A Functional Switch Between Asperfumene and Fusicoccadiene Synthase and Entrance to Asperfumene Biosynthesis through a Vicinal Deprotonation-Reprotonation Process.

The diterpene synthase AfAS was identified from Aspergillus fumigatiaffinis. Its amino acid sequence and - according to a structural model - active site architecture are highly similar to those of the fusicocca-2,10(14)-diene synthase PaFS, but AfAS produces a structurally much more complex diterpene with a novel 6-5-5-5 tetracyclic skeleton called asperfumene. The cyclisation mechanism of AfAS was elucidated through isotopic labelling experiments and DFT calculations. The reaction cascade proceeds in its initial steps through similar intermediates as for the PaFS cascade, but then diverges through an unusual vicinal deprotonation-reprotonation process that triggers a skeletal rearrangement at the entrance to the steps leading to the unique asperfumene skeleton. The structural model revealed only one major difference between the active sites: The PaFS residue F65 is substituted by I65 in AfAS. Intriguingly, site-directed mutagenesis experiments with both diterpene synthases revealed that position 65 serves as a bidirectional functional switch for the biosynthesis of tetracyclic asperfumene versus structurally less complex diterpenes.

Evaluation of the extended Japan NBI expert team classification of subtype 2B in laterally spreading colorectal tumors based on blue laser imaging.

OBJECTIVES: The Japan NBI Expert Team (JNET) classification has good diagnostic potential for colorectal diseases. We aimed to explore the diagnostic value of the JNET classification type 2B (JNET2B) criteria for colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) based on magnifying endoscopy with blue laser imaging (ME-BLI) examination. METHODS: Between January 2017 and June 2023, 218 patients who were diagnosed as having JNET2B-type LSTs using ME-BLI were included retrospectively. Endoscopic images were reinterpreted to categorize the LSTs as JNET2B-low (n = 178) and JNET2B-high (n = 53) LSTs. The JNET2B-low and JNET2B-high LSTs were compared based on their histopathological and morphological classifications. RESULTS: Among the 178 JNET2B-low LSTs, 86 (48.3%) were histopathologically classified as low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, 54 (30.3%) as high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), 37 (20.8%) as intramucosal carcinoma (IMC), and one (0.6%) as superficial invasive submucosal carcinoma (SMC1). Among the 53 JNET2B-high LSTs, five (9.4%) were classified as HGIN, 28 (52.9%) as IMC, 15 (28.3%) as SMC1, and 5 (9.4%) as deep invasive submucosal carcinoma. There were significant differences in this histopathological classification between the two groups (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between JNET2B-low and JNET2B-high LSTs based on their morphological classification (granular vs nongranular) or size (<20 mm vs ≥20 mm). Besides, the κ value for JNET2B subtyping was 0.698 (95% confidence interval 0.592-0.804) between the two endoscopists who reassessed the endoscopic images. CONCLUSION: The JNET2B subtyping of LSTs has a diagnostic potential in the preoperative setting, and may be valuable for treatment decision-making.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids Deficiency Promotes Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Through Upregulating LAT1 and Inhibiting Kv1.2 Channel.

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP), one of the most common complications of diabetes, is characterized by bilateral symmetrical distal limb pain and substantial morbidity. To compare the differences  is aimed at serum metabolite levels between 81 DNP and 73 T2DM patients without neuropathy and found that the levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are significantly lower in DNP patients than in T2DM patients. In high-fat diet/low-dose streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced T2DM and leptin receptor-deficient diabetic (db/db) mouse models, it is verified that BCAA deficiency aggravated, whereas BCAA supplementation alleviated DNP symptoms. Mechanistically, using a combination of RNA sequencing of mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues and label-free quantitative proteomic analysis of cultured cells, it is found that BCAA deficiency activated the expression of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) through ATF4, which is reversed by BCAA supplementation. Abnormally upregulated LAT1 reduced Kv1.2 localization to the cell membrane, and inhibited Kv1.2 channels, thereby increasing neuronal excitability and causing neuropathy. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of the LAT1 inhibitor, BCH, alleviated DNP symptoms in mice, confirming that BCAA-deficiency-induced LAT1 activation contributes to the onset of DNP. These findings provide fresh insights into the metabolic differences between DNP and T2DM, and the development of approaches for the management of DNP.

