Activation of TLR9 signaling suppresses the immunomodulating functions of CD55lo fibroblastic reticular cells during bacterial peritonitis.

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are a subpopulation of stromal cells modulating the immune environments in health and disease. We have previously shown that activation of TLR9 signaling in FRC in fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALC) regulate peritoneal immunity via suppressing immune cell recruitment and peritoneal resident macrophage (PRM) retention. However, FRCs are heterogeneous across tissues and organs. The functions of each FRC subset and the regulation of TLR9 in distinct FRC subsets are unknown. Here, we confirmed that specific deletion of TLR9 in FRC improved bacterial clearance and survival during peritoneal infection. Furthermore, using single-cell RNA sequencing, we found two subsets of FRCs (CD55hi and CD55lo) in the mesenteric FALC. The CD55hi FRCs were enriched in gene expression related to extracellular matrix formation. The CD55lo FRCs were enriched in gene expression related to immune response. Interestingly, we found that TLR9 is dominantly expressed in the CD55lo subset. Activation of TLR9 signaling suppressed proliferation, cytokine production, and retinoid metabolism in the CD55lo FRC, but not CD55hi FRC. Notably, we found that adoptive transfer of Tlr9 -/-CD55lo FRC from mesenteric FALC more effectively improved the survival during peritonitis compared with WT-FRC or Tlr9 -/-CD55hi FRC. Furthermore, we identified CD55hi and CD55lo subsets in human adipose tissue-derived FRC and confirmed the suppressive effect of TLR9 on the proliferation and cytokine production in the CD55lo subset. Therefore, inhibition of TLR9 in the CD55lo FRCs from adipose tissue could be a useful strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of FRC-based therapy for peritonitis.

Universal inverse modeling of point spread functions for SMLM localization and microscope characterization.

The point spread function (PSF) of a microscope describes the image of a point emitter. Knowing the accurate PSF model is essential for various imaging tasks, including single-molecule localization, aberration correction and deconvolution. Here we present universal inverse modeling of point spread functions (uiPSF), a toolbox to infer accurate PSF models from microscopy data, using either image stacks of fluorescent beads or directly images of blinking fluorophores, the raw data in single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). Our modular framework is applicable to a variety of microscope modalities and the PSF model incorporates system- or sample-specific characteristics, for example, the bead size, field- and depth- dependent aberrations, and transformations among channels. We demonstrate its application in single or multiple channels or large field-of-view SMLM systems, 4Pi-SMLM, and lattice light-sheet microscopes using either bead data or single-molecule blinking data.

Cerebral 18F-FDG PET/CT Metabolism as Diagnostic Signature for Central Nervous System Toxicity After Immune Checkpoint Blockade Cancer Treatment.

Our aim was to investigate probable biomarkers specific to immune-related central nervous system toxicity (CNST) in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) by analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT images. Methods: Cancer patients receiving ICI treatment were enrolled in a multicenter observational study that analyzed regional metabolic changes before and during CNST onset from January 2020 to February 2022. In 1:1 propensity score-matched pairs, the regional SUVmean of each bilateral brain lobe of CNST patients (CNST+) was compared with that of patients who had central nervous system infections (CNSIs) and patients without CNST or CNSI (CNST-). In a validation cohort, patients were recruited from February 2022 to July 2023 and followed up for 24 wk after the start of ICI. Early changes in regional SUVmean at 5-6 wk after therapy initiation were evaluated for ability to predict later CNST onset. Results: Of 6,395 ICI-treated patients, 2,387 underwent prognostic 18F-FDG PET/CT and 125 of the scanned patients had CNST (median time from ICI treatment to onset, 9 wk; quartile range, 2-23 wk). Regional 18F-FDG PET/CT SUVmean changes were higher in CNST+ than in CNST- patients (117 patient pairs) but were lower than in CNSI patients (50 pairs). Differentiating analysis reached an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.78-0.88) for CNST+ versus CNST- and of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.72-0.89) for CNST+ versus CNSI. Changes in SUVmean were also higher before CNST onset than for CNST- (60 pairs; AUC, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.66-0.83). In a validation cohort of 2,878 patients, preonset changes in SUVmean reached an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79-0.94) in predicting later CNST incidence. Conclusion: Brain regional hypermetabolism could be detected during and before CNST clinical onset. CNST may be a distinct pathologic entity versus brain infections defined by 18F-FDG PET/CT brain scans. Regional SUV differences may be translated into early diagnostic tools based on moderate differentiating accuracy in our study.

