Efficient synergism of concentric ring structures and carbon dots for enhanced methanol electro-oxidation.

Developing affordable and reliable electrocatalysts with high activity and stability is crucial for enhancing the practicality of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). An effective and simple strategy of combining the carbon point of N-CDs (0.4 mg mL-1) with NiO/Ni for the fabrication of NiO/Ni-N-CDsV nanocomposites with a three-dimensional concentric core-shell structure was proposed to successfully prepare the electro-oxidation catalyst of methanol. The low cost of Ni-based materials and the conductive N-CDs that improve methanol catalytic performance make the composites an excellent choice as electrode materials for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The electrocatalytic behavior of methanol oxidation was studied using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results indicated that the catalytic activity of NiO/Ni-N-CDsV increased by 3.02 times, and the current density was stable during the operation for 83 hours, implying strong electrocatalytic stability. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic performance for ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol electro-oxidation reactions was impressive. This study provides a novel foundation for the development of high-performance, cost-effective, non-noble metal catalysts for DMFC applications, contributing to the formation of commercially competitive electro-oxidation catalysts with enhanced efficiency and stability.

Design, Bioactivity, and Action Mechanism of Pyridinecarbaldehyde Phenylhydrazone Derivatives with Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Activity.

Replacing old pesticides with new pesticide varieties has been the main means to solve pesticide resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to research and develop new antifungal agents for plant protection. In this study, a series of pyridinecarbaldehyde phenylhydrazone derivatives were designed and evaluated for their inhibition activity on plant pathogenic fungi to search for novel fungicide candidates. Picolinaldehyde phenylhydrazone (1) and nicotinaldehyde phenylhydrazone (2) were identified as promising antifungal lead scaffolds. The 4-fluorophenylhydrazone derivatives (1a and 2a) of 1 and 2 showed highly effective and broad-spectrum inhibition activity in vitro on 11 phytopathogenic fungi with EC50 values of 0.870-3.26 µg/mL, superior to the positive control carbendazim in most cases. The presence of the 4-fluorine atom on the phenyl showed a remarkable activity enhancement effect. Compound 1a at 300 µg/mL provided almost complete protection against infection of Alternaria solani on tomatoes over the post-treatment 9 days and high safety to germination of plant seeds. Furthermore, 1a showed strong inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 0.506 µg/mL on succinate dehydrogenase in A. solani. Molecular docking showed that both 1a and 2a can well bind to the ubiquinone-binding region of SDH by the conventional hydrogen bond, carbon-hydrogen bond, π-π or π-amide interaction, π-alkyl interaction, X---F (X = N, C, or H) interaction, and van der Waal forces. Meanwhile, scanning and transmission electron analysis displayed that 1a destroyed the morphology of mycelium and the structure of the cell membrane of A. solani. Fluorescent staining analysis revealed that 1a changed the mitochondrial membrane potential and cell membrane permeability. Thus, pyridinecarbaldehyde phenylhydrazone compounds emerged as novel antifungal lead scaffolds, and 1a and 2a can be considered promising candidates for the development of new agricultural fungicides.

Differences and Similarities Between Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is an ocular disease characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure or, in some cases, normal intraocular pressure, which leads to optic nerve damage and progressive constriction of the visual field (VF). Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (PACG) represent the predominant forms of glaucoma. Numerous hypotheses have been posited to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these conditions. There is an emerging understanding of the distinct pathological processes that differentiate the various types of glaucoma. While some similarities in the mechanisms between PACG and POAG have been suggested, evidence indicates that there are also significant differences between the two. This review synthesizes the similarities and differences in the etiology of optic neuropathy caused by POAG and PACG, considering their respective pathophysiological mechanisms, the morphology of the optic disc and surrounding tissues, genetic characteristics, optical coherence tomography angiography, optical coherence tomography, and structural and functional features from VF examinations. These characteristics may contribute to a deeper comprehension of the underlying pathogenesis of glaucoma and enhance the management of different types of this ocular condition.