A rho-type GTPase activating protein affects the growth and development of Cordyceps cicadae.

Cordyceps cicadae is recognized for its medicinal properties, attributed to bioactive constituents like polysaccharides and adenosine, which have been shown to improve kidney and liver functions and possess anti-tumor properties. Rho GTPase activating proteins (Rho GAPs) serve as inhibitory regulators of Rho GTPases in eukaryotic cells by accelerating the GTP hydrolysis of Rho GTPases, leading to their inactivation. In this study, we explored the function of the CcRga8 gene in C. cicadae, which encodes a Rho-type GTPase activating protein. Our study found that the knockout of CcRga8 resulted in a decrease in polysaccharide levels and an increase in adenosine concentration. Furthermore, the mutants exhibited altered spore yield and morphology, fruiting body development, decreased infectivity, reduced resistance to hyperosmotic stress, oxidative conditions, and cell wall inhibitors. These findings suggest that CcRga8 plays a crucial role in the development, stress response, and bioactive compound production of C. cicadae.

Exploring Integrin α5ß1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Insights from Comprehensive Multicenter Preclinical Studies.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by obliterative vascular remodeling of the small pulmonary arteries (PA) and progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) leading to right ventricular (RV) failure. Although several drugs are approved for the treatment of PAH, mortality remains high. Accumulating evidence supports a pathological function of integrins in vessel remodeling, which are gaining renewed interest as drug targets. However, their role in PAH remains largely unexplored. We found that the arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD)-binding integrin α5ß1 is upregulated in PA endothelial cells (PAEC) and PA smooth muscle cells (PASMC) from PAH patients and remodeled PAs from animal models. Blockade of the integrin α5ß1 or depletion of the α5 subunit resulted in mitotic defects and inhibition of the pro-proliferative and apoptosis-resistant phenotype of PAH cells. Using a novel small molecule integrin inhibitor and neutralizing antibodies, we demonstrated that α5ß1 integrin blockade attenuates pulmonary vascular remodeling and improves hemodynamics and RV function in multiple preclinical models. Our results provide converging evidence to consider α5ß1 integrin inhibition as a promising therapy for pulmonary hypertension. One sentence summary: The α5ß1 integrin plays a crucial role in pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Functional Analysis of Stress Resistance of Bacillus cereus SCL10 Strain Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing.

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile, and spore-forming bacterium, designated SCL10, was isolated from Acaudina molpadioides exposure to Co-60 radiation. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify the strain as Bacillus cereus and functional characterization, with a focus on stress resistance. The genome of the B. cereus SCL10 strain was sequenced and assembled, revealing a size of 4,979,182 bp and 5167 coding genes. The genes involved in biological functions were annotated by using the GO, COG, KEGG, NR, and Swiss-Prot databases. The results showed that genes related to alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (ahpC, ahpF), DNA-binding proteins from starved cells (dps), spore and biofilm formation (spoVG, spo0A, gerP), cold shock-like protein (cspC, cspE), ATP-dependent chaperone (clpB), and photolyase, small, acid-soluble spore protein (SASP) and DNA repair protein (recA, radD) could explain the stress resistance. These findings suggest that antioxidant activity, sporulation, biofilm formation, and DNA protection may be considered as the main resistance mechanisms under exposure to radiation in the B. cereus SCL10 strain.

Insights into the roles of Apolipoprotein E in adipocyte biology and obesity.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a multifunctional protein expressed by various cell types, including hepatocytes, adipocytes, immune cells of the myeloid lineage, vascular smooth muscle cells, astrocytes, etc. Initially, APOE was discovered as an arginine-rich peptide within very-low-density lipoprotein, but it was subsequently found in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in humans and other animals, where its presence facilitates the clearance of these lipoproteins from circulation. Recent epidemiolocal studies and experimental research in mice suggest a link between ApoE and obesity. The latest findings highlight the role of endogenous adipocyte ApoE in regulating browning of white adipose tissue, beige adipocyte differentiation, thermogenesis and energy homeostasis. This review focuses on the emerging evidence showing the involvement of ApoE in the regulation of obesity and its associated metabolic diseases.

