Machine learning-guided construction of MoS/MoO heterostructures on hollow carbon shells for polysulfide mitigation in lithium-sulfur batteries.

The commercialization of lithium‑sulfur (LiS) batteries faces fundamental issues from polysulfide shuttling to inefficient redox kinetics, compounded by the absence of systematic methods for catalyst design. Herein, we present a machine learning (ML)-driven strategy to design MoS/MoO heterostructures anchored on nitrogen-doped hollow carbon shells (NCS) via gradient boosting decision trees modeling. The ML-guided optimization identifies critical synthesis parameters (e.

Defective lipid droplet biogenesis exacerbates oleic acid-induced cellular homeostasis disruption and ferroptosis in mouse cardiac endothelial cells.

Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of various metabolic disorders and plays a pivotal role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary microvascular dysfunction and myocardial ischemia. Lipid droplets (LDs) have emerged as key regulators of fatty acid metabolism in endothelial cells (ECs), but their functional role in lipotoxicity-induced EC damage in the context of coronary microvascular dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we examined the contribution of LD biogenesis to oleic acid-induced lipotoxic effects in mouse cardiac ECs (MCECs).

Prognostic utility of albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio in head and neck cancer: A systematic review and metaanalysis.

The prognostic value of pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis investigated AAPR's predictive potential for survival outcomes in HNC patients. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases through July 30, 2024.

Antioxidant Intervention Against Microplastic Hazards.

Microplastic pollution (<5 mm) poses a serious threat to the environment and human health, inducing cellular stress damage in organisms (especially through oxidative stress). The damage results from excessive reactive oxygen species and impaired defense mechanisms, affecting energy production, organelles, and triggering inflammation. Antioxidants (such as vitamin C, curcumin, and quercetin) reduce stress markers and inflammation by neutralizing harmful molecules, activating protective pathways, and regulating autophagy, providing potential protection.

Effects of Syntactic Complexity on the Comprehension of Passive Clauses and wh-questions in Children with Developmental Language Disorder and Autism Plus Language Impairment.

There is considerable debate over the similarities and differences between developmental language disorder (DLD) and autism spectrum disorder plus language impairment (ALI). Few studies have compared these in terms of complex syntactic operations. This study aimed to explore the similarities and differences between children with DLD and children with ALI via investigating the effects of syntactic complexity operationalized in terms of movement and intervention in Mandarin passives and wh-questions.

Contribution of NLRP3-GSDMD axis to PDGF-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic transition.

Intimal hyperplasia, a pathological form of vascular remodeling, is a hallmark of several cardiovascular diseases, including restenosis following angioplasty. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic transition plays a critical role in the development of vascular intimal hyperplasia. This study investigates the role of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and its downstream effector, gasdermin D (GSDMD), in regulating VSMC phenotypic transition and their implications in the development of intimal hyperplasia.

Chemical Energy-Driven Lithiation Preparation of Co@Mo Core-Shell Heterostructures for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution.

Developing efficient transition metal-based catalysts through interface and defect engineering is crucial for enhancing hydrogen production via water electrolysis at high current densities, though it remains a significant challenge. In this study, Co@Mo heterostructures are designed and synthesized using a chemical-energy-driven lithiation (CEDL) process on CoS@MoS. By taking advantage of the slow crystallization kinetics at room temperature, the original core-shell structure is preserved during the lithiation of CoS@MoS heterostructures.

Effect of wet ball milling on nutritional quality and physicochemical properties of non-waxy and waxy foxtail millet.

To improve the processing adaptability of foxtail millet flour, the wet ball milling (WBM) technology was first used for the preparation of foxtail millet ultrafine flour, and the effects of WBM on the nutritional quality and physicochemical properties of non-waxy foxtail millet and waxy foxtail millet flour were compared. The results showed that WBM reduced the particle size of foxtail millet flour, improved its digestibility, and better retained its nutrients. Compared with blank control check (CK), the WBM-treated non-waxy foxtail millet flour showed reduced structural ordering, lower enthalpy, improved gelatinization, and produced a more rigid conformation, while the WBM-treated waxy foxtail millet flour showed increased structural ordering, higher enthalpy, lower regrowth, and better viscosity.

Magnesium-assisted hydrogen improves isoproterenol-induced heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of mortality among patients with cardiovascular disease and is often associated with myocardial apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). While hydrogen has demonstrated potential in reducing oxidative stress and ERS, recent evidence suggests that magnesium may aid in hydrogen release within the body, further enhancing these protective effects. This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of magnesium in reducing apoptosis and ERS through hydrogen release in a rat model of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced HF.

Cardiovascular dysfunction and altered lysosomal signaling in a murine model of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency.

Niemann-Pick Disease (NPD) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by the deficiency of acid sphingomyelinase (ASMD), which is encoded by the Smpd1 gene. ASMD impacts multiple organ systems in the body, including the cardiovascular system. This study is the first to characterize cardiac pathological changes in ASMD mice under baseline conditions, offering novel insights into the cardiac implications of NPD.

Cardiovascular Dysfunction and Altered Lysosomal Signaling in a Murine Model of Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency.

Niemann-Pick Disease (NPD) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by the deficiency of acid sphingomyelinase (ASMD), which is encoded by the gene. ASMD impacts multiple organ systems in the body, including the cardiovascular system. This study is the first to characterize cardiac pathological changes in ASMD mice under baseline conditions, offering novel insights into the cardiac implications of NPD.

Acid Sphingomyelinase Regulates AdipoRon-Induced Differentiation of Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells via TFEB Activation.