Application Value of Conventional Ultrasound Combined with Shear Wave Elastography in Diagnosing Renal Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a common acute complication of diabetes mellitus and is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Renal fibrosis is a major pathological change in diabetic nephropathy. Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of shear wave elastography (SWE) for renal fibrosis in patients with advanced diabetic nephropathy. Design: This was a retrospective study. Setting: This study was conducted in Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital. Participants: Sixty patients with diabetic nephropathy renal fibrosis who accepted therapy in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 (observation group, OG) and 60 healthy physical examination patients (control group, CG) in the same period were selected for the study. Interventions: All subjects were examined by conventional ultrasound and SWE. Primary Outcome Measures: (1) conventional ultrasonic parameters and SWE parameters and (2) clinical biochemical indicators. Results: Compared to CG, SCr and BUN in OG were higher, while eGFR in OG was lower (P < .05). Compared to CG, the cortical thickness of OG was less, and the cortical hardness of OG was more (P < .05). Compared to CKD4 patients, eGFR in CKD3 patients was higher, while SCr and BUN in CKD3 patients were lower (P < .05). Compared to CKD4 patients, the cortical thickness in CKD3 patients was higher, and cortical hardness in CKD3 patients was lower (P < .05). Conclusion: The cortical thickness and cortical hardness parameters in SWE imaging of patients with advanced diabetic nephropathy renal fibrosis are different from those of healthy people. The parameters are also significantly different in patients with different CKD stages and are significantly correlated with SCr, BUN, and eGFR, which can be used for the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy renal fibrosis.

Investigation of Partial Discharge Transformation Characteristics in Polyimide (PI) Insulations under High-Frequency Electric Stress.

This research delves into the primary issue of polyimide (PI) insulation failures in high-frequency power transformers (HFPTs) by scrutinizing partial discharge development under high-frequency electrical stress. This study employs an experimental approach coupled with a plasma simulation model for a ball-sphere electrode structure. The simulation model integrates the particle transport equation, Poisson equation, and complex chemical reactions to ascertain microscopic parameters, including plasma distribution, electric field, electron density, electron temperature, surface, and space charge distribution. The effect of the voltage polarity and electrical energy on the PD process is also discussed. The contact point plays a pivotal role in triggering partial discharges and culminating in the breakdown of PI insulation. Asymmetry phenomena were found between positive and negative half-cycles by analyzing the PD data stage by stage. A significant number of PDs increased at every stage and the PD amplitude was higher during the negative cycle at the initial stage, but in later stages, the PD amplitude was found to be higher in the positive half-cycle, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the maximum damage occurred near the contact point junction. The simulation results show that the plasma initially accumulates the electron density near the contact point junction. Under the action of the electric field, plasma starts traveling at the PI surface outward from the contact point. Before the PD activity, all parameters have higher values in the plasma head. The microscopic parameters reveal maximum values near the contact point junction, during PD activities where significant damage takes place. These parameter distributions exhibit a decreasing trend over time as when the PD activity ends. The model's predictions are consistent with the experimental data. The paper lays the foundation for future research in polymer insulation design under high-frequency electrical stress.

A novel vesicular stomatitis virus armed with IL-2 mimic for oncolytic therapy.

Oncolytic virus (OV) is increasingly being recognized as a novel vector in cancer immunotherapy. Increasing evidence suggests that OV has the ability to change the immune status of tumor microenvironment, so called transformation of 'cold' tumors into 'hot' tumors. The improved anti-tumor immunity can be induced by OV and further enhanced through the combination of various immunomodulators. The Neo-2/15 is a newly de novo synthesized cytokine that functions as both IL-2 and IL-15. However, it specifically lacks the binding site of IL-2 receptor α subunit (CD25), therefore unable to induce the Treg proliferation. In present study, a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus expressing the Neo-2/15 (VSVM51R-Neo-2/15) was generated. Intratumoral delivery of VSVM51R-Neo-2/15 efficiently inhibited tumor growth in mice without causing the IL-2-related toxicity previously observed in clinic. Moreover, treatment with VSVM51R-Neo-2/15 increased the number of activated CD8+ T cells but not Treg cells in tumors. More tumor-bearing mice were survival with VSVM51R-Neo-2/15 treatment, and the surviving mice displayed enhanced protection against tumor cell rechallenge due to the induced anti-tumor immunity. In addition, combination therapy of OV and anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors further enhanced the anti-tumor immune response. These findings suggest that our novel VSVM51R-Neo-2/15 can effectively inhibit the tumor growth and enhance the sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors, providing promising attempts for further clinical trials.

Hemodynamics in the treatment of pseudoaneurysm caused by extreme constriction of aortic arch with coated stent.

Objectives: To evaluate the changes in distal vascular morphology and hemodynamics in patients with extremely severe aortic coarctation (CoA) after covered palliative (CP) stent dilation with different surgical strategies. Materials and methods: Perioperative computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography were utilized to construct three aortic models with varying stenosis rates and one follow-up model in a patient with extremely severe CoA. The models included: an idealized non-stenosed model (A: 0%), a model post initial stent deployment (B: 28%), a model post balloon expansion (C: 39%), and a model 18 months after post-balloon expansion (D: 39%). Consistent boundary conditions were applied to all models, and hemodynamic simulation was conducted using the pure fluid method. Results: The narrowest and distal diameter of the stent increased by 34.71% and 59.29%, respectively, from model B to C. Additionally, the distal diameter of the stent increased by -13.80% and +43.68% compared to the descending aorta diameter, respectively. Furthermore, the ellipticity of the maximum cross-section of the aneurysm region in model A to D continued to increase. The oscillatory shear index at the stenosis to the region of the aneurysm were found to be higher in Models A and B, and lower in Models C and D. At the moment of maximum flow velocity, the blood flow distribution in models A and B was more uniform in the widest section of the blood vessels at the distal end of the stenosis, whereas models C and D exhibited disturbed blood flow with more than 2 eddy currents. The time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) decreased in the distal and basal aneurysms, while it significantly increased at the step position. The aneurysmal region exhibited an endothelial cell activation potential value lower than 0.4 Pa-1. Conclusion: In patients with extremely severe CoA, it is crucial to ensure that the expanded diameter at both ends of the CP stent does not exceed the native vascular diameter during deployment. Our simulation results demonstrate that overdilation leads to a decrease in the TAWSS above the injured vessel, creating an abnormal hemodynamic environment that may contribute to the development and enlargement of false aneurysms in the early postoperative period. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, (NCT02917980).

Design, synthesis, bioactivity and action mechanism of N-substituted N'-phenylpicolinohydrazides against phytopathogenic fungi.

N'-phenylpicolinohydrazide has been proven to be a promising lead compound for research and development of novel fungicides for agriculture in our previous study. As our continuing research, in this study, a series of N-substituted derivatives of N'-phenylpicolinohydrazide were synthesized and explored for the inhibition activity on nine phytopathogenic fungi and action mechanism. The results found that eleven of the compounds had excellent antifungal activity with more than 80% inhibition rates at 50 µg/mL on part or most of the fungi, especially A. solani and P. piricola. Compounds 5i, 5j and 5k showed EC50 values of < 8.0 µg/mL against A. solani superior to positive control carbendazim (EC50 = 36.0 µg/mL) while 5p and 5q exhibited the highest activity with EC50 values of 2.72 and 2.80 µg/mL against P. piricola superior to positive control boscalid (EC50 > 50.0 µg/mL). Furthermore, 5k also showed significant protective effect against A. solani infection on tomatoes in a concentration-dependent manner. Action mechanism research showed that 5k was able to increase the intracellular ROS level, change both MMP and permeability of cell membrane and damage mycelial morphology. Molecular docking studies showed that 5k could bind into ubiquinone-binding region of succinate dehydrogenase by hydrogen bonds, π-cation, π-π stacked, π-alkyl, and alkyl interactions. Additionally, the antibacterial activity was also investigated. Thus, N-substituted derivatives of N'-phenylpicolinohydrazide were emerged as novel and highly promising antifungal molecular skeletons to develop new fungicides for crop protection.

