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1.
J Environ Manage ; 362: 121349, 2024 Jun 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38833929

ABSTRACT

The use of Ni-based catalysts is a common method for eliminating tar through catalytic cracking. Carbon deposition is the main cause of deactivation in Ni/ZSM-5 catalysts, with filamentous MWCNTs being the primary form of carbon deposits. This study investigates the formation and evolution of CNTs during the catalytic process of biomass tar to explore the mechanism behind carbon deposition. The effect of the 9Ni/10MWCNTs/81ZSM-5 on toluene reforming was investigated through a vertical furnace. Gases produced by tar catalysis were evaluated through GC analysis. The physicochemical structure, properties and catalytic performance of the catalyst were also tested. TG analysis was used to assess the accumulation and oxidation reactivity of carbon on the catalyst surface. An analysis was conducted on the mechanism of carbon deposition during catalyst deactivation in tar catalysis. The results showed that the 9Ni/91ZSM-5 had a superior toluene conversion of 60.49%, but also experienced rapid and substantial carbon deposition up to 52.69%. Carbon is mainly deposited as curved filaments on both the surface and pore channels of the catalyst. In some cases, tip growth occurs where both carbon deposition and Ni coexist. Furthermore, specific surface area and micropore volume are reduced to varying degrees due to carbon deposition. With the time increased, the amount of carbon deposited on the catalyst surface increased to 62.81%, which gradually approached saturation, and the overall performance of the catalyst was stabilized. This situation causes toluene molecules to detach from the active sites within the catalyst, hindering gas release, which leads to reduced catalytic activity and further carbon deposition. It provides both a basis for the development of new catalysts and an economically feasible solution for practical tar reduction and removal.

2.
Cogn Neurodyn ; 18(3): 1307-1321, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38826660

ABSTRACT

Neuronal avalanches, a critical state of network self-organization, have been widely observed in electrophysiological records at different signal levels and spatial scales of the brain, which has significant influence on information transmission and processing in the brain. In this paper, the collective behavior of neuron firing is studied based on Leaky Integrate-and-Fire model and we induce spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) to update the connection weight through competition between adjacent neurons in different network topologies. The result shows that STDP can facilitate the synchronization of the network and increase the probability of large-scale neuron avalanche obviously. Moreover, both the structure of STDP and network connection density can affect the generation of avalanche critical states, specifically, learning rate has positive correlation effect on the slope of power-law distribution and time constant has negative correction on it. However, when we the increase of heterogeneity in network, STDP can only has obvious promotion in synchrony under suitable level of heterogeneity. And we find that the process of long-term potentiation is sensitive to the adjustment of time constant and learning rate, unlike long-term depression, which is only sensitive to learning rate in heterogeneity network. It is suggested that presented results could facilitate our understanding on synchronization in various neural networks under the effect of STDP learning rules.

3.
J Environ Manage ; 360: 121170, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38749134

ABSTRACT

The escalating production of waste activated sludge (WAS) presents significant challenges to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Free nitrous acid (FNA), known for its biocidal effect, has gained a growing focus on sludge dewatering, sludge reduction, and resource recovery from WAS due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective properties. Nevertheless, there have been no attempts made to systematically summarize or critically analyze the application of FNA in enhancing treatment and resource utilization of sludge. In this paper, we provided an overview of the current understanding regarding the application potential and influencing factors of FNA in sludge treatment, with a specific focus on enhancing sludge dewatering efficiency and reducing volume. To foster resource development from sludge, various techniques based on FNA have recently been proposed, which were comprehensively reviewed with the corresponding mechanisms meticulously discussed. The results showed that the chemical oxidation and interaction with microorganisms of FNA played the core role in improving resource utilization. Furthermore, current challenges and future prospects of the FNA-based applications were outlined. It is expected that this review can refine the theoretical framework of FNA-based processes, providing a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for the large-scale demonstration of FNA.


Subject(s)
Nitrous Acid , Sewage , Waste Disposal, Fluid , Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods , Wastewater/chemistry
4.
Micromachines (Basel) ; 15(5)2024 Apr 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38793165

ABSTRACT

Monitoring the temperature of the coal gangue mountains is fundamental to preventing their spontaneous combustion. However, the existing temperature monitoring systems fail to achieve stable, pollution-free temperature monitoring without affecting vegetation growth in these mountains. To address this issue, this work proposes a flexible thermoelectric device (FTD) based on a protrusion-structured liquid metal elastomer (LME). Utilizing a high-thermal-conductivity LME, the FTD adheres closely to the surface of the gravity heat pipe (GHP), ensuring compatibility between FTD and the curved surface of the GHP. Simultaneously, employing a low-thermal-conductivity elastomer helps concentrate heat onto FTD, thereby enhancing thermoelectric power generation efficiency. Additionally, the impact of the shape, size, and height of the protrusion structure at the cold end of the GHP on its efficiency was also investigated. The practical application of FTD on GHP was demonstrated.