Disease spectrum and prognostic factors in patients treated for tuberculous meningitis in Shaanxi province, China.

Background: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of tuberculosis (TB) and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. We aimed to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, disease spectrum, outcome, and prognostic factors of patients treated for TBM in China. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted from 2009 to 2019 enrolling all presumptive TBM patients referred to Xijing tertiary Hospital from 27 referral centers in and around Shaanxi province, China. Patients with clinical features suggestive of TBM (abnormal CSF parameters) were included in the study if they had adequate baseline information to be classified as "confirmed," "probable," or "possible" TBM according to international consensus TBM criteria and remained in follow-up. Patients with a confirmed alternative diagnosis or severe immune compromise were excluded. Clinical presentation, central nervous system imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results, TBM score, and outcome-assessed using the modified Barthel disability index-were recorded and compared. Findings: A total of 341 presumptive TBM patients met selection criteria; 63 confirmed TBM (25 culture positive, 42 Xpert-MTB/RIF positive), 66 probable TBM, 163 possible TBM, and 49 "not TBM." Death was associated with BMRC grade III (OR = 5.172; 95%CI: 2.298-11.641), TBM score ≥ 15 (OR = 3.843; 95%CI: 1.372-10.761), age > 60 years (OR = 3.566; 95%CI: 1.022-12.442), and CSF neutrophil ratio ≥ 25% (OR = 2.298; 95%CI: 1.027-5.139). Among those with confirmed TBM, nearly one-third (17/63, 27.0%) had a TBM score < 12; these patients exhibited less classic meningitis symptoms and signs and had better outcomes compared with those with a TBM score ≥ 12. In this group, signs of disseminated/miliary TB (OR = 12.427; 95%CI: 1.138-135.758) and a higher TBM score (≥15, OR = 8.437; 95%CI: 1.328-53.585) were most strongly associated with death. Conclusion: TBM patients who are older (>60 years) have higher TBM scores or CSF neutrophil ratios, have signs of disseminated/miliary TB, and are at greatest risk of death. In general, more effort needs to be done to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcome in TBM patients.

Periodontal conditions of teeth adjacent to dental implants with or without peri-implantitis after non-surgical therapy in patients treated for periodontitis: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively assess the periodontal conditions of teeth adjacent to and contralateral to implants presenting with or without peri-implantitis, following non-surgical periodontal and peri-implant mechanical therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and one patients with existing dental implants and chronic periodontitis, who underwent non-surgical periodontal and peri-implant mechanical therapy, were included. The periodontal clinical probing depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at six sites around the adjacent (Adj-) teeth and the contralateral (CL-) teeth relative to the implant. The potential factors influencing the periodontal conditions of 316 teeth were analyzed by multivariate linear regression models with generalized estimating equation methods and α = .05. RESULTS: The PPD of Adj-teeth was significantly different from that of CL-teeth before and after non-surgical therapy when the implant was diagnosed with peri-implantitis (PI) (p < .05). The PPD of teeth was shown to be affected by neighboring implants diagnosed with peri-implantitis (ß = .825 mm, p < .001), teeth adjacent to implants (ß = .245 mm, p = .004), a molar tooth type (ß = .435 mm, p = .019), and non-surgical therapy (ß = -.522 mm, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Relatively compromised periodontal conditions at Adj-teeth after non-surgical PI therapy were detected. Therefore, clinicians should be aware that non-surgical therapy may be less successful at teeth adjacent to implants with PI.