Reshaped commensal wound microbiome via topical application of Calvatia gigantea extract contributes to faster diabetic wound healing.

Background: Calvatia gigantea (CG) is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine for wound treatment. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of CG extract (CGE) on diabetic wound healing and the commensal wound microbiome. Method: A wound model was established using leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice, with untreated mice as the control group and CGE-treated mice as the treatment group. The wound healing rate, inflammation and histology were analyzed. Additionally, wound microbiome was evaluated via 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Results: CGE significantly accelerated the healing of diabetic ulcer wounds, facilitated re-epithelialization, and downregulated the transcription levels of the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α. Furthermore, CGE treatment positively affected the wound microbiome, promoting diversity of the microbial community and enrichment of Escherichia-Shigella bacteria in the CGE-treated group. Conclusions: Overall, CGE enhanced diabetic wound healing by modulating the wound microbiome and facilitating macrophage polarization during inflammation. These findings suggest modulation of the commensal wound microbiome using medicinal plants as a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic wounds.

Unraveling mechanisms of protein encapsulation and release in coacervates via molecular dynamics and machine learning.

Coacervates play a pivotal role in protein-based drug delivery research, yet their drug encapsulation and release mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we utilized the Martini model to investigate bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein encapsulation and release within polylysine/polyglutamate (PLys/PGlu) coacervates. Our findings emphasize the importance of ingredient addition sequence in coacervate formation and encapsulation rates, attributed to preference contact between oppositely charged proteins and poly(amino acid)s. Notably, coacervates composed of ß-sheet poly(amino acid)s demonstrate greater BSA encapsulation efficiency due to their reduced entropy and flexibility. Furthermore, we examined the pH responsiveness of coacervates, shedding light on the dissolution process driven by Coulomb forces. By leveraging machine learning algorithms to analyze simulation results, our research advances the understanding of coacervate-based drug delivery systems, with the ultimate goal of optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

Combination of ligand­based and structure­based virtual screening for the discovery of novel Janus kinase 2 inhibitors against philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms.

The activating V617F mutation in Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) has been shown to be the major cause for classic Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Thus, the development of pharmacologic JAK2 inhibitors is an essential move in combating MPNs. In this study, screening methods examining both ligands and their structures were developed to discover novel JAK2 inhibitors from the ChemDiv database with virtual screening identifying 886 candidate inhibitors. Next, these compounds were further filtered using ADMET, drug likeliness, and PAINS filtering, which reduced the compound number even further. This consolidated list of candidate compounds (n = 49) was then evaluated biologically at molecular level and the highest performing inhibitor with a novel scaffold was selected for further examination. This candidate inhibitor, CD4, was then subjected to molecular dynamics studies, with complex stability, root-mean-square deviation, radius of gyration, binding free energy, and binding properties all examined. The result suggested that CD4 interacts with JAK2 and that the CD4-JAK2 complex is stable. This study was able to identify a candidate inhibitor that warrants further examination and optimization and may potentially serve as a future MPN treatment.

