Long-Chain Molecular Crystals Antimony(III) Alkanethiolates Sb(SCnH2n+1)3 (n ≥ 12): Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structures, and Supramolecular Self-Assembly via Secondary Interactions.

Currently, there is not much success in solving the molecular and crystal structures of long-chain metal alkanethiolate complexes [M(SCnH2n+1)m] at the atomic level. Taking Sb(SC16H33)3 (1) as an example, we herein disclose the structural characteristics of long-chain trivalent antimony(III) alkanethiolates Sb(SCnH2n+1)3 (n ≥ 12) by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Specifically, the Sb atom is three-coordinated by alkanethiolate ligands and a slightly distorted triangular pyramid SbS3 core is formed owing to the unique intramolecular stereochemistry of three alkyl chains, namely, two of them almost parallel aligning and the third chain extending alone around the SbS3 core. We further determine the conformation, spatial orientation and packing density of alkyl chains in 1 along with a comparison to those in other long-chain crystalline systems, and reveal the roles of intermolecular van der Waals and Sb···S secondary interactions in molecular self-assembly, which enables 1 to be a layer-structured molecular crystal with a monoclinic P21/c unit cell. The band structures and the atomic orbital contributions to the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum for 1 have also been evaluated by DFT calculations and rationally correlated with its optical absorption property. This study will help understand and discover new structures and structure-property relations of long-chain chemical systems.

Peroxiredoxin 1 modulates oxidative stress resistance and cell apoptosis through stemness in liver cancer under non-thermal plasma treatment.

The role of peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1), a crucial enzyme that reduces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species levels in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, in the regulation of HCC cell stemness under oxidative stress and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of non-thermal plasma in targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) in HCC, focusing on the mechanisms of resistance to oxidative stress and the role of PRDX1. By simulating oxidative stress conditions using the plasma-activated medium, we found that a reduction in PRDX1 levels resulted in a considerable increase in HepG2 cell apoptosis, suggesting that PRDX1 plays a key role in oxidative stress defense mechanisms in CSCs. Furthermore, we found that HepG2 cells had higher spheroid formation capability and increased levels of stem cell markers (CD133, c-Myc, and OCT-4), indicating strong stemness. Interestingly, PRDX1 expression was notably higher in HepG2 cells than in other HCC cell types such as Hep3B and Huh7 cells, whereas the expression levels of other PRDX family proteins (PRDX 2-6) were relatively consistent. The inhibition of PRDX1 expression and peroxidase activity by conoidin A resulted in markedly reduced stemness traits and increased cell death rate. Furthermore, in a xenograft mouse model, PRDX1 downregulation considerably inhibited the formation of solid tumors after plasma-activated medium (PAM) treatment. These findings underscore the critical role of PRDX 1 in regulating stemness and apoptosis in HCC cells under oxidative stress, highlighting PRDX1 as a promising therapeutic target for NTP-based treatment in HCC.

Arctiin Mitigates Neuronal Injury by Modulating the P2X7R/NLPR3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway.

Depression, recognized globally as a primary cause of disability, has its pathogenesis closely related to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. Arctiin (ARC), the major bioactive component of Fructus arctii, has various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Building on previous findings that highlighted ARC's capability to mitigate depression by dampening microglial hyperactivation and thereby reducing neuroinflammatory responses and cortical neuronal damage in mice, the current study delves deeper into ARC's therapeutic potential by examining its impact on hippocampal neuronal damage in depression. Utilizing both chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression model in mice and corticosterone (CORT)-stimulated PC12 cell model of neuronal damage, the techniques including Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, ELISA, lactate dehydrogenase assays, colony formation assays, immunofluorescence staining and molecular docking were employed to unravel the mechanisms behind ARC's neuroprotective effects. The findings revealed that ARC not only mitigates hippocampal neuropathological damage and reduces serum CORT levels in CUMS-exposed mice but also enhances cell activity while reducing lactate dehydrogenase release in CORT-stimulated PC12 cells. ARC attenuated neuroinflammatory responses and neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting the overactivation of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathway, similar to the effect of A438079 (P2X7R antagonist). Interestingly, pretreatment with A438079 blocked the neuroprotective effect of ARC. Computer modeling predicted that both ARC and A438079 have strong binding with P2X7R and they have the same binding site. These results suggested that ARC may exert a neuroprotective role by binding to P2X7R, thereby inhibiting the P2X7R/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