Do patients with nephrotic syndrome have an increased risk of osteoporosis? A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether nephrotic syndrome (NS) and further corticosteroid (CS) use increase the risk of osteoporosis in Asian population during the period January 2000-December 2010. DESIGN: Nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study. SETTING: All healthcare facilities in Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 28 772 individuals were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: 26 614 individuals with newly diagnosed NS between 2000 and 2010 were identified and included in out study. 26 614 individuals with no NS diagnosis prior to the index date were age matched as controls. Diagnosis of osteoporosis prior to the diagnosis of NS or the same index date was identified, age, sex and NS-associated comorbidities were adjusted. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: To identify risk differences in developing osteoporosis among patients with a medical history of NS. RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates, osteoporosis risk was found to be 3.279 times greater in the NS cohort than in the non-NS cohort, when measured over 11 years after NS diagnosis. Stratification revealed that age older than 18 years, congestive heart failure, hyperlipidaemia, chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis and NS-related disease including diabetes mellitus, hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection, lymphoma and hypothyroidism, increased the risk of osteoporosis in the NS cohort, compared with the non-NS cohort. Additionally, osteoporosis risk was significantly higher in NS patients with CS use (adjusted HR (aHR)=3.397). The risk of osteoporosis in NS patients was positively associated with risk of hip and vertebral fracture (aHR=2.130 and 2.268, respectively). A significant association exists between NS and subsequent risk for osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: NS patients, particularly those treated with CS, should be evaluated for subsequent risk of osteoporosis.

Spongia Sponges: Unabated Sources of Novel Secondary Metabolites.

Marine sponges of the genus Spongia have proven to be unabated sources of novel secondary metabolites with remarkable scaffold diversities and significant bioactivities. The discovery of chemical substances from Spongia sponges has continued to increase over the last few years. The current work provides an up-to-date literature survey and comprehensive insight into the reported metabolites from the members of the genus Spongia, as well as their structural features, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships when available. In this review, 222 metabolites are discussed based on published data from the period from mid-2015 to the beginning of 2024. The compounds are categorized into sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes, meroterpenes, linear furanoterpenes, steroids, alkaloids, and other miscellaneous substances. The biological effects of these chemical compositions on a vast array of pharmacological assays including cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)-inhibitory, and phytoregulating activities are also presented.

Effect of spectacle correction on hyperopic children.

Background: Hyperopia is a significant refractive error in children, often leading to vision impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether partial or full spectacle correction is benefit for hyperopia in preschool-aged children. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on hyperopic children visited to teaching medical center outpatient clinic between October 2011 and October 2018, and were categorized into three groups: full correction, overcorrection, and undercorrection. The study was approved by the institutional ethical committee of Tri-Service General Hospital. Results: Following a minimum of one-year follow-up period, no statistically significant differences were observed in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) among children receiving full, over, or under spectacle correction. Notably, the overcorrection group exhibited a significant reduction in spherical equivalent (SE) compared to both the full and under correction groups, indicating a better SE with spectacle overcorrection. Conclusions: Spectacle overcorrection may offer potential benefits for enhancing SE in preschool children with hyperopia. Nevertheless, further investigation through randomized controlled trials is warranted to establish the validity of this approach and its impact on visual outcomes in this hyperopic pediatric population.

Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence with Nanosecond Emission Lifetimes and Minor Concentration Quenching: Achieving High-Performance Nondoped and Doped Blue OLEDs.

Simultaneously achieving a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), ultrashort exciton lifetime, and suppressed concentration quenching in thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials is desirable yet challenging. Here, a novel acceptor-donor-acceptor type TADF emitter, namely, 2BO-sQA, wherein two oxygen-bridged triarylboron (BO) acceptors are arranged with cofacial alignment and positioned nearly orthogonal to the rigid dispirofluorene-quinolinoacridine (sQA) donor is reported. This molecular design enables the compound to achieve highly efficient (PLQYs up to 99%) and short-lived (nanosecond-scale) blue TADF with effectively suppressed concentration quenching in films. Consequently, the doped organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) base on 2BO-sQA achieve exceptional electroluminescence performance across a broad range of doping concentrations, maintaining maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) at over 30% for doping concentrations ranging from 10 to 70 wt%. Remarkably, the nondoped blue OLED achieves a record-high maximum EQE of 26.6% with a small efficiency roll-off of 14.0% at 1000 candelas per square meter. By using 2BO-sQA as the sensitizer for the multiresonance TADF emitter ν-DABNA, TADF-sensitized fluorescence OLEDs achieve high-efficiency deep-blue emission. These results demonstrate the feasibility of this molecular design in developing TADF emitters with high efficiency, ultrashort exciton lifetime, and minimal concentration quenching.

