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Human mutations of ADNP and ADNP2 are known to be associated with neural developmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia (SZ). However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, we generated adnp and adnp2 mutant zebrafish models, which exhibited developmental delays, brain deficits, and core behavioral features of NDDs. RNA sequencing analysis of adnpa−/−; adnpb−/− and adnp2a−/−; adnp2b−/− larval brains revealed altered gene expression profiles affecting synaptic transmission, autophagy, apoptosis, microtubule dynamics, hormone signaling, and circadian rhythm regulation. Validation using whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) corroborated these findings, supporting the RNA-seq results. Additionally, loss of adnp and adnp2 resulted in significant downregulation of pan-neuronal HuC and neuronal fiber network α-Tubulin signals. Importantly, prolonged low-dose exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) aggravated behavioral abnormalities in adnp and adnp2 mutants. This comprehensive approach enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between genetic mutations and environmental factors in NDDs. Our findings provide novel insights and experimental foundations into the roles of adnp and adnp2 in neurodevelopment and behavioral regulation, offering a framework for future preclinical drug screening aimed at elucidating the pathogenesis of NDDs and related conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe widespread use of polymer flooding has resulted in a large number of produced liquids consisting of crude oil emulsions and oily wastewater. Efficient flocculants are required to treat these produced liquids till the oily wastewater satisfies the requirements for reinjection formation in order to maintain the regular manufacturing process. In this work, an unsaturated polyether macromonomer (PEP-30) was prepared by ring-opening polymerization using isobutenol as a starting material. Subsequently, a novel flocculant (PMAP) was obtained by copolymerization of dimethylamino propylmethacrylamide (DMAPMA) and PEP-30. For the produced liquids with different crude oil emulsion content, the oil removal rate of PMAP at a dosage of 150 mg/L was more than 75%, and the oil removal rate and versatility were better than those of conventional cationic flocculants. Furthermore, the findings of the flocculation mechanism investigation demonstrated that PMAP had a low interfacial elastic modulus and a large interfacial adsorption mass. Specifically, the optical tweezers were used to detect the interaction force between oil droplets. PMAP effectively strengthened the attraction between oil droplets, extending their duration in contact during flocculation and promoting their coalescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Azathioprine [AZA] effectively prevents postoperative endoscopic recurrence [ER] in Crohn's disease [CD]. However, the efficacy of AZA emerges after 3 months. Exclusive enteral nutrition [EEN] can maintain remission in CD. The present trial investigates whether AZA plus postoperative 3-month EEN is superior to AZA alone in preventing ER of CD. Methods In total, 84 high-risk CD patients undergoing intestinal resection received AZA alone or AZA plus 3 months of EEN [AZA + EEN] postoperatively. The primary endpoint was the rate of ER at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included the rate of ER at 3 months, clinical recurrence [CR], CD activity index [CDAI] scores, faecal calprotectin [FC], and C-reactive protein [CRP]. Quality of life was assessed using Short Form-36 [SF-36] and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire [IBDQ]. Results Patients in the AZA + EEN group exhibited significantly lower rates of ER compared to the AZA group at both 12 months (33.3% [13/39] vs 63.2% [24/38], P  = 0.009) and 3 months (8.6% [3/35] vs 28.1% [9/32], P  = 0.037) post-surgery. The rates of CR between the two groups at 3 and 12 months were similar. CDAI scores, FC, albumin level, and CRP were all comparable between the two groups. Quality of life was significantly higher in the AZA group than in the AZA + EEN group at 3 months but became comparable from 5 to 12 months postoperatively. Conclusion In high-risk CD patients, combining AZA with postoperative 3-month EEN reduces 1-year ER but may temporarily impact quality of life. Further large-scale, long-term studies are warranted. Trial Number NCT05214430. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]