Long-term safety and efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in individuals with obesity and without type 2 diabetes: A global retrospective cohort study.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the long-term impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on thyroid function, cardiovascular health, renal outcomes and adverse events in individuals with obesity and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational cohort study, we used propensity score matching to construct comparable cohorts of individuals with obesity and without T2D who were new to GLP-1 RA treatment and those who did not receive glucose-lowering medications. In total, 3,729,925 individuals with obesity were selected from the TriNetX Global Network, with an index event between 1 January 2016 and 31 March 2024. The primary outcomes were safety, cardiovascular, thyroid and clinical biochemical profile outcomes occurring within 5 years following the index event. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, the study included 12,123 individuals in each group. GLP-1 RA treatment was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.23; 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.34) and several cardiovascular complications, including ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension, stroke and atrial fibrillation (all p < 0.05). GLP-1 RAs were also associated with a lower risk of acute kidney injury and allergic reactions. These protective effects were consistent across various subgroups and regions. CONCLUSIONS: In this large observational study, GLP-1 RAs showed long-term protective effects on cardiovascular health, renal outcomes and adverse events in individuals with obesity and without T2D. Our findings suggest that GLP-1 RAs may offer a comprehensive approach to managing obesity and its related comorbidities, potentially improving overall health and survival in this population.

Coixol mitigates Toxoplasma gondii infection-induced liver injury by inhibiting the Toxoplasma gondii HSP70/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in hepatic macrophages.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Coix seed, the dry mature seed kernel of the gramineous plant coix (Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf), is widely consumed as a traditional Chinese medicine and functional food in China and South Korea. We have previously demonstrated the protective effect of coixol, a polyphenolic compound extracted from coix, against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection-induced lung injury. However, the protective effect of coixol on hepatic injury induced by T. gondii infection have not yet been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study explores the impact of coixol on T. gondii infection-induced liver injury and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female BALB/c mice and Kupffer cells (KCs) were employed to establish an acute T. gondii infection model in vivo and an inflammation model in vitro. The study examined coixol's influence on the T. gondii-derived heat shock protein 70 (T.g.HSP70)/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway in T. gondii-infected liver macrophages. Furthermore, a co-culture system of KCs and NCTC-1469 hepatocytes was developed to observe the impact of liver macrophages infected with T. gondii on hepatocyte injury. RESULTS: Coixol notably inhibited the proliferation of tachyzoites and the expression of T.g.HSP70 in mouse liver and KCs, and attenuated pathological liver injury. Moreover, coixol decreased the production of high mobility group box 1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Coixol also mitigated KCs-mediated hepatocyte injury. CONCLUSIONS: Coixol protects against liver injury caused by T. gondii infection, potentially by diminishing hepatocyte injury through the suppression of the inflammatory cascade mediated by the T.g.HSP70/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in KCs. These findings offer new perspectives for developing coixol as a lead compound for anti-T. gondii drugs.

