Cationic Surface Charge Engineering of Recombinant Transthyretin Remarkably Increases the Inhibitory Potency Against Amyloid β-Protein Fibrillogenesis.

The deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in the brain is the main pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The development of potent inhibitors against Aβ aggregation is one of the effective strategies to combat AD. Endogenous transthyretin (TTR) can inhibit Aβ fibrillization via hydrophobic interactions, but its weak inhibitory potency hinders its application in AD therapy.

Dual-Carbon Dots Composite: A Multifunctional Photo-Propelled Nanomotor Against Alzheimer's β-Amyloid.

The abnormal accumulation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) is considered as the main pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The design of potent multifunctional theranostic agents targeting Aβ is one of the effective strategies for AD prevention and treatment. Nanomotors as intelligent, advanced, and multifunctional nanoplatforms can perform many complex tasks, but their application in AD theranostics is rare.

Effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal footbaths as an adjuvant therapy for dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal footbaths (CHF) as an adjunctive therapy in managing dysmenorrhea.

Methods: Ten electronic databases were searched to identify eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from inception until June 2023. Outcome measurements encompassed the total effective rate, visual analog scale (VAS) score of pain intensity, Cox menstrual symptom scale (CMSS) score, symptom score, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scale, and any reported adverse events.

Association analysis of the sorting nexin 29 (SNX29) gene copy number variations with growth traits in Diannan small-ear (DSE) pigs.

is a potential functional gene associated with meat production traits. Previous studies have shown that copy number variation (CNV) could be implicated with phenotype in goats. However, in Diannan small-ear (DSE) pigs, the genetic impact of CNV on growth traits remains unclear.

Methylene Blue-Doped Carbonized Polymer Dots: A Potent Photooxygenation Scavenger Targeting Alzheimer's β-Amyloid.

The abnormal aggregation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) is one of the main pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and thus development of potent scavengers targeting Aβ is considered an effective strategy for AD treatment. Herein, photosensitizer-doped carbonized polymer dots (PS-CPDs) were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method using photosensitizer (PS) and -phenylenediamine (PD) as precursors, and furtherly applied to inhibit Aβ aggregation via photooxygenation. The inhibition efficiency of such PS-CPDs can be adjusted by varying the type of photosensitizer, and among them, methylene blue-doped carbonized polymer dots (MB-CPDs) showed the strongest photooxygenation inhibition capability.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for pregnancy-related low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Pregnancy-related low back pain (PLBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, affecting people's physical and psychological health. Acupuncture is widely used in clinical practice as a treatment for PLBP. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture or acupuncture combined with other treatments for PLBP patients.

Genome-Wide Association Analysis Identifies Genomic Regions and Candidate Genes for Growth and Fatness Traits in Diannan Small-Ear (DSE) Pigs.

In the livestock industry, the growth and fatness traits are directly related to production efficiency and economic profits. As for Diannan small-ear (DSE) pigs, a unique indigenous breed, the genetic architecture of growth and fatness traits is still elusive. The aim of this study was to search the genetic loci and candidate genes associated with phenotypic traits in DSE pigs using GWAS based on the Geneseek Porcine 50K SNP Chip data.

Effects of Genetic Variation of the Sorting Nexin 29 () Gene on Growth Traits of Xiangdong Black Goat.

Previous studies have found that the copy number variation (CNV) and insertion/deletion (indels) located in the sorting nexin 29 (SNX29) gene, which is an important candidate gene related to meat production and quality, are associated with growth traits of African goats and Shaanbei white cashmere goats. However, the genetic effects of SNX29 genetic variation on growth traits of Xiangdong black (XDB) goat (a representative meat goat breed in China) are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to detect the mRNA expression level of SNX29 and to explore the genetic effects of CNV and indel within SNX29 on growth traits and gene expression in XDB goat.

Epigallocatechin gallate-derived carbonized polymer dots: A multifunctional scavenger targeting Alzheimer's β-amyloid plaques.

The design of high-efficiency scavengers targeting β-amyloid protein (Aβ) plaques in the progress of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been recognized as an effective way to prevent and treat AD. Herein, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-derived carbonized polymer dots (E-CPDs) were synthesized for the first time via a hydrothermal method using EGCG, an Aβ inhibitor, as one of the raw materials. The inhibitory efficiency and fluorescent property of E-CPDs were elegantly modulated by adjusting the molar ratio of EGCG to nitrogen-containing dopant, o-phenylenediamine (oPD), and 75E-CPDs fabricated with 75 mM EGCG and 50 mM oPD showed the highest inhibitory capability.

Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Body Measure Traits in Four Chinese Cattle Breeds.

Identifying molecular markers related to growth characteristics or meat quality is significant for improving beef cattle breeds. K(lysine) acetyltransferase 2B () is a transcriptional co-activator regulating the acetylation modification of histones, which may be involved in the development and metabolism of muscle and adipose. However, investigations of genetic variations in Chinese native cattle are still limited.

A multi-target theranostic nano-composite against Alzheimer's disease fabricated by conjugating carbon dots and triple-functionalized human serum albumin.

The complex pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves the aggregation and accumulation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) as well as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which requires the development of comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. In this work, a multifunctional theranostic nano-composite (HSA-BFP@CDs) is constructed by conjugating triple-functionalized human serum albumin (HSA-BFP) as a theranostic agent targeting Aβ and carbon dots (CDs) as an ROS scavenger. HSA-BFP@CDs exhibits a fluorescence "off-on" effect at 700 nm upon interaction with Aβ aggregates, showing the capability for detection of Aβ plaques and potential for early diagnosis of AD.

L-type calcium channel blockers decrease the iron overload-mediated oxidative stress in renal epithelial cells by reducing iron accumulation.

Iron-mediated oxidative stress has been recognized as one of the leading causes of chronic kidney injury. The effect of L-type calcium channel (LTCC) blocker on iron overload has been shown in cardiomyocytes, liver cells, and nerve cells. So far, few studies have examined whether blockers improve kidney iron-mediated oxidative stress.

Loading Auristatin PE onto boron nitride nanotubes and their effects on the apoptosis of Hep G2 cells.

Auristatin PE (PE) as an anti-microtubule agent possesses good anticancer activity. However, the poor target effect and strong side effect limit the clinical application of PE. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) represent an outstanding carrier candidate providing a wise choice for liver-targeted drug delivery.

Quercetin Improves Glucose and Lipid Metabolism of Diabetic Rats: Involvement of Akt Signaling and SIRT1.

Glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in diabetes mellitus often causes damage to multiple tissues and organs. Diabetes mellitus is beneficially affected by quercetin. However, its concrete mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated.