RESUMEN

A cortisol biosensor was developed based on double-conducting polymer nanowires, which exhibits excellent conductivity, resistance to biological contamination, and outstanding sensing performance. The biosensor employs dual-mode electrochemical techniques, namely, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry (CA), for the sensitive and low fouling detection of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Experimental results demonstrated that the linear detection range of the biosensor in DPV mode was 1.0 × 10-14-1.0 × 10-8 M, with a detection limit of 0.131 × 10-14 M. In CA mode, the biosensor exhibited a detection range of 1.0 × 10-13-1.0 × 10-7 M and a detection limit of 0.313 × 10-13 M. The biosensor was successfully utilized for the rapid detection of cortisol in human saliva. The combination of a high-specificity cortisol aptamer and functionalized double-conducting polymer nanowires ensured the exceptional specificity and sensitivity of the biosensor in detecting real biological samples.

Asunto(s)

Aptámeros de Nucleótidos , Técnicas Biosensibles , Técnicas Electroquímicas , Hidrocortisona , Límite de Detección , Nanocables , Polímeros , Saliva , Saliva/química , Hidrocortisona/análisis , Nanocables/química , Técnicas Biosensibles/métodos , Humanos , Técnicas Electroquímicas/métodos , Técnicas Electroquímicas/instrumentación , Polímeros/química , Aptámeros de Nucleótidos/química , Conductividad Eléctrica

RESUMEN

Fluorosis is a worldwide public health problem, in which the heart is an important target organ. However, studies on its toxicological mechanism in embryonic development are limited. This study assessed the toxicity of sodium fluoride (NaF) toward zebrafish embryos. We determined the mortality, hatching rate, phenotypic malformation, heart function, and morphology of zebrafish embryos after exposure to NaF. Subsequently, the molecular mechanism was revealed using high-throughput RNA sequencing analysis. The expression levels of key genes for heart development were detected using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) value of NaF toward zebrafish embryos at 96 h post-fertilization was 335.75 mg/L. When the concentration of NaF was higher than 200 mg/L, severe deformities, such as pericardial edema, yolk sac edema, spine curvature, shortened body length, reduced head area, and eye area, were observed. The heart rate of the embryos exposed to NaF decreased in a dose-dependent fashion. The distance between the sinus venosus and bulbus arteriosus was significantly increased in the NaF-exposed group compared with that in the control group. The stroke volume and cardiac output decreased significantly in the NaF groups. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Gata4, Tbx5a, Hand2, Tnnt2c, Nppa, and Myh6 were significantly increased in the NaF-treated group. Through transcriptome sequencing, 1354 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the NaF (200 mg/L) treated groups, including 1253 upregulated genes and 101 downregulated genes. Gene ontology functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of the DEGs showed that cardiac-related pathways, such as actin cytoskeleton regulation, Jak-Stat, PI3k-Akt, and Ras, were activated in the NaF-exposed group. This study revealed the underlying mechanism of fluoride-induced cardiac morphological and functional abnormalities and provides clues for the clinical prevention and treatment of fluorosis.

RESUMEN

Tuberculosis(TB) of the Central nervous system (CNS) is a rare and highly destructive disease. The emergence of drug resistance has increased treatment difficulty, leaving the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine as the only licensed preventative immunization available. This study focused on identifying the epitopes of PknD (Rv0931c) and Rv0986 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) strain H37Rv using an in silico method. The goal was to develop a therapeutic mRNA vaccine for preventing CNS TB. The vaccine was designed to be non-allergenic, non-toxic, and highly antigenic. Codon optimization was performed to ensure effective translation in the human host. Additionally, the secondary and tertiary structures of the vaccine were predicted, and molecular docking with TLR-4 was carried out. A molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of the complex. The results indicate that the vaccine structure shows effectiveness. Overall, the constructed vaccine exhibits ideal physicochemical properties, immune response, and stability, laying a theoretical foundation for future laboratory experiments.