Comparing outcomes of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement and medical therapy for symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Impaired hospitalizations for heart failure (HHF) and mortality are associated with tricuspid regurgitation (TR). OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the benefit of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) over guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with symptomatic severe TR. METHODS: Between May 2020 and April 2023, 88 patients with symptomatic severe TR were treated in our center. Of these, 57 patients received GDMT alone, and 31 patients underwent combined TTVR and GDMT. We collected and analyzed baseline data, and follow-up information for both groups. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and the combined endpoint (including all-cause mortality and HHF). RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 20 (IQR 10-29) months, significant improvements were shown in TR severity, right ventricular function, and dimensions in TTVR group (all P < 0.001). It also resulted in superior survival rates (75.8% vs. 48.4%, P = 0.019), improved freedom from combined endpoint (61.5% vs. 45.9%, P = 0.007) and fewer major adverse events. After stratification by TRI-SCORE, the subgroup with < 6 points in the TTVR group exhibited a significant difference in the combined endpoint compared to the other subgroups (all P < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in the GDMT subgroups (P = 0.680). CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of LuX-Valve in TTVR effectively improves TR and is associated with lower rates of major adverse events, HHF and all-cause mortality. The TRI-SCORE may help identify higher-benefit patients with TR from TTVR. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System (NCT02917980).

Insights of immune cell heterogeneity, tumor-initiated subtype transformation, drug resistance, treatment and detecting technologies in glioma microenvironment.

BACKGROUND: With the gradual understanding of glioma development and the immune microenvironment, many immune cells have been discovered. Despite the growing comprehension of immune cell functions and the clinical application of immunotherapy, the precise roles and characteristics of immune cell subtypes, how glioma induces subtype transformation of immune cells and its impact on glioma progression have yet to be understood. AIM OF THE REVIEW: In this review, we comprehensively center on the four major immune cells within the glioma microenvironment, particularly neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and other significant immune cells. We discuss (1) immune cell subtype markers, (2) glioma-induced immune cell subtype transformation, (3) the mechanisms of each subtype influencing chemotherapy resistance, (4) therapies targeting immune cells, and (5) immune cell-associated single-cell sequencing. Eventually, we identified the characteristics of immune cell subtypes in glioma, comprehensively summarized the exact mechanism of glioma-induced immune cell subtype transformation, and concluded the progress of single-cell sequencing in exploring immune cell subtypes in glioma. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: In conclusion, we have analyzed the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance detailly, and have discovered prospective immunotherapy targets, excavating the potential of novel immunotherapies approach that synergistically combines radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, thereby paving the way for improved immunotherapeutic strategies against glioma and enhanced patient outcomes.

Protective effects and mechanisms of deer blood phospholipids (DBP) on zearalenone-induced oxidative damage in swine Sertoli cells.

BACKGROUND: The swine Sertoli cells (SCs) are more vulnerable to the environmental insults than other species. We observed that zearalenone (ZEA), a prevalent food contaminant, caused SCs oxidative damage and inhibits their proliferation. Therefore, a naturally occurring antioxidant, i.e., the deer blood phospholipids (DBP) has been selected to test its potentially protective effects on SCs. METHODS: Collect fresh samples of swine testicles, isolated, cultured and identified primary swine SCs. The ROS levels in SCs 24 h induced by different concentrations of ZEA were detected, and the oxidative damage model was established. After DBP was added to the SCs 24 h after the damage, the oxidative and antioxidant indexes were detected by ELISA kit. Finally, the protective mechanism of DBP was explained by RNA-seq. RESULTS: The results showed that DBP effectively protected against the reproductive toxicity induced by ZEA. The protective effects of DBP were mainly mediated by its potent antioxidative capacity. DBP upregulated the activities of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes including CAT and GSH-PX and reduced intracellular ROS level and MDA. In addition, DBP also promoted the SCs proliferation. The transcriptome sequencing combined with DEGs, GO and KEGG analyses suggested that DBP treatment enriched various signaling pathways of potentially biological significance including MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Both pathways also promote the cell proliferation. EdU assay further confirmed the beneficial effects of DBP on SCs proliferation.

Spatial transcriptomics reveals organized and distinct immune activation in cutaneous granulomatous disorders.

BACKGROUND: Noninfectious (inflammatory) cutaneous granulomatous disorders include cutaneous sarcoidosis (CS), granuloma annulare (GA), necrobiosis lipoidica (NL), and necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG). These disorders share macrophage-predominant inflammation histologically, but the inflammatory architecture and the pattern of extracellular matrix alteration varies. The underlying molecular explanations for these differences remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand spatial gene expression characteristics in these disorders. METHODS: We performed spatial transcriptomics in cases of CS, GA, NL, and NXG to compare patterns of immune activation and other molecular features in a spatially resolved fashion. RESULTS: CS is characterized by a polarized, spatially organized type 1-predominant response with classical macrophage activation. GA is characterized by a mixed but spatially organized pattern of type 1 and type 2 polarization with both classical and alternative macrophage activation. NL showed concomitant activation of type 1, type 2, and type 3 immunity with a mixed pattern of macrophage activation. Activation of type 1 immunity was shared among, CS, GA, and NL and included upregulation of IL-32. NXG showed upregulation of CXCR4-CXCL12/14 chemokine signaling and exaggerated alternative macrophage polarization. Histologic alteration of extracellular matrix correlated with hypoxia and glycolysis programs and type 2 immune activation. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory cutaneous granulomatous disorders show distinct and spatially organized immune activation that correlate with hallmark histologic changes.

Optimizing anaerobic digestion: Benefits of mild temperature transition from thermophilic to mesophilic conditions.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) plays a significant role in renewable energy recovery. Upgrading AD from thermophilic (50-57 °C) to mesophilic (30-38 °C) conditions to enhance process stability and reduce energy input remains challenging due to the high sensitivity of thermophilic microbiomes to temperature fluctuations. Here we compare the effects of two decreasing-temperature modes from 55 to 35 °C on cell viability, microbial dynamics, and interspecies interactions. A sharp transition (ST) is a one-step transition by 20 °C d-1, while a mild transition (MT) is a stepwise transition by 1 °C d-1. We find a greater decrease in methane production with ST (88.8%) compared to MT (38.9%) during the transition period. ST mode overproduced reactive oxygen species by 1.6-fold, increased membrane permeability by 2.2-fold, and downregulated microbial energy metabolism by 25.1%, leading to increased apoptosis of anaerobes by 1.9-fold and release of intracellular substances by 2.9-fold, further constraining methanogenesis. The higher (1.6 vs. 1.1 copies per gyrA) metabolic activity of acetate-dependent methanogenesis implied more efficient methane production in a steady mesophilic, MT-mediated system. Metagenomic binning and network analyses indicated that ST induced dysbiosis in keystone species and greatly enhanced microbial functional redundancy, causing loss of microbial syntrophic interactions and redundant metabolic pathways. In contrast, the greater microbial interconnections (average degrees 44.9 vs. 22.1) in MT at a steady mesophilic state suggested that MT could better maintain necessary system functionality and stability through microbial syntrophy or specialized pathways. Adopting MT to transform thermophilic digesters into mesophilic digesters is feasible and could potentially enhance the further optimization and broader application of practical anaerobic engineering.

Mitochondria of Porcine Oocytes Synthesize Melatonin, Which Improves Their In Vitro Maturation and Embryonic Development.

The in vitro maturation efficiency of porcine oocytes is relatively low, and this limits the production of in vitro porcine embryos. Since melatonin is involved in mammalian reproductive physiology, in this study, we have explored whether endogenously produced melatonin can help in porcine oocyte in vitro maturation. We have found, for the first time in the literature, that mitochondria are the major sites for melatonin biosynthesis in porcine oocytes. This mitochondrially originated melatonin reduces ROS production and increases the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory electron transport chain, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP production. Therefore, melatonin improves the quality of oocytes and their in vitro maturation. In contrast, the reduced melatonin level caused by siRNA to knockdown AANAT (siAANAT) is associated with the abnormal distribution of mitochondria, decreasing the ATP level of porcine oocytes and inhibiting their in vitro maturation. These abnormalities can be rescued by melatonin supplementation. In addition, we found that siAANAT switches the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, a Warburg effect. This metabolic alteration can also be corrected by melatonin supplementation. All these activities of melatonin appear to be mediated by its membrane receptors since the non-selective melatonin receptor antagonist Luzindole can blunt the effects of melatonin. Taken together, the mitochondria of porcine oocytes can synthesize melatonin and improve the quality of oocyte maturation. These results provide an insight from a novel aspect to study oocyte maturation under in vitro conditions.