Association between Paraspinal Muscle Parameters and single-segment Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Retrospective, cross-sectional Cohort Study.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the association between paraspinal muscle parameters and single-segment degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The relationship between lumbar paraspinal muscles morphology and single-segment DLS remains unclear. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 115 patients with L4/5 single-segment DLS and 105 subjects without DLS. Two independent investigators assessed the relative cross-sectional area and fat infiltration rate of the multifidus, erector spinae, and psoas major at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 levels, comparing these measurements between the two groups. Additionally, binary logistic regression analysis was performed with DLS as the dependent variable to analyze the relative cross-sectional area and fat infiltration rate of different paraspinal muscles. Within the DLS group, the correlation between paraspinal muscle characteristics and the anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal was examined. RESULTS: The fat infiltration rate of multifidus, erector spinae, and psoas major were higher in the DLS group than in the control group, while the relative cross-sectional area of multifidus and psoas major were lower in the DLS group. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between fat infiltration rate of multifidus and psoas major and DLS. The relative cross-sectional area of multifidus and erector spinae was significantly smaller below the affected segment in the DLS group compared to the control group. A significant positive correlation was observed between the relative cross-sectional area of multifidus and erector spinae and the anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal. CONCLUSION: There is a close association between paraspinal muscle degeneration and single-segment DLS, with increased relative cross-sectional area of the multifidus and psoas major possibly being risk factors for single-segment DLS. The restoration or enhancement of paraspinal muscle function could potentially serve as a pivotal target for the prevention and treatment of single-segment DLS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Enhancing local K+ adsorption by high-density cube corners for efficient electroreduction of CO2 to C2+ products.

Reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) to high value-added chemicals using renewable electricity is a promising approach to reducing CO2 levels in the air and mitigating the greenhouse effect, which depends on high-efficiency electrocatalysts. Copper-based catalysts can be used for electroreduction of CO2 to produce C2+ products with high added value, but suffer from poor stability and low selectivity. Herein, we propose a strategy to enhance the field effect by varying the cubic corner density on the surface of Cu2O microspheres for improving the electrocatalytic performance of CO2 reduction to C2+ products. Finite element method (FEM) simulation results show that the high density of cubic corners helps to enhance the local electric field, which increases the K+ concentration on the catalyst surface. The results of CO2 electroreduction tests show that the FEC2+ of the Cu2O catalyst with high-density cubic corners is 71% at a partial current density of 497 mA cm-2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Cu2O (111) and Cu2O (110) can effectively reduce the energy barrier of C-C coupling and improve the FEC2+ at high K+ concentrations relative to Cu2O (100). This study provides a new perspective for the design and development of efficient CO2RR catalysts.

Natural biomass derived single-atom catalysts for energy and environmental applications.

Single atom catalysts (SACs) excel in various chemical processes, including electrocatalysis and industrial chemistry, due to their efficiency. In contrast to chemically synthesized precursors, biomass offers a greener and more cost-effective approach for SACs fabrication. To date, over forty types of SACs have been synthesized using natural sources like starch, cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, proteins, and chitin. These catalysts incorporate metals such as Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Pt. This review concentrates on the preparation of SACs from biomass, exploring innovative techniques and their extensive applications in energy conversion and environmental conservation, including but not limited to reactions involving oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution. It also discusses current challenges and prospective advancements in this domain. This paper updates and expands on the knowledge of SACs derived from biomass, aiming to foster the development of more effective, low-cost catalyst materials from natural sources.

The Kv7 channel opener Retigabine reduces neuropathology and alleviates behavioral deficits in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.

Hyperexcitability of neuronal networks is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pharmacological activation of Kv7 channels is an effective way to reduce neuronal firing. Our results showed that that pharmacologically activating the Kv7 channel with Retigabine (RTG) can alleviate cognitive impairment in mice without affecting spontaneous activity. RTG could also ameliorate damage to the Nissl bodies in cortex and hippocampal CA and DG regions in 9-month-old APP/PS1 mice. Additionally, RTG could reduce the Aß plaque number in the hippocampus and cortex of both 6-month-old and 9-month-old mice. By recordings of electroencephalogram, we showed that a decrease in the number of abnormal discharges in the brains of the AD model mice when the Kv7 channel was opened. Moreover, Western blot analysis revealed a reduction in the expression of the p-Tau protein in both the hippocampus and cortex upon Kv7 channel opening. These findings suggest that Kv7 channel opener RTG may ameliorate cognitive impairment in AD, most likely by reducing brain excitability.

