Characterizing Mental Health Status and Service Utilization in Chinese Americans With Type 2 Diabetes in New York City: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more prone to mental health issues than the general population; however, there is a significant lack of data concerning the mental health burden in Chinese Americans with T2D. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the comorbid mental health status, health-seeking behaviors, and mental service utilization among Chinese Americans with T2D. METHODS: A cross-sectional telephone survey was performed among 74 Chinese Americans with T2D in New York City. We used standardized questionnaires to assess mental health status and to gather data on mental health-seeking behaviors and service utilization. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 74 Chinese Americans with T2D completed the survey. Most participants (mean age 56, SD 10 years) identified as female (42/74, 57%), were born outside the United States (73/74, 99%), and had limited English proficiency (71/74, 96%). Despite nearly half of the participants (34/74, 46%) reporting at least one mental health concern (elevated stress, depressive symptoms, and/or anxiety), only 3% (2/74) were currently using mental health services. Common reasons for not seeking care included no perceived need, lack of information about Chinese-speaking providers, cost, and time constraints. The cultural and language competence of the provider was ranked as the top factor related to seeking mental health care. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese Americans with T2D experience relatively high comorbid mental health concerns yet have low service utilization. Clinicians may consider team-based care to incorporate mental health screening and identify strategies to provide culturally and linguistically concordant mental health services to engage Chinese Americans with T2D.

The Fill-Mask Association Test (FMAT): Measuring propositions in natural language.

Recent advances in large language models are enabling the computational intelligent analysis of psychology in natural language. Here, the Fill-Mask Association Test (FMAT) is introduced as a novel and integrative method leveraging Masked Language Models to study and measure psychology from a propositional perspective at the societal level. The FMAT uses Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) models to compute semantic probabilities of option words filling in the masked blank of a designed query (i.e., a clozelike contextualized sentence). The current research presents 15 studies that establish the reliability and validity of the FMAT in predicting factual associations (Studies 1A-1C), measuring attitudes/biases (Studies 2A-2D), capturing social stereotypes (Studies 3A-3D), and retrospectively delineating lay perceptions of sociocultural changes over time (Studies 4A-4D). Empirically, the FMAT replicated seminal findings previously obtained with human participants (e.g., the Implicit Association Test) and other big-data text-analytic methods (e.g., word frequency analysis, the Word Embedding Association Test), demonstrating robustness across 12 BERT model variants and diverse training text corpora. Theoretically, the current findings substantiate the propositional (vs. associative) perspective on how semantic associations are represented in natural language. Methodologically, the FMAT allows for more fine-grained language-based psychological measurement, with an R package developed to streamline its workflow for use on broader research questions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Biomechanical and histological changes associated with riboflavin ultraviolet-A-induced CXL with different irradiances in young human corneal stroma.

Keratoconus (KC) is a degenerative condition affecting the cornea, characterized by progressive thinning and bulging, which can ultimately result in serious visual impairment. The onset and progression of KC are closely tied to the gradual weakening of the cornea's biomechanical properties. KC progression can be prevented with corneal cross-linking (CXL), but this treatment has shortcomings, and evaluating its tissue stiffening effect is important for determining its efficacy. In this field, the shortage of human corneas has made it necessary for most previous studies to rely on animal corneas, which have different microstructure and may be affected differently from human corneas. In this research, we have used the lenticules obtained through small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgeries as a source of human tissue to assess CXL. And to further improve the results' reliability, we used inflation testing, personalized finite element modeling, numerical optimization and histology microstructure analysis. These methods enabled determining the biomechanical and histological effects of CXL protocols involving different irradiation intensities of 3, 9, 18, and 30 mW/cm2, all delivering the same total energy dose of 5.4 J/cm2. The results showed that the CXL effect did not vary significantly with protocols using 3-18 mW/cm2 irradiance, but there was a significant efficacy drop with 30 mW/cm2 irradiance. This study validated the updated algorithm and provided guidance for corneal lenticule reuse and the effects of different CXL protocols on the biomechanical properties of the human corneal stroma.

