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In the current investigation, total phenols and flavonoids contents of Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb. bulbs, leaves, and flowers were quantified by Folin–Ciocalteu's and borohydride/chloroquinone methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was evaluated by means of peroxide scavenging capacity assay and by cell antioxidation method. Antioxidant activity of E. bulbosa bulbs, leaves, and flowers was correlated with total phenols and flavonoids. The total phenols and flavonoids of the bulbs of E. bulbosa were higher than leaves and flower and its antioxidant activity was also stronger than leaves and flowers of E. bulbosa. The higher content of flavonoids or total phenols, the stronger the antioxidant capacity in vitro. The antioxidant activity of E. bulbosa extract showed it's certain nutritional value and therefore had the potential as a source of natural antioxidants. Total phenolic, flavonoid content of Eleutherine bulbosa were quantified. Antioxidation of E. bulbosa was correlated with total phenols content and flavonoids. The total phenols or flavonoids was higher and antioxidation was also stronger. Antioxidation of flowers was more valuable than bulbs and leaves.

Whole series of nanoparticles have now been reported, but probing the competing or coexisting effects in their synthesis and growth remains challenging. Here, we report a bi-nanocluster system comprising two ultra-small, atomically precise nanoclusters, AuAg 24 (SR) 18 − and Au 2 Ag 41 (SR) 26 (Dppm) 2 + (SR = cyclohexyl mercaptan, Dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)-methane). The mechanism by which these two nanoclusters coexist is elucidated, and found to entail formation of the unstable AuAg 24 (SR) 18 − , followed by its partial conversion to Au 2 Ag 41 (SR) 26 (Dppm) 2 + in the presence of di-phosphorus ligands, and an interdependent bi-nanocluster system is established, wherein the two oppositely charged nanoclusters protect each other from decomposition. AuAg 24 (SR) 18 and Au 2 Ag 41 (SR) 26 (Dppm) 2 are fully characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analysis – it is found that their co-crystallization results in single crystals comprising equimolar amounts of each. The findings highlight the interdependent relationship between two individual nanoclusters, which paves the way for new perspectives on nanocluster formation and stability. Despite recent progress in individual nanocluster synthesis, understanding the competing or coexisting effects between particles in solution remains challenging. Here, the authors present the synthesis of a bi-nanocluster system comprising two atomically precise nanoclusters, and map out the interdependent relationship between them.

Objective. Vitronectin (VTN) has been reported to trigger cell pyroptosis to aggravate inflammation in our previous study. However, the function of VTN in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains to be addressed. Methods. Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to analyze VTN-regulated intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) differentiation through ferroptosis, and immunofluorescence (IF), luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to identify whether VTN-modulated ferroptosis is dependent on phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4)/protein kinase A (PKA)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element-binding protein (CREB) cascade pathway. In vivo experiment in mice and a pilot study in patients with IBD were used to confirm inhibition of PDE4-alleviated IECs ferroptosis, leading to cell differentiation during mucosal healing. Results. Herein, we found that caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2-mediated IECs differentiation was impaired in response to VTN, which was attributed to enhanced ferroptosis characterized by decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 expression. Inhibition of ferroptosis in IECs rescued the inhibitory effect of VTN on cell differentiation. Further analysis showed that VTN triggered phosphorylation of PDE4, leading to inhibit PKA/CREB activation and CREB nuclear translocation, which further reduced GPX4 transactivation. Endogenous PKA interacted with CREB, and this interaction was destroyed in response to VTN stimulation. What is more, overexpression of CREB in CaCO2 cells overcame the promotion of VTN on ferroptosis. Most importantly, inhibition of PDE4 by roflumilast or dipyridamole could alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice and in a pilot clinical study confirmed by IF. Conclusions. These findings demonstrated that highly expressed VTN disrupted IECs differentiation through PDE4-mediated ferroptosis in IBD, suggesting targeting PDE4 could be a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with IBD.

Background Although studies have shown that physical activity may have protective effects against depression during pregnancy, evidence on the role of objectively measured physical activity remains limited. This study aimed to explore the associations between daily step counts in the second trimester and depressive symptoms at different stages of pregnancy. Methods Based on 828 pregnant women from the Ruian Birth Cohort Study, daily step counts were averaged over a week from WeChat records in the second trimester. Linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations of daily step counts in the second trimester with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores and clinically significant depressive symptoms (EPDS scores ≥ 10) in the second and third trimesters, respectively. Results The 828 pregnant women took an average of 3,840 (± 2,170) steps each day in the second trimester. Higher daily step counts were associated with lower EPDS scores in both the second (a unit of 1000 steps; β : -0.16, 95% CI: -0.30 to -0.03) and third trimesters ( β : -0.25, 95% CI: -0.40 to -0.10). Additionally, higher step counts correlated with lower odds of clinically significant depressive symptoms in the third trimester (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79 to 0.96). The benefits were consistent across weekends and workdays. Conclusion Distinct patterns of association between second-trimester daily step counts and depressive symptoms in the second and third trimesters highlight the potential mental health benefits of maintaining higher daily step counts. The accessibility and high user engagement make daily step counts as a particularly practical tool for monitoring physical activity during pregnancy.