Adipose-derived stem cells in diabetic foot care: Bridging clinical trials and practical application.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pose a critical medical challenge, significantly im-pairing the quality of life of patients. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been identified as a promising therapeutic approach for improving wound healing in DFUs. Despite extensive exploration of the mechanical aspects of ADSC therapy against DFU, its clinical applications remain elusive. In this review, we aimed to bridge this gap by evaluating the use and advancements of ADSCs in the clinical management of DFUs. The review begins with a discussion of the classification and clinical management of diabetic foot conditions. It then discusses the current landscape of clinical trials, focusing on their geographic distribution, reported efficacy, safety profiles, treatment timing, administration techniques, and dosing considerations. Finally, the review discusses the preclinical strategies to enhance ADSC efficacy. This review shows that many trials exhibit biases in study design, unclear inclusion criteria, and intervention protocols. In conclusion, this review underscores the potential of ADSCs in DFU treatment and emphasizes the critical need for further research and refinement of therapeutic approaches, with a focus on improving the quality of future clinical trials to enhance treatment outcomes and advance the field of diabetic wound care.

Enhancing pediatric asthma management through multifaceted health education.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric asthma is a significant public health issue that impacts the quality of life of children globally. Traditional management approaches focus on symptom control and medication adherence but often overlook the comprehensive educational needs of patients and their families. A multifaceted health education approach may offer a more holistic strategy in managing pediatric asthma, especially in outpatient settings. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a comprehensive health education strategy in improving disease management, medication adherence, and quality of life among children with asthma in outpatient settings. METHODS: In total, 100 pediatric patients with severe asthma were enrolled from January 2021 to November 2022 and randomly allocated to a control group (n = 50) or an observation group (n = 50). The control group received standard nursing care, including basic nursing interventions and health education upon admission. In contrast, the observation group was exposed to a broad spectrum of health education methodologies, including internet-based hospital systems, social media channels, one-on-one verbal education, informational brochures, slide presentations, telephone check-ins, animated videos, and illustrated health education manuals. Data on asthma management knowledge, symptom control, quality of life [St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)], treatment adherence, and nursing satisfaction were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The scores of the observation group in knowledge areas, such as medication, home care, disease understanding, symptom management, prevention strategies, and nutritional guidance, were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the observation group exhibited greater symptom control, improved quality of life based on their SGRQ scores, and higher treatment adherence post-intervention (P < 0.05). Nursing satisfaction was also rated higher in the observation group across all evaluated areas (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Implementing a diversified health education approach in pediatric asthma management significantly enhances disease understanding, symptom management, and treatment adherence, leading to improved quality of life for affected children. These findings underscore the importance of multifaceted clinical health education in augmenting disease awareness and facilitating continuous improvements in asthma control rates, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating comprehensive educational strategies into pediatric asthma care protocols.

Protocol for adeno-associated virus-mediated optogenetic activation of olfactory output neurons in neonatal mice.

Optogenetic manipulation has proven a powerful tool for investigating the mechanisms underlying the function of neuronal networks, but implementing the technique on mammals during early development remains challenging. Here, we present a comprehensive workflow to specifically manipulate mitral/tufted cells (M/TCs), the output neurons in the olfactory circuit, mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV) transduction and light stimulation in neonatal mice and monitor neuronal and network activity with in vivo electrophysiology. This method represents an efficient approach to elucidate functional brain development. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Chen et al.1,2,3.

Waiting for self-healing as a primary management strategy for lower lip mucoceles.