Orthodontic maxillary molar movement-induced zygomatic pillar remodeling and its consequences on occlusal characteristics and stress distribution.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate changes in the zygomatic pillar during orthodontic treatment involving premolar extraction, analyze the effects of maxillary first molar movement on zygomatic pillar remodeling, and examine occlusal characteristics and stress distribution after remodeling. METHODS: Twenty-five patients who underwent premolar extraction were included in the study. The zygomatic pillar measurement range was defined, and cross-sectional areas, surface landmark coordinates, alveolar and cortical bone thicknesses, and density changes were assessed using Mimics software based on the cone-beam computed tomography scans taken before (T0) and after the treatment (T1). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation between changes in the zygomatic pillar and maxillary first molar three-dimensional (3D) movement and rotation. Additionally, the correlation between pillar remodeling and occlusal characteristics was analyzed by Teetester. Pre- and post-reconstruction 3D finite element models were constructed and loaded with an average occlusal force of two periods. RESULTS: The morphological and structural remodeling of the zygomatic pillar after orthodontic treatment involving premolar extraction showed a decreased cross-sectional area of the lower segment of the zygomatic pillar. The zygomatic process point moved inward and backward, whereas the zygomatico-maxillary suture point moved backward. The thicknesses of the zygomatic pillar alveolar and cortical bones were thinner, and reduced alveolar bone density was observed. Simultaneously, the movement and angle change of the maxillary first molar could predict zygomatic pillar reconstruction to a certain extent. With decreasing the total occlusal force and the occlusal force of the first molar, occlusal force distribution was more uniform. With zygomatic pillar remodeling, occlusal stress distribution in the zygomatic alveolar ridge decreased, and occlusal stress was concentrated at the junction of the vertical and horizontal parts of the zygomatic bone and the posterior part of the zygomatic arch. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic treatment involving premolar extraction led to zygomatic pillar remodeling, making it more fragile than before and reducing the occlusal force of the maxillary first molar and the entire dentition with stress concentrated in weak areas. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: No other study has focused on the effects of orthodontics on pillar structures. The present study indicates that the mesial movement of the maxillary first molar weakened the zygomatic pillar and reduced occlusal function, thereby providing insights for inserting anchorage screws and facial esthetics.

CKIP-1-Loaded Cartilage-Affinitive Nanoliposomes Reverse Osteoarthritis by Restoring Chondrocyte Homeostasis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by cartilage imbalance and disruption of cartilage extracellular matrix secretion. Identifying key genes that regulate cartilage differentiation and developing effective therapeutic strategies to restore their expression is crucial. In a previous study, we observed a significant correlation between the expression of the gene encoding casein kinase-2 interacting protein-1 (CKIP-1) in the cartilage of OA patients and OA severity scores, suggesting its potential involvement in OA development. To test this hypothesis, we synthesized a chondrocyte affinity plasmid, liposomes CKIP-1, to enhance CKIP-1 expression in chondrocytes. Our results demonstrated that injection of CAP-Lipos-CKIP-1 plasmid significantly improved OA joint destruction and restored joint motor function by enhancing cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion. Histological and cytological analyses confirmed that CKIP-1 maintains altered the phosphorylation of the signal transduction molecule SMAD2/3 of the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) pathway by promoting the phosphorylation of the 8T, 416S sit. Taken together, this work highlights a novel approach for the precise modulation of chondrocyte phenotype from an inflammatory to a noninflammatory state for the treatment of OA and may be broadly applicable to patients suffering from other arthritic diseases.

Investigating oral microbiome profiles in patients with cleft lip and palate compared with the healthy control.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) have an oronasal communication differed from the closed state in healthy individuals, leading to a unique oral microbiome. This study aimed to determine if variances in the oral microbiota persist among CLP patients who have received treatments for the closure of these fistulas compared to the microbiota of healthy individuals. METHODS: Saliva samples were collected from a cohort comprising 28 CLP patients (CLP group) and 30 healthy controls (HC group). Utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing on the Illumina NovaSeq platform, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the diversity and composition of the oral microbiota. RESULTS: The analysis of the microbiota in the saliva samples revealed a total of 23 microbial phyla, 38 classes, 111 orders, 184 families, 327 genera and 612 species. The alpha diversity with microbial abundance and evenness indicated the significant difference between the CLP and HC groups. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and the ADONIS test further supported the presence of distinct microorganisms between the two groups. The CLP group displayed elevated abundances of Neisseria, Haemophilus, Porphyromonas, and Granulicatella, as indicated by LefSe analysis. Conversely, Rothia, Veillonella, and Pauljensenia exhibited significant reductions in abundance in the CLP group. The results of the PICRUSt analysis indicated significant differences in the relative abundance of 25 KEGG pathways within the CLP group. Through Spearman correlation analysis, strong associations between Rothia, Veillonella, and Pauljensenia and 25 functional pathways linked to CLP were identified. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study offer a thorough comprehension of the microbiome profiles of CLP patients after the restoration of oronasal structure and are anticipated to present innovative concepts for the treatment of CLP.