Naoxueshu Oral Liquid Accelerates Post-Craniotomy Hematoma Absorption in Patients: An Open-Label, Multicenter, and Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Naoxueshu Oral Liquid (NXS) could promote hematoma absorption in post-craniotomy hematoma (PCH) patients. METHODS: This is an open-label, multicenter, and randomized controlled trial conducted at 9 hospitals in China. Patients aged 18-80 years with post-craniotomy supratentorial hematoma volume ranging from 10 to 30 mL or post-craniotomy infratentorial hematoma volume less than 10 mL, or intraventricular hemorrhage following cranial surgery were enrolled. They were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to the NXS (10 mL thrice daily for 15 days) or control groups using a randomization code table. Standard medical care was administered in both groups. The primary outcome was the percentage reduction in hematoma volume from day 1 to day 15. The secondary outcomes included the percentage reduction in hematoma volume from day 1 to day 7, the absolute reduction in hematoma volume from day 1 to day 7 and 15, and the change in neurological function from day 1 to day 7 and 15. The safety was closely monitored throughout the study. Moreover, subgroup analysis was performed based on age, gender, history of diabetes, and etiology of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned between March 30, 2018 and April 15, 2020. One patient was lost to follow-up in the control group. Finally, there were 119 patients (60 in the NXS group and 59 in the control group) included in the analysis. In the full analysis set (FAS) analysis, the NXS group had a greater percentage reduction in hematoma volume from day 1 to day 15 than the control group [median (Q1, Q3): 85% (71%, 97%) vs. 76% (53%, 93%), P<0.05]. The secondary outcomes showed no statistical significance between two groups, either in FAS or per-protocol set (P>0.05). Furthermore, no adverse events were reported during the study. In the FAS analysis, the NXS group exhibited a higher percentage reduction in hematoma volume on day 15 in the following subgroups: male patients, patients younger than 65 years, patients without diabetes, or those with initial cranial surgery due to ICH (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of NXS demonstrated the potential to promote the percentage reduction in hematoma volume from day 1 to day 15. This intervention was found to be safe and feasible. The response to NXS may be influenced by patient characteristics. (Registration No. ChiCTR1800017981).

Csn5 inhibits autophagy by regulating the ubiquitination of Atg6 and Tor to mediate the pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae.

Csn5 is subunit 5 of the COP9 signalosome (CSN), but the mechanism by which it strictly controls the pathogenicity of pathogenic fungi through autophagy remains unclear. Here, we found that Csn5 deficiency attenuated pathogenicity and enhanced autophagy in Magnaporthe oryzae. MoCSN5 knockout led to overubiquitination and overdegradation of MoTor (the core protein of the TORC1 complex [target of rapamycin]) thereby promoted autophagy. In addition, we identified MoCsn5 as a new interactor of MoAtg6. Atg6 was found to be ubiquitinated through linkage with lysine 48 (K48) in cells, which is necessary for infection-associated autophagy in pathogenic fungi. K48-ubiquitination of Atg6 enhanced its degradation and thereby inhibited autophagic activity. Our experimental results indicated that MoCsn5 promoted K48-ubiquitination of MoAtg6, which reduced the MoAtg6 protein content and thus inhibited autophagy. Aberrant ubiquitination and autophagy in ΔMocsn5 led to pleiotropic defects in the growth, development, stress resistance, and pathogenicity of M. oryzae. In summary, our study revealed a novel mechanism by which Csn5 regulates autophagy and pathogenicity in rice blast fungus through ubiquitination.