Search

Abstract Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most deadly gynecological tumor. OC cells utilize cellular metabolic reprogramming to gain a survival advantage, particularly through aberrant lipid metabolic process. As the primary ingredient in exogenous cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) has been confirmed to exhibit antitumor activity in preclinical studies. However, it is still unclear whether CBD can disrupt fatty acid metabolism and induce apoptosis in OC cells. In this study, we have demonstrated that CBD significantly inhibits the proliferation of OCs through a cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R)-mediated manner. Fatty acid metabolic profiling and flow cytometry analysis revealed that CBD has the ability to decrease fatty acid levels and significantly suppress the transcription of genes involved in fatty acid uptake and synthesis in ES-2 cells. In addition, the analysis from RNA-seq and real-time RT-PCR revealed that CBD activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway. Conversely, by supplementation with unsaturated fatty acid or blocking CB1R, ER stress or reactive oxygen species (ROS) signals with specific inhibitors could significantly relieve CBD induced, dose-dependent, ER stress associated apoptosis, G0-G1 phase arrest, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Taken collectively, these data indicate that CBD may disrupt lipid metabolism, and lead to ER stress-related apoptosis in OCs. Our findings may provide a theoretical mechanism for anti-ovarian cancer using CBD.

Objective: To reveal the interaction mechanism between mogroside monomers and human taste receptors at molecular level. Methods: The homologous models of sweet taste receptors (hT1R2, hT1R3) and bitter taste receptors (hT2R4, hT2R14) were established by I-TASSER Server. Model quality was evaluated according to ERRAT value, ramachandran plot, C-score and the model with the highest quality was selected. Molecular docking with Mogroside Ⅲ, Mogroside Ⅳ, Mogroside V and Siamenoside I were performed by AutoDock Vina simulation software. The sweet/bitter taste prediction model of mogroside was constructed and the sweet/bitter taste of mogroside with unknown sweetness were predicted. On the basis of this, the electronic tongue system intelligence was used to analyze the sweet/bitter characteristic values of different structures of mogroside monomers and to explore the relationship between different structures of mogroside monomers and the key attributes of sweet/bitter taste. Results: The analysis of receptor-ligand interaction showed that increasing the number of glucose groups at R1 position could reduce the bitterness of mogroside, and increasing the number of glucose groups at R2 position could enhance the sweetness and weaken the bitterness. The binding site space of sweet taste receptors was large, which was conducive to the entry of mogroside, while the binding site space of bitter taste receptors was small, which limited the entry of ligands. The sweet/bitter characteristic values measured by the electronic tongue were in high agreement with the binding free energy obtained by molecular docking, which verified the accuracy and reliability of the predicted results. In addition, the study also revealed the importance of sweet/bitter ratios in the development of taste-specific sweeteners and successfully predicted the sweet/bitter taste of mogroside sweeteners of unknown flavor. Conclusion: The sweetness of mogroside had a certain correlation with the number of glucose groups. The research results not only provide important theoretical support for the research and development of natural sweeteners, but also provide scientific basis and theoretical support for the screening and development of new natural sweeteners.

Abstract The surface quality of aluminium alloy castings is crucial to quality control. Aiming to address the challenges of limited samples and extensive computation in deep learning‐based surface defect detection for aluminium alloy castings, this paper proposes a surface defect detection method based on data enhancement and the Casting Real‐Time DEtection TRansformer. First, to tackle the issue of small sample sizes and uneven distribution in surface defect data sets of aluminium alloy castings, ECA‐MetaAconC Deep Convolution Generative Adversarial Networks is proposed for generating defects with fewer samples and employ the image augmentation (IMGAUG) library for sample enhancement. Second, building upon the Real‐Time DEtection TRansformer (RT‐DETR), a lightweight partial‐rep convolution is designed to decrease the network's parameter count. Simultaneously, the Deformable attention module and the DRBC3 module are introduced to enhance the neck network, thereby improving the model's capability to capture information and enhancing its detection performance. Compared to RT‐DETR, this method reduces the number of model parameters by 38.7%, increases mAP by 1.5%, and achieves a frame rate that is 1.58 times higher than the original model. The experimental results demonstrate that this method can effectively and accurately detect surface defects in aluminium alloy castings, satisfying industrial requirements.

