LncRNA MEG3 as a biomarker and therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis: Insights from gene polymorphisms, expression patterns, and functional mechanisms.

Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is implicated in autoimmunity, but its role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate gene polymorphisms, expression patterns, and functional mechanisms of MEG3 in RA pathogenesis and its clinical associations. MEG3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 551 RA patients and 595 controls, finding no association with RA susceptibility.

Immune function of a novel lysozyme in Litopenaeus vannamei and its application as a feed supplement.

As a key component of humoral immunity within the innate immune system, lysozyme plays a crucial role in host defense against pathogenic infections. In this study, the cDNA sequence of an i-type lysozyme was obtained from Litopenaeus vannamei, and designated as LvLysi3. Following stimulation by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, transcripts of LvLysi3 in shrimp intestine, hepatopancreas and hemocytes was significantly up-regulated.

HindwingLib: A library of leaf beetle hindwings generated by Stable Diffusion and ControlNet.

The utilization of datasets from beetle hindwings is prevalent in research of morphology and evolution of beetles, serving as a valuable tool for comprehending the evolutionary processes and functional adaptations under specific environmental conditions. However, the collection of hindwing images of beetles poses several challenges, including limited sample availability, complex sample preparation procedures, and restricted public accessibility. Recently, a machine learning technique called Stable Diffusion has been developed to statistically generate diverse images using a pretrained model with prompts.

From spawn to survival: decoding the hydraulic conditions for successful silver carp egg incubation.

Natural rivers exhibit complex and dynamic flow conditions that significantly influence the survival and development of semi-buoyant fish eggs. This study investigated the effects of flow velocities and turbulence on silver carp eggs (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) during their development. Laboratory experiments conducted in an annular flume revealed that moderate flow conditions (0.

Meplazumab, a CD147 antibody, for severe COVID-19: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 clinical trial.

Meplazumab, a humanized CD147 antibody, showed favorable safety and clinical benefits in phase 1 and phase 2/3 seamless clinical studies. Further evaluation of its therapeutic efficacy in patients with severe COVID-19 is needed. In this phase 3 add-on study, we randomized patients with severe COVID-19 in a 1:1 ratio to receive 0.

Impact of physical activity on the depression and self-care ability among Chinese older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: propensity score matching analysis.

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore the effect of different levels of physical activity on depression, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and activities of daily living (ADLs) among older adults over the age of 60.

Methods: Data on older adults' health were obtained from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) conducted in 2021. A questionnaire was used to survey older adults aged 60 years and older in 28 regions of China.

Association between breastfeeding and the risk of autoimmune diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Previous studies on the association between breastfeeding and autoimmune diseases risk have yielded inconsistent findings. This study employed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effect of breastfeeding and its duration against autoimmune diseases.

Methods: Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO) were systematically searched from inception to September 24, 2024.

Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Asymmetric Mannich Reaction of 2-Aryl-3-indol-3-ones with α-H Diazoacetates.

An asymmetric Mannich reaction between 2-aryl-3-indol-3-ones and α-H diazoacetates catalyzed by chiral phosphoric acid was developed. This strategy achieves the effective synthesis of chiral 2,2-disubstituted indolin-3-ones bearing a quaternary stereocenter and containing a diazo group in the C2 substituent (up to >99% ee and 82% yield). To demonstrate the importance of the synthesized 2,2-disubstituted indolin-3-ones and the diversity of their diazo group reactions, we successfully achieved the relevant transformation reactions with a diazo group (such as hydroxylation, hydrogenation, intramolecular cyclization, etc.

Heterogeneous Cu Doping Facilitates Excellent Thermoelectric and Mechanical Performance in n-Type SnSe Composites.

SnSe materials have attracted extensive attention in thermoelectrics due to their low thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, the thermoelectric properties of n-type polycrystalline SnSe are still low, and metallic Sn distributed in the SnSe materials would affect the repeatability of thermoelectric performance. Herein, the thermoelectric properties of n-type polycrystalline SnSe-based composites are highly enhanced by heterogeneous Cu doping.

Molecular mechanism of enhancing antitumor activity through the interaction between monosaccharides and human serum albumin.

This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of the interactions between three antitumor active monosaccharides and human serum albumin (HSA) using spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses, supplemented by molecular docking simulations. The antitumor efficacy of these monosaccharides can be significantly enhanced by covalent drug coupling, while HSA, with its long half-life and low immunogenicity, provides new opportunities for the development of advanced antitumor drug delivery systems. The results showed that these monosaccharides effectively burst the fluorescence of HSA.

Research status and hotspots of tight junctions and colorectal cancer: A bibliometric and visualization analysis.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Over the past two decades, numerous researchers have provided important evidence regarding the role of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the occurrence and progression of CRC. The causal relationship between the presence of specific TJ proteins and the development of CRC has also been confirmed.

[Research progress of traditional Chinese medicines and active ingredients targeting M1/M2 macrophage polarization balance in intervening obese with type 2 diabetes].

Type 2 diabetes(T2DM) is a metabolic disorder marked by glucose toxicity, lipotoxicity, insulin resistance, and other pathological manifestations, representing a pressing global health concern. Obesity stands out as a pivotal risk factor for T2DM development. When combined with T2DM, obesity exacerbates insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities.

[Characteristics of Pollution and Microbial Community Structure in the Antimony Mining Area of Longnan, Gansu Province].