Memristor-coupled dual-neuron mapping model: initials-induced coexisting firing patterns and synchronization activities.

Synaptic plasticity makes memristors particularly suitable for simulating the connection synapses between neurons that describe magnetic induction coupling. By applying a memristor to the synaptic coupling between two map-based neuron models, a memristor-coupled dual-neuron mapping (MCDN) model is proposed in this article. The MCDN model has a line fixed point set associated with the memristor initial state, which is always unstable for the model parameters and memristor initial state of interest. Complex spiking/bursting firing patterns and their transitions are disclosed using some dynamical analysis means. The numerical results show that these spiking/bursting firings are significantly relied on the memristor initial state, demonstrating the coexistence of firing patterns. Moreover, the initial effects of complete synchronization are explored for the homogeneous MCDN model, and it is clarified that in addition to being related to the coupling strength, the synchronization activities are extremely dependent on the initial states of the memristor and neurons. Finally, these numerical results are confirmed by the FPGA-based hardware experiments.

Expression of visfatin in gingival crevicular fluid and gingival tissues in different periodontal conditions: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that visfatin is an inflammatory factor closely related to periodontitis. We examined the levels of visfatin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and gingival tissues under different periodontal conditions, in order to provide more theoretical basis for exploring the role of visfatin in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. METHODS: We enrolled 87 subjects, with 43 in the chronic periodontitis (CP) group, 21 in the chronic gingivitis (CG) group, and 23 in the periodontal health (PH) group. Periodontal indexes (PD, AL, PLI, and BI) were recorded. GCF samples were collected for visfatin quantification, and gingival tissues were assessed via immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Visfatin levels in GCF decreased sequentially from CP to CG and PH groups, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The CP group exhibited the highest visfatin levels, while the PH group had the lowest. Gingival tissues showed a similar trend, with significant differences between groups (P < 0.001). Periodontal indexes were positively correlated with visfatin levels in both GCF and gingival tissues (P < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between visfatin levels in GCF and gingival tissues (rs = 0.772, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Greater periodontal destruction corresponded to higher visfatin levels in GCF and gingival tissues, indicating their potential collaboration in damaging periodontal tissues. Visfatin emerges as a promising biomarker for periodontitis and may play a role in its pathogenesis.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Neutrophils Accelerate Bone Regeneration by Promoting Osteogenic Differentiation of BMSCs.

The reconstruction of bone defects has been associated with severe challenges worldwide. Nowadays, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-based cell sheets have rendered this approach a promising way to facilitate osteogenic regeneration in vivo. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an essential role in intercellular communication and execution of various biological functions and are often employed as an ideal natural endogenous nanomedicine for restoring the structure and functions of damaged tissues. The perception of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils, PMNs) as indiscriminate killer cells is gradually changing, with new evidence suggesting a role for these cells in tissue repair and regeneration, particularly in the context of bone healing. However, the role of EVs derived from PMNs (PMN-EVs) in bone regeneration remains largely unknown, with limited research being conducted on this aspect. In the current study, we investigated the effects of PMN-EVs on BMSCs and the underlying molecular mechanisms as well as the potential application of PMN-EVs in bone regeneration. Toward this end, BMSC-based cell sheets with integrated PMN-EVs (BS@PMN-EVs) were developed for bone defect regeneration. PMN-EVs were found to significantly enhance the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro. Furthermore, BS@PMN-EVs were found to significantly accelerate bone regeneration in vivo by enhancing the maturation of the newly formed bone in rat calvarial defects; this is likely attributable to the effect of PMN-EVs in promoting the expression of key osteogenic proteins such as SOD2 and GJA1 in BMSCs. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the crucial role of PMN-EVs in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs during bone regeneration. Furthermore, this study proposes a novel strategy for enhancing bone repair and regeneration via the integration of PMN-EVs with BMSC-based cell sheets.

