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Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of transcripts in the mammalian genome. Although the translation of circRNAs was reported, additional coding circRNAs and the functions of their translated products remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that an endogenous circRNA generated from a long noncoding RNA encodes regulatory peptides. Through ribosome nascent-chain complex-bound RNA sequencing (RNC-seq), we discover several peptides potentially encoded by circRNAs. We identify an 87-amino-acid peptide encoded by the circular form of the long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA p53 -induced transcript ( LINC-PINT ) that suppresses glioblastoma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. This peptide directly interacts with polymerase associated factor complex (PAF1c) and inhibits the transcriptional elongation of multiple oncogenes. The expression of this peptide and its corresponding circRNA are decreased in glioblastoma compared with the levels in normal tissues. Our results establish the existence of peptides encoded by circRNAs and demonstrate their potential functions in glioblastoma tumorigenesis. Functional peptides can be encoded by short open reading frames in non-coding RNA. Here, the authors identify a 87aa peptide encoded by the circular form of the long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA p53 -induced transcript ( LINC-PINT ) that can reduce glioblastoma proliferation via interaction with PAF1 which sequentially inhibits the transcriptional elongation of some oncogenes.

HighlightsThe burgeoning research topic of axially coordinated single-atom catalysts (SACs) is briefly outlined in this review.A comprehensive summary of the recent advances on synthetic strategies and electrocatalytic applications of axially coordinated SACs is provided.The challenges and outlooks for future axially coordinated SACs study have been emphasized.Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have garnered increasingly growing attention in renewable energy scenarios, especially in electrocatalysis due to their unique high efficiency of atom utilization and flexible electronic structure adjustability. The intensive efforts towards the rational design and synthesis of SACs with versatile local configurations have significantly accelerated the development of efficient and sustainable electrocatalysts for a wide range of electrochemical applications. As an emergent coordination avenue, intentionally breaking the planar symmetry of SACs by adding ligands in the axial direction of metal single atoms offers a novel approach for the tuning of both geometric and electronic structures, thereby enhancing electrocatalytic performance at active sites. In this review, we briefly outline the burgeoning research topic of axially coordinated SACs and provide a comprehensive summary of the recent advances in their synthetic strategies and electrocatalytic applications. Besides, the challenges and outlooks in this research field have also been emphasized. The present review provides an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the axial coordination design of SACs, which could bring new perspectives and solutions for fine regulation of the electronic structures of SACs catering to high-performing energy electrocatalysis.

We aimed to prospectively investigate the benefit of using augmented reality (AR) for surgery residents learning aneurysm surgery. Eight residents were included, and divided into an AR group and a control group (4 in each group). Both groups were asked to locate an aneurysm with a blue circle on the same screenshot after their viewing of surgery videos from both AR and non-AR tests. Only the AR group was allowed to inspect and manipulate an AR holographic representation of the aneurysm in AR tests. The actual location of the aneurysm was defined by a yellow circle by an attending physician after each test. Localization deviation was determined by the distance between the blue and yellow circle. Localization deviation was lower in the AR group than in the control group in the last 2 tests (AR Test 2: 2.7 ± 1.0 mm vs. 5.8 ± 4.1 mm,  = 0.01, non-AR Test 2: 2.1 ± 0.8 mm vs. 5.9 ± 5.8 mm,  < 0.001). The mean deviation was lower in non-AR Test 2 as compared to non-AR Test 1 in both groups (AR:  < 0.001, control:  = 0.391). The localization deviation of the AR group decreased from 8.1 ± 3.8 mm in Test 2 to 2.7 ± 1.0 mm in AR Test 2 (  < 0.001). AR technology provides an effective and interactive way for neurosurgery training, and shortens the learning curve for residents in aneurysm surgery.

HighlightsA novel aqueous/aprotic electrolyte with low salt concentration (i.e., 0.5 m Zn(CF3SO3)2+1 m LiTFSI) demonstrated an expanded electrochemical window, which can simultaneously stabilize Zn metal anode and increase the operation voltage of Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors.The coordination shell of the electrolyte induced by acetonitrile and LiTFSI can not only suppress the Zn corrosion and hydrogen evolution reaction but also promote the cathodic stability and ion migration, which is depicted by the density functional theory simulations together with experimental characterizations.The Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitor based on the developed electrolyte can operate within 0–2.2 V in a wide temperature range with an ultra-long lifespan (> 120,000 cycles).With the merits of the high energy density of batteries and power density of supercapacitors, the aqueous Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors emerge as a promising candidate for applications where both rapid energy delivery and moderate energy storage are required. However, the narrow electrochemical window of aqueous electrolytes induces severe side reactions on the Zn metal anode and shortens its lifespan. It also limits the operation voltage and energy density of the Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors. Using ‘water in salt’ electrolytes can effectively broaden their electrochemical windows, but this is at the expense of high cost, low ionic conductivity, and narrow temperature compatibility, compromising the electrochemical performance of the Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors. Thus, designing a new electrolyte to balance these factors towards high-performance Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors is urgent and necessary. We developed a dilute water/acetonitrile electrolyte (0.5 m Zn(CF3SO3)2 + 1 m LiTFSI-H2O/AN) for Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors, which simultaneously exhibited expanded electrochemical window, decent ionic conductivity, and broad temperature compatibility. In this electrolyte, the hydration shells and hydrogen bonds are significantly modulated by the acetonitrile and TFSI− anions. As a result, a Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitor with such an electrolyte demonstrates a high operating voltage up to 2.2 V and long lifespan beyond 120,000 cycles.