Antimony （Sb） is a major pollutant that poses a serious threat to the environment in the mining and processing of nonferrous metals, coexisting with sulfide and oxide of arsenic （As）. Microorganisms play an important role in the migration, transformation, and repair of metals in soil. The ecological effects of bioavailable Sb and As on the microbial community in antimony mining areas（mining and smelting areas）are still poorly understood.

Effects of fermentation on the structures of yellow compounds in citrus pomace.

To enhance the stability and light resistance of the yellow compounds in citrus pomace, our study successfully isolated and purified five compounds using ultrasonic-assisted extraction and column chromatography. The identified compounds include methyl linoleate, (2-ethyl)hexyl phthalate, 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoylglycerol, 6,6-ditetradecyl-6,7-dihydroxazepin-2(3H)-one, and n-octadeca-17-enoic acid. The monomers extracted from fresh pomace, compounds 1 and 2, exhibit structural similarities to flavonoids and carotenoids.

Synthesis of Asp-based lactam cyclic peptides using an amide-bonded diaminodiacid to prevent aspartimide formation.

Asp-based lactam cyclic peptides are considered promising drug candidates. However, using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis (Fmoc-SPPS) for these peptides also causes aspartimide formation, resulting in low yields or even failure to obtain the target peptides. Here, we developed a diaminodiacid containing an amide bond as a β-carboxyl-protecting group for Asp to avoid aspartimide formation.

[Molding matrix formulation of hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive plaster of personalized traditional Chinese medicine preparations].

This study aims to optimize the matrix formulation for the hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive plaster of personalized traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations and verify the applicability of the formulation. The central composite design in JMP Pro 16.1.

[Molding law of traditional Chinese medicine gel plaster based on physicochemical properties of raw materials and intermediates].

This paper aims to study the correlation between the physicochemical properties of raw materials and intermediates and the molding quality and law of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) gel plaster by using TCM slices and powder as raw materials. 48 TCM compounds are selected as model prescriptions to prepare gel plasters. The rotational rheometer is used to determine the rheological parameters of the plaster, including storage modulus(G'), loss modulus(G″), yield stress(τ), and creep compliance [J(t)].

[Preparation process selection of presonalized traditional Chinese medicine concentrated watered pills containing heat-unstable components].

In the process of preparing presonalized concentrated watered pills, the decoction needs to be concentrated by heat and mixed with medicinal slices or powder to prepare a wet mass. However, some of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) components are easily decomposed or transformed by heat. In order to optimize the preparation process of presonalized TCM concentrated watered pills and reduce the loss of heat-unstable components in prescriptions, this study uses five compound TCM prescriptions containing heat-unstable components as model prescriptions, namely the Linggui Zhugan Formula, Xiaochengqi Formula, Sanpian Formula, Xiaoer Qixing Formula, and Xiaoyao Formula.

[Composite excipients for preparing concentrated water pills of personalized traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions by extruding-rounding method].

This study aims to optimize the composite excipients suitable for the preparation of concentrated water pills of personalized traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions by the extruding-rounding method and investigate the roles of each excipient in the preparation process. The fiber materials and powder materials were taken as the standard materials suitable as excipients in the preparation of personalized concentrated water pills without excipient. Water absorption properties and torque rheology were used as indicators for selecting the materials of composite excipients.

[Optimization of prediction model for personalized water pills based on semantic analysis of traditional Chinese medicine materials].

This study aims to optimize the prediction model of personalized water pills that has been established by our research group. Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Leonuri Herba, Codonopsis Radix, Armeniacae Semen Amarum, and calcined Oyster were selected as model medicines of powdery, fibrous, sugary, oily, and brittle materials, respectively. The model prescriptions were obtained by uniform mixing design.

[Intelligent material classification of traditional Chinese medicine based on semantic analysis].

A method for material classification of traditional Chinese medicines based on the physical properties of powder has been established by our research group. This method involves pre-treatment of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces, powder preparation, and determination of physical properties, being cumbersome. In this study, the word segmentation logic of semantic analysis was adopted to establish the thesaurus and local standardized semantic word segmentation database with the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of 36 model traditional Chinese medicines as the basic data.

[Research practice and development direction of intelligent manufacturing of presonalized traditional Chinese medicine preparations].

In recent years, as people's living standards continue to improve, and the pace of life accelerates dramatically, the demand and quality of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) services from patients continue to rise. As an essential supplement to the existing forms of TCM application, such as Chinese patent medicine, decoction, and formulated granules, presonalized TCM preparations is facing an increasing market demand. Currently, manual and semi-mechanized production are the primary production ways in presonalized TCM preparations.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed C7-Alkylation of Isatogens with Malonic Acid Diazoesters.

Rh(III)-catalyzed C7-alkylation of isatogens (indolin-3-one -oxides) with malonic acid diazoesters has been developed. This strategy utilizes oxygen anion on the -oxide group of isatogens as a directing group and successfully achieves the synthesis of a series of C7-alkylated isatogens with moderate to good yields (48-86% yields). Moreover, the -oxides of isatogens can not only serve as the simple directing group for C7-H bond cleavage but also be deoxidized for easy removal.

Temporal genetic variation mediated by climate change-induced salinity decline, a study on Artemia (Crustacea: Anostraca) from Kyêbxang Co, a high altitude salt lake on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is one of the areas the richest in salt lakes and Artemia sites. As a result of climate warming and wetting, the areas of salt lakes on the plateau have been increasing, and the salinities have decreased considerably since 1990s. However, the impact of salinity change on the genetic diversity of Artemia is still unknown.