Asunto(s)

Simulación por Computador , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Simulación de Dinámica Molecular , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Tuberculosis del Sistema Nervioso Central , Humanos , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/inmunología , Tuberculosis del Sistema Nervioso Central/prevención & control , Tuberculosis del Sistema Nervioso Central/inmunología , Vacunas contra la Tuberculosis/inmunología , Epítopos/inmunología , Epítopos/química , Vacunas de ARNm , Vacunas Sintéticas/inmunología

RESUMEN

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella, which is difficult to eliminate by conventional drugs. Therefore, a novel multi-epitope vaccine (MEV) was designed to prevent human Brucella infection. Based on the method of "reverse vaccinology", cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes (CTLEs), helper T lymphocyte epitopes (HTLEs), linear B-cell epitopes (LBEs) and conformational B-cell epitopes (CBEs) of four Brucella proteins (VirB9, VirB10, Omp 19 and Omp 25) were obtained. In order to keep the correct protein folding, the multiple epitopes was constructed by connecting epitopes through linkers. In view of the significant connection between human leukocyte antigen CTLA-4 and B7 molecules found on antigen presenting cells (APCs), a new vaccine (V_C4MEV) for preventing brucellosis was created by combining CTLA-4 immunoglobulin variable region (IgV_CTLA-4) with MEV protein. Immunoinformatics analysis showed that V_C4MEV has a good secondary and tertiary structure. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation (MD) revealed a robust binding affinity between IgV_ CTLA-4 and the B7 molecule. Notably, the vaccine V_C4MEV was demonstrated favorable immunogenicity and antigenicity in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. V_C4MEV had the potential to activate defensive cells and immune responses, offering a hopeful approach for developing vaccines against Brucella in the upcoming years.

Asunto(s)

Vacuna contra la Brucelosis , Brucella , Brucelosis , Antígeno CTLA-4 , Biología Computacional , Epítopos de Linfocito B , Epítopos de Linfocito T , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Simulación de Dinámica Molecular , Brucelosis/prevención & control , Brucelosis/inmunología , Epítopos de Linfocito B/inmunología , Antígeno CTLA-4/inmunología , Epítopos de Linfocito T/inmunología , Vacuna contra la Brucelosis/inmunología , Animales , Humanos , Brucella/inmunología , Brucella/genética , Ratones , Proteínas Bacterianas/inmunología , Proteínas Bacterianas/genética , Proteínas Bacterianas/química , Antígenos Bacterianos/inmunología , Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa/inmunología , Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa/genética , Inmunoinformática , Lipoproteínas

RESUMEN

Brucellosis is a chronic infectious disease that is zoonotic in nature. Brucella can infect humans through interactions with livestock, primarily via the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and oral cavity. This bacterium has the potential to be utilized as a biological weapon and is classified as a Category B pathogen by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Currently, there is no approved vaccine for humans against Brucella, highlighting an urgent need for the development of a vaccine to mitigate the risks posed by this pathogen. Brucella primarily infects its host by adhering to and penetrating mucosal surfaces. Mucosal immunity plays a vital role in preventing local infections, clearing microorganisms from mucosal surfaces, and inhibiting the spread of pathogens. As mucosal vaccine strategies continue to evolve, the development of a safe and effective mucosal vaccine against Brucella appears promising.This paper reviews the immune mechanism of mucosal vaccines, the infection mechanism of Brucella, successful Brucella mucosal vaccines in animals, and mucosal adjuvants. Additionally, it elucidates targeting and optimization strategies for mucosal vaccines to facilitate the development of human vaccines against Brucella.