5.
J Microencapsul ; 41(4): 296-311, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38709162

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To construct the microemulsion delivery system (ME) loading ATSO and NA and study their physicochemical characteristics to enhance their stability and water solubility. METHODS: By plotting ternary phase diagrams, the composition and proportions of the MEs were determined. The physicochemical characteristics and stability of MEs were evaluated by mean diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), pH, electrical conductivity, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), rheological behaviour measurement, and phase inversion temperature (PIT). RESULTS: The MEs was composed with EL-40 as a surfactant and specifically with the addition of ethanol as a cosurfactant in NA-loaded ME. The mean diameters of ATSO-loaded ME and NA-loaded ME were 39.65 ± 0.24 nm and 32.90 ± 2.65 nm, and PDI were 0.49 ± 0.01 and 0.28 ± 0.14, respectively. The TEM confirmed the spherical and smooth morphology of MEs. The rheological results indicated that MEs are dilatant fluids with the advantages of low viscosity, high fluidity, and tolerance to temperature fluctuations. The mean diameter and PDI of MEs showed no significant change after storage at 25 °C for 28 days and centrifugation. CONCLUSION: The prepared microemulsions could expand the application prospects of ATSO and NA products in cosmetics, medicine, foods and other fields.


Subject(s)
Emulsions , Plant Oils , Rheology , Emulsions/chemistry , Plant Oils/chemistry , Acer/chemistry , Fatty Acids/chemistry , Seeds/chemistry , Surface-Active Agents/chemistry , Drug Stability , Viscosity
6.
J Med Internet Res ; 26: e51910, 2024 May 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38743940

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Whether and how the uncertainty about a public health crisis should be communicated to the general public have been important and yet unanswered questions arising over the past few years. As the most threatening contemporary public health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed interest in these unresolved issues by both academic scholars and public health practitioners. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of communicating uncertainty about COVID-19-related threats and solutions on individuals' risk perceptions and misinformation vulnerability, as well as the sequential impact of these effects on health information processing and preventative behavioral intentions. METHODS: A 2×2 (threat uncertainty [presence vs absence]×solution uncertainty [presence vs absence]) full-fractional between-subjects online experiment was conducted with 371 Chinese adults. Focusing on the discussion of whether the asymptomatic cases detected during the COVID-19 pandemic would further lead to an uncontrolled pandemic, news articles were manipulated in terms of whether the infectiousness of asymptomatic cases and the means to control the transmission are presented in terms of their certainty or uncertainty. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental conditions, being instructed to read one news article. After reading the news article assigned, participants were asked to respond to a series of questions to assess their cognitive and behavioral responses. RESULTS: Individuals were more susceptible to believing false COVID-19-related information when a certain threat and uncertain solution were framed in the news article. Moreover, individuals' perceptions of crisis severity increased when exposed to news information containing uncertain solutions. Both misinformation vulnerability and perceived severity were positively associated with information processing. Information seeking was positively associated with protective behavioral intention, whereas information avoidance was negatively associated with protective behavioral intention. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings imply that uncertainty, depending on its aspect, can be effectively communicated to the public during an emerging public health crisis. These results have theoretical and practical implications for health communicators and journalists. Given its limited influence on individuals' cognitive and behavioral responses, uncertainty related to a health threat should be disseminated to meet the public's expectation of information transparency. However, caution is advised when communicating uncertainty related to potential solutions, as this factor exhibited a mixed impact on individual responses during a crisis.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/psychology , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Uncertainty , Male , Female , Adult , Pandemics , Communication , Young Adult , SARS-CoV-2 , China , Middle Aged , Mass Media
7.
Chem Commun (Camb) ; 2024 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38819333

ABSTRACT

We propose an innovative preparation method, namely, a two-step pyrolysis process, to synthesize Zn-Co bimetallic catalysts with excellent hydrogen evolution performance. In the synthesized Zn1Co1-SNC catalyst, there exists a strong interaction between Zn and Co, along with synergistic effects with S/N atoms, collectively promoting the stability of the catalyst structure. Experimental results demonstrate that the overpotential of this catalyst at 10 mA cm-2 current density is only 49 mV, and it maintains excellent hydrogen evolution performance even after 5000 cycles.