Chitosan Phytate Nanoparticles: A Synergistic Strategy for Effective Dental Caries Prevention.

Dental caries is a widespread oral disease that poses a significant medical challenge. Traditional caries prevention methods, primarily the application of fluoride, often fall short in effectively destroying biofilms and preventing enamel demineralization, thereby providing limited efficacy in halting the progression of caries over time. To address this issue, we have developed a green and cost-effective synergistic strategy for the prevention of dental caries. By combining natural sodium phytate and chitosan, we have created chitosan-sodium phytate nanoparticles that offer both the antimicrobial properties of chitosan and the enamel demineralization-inhibiting capabilities of sodium phytate. In an ex vivo biofilm model of human teeth, we found that these nanoparticles effectively prevent biofilm buildup and acid damage to the mineralized tissue. Additionally, topical treatment of dental caries in rodent models has shown that these nanoparticles effectively suppress disease progression without negatively impacting oral microbiota diversity or causing harm to the gingival-mucosal tissues, unlike traditional prevention methods.

Variations in Genetic Diversity of Invasive Species Lithobates catesbeianus in China.

The introduction and subsequent range expansion of the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is part of a rising trend of troublesome biological invasions happening in China. This detrimental amphibious invasive species has strong adaptability. After its introduction and spread, it established its own ecological niche in many provinces of China, and its range has continued to expand to more areas. Previous studies recorded the introduction time of bullfrogs and calculated the changes in their genetic diversity in China using mitochondria, but the specific introduction route in China is still unknown. Expanding upon previous research, we employed whole-genome scans (utilizing 2b-RAD genomic sequencing) to examine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and microsatellites within Lithobates catesbeianus to screen the genomes of these invasive amphibian species from eight Chinese provinces and two U.S. states, including Kansas, where bullfrogs originate. A total of 1,336,475 single nucleotide polymorphic loci and 17 microsatellite loci were used to calculate the genetic diversity of bullfrogs and their migration pathways. Our results suggest that the population in Hunan was the first to be introduced and to spread, and there may have been multiple introductions of subpopulations. Additionally, the genetic diversity of both the SNP and microsatellite loci in the Chinese bullfrog population was lower than that of the US population due to bottleneck effects, but the bullfrogs can adapt and spread rapidly. This study will offer crucial insights for preventing and controlling future introductions into the natural habitats in China. Additionally, it will assist in devising more precise strategies to manage the existing populations and curtail their continued expansion, as well as aim to improve clarity and originality while mitigating plagiarism risk.

Effects of stock enhancement on the macrobenthic community and ecological health in the intertidal zone of the estuarine wetland in Nanhui, China.

Nanhui Dongtan Wetland is an important part of Yangtze Estuary Wetland, and its species diversity has been affected by reclamation in recent years. To increase the diversity of species in reclamation areas, stock enhancement was implemented in the Nanhui Dongtan Wetland in May 2020 as a method of ecological restoration. We investigated macrobenthos before and after release, analysed changes in the macrobenthos and evaluated the ecological health of the sampled area. The diversity index showed species were more abundant and community structure were more diversified after release. Functional groups and redundancy analysis showed that the effects of stock enhancement on macrobenthos in Nanhui Dongtan wetland may be based on changes in secondary productivity. Stock enhancement may promote the resistance of macrobenthic communities to organic pollution without negatively affecting ecological health. As a method of ecological restoration, stock enhancement will play a positive role in the restoration of macrobenthic communities.

Alien range size, habitat breadth, origin location, and domestication of alien species matter to their impact risks.

Invasive alien species are a major driver of biodiversity loss. Currently, the process of biological invasions is experiencing a constant acceleration, foreshadowing a future increase in the threat posed by invasive alien species to global biodiversity. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the impact risks of invasive alien species and related factors. Here, we constructed a dataset of negative environmental impact events to evaluate the impact risks of alien species. We collected information on 1071 established alien terrestrial vertebrates and then gathered negative environmental impacts for 108 of those species. Generalized linear mixed-effects model and phylogenetic generalized least-squares regression model were used to examine the characteristic (including life-history traits, characteristics related to distribution, and introduction event characteristics) correlates of species' impact risks at the global scale for 108 established alien terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians). Our results showed that a total of 3158 negative environmental impacts were reported for 108 harmful species across 71 countries worldwide. Factors associated with impact risks varied slightly among taxa, but alien range size, habitat breadth, origin location, and domestication were significantly correlated with impact risks. Our study aims to identify the characteristics of alien species with high-impact risks to facilitate urgent assessment of alien species and to protect the local ecological environment and biodiversity.

