use of NDK was mainly to treat CKD. Our hospital frequently utilizes NDK, which consists of Rheum officinaleBaill., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge., Astragalus aaronii (Eig) Zohary., Carthamus tinctorius L., and Sanguisorba officinalis L., for treating patients with CKD-MBD. It has the effects of eliminating dampness and turbidity and dredging kidney collaterals. However, The impact and process of NDK in chronic kidney disease remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine whether microRNA-146a (miR-146a) is associated with CKD micro-inflammationand whether NDK protects against CKD micro-inflammation by modulating the miR-146a/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: (1) An adenine-induced rat model of chronic kidney disease was created through the use of materials and methods. The levels of miR-146a in exosomes from plasma and ileum were determined by RT-PCR. (2) Human cloned colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2)cellswere stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)and transfected with miR-146a mimic and inhibitor. Following that, the Western blot and RT-PCR techniques were used to measure the protein and mRNA quantities of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), NF-κB, and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). (3) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to identify serum levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). (4) Plasma exosomes were extracted, and the exosomes in intestinal tissues were extracted via ultrahigh-speed centrifugation.Negative staining electron microscopy was used to analyze the morphology of exosomes and the ultrastructure of intestinal tissue and exosomes. The particle size of the exosomes was measured using nanoparticle tracking analysis. RESULTS: The pathological characteristics of CKD rats included those associated with systemic micro-inflammation, which may be associated with the release of exosomes in intestinal tissue. NDK suppressed the inflammatory response in Caco-2 cells and decreased the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in rats with CKD. The expression of miR-146a, which regulates inflammation, differed between plasma-derived and enterogenous exosomes in CKD rats, which may be due to stimulation of ileal exosome release into the blood. NDK effectively reduced the levels of TRAF6, NF-κB, and TLR4 in the ileum tissue of CKD rats. CONCLUSION: NDK can effectively improve micro-inflammation in CKD ratsby enhancing the release of enterogenous exosomes, thereby enhancing the release of exosome-associated miR-146a and inhibiting micro-inflammation.

Direct Degradation of Fresh and Dried Macroalgae by Agarivorans albus B2Z047.

Marine macroalgae are increasingly recognized for their significant biological and economic potential. The key to unlocking this potential lies in the efficient degradation of all carbohydrates from the macroalgae biomass. However, a variety of polysaccharides (alginate, cellulose, fucoidan, and laminarin), are difficult to degrade simultaneously in a short time. In this study, the brown alga Saccharina japonica was found to be rapidly and thoroughly degraded by the marine bacterium Agarivorans albus B2Z047. This strain harbors a broad spectrum of carbohydrate-active enzymes capable of degrading various polysaccharides, making it uniquely equipped to efficiently break down both fresh and dried kelp, achieving a hydrolysis rate of up to 52%. A transcriptomic analysis elucidated the presence of pivotal enzyme genes implicated in the degradation pathways of alginate, cellulose, fucoidan, and laminarin. This discovery highlights the bacterium's capability for the efficient and comprehensive conversion of kelp biomass, indicating its significant potential in biotechnological applications for macroalgae resource utilization.

Mycoplasma genitalium infection and resistance-associated mutations to macrolides and fluoroquinolones among high-risk patients in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging etiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with increasing resistance to antimicrobials. Surveillance on the epidemiology of M. genitalium infection and antimicrobial resistance is warranted. METHODS: Between September 2021 and August 2023, people with HIV (PWH) and people without HIV (PWoH) at risk of STIs were screened for M. genitalium infection using a multiplex polymerase-chain-reaction assay of specimens collected from the rectum, urethra, oral cavity, and vagina. The prevalences of resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) of M. genitalium to fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and tetracycline were investigated. RESULTS: During the 2-year study period, 1021 participants were enrolled, including 531 PWH and 490 PWoH. Overall, 83 (8.1%) and 34 (7.6%) participants had M. genitalium infection at baseline and during follow-up, respectively, with the rectum being the most common site of detection (61.5%). With the first course of antimicrobial treatment, 27 of 63 (42.9%) participants with M. genitalium infection were cured during follow-up, including 24 of 58 (41.4%) who received doxycycline monotherapy. The prevalence of RAMs to macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines at baseline were 24.3%, 22.4%, and 7.9%, respectively. Though PWH had more M. genitalium infection (10.2% vs 5.9%, p = 0.01), a higher rate of RAMs to macrolides (41.0% vs 14.7%, p < 0.01) was found in PWoH. CONCLUSIONS: Among high-risk populations, the prevalence of M. genitalium infection was 8.1%. The overall genotypic resistance of M. genitalium to macrolides and fluoroquinolones was moderately high in Taiwan. Detection of M. genitalium infection and antimicrobial resistance is warranted to ensure resistance-guided antimicrobial treatments to be administered.

