Aluminum exposure disturbs epigenetic modification and organelle function during early embryo development.

Aluminum is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal element that is widely used in industries, construction, food, and pharmaceuticals, and it can adversely affect multiple organ systems including the nervous system, skeletal system, reproductive system, blood system, and immune system. In present study, we investigated the effects of aluminum exposure on mammalian embryo development. Our data demonstrate that aluminum exposure induces mouse early embryo development defects, including those at the zygotes and 2-cell stages, causing a decrease in general transcription activity.

Seasonal Changes of Circulating Sex Steroid Hormones Associated With Vomeronasal Function of the Male Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus).

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a key receptor for pheromones involved in regulating reproductive and social behaviors in animals, such as mating between males and females and male-male competition. The aim of this study was to explore variations in circulating androgen and estrogen concentrations in male muskrats in relation to seasonal changes in vomeronasal function. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a total of 212 vomeronasal receptor (VR) genes in muskrats.

High efficiency classification of thyroid cytopathological images based on knowledge distillation and vision transformer.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, pathological diagnosis based on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is clinically used as the standard for assessing thyroid cancer. However, the complex structure and large-scale data volume of thyroid pathology images pose challenges in terms of accuracy and efficiency for automatic diagnosis. To address this practical problem, this paper proposes a knowledge distillation method called Multi-Dimensional Knowledge Distillation, which involves feature-based distillation and response-based distillation.

Polystyrene/polylactic acid microplastics impair transzonal projections and oocyte maturation via gut microbiota-mediated lipoprotein lipase inhibition.

This study focuses on the impacts of polystyrene/polylactic acid microplastics (PS/PLA-MPs) on ovarian reserve and oocyte maturation in female mice, along with the underlying mechanisms. 1 μm PS-MPs and PLA-MPs were prepared, with PLA-MPs having a rougher surface and broader size distribution. In vitro, PLA-MPs showed higher cytotoxicity to granulosa cells compared to PS-MPs.

Androgen regulates seasonal changes in triglyceride synthesis through the AR-SREBP1-FASN axis in the scented glands of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus).

SREBP1 (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1) plays an important role in maintaining lipid balance in mammals. Previous research showed that androgen significantly regulated the secretion of lipid-rich musky odor substances from the scented glands of muskrats. Our investigation provides insights into the pathways through which androgen induces SREBP1 expression and affects seasonal changes in triglyceride synthesis in muskrat scented glands.

Hair Metabolomic Profiling of Diseased Forest Musk Deer () Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).

Hair, as a non-invasive biospecimen, retains metabolic deposits from sebaceous glands and capillaries, reflecting substances from the peripheral circulation, and provides valuable biochemical information linked to phenotypes, yet its application in animal disease research remains limited. This work applied ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to compare the hair metabolomic characteristics of healthy forest musk deer (FMD, ) and those diagnosed with hemorrhagic pneumonia (HP), phytobezoar disease (PD), and abscess disease (AD). A total of 2119 metabolites were identified in the FMD hair samples, comprising 1084 metabolites in positive ion mode and 1035 metabolites in negative ion mode.

Activating Ferroelectric-Magnetic Synergistic Effects at Cathode-Electrolyte Interfaces Toward Superfast and Stable Sodium Storage.

Layered oxides are promising cathode candidates for sodium-ion batteries due to their high energy density. However, the rate and cycling performances are hindered by severe interfacial side reactions and sluggish kinetics. Using NaNiMnO (NM) as a model material, ferroelectric-magnetic synergistic effects are activated at the NM-electrolyte interfaces via constructing a multiferroic layer on the NM surface, significantly realizing the superfast and stable sodium storage.

Histological and histochemical characterization of the musk gland in forest musk deer (): a preliminary study.

Musk is a biologically valuable secretion from the musk gland of male musk deer, with significant economic and medicinal importance. Due to severe decline and depletion of wild musk deer population, captive breeding of musk deer has become the primary approach for sustainable musk production. So far, the histological structure and secretion mechanism of the musk gland remain incompletely understood.

