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A bstract We revisit QCD calculations of radiative heavy meson decay form factors by including the subleading power corrections from the twist-two photon distribution amplitude at next-to-leading-order in α s with the method of the light-cone sum rules (LCSR). The desired hard-collinear factorization formula for the vacuum-to-photon correlation function with the interpolating currents for two heavy mesons is constructed with the operator- product-expansion technique in the presence of evanescent operators. Applying the back- ground field approach, the higher twist corrections from both the two-particle and three- particle photon distribution amplitudes are further computed in the LCSR framework at leading-order in QCD, up to the twist-four accuracy. Combining the leading power “point- like” photon contribution at tree level and the subleading power resolved photon corrections from the newly derived LCSR, we update theory predictions for the nonperturbative couplings describing the electromagnetic decay processes of the heavy mesons H ∗± → H ± γ , H ∗0 → H 0 γ , H s ∗ ± → H s ± γ (with H = D, B ). Furthermore, we perform an exploratory comparisons of our sum rule computations of the heavy-meson magnetic couplings with the previous determinations based upon different QCD approaches and phenomenological models.

Breast cancer (BC) affects the breast tissue and is the second most common cause of mortalities among women. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death mode that is characterized by intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We constructed a prognostic multigene signature based on ferroptosis-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Moreover, we comprehensively analyzed the role of ferroptosis-associated miRNAs, lncRNAs, and immune responses. A total of 259 ferroptosis-related genes were extracted. KEGG function analysis of these genes revealed that they were mainly enriched in the HIF-1 signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, central carbon metabolism in cancer, and PPAR signaling pathway. Fifteen differentially expressed genes (ALOX15, ALOX15B, ANO6, BRD4, CISD1, DRD5, FLT3, G6PD, IFNG, NGB, NOS2, PROM2, SLC1A4, SLC38A1, and TP63) were selected as independent prognostic factors for BC patients. Moreover, T cell functions, including the CCR score, immune checkpoint, cytolytic activity, HLA, inflammation promotion, para-inflammation, T cell co-stimulation, T cell co-inhibition, and type II INF responses were significantly different between the low-risk and high-risk groups of the TCGA cohort. Immune checkpoints between the two groups revealed that the expressions of PDCD-1 (PD-1), CTLA4, LAG3, TNFSF4/14, TNFRSF4/8/9/14/18/25, and IDO1/2 among others were significantly different. A total of 1185 ferroptosis-related lncRNAs and 219 ferroptosis-related miRNAs were also included in this study. From the online database, we identified novel ferroptosis-related biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis. The findings of this study provide new insights into the development of new reliable and accurate cancer treatment options.

With the development of coronary angiography, more and more attention has been paid to coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). Recent studies have found that the correlation between homocysteine (Hcy) levels and CSFP was contradictory, so we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the correlation. By March 2022, studies that meet the research requirements were identified by searching multiple databases including Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed. We included studies evaluating the correlation between Hcy levels and CSFP. Random or fixed effect meta-analyses were performed according to heterogeneity among included studies. A leave-out method and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the source of heterogeneity. Thirteen studies involving 625 CSFP and 550 subjects were included. After pooling data from each study, Hcy levels were higher in the CSFP groups (standard mean difference [SMD], 1.45; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.96, P < .00001) than in the control group. In the meta-analysis, there was significant heterogeneity (I2 = 93%), which was further explored through leave-out method and and subgroup analyses. Specifically, pooling data from studies with a mean thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count ≥ 46 (SMD, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.63, P < .00001) resulted in no heterogeneity (0%), indicating that the TIMI frame count ≥ 46 was the source of heterogeneity. Our study found that elevated Hcy levels are strongly associated with CSFP. More importantly, the association was stronger in CSFP patients with mean TIMI frame count ≥ 46.

Background Nitrite is one of the primary pollutants in high-density aquaculture systems, and may cause various toxic effects (e.g., oxidative damage, metabolic and immune dysregulation, histological inflammation, etc.) on economically important aquaculture species, such as echinoderms, crustaceans and fish. Nitrite can also disrupt the intestinal function and microbiota in some fish and amphibians. However, intestinal physiological and microbial responses of cultured turtles under nitrite stress were rarely explored. Method Twenty Mauremys reevesii juveniles were exposed to different nitrite levels and fed with a commercial diet. Their intestinal content samples were analyzed for microbial diversity and composition. Results Nitrite exposure reduced intestinal microbial diversity, with lower α-diversity values in higher-concentration exposed turtles. It also changed the microbial composition. After exposure, the abundances of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes decreased, but that of Proteobacteria increased at the phylum level. Similarly, abundances of some potentially beneficial bacterial genera, e.g., Prevotella_1 , Christensenellaceae_R-7 , Muribaculaceae_ge , were shown to decrease, but those of putatively pathogenic genera, e.g., Halomonas , Nesterenkonia , increased at the genus level. Furtherly, potentially altered metabolic pathways (e.g., biosynthesis of ansamycins and vancomycin group antibiotics) were revealed by functional predictions of intestinal microbiota. Conclusion This study highlighted intestinal microbial dysbiosis and prevalence of putatively pathogenic bacteria in cultured turtles under nitrite stress. Excessive levels of nitrite would alter the health status of aquatic animals by disrupting their intestinal microbiome.

ObjectiveThe convoluted element of PM2.5 may cause various biological reactions. Nowadays, few studies have indicated the long-term health effects of PM2.5 on HCC. Therefore, this meta-analysis first aims to obtain more precise estimates of the effects of PM2.5 exposure on HCC to assess the strength of the evidence.MethodsA combination of computer and manual retrieval was used to search in Medline through PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to examine the heterogeneity among the studies.ResultsFinally, 8 qualified articles meet the inclusion criteria. The results were I2 = 0%, P > 0.1 indicating that there was no heterogeneity. The results showed that the concentration of PM2.5 increased by 10 μg/m3 was significantly correlated with liver cancer, and HR was 1.22 (95% CI 1.14–1.30, P < 0.05), indicating that maternal exposure to PM2.5 was positively correlated with liver cancer.ConclusionsOur meta-analysis showed that the patients with HCC significance related to PM2.5 exposure. However, more studies investigating the combined effects of different air pollutants on HCC incidence are warranted to provide more comprehensive evidence for assessing the different levels impacts of PM2.5 exposure on HCC incidence.

Background/Aims: Poultry meat quality is affected by many factors, among which intramuscular fat (IMF) is predominant. IMF content affects the tenderness, juiciness, and favor of chicken. An increasing number of studies are focusing on the functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) during the adipogenic process. However, little is known about miRNAs associated with poultry IMF deposition, especially intramuscular adipocyte differentiation. Methods: The IMF content of two physiological stages was measured, and miRNA-Seq and RNA-Seq data were integrated and analyzed. A chicken intramuscular adipocyte cell differentiation model was constructed. A luciferase reporter assay, miRNA overexpression, and Oil Red O staining were used to confirm the targets of gga-miR-140-5p. Results: Our results showed that late-laying-period hens, which had a higher IMF content, exhibited lower global expression levels of miRNAs than juvenile hens. A total of 104 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified between the two groups. Integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes and DE miRNAs identified a total of 378 miRNA-mRNA pairs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these intersecting genes are involved in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and fatty acid elongation and degradation pathways. Furthermore, we demonstrated that gga-miR-140-5p promoted intramuscular adipocyte differentiation via targeting retinoid X receptor gamma. Conclusion: Our findings may contribute to a more thorough understanding of chicken IMF deposition and the improvement of poultry meat quality.

Background Respiratory tract infection (RTI) in young children is a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization worldwide. There are few studies assessing the performance for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) versus oropharyngeal swab (OPS) specimens in microbiological findings for children with RTI. The primary purpose of this study was to compare the detection rates of OPS and paired BALF in detecting key respiratory pathogens using suspension microarray. Methods We collected paired OPS and BALF specimens from 76 hospitalized children with respiratory illness. The samples were tested simultaneously for 8 respiratory viruses and 5 bacteria by suspension microarray. Results Of 76 paired specimens, 62 patients (81.6%) had at least one pathogen. BALF and OPS identified respiratory pathogen infections in 57 (75%) and 49 (64.5%) patients, respectively ( P  > 0.05). The etiology analysis revealed that viruses were responsible for 53.7% of the patients, whereas bacteria accounted for 32.9% and Mycoplasma pneumoniae for 13.4%. The leading 5 pathogens identified were respiratory syncytial virus, Streptococcus pneumoniaee , Haemophilus influenzae , Mycoplasma pneumoniae and adenovirus, and they accounted for 74.2% of etiological fraction. For detection of any pathogen, the overall detection rate of BALF (81%) was marginally higher than that (69%) of OPS ( p  = 0.046). The differences in the frequency distribution and sensitivity for most pathogens detected by two sampling methods were not statistically significant. Conclusions In this study, BALF and OPS had similar microbiological yields. Our results indicated the clinical value of OPS testing in pediatric patients with respiratory illness.