OBJECTIVES: Oral mucoceles are most frequently encountered on the lower lip. A variety of treatment options are currently employed, including surgical excision, pharmacological injections, and laser therapy. However, each of these approaches may introduce risks and potential complications. Clinical practice has demonstrated a potential for self-healing in lower lip mucoceles, making a conservative observational approach more appealing. This research is a prospective study aimed at evaluating the self-healing capacity of lower lip mucoceles. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with mucoceles were encouraged to intentionally delay medical intervention and to wait for self-healing. Disappearance of the mucocele for at least 3 months was defined as self-healing. RESULTS: Thirty patients with lower lip mucoceles were included. With no intervention, 24 patients (80%) reported self-healing of lower lip mucoceles. The mean natural duration of the mucoceles was 3.63 (± 4.7; 1-24) months. After self-healing of the mucocele, the patients were followed up for 17.21 (± 9.45; 2-30) months and there were no reported recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Lower lip mucoceles have a high potential for self-healing and patients may be routinely encouraged to wait for self-healing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The high self-healing rate observed in this study suggests that a conservative, non-interventional approach might be considered as the first-line management for lower lip mucoceles.

Epidemiologic features and therapeutic strategies of kerion: A nationwide multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Kerion is a severe type of tinea capitis that is difficult to treat and remains a public health problem. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the epidemiologic features and efficacy of different treatment schemes from real-world experience. METHODS: From 2019 to 2021, 316 patients diagnosed with kerion at 32 tertiary Chinese hospitals were enrolled. We analysed the data of each patient, including clinical characteristics, causative pathogens, treatments and outcomes. RESULTS: Preschool children were predominantly affected and were more likely to have zoophilic infection. The most common pathogen in China was Microsporum canis. Atopic dermatitis (AD), animal contact, endothrix infection and geophilic pathogens were linked with kerion occurrence. In terms of treatment, itraconazole was the most applied antifungal agent and reduced the time to mycological cure. A total of 22.5% of patients received systemic glucocorticoids simultaneously, which reduced the time to complete symptom relief. Furthermore, glucocorticoids combined with itraconazole had better treatment efficacy, with a higher rate and shorter time to achieving mycological cure. CONCLUSIONS: Kerion often affects preschoolers and leads to serious sequelae, with AD, animal contact, and endothrix infection as potential risk factors. Glucocorticoids, especially those combined with itraconazole, had better treatment efficacy.

Surface-engineered erythrocyte membrane-camouflage fluorescent bioprobe for precision ovarian cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: Fluorescence imaging-guided surgery has been used in oncology. However, for tiny tumors, the current imaging probes are still difficult to achieve high-contrast imaging, leading to incomplete resection. In this study, we achieved precise surgical resection of tiny metastatic cancers by constructing an engineering erythrocyte membrane-camouflaged bioprobe (AR-M@HMSN@P). METHODS: AR-M@HMSN@P combined the properties of aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) named PF3-PPh3 (P), with functional erythrocyte membrane modified by a modular peptide (AR). Interestingly, AR was composed of an asymmetric tripodal pentapeptide scaffold (GGKGG) with three appended modulars: KPSSPPEE (A6) peptide, RRRR (R4) peptide and cholesterol. To verify the specificity of the probe in vitro, SKOV3 cells with overexpression of CD44 were used as the positive group, and HLF cells with low expression of CD44 were devoted as the control group. The AR-M@HMSN@P fluorescence imaging was utilized to provide surgical guidance for the removal of micro-metastatic lesions. RESULTS: In vivo, the clearance of AR-M@HMSN@P by the immune system was reduced due to the natural properties inherited from erythrocytes. Meanwhile, the A6 peptide on AR-M@HMSN@P was able to specifically target CD44 on ovarian cancer cells, and the electrostatic attraction between the R4 peptide and the cell membrane enhanced the firmness of this targeting. Benefiting from these multiple effects, AR-M@HMSN@P achieved ultra-precise tumor imaging with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 15.2, making it possible to surgical resection of tumors < 1 mm by imaging guidance. CONCLUSION: We have successfully designed an engineered fluorescent imaging bioprobe (AR-M@HMSN@P), which can target CD44-overexpressing ovarian cancers for precise imaging and guide the resection of minor tumors. Notably, this work holds significant promise for developing biomimetic probes for clinical imaging-guided precision cancer surgery by exploiting their externally specified functional modifications.