8.
J Alzheimers Dis Rep ; 8(1): 561-574, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38746630

ABSTRACT

Background: Alzheimer's disease may be effectively treated with acupoint-based acupuncture, which is acknowledged globally. However, more research is needed to understand the alterations in acupoints that occur throughout the illness and acupuncture treatment. Objective: This research investigated the differences in acupoint microcirculation between normal mice and AD animals in vivo. This research also examined how acupuncture affected AD animal models and acupoint microcirculation. Methods: 6-month-old SAMP8 mice were divided into two groups: the AD group and the acupuncture group. Additionally, SAMR1 mice of the same month were included as the normal group. The study involved subjecting a group of mice to 28 consecutive days of acupuncture at the ST36 (Zusanli) and CV12 (Zhongwan) acupoints. Following this treatment, the Morris water maze test was conducted to assess the mice's learning and memory abilities; the acoustic-resolution photoacoustic microscope (AR-PAM) imaging system was utilized to observe the microcirculation in CV12 acupoint region and head-specific region of each group of mice. Results: In comparison to the control group, the mice in the AD group exhibited a considerable decline in their learning and memory capabilities (p < 0.01). In comparison to the control group, the vascular in the CV12 region and head-specific region in mice from the AD group exhibited a considerable reduction in length, distance, and diameter r (p < 0.01). The implementation of acupuncture treatment had the potential to enhance the aforementioned condition to a certain degree. Conclusions: These findings offered tangible visual evidence that supports the ongoing investigation into the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture's therapeutic effects.

9.
Front Genet ; 15: 1373448, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38655050

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Nuclear undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase 1 (NUS1) gene variants are associated with a range of phenotypes, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, cerebellar ataxia, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and congenital disorders of glycosylation. Additionally, cases describing genotypes and clinical features are rare. Case Presentation: Herein, we report the case of a 23-year-old Chinese female patient who presented with tremors, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. A history of carbon monoxide exposure, brain trauma, or encephalitis was not present in this case. Trio whole-exome sequencing analysis revealed a de novo pathogenic variant of c.750del in exon 4, leading to p.Leu251* amino acid substitution. Genetic analysis failed to identify the identical mutations in the remaining family members who underwent screening. The patient was diagnosed with a rare congenital disease, "congenital glycosylation disorder, type 1aa, autosomal dominant, type 55, with seizures (MRD-55)." Conclusion: We provide further evidence for the role of variants in NUS1 in the development of tremors, epilepsy, and intellectual disabilities. These findings expand our understanding of the clinical phenotypes of NUS1 variants.

10.
Small ; : e2401443, 2024 Apr 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38676339

ABSTRACT

The as-reported doping entropy engineering of electrode materials that are usually realized by the sharing of multiple metal elements with the metal element from the lattice body, potentially has three shortages of stringent synthesis conditions, large active element loss, and serious lattice distortion. Herein, an interlayer entropy engineering of layered oxide cathodes is proposed, where the multiple metal ions are simultaneously intercalated into the same interlayer sites, thus avoiding the three shortages. Concretely, a novel interlayer medium-entropy V2O5 ((MnCoNiMgZn)0.26V2O5∙0.84H2O) is successfully constructed by a one-step hydrothermal method. The interlayer medium-entropy effect is revealed to be that five metal ions pre-intercalation induces the local symmetry-broken [VO6] octahedra in bilayer V2O5, thus activating the reversible high-voltage redox reaction, inhibiting the layer slip and following phase transformation by its pinning effect, and enhancing the charge transfer kinetics. As a result, the medium-entropy cathode realizes the trade-off between specific capacity and structural stability with a discharge capacity of 152 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 after 100 cycles, and a capacity retention rate of 98.7% at 0.5 A g-1 after 150 cycles for Li+ storage. This engineering provides a new guideline for the rational design of high-performance layered oxide cathodes.

11.
Ergonomics ; : 1-9, 2024 Apr 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38686974

ABSTRACT

The influence of various polarised glasses on visual performance is crucial due to their widespread. This study measured the visual contrast sensitivity (CS) of dominant eyes by quick contrast sensitivity function (qCSF) procedure at 10 spatial frequencies and 3 noise levels under nonglare, steady glare, steady glare with night lenses, and steady glare with day&night lenses, respectively. Later, the second experiment measured the subjects' subjective feelings under these four viewing conditions. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the CS between the two conditions with polarised glasses and the steady glare. However, the subjects reported greater comfort with glasses than without them. These results suggest that there was an underlying bias when people rated the polarised glasses, and the qCSF procedure was a useful tool for evaluating visual performance.


