Integrated nutritional and functional components analyses reveal insights into the peel and pulp quality at different harvest times of 'Dahongpao' tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco).

The fruit of Citrus reticulata 'Dahongpao' (DHP) is typically harvested when fully ripe, exhibiting a dark red color, high sweetness, and pleasant taste. However, it remains uncertain whether the optimum harvesting time for its medicinal part (peel) aligns with that of the fruit. The findings of the study indicated that the peel exhibited the highest concentration of total flavonoids (4.018 mg/g) during the middle stage of maturity. Additionally, the total polysaccharide content increased progressively with ripening, reaching its peak (5.36 %) at full maturity. Furthermore, the DHP pulp demonstrated the highest concentration of total polyphenols (11.5 %) and the lowest titrable acid content (0.97 %) during the middle stage of maturity. Furthermore, the peel and pulp of DHP at the middle stage of ripening exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. Considering the nutritional and functional components at various harvest times of DHP, it is recommended to harvest the peel at the intermediate stage of ripeness. Additionally, during this stage, the pulp also exhibited greater abundance of nutritional components. The findings of this study elucidate the process of accumulation and alteration of nutritional and functional constituents during the ripening of DHP fruit.

Ultrahigh Transparent Safety Film for Spectrally Selective Photo/Electrothermal Conversion via Surface-Enhanced Plasma Resonance Dynamics.

Traditional deicing methods are increasingly insufficient for modern technologies like 5G infrastructure, photovoltaic systems, nearspace aerocraft, and terrestrial observatories. To address the challenge of combining anti-icing efficiency with operational performance, an innovative, spectrally selective, photo/electrothermic, ice-phobic film was prepared through a cost-effective mist deposition method. By manipulating the diameter ratio and density of nanowires, the local density of free electrons within this film is controlled to precisely dictate the position and intensity of surface plasmon resonance to achieve spectrally selective photo/electrothermal conversion. Additionally, the synthesized hydrophobic N-Boroxine-PDMS/SiO2 layer improves thermal stability and accelerates the deicing process. It achieves rapid deicing within 86 s under photothermal conditions and 65 s with Joule heating while maintaining high optical transmittance. The film improves the operational efficiency and thermal safety of equipment while preserving aesthetics and stability, thereby underscoring its broad suitability for advanced outdoor installations in cold environments.

Anti-flammable, anti-fouling, anti-bacterial treatment of cotton fabrics with MOF-based hybrid coatings for highly efficient oil-water separation.

A flame-retardant and hydrophobic coating was deposited on the surface of the cotton fabric via a two-step spray deposition technique. Specifically, the coating was composed of flame-retardant component (guanidine phosphate) and hydrophobic components (Ti-MOF and bis(3-aminopropyl)-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)) and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the coated cotton fabrics increased from 18.0 % to 32.0 % (15#) and 26.5 % (15#-Ti-PDMS) relative to that of the original cotton fabric, and the coated cotton fabrics also self-extinguished in the UL-94 flammability test. Compared with that of the original cotton fabric, the PHRR of the coated fabrics was significantly lower, reaching 80 %. The coated cotton fabrics (15# and 15#-Ti-PDMS) had good antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In addition, 15#-Ti-PDMS had high hydrophobicity, good washing and abrasion resistance and good water-oil separation performance. Its water contact angle was 146°. The water contact angle remained above 130° after 10 laundering cycles and 50 scratch cycles. Even under strongly acidic and strongly basic conditions, the water-oil separation efficiency of 15#-Ti-PDMS was greater than 99 %, and it was still greater than 90 % after 10 cycles. Therefore, a simple and effective method for preparing flame-retardant, hydrophobic and antibacterial cotton fabric was developed.

KaiXinSan improves learning and memory impairment by regulating cholesterol homeostasis in mice overloaded with 27-OHC.