Mechanistic insights into the Bushen Huatan Huoxue Formula and its components in ameliorating obesity-associated polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: Bushen Huatan Huoxue Formula (BHHF), a traditional Chinese medicine decoction, demonstrates potential in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age that is closely associated with obesity and metabolic dysregulation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of BHHF's action remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BHHF in obesity-associated PCOS and investigate its regulatory mechanisms related to metabolic homeostasis.

Two-photon fiberscope with a proactive optoelectrical commutator for rotational resistance-free imaging in freely behaving rodents.

Significance: The recently developed two-photon (2P) fiberscope offers attractive opportunities in neuroscience by enabling high-resolution neural imaging in freely behaving rodents. However, like other miniature 2P devices, it involves a tether (for fiber and scanner drive wires), which inevitably limits the animal's movement, especially its rotation.

Aim: We aim to develop a platform for 2P fiberscopes (and other tethered miniature devices), enabling rotational resistance-free neuroimaging in freely rotating/walking rodents.

Pbs2 regulates late-stage macroautophagy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Autophagy is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and is linked to various diseases. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the Polymyxin B Sensitivity 2 (Pbs2) protein is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family and plays a role in mitophagy. To explore the potential role of Pbs2 in macroautophagy, we engineered wild-type and PBS2-deficient cells using plasmid construction and yeast transformation techniques, followed by a series of autophagy assays.

Alleviating head-mounted weight burden for neural imaging in freely-behaving rodents.

The recently developed miniaturized head-mounted two-photon (2P) imaging devices have served as a valuable tool for neuroscientists, enabling real-time functional neural imaging in freely-behaving animals. Although the current 2P fiberscopes and miniscopes are lightweight, the weight of any potential additional accessories inevitably imposes a burden on the animal. Here, we present a buoyancy levitation method to alleviate head-mounted weight burden on mice.

1,25(OH)D up-regulated mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis to modulate steroidogenesis in the scent glands of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus).

Vitamin D plays a crucial regulatory role in steroid hormone production, but the specific mechanism remains not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the expression and distribution patterns of Vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D metabolic enzymes (CYP2R1, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1), mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis (proteins and genes), and steroidogenic enzymes in the scent glands of muskrats during the breeding and non-breeding periods. VDR, vitamin D metabolic enzymes, mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis-related proteins, and steroidogenic enzymes were immunolocalized in the scent glandular cells in both breeding and non-breeding seasons, with stronger immunostaining in the breeding season.

Accumulation of microbial necromass and glomalin and their contribution to organic carbon in alpine grasslands with different degradation degrees.

The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is sensitive to global change. Grassland degradation in this region severely affects soil microorganisms and soil organic carbon (SOC). As stable microbial metabolites, soil microbial necromass C (MNC) and glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP) play a key role in the formation and stabilization of SOC.

Metabolomic Profiling in Ischemic Stroke: Unraveling the Influence of Obesity and Identifying Potential Biomarkers Using H NMR Spectroscopy.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is emerging as an increasingly serious social issue with elusive etiology, few diagnostic markers, and limited treatment methods. Another concern in contemporary society is the prevalence of obesity, which is indicative of suboptimal well-being. Despite its association with established risk factors for stroke (such as hypertension and diabetes), several studies have reported a controversial phenomenon known as the "obesity paradox," whereby certain obese patients with stroke exhibited unexpectedly positive outcomes.

Autophagy-independent role of ATG9A vesicles as carriers for galectin-9 secretion.

Galectins play vital roles in cellular processes such as adhesion, communication, and survival, yet the mechanisms underlying their unconventional secretion remain poorly understood. This study identifies ATG9A, a core autophagy protein, as a key regulator of galectin-9 secretion via a mechanism independent of classical autophagy, secretory autophagy, or the LC3-dependent extracellular vesicle loading and secretion pathway. ATG9A vesicles function as specialized carriers, with the N-terminus of ATG9A and both carbohydrate recognition domains of galectin-9 being critical for the process.

Rab32-based vesicles coordinate mitochondria and actin for spindle migration and organelle rearrangement in oocyte meiosis.