Intersectional race-gender stereotypes in natural language.

How are Asian and Black men and women stereotyped? Research from the gendered race and stereotype content perspectives has produced mixed empirical findings. Using BERT models pre-trained on English language books, news articles, Wikipedia, Reddit and Twitter, with a new method for measuring propositions in natural language (the Fill-Mask Association Test, FMAT), we explored the gender (masculinity-femininity), physical strength, warmth and competence contents of stereotypes about Asian and Black men and women. We find that Asian men (but not women) are stereotyped as less masculine and less moral/trustworthy than Black men. Compared to Black men and Black women, respectively, both Asian men and Asian women are stereotyped as less muscular/athletic and less assertive/dominant, but more sociable/friendly and more capable/intelligent. These findings suggest that Asian and Black stereotypes in natural language have multifaceted contents and gender nuances, requiring a balanced view integrating the gender schema theory and the stereotype content model. Exploring their semantic representations as propositions in large language models, this research reveals how intersectional race-gender stereotypes are naturally expressed in real life.

Early administration of Wumei Wan inhibit myeloid-derived suppressor cells via PI3K/Akt pathway and amino acids metabolism to prevent colitis-associated colorectal cancer.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Wumei Wan (WMW), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been proved to be effective in treating Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), but it has not been proven to be effective in different stages of CAC. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of our study is to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of WMW on the progression of CAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Azioximethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were used to treat mice for the purpose of establishing CAC models. WMW was administered in different stages of CAC. The presentative chemical components in WMW were confirmed by LC-MS/MS under the optimized conditions. The detection of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and colon of mice were estimated by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The changes of T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in each group were detected by flow cytometry. The metabolic components in serum of mice were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. Expression of genes and proteins were detected by eukaryotic transcriptomics and Western blot to explore the key pathway of WMW in preventing CAC. RESULTS: WMW had significant effect on inhibiting inflammatory responses and tumors during the early development stage of CAC when compared to other times. WMW increased the length of mice's colons, reduced the level of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α in colon tissues, and effectively alleviated colonic inflammation, and improved the pathological damage of colon tissues. WMW could significantly reduce the infiltration of MDSCs in the spleen, increase CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in the spleen of CAC mice, and effectively reform the immune microenvironment in CAC mice. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that 2204 genes had different patterns of overlap in the colon tissues of mice between control group, AOM + DSS group, and early administration of WMW group. And KEGG enrichment analysis showed that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, pancreatic secretion, thermogenesis, and Rap1 signaling pathway were all involved. The serum metabolomics results of WMW showed that the metabolic compositions of the control group, AOM + DSS group and the early stage of WMW were different, and 42 differential metabolites with the opposite trends of changes were screened. The metabolic pathways mainly included pyrimidine metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and purine metabolism. And amino acids and related metabolites may play an important role in WMW prevention of CAC. CONCLUSION: WMW can effectively prevent the occurrence and development of CAC, especially in the initial stage. WMW can reduce the immune infiltration of MDSCs in the early stage. Early intervention of WMW can improve the metabolic disorder caused by AOM + DSS, especially correct the amino acid metabolism. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was inhabited in early administration of WMW, which can regulate the amplification and function of MDSCs.

Feasibility of a family-oriented mHealth intervention for Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes: A pilot randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVES: To test the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a mHealth intervention tailored for Chinese immigrant families with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with baseline, 3-, and 6-month measurements. Participating dyads, T2D patients and families/friends from NYC, were randomized into the intervention group (n = 11) or the wait-list control group (n = 12). Intervention includes 24 videos covering T2D self-management, behavioral techniques, and family-oriented sessions. Feasibility and acceptability were measured respectively by the retention rate and video watch rate, and a satisfaction survey. Patients' HbA1c, weight, and self-management were also assessed to test potential efficacy. RESULTS: Most T2D patients (n = 23; mean age 56.2±9.4 years; 52.2% male) and families/friends (n = 23, mean age 54.6±11.2 years; 52.2% female) had high school education or less (69.6% and 69.6%), annual household income < $25,000 (65.2% and 52.2%), and limited English proficiency (95.7% and 95.7%). The retention rates were not significantly different between the intervention and the control groups for both the patients (90.91% vs 83.3%, p = 0.589); and their families/friends (3-month: 90.9% vs 75%, p = 0.313; 6-month: 90.9% vs 83.3%, p = 0.589). The mean video watch rate was 76.8% (7%). T2D patients and families/friends rated satisfaction as 9.4 and 10 out of 10, respectively. Despite no between-group differences, the intervention group had significantly lower HbA1c (p = 0.014) and better self-management (p = 0.009), and lost 12 lbs. on average at 6 months (p = 0.079), compared to their baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS: A culturally-tailored, family-based mHealth intervention is feasible and acceptable among low-income, limited English-proficient Chinese families with T2D in NYC. Significant changes in HbA1c and self-management within the intervention group indicate this intervention may have potential efficacy. Given the small sample size of this study, a future RCT with adequate power is needed to test efficacy.