Long-term comparison of Image-guided thermal ablation vs. lobectomy for solitary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Image-guided thermal ablation has been applied in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMC) who refuse surgery or active surveillance. However, evidence to support ablation is limited by single-center designs and lack of long-term data. The purpose of this study was to compare long-term outcomes between ablation and lobectomy for patients with solitary PTMC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included 1021 consecutive patients with solitary PTMC who underwent ablation(n=444) or lobectomy(n=577) at the four university-affiliated hospitals. The primary outcomes were disease progression(lymph node metastasis[LNM], recurrent tumors, persistent tumors and distant metastasis) and disease-free survival(DFS). Secondary outcomes were complications, hospitalization, procedure time, estimated blood loss and cost. The two groups were compared using propensity score matching. RESULTS: After matching, no significant differences were observed in disease progression (4.7% vs. 3.4%, P=.307), LNM (1.6% vs. 1.6%, P=1.000), recurrent tumors (2.9% vs. 1.8%, P=.269), persistent tumors(0.2% vs. 0%, P=.317) and DFS (95.5% vs. 97.1%, P=.246) between the ablation and lobectomy groups during the median follow-up of 96.5 months. The ablation group had significantly lower complication rates (0.7% vs. 5.2%, P<.001), shorter post-treatment hospitalization (median[IQR], 0 d vs. 4.0[3.0] d, P<.001), shorter procedure time (8.5[2.8] min vs. 90.0[43.8] min, P<.001), reduced estimated blood loss (0 mL vs. 20.0[10.0] mL, P<.001), and lower cost ($1873.2[254.0] vs. $2292.9[797.8], P<.001) than the lobectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed comparable disease progression and survival outcomes between ablation and lobectomy for solitary PTMC. Imaged-guided thermal ablation could be effective and safe alternatives to lobectomy for properly selected patients with PTMC.

3D drift correction for super-resolution imaging with a single laser light.

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) enables three-dimensional (3D) super-resolution imaging of nanoscale structures within biological samples. However, prolonged acquisition introduces a drift between the sample and the imaging system, resulting in artifacts in the reconstructed super-resolution image. Here, we present a novel, to our knowledge, 3D drift correction method that utilizes both the reflected and scattered light from the sample. Our method employs the reflected light of a near-infrared (NIR) laser for focus stabilization while synchronously capturing speckle images to estimate the lateral drift. This approach combines high-precision active compensation in the axial direction with lateral post-processing compensation, achieving the abilities of 3D drift correction with a single laser light. Compared to the popular localization events-based cross correlation method, our approach is much more robust, especially for datasets with sparse localization points.

Electrocardiogram-based prediction of conduction disturbances after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with convolutional neural network.

Aims: Permanent pacemaker implantation and left bundle branch block are common complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and are associated with impaired prognosis. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model for predicting conduction disturbances after TAVR using pre-procedural 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) images. Methods and results: We collected pre-procedural 12-lead ECGs of patients who underwent TAVR at West China Hospital between March 2016 and March 2022. A hold-out testing set comprising 20% of the sample was randomly selected. We developed an AI model using a convolutional neural network, trained it using five-fold cross-validation and tested it on the hold-out testing cohort. We also developed and validated an enhanced model that included additional clinical features. After applying exclusion criteria, we included 1354 ECGs of 718 patients in the study. The AI model predicted conduction disturbances in the hold-out testing cohort with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.764, accuracy of 0.743, F1 score of 0.752, sensitivity of 0.876, and specificity of 0.624, based solely on pre-procedural ECG images. The performance was better than the Emory score (AUC = 0.704), as well as the logistic (AUC = 0.574) and XGBoost (AUC = 0.520) models built with previously identified high-risk ECG patterns. After adding clinical features, there was an increase in the overall performance with an AUC of 0.779, accuracy of 0.774, F1 score of 0.776, sensitivity of 0.794, and specificity of 0.752. Conclusion: Artificial intelligence-enhanced ECGs may offer better predictive value than traditionally defined high-risk ECG patterns.

Stepwise Aggregation Control of PEDOT:PSS Enabled High-Conductivity, High-Resolution Printing of Polymer Electrodes for Transparent Organic Phototransistors.