Background: To address the uncertainties of renewable energy power generation, the disorderly charging characteristics of electric vehicles, and the high electricity cost of the power grid in expressway service areas, a method of economic dispatch optimization based on the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed in this study. Methods: Mathematical models of photovoltaic power generation, energy storage systems, and electric vehicles were established, thereby constructing the microgrid system model of the power load in the expressway service area. Taking the economic cost of electricity consumption in the service area as the objective function and simultaneously meeting constraints such as power balance, power grid interactions, and energy storage systems, a microgrid economy dispatch model is constructed. An improved particle swarm optimization algorithm with time-varying parameters of the inertia weight and learning factor was designed to solve the optimal dispatching strategy. The inertia weight was improved by adopting the Gaussian decreasing method, and the asymmetric dynamic learning factor was adjusted simultaneously. Findings: Field case studies demonstrate that, compared to other algorithms, the improved Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm effectively reduces the operational costs of microgrid systems while exhibiting accelerated convergence speed and enhanced robustness. Value: This study provides a theoretical mathematical reference for the economic dispatch optimization of microgrids in renewable-integrated transportation systems.

Background Metabolic reprogramming is a critical event for cell fate and function, making it an attractive target for clinical therapy. The function of metabolic reprogramming in Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori )-infected gastric intestinal metaplasia remained to be identified. Methods Xanthurenic acid (XA) was measured in gastric cancer cells treated with H. pylori or H. pylori virulence factor, respectively, and qPCR and WB were performed to detect CDX2 and key metabolic enzymes expression. A subcellular fractionation approach, luciferase and ChIP combined with immunofluorescence were applied to reveal the mechanism underlying H. pylori mediated kynurenine pathway in intestinal metaplasia in vivo and in vitro. Results Herein, we, for the first time, demonstrated that H. pylori contributed to gastric intestinal metaplasia characterized by enhanced Caudal-related homeobox transcription factor-2 (CDX2) and mucin2 (MUC2) expression, which was attributed to activation of kynurenine pathway. H. pylori promoted kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT2)-mediated kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism, leading to XA production, which further induced CDX2 expression in gastric epithelial cells. Mechanically, H. pylori activated cyclic guanylate adenylate synthase (cGAS)-interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) pathway in gastric epithelial cells, leading to enhance IRF3 nuclear translocation and the binding of IRF3 to KAT2 promoter. Inhibition of KAT2 could significantly reverse the effect of H. pylori on CDX2 expression. Also, the rescue phenomenon was observed in gastric epithelial cells treated with H. pylori after IRF3 inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Most importantly, phospho-IRF3 was confirmed to be a clinical positive relationship with CDX2. Conclusion These finding suggested H. pylori contributed to gastric intestinal metaplasia through KAT2-mediated kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism via cGAS-IRF3 signaling, targeting the kynurenine pathway could be a promising strategy to prevent gastric intestinal metaplasia caused by H. pylori infection. 2STnY-xvxhAA5nGkWu7hrz Video Abstract

Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) is a dominant species among frequent cyanobacterial blooms and is well known for its toxin-producing ability. Phosphorus (P) is a typical growth-limiting element for M. aeruginosa. Although alterations in physiological reactions have been documented in response to various P sources, the underlying molecular processes and transcriptional patterns remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the physiological and molecular responses of M. aeruginosa to different P sources. The growth of M. aeruginosa was promoted by both dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) at a concentration of 0.4 mg/L with an initial cell density of 1.50 (±0.05) × 106 cells/mL. The cell density reached 1.38 (±0.05) × 107 cells/mL in the DIP group on day 14, a value which was higher than that in the DOP group. Most photosynthesis genes had higher levels of upregulated expression in the DIP group. For instance, gene psbA was upregulated by 0.45 Log2Fold Change (Log2FC). In the DOP group, it is interesting that the Pi (PO4-P) concentration increased to 0.09 mg/L on day 14. Meanwhile, the expression of the gene encoding alkaline phosphatase-like protein was significantly upregulated, with a value of 1.56 Log2FC, and the alkaline phosphatase concentration increased in the DOP group. The intracellular microcystin (IMC) concentration decreased with time in both groups. However, the concentration of extracellular microcystins (EMCs) increased with incubation time in both groups. Phosphorus participates in the regulation of microcystin synthesis, mainly by regulating ATP synthesis. Based on the physiological and molecular investigations in this study, the results provide crucial insights into the physiological adaptations and the role of P in modulating harmful algal bloom formation, microcystin synthesis, and potential molecular responses of M. aeruginosa.