Asunto(s)

Vacuna contra la Brucelosis , Brucella , Brucelosis , Inmunidad Mucosa , Humanos , Animales , Brucella/inmunología , Inmunidad Mucosa/inmunología , Brucelosis/prevención & control , Brucelosis/inmunología , Brucelosis/microbiología , Vacuna contra la Brucelosis/inmunología , Adyuvantes Inmunológicos , Desarrollo de Vacunas

RESUMEN

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella, presents a significant threat to both animal and human health. In animals, the disease can lead to infertility, miscarriage, and high fever, while in humans, symptoms may include recurrent fever, fatigue, sweating, hepatosplenomegaly, and joint and muscle pain following infection. Treatment often involves long-term antibiotic therapy, placing a substantial psychological and financial burden on patients. While vaccination is crucial for prevention, current animal vaccines have drawbacks such as residual virulence, and a safe and effective human vaccine is lacking. Hence, the development of a vaccine for brucellosis is imperative. In this study, we utilized bioinformatics methods to design a multi-epitope vaccine targeting Brucella. Targeting Heme transporter BhuA and polysaccharide export protein, we identified antigenic epitopes, including six cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) dominant epitopes, six helper T lymphocyte (HTL) dominant epitopes, one conformation B cell dominant epitope, and three linear B cell dominant epitopes. By linking these epitopes with appropriate linkers and incorporating a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist (human beta-defensin-2) and an auxiliary peptide (Pan HLA-DR epitopes), we constructed the multi-epitope vaccine (MEV). The MEV demonstrated high antigenicity, non-toxicity, non-allergenicity, non-human homology, stability, and solubility. Molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the interaction and stability of the MEV with receptors (MHCI, MHCII, TLR4). Codon optimization and in silico cloning validated the translation efficiency and successful expression of MEV in Escherichia coli. Immunological simulations further demonstrated the efficacy of MEV in inducing robust immune responses. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the engineered MEVs have the potential to stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses, offering valuable insights for the future development of safe and efficient Brucella vaccines.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical role of sequencing technology in disease control and outbreak response. However, resource limitations and challenging environments often impede such efforts in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the spectrum of viral co-infections, particularly with human viral pathogens, in SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals in Sierra Leone using metagenomic sequencing, evaluating the feasibility of utilizing this technology for epidemiological and evolutionary surveillance of pathogens related to public health in low-income environments. METHODS: We retrospectively collected and analyzed 98 nasopharyngeal swab specimens from SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals in Sierra Leone. Samples were pre-processed locally and transferred to China via FTA cards for metagenomic sequencing, which was performed using the Novaseq platform. The study focused on the identification of nasopharyngeal viruses co-infecting with SARS-CoV-2, with a deeper analysis of significant human viral pathogens such as HPV. RESULTS: The study identified 22 viral taxa from 20 families, including 4 human viruses. Notably, 19.4% of samples showed HPV co-infection with 34 distinct types, predominantly beta and gamma HPVs. Multiple HPV types were found in individual samples, indicating a high complexity of viral co-infections. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of a wide range of co-infecting viruses, particularly multiple HPV genotypes, highlights the complexity of viral interactions and their potential implications for public health. These findings enhance our understanding of viral co-infections and provide valuable insights for public health interventions in Sierra Leone. Further research is needed to explore the clinical significance of these findings and their impact on disease outcomes.

Asunto(s)

COVID-19 , Coinfección , Infecciones por Papillomavirus , SARS-CoV-2 , Humanos , Sierra Leona/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , COVID-19/virología , COVID-19/epidemiología , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/virología , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/epidemiología , SARS-CoV-2/genética , SARS-CoV-2/aislamiento & purificación , SARS-CoV-2/clasificación , Coinfección/virología , Coinfección/epidemiología , Femenino , Adulto , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Nasofaringe/virología , Adolescente , Metagenómica , Filogenia , Papillomaviridae/genética , Papillomaviridae/clasificación , Papillomaviridae/aislamiento & purificación , Anciano , Niño

RESUMEN

This manuscript describes the isolation of nine new nor-3,4-seco-dammarane triterpenoids, norqingqianliusus A-I (1-9) and one known nortriterpenoid (10) from Cyclocarya paliurus leaves. Norqingqianliusus A and B (1 and 2) possess a unique 3,4-seco-dammarane-type C26 tetranortriterpenoid skeleton. The compounds were structurally characterized through modern spectroscopic techniques. Moreover, the potential mechanism of hypoglycemic activity was further explored by studying the effects on glucosamine-induced insulin resistant HepG2 cells. In vitro hypoglycemic effects of all of the isolates were investigated using insulin resistant HepG2 cells. The glucose consumption was significantly promoted by compound 10, in a dose-dependent manner, thus alleviating damage in IR-HepG2 cells. Besides, it reduced the PEPCK and GSK3ß gene expression, involved in glucose metabolism. The anti-diabetic effects of the plant, utilized traditionally, can hence be attributed to the presence of nor-3,4-seco-dammarane triterpenoids in the leaves.