Causal relationship between gut microbiota and Behçet's disease: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: While observational epidemiological studies have suggested an association between gut microbiota and Behçet's disease (BD), the causal relationship between the two remains uncertain. Methods: Statistical data were obtained from gut microbiome Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) published by the MiBioGen consortium, and genetic variation points were screened as instrumental variables (IV). Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed using inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger regression, simple mode, and weighted mode methods to evaluate the causal relationship between gut microbiota (18,340 individuals) and BD (317,252 individuals). IVW was the main method of analysis. The stability and reliability of the results were verified using the leave-one-out method, heterogeneity test, and horizontal genetic pleiotropy test. Finally, a reverse MR analysis was performed to explore reverse causality. Results: Inverse variance weighted (IVW) results showed that the genus Parasutterella (OR = 0.203, 95%CI 0.055-0.747, p = 0.016), Lachnospiraceae NC2004 group (OR = 0.101, 95%CI 0.015-0.666, p = 0.017), Turicibacter (OR = 0.043, 95%CI 0.007-0.273, p = 0.001), and Erysipelatoclostridium (OR = 0.194, 95%CI 0.040-0.926, p = 0.040) were protective factors against BD, while Intestinibacter (OR = 7.589, 95%CI 1.340-42.978, p = 0.022) might be a risk factor for BD. Conclusion: Our study revealed the causal relationship between gut microbiota and BD. The microbiota that related to BD may become new biomarkers; provide new potential indicators and targets for the prevention and treatment of BD.

Tailoring Cu-Based Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Alcohols: Structure-Selectivity Relationship.

The use of CO2 as a feedstock for the production of carbon-based fuels and value-added chemicals offers a promising route toward carbon neutrality. In this study, two Cu-based electrocatalysts, namely, Cu24/N-C and Cu2/N-C, are successfully prepared by thermal treatment of Cu24 metal-organic polyhedron-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanocrystals (Cu24/ZIF-8) and Cu2 dinuclear compound-loaded ZIF-8 nanocrystals (Cu2/ZIF-8), respectively. Extensive structural and compositional analyses were conducted to confirm the formation of Cu nanocluster-loaded N-doped porous carbon supports in both Cu24/N-C and Cu2/N-C and Cu nanoparticles encapsulated by graphitic carbons in Cu2/N-C as well. These two Cu-based electrocatalysts exhibited different behaviors in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The Cu24/N-C electrocatalyst showed high selectivity for CO production, while Cu2/N-C showed a preference for alcohol generation. The excellent stability of Cu2/N-C over a 30 h continuous electrochemical reduction further highlights its potential for practical applications. The difference in electrocatalytic performance observed in the two catalysts for CO2RR was attributed to distinct catalytic sites associated with Cu nanoclusters and nanoparticles. This research reveals the significance of their structures and compositions for the development of highly selective electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction.

Comprehensive analysis of the clinical significance and molecular mechanism of T-box transcription factor 3 in osteosarcoma.

Background: T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3) has been implicated in various malignant tumors, while its exact involvement in osteosarcoma (OS) remains unknown. Methods: Utilizing microarray data and bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR, we compared TBX3 mRNA expression levels in different stages of OS. Diagnostic ability testing and prognosis analysis were conducted to better understand the clinical importance of TBX3. Enrichment analysis was performed using gene groups with biological functions similar to TBX3 in different stages of OS to investigate the potential role of TBX3 in OS progression. In addition, we predicted medications targeted at TBX3 and identified downstream target genes to gain a comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic direction and regulatory mechanism. Results: TBX3 expression was highly upregulated in OS and was predominantly expressed in osteoblastic OS cells, with higher expression levels in metastatic tissues. TBX3 expression appeared somewhat suitable for discriminating between OS and normal samples, as well as different stages of OS. We found that TBX3 increased the malignant development of OS by altering cell cycle and cell adhesion molecules; exisulind and tacrolimus, which are targeted small-molecule medicines, were anticipated to counteract this dysregulation. The expression of CCNA2 could potentially be regulated by TBX3, contributing to OS advancement. Conclusion: TBX3 emerges as a potential biomarker for OS. In-depth research into its underlying molecular processes may offer new perspectives on treating OS.