AdipoRon is a selective adiponectin receptor agonist that inhibits vascular remodeling by promoting the differentiation of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Our recent studies have demonstrated that activation of TFEB and its downstream autophagy-lysosomal signaling contribute to adipoRon-induced differentiation of SMCs. The present study was designed to examine whether acid sphingomyelinase (ASM; gene symbol ) is involved in mediating adipoRon-induced activation of TFEB-autophagy signaling and inhibition of proliferation/migration in arterial SMCs.

Cerebral endothelial 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase improves ischemia-induced cognitive impairment interacting with protein phosphatase 2A.

The catalytic activity of 3-mercaptopyruvate (3MP) sulfurtransferase (MPST) converts 3MP to hydrogen sulfide (HS). However, the regulatory mechanisms governing MPST and its impact on the brain remain largely unexplored. Our study reveals the neuroprotective role of endothelial MPST-generated HS, regulated by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A).

Lysosome Functions in Atherosclerosis: A Potential Therapeutic Target.

Lysosomes in mammalian cells are recognized as key digestive organelles, containing a variety of hydrolytic enzymes that enable the processing of both endogenous and exogenous substrates. These organelles digest various macromolecules and recycle them through the autophagy-lysosomal system. Recent research has expanded our understanding of lysosomes, identifying them not only as centers of degradation but also as crucial regulators of nutrient sensing, immunity, secretion, and other vital cellular functions.

Effect of triple helix polysaccharides from foxtail millet bran on millet starch gel formation.

Polysaccharides as modifiers can solve native starch gel problem of weaker gel strength and lower gelation trend. The key structures of foxtail millet bran polysaccharides (FMBPs) in improving millet starch gel properties were investigated. Results showed that FMBPs were high molecular weight (Mw) heteropolysaccharides and the distribution of total sugar, uronic acid and monosaccharides was non-uniform in four FMBPs.

Differential diagnosis of thrombosis and myxoma in unusual heart positions by dual-energy CT multiple parameter imaging: A case series.

Rationale: Thrombus is the most common occupying lesion in the cardiac chambers, it is often distinguished from cardiac neoplastic occupations. Among them, the most common is cardiac myxoma, whose imaging manifestations are often confused with thrombus. However, the 2 types of lesions have different therapeutic strategies and are both potentially high-risk sources of embolism, so early differentiation between intracardiac thrombus and cardiac tumor is essential.

An insight into the mechanisms of foxtail millet bran polysaccharides retarding the digestibility of millet starch by in vitro simulated digestion.

The influence of foxtail millet bran polysaccharides (MPs) on millet starch (MS) digestion was investigated in the three aspects (MPs, MP-MS gel properties, the interactions between MPs and MS). The results showed that MPs with a higher Mw (58-2552 kDa), a narrower Mw distribution (1.85-9.

Reduction of Vancomycin-Associated Acute Kidney Injury With Montelukast.

Background: Vancomycin ranks among the most utilized antimicrobial agents in the treatment of serious β-lactam-resistant gram-positive infections, but its use has been associated with nephrotoxicity. Reduction of acute kidney injury (AKI) has been reported in preclinical models with adjuvant montelukast. The purpose of the study was to ascertain if montelukast was associated with a reduction in the prevalence of vancomycin-associated AKI.

Ablation of Hepatic Asah1 Gene Disrupts Hepatic Lipid Homeostasis and Promotes Fibrotic Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of chronic liver conditions, ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which may progress to fibrosis/cirrhosis. Here, the GSE163211 data set was analyzed, and Asah1 (encoding acid ceramidase) was identified as a crucial lysosomal gene that positively correlated with NAFLD stages in obese patients. To evaluate the role of Asah1 in the progression of NAFLD, Asah1/Alb mice (hepatocyte-specific deletion of Asah1) and Asah1 floxed (Asah1/wild-type) mice were fed with either a normal diet or a high-fat, high-cholesterol paigen diet (PD) for 20 weeks.

Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Is Associated With Augmented Lysosomal Signaling in Hypercholesterolemic Mice.

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) caused by hypercholesterolemia can lead to myocardial ischemia, with or without obstructive atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. However, the molecular pathways associated with compromised coronary microvascular function before the development of myocardial ischemic injury remain poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the effects of hypercholesterolemia on the function and integrity of the coronary microcirculation in mice and the underlying mechanisms.

Identification and validation of autophagy-related genes in Hirschsprung's disease.

Background: Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder characterized by aganglionosis in the intermuscular and submucosal nerve plexuses of the gut, leading to impaired gastrointestinal function. Although the precise cause and pathophysiology of HSCR remain elusive, increasing evidence points to a significant role of autophagy in its development, warranting further investigation into its underlying mechanisms.

Methods: This study utilized publicly available microarray expression profiling datasets, GSE96854 and GSE98502, from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO).

Replication-coupled inheritance of chromatin states.

During the development of eukaryote, faithful inheritance of chromatin states is central to the maintenance of cell fate. DNA replication poses a significant challenge for chromatin state inheritance because every nucleosome in the genome is disrupted as the replication fork passes. It has been found that many factors including DNA polymerases, histone chaperones, as well as, RNA Pol II and histone modifying enzymes coordinate spatially and temporally to maintain the epigenome during this progress.

Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction is Associated with Augmented Lysosomal Signaling in Hypercholesterolemic Mice.

Accumulating evidence indicates that coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) caused by hypercholesterolemia can lead to myocardial ischemia, with or without obstructive atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the molecular pathways associated with compromised coronary microvascular function prior to the development of myocardial ischemic injury remain poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the effects of hypercholesterolemia on the function and integrity of the coronary microcirculation in mice and the underlying mechanisms.

Role of EZH2-mediated epigenetic modification on vascular smooth muscle in cardiovascular diseases: A mini-review.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are integral to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase, plays a crucial role in epigenetic regulation of VSMCs gene expression. Emerging researches suggest that EZH2 has a dual role in VSMCs, contingent on the pathological context of specific CVDs.