Asunto(s)

Damaranos , Hipoglucemiantes , Juglandaceae , Hojas de la Planta , Triterpenos , Triterpenos/farmacología , Triterpenos/química , Triterpenos/aislamiento & purificación , Hojas de la Planta/química , Humanos , Hipoglucemiantes/farmacología , Hipoglucemiantes/química , Hipoglucemiantes/aislamiento & purificación , Juglandaceae/química , Células Hep G2 , Estructura Molecular , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga

RESUMEN

Potato late blight is the most devastating pre- and post-harvest crop disease in the world, which is widespread and difficult to control, causing serious economic losses. Cultivating resistant varieties is a major way to prevent and control late blight in a green way. However, due to the rapid evolution of pathogens, the plant resistance is losing. Therefore, mining effective and durable genes involved in disease resistance is crucial for breeding resistant varieties against late blight. In this study, we took "potato-Phytophthora infestans" as the "host-pathogen" model system to discover the potential disease resistance-related genes and elucidate their molecular functional mechanism. Through yeast two-hybridization, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, Co-immunoprecipitation assays, and gene function validation etc., we found that ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 (StS6K2) is a key resistant protein, which is interacted with StWRKY59 transcription factor. Overexpression of StS6K2 and StWRKY59 both enhanced the plants resistance to P. infestans, and promoted the host immune response, such as ROS burst and callose deposition. In OEStWRKY59 lines, DEGs involved in secondary metabolites synthesis, plant hormone signaling transduction and plant-pathogen interaction were significantly enriched. These findings provide novel genetic resources for the breeding of resistant varieties.

Asunto(s)

Resistencia a la Enfermedad , Phytophthora infestans , Enfermedades de las Plantas , Proteínas de Plantas , Solanum tuberosum , Factores de Transcripción , Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las Plantas , Interacciones Huésped-Patógeno , Phytophthora infestans/patogenicidad , Enfermedades de las Plantas/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Plantas/genética , Proteínas de Plantas/genética , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Plantas Modificadas Genéticamente , Solanum tuberosum/microbiología , Solanum tuberosum/genética , Solanum tuberosum/metabolismo , Factores de Transcripción/metabolismo , Factores de Transcripción/genética

RESUMEN

Heterogeneous iron-based catalysts have drawn increasing attention in the advanced oxidation of persulfates due to their abundance in nature, the lack of secondary pollution to the environment, and their low cost over the last a few years. In this paper, the latest progress in the research on the activation of persulfate by heterogeneous iron-based catalysts is reviewed from two aspects, in terms of synthesized catalysts (Fe0, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, FeOOH) and natural iron ore catalysts (pyrite, magnetite, hematite, siderite, goethite, ferrohydrite, ilmenite and lepidocrocite) focusing on efforts made to improve the performance of catalysts. The advantages and disadvantages of the synthesized catalysts and natural iron ore were summarized. Particular interests were paid to the activation mechanisms in the catalyst/PS/pollutant system for removal of organic pollutants. Future research challenges in the context of field application were also discussed.