Cholesterol and its oxidative products-oxysterols homeostasis- play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function. Chinese medicine KaiXinSan (KXS) has demonstrated effectiveness in treating mental illness and regulating cognitive dysfunction of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this article is to explore whether the KXS can enhance cognitive function by regulating cholesterol homeostasis. Employing the 27-hydroxy cholesterol (27-OHC) induced mice model of cognitive dysfunction and coculture model of assessment neurocyte damage, we investigated learning and memory abilities while concurrently addressing the reduction of neuronal cell damage through the regulation of cholesterol metabolism. 21 days of KXS treatment improved the learning and memory ability in mice 27-OHC-overloading by alleviating the exacerbated deposition of amyloid-ß (Aß), reducing inflammatory reactions, and mitigating synaptic plasticity damage. Additionally, it repaired myelin sheath function. More importantly, KXS significantly affects the metabolism of central cholesterol by substantially inhibiting the expression of liver X receptor (LXR), ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1, ABCG1), apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and upregulated cytochrome P450 46A1(CYP46A1). Furthermore, KXS may alleviate 27-OHC-induced neuronal inflammation and apoptosis by promoting the conversion of cholesterol to 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC) via CYP46A1 and suppressing cholesterol release from astrocyte cells. Altogether, our results demonstrate that KXS can prevent learning and memory impairments induced by 27-OHC loading. This effect may be related to its multitarget capability in promoting the conversion of excessive cholesterol to 24-OHC and maintaining a balance in cholesterol homeostasis and metabolism between neurons and astrocyte cells.

Distribution characteristics, sources and risk assessment of heavy metals in the surface sediments from the largest tributary of the Lancang River in the Tibet Plateau, China.

Angqu, positioned in the eastern expanse of the Tibet Plateau, claims the title of the largest tributary to the Lancang River. In October and December of 2018, in the sediment of Angqu, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on nine heavy metals-arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni). This investigation aimed to scrutinize the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of these metals, assess the pollution status and ecological risks associated with the sediments, and delve into the sources contributing to their presence. The research results indicate that the average concentrations of As, Hg, and Cd in Angqu sediments exceed the soil background values of Tibet, while the concentrations of other heavy metals are below the soil background values of Tibet. Notably, arsenic poses potential ecological risks. In Angqu sediments, the concentrations of Mn, Cu, Ni, and Pb are generally higher in the wet season, but the seasonal variations of heavy metals in Angqu sediments are not significant. The sediments in the Angqu Basin are predominantly affected by mercury Hg, Cd, and As, with varying degrees of pollution at different sampling points. In the main stream of Angqu (City section), Hg pollution has reached above a moderate level, whereas As pollution near the tributary is only slightly polluted. The analysis of heavy metal sources reveals that there are five primary contributors to heavy metals in surface sediments of Angqu: parent material, agricultural activities, groundwater, atmospheric deposition, and other unidentified sources. Mn, Cr, Pb, and Ni are mainly derived from soil parent material, accounting for more than 50%. About 60.82% of As comes primarily from groundwater. Zn and Cd are mainly sourced from agricultural activities, accounting for 41.25% and 34.33%, respectively. Additionally, 20.6% of Hg originates from atmospheric deposition.

Robust and Density Tunable Kevlar/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Microribbon Aerogels with Excellent Thermal, Mechanical, and Oil-Absorption Properties.

With rapid advancements in aerospace and supersonic aircraft technology, there is a growing demand for multifunctional thermal protective materials. Aerogels, known for their low density and high porosity, have garnered significant attention in this regard. However, developing a lightweight multifunctional aerogel that combines exceptional thermal and mechanical properties through a straightforward and time-efficient method remains a significant challenge. Herein, a facile and universal approach is developed for the preparation of Kevlar/hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) aerogels, in which a spin-assisted method is applied to create robust microribbons and further accelerate solvent displacement. The resulting microribbon scaffold, with its entangled nanofiber-nanosheet morphologies, exhibits sufficient strength to prevent volume shrinkage during drying, thereby allowing precise control over aerogel density. The porous hybrid aerogels, featuring controllable geometric characteristics and tailored densities ranging from 6.9 to 100 mg cm-3, can be successfully fabricated. These aerogels exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties, and the thermal conductivities of the as-prepared KBX aerogels have a wide distribution in the range of 0.0269-0.0450 W m-1 k-1. The thermal stability of the hybrid aerogels is enhanced to 566 °C. Moreover, the resulting hybrid aerogels exhibit an ultrahigh bearing ratio, supporting more than 2000 times their own weight while maintaining stable structural integrity. These aerogels also demonstrate high compressive strength, hydrophobicity, and excellent sorption performance for various oils and solvents. Additionally, the oil-saturated aerogels can be easily recovered through heat treatment or combustion in air. The features endow hybrid Kevlar/h-BN aerogels with significant potential for applications in thermal management, environmental protection, and neutron protection.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Rutin in Psoriasis: Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic efficacy of rutin in the management of psoriasis and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: A systems biology approach, utilizing network pharmacology, was employed to identify and analyze putative targets of rutin relevant to psoriasis. The impact of rutin on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores was assessed in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced murine psoriasis model. Histopathological alterations in the skin lesions were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Expression levels of key inflammatory mediators, including Tnf, Hif1a, Ptgs2, Tlr4, Nfkb1, Mtor, and Il2, were quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: A comprehensive analysis revealed 62 potential targets of rutin in the context of psoriasis, with these targets being part of 72 interconnected signaling pathways. In vivo studies demonstrated a significant reduction in PASI scores in rutin-treated mice compared to those in the control group. Additionally, rutin treatment was associated with marked improvements in skin lesions, characterized by reduced crust formation and epidermal thickness. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that rutin administration downregulated the mRNA expression of Tnf, Hif1a, Ptgs2, Tlr4, Nfkb1, Mtor, and Il2 in the lesional skin. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that rutin holds promise as a therapeutic agent for psoriasis, as it effectively ameliorates IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice through modulation of multiple signaling pathways and inflammatory mediators.