Whether polarised glasses can relieve the impairment of steady glare on contrast sensitivity over multi-spatial frequency and external noise levels is unaddressed. Using the quick CSF method, we revealed that CS declines with steady glare but polarised lenses don't significantly relieve it. However, subjects reported increased comfort, suggesting a perceptual bias.

12.
Nurs Open ; 11(4): e2157, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38629326

ABSTRACT

AIM: With the implementation of China's three-child policy in 2021, the nurse population faces an increase in the number of breastfeeding nurses returning to work after maternity leave. This study aims to describe the work experience of breastfeeding nurses returning to work after maternity leave. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive design. METHODS: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight nurses and analysed through Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three themes and nine sub-themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: changes in nurses (emotional changes, physical changes and changes in work); needs for an improving work environment (needs for a supportive workplace and nurse shortage); support for breastfeeding nurses (support from coworkers, support from the manager, support from the organisation and own need for work). PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study highlighted that breastfeeding nurses need an adjustment period when they return to work after maternity leave. Successful breastfeeding requires support from coworkers, managers and the organisation. In addition, workplace support for breastfeeding and management for nurses needs to be improved.


Subject(s)
Breast Feeding , Parental Leave , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Breast Feeding/psychology , Employment/psychology , Workplace/psychology , China
13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38656402

ABSTRACT

The combination of shikonin (SKN) and gefitinib (GFB) can reverse the drug resistance of lung cancer cells by affecting energy metabolism. However, the poor solubility of SKN and GFB limits their clinical application because of low bioavailability. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) can selectively bind to sialic acid and N-acetylglucosamine on the surfaces of microfold cells and enterocytes, and is a targeted biocompatible material. Therefore, we created a co-delivery micelle system called SKN/GFB@WGA-micelles with the intestinal targeting functions to enhance the oral absorption of SKN and GFB by promoting mucus penetration for nanoparticles via oral administration. In this study, Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12 co-cultured cells were used to simulate a mucus/enterocyte dual-barrier environment, and HCC827/GR cells were used as a model of drug-resistant lung cancer. We aimed to evaluate the oral bioavailability and anti-tumor effect of SKN and GFB using the SKN/GFB@WGA-micelles system. In vitro and in vivo experimental results showed that WGA promoted the mucus penetration ability of micelles, significantly enhanced the uptake efficiency of enterocytes, improved the oral bioavailability of SKN and GFB, and exhibited good anti-tumor effects by reversing drug resistance. The SKN/GFB@WGA-micelles were stable in the gastrointestinal tract and provided a novel safe and effective drug delivery strategy.

14.
J Clin Invest ; 134(10)2024 Apr 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38625739

ABSTRACT

Renal interstitial fibrosis is an important mechanism in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage kidney disease. However, we lack specific treatments to slow or halt renal fibrosis. Ribosome profiling identified upregulation of a secreted micropeptide, C4orf48 (Cf48), in mouse diabetic nephropathy. Cf48 RNA and protein levels were upregulated in tubular epithelial cells in human and experimental CKD. Serum Cf48 levels were increased in human CKD and correlated with loss of kidney function, increasing CKD stage, and the degree of active interstitial fibrosis. Cf48 overexpression in mice accelerated renal fibrosis, while Cf48 gene deletion or knockdown by antisense oligonucleotides significantly reduced renal fibrosis in CKD models. In vitro, recombinant Cf48 (rCf48) enhanced TGF-ß1-induced fibrotic responses in renal fibroblasts and epithelial cells independently of Smad3 phosphorylation. Cellular uptake of Cf48 and its profibrotic response in fibroblasts operated via the transferrin receptor. RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing identified Cf48 binding to mRNA of genes involved in the fibrotic response, including Serpine1, Acta2, Ccn2, and Col4a1. rCf48 binds to the 3'UTR of Serpine1 and increases mRNA half-life. We identify the secreted Cf48 micropeptide as a potential enhancer of renal fibrosis that operates as an RNA-binding peptide to promote the production of extracellular matrix.