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jet printing is a widely employed technology to create high-resolution patterns and thus has enormous potential for circuit production. However, achieving both high conductivity and high resolution in printed polymer electrodes is a challenging task. Here, by modulating the aggregation state of the conducting polymer in the solution and solid phases, a stable and continuous jetting of PEDOT:PSS is realized, and high-conductivity electrode arrays are prepared. The line width reaches less than 5 µm with a record-high conductivity of 1250 S/cm. Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are further developed by combining printed source/drain electrodes with ultrathin organic semiconductor crystals. These OFETs show great light sensitivity, with a specific detectivity (D*) value of 2.86 × 1014 Jones. In addition, a proof-of-concept fully transparent phototransistor is demonstrated, which opens up new pathways to multidimensional optical imaging.

Identification of mycoplasma pneumonia in children based on fusion of multi-modal clinical free-text description and structured test data.

Mycoplasma pneumonia may lead to hospitalizations and pose life-threatening risks in children. The automated identification of mycoplasma pneumonia from electronic medical records holds significant potential for improving the efficiency of hospital resource allocation. In this study, we proposed a novel method for identifying mycoplasma pneumonia by integrating multi-modal features derived from both free-text descriptions and structured test data in electronic medical records. Our approach begins with the extraction of free-text and structured data from clinical records through a systematic preprocessing pipeline. Subsequently, we employ a pre-trained transformer language model to extract features from the free-text, while multiple additive regression trees are used to transform features from the structured data. An attention-based fusion mechanism is then applied to integrate these multi-modal features for effective classification. We validated our method using clinic records of 7157 patients, retrospectively collected for training and testing purposes. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed multi-modal fusion approach achieves significant improvements over other methods across four key performance metrics.

Germacrone, isolated from Curcuma wenyujin, inhibits melanin synthesis through the regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway.

Abnormal melanin synthesis causes hyperpigmentation disorders, such as chloasma, freckles, and melanoma, which are highly multiple and prevalent. There were few reports on the anti-melanogenic effect of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling, and the bioactive compound has not been elucidated as well. The study aims to investigate the anti-melanogenic effect of C. wenyujin, and identify the bioactive compound, and further explore its underlying mechanism. Our results showed that the Petroleum ether fraction extracted from C. wenyujin rhizome had a significant anti-melanogenic effect, and germacrone isolated from it was confirmed as the major bioactive compound. To our data, germacrone significantly inhibited tyrosinase (TYR) activity, reduced melanosome synthesis, reduced dendrites formation of B16F10 cells, and melanosome transport to keratinocytes. Moreover, germacrone effectively decreased the hyperpigmentation in zebrafish and the skin of guinea pigs in vivo. Western-blot analysis showed that germacrone down-regulated the expression of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, Rab27a, Cdc42, and MITF proteins via the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, germacrone is an effective bioactive compound for melanogenesis inhibition. Our studies suggest that germacrone may be considered a potential candidate for skin whitening.

N-alkane shape distinctive microbial patterns in Kuroshio Extension.

Marine microorganisms are primary drivers of the elemental cycling. The interaction between heterotrophic prokaryotes and biomarker (n-alkane) in Kuroshio Extension (KE) remains unclear. Here, we categorize KE into three characteristic areas based on ocean temperatures and nutrient conditions: Cold Water Area (CWA), Mixed Area (MA), and Warm Water Area (WWA). A total of 49 samples were collected during two-year voyage to identify the source of n-alkane and associated degrading microorganisms. Total n-alkane concentrations (Σn-Alk) in surface water (SW) spanned from 1,308 ng L-1 to 1,890 ng L-1, it was significantly higher (Tukey-Kramer test, p < 0.05) in MA than CWA and WWA. The Σn-Alk in surface sediments (SS) gradually increased from north to south, ranging from 5,982 ng g-1 to 37,857 ng g-1. Bacteria and algae were the primary sources of n-alkane in both SW and SS. Proteobacteria was the most widely distributed among three areas. The presence of Rhodobacteraceae with alkB was the primary reason affecting n-alkane concentrations in SW. The Gammaproteobacteria with alkB and alkR chiefly affected n-alkane concentrations in SS. In summary, n-alkane s serve as an energy source for particular microorganisms, shaping the unique oceanographic patterns.

Chemotherapy plus therapeutic plasmapheresis with 4% human albumin solution in multiple myeloma patients with acute kidney injury: a prospective, open-label, proof-of-concept study.

As no unified treatment protocol or evidence yet exists for plasmapheresis without plasma, this study explored the outcomes of using 4% human albumin (ALB) solution as a replacement solution in patients undergoing plasma exchange for multiple myeloma (MM) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). This study was prospectively registered (ChiCTR2000030640 and NCT05251896). Bortezomib-based chemotherapy plus therapeutic plasmapheresis (TPP) with 4% human ALB solution was assessed for three years in patients with MM aged >18 years, with AKI according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria, and without previous renal impairment from other causes. The primary endpoints were changes in renal function over 18 weeks and survival outcomes at 36 months. The secondary endpoints were the incidence of adverse reactions and symptom improvement. Among the 119 patients included in the analysis, 108 experienced renal reactions. The M protein (absolute changes: median -12.12%, interquartile ranges (IQRs) -18.62 to -5.626) and creatine (median -46.91 µmol/L, IQR -64.70 to -29.12) levels decreased, whereas the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased (median 20.66 mL/(min·1.73 m2), IQR 16.03-25.29). Regarding patient survival, 68.1% and 35.3% of patients survived for >12 and >36 months, respectively. The three symptoms with the greatest relief were urine foam, poor appetite, and blurred vision. All 11 patients (7.6%) who experienced mild adverse reactions achieved remission. In conclusion, in MM patients with AKI, plasma-free plasmapheresis with 4% human ALB solution and bortezomib-based chemotherapy effectively alleviated light chain damage to kidney function while improving patient quality of life.

Early identification of postoperative remission for thyrotropin-secreting adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: Thyrotropin-secreting adenoma (TSHoma) is a rare type of pituitary adenoma, occurring in one per million people. Little is known about TSHoma. We summarized the demographic, clinical and hormonal characteristics of TSHoma based on a single-centre experience. Moreover, we explored the predictive value of postoperative thyroid function for long-term remission. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: We retrospectively analysed 63 patients who were diagnosed as TSHoma and surgically treated at our hospital from January 2015 to June 2021. The preoperative clinical characteristics were analysed and compared between remission and nonremission groups. Thyroid function was measured at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and over 12 months after surgery to determine whether they could predict long-term remission. RESULTS: The male to female ratio for TSHoma was 1.25. The mean age at diagnosis was 45 ± 12 years. Clinical presentation was varied, presenting with hyperthyroidism (68.25%), space-occupying effect (15.87%), amenorrhea (7.14% of female patients) and nonsymptoms (22.22%). 88.14% of patients achieved postoperative endocrinological remission. Larger tumour size and tumour invasion into cavernous sinus and suprasellar with chiasmal compression were strong predictors of lower rates of endocrinological remission. Postoperative thyroid function at 3 months was a viable diagnostic predictor for postoperative remission, especially for FT4 level with a 20.65 pmol/L cutoff. CONCLUSIONS: Tumour size and extent are major prognostic factors for remission. Postoperative thyroid function at 3 months could be used as a clinical prediction tool for long-term endocrinological remission.

Effects of Dietary Melatonin on Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Defense, and Intestinal Microbiota in Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin (MT) feed supplementation on the antioxidant capacity, immune defense, and intestinal flora in Procambarus clarkii (P. clarkii). Six groups of P. clarkii were fed test feeds containing different levels of MT: 0 mg/kg (control), 22.5, 41.2, 82.7, 165.1, and 329.2 mg/kg for a duration of 2 months. The specific growth rate, hepatosomatic index, and condition factor were recorded highest in the test group of shrimp fed an MT concentration of 165.1 mg/kg. Compared to the control group, the rate of apoptosis was lower in hepatopancreas cells of P. clarkii supplemented with high concentrations of MT. Analyses of antioxidant capacity and immune-response-related enzymes in the hepatopancreas indicated that dietary supplementation of MT significantly augmented both the antioxidant system and immune responses. Dietary MT supplementation significantly increased the expression levels of antioxidant-immunity-related genes and decreased the expression levels of genes linked to apoptosis. Dietary MT was associated with an elevation in the abundance of the Firmicutes and a reduction in the abundance of the Proteobacteria in the intestines; besides, resulting in an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacilli. The broken-line model indicated that the suitable MT concentration was 154.09-157.09 mg/kg. MT supplementation enhanced the growth performance of P. clarkii, exerting a positive influence on the intestinal microbiota, and bolstered both immune response and disease resistance. Thus, this study offered novel perspectives regarding the application of dietary MT supplementation within the aquaculture field.