A novel mechanism of resveratrol alleviates Toxoplasma gondii infection-induced pulmonary inflammation via inhibiting inflammasome activation.

BACKGROUND: Infection by Toxoplasma gondii can lead to severe pneumonia, with current treatments being highly inadequate. The NLRP3 inflammasome is one member of the NOD-like receptor family with a pyrin domain, which is crucial in the innate immune defense against T. gondii. Research has shown that resveratrol (RSV) prevents lung damage caused by this infection by inhibiting the T. gondii-derived heat shock protein 70/TLR4/NF-κB pathway, thus reducing the macrophage-driven inflammatory response. However, it should be mentioned that the participation of NLRP3 inflammasome in the immune response to the lung injuries caused by T. gondii infections is not entirely clear. PURPOSE: This study aims to clarify how RSV ameliorates lung damage triggered by Toxoplasma gondii infection, with a particular focus on the pathway involving TLR4, NF-κB, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. METHODS: Both in vitro and in vivo models of infection were developed by employing the RH strain of T. gondii in BALB/c mice and RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. The action mechanism of RSV was explored using techniques such as molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance, ELISA, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Findings indicate that the suppression of TLR4 or NF-κB impacts the levels of proteins associated with the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Additionally, a significant affinity for binding between RSV and NLRP3 was observed. Treatment with RSV led to a marked reduction in the activation and formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome within lung tissues and RAW 264.7 cells, alongside a decrease in IL-1ß concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These outcomes align with those seen when using the NLRP3 inhibitor CY-09. Moreover, the application of CY-09 prior to RSV negated the latter's anti-inflammatory properties. CONCLUSION: Considering insights from previous research alongside the outcomes of the current investigation, it appears that the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway emerges as a promising target for immunomodulation to alleviate lung injury from T. gondii infection. The evidence gathered in this study lays the groundwork for the continued exploration and potential future clinical deployment of RSV as a therapeutic agent with anti-Toxoplasma properties and the capability to modulate the inflammatory response.

Global and Latest Hotspots of Female Genital Plastic Surgery in the Past 20 Years: A Bibliometric and Visualized Review.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of surgical and nonsurgical interventions are available in the field of female genital plastic surgery. The rate of female genital plastic surgery has increased by nearly 220 percent over the past 5 years. Despite several studies on the topic, no relevant bibliometric analysis has been conducted. METHODS: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection for articles related to female genital plastic surgery. CiteSpace 6.1.R2 (Drexel University, USA) and VOSviewer 1.6.10.0 (Leiden University, the Netherlands) were used, and national distribution, institutions, journals, authors, and key words were analyzed and calculated. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2022, 1299 papers in the field of female genital plastic surgery were retrieved. There were more articles produced in the United States, and there were also two institutions in the Netherlands that were highly productive. A wide and close relationship has been established between researchers and institutions conducting female genital plastic surgery. Professor Bouman MB published the most articles on female genital plastic surgery in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Female genital plastic surgery dominated the top 10 references with the highest local citation score. There were four clusters of key words with the most citations, and the most recently trending key words were "vaginal agenesis," "transgender," and "congenital adrenal hyperplasia." CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of this article is to provide a summary of the current research status focusing on female genital plastic surgery. It is hoped that more efforts will be made to promote the development of female genital plastic surgery in the future.