Background Oriental river prawn ( Macrobrachium nipponense ) is one of the most dominant species in shrimp farming in China, which is a rich source of protein and contributes to a significant impact on the quality of human life. Thus, more complete and accurate annotation of gene models are important for the breeding research of oriental river prawn. Results A full-length transcriptome of oriental river prawn muscle was obtained using the PacBio Sequel platform. Then, 37.99 Gb of subreads were sequenced, including 584,498 circular consensus sequences, among which 512,216 were full length non-chimeric sequences. After Illumina-based correction of long PacBio reads, 6,599 error-corrected isoforms were identified. Transcriptome structural analysis revealed 2,263 and 2,555 alternative splicing (AS) events and alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites, respectively. In total, 620 novel genes (NGs), 197 putative transcription factors (TFs), and 291 novel long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified. Conclusions In summary, this study offers novel insights into the transcriptome complexity and diversity of this prawn species, and provides valuable information for understanding the genomic structure and improving the draft genome annotation of oriental river prawn.

Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) plays an important role in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching, which is an early pathogenic event in various vascular remodeling diseases (VRDs). However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Methods An IP‒LC‒MS/MS assay was conducted to identify new binding partners of G6PD involved in the regulation of VSMC phenotypic switching under platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) stimulation. Co-IP, GST pull-down, and immunofluorescence colocalization were employed to clarify the interaction between G6PD and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 1 (VDAC1). The molecular mechanisms involved were elucidated by examining the interaction between VDAC1 and apoptosis-related biomarkers, as well as the oligomerization state of VDAC1. Results The G6PD level was significantly elevated and positively correlated with the synthetic characteristics of VSMCs induced by PDGF-BB. We identified VDAC1 as a novel G6PD-interacting molecule essential for apoptosis. Specifically, the G6PD-NTD region was found to predominantly contribute to this interaction. G6PD promotes VSMC survival and accelerates vascular neointimal hyperplasia by inhibiting VSMC apoptosis. Mechanistically, G6PD interacts with VDAC1 upon stimulation with PDGF-BB. By competing with Bax for VDAC1 binding, G6PD reduces VDAC1 oligomerization and counteracts VDAC1–Bax-mediated apoptosis, thereby accelerating neointimal hyperplasia. Conclusion Our study showed that the G6PD–VDAC1–Bax axis is a vital switch in VSMC apoptosis and is essential for VSMC phenotypic switching and neointimal hyperplasia, providing mechanistic insight into early VRDs. Graphical Abstract

Cryptorchidism is associated with infertility in adulthood. Early orchiopexy is suggested to reduce the risk. Information is lacking on the potential link between infant germ cell maturation and the risk of future infertility. The objective of the study was to evaluate age-related germ cell development in cryptorchidism. Immunostaining for markers of germ cell development (octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 [OCT3/4], placental alkaline phosphatase [PLAP], KIT proto-oncogene [C-KIT], podoplanin [D2-40], Lin-28 homolog A [LIN28], and G antigen 7 [GAGE-7]) was performed in testicular biopsies from 40 cryptorchid boys aged 4-35 months. Germ cell numbers and distributions were evaluated in cross sections of seminiferous tubules, with and without immunostaining. OCT3/4, D2-40, and LIN28 were generally expressed in the early stages of germ cell development, as shown by positive expression in germ cells in the central region of seminiferous tubules. In contrast, PLAP and GAGE-7 were expressed in both central and peripheral parts of the tubules in the early stages of development and expressed mainly in a peripheral position with advancing age. Germ cell maturation was delayed in this study population as compared with that observed in our previous study on germ cell markers in a healthy population. The number of GAGE-7-positive germ cells per tubular cross section obtained by immunostaining was significantly higher than that obtained by standard hematoxylin and eosin staining. Double immunostaining revealed heterogeneity in germ cell development in cryptorchid testes. These results shed light on the pathophysiology of germ cell development in boys with cryptorchidism.