Sustainable lignosulfonate-modified PA6.6 fabrics to improve durable flame retardancy, hydrophilicity and mechanical performance.

Creating durable flame retardancy, enhanced mechanical performance, and hydrophilic polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6) textiles via cost-effectiveness from sustainable renewable sources is a considerable challenge. This study introduces a pretreatment process involving the application of sodium lignosulfonate (LS) to the surface of PA6.6 fabrics, thereby enhancing their hydrophilic and flame-retardant properties. Subsequently, a layer-by-layer (LbL) nanocoating treatment is employed, utilizing renewable polyelectrolytes-chitosan (CS), LS, and poly (sodium phosphate) (PSP)-to create 8-bilayer (BL) and 4-quarda layer (QL) structures that further improve the hydrophilicity and durable flame resistance of PA6.6 fabrics. The combined LS-modified and LbL coatings notably increased the limiting oxygen index (LOI) values from 19.5 % to 22.5 %, eliminated melt dripping, and secured a V-1 rating in the vertical burning (UL-94) tests. Moreover, the treated fabrics exhibited a 43 % reduction in the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and a lower fire growth rate (FGR) of 0.84 W/g·s, with a significant increase in char yield% in both air and nitrogen (N2) atmospheres. A cross-linked network structure is responsible for the superior hydrophilicity, enhanced tensile strength, and fabric softening properties. The self-crosslinking of sulfur-containing radicals with amide units ensures an anti-dripping performance that can withstand up to 30 home laundering cycles, demonstrating remarkable washing durability. However, a convincing approach has been developed for sustainable and high-performance materials for the textile industry, and a simple LbL technique using renewable polyelectrolytes that have traditionally been utilized in water treatment and food processing has been developed.

Metabolic profile and bioactivity of the peel of Zhoupigan (Citrus reticulata cv. Manau Gan), a special citrus variety in China, based on GC-MS, UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, and in vitro assay.

Zhoupigan (Citrus reticulata cv. Manau Gan) is a local citrus variety in China. Its peel, known as Zangju peel (ZJP). The metabolic profile and bioactivity of ZJP have not been adequately studied, resulting in underutilization of ZJP and a serious waste of resources. In this study, GC-MS identified 46 components in ZJP, which defined ZJP's distinct aroma. Furthermore, UPLC-ESI-MS/MS detected 1506 metabolites in ZJP, and the differential metabolites were primarily involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids and phenylacetone. Additionally, 56 key differential metabolites with metabolic pathways were identified. ZJP had significant antioxidant activity and the enzyme inhibitory activity ranking as pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 3.71 mg/mL) > α-glucosidase (IC50 = 6.28 mg/mL) > α-amylase (IC50 = 8.02 mg/mL). This study aimed to evaluate the potential of ZJP as natural antioxidant and functional food source and to serve as foundation for the further development of ZJP products with specific functional attributes.