Asunto(s)

Hierro , Sulfatos , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua , Catálisis , Hierro/química , Sulfatos/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/química , Oxidación-Reducción , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos/métodos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Pork quality is affected by the type of muscle fibers, which is closely related to meat color, tenderness and juiciness. Exosomes are tiny vesicles with a diameter of approximately 30-150 nm that are secreted by cells and taken up by recipient cells to mediate communication. Exosome-mediated muscle-fat tissue crosstalk is a newly discovered mechanism that may have an important effect on intramuscular fat deposition and with that on meat quality. Various of adipose tissue-derived exosomes have been discovered and identified, but the identification and function of muscle exosomes, especially porcine fast/slow myotube exosomes, remain unclear. Here, we first isolated and identified exosomes secreted from porcine extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL), which represent fast and slow muscle, respectively, and further explored their effects on lipid accumulation in longissimus dorsi adipocytes. RESULTS: Porcine SOL-derived exosomes (SOL-EXO) and EDL-derived exosomes (EDL-EXO) were first identified and their average particle sizes were approximately 84 nm with double-membrane disc- shapes as observed via transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the intramuscular fat content of the SOL was greater than that of the EDL at 180 days of age, because SOL intramuscular adipocytes had a stronger lipid-accumulating capacity than those of the EDL. Raman spectral analysis revealed that SOL-EXO protein content was much greater than that of EDL-EXO. Proteomic sequencing identified 72 proteins that were significantly differentially expressed between SOL-EXO and EDL-EXO, 31 of which were downregulated and 41 of which were upregulated in SOL-EXO. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that muscle-fat tissue interactions occur partly via SOL-EXO promoting adipogenic activity of intramuscular adipocytes.

RESUMEN

Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis) is an important ornamental plant, with economic, cultural, and symbolic significance. During the application of outdoor greening, adverse environments such as high temperature and drought are often encountered, which affect its application scope and ornamental quality. The starch phosphorylase (Pho) gene family participate in the synthesis and decomposition of starch, not only related to plant energy metabolism, but also plays an important role in plant stress resistance. The role of Pho in combating salinity and high temperature stress in R. chinensis remains unknown. In this work, 4 Phos from R. chinensis were detected with Pfam number of Pho (PF00343.23) and predicted by homolog-based prediction (HBP). The Phos are characterized by sequence lengths of 821 to 997 bp, and the proteins are predicted to subcellularly located in the plastid and cytoplasm. The regulatory regions of the Phos contain abundant stress and phytohormone-responsive cis-acting elements. Based on transcriptome analysis, the Phos were found to respond to abiotic stress factors such as drought, salinity, high temperature, and plant phytohormone of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. The response of Phos to abiotic stress factors such as salinity and high temperature was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. To evaluate the genetic characteristics of Phos, a total of 69 Phos from 17 species were analyzed and then classified into 3 groups in phylogenetic tree. The collinearity analysis of Phos in R. chinensis and other species was conducted for the first time. This work provides a view of evolution for the Pho gene family and indicates that Phos play an important role in abiotic stress response of R. chinensis.

Asunto(s)

Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las Plantas , Familia de Multigenes , Filogenia , Rosa , Almidón Fosforilasa , Estrés Fisiológico , Estrés Fisiológico/genética , Rosa/genética , Rosa/enzimología , Rosa/metabolismo , Almidón Fosforilasa/genética , Almidón Fosforilasa/metabolismo , Proteínas de Plantas/genética , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Sequías , Genoma de Planta , Salinidad

RESUMEN

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is mainly determined by intramuscular preadipocyte adipogenesis. Epigenetic modifications are known to have a regulatory effect on IMF. As N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant epigenetic modification in eukaryotic RNAs. In the present study, we used m6A methylation and RNA sequencing (seq) to identify the m6A-modified RNAs associated with the adipogenic differentiation of intramuscular preadipocytes. Among them, the expression and m6A level of phosphorylase kinase subunit G1 (PHKG1) were found to be significantly changed during adipogenesis. Further studies revealed that knockdown of the methylase METTL3 decreased the m6A methylation of PHKG1 and led to a reduction in PHKG1. Moreover, knockdown of PHKG1 promoted adipogenic differentiation by upregulating the expression of adipogenic genes. In addition, we found that the IMF content in the longissimus thoracis (LT) of Bamei (BM) pigs was greater than that in Large White (LW) pigs, whereas the m6A and PHKG1 expression levels were lower in BM pigs. These findings indicate that the m6A level and expression of PHKG1 were significantly correlated with IMF content and meat quality. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the mechanism by which m6A modification regulates IMF deposition.