Decoding the genome of bloodsucking midge Forcipomyia taiwana (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae): Insights into odorant receptor expansion.

Biting midges, notably those within the Ceratopogonidae family, have long been recognized for their epidemiological significance, both as nuisances and vectors for disease transmission in vertebrates. Despite their impact, genomic insights into these insects, particularly beyond the Culicoides genus, remain limited. In this study, we assembled the Forcipomyia taiwana (Shiraki) genome, comprising 113 scaffolds covering 130.4 Mbps-with the longest scaffold reaching 7.6 Mbps and an N50 value of 2.6 Mbps-marking a pivotal advancement in understanding the genetic architecture of ceratopogonid biting midges. Phylogenomic analyses reveal a shared ancestry between F. taiwana and Culicoides sonorensis Wirth & Jones, dating back approximately 124 million years, and highlight a dynamic history of gene family expansions and contractions within the Ceratopogonidae family. Notably, a substantial expansion of the odorant receptor (OR) gene family was observed, which is crucial for the chemosensory capabilities that govern biting midges' interactions with their environment, including host seeking and oviposition behaviors. The distribution of OR genes across the F. taiwana genome displays notable clusters on scaffolds, indicating localized tandem gene duplication events. Additionally, several collinear regions were identified, hinting at segmental duplications, inversions, and translocations, contributing to the olfactory system's evolutionary complexity. Among the 156 ORs identified in F. taiwana, 134 are biting midge-specific ORs, distributed across three distinct clades, each exhibiting unique motif features that distinguish them from the others. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we correlated distinct gene modules with sex and reproductive status, laying the groundwork for future investigations into the interplay between gene expression and adaptive behaviors in F. taiwana. In conclusion, our study not only highlights the unique olfactory repertoire of ceratopogonid biting midges but also sets the stage for future studies into the genetic underpinnings of their unique biological traits and ecological strategies.

Rapid Screening of New Psychoactive Substances Using pDART-QqQ-MS.

Drug abuse is a severe social problem worldwide. Particularly, the issue of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) have increasingly emerged. NPSs are structural or functional analogs of traditional illicit drugs, such as cocaine, cannabis, and amphetamine; these molecules provide the same or more severe neurological effects. Usually, immunoassays are utilized in the preliminary screening method. However, NPSs have poor detectability in commercially available immunoassay kits. Meanwhile, various chromatography combined with the mass spectrometry platform have been developed to quantify NPSs. Still, a significant amount of time and resources are required during these procedures. Therefore, we established a rapid analytical platform for NPSs employing paper-loaded direct analysis in real time triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (pDART-QqQ-MS). We implemented this platform for the semiquantitative analysis of forensic drug tests in urine. This platform significantly shrinks the analytical time of a single sample within 30 s and requires a low volume of the specimen. The platform can detect 21 NPSs in urine mixtures at a lower limit of qualification of concentration ranging from 20 to 75 nanograms per milliliter (ng mL-1) and is lower than the cutoff value of currently available immune-based devices for detecting multiple drugs (1000 ng mL-1). Urine samples from drug addicts have been collected to verify the platform's effectiveness. By combining efficiency and accuracy, our platform offers a promising solution for addressing the challenges posed by NPSs in drug abuse detection.

Repurposing the diuretic benzamil as an anti-osteosarcoma agent that acts by suppressing integrin/FAK/STAT3 signalling and compromising mitochondrial function.