Causal Relationship Between Autoimmune Arthritis and Temporomandibular Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Accumulating evidence has indicated a close interrelation between autoimmune arthritis (AA) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD), but the causality is still unclear. The study aimed to explore the causal inference between AA and TMD using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. METHODS: Online genome-wide association study data on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis, and TMD were obtained from the FinnGen and IEU databases. Causality was using the inverse variance-weighted method as the primary analysis and supplemented by other methods. Sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity tests, horizontal pleiotropy tests, and leave-one-out methods, were conducted to investigate the stability and reliability of the results. RESULTS: The inverse variance-weighted test indicated that several AA types could causally increase the TMD risk, including overall RA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.348, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1232-1.618, P = .001), subtype nRA (OR = 1.118, 95% CI = 1.044-1.197, P = .001), and AS (OR = 1.060, 95% CI = 1.024-1.097, P = .001). Moreover, the causal association of the above combinations has been proven to be stable and reliable using sensitivity and other tests. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that RA and AS might be causally associated with an increased risk of TMD. However, more studies are needed to check the causal effects of AA on TMD and analyse the potential mechanisms further.

Human TCR repertoire in cancer.

BACKGROUND: T cells, the "superstar" of the immune system, play a crucial role in antitumor immunity. T-cell receptors (TCR) are crucial molecules that enable T cells to identify antigens and start immunological responses. The body has evolved a unique method for rearrangement, resulting in a vast diversity of TCR repertoires. A healthy TCR repertoire is essential for the particular identification of antigens by T cells. METHODS: In this article, we systematically summarized the TCR creation mechanisms and analysis methodologies, particularly focusing on the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. We explore the TCR repertoire in health and cancer, and discuss the implications of TCR repertoire analysis in understanding carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and treatment. RESULTS: The TCR repertoire analysis has enormous potential for monitoring the emergence and progression of malignancies, as well as assessing therapy response and prognosis. The application of NGS has dramatically accelerated our comprehension of TCR diversity and its role in cancer immunity. CONCLUSIONS: To substantiate the significance of TCR repertoires as biomarkers, more thorough and exhaustive research should be conducted. The TCR repertoire analysis, enabled by advanced sequencing technologies, is poised to become a crucial tool in the future of cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy evaluation.

Association between acetaminophen administration and outcomes in critically ill patients with gout and hypertension.

Background: Acetaminophen is a commonly used medication, yet its recommendation for patients with comorbid conditions of gout and hypertension is contradictory, and the impact of its usage on clinical outcomes in real-world practical settings remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between acetaminophen administration and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with gout and hypertension, utilizing real-world data. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the MIMIC-IV (Medical Information Mart in Intensive Care-IV) database. Adult critically ill patients with gout and hypertension were included in the analysis. The exposure was acetaminophen use during ICU stay. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary endpoints were frequent hospitalization, 30-day, and 60-day all-cause mortality, and incidence of hypertensive emergencies. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted at a 1:1 ratio. Multivariable analyses were used to adjust for confounders. Results: The pre-matched and propensity score-matched cohorts included 2448 and 1012 patients, respectively. In the PSM analysis, in-hospital mortality was 9.7% (49/506) in the acetaminophen use group and 12.1% (61/506) in the no use group. Acetaminophen use was associated with a decrease in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.92; P = 0.018). In terms of secondary endpoints, after PSM, there was no statistically significant difference for both 30-day and 60-day all-cause mortality reductions in the acetaminophen use group, and HRs were 0.78 (95% CI 0.55-1.11; P = 0.175), and 0.75 (95% CI 0.55-1.02; P = 0.069), respectively. According to the analysis of dosage and treatment group, the use of APAP within the dosage range of 2-4 g and within 3-5 days of treatment significantly reduced the mortality rate of the entire cohort and PSM cohort, with statistical differences. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that lower in-hospital mortality was consistent across different baselines (age, gender, BMI, liver disease, and renal disease), with no interactions in all subgroups (interaction p-values >0.05), thereby affirming the robustness and reliability of the findings. Conclusion: Acetaminophen use was associated with lower in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with gout and hypertension. Prospective studies are needed to verify this finding.

Novel antibody-drug conjugates based on DXd-ADC technology.

In recent years, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology, which uses monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to specifically deliver effective cytotoxic payloads to tumor cells, has become a promising method of tumor targeted therapy. ADCs are a powerful class of biopharmaceuticals that link antibodies targeting specific antigens and small molecule drugs with potent cytotoxicity via a linker, thus enabling selective destruction of cancer cells while minimizing systemic toxicity. DXd is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that induces DNA damage leading to cell cycle arrest, making it an option for ADC payloads. The DXd-ADC technology, developed by Daiichi Sankyo, is a cutting-edge platform that produces a new generation of ADCs with improved therapeutic metrics and has shown significant therapeutic potential in various types of cancer. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of drugs developed with DXd-ADC technology, with a focus on mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics studies, preclinical data, and clinical outcomes for DS-8201a, U3-1402, DS-1062a, DS-7300a, DS-6157a, and DS-6000a. By integrating existing data, we aim to provide valuable insights into the current therapeutic status and future prospects of these novel agents.