Multimodal Theranostic Nanoparticles for Necrosis Targeting, Fluorescence/SPECT Imaging, and Radiotherapy of Residual Tumors after Hepatocellular Carcinoma Ablation.

Thermal ablation has been commonly used as an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma; however, peri-necrotic tumor residues after ablation play a significant role in tumor recurrence and poor prognosis. Therefore, developing agents that can effectively target and eliminate residual tumors is critically needed. Necrosis targeting strategies have potential implications for evaluating tumor necrosis areas and treating the surrounding residual tumors. To address this issue, we have developed a biodegradable nanoparticle with necrosis avidity that is compatible with fluorescence imaging, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, and necrosis targeted radiotherapy. The nanoparticles were synthesized using iodine-131-labeled hypericin (131I-Hyp) as the core and amphiphilic copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEG-PCL) as the shell. The developed nanoparticle, PNP@(131I-Hyp), has a uniform spherical morphology with a size of 33.07 ± 3.94 and 45.93 ± 0.58 nm determined by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and dynamic light-scattering analysis (polydispersity index = 0.19 ± 0.01), respectively, and having a good stability and blood compatibility in vitro. In mouse subcutaneous ablated-residual tumor models, fluorescence and SPECT imaging demonstrated that PNP@(131I-Hyp) prominently accumulated in the tumor and was retained for as long as 168 h following intravenous injection. Moreover, ex vivo analyses showed that PNP@(131I-Hyp) mainly gathered in the necrotic zones of subcutaneous tumors and inhibited residual tumors by radiotherapy. In addition, histological examination of harvested organs and hematological analysis demonstrated that intravenous injection of 5 mCi/kg nanoparticles caused no gross abnormalities. This multifunctional nanoparticle, therefore, has necrosis imaging and targeted therapeutic effects on residual tumors after thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma, showing potential for clinical application.

Management and outcome of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in blast phase in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era - analysis of the European LeukemiaNet Blast Phase Registry.

Blast phase (BP) of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) still represents an unmet clinical need with a dismal prognosis. Due to the rarity of the condition and the heterogeneity of the biology and clinical presentation, prospective trials and concise treatment recommendations are lacking. Here we present the analysis of the European LeukemiaNet Blast Phase Registry, an international collection of the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of blast phases which had been diagnosed in CML patients after 2015. Data reveal the expected heterogeneity of the entity, lacking a clear treatment standard. Outcomes remain dismal, with a median overall survival of 23.8 months (median follow up 27.8 months). Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) increases the rate of deep molecular responses. De novo BP and BP evolving from a previous CML do show slightly different features, suggesting a different biology between the two entities. Data show that outside clinical trials and in a real-world setting treatment of blast phase is individualized according to disease- and patient-related characteristics, with the aim of blast clearance prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation. AlloSCT should be offered to all patients eligible for this procedure.

Hydro-mechanical effects of vegetation on slope stability: A review.