Aims: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy among children and adolescents. We investigated whether benzamil, an amiloride analogue and sodium-calcium exchange blocker, may exhibit therapeutic potential for osteosarcoma in vitro. Methods: MG63 and U2OS cells were treated with benzamil for 24 hours. Cell viability was evaluated with the MTS/PMS assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry (forward/side scatter). Chromosome condensation, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay, cleavage of poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) and caspase-7, and FITC annexin V/PI double staining were monitored as indicators of apoptosis. Intracellular calcium was detected by flow cytometry with Fluo-4 AM. The phosphorylation and activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were measured by western blot. The expression levels of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL), SOD1, and SOD2 were also assessed by western blot. Mitochondrial status was assessed with tetramethylrhodamine, ethyl ester (TMRE), and intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was measured with BioTracker ATP-Red Live Cell Dye. Total cellular integrin levels were evaluated by western blot, and the expression of cell surface integrins was assessed using fluorescent-labelled antibodies and flow cytometry. Results: Benzamil suppressed growth of osteosarcoma cells by inducing apoptosis. Benzamil reduced the expression of cell surface integrins α5, αV, and ß1 in MG63 cells, while it only reduced the expression of αV in U2OS cells. Benzamil suppressed the phosphorylation and activation of FAK and STAT3. In addition, mitochondrial function and ATP production were compromised by benzamil. The levels of anti-apoptotic proteins XIAP, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL were reduced by benzamil. Correspondingly, benzamil potentiated cisplatin- and methotrexate-induced apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. Conclusion: Benzamil exerts anti-osteosarcoma activity by inducing apoptosis. In terms of mechanism, benzamil appears to inhibit integrin/FAK/STAT3 signalling, which triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP depletion.

Distinguishing the functions of canonical strigolactones as rhizospheric signals.

Strigolactones (SLs) act as regulators of plant architecture as well as signals in rhizospheric communications. Reduced availability of minerals, particularly phosphorus, leads to an increase in the formation and release of SLs that enable adaptation of root and shoot architecture to nutrient limitation and, simultaneously, attract arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for establishing beneficial symbiosis. Based on their chemical structure, SLs are designated as either canonical or non-canonical; however, the question of whether the two classes are also distinguished in their biological functions remained largely elusive until recently. In this review we summarize the latest advances in SL biosynthesis and highlight new findings pointing to rhizospheric signaling as the major function of canonical SLs.

Multivariate analysis of carcinogenic equivalence (CEQ) to characterize carcinogenic VOC emissions in a typical petrochemical industrial park in Taiwan.

Large industrial emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the petrochemical industry are a critical concern due to their potential carcinogenicity. VOC emissions vary in composition depending on the source and occur in mixtures containing compounds with varying degrees of toxicity. We proposed the use of carcinogenic equivalence (CEQ) and multivariate analysis to identify the major contributors to the carcinogenicity of VOC emissions. This method weights the carcinogenicity of each VOC by using a ratio of its cancer slope factor to that of benzene, providing a carcinogenic equivalence factor (CEF) for each VOC. We strategically selected a petrochemical industrial park in southern Taiwan that embodies the industry's comprehensive nature and serves as a representative example. The CEQs of different emission sources in three years were analyzed and assessed using principal component analysis (PCA) to characterize the major contributing sectors, vendors, sources, and species for the carcinogenicity of VOC emissions. Results showed that while the study site exhibited a 20.7 % (259.8 t) decrease in total VOC emissions in three years, the total CEQ emission only decreased by 4.5 % (15.9 t), highlighting a potential shift in the emitted VOC composition towards more carcinogenic compounds. By calculating CEQ followed by PCA, the important carcinogenic VOC emission sources and key compounds were identified. More importantly, the study compared three approaches: CEQ followed by PCA, PCA followed by CEQ, and PCA only. While the latter two methods prioritized sources based on emission quantities, potentially overlooking less abundant but highly carcinogenic compounds, the CEQ-first approach effectively identified vendors and sources with the most concerning cancer risks. This distinction underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate analysis method based on the desired focus. Our study highlighted how prioritizing CEQ within the analysis framework empowered the development of precise control measures that address the most carcinogenic VOC sources.