Early-onset palatal myoclonus in Wernekinck commissure syndrome secondary to caudal paramedian midbrain infarction: A case report and a mini review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Wernekinck commissure syndrome (WCS) is an extremely rare midbrain syndrome, which selectively destroys the decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle and the central tegmental tract, which commonly presents with bilateral cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, and internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Palatal myoclonus in Wernekinck commissure syndrome is uncommon and often occurs as a late phenomenon due to hypertrophic degeneration of bilateral inferior olivary nuclei. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A patient with WCS, admitted to our hospital from December 2023, was chosen for this study, and the syndrome's clinical manifestations, imaging features, and etiology were retrospectively analyzed based on the literature. A 68-year-old right-handed East Asian man presented with dizziness, slurred speech, difficulty with swallowing and walking, and rhythmic contractions of the soft palate. He had several risk factors for ischemic cerebrovascular diseases (age, sex, dyslipidemia, hypertension and smoking history). Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintensity of DWI and hypointensity of ADC at the caudal midbrain which was around the paramedian mesencephalic tegmentum anterior to the aqueduct of midbrain. RESULTS: He was diagnosed with Wernekinck commissure syndrome (WCS) secondary to caudal paramedian midbrain infarction. He was started on dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel) and intensive statin therapy. Blood pressure and glucose were also adjusted. His symptoms improved rapidly, and he walked steadily and speak clearly after 7 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Palatal myoclonus is known to occur as a late phenomenon due to hypertrophic degeneration of bilateral inferior olivary nuclei. However, Our case suggests that palatal myoclonus can occur in the early stages in WCS.

Effects of regulating gut microbiota by electroacupuncture in the chronic unpredictable mild stress rat model.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on depression, and the potential molecular mechanism of EA in depression-like behaviors rats. METHODS: A total of 40 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: normal control, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and EA (CUMS + EA). The rats in CUMS and EA groups underwent chronic stress for 10 weeks, and EA group rats received EA treatment for 4 weeks starting from week 7. Body weight and behavioral tests, including the sucrose preference test (SPT), the forced swimming test (FST), and the open field test (OFT) were monitored. Gut microbiota composition was assessed via 16S rDNA sequencing, and lipid metabolism was analyzed by using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology. RESULTS: In comparison to CUMS group, EA could improve the behavior including bodyweight, immovability time, sucrose preference index, crossing piece index and rearing times index. After 4 weeks of EA treatment, 5-HT in hippocampus, serum and colon of depressive rats were simultaneously increased, indicating a potential alleviation of depression-like behaviors. In future studies revealed that EA could regulate the distribution and functions of gut microbiota, and improve the intestinal barrier function of CUMS rats. The regulation of intestinal microbial homeostasis by EA may further affect lipid metabolism in CUMS rats, and thus play an antidepressant role. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that EA has potential antidepressant effects by regulating gut microbiota composition and abundance, subsequently affecting lipid metabolism.

Flame-Retardant Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Resins with Phosphorus-Containing Bio-Based Benzoxazines and Graphene.

This paper presents a study of the flammability and thermal decomposition products of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin (GFRER) with the addition of cardanol-based phosphorus-containing benzoxazine monomer (CBz) and graphene and their combinations in different proportions (up to 20 wt.%). The addition of CBz alone or in combination with graphene resulted in an increase in the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and self-extinguishing in the UL-94 HB test. The flame-retardant samples had better tensile mechanical properties than the sample without additives. The differential mass-spectrometric thermal analysis (DMSTA) of the thermal decomposition products of GFRER without additives and with the addition of CBz and graphene was carried out. CBz addition promoted the thermal decomposition of high-molecular-weight products of epoxy resin decomposition in the condensed phase and at the same time decreased the time of release of low-molecular-weight thermal decomposition products into the gas phase. Graphene addition resulted in an increase in the relative intensities of high-molecular-mass peaks compared to GFRER without additives.