This study explores the complex interplay between vegetation and soil stability on slopes to enhance soil-bioengineering and slope stabilization techniques. We assess the multifaceted role of vegetation in soil stabilization, examining processes such as canopy interception, stemflow, and the effects of hydrological and mechanical changes induced by root systems and above-ground plant structures. Key underlying mechanisms and their effects on stability are reported, along with the evaluation of significant plant indicators from historical research. Our review revealed that plant coverage and root architecture are critical in reducing soil erosion, with plant roots increasing soil cohesion and reducing soil detachability. Above-ground vegetation provides a protective layer that decreases the kinetic energy of raindrops and allows for higher infiltration. The importance of species-specific root traits is emphasized as pragmatic determinants of erosion prevention. Additionally, the effects of root reinforcement on shallow landslides are dissected to highlight their dualistic nature. While root-soil interactions typically increase soil shear strength and enhance slope stability, it is crucial to discriminate among vegetation types such as trees, shrubs, and grasses due to their distinct root morphology, tensile strength, root area ratio, and depth. These differences critically affect their impact on slope stability, where, for instance, robust shrub roots may fortify soil to greater depths, whereas grass roots contribute significantly to topsoil shear strength. Grasses and herbaceous plants effectively controlled surface erosion, whereas shrubs mainly controlled shallow landslides. Therefore, it is vital to conduct a study that combines shrubs with grasses or herbaceous plants. Both above-ground and below-ground plant indicators, including root and shoot indicators, were crucial for improving slope stability. To accurately evaluate the impact of plant species on slope stability reinforcement, it is necessary to study the combination of hydro-mechanical coupling with both ground plant indicators under specific conditions.

Fine-Scale Characterization of Plant Diterpene Glycosides Using Energy-Resolved Untargeted LC-MS/MS Metabolomics Analysis.

Plant diterpene glycosides are essential for diverse physiological processes. Comprehensive structural characterization proved to be a challenge due to variations in glycosylation patterns, diverse aglycone structures, and the absence of comprehensive reference databases. In this study, a method for fine-scale characterization was proposed based on energy-resolved (ER) untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics analysis using steviol glycosides as a demonstration. Energy-dependent fragmentation patterns were unveiled by a series of model compounds. Distinct glycosylation sites were discerned by leveraging varying fragmentation energies for the precursor ions. The sugar moiety linkage at C19OOH (R1) exhibited facile and intact cleavage at low collision energies, while the sugar moiety at C13-OH (R2) demonstrated consecutive cleavage with increasing energy. Aglycone ions exhibited a higher relative intensity at NCE 50, with relative intensities ranging from 95% to 100%. Subsequently, aglycone candidates, R1 sugar composition, and R2 sugar sequence were deduced through ER-MS/MS analysis. The developed method was applied to Stevia rebaudiana leaves. A total of 91 diterpene glycosides were unambiguously identified, including 16 steviol glycosides with novel acetylglycosylation patterns. This method offers a rapid alternative for glycan analysis and the structural differentiation of isomers. The developed method enhances the understanding of diterpene glycosides in plants, providing a reliable tool for the in-depth characterization of complex metabolite profiles.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the associations between altered gut microbiota, metabolites, and cytokines during pregnancy.

For embryo implantation and fetal development, the maternal immune system undergoes dramatic changes. The mechanisms involved in inducing alterations of maternal immunity have not been fully clarified. Gut microbiome and metabolites were thought to influence the host immune response. During normal pregnancy, notable changes occur in the gut microbiota and metabolites. However, the relationship of these alterations to immune function during pregnancy remains unclear. In this study, we examined gut microbiota, fecal metabolites, plasma metabolites, and cytokines in pregnant women and non-pregnant women. Our findings revealed that, in comparison to non-pregnant women, pregnant women exhibit a significant increase in the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota and notable differences in metabolic pathways related to bile acid secretion. Furthermore, there was a marked reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in pregnant women. Correlation analyses indicated that these alterations in cytokines may be linked to specific gut bacteria and metabolites. Bacteria within the same microbial modules exhibited consistent effects on cytokines, suggesting that gut bacteria may function as functional groups. Mediation analysis further identified that certain bacteria might influence cytokines through metabolites, such as bile acids and arachidonic acid. Our findings propose potential biological connections between bacteria, metabolites, and immunity, which require further validation in future studies.IMPORTANCEA great number of studies have focused on diseases induced by intestinal microecological disorders and immune imbalances. However, the understanding of how intestinal microbiota interacts with immunity during normal pregnancy, which is fundamental to studying pathological pregnancies related to intestinal microbiota disturbances, has not been well elucidated. Our study employed multi-omics analysis to discover that changes in gut microbiota and metabolites during pregnancy can impact immune function. In addition, we identified several metabolites that may mediate the effect of gut microbes on plasma cytokines. Our study offered new insights into our understanding of the connections between the gut microbiome, metabolome, and the immune system during pregnancy.