Purpose To explore the relationship between lumbosacral curve vertebral body tilt correction and postoperative coronal balance in adult degenerative scoliosis to determine the ideal target values for the tilt correction. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 144 patients who underwent surgery between January 2017 and December 2023. Patients were classified based on the preoperative Obeid classification and fixation segment length into Concave Long Segment (Concave-L, n  = 41), Concave Short Segment (Concave-S, n  = 33), Convex Long Segment (Convex-L, n  = 39), and Convex Short Segment (Convex-S, n  = 31). Changes in coronal and sagittal radiographic parameters and the correlation between the correction percentage of the most tilted vertebra (L4 or L5) and postoperative coronal balance distance (CBD) were assessed. Results Significant postoperative improvements in CBD, maximum coronal tilt, and Cobb angle were observed in the Concave-L, Convex-L, and Convex-S groups. The Concave-S group exhibited significant changes only in Cobb angle and maximum coronal tilt, but not CBD. A significant negative correlation existed between postoperative CBD and the correction ratio of maximum coronal tilt in the convex malalignment ( r =-0.629, P  < 0.001), with the regression equation: Postoperative CBD = 32.99 - (28.82 × Correction Ratio of Coronal Tilt). A correction ratio exceeding 45% at L4 or L5 tilt predicted a postoperative CBD within 20 mm. Conclusion Both short and long segment fusions effectively correct convex coronal malalignment, but concave malalignment requires long segment fusion for adequate correction. Optimal coronal balance in convex malalignment is achieved when the maximum tilt correction ratio exceeds 45%.

Objective. Microfold cells (M cells) are specific intestinal epithelial cells for monitoring and transcytosis of antigens, microorganisms, and pathogens in the intestine. However, the mechanism for M-cell development remained elusive. Materials and Methods. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and western blotting were performed to analyze the effect of sorbitol-regulated M-cell differentiation in vivo and in vitro, and luciferase and chromatin Immunoprecipitation were used to reveal the mechanism through which sorbitol-modulated M-cell differentiation. Results. Herein, in comparison to the mannitol group (control group), we found that intestinal M-cell development was inhibited in response to sorbitol treatment as evidenced by impaired enteroids accompanying with decreased early differentiation marker Annexin 5, Marcksl1, Spib, sox8, and mature M-cell marker glycoprotein 2 expression, which was attributed to downregulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-В ligand (RANKL) expression in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, in the M-cell model, sorbitol stimulation caused a significant upregulation of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) phosphorylation, leading to decreased protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) activation, which further resulted in CREB retention in cytosolic and attenuated CREB binds to RANKL promoter to inhibit RANKL expression. Interestingly, endogenous PKA interacted with CREB, and this interaction was destroyed by sorbitol stimulation. Most importantly, inhibition of PDE4 by dipyridamole could rescue the inhibitory effect of sorbitol on intestinal enteroids and M-cell differentiation and mature in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion. These findings suggested that sorbitol suppressed intestinal enteroids and M-cell differentiation and matured through PDE4-mediated RANKL expression; targeting to inhibit PDE4 was sufficient to induce M-cell development.

Objective. Rubi Fructus (RF) is a dry aggregate fruit of Rubus (Rosaceae). It has shown significant pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory. A combination of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and partial least squares regression (PLSR) under seven different spectral data preprocessing techniques was used to determine the performance of quantitative analysis correction models which employed moisure, ellagic acid, and total flavonoids as indicators of RF. Methods. Ninety-seven different RF batches were collected for NIR spectra. By using primary analysis techniques such as drying method, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), the contents of moisure, ellagic acid, and total flavonoids were determined. The NIR spectral data and the primary analysis method data were correlated through PLSR. Seven methods were used for pretreating the spectral data, including no spectral pretreatment, first derivative, standard normalized variate, multiple scattering corrections, elimination of constant offset, and minimum maximum normalization. The quantitative analysis correction models adopted PLSR chemometrics for moisture, ellagic acid and total flavonoids were developed, and their effectiveness was evaluated using the correlation coefficient (R), ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD), and root mean square error (RMSE). Results. The first derivative was combined with variable standardization, elimination of constant offset, and multiple scattering corrections, respectively, to pretreat the PLSR models for moisture, ellagic acid, and total flavonoids. The R-values of the PLSR models for moisture, ellagic acid, and total flavonoids were, respectively, 0.9788, 0.9468, and 0.9748, all of which were higher than 0.90, and the RPD values were 4.9, 3.1, and 4.5, respectively, which were all larger than 3.0. The RMSE ratios of the calibration set and the test set were 0.98, 0.94, and 1.0, respectively. Conclusion. The R-values of the NIR-PLSR models for moisture, ellagic acid, and total flavonoids are all greater than 0.90 after suitable pretreatments, indicating that the models are reliable. The RPD values are more than 3.0, which indicate that the models are good and useable for quality control. The RMSE ratios are closed to 1, indicating that the calibration set and test set had same distribution and the models were not overfitting indicating good predictability.