Abstract As the proliferation of video content continues, and many video archives lack suitable metadata, therefore, video retrieval, particularly through example‐based search, has become increasingly crucial. Existing metadata often fails to meet the needs of specific types of searches, especially when videos contain elements from different modalities, such as visual and audio. Consequently, developing video retrieval methods that can handle multi‐modal content is essential. An innovative Multi‐modal Video Search by Examples (MVSE) framework is introduced, employing state‐of‐the‐art techniques in its various components. In designing MVSE, the authors focused on accuracy, efficiency, interactivity, and extensibility, with key components including advanced data processing and a user‐friendly interface aimed at enhancing search effectiveness and user experience. Furthermore, the framework was comprehensively evaluated, assessing individual components, data quality issues, and overall retrieval performance using high‐quality and low‐quality BBC archive videos. The evaluation reveals that: (1) multi‐modal search yields better results than single‐modal search; (2) the quality of video, both visual and audio, has an impact on the query precision. Compared with image query results, audio quality has a greater impact on the query precision (3) a two‐stage search process (i.e. searching by Hamming distance based on hashing, followed by searching by Cosine similarity based on embedding); is effective but increases time overhead; (4) large‐scale video retrieval is not only feasible but also expected to emerge shortly.

Abstract The Hydrogel wound dressing with good rewarming property, anti‐freezing property, and adhesion property has important practical significance in medical care for the first and second grade frostbite. The ears, hands, mouth, and nose of field workers on duty and training high cold region are prone to frostbite due to long‐term exposure to in severe cold. Therefore, rapid rewarming of wound surface is the key to the treatment of frostbite. In this paper, antifreeze and rewarming are achieved by photothermal conversion materials and quaternary ammonium salts. Herein, the PAM/CS/MXene30/Betaine5/AgNPs200(PCM30B5A200) hydrogel based on chitosan (CS) and acrylamide (AM) is designed and fabricated by thermally initiated free radical polymerization. The dressing has excellent rewarming properties, anti‐freezing properties, tensile properties, repeatable self‐adhesion and antibacterial properties. In this system, hydrogels are mainly cross‐linked by hydrogen bonds between CS and AM. Betaine is added to the material to make the hydrogel have good freeze‐resistance and flexibility at −24 °C, and can be combined with AgNPs and MXene, to achieve a triple antibacterial. The PCM30B5A200 hydrogel reached the rewarming temperature of 40.5 °C at 9 min. PCM30B5A200 multifunctional hydrogels have good application value in the first and second grade frostbite wounds.

IntroductionPollen is usually presented by the anthers after maturity. However, in some plants, pollen is presented to pollinators on other floral structures (other than the anthers), or via particular expulsion mechanisms, resulting in secondary pollen presentation. The unusual petal morphology in Berchemia mediates pollen presentation, characterised by a combination of secondary pollen presentation and primary pollen presentation. However, the function, the role in reproduction, and the evolutionary significance of the unusual petals remain unclear.MethodsIn this study, we took Berchemia flavescens and Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada as examples, and used field observations, semi-thin sections technology, scanning electron microscopy, and pollination ecology detection methods to explore the unique pollen presentation strategies, petal functions, and reproductive strategies in Berchemia.ResultsThis is a unique pollen presentation process mediated by petals. In the advanced bud stage, petals curl inward, enclosing the stamens. Following anther dehiscence, pollen is released into the petal tube, where the filament and cone-shaped anthers act as pistons, extruding pollen or pollen clumps through gaps at the petal tube apex (secondary pollen presentation). Subsequently, as the anthers emerge from the petal tube, residual pollen is directly presented to pollinators (primary pollen presentation).DiscussionIn Berchemia, the petals enclosing the stamens, effectively shield the pollen from extreme environmental conditions. The petal-stamen complex slow movement (first centrifugal, later centripetal) and pollen presentation in Berchemia suggest a unique reproductive strategy. This mechanism promotes outcrossing, minimizing interference between the pistil and stamens, and offers reproductive assurance by delayed self-pollination.

IntroductionThis study utilized a injectable curcumin (Cur)-infused calcium phosphate silicate cement (CPSC) for addressing defects caused by bone cancer, and evaluated its promoting bone regeneration and exerting cytotoxic effects on osteosarcoma cells.MethodsThe material’s physicochemical properties, biocompatibility with osteoblasts, and cytotoxicity toward osteosarcoma cells were rigorously analyzed.ResultsThe findings demonstrate that CPSC-Cur signicantly prolongs the setting time, which can be optimized by adding silanized cellulose nanober (CNF-SH) to achieve a balance between workability and mechanical strength. Biological assessments reveal a pronounced cytotoxic effect on osteosarcoma cells while maintaining minimal toxicity toward pre-osteoblasts, highlighting CPSC-Cur’s potential as a promising material for repairing bone defects following cancer removal.ConclusionThis study lays the groundwork for future investigations into CPSC-Cur’s in vivo efficacy and its role in the clinical treatment of bone cancer.

The electrochemical property of Mo2C nanoparticles (NPs) depends on the structure and crystal planes. Herein, Mo2C nanoparticles were prepared and dispersed on carbon nanosheets by the construction of a biomass-derived carbon precursor, and the exposed dual crystal planes were also controlled by optimal conditions. The structure, compositions, and morphology of the carbon-based Mo2C were characterized, and the Mo2C NPs were well dispersed on the carbon nanosheets. The electrochemical study shows that optimal Mo2C exhibits excellent electrochemical properties for the oxidation of nicotine compared with other materials in the broad linear range of 0.2–300 μM. In particular, it displays a remarkable oxidation ability for the low-concentration nicotine (0.2–5 μM), and the detection limit is about 0.17 μM. Furthermore, the exposed dual crystal planes of Mo2C play a critical role in the oxidation. Notably, this characteristic of Mo2C NPs makes it possible to detect nicotine from the extracted solution and be used for chip electrodes to detect nicotine quickly via wireless response, which exhibits actual application prospects for portable detection. The results indicate that the as-prepared Mo2C material could be effective and low-cost for nicotine analysis in the sectors of health management and medical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The two-dimensional nanomaterials are characterized by their ultra-thin structure, diverse chemical functional groups, and remarkable anisotropic properties. Since its discovery in 2004, graphene has attracted significant scientific interest due to its potential applications in various fields, including electronics, energy systems, and biomedicine. In medicine, graphene is used for designing smart drug delivery systems, especially for antibiotics, and biosensing. Skin trauma is a prevalent dermatological condition that increasingly contributes to morbidities and mortalities, thus representing a significant health burden. During tissue damage, rapid skin repair is crucial to prevent blood loss and infection. Therefore, drugs used for skin trauma must possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials possess remarkable physical, chemical, optical, and biological characteristics due to their uniform shape, increased surface area, and surface charge. Graphene and its derivatives, transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), black phosphorous (BP), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), MXene, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are among the commonly used 2D nanomaterials. Moreover, they exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the clinical approaches employed for wound healing treatment and explores the applications of commonly used 2D nanomaterials to enhance wound healing outcomes.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, joint pain, and cartilage degradation. The fluctuating nature of RA often necessitates long-term oral administration of treatment drugs, which can unfortunately lead to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and hepatic and renal dysfunction. Therefore, a percutaneous local delivery method for the release of inflammatory modulators in arthritic joints represents a promising therapeutic approach for RA. In this study, we have developed a unique and innovative therapeutic platform (named BP-Rut@Gel). This hydrogel was formulated by incorporating the drug Rutin (Rut) into Black phosphorus nanosheets (BP) and subsequently integrating them within a Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) matrix to create a composite hydrogel. Notably, Secondly, photothermal therapy (PTT) under Near-Infrared Irradiation (NIR) and anti-inflammatory drugs synergistically worked together to efficiently quell inflammation and enhance therapeutic effectiveness. Additionally, toxicity experiments have revealed that our synthesized black phosphorus nanosheet composite hydrogel possesses excellent biocompatibility and significantly reduces the inflammatory response in RA joints. Given these remarkable properties, our BP-Rut@Gel hydrogel held significant promise and demonstrated immense clinical potential for the treatment of RA.

A novel method is introduced to improve the detection performance of photoacoustic spectroscopy for trace gas detection. For effectively suppressing various types of noise, this method integrates photoacoustic spectroscopy with residual networks model which encompasses a total of 40 weighted layers. Firstly, this approach was employed to accurately retrieve methane concentrations at various levels. Secondly, the analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of multiple sets of photoacoustic spectroscopy signals revealed significant enhancement. The SNR was improved from 21 to 805, 52–962, 98–944, 188–933, 310–941, and 587–936 across the different concentrations, respectively, as a result of the application of the residual networks. Finally, further exploration for the measurement precision and stability of photoacoustic spectroscopy system utilizing residual networks was carried out. The measurement precision of 0.0626 ppm was obtained and the minimum detectable limit was found to be 1.47 ppb. Compared to traditional photoacoustic spectroscopy method, an approximately 46-fold improvement in detection limit and 69-fold enhancement in measurement precision were achieved, respectively. This method not only advances the measurement precision and stability of trace gas detection but also highlights the potential of deep learning algorithms in spectroscopy detection.

Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is one of the most important aquaculture species in China. Frequent outbreaks of diseases seriously threatened the sustainable development of the industry. It is necessary to understand the causes of disease and study the mechanism of disease resistance in P. clarkii. In this paper, the pathogenic bacteria causing head ulcers in juvenile P. clarkii were found and identified as Citrobacter freundii, which can cause severe pathological changes in the hepatopancreas and intestines of juvenile P. clarkii. Detection of humoral immune factors revealed that PO activity and lysozyme activity of infected P. clarkii were significantly enhanced at 15 and 20 dpi, respectively. Transcriptome analysis was conducted of hepatopancreas from normal and diseased P. clarkii after C. freundii injection, as well as bacteria-free control of P. clarkii. It was found that DEGs are rich in NF-κB, oxidative phosphorylation, JAK/STAT, Leukocyte transendothelial migration, MAPK, and PPAR signaling pathway. These pathways are related to immune modulation, metabolism, and pathogen clearance. Meanwhile, immune-related genes such as Gip, nfyA, psmD13, and FGFR were significantly highly expressed in the normal group, which was verified by qRT-PCR results, suggesting that they may be the key regulatory genes for juvenile P. clarkii resistance to C. freundii. This study will help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the immune response of P. clarkii to C. freundii. The results are instructive for the prevention and treatment of P. clarkii diseases and for further understanding of the invertebrate immune system.

Abstract Membrane vesicles (MVs) are produced by species across all domains of life and have diverse physiological functions as well as promising applications. While the mechanisms for vesiculation in Gram‐negative bacteria are well‐established, the genetic determinants and regulatory factors responsible for MV biogenesis in Gram‐positive bacteria remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that a Q225P substitution in the alternative sigma factor B (SigB) triggers MV production in Staphylococcus aureus strain Newman by hindering the specific binding of SigB to the asp23 promoter, thereby repressing expression of alkaline shock protein 23 (Asp23). Isogenic deletion of asp23 also promotes MV formation in Newman, confirming the critical roles played by sigB and asp23 in modulating S. aureus vesiculation. While bacterial growth and cytoplasmic membrane fluidity are not impaired, mutation of asp23 weakens the cell wall and enhances autolysis, consistent with decreased expression of alpha‐type psm and lrgAB that modulate murein hydrolase activity. TEM and proteomic analysis show that Newman and asp23 deletion mutant generate MVs with nearly identical morphology and composition, but virulence‐associated factors are significantly enriched in MVs from the asp23 mutant. Overall, this study reveals novel genetic determinants underlying S. aureus vesiculation and advances the understanding of the physiology of MV biogenesis in S. aureus.

ABSTRACT The underlying mechanism of thermotolerance, which is a key virulence factor essential for pathogenic fungi such as Cryptococcus neoformans, is largely unexplored. In this study, our findings suggest that Set302, a homolog of Set3 and a subunit of histone deacetylase complex Set3C, contributes to thermotolerance in C. neoformans. Specifically, the deletion of the predicted Set3C core subunit, Set302, resulted in further reduction in the growth of C. neoformans at 39°C, and survival of transient incubation at 50°C. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that the expression levels of numerous heat stress-responsive genes altered at both 30°C and 39°C due to the lack of Set302. Notably, at 39°C, the absence of Set302 led to the downregulation of gene expression related to the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Based on the GFP-α-synuclein overexpression model to characterize misfolded proteins, we observed a pronounced accumulation of misfolded GFP-α-synuclein at 39°C, consequently inhibiting C. neoformans thermotolerance. Furthermore, the loss of Set302 exacerbated the accumulation of misfolded GFP-α-synuclein during heat stress. Interestingly, the set302∆ strain exhibited a similar phenotype under proteasome stress as it did at 39°C. Moreover, the absence of Set302 led to reduced production of capsule and melanin. set302∆ strain also displayed significantly reduced pathogenicity and colonization ability compared to the wild-type strain in the murine infection model. Collectively, our findings suggest that Set302 modulates thermotolerance by affecting the degradation of misfolded proteins and multiple virulence factors to mediate the pathogenicity of C. neoformans.IMPORTANCECryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic fungus that poses a potential and significant threat to public health. Thermotolerance plays a crucial role in the wide distribution in natural environments and host colonization of this fungus. Herein, Set302, a critical core subunit for the integrity of histone deacetylase complex Set3C and widely distributed in various fungi and mammals, governs thermotolerance and affects survival at extreme temperatures as well as the formation of capsule and melanin in C. neoformans. Additionally, Set302 participates in regulating the expression of multiple genes associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). By eliminating misfolded proteins under heat stress, Set302 significantly contributes to the thermotolerance of C. neoformans. Moreover, Set302 regulates the pathogenicity and colonization ability of C. neoformans in a murine model. Overall, this study provides new insight into the mechanism of thermotolerance in C. neoformans.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare type of cholecystitis that, despite being benign poses diagnostic challenges due to its low prevalence and need for consensus on diagnostic criteria. Consequently, distinguishing XGC from gallbladder cancer (GBC) is challenging, leading to clinical misdiagnoses. This article presents a case where a patient initially diagnosed with GBC was later found to have XGC.