Introduction: Rab32 is a part of the Rab GTPase family, which is known as the regulator of vesicle transport for an array of cellular functions including endosomal transport, autophagy, generation of melanosomes, phagocytosis and inflammatory processes.

Objective: However, the role of Rab32 in oocyte meiosis is still not well-defined.

Methods: We depleted Rab32 expression by knock down approach, and we also disrupted Rab32 function by exogenous Rab32 mRNA injection for mutation.

Development and Validation of a Predictive Nomogram for Venous Thromboembolism Risk in Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Single-Center Cohort Study in China.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant complication in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) that adversely affects morbidity, mortality, and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive nomogram for assessing VTE risk in MM patients using clinicopathological factors. Clinical data, including 25 candidate risk factors, were collected.

The role of the casein kinase 1 (CK1) family in fungal infections.

The Casein kinase 1 (CK1) family, as an important member of the protein kinase family, exhibits high evolutionary conservation and is widely distributed in various cell types. CK1 plays critical roles in numerous cellular biological processes, and its abnormal expression is closely associated with the development and progression of various diseases. The CK1 protein family has been extensively studied and reported as an influential factor in various mammalian diseases.

Development and Internal Validation of a Risk Model to Estimate Probability of Intraoperative Hypothermia in Adult Surgical Patients.

Intraoperative hypothermia is associated with various perioperative complications and an increased risk of mortality. This study aims to develop and validate a reliable risk model, the Intraoperative Hypothermia Risk Estimating Model (IHREM), for assessing the likelihood of intraoperative hypothermia in adult patients receiving different types of surgery and anesthesia. Data from 1815 surgical patients were collected, with 1521 used to develop the IHREM training set.

Cascade Production of Oxygen and Singlet Oxygen from Self-Assembled Nanophotosensitizer for Anti-Hypoxic Photodynamic Therapy.

Photosensitizers (PSs) capable of oxygen (O) production are attractive for overcoming hypoxia in photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, these PSs generally require multiple components and complex fabrication procedures, preventing their clinical translation. Herein, we develop a single-component nanophotosensitizer via simple self-assembly that enables cascade production of O and singlet oxygen (O) for superior antibacterial PDT (aPDT).

Formin INF2 supplementation alleviates cytoskeleton-based mitochondria defects for oocyte quality under obesity.

Obesity is one main cause of reproductive disorders in female, and oocytes show meiotic maturation defects under obesity, which leads to infertility. However, the molecular characterization for the obese oocytes remains largely unclear. Inverted-formin 2 (INF2) is a formin family member which is involved in actin-based multiple cellular events including vesicle transport and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.

Menstrual disorder is associated with blood type in PCOS patients: evidence from a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Previous studies have shown a correlation between ABO blood type and the occurrence of certain diseases. However, there is limited research on the potential association between ABO blood group and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aims to investigate the potential connection between ABO blood type and the regularity of menstrual cycles, menstrual bleeding level, and additional metabolic indicators among individuals diagnosed with PCOS.

Overcoming three-dimensional challenges through objective decomposition and virtual-digital design: A multidisciplinary case on hypodontia treatment.

A 15-year-old female sought multidisciplinary treatment for hypodontia, three-dimensional problems, deep overbite, multiple occlusal interferences, and collapse of the occlusion. Through virtual-digital design with objective decomposition, this patient underwent five steps of orthodontic treatment under the guidelines of the principles: removal of occlusal restriction is a prerequisite; transverse problems are solved first; then sagittal problems; and vertical correction runs through the treatment. After orthodontic and prosthetic treatment, aesthetic appearance and functional occlusion were achieved.

Acupuncture for postoperative ileus: Advancement and underlying mechanisms.

Postoperative ileus (POI) remains a prevalent and significant challenge following abdominal surgeries, precipitating patient distress, prolonged hospital stays, and escalated medical expenditures. Conventionally addressed pharmacological interventions, POI is increasingly being explored through adjunctive therapeutic strategies, with acupuncture gaining recognition as a promising option. Acupuncture has demonstrated encouraging potential in promoting gastrointestinal motility in patients with POI.