OsGEX3 affects anther development and improves osmotic stress tolerance in rice.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Overexpression and loss of function of OsGEX3 reduce seed setting rates and affect pollen fertility in rice. OsGEX3 positively regulates osmotic stress response by regulating ROS scavenging. GEX3 proteins are conserved in plants. AtGEX3 encodes a plasma membrane protein that plays a crucial role in pollen tube guidance. However, the function of its homolog in rice, OsGEX3, has not been determined. Our results demonstrate that OsGEX3 is localized in the plasma membrane and the nucleus as shown by a transiently transformed assay using Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The up-regulation of OsGEX3 was detected in response to treatments with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000, hydrogen peroxide, and abscisic acid (ABA) via RT-qPCR analysis. Interestingly, we observed a significant decline in the seed setting rates of OsGEX3-OE lines and mutants, compared to the wild type. Further investigations reveal that overexpression and loss of function of OsGEX3 affect pollen maturation. TEM observation revealed a significant decrease in the fertile pollen rates of OsGEX3-OE transgenic lines and Osgex3 mutants due to a delay in pollen development at the late vacuolated stage. Overexpression of OsGEX3 improved osmotic stress and oxidative stress tolerance by enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging in rice seedlings, whereas Osgex3 mutants exhibited an opposite phenotype in osmotic stress. These findings highlight the multifunctional roles of OsGEX3 in pollen development and the response to abiotic stress. The functional characterization of OsGEX3 provides a fundamental basis for rice molecular breeding and can facilitate efforts to cultivate drought resistance and yield-related varieties.

The Construction of Three-Layered Biomimetic Arterial Graft Balances Biomechanics and Biocompatibility for Dynamic Biological Reconstruction.

The process of reconstructing an arterial graft is a complex and dynamic process that is subject to the influence of various mechanical factors, including tissue regeneration and blood pressure. The attainment of favorable remodeling outcomes is contingent upon the biocompatibility and biomechanical properties of the arterial graft. A promising strategy involves the emulation of the three-layer structure of the native artery, wherein the inner layer is composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers aligned with blood flow, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility that fosters endothelial cell growth and effectively prevents platelet adhesion. The middle layer, consisting of PCL and polyurethane (PU), offers mechanical support and stability by forming a contractile smooth muscle ring and antiexpansion PU network. The outer layer, composed of PCL fibers with an irregular arrangement, promotes the growth of nerves and pericytes for long-term vascular function. Prioritizing the reconstruction of the inner and outer layers establishes a stable environment for intermediate smooth muscle growth. Our three-layer arterial graft is designed to provide the blood vessel with mechanical support and stability through nondegradable PU, while the incorporation of degradable PCL generates potential spaces for tissue ingrowth, thereby transforming our graft into a living implant.

Endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid-like compounds and cortisone in head hair of health care workers as markers of stress and resilience during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 impacted health systems globally, creating increased workload and mental stress upon health care workers (HCW). During the first pandemic wave (March to May 2020) in southern Germany, we investigated the impact of stress and the resilience to stress in HCW by measuring changes in hair concentrations of endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid-like compounds and cortisone. HCW (n = 178) recruited from multiple occupation and worksites in the LMU-University-Hospital in Munich were interviewed at four interval visits to evaluate mental stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. A strand of hair of up to 6 cm in length was sampled once in May 2020, which enabled retrospective individual stress hormone quantifications during that aforementioned time period. Perceived anxiety and impact on mental health were demonstrated to be higher at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and decreased significantly thereafter. Resilience was stable over time, but noted to be lower in women than in men. The concentrations of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and the structural congeners N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and N-stearoylethanolamide (SEA) were noted to have decreased significantly over the course of the pandemic. In contrast, the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels increased significantly and were found to be higher in nurses, laboratory staff and hospital administration than in physicians. PEA was significantly higher in subjects with a higher resilience but lower in subjects with anxiety. SEA was also noted to be reduced in subjects with anxiety. Nurses had significantly higher cortisone levels than physicians, while female subjects had significant lower cortisone levels than males. Hair samples provided temporal and measurable objective psychophysiological-hormonal information. The hair endocannabinoids/endocannabinoid-like compounds and cortisone correlated to each other and to professions, age and sex quite differentially, relative to specific periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.