Asunto(s)

Adenosina , Adipocitos , Adipogénesis , Animales , Adipocitos/metabolismo , Adipocitos/citología , Metilación , Porcinos , Adipogénesis/genética , Adenosina/análogos & derivados , Adenosina/metabolismo , Fosforilasa Quinasa/genética , Fosforilasa Quinasa/metabolismo , Metabolismo de los Lípidos/genética , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Diferenciación Celular/genética

RESUMEN

Introduction: Human prion disease (PrD), a group of fatal and transmissible neurodegenerative diseases, consists of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), kuru, fatal familial insomnia (FFI), Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS), and variably protease-sensitive prionopathy (VPSPr). The emergence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and variant CJD (vCJD) has greatly threatened public health, both in humans and animals. Since the 1990's, dozens of countries and territories have conducted PrD surveillance programs. Methods: In this study, the case numbers and alternative trends of different types of PrD globally and in various countries or territories from 1993 to 2020 were collected and analyzed based on the data from the websites of the international and national PrD surveillance programs, as well as from relevant publications. Results: The total numbers of the reported PrD and sporadic CJD (sCJD) cases in 34 countries with accessible annual case numbers were 27,872 and 24,623, respectively. The top seven countries in PrD cases were the USA (n = 5,156), France (n = 3,276), Germany (n = 3,212), Italy (n = 2,995), China (n = 2,662), the UK (n = 2,521), Spain (n = 1,657), and Canada (n = 1,311). The annual PrD case numbers and mortalities, either globally or in the countries, showed an increased trend in the past 27 years. Genetic PrD cases accounted for 10.83% of all reported PrD cases; however, the trend varied largely among the different countries and territories. There have been 485 iatrogenic CJD (iCJD) cases and 232 vCJD cases reported worldwide. Discussion: The majority of the countries with PrD surveillance programs were high- and upper-middle-income countries. However, most low- and lower-middle-income countries in the world did not conduct PrD surveillance or even report PrD cases, indicating that the number of human PrD cases worldwide is markedly undervalued. Active international PrD surveillance for both humans and animals is still vital to eliminate the threat of prion disease from a public health perspective.

Asunto(s)

Salud Global , Enfermedades por Prión , Humanos , Enfermedades por Prión/epidemiología , Salud Global/estadística & datos numéricos , Síndrome de Creutzfeldt-Jakob/epidemiología , Animales , Bovinos

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common postoperative complication, so exploring its risk factors is helpful to provide a basis for clinical prevention. This study aims to analyse the risk factors for UTI after lumbar interbody fusion (LIF). METHODS: A single-centre retrospective study was conducted on the clinical data of 358 patients treated with LIF from April 2020 to April 2023. In accordance with the results of postoperative urine culture, the patients were divided into UTI group (n = 19, those with UTI after LIF) and control group (n = 332, those without UTI after LIF). Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out through collecting the medical records of the two groups to probe into the risk factors for UTI after LIF. RESULTS: After seven patients were excluded, the remaining 351 patients were included in the analysis. In this study, 19 patients (5.41%) developed postoperative UTI, whereas 332 patients (94.59%) had no UTI. Regression analysis results showed drinking (odds ratio (OR) = 16.193, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.017-257.860) and high preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level (OR = 3.237, 95% CI: 1.213-8.636) as risk factors for UTI after LIF. A high professional title of main surgeon (OR = 0.095, 95% CI: 0.010-0.932) and preoperative red blood cell (RBC) count (OR = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.000-0.198) were protective factors for UTI after LIF (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study advocated strengthening the prevention and treatment of UTI in patients who had drinking history, high preoperative CRP level and low preoperative RBC count, and received LIF based on the study results. Attention should be paid to the training of physicians with low professional title.