Induction of hepatic fibrosis in mice with schistosomiasis by extracellular microRNA-30 derived from Schistosoma japonicum eggs.

Background: Schistosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disorder induced by the infestation of schistosomes, a genus of trematodes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in egg-derived exosomes are crucial for modulating the host's immune responses and orchestrating the pathophysiological mechanisms. Although the exosomes secreted by S. japonicum contain abundant miRNAs, the specific roles of these miRNAs in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis are yet to be comprehensively elucidated. The egg exosomes of S. japonicum secrete miRNA-30, a novel miRNA. Methods: In vitro, the effect of miRNA-30 was evaluated by transfecting HSCs with miRNA mimics. The target gene biosignature for miRNA-30 was predicted using the miRDB software. The effect of miRNA-30 in hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by either elevating its expression in healthy mice or by inhibiting its activity in infected mice by administration of recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype eight vectors expressing miRNA-30 or miRNA sponges. Results: This novel miRNA can activate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the prinary effector cells of hepatic fibrosis, in vitro, i.e., it significantly increases the fibrogenic factors Col1(α1), Col3(α1), and α-SMA at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, miRNA-30 may activate HSCs by targeting the host RORA gene. In addition, in vivo experiments were conducted by administering a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector to modulate the expression levels of miRNA-30. The overexpression of miRNA-30 in healthy mice significantly elevated the expression of Col1(α1), Col3(α1), and α-SMA at both the transcriptomic and proteomic scales. This overexpression was coupled with a pronounced augmentation in the hepatic hydroxyproline content. Conversely, the in vivo silencing of miRNA-30 in infected mice induced a considerable reduction in the size of hepatic granulomas and areas of collagen deposition. Hence, in vivo, modulation of miRNA-30 expression may play a pivotal role in ameliorating the severity of hepatic fibrosis in mice afflicted with S. japonica. Conclusions: The study results suggest that miRNA-30 may augment schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis through a probable interaction with the host RORA. Our study may improve the current theoretical framework regarding cross-species regulation by miRNAs of hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis.

Colored Radiative Cooling and Flame-Retardant Polyurethane-Based Coatings: Selective Absorption/Reflection in Solar Waveband.

The aesthetic demand has become an imperative challenge to advance the practical and commercial application of daytime radiative cooling technology toward mitigating climate change. Meanwhile, the application of radiative cooling materials usually focuses on the building surface, related tightly to fire safety. Herein, the absorption and reflection spectra of organic and inorganic colorants are first compared in solar waveband, finding that iron oxides have higher reflectivity in NIR region. Second, three kinds of iron oxides-based colorants are selected to combine porous structure and silicon-modified ammonium polyphosphate (Si-APP) to engineer colored polyurethane-based (PU) coating, thus enhancing the reflectivity and flame retardancy. Together with reflectivity of more than 90% in near-infrared waveband and infrared emissivity of ≈91%, average temperature drops of ≈5.7, ≈7.9, and ≈3.8 °C are achieved in porous PU/Fe2O3/Si-APP, porous PU/Fe2O3·H2O/Si-APP, and porous PU/Fe3O4·H2O/Si-APP, compared with dense control samples. The catalysis effect of iron oxides in the cross-linking reaction of pyrolysis products and dehydration mechanism of Si-APP enable PU coating to produce an intumescent and protective char residue. Consequently, PU composite coatings demonstrate desirable fire safety. The ingenious choice of colorants effectively minimizes the solar heating effect and trades off the daytime radiative cooling and aesthetic appearance requirement.

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing as an Effective Diagnostic Tool for Talaromycosis in HIV-Negative Patients.

The diagnosis of Talaromyces marneffei infection in HIV-negative patients remains challenging. There is an urgent need for rapid and convenient methods to diagnose this complicated disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for talaromycosis in non-HIV-infected patients by comparing mNGS with traditional microbial culture. In total, 66 samples from 57 patients were analyzed via both mNGS and microbial culture. The ROC curve showed a sensitivity for mNGS of 97.22%, which was greater than that of microbial culture (61.11%). Samples from the respiratory tract, infectious skin lesions, and lymph nodes are recommended as routine samples for talaromycosis detection via mNGS. Furthermore, mNGS significantly reduced the diagnostic time compared to microbial culture. Overall, our study demonstrated that mNGS is a promising tool for rapid and accurate pathogenic detection in HIV-negative patients with talaromycosis.