Native vs. ribosome-crosslinked collagen membranes for periodontal regeneration: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate whether the ribosome-crosslinked collagen membrane (RCCM) is non-inferior to the natural collagen membrane (NCM) used in regeneration surgery in terms of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain at 6 months. METHODS: Eighty patients diagnosed as generalized periodontitis presenting with isolated infrabony defect (≥4 mm deep) were enrolled and randomized to receive regenerative surgery, either with NCM or RCCM, both combined with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM). CAL, pocket probing depth (PPD), and gingival recession (GR) were recorded at baseline, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Periapical radiographs were taken at baseline, immediately, and 6 months after surgery. Early wound healing index (EHI) and patients' responses were recorded at 2 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6 months post-surgery, the mean CAL gain was 3.1 ± 1.5 mm in the NCM group and 2.9 ± 1.5 mm in the RCCM group, while the mean PPD was 4.3 ± 1.1 mm in the NCM group and 4.2 ± 1.0 mm in the RCCM group. Both groups demonstrated a statistically significant improvement from the baseline (p < .01). RCCM was non-inferior to NCM concerning the primary outcome (CAL gain at 6 months). The GR at 6 months postoperatively was 1.3 ± 1.2 and 1.2 ± 1.1 mm, which showed no difference compared with baseline. At 6 months follow-up, the radiographic linear bone fill (RLBF) was 6.5 ± 2.8 and 5.5 ± 2.6 mm (p > .05), while the bone fill percentage (BF%) was 102.3 ± 53.5% and 92.3 ± 40.1% (p > .05), in the NCM and RCCM groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in EHI and postoperative responses between two groups. CONCLUSION: RCCM + DBBM resulted in no-inferior clinical and radiographic outcomes to NCM + DBBM for the treatment of isolated infrabony defect in 6 months.

Inhibition of autophagy induced by tetrandrine promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and sensitizes efficacy of tetrandrine in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer, characterized by its poor prognosis, exhibits a marked resistance to conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy, underscoring the urgent need for more effective treatment modalities. In light of this, the present study is designed to assess the potential antineoplastic efficacy of a combined regimen involving tetrandrine, a plant-derived alkaloid, and autophagy inhibitors in the context of pancreatic cancer. Electron microscopy and immunoblots showed that tetrandrine promoted the formation of autophagosomes and the upregulation of LC3II and the downregulation of p62 expression, indicating that tetrandrine induced autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells. Western blot revealed that tetrandrine inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR, as well as the expression of Bcl-2, while upregulating Beclin-1 expression. Moreover, tetrandrine promoted the transcription and protein expression of ATG7. Following the combination of autophagy inhibitors and tetrandrine, the apoptotic rate and cell death significantly increased in pancreatic cancer cells. Consistent results were obtained when ATG7 was silenced. Additionally, tetrandrine induced the generation of ROS, which was involved in the activation of autophagy and apoptosis. Further investigation revealed that upon autophagy inhibition, ROS accumulated in pancreatic cancer cells, resulting in decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and further induction of apoptosis. The results of treating subcutaneous xenograft tumors with a combination of tetrandrine and chloroquine validated that autophagy inhibition enhances the toxicity of tetrandrine against pancreatic cancer in vivo. Altogether, our study demonstrates that tetrandrine induces cytoprotective autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells. Inhibiting tetrandrine-induced autophagy promotes the accumulation of ROS and enhances its toxicity against pancreatic cancer.