Asunto(s)

Vértebras Lumbares , Complicaciones Posoperatorias , Fusión Vertebral , Infecciones Urinarias , Humanos , Fusión Vertebral/efectos adversos , Infecciones Urinarias/etiología , Infecciones Urinarias/epidemiología , Masculino , Factores de Riesgo , Estudios Retrospectivos , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/epidemiología , Vértebras Lumbares/cirugía , Anciano , Medición de Riesgo

RESUMEN

Microplastics (Mps) have emerged as a pervasive environmental concern, with their presence detected not only in freshwater ecosystems but also in drinking and bottled water sources. While extensive research has centered on understanding the origins, migration patterns, detection techniques, and ecotoxicological impacts of these contaminants, there remains a notable research gap about the strategies for Mps removal. This study reviews existing literature on chemical approaches for mitigating microplastic contamination within wastewater systems, focusing on coagulation precipitation, electrocoagulation, and advanced oxidation methods. Each approach is systematically explored, encompassing their respective mechanisms and operational dynamics. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of these three techniques elucidates their strengths and limitations in the context of MPs removal. By shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying these removal methods, this review contributes to the theoretical foundation of microplastic elimination from wastewater and identifies future research trajectories and potential challenges.

Asunto(s)

Microplásticos , Aguas Residuales , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua , Aguas Residuales/química , Aguas Residuales/análisis , Microplásticos/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Purificación del Agua/métodos , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos/métodos

RESUMEN

The Chinese medicine formula Chanling Gao (CLG) exhibits significant tumor inhibitory effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) nude mice. However, the detailed mechanisms remain elusive. CRC in situ nude mouse models were treated with CLG. Small animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracked tumor progression, and overall health metrics such as food and water intake, body weight, and survival were monitored. Posttreatment, tissues and blood were analyzed for indicators of tumor inhibition and systemic effects. Changes in vital organs were observed via stereoscope and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Immunohistochemistry quantified HIF-1α and P70S6K1 protein expression in xenografts. Double labeling was used to statistically analyze vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31 neovascularization. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, IL-6, and IL-10 in serum, tumors, and liver. Western blotting was used to assess the expression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway-related factors TGF-ß1 and smad4 in liver tissues. CLG inhibited tumor growth, improved overall health metrics, and ameliorated abnormal blood cell counts in CRC nude mice. CLG significantly reduced tumor neovascularization and VEGF expression in tumors and blood. It also suppressed HIF-1α, EGFR, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, and p-mTOR expression in tumors while enhancing PTEN oncogene expression. Systemic improvements were noted, with CLG limiting liver metastasis, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 in liver tissues, decreasing MMP-2 in blood and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in tumors, and inhibiting TGF-ß1 expression in liver tissues. CLG can enhance survival quality and inhibit tumor growth in CRC nude mice, likely through the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias Colorrectales , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Ratones , Animales , Humanos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1 , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Ratones Desnudos , Interleucina-10 , Metaloproteinasa 2 de la Matriz , Metaloproteinasa 9 de la Matriz , Interleucina-6 , Serina-Treonina Quinasas TOR/metabolismo , Neoplasias Colorrectales/metabolismo , Línea Celular Tumoral

RESUMEN

The silkworm Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran insect, possesses an 8-10-day pupal stage, during which significant changes occur in the midgut, where it first condenses into the yellow body, and then undergoes decomposition. To gain insights into this transformation process, proteomics was performed on Bombyx mori midgut contents on day 2 and day 7 after pupation. The results revealed the identification of 771 proteins with more than one unique peptide. An analysis using AgriGO demonstrated that these proteins were predominantly associated with catalytic activity. Among the identified proteins, a considerable number were found to be involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, nucleic acid degradation, and energy support. Additionally, variations in the levels of certain proteases were observed between the midgut contents on day 2 and day 7 after pupation. An in-depth analysis of the two-dimensional electrophoresis of the midgut contents on day 7 after pupation led to the identification of twelve protein spots with potential gelatinolytic activity. Among these, six proteases were identified through mass spectrometry, including the p37k protease, vitellin-degrading protease, chymotrypsin-2, etc. These proteases may be responsible for the digestion of the yellow body during the later stages of pupal development.