Pentamethylquercetin attenuates angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm formation by blocking nuclear translocation of C/EBPß at Lys253.

BACKGROUND: Pentamethylquercetin (PMQ) is a natural polymethyl flavonoid that possesses anti-apoptotic and other biological properties. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a fatal vascular disease with a high risk of rupture, is associated with phenotypic switching and apoptosis of medial vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of PMQ on the development of AAA and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: ApoE-/- mice were continuously infused with angiotensin II (Ang II) for 4 weeks to develop the AAA model. Intragastric administration of PMQ was initiated 5 days before Ang II infusion and continued for 4 weeks. In vitro, VSMCs were cultured and pretreated with PMQ, stimulated with Ang II. Real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine the roles and mechanisms of PMQ on the phenotypic switching and apoptosis of VSMCs. RESULTS: PMQ dose-dependently reduced the incidence of Ang II-induced AAA, aneurysm diameter enlargement, elastin degradation, VSMCs phenotypic switching and apoptosis. Furthermore, PMQ also inhibited phenotypic switching and apoptosis in Ang II-stimulated VSMCs. PMQ exerted protective effects by regulating the C/EBPß/PTEN/AKT/GSK-3ß axis. AAV-mediated overexpression of PTEN reduced the therapeutic effects of PMQ in the AAA model mice, suggesting that the effects of PMQ on Ang II-mediated AAA formation were related to the PTEN/AKT/GSK-3ß axis. PMQ inhibited VSMCs phenotypic switching and apoptosis by bounding to C/EBPß at Lys253 with hydrogen bond to regulate C/EBPß nuclear translocation and PTEN/AKT/GSK-3ß axis, thereby inhibiting Ang II-induced AAA formation. CONCLUSIONS: Pentamethylquercetin inhibits angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm formation by bounding to C/EBPß at Lys253. Therefore, PMQ prevents the formation of AAA and reduces the incidence of AAA.

Dietary lipid supplementation alleviated the impacts of polystyrene nanoplastic exposure in Litopenaeus vannamei.

The widespread occurrence of nanoplastic (NP) pollution in the environment is a growing concern, and its presence poses a potential threat to cultured aquatic animals. Previously, we found that NPs can significantly affect the lipid metabolism of shrimp. However, relevant reports about the effects of increasing dietary lipid levels on NP toxicity are lacking. Therefore, we explored the effects of dietary supplementation with different lipid levels on the growth and lipid metabolism of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). We cultured L. vannamei at three dietary lipid levels (3 %, 6 %, and 9 %) and three NP concentrations (0, 1, and 3 mg/L) for 2 months. We evaluated the effects of lipid levels on growth indexes, hepatopancreas morphological structure, lipid metabolism-related enzyme activity, and gene expression of the shrimp. The results showed that as lipid intake increased, the survival rate, body weight growth rate, and hepatosomatic ratio of the shrimp increased while the feed conversion rate decreased. Additionally, the crude protein and crude lipid contents increased, whereas the moisture and ash contents did not change much. We found that the morphological structure of the hepatopancreas was seriously damaged in the 3 mg/L NPs and 3 % dietary lipid group. Finally, lipid metabolism-related enzyme activities and gene expression levels increased with increased dietary lipid levels. Together, these results suggest that increasing dietary lipid content can improve shrimp growth and alleviate lipid metabolism disorders caused by NPs. This study is the first to show that nutrition regulation can alleviate the toxicity of NPs, and it provides a theoretical basis for the green and healthy culture of L. vannamei.

Ferroelectric Domain Wall Delayer and Low-Dropout Regulator.

A switching-type power converter providing an accurate and stable switching output voltage against line/load variations and power supply ripple is mostly complicated in system-on-chip power management integrated circuits (PMICs) within a limited occupation area. Here we fabricated domain wall (DW) nanodevices using an X-cut LiNbO3 thin film on silicon. The domain switching event occurs after a delay time predicted by Merz's law under the applied voltage. But the output current is irrespective of the applied voltage and can be adjusted by conducting wall width as well as input resistance in the circuit. The regulating currents appear repetitively across the volatile interfacial domains between the nanodevice and electrode under intermittently applied voltages. A wall-current-limited domain switching model is developed to explain the phenomenon. The multifunctional DW nanodevices with smaller occupation areas can serve as compact low-dropout regulators in PMICs, time-domain delayers in energy-efficient neural network systems, and on-chip electrostatic discharge protection besides nonvolatile memories and selectors.