Subject(s)
Diabetic Nephropathies , Fibrosis , Nerve Tissue Proteins , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic , Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , 3' Untranslated Regions , Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism , Diabetic Nephropathies/pathology , Diabetic Nephropathies/genetics , Kidney/metabolism , Kidney/pathology , Mice, Knockout , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/metabolism , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/pathology , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Smad3 Protein/metabolism , Smad3 Protein/genetics , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/genetics , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
15.
Bioresour Technol ; 401: 130730, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38657825

ABSTRACT

Achieving partial denitrification (PD) by using fermentation products extracted from waste activated sludge (WAS) rather than commercial organic matters is a promising approach for providing nitrite for anammox, while sludge reduction could also be realized by WAS reutilization. This study proposed an In-situ Sludge Fermentation coupled with Partial Denitrification (ISFPD) system and explored its performance under different conditions, including initial pH, nitrate concentrations, and organic matters. Results showed that nitrite production increased with the elevation of initial pH (from 6 to 9), and the highest nitrate-to-nitrite transformation ratio (NTR) reached 77% at initial pH 9. The PD rates and NTR were observed to be minimally influenced by initial nitrate concentrations. Acetate was preferred by denitrifying bacteria, while macromolecules such as proteins necessitated be hydrolyzed to be suitable for further utilization. The insights gained through this study paved the way for efficient nitrite production and sustainable WAS reutilization in harmony.


Subject(s)
Denitrification , Fermentation , Nitrates , Nitrites , Sewage , Sewage/microbiology , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Nitrites/metabolism , Nitrates/metabolism , Feasibility Studies , Organic Chemicals , Bioreactors , Alkalies/chemistry
16.
J Agric Food Chem ; 72(14): 8149-8166, 2024 Apr 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38551844

ABSTRACT

Declining estrogen production in postmenopausal females causes osteoporosis in which the resorption of bone exceeds the increase in bone formation. Although clinical drugs are currently available for the treatment of osteoporosis, sustained medication use is accompanied by serious side effects. Corydalis bungeana Herba, a famous traditional Chinese herb listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, constitutes various traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions, which date back to thousands of years. One of the primary active components of C. bungeana Turcz. is Corynoline (Cor), a plant isoquinoline alkaloid derived from the Corydalis species, which possesses bone metabolism disease therapeutic potential. The study aimed at exploring the effects as well as mechanisms of Cor on osteoclast formation and bone resorption. TRAcP staining, F-actin belt formation, and pit formation were employed for assessing the osteoclast function. Western blot, qPCR, network pharmacology, and docking analyses were used for analyzing the expression of osteoclast-associated genes and related signaling pathways. The study focused on investigating how Cor affected OVX-induced trabecular bone loss by using a mouse model. Cor could weaken osteoclast formation and function by affecting the biological receptor activators of NF-κB and its ligand at various concentrations. Mechanistically, Cor inhibited the NF-κB activation, and the MAPKs pathway stimulated by RANKL. Besides, Cor enhanced the protein stability of the Nrf2, which effectively abolished the RANKL-stimulated ROS generation. According to an OVX mouse model, Cor functions in restoring bone mass, improving microarchitecture, and reducing the ROS levels in the distal femurs, which corroborated with its in vitro antiosteoclastogenic effect. The present study indicates that Cor may restrain osteoclast formation and bone loss by modulating NF-κB/MAPKs and Nrf2 signaling pathways. Cor was shown to be a potential drug candidate that can be utilized for the treatment of osteoporosis.


Subject(s)
Berberine Alkaloids , Bone Resorption , Osteoporosis , Female , Humans , Osteogenesis , NF-kappa B/genetics , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Osteoclasts , Bone Resorption/drug therapy , Bone Resorption/genetics , Bone Resorption/metabolism , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Osteoporosis/genetics , Osteoporosis/metabolism , RANK Ligand/genetics , RANK Ligand/metabolism , Cell Differentiation
17.
Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc ; 314: 124192, 2024 Jun 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38552541

ABSTRACT

Catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) can achieve the high sensitivity and rapid reaction rate in detecting miRNA. However, the amplification efficiency by these methods are limited. Herein, an enzyme-free and label-free hyperbranched DNA network structure (HDNS) was designed, in which localized catalytic hairpin assembly (LCHA) and hybridization chain reaction occurred in the horizontal axis and longitudinal axis, respectively, exhibiting intensive signal dual-amplification. miRNA-122 was selected as the target on behalf of miRNA to design the HDNS sensor. The fluorescence signal change of HDNS showed good linearity for detecting miRNA-122 in the concentration range from 0.1 nM to 60 nM with a limit of detection (LOD) at 37 pM which was lower than those of the sensors based on separate CHA or HCR. Afterwards, the HDNS sensor was applied to detect miRNA-122 in serum samples with the recovery rate in the range of 97.2 %-107 %. The sensor could distinguish different kinds of miRNAs, even the family members with high sequence homology, exhibiting excellent selectivity. This method provided a novel design strategy for improving the sensitivity and selectivity of DNA sensor for miRNA detection.