RESUMEN

Introduction: Fluoride is considered an environmental pollutant that seriously affects organisms and ecosystems, and its harmfulness is a perpetual public health concern. The toxic effects of fluoride include organelle damage, oxidative stress, cell cycle destruction, inflammatory factor secretion, apoptosis induction, and synaptic nerve transmission destruction. To reveal the mechanism of fluorosis-induced brain damage, we analyzed the molecular mechanism and learning and memory function of the SIRT1-mediated BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway cascade reaction in fluorosis-induced brain damage through in vivo experiments. Methods: This study constructed rat models of drinking water fluorosis using 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, and 150 mg/L fluoride, and observed the occurrence of dental fluorosis in the rats. Subsequently, we measured the fluoride content in rat blood, urine, and bones, and measured the rat learning and memory abilities. Furthermore, oxidative stress products, inflammatory factor levels, and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity were detected. The pathological structural changes to the rat bones and brain tissue were observed. The SIRT1, BDNF, TrkB, and apoptotic protein levels were determined using western blotting. Results: All rats in the fluoride exposure groups exhibited dental fluorosis; decreased learning and memory abilities; and higher urinary fluoride, bone fluoride, blood fluoride, oxidative stress product, and inflammatory factor levels compared to the control group. The fluoride-exposed rat brain tissue had abnormal AchE and ChAT activity, sparsely arranged hippocampal neurons, blurred cell boundaries, significantly fewer astrocytes, and swollen cells. Furthermore, the nucleoli were absent from the fluoride-exposed rat brain tissue, which also contained folded neuron membranes, deformed mitochondria, absent cristae, vacuole formation, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic chromatin. The fluoride exposure groups had lower SIRT1, BDNF, and TrkB protein levels and higher apoptotic protein levels than the control group, which were closely related to the fluoride dose. The findings demonstrated that excessive fluoride caused brain damage and affected learning and memory abilities. Discussion: Currently, there is no effective treatment method for the tissue damage caused by fluorosis. Therefore, the effective method for preventing and treating fluorosis damage is to control fluoride intake.

Asunto(s)

Lesiones Encefálicas , Fluorosis Dental , Animales , Ratas , Acetilcolinesterasa , Encéfalo , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo , Ecosistema , Fluoruros/toxicidad , Transducción de Señal , Sirtuina 1

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: 3D cancer stem cell (CSC) cultures are widely used as in vitro tumor models. In this study, we determined the effects of enriching HCT116 tumor spheres initially cultured in serum-free medium with different concentrations of serum, focusing on the effect of microserum environment stimulation on extraction and biological function of colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs). METHODS: CCSCs were enriched in standard serum-free medium and serum-free medium with different concentrations of serum for 1 week. The expression of CSC-associated markers in CCSCs, and the presence and relative proportion of CSCs (CD133/CD44 cell sorting) were then determined to elucidate the effect of the microserum environment on the preservation of CSC-related features. Further, the tumorigenic capacity of CCSCs was evaluated in an immunodeficiency mouse model. RESULTS: Our data indicated that a significantly greater number of spheres with a greater size range and high viability without drastic alteration in biological and structural features, which maintained self-renewal potential after sequential passages were formed after serum supplementation. Real-time analysis showed that both serum spheres and serum-free spheres displayed similar expression patterns for key stemness genes. Serum spheres showed higher expression of the CSC surface markers CD133 and CD44 than did CSCs spheres cultured in serum-free medium. Adherent cultures in complete medium could adapt to the serum-containing microenvironment faster and showed higher proliferation ability. The addition of serum induced EMT and promoted the migration and invasion of serum globular cells. Compared with serum-free cells and adherent cells, serum spheres showed higher tumor initiation ability. CONCLUSIONS: Microserum environment stimulation could be an effective strategy for reliable enrichment of intact CCSCs, and a more efficient CSC enrichment method.