Subject(s)
Biosensing Techniques , MicroRNAs , MicroRNAs/genetics , Biosensing Techniques/methods , DNA/chemistry , Nucleic Acid Hybridization/methods , Limit of Detection
18.
Molecules ; 29(5)2024 Feb 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38474476

ABSTRACT

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a complex mental disorder that involves alterations in signal transmission across multiple scales and structural abnormalities. The development of effective antidepressants (ADs) has been hindered by the dominance of monoamine hypothesis, resulting in slow progress. Traditional ADs have undesirable traits like delayed onset of action, limited efficacy, and severe side effects. Recently, two categories of fast-acting antidepressant compounds have surfaced, dissociative anesthetics S-ketamine and its metabolites, as well as psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This has led to structural research and drug development of the receptors that they target. This review provides breakthroughs and achievements in the structure of depression-related receptors and novel ADs based on these. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has enabled researchers to identify the structures of membrane receptors, including the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) receptor. These high-resolution structures can be used for the development of novel ADs using virtual drug screening (VDS). Moreover, the unique antidepressant effects of 5-HT1A receptors in various brain regions, and the pivotal roles of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) and tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (TrkB) in regulating synaptic plasticity, emphasize their potential as therapeutic targets. Using structural information, a series of highly selective ADs were designed based on the different role of receptors in MDD. These molecules have the favorable characteristics of rapid onset and low adverse drug reactions. This review offers researchers guidance and a methodological framework for the structure-based design of ADs.


Subject(s)
Depressive Disorder, Major , Humans , Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy , Serotonin , Molecular Structure , Cryoelectron Microscopy , Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism
19.
J Agric Food Chem ; 72(11): 5636-5644, 2024 Mar 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38457784

ABSTRACT

The evaluation of toxicity and environmental behavior of bioactive lead molecules is helpful in providing theoretical support for the development of agrochemicals, in line with the sustainable development of the ecological environment. In previous work, some acethydrazide structures have been demonstrated to exhibit excellent and broad-spectrum fungicidal activity; however, its environmental compatibility needs to be further elucidated if it is to be identified as a potential fungicide. In this project, the toxicity of fungicidal acethydrazide lead compounds F51, F58, F72, and F75 to zebrafish was determined at 10 µg mL-1 and 1 µg mL-1. Subsequently, the toxic mechanism of compound F58 was preliminarily explored by histologic section and TEM observations, which revealed that the gallbladder volume of common carp treated with compound F58 increased, accompanied by a deepened bile color, damaged plasma membrane, and atrophied mitochondria in gallbladder cells. Approximately, F58-treated hepatocytes exhibited cytoplasmic heterogeneity, with partial cellular vacuolation and mitochondrial membrane rupture. Metabolomics analysis further indicated that differential metabolites were enriched in the bile formation-associated steroid biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism pathways, as well as in the membrane function-related glycerophospholipid metabolism, linolenic acid metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways, suggesting that the acethydrazide F58 may have acute liver toxicity to common carp. Finally, the hydrolysis dynamics of F58 was investigated, with the obtained half-life of 5.82 days. The above results provide important guiding significance for the development of new green fungicides.


Subject(s)
Fungicides, Industrial , Zebrafish , Animals , Zebrafish/metabolism , Fungicides, Industrial/toxicity , Fungicides, Industrial/metabolism , Hydrolysis , Bile , Metabolomics
20.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1322468, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38304430

ABSTRACT

The gasdermin (GSDM) protein family plays a pivotal role in pyroptosis, a process critical to the body's immune response, particularly in combatting bacterial infections, impeding tumor invasion, and contributing to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. These proteins are adept at activating inflammasome signaling pathways, recruiting immune effector cells, creating an inflammatory immune microenvironment, and initiating pyroptosis. This article serves as an introduction to the GSDM protein-mediated pyroptosis signaling pathways, providing an overview of GSDMs' involvement in tumor immunity. Additionally, we explore the potential applications of GSDMs in both innovative and established antitumor strategies.


Subject(s)
Gasdermins , Neoplasms , Humans , Pyroptosis , Inflammasomes , Tumor Microenvironment
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