In order to identify the sources of indoor PM2.5 and to check which factors influence the concentration of indoor PM2.5 and chemical elements, indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and its related elements in residential houses in Beijing were explored. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 samples that were monitored continuously for one week were collected. Indoor and outdoor concentrations of PM2.5 and 15 elements (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, Se, Tl, V, Zn) were calculated and compared. The median indoor concentration of PM2.5 was 57.64 μg/m3. For elements in indoor PM2.5, Cd and As may be sensitive to indoor smoking, Zn, Ca and Al may be related to indoor sources other than smoking, Pb, V and Se may mainly come from outdoor. Five factors were extracted for indoor PM2.5 by factor analysis, explained 76.8% of total variance, outdoor sources contributed more than indoor sources. Multiple linear regression analysis for indoor PM2.5, Cd and Pb was performed. Indoor PM2.5 was influenced by factors including outdoor PM2.5, smoking during sampling, outdoor temperature and time of air conditioner use. Indoor Cd was affected by factors including smoking during sampling, outdoor Cd and building age. Indoor Pb concentration was associated with factors including outdoor Pb and time of window open per day, building age and RH. In conclusion, indoor PM2.5 mainly comes from outdoor sources, and the contributions of indoor sources also cannot be ignored. Factors associated indoor and outdoor air exchange can influence the concentrations of indoor PM2.5 and its constituents.

Background Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a pathophysiological hallmark of vascular dementia, the second most common form of dementia. CCH exerts complex and subtle detrimental effects on both the brain and peripheral systems. Irisin is a polypeptide primarily expressed in contracting skeletal muscle and the brain. However, its role in CCH remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CCH on irisin metabolism and whether increasing endogenous irisin levels through forced aerobic exercise (FAE) could confer neuroprotection against secondary brain injury induced by CCH. Methods A total of 212 adult (8-week-old) male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to either sham or CCH groups. CCH was induced by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis. FAE consisted of daily swimming (1 h/day, 5 days/week, for 5 weeks). Two subgroups of CCH mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of either DMSO or cilengitide trifluoroacetate (CT), a selective inhibitor of integrin αV and β5 (the irisin receptor), during FAE. ELISA and western blotting were used to assess irisin expression, while western blotting, TUNEL, immunofluorescence staining, and neurobehavioral tests were conducted to evaluate neurofunctional outcomes. Results Hippocampal and serum irisin levels were progressively reduced in CCH mice. Additionally, expression of integrins αV and β5 in hippocampal neurons, microglia, and astrocytes decreased post-CCH. FAE effectively enhanced both peripheral and central irisin expression. Increased endogenous irisin levels inhibited CCH-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and microglial activation, thereby promoting neuronal survival and partially ameliorating white matter injury. These changes led to improvements in memory, motor function, and anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Mechanistically, the neuroprotective effects of irisin were mediated by enhanced hippocampal neuronal and microglial autophagy through increased AMPK phosphorylation and decreased mTOR phosphorylation—effects abolished by CT treatment. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that enhancing endogenous irisin via FAE mitigates CCH-induced neuronal apoptosis, microglial activation, cognitive impairment, and affective behavioral deficits by promoting autophagy through the integrin αVβ5/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Nuisance bleeding (NB) without urgent medical attention is rarely characterized despite its frequent occurrence in patients with cerebral aneurysms undergoing flow diversion (FD) who are maintained on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). This study explored the risk factors for NB. Patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms who underwent intervention using FD (July 2018 to May 2022) and had follow-up data were enrolled. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, aneurysm features and follow-up data were analysed. Bleeding complications were classified as NB, internal bleeding and alarming bleeding. NB was characterized by easy bruising, bleeding from small cuts and nonfatal petechiae and ecchymosis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for NB. This study assessed 121 patients. Of these, 52 (43.0%) patients had NB. Compared with the non-bleeding group, the NB group had more females (82.7% vs. 56.5%; p = 0.003), lower smoking rate (7.7% vs. 23.2%; p = 0.027) and smaller aneurysms (6.65 mm [4.60–9.60 mm] vs. 8.82 mm [5.65–15.65 mm]; p = 0.007) and had more patients maintained on ticagrelor-containing DAPT regimen (90.4% vs. 66.7%; p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that ticagrelor-containing DAPT regimen (odds ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–11.87; p = 0.016) was associated with NB. These results suggest that NB is a common bleeding complaint in patients on DAPT. In patients undergoing FD, DAPT with ticagrelor was the only independent risk factor for NB.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease affected by genetic and autoimmunity. The traditional Chinese medicine, Compound Qingdai Capsule (CQC), has shown potential benefits in treating psoriasis in clinical settings. Despite its efficacy, the molecular mechanisms underpinning its therapeutic action remain unclear. This study aimed to unravel the molecular mechanism of Compound Qingdai Capsule for psoriasis based on the psoriasis pathogenic pathway network, integrating multi-omics analysis, systems pharmacology, machine learning modeling, and animal experimentation. Psoriasis pathogenic pathway network was constructed through employing bioinformatics analysis and psoriasis-related multi-omics data mining. The ingredients of CQC were detected by UPLC-MS/MS, and target prediction was performed by systems pharmacology. Machine learning, including Lasso regression, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine (SVM), were utilized to screen core targets of psoriasis. Molecular docking was employed to evaluate the binding affinity between ingredients and core targets. The expression levels of core targets were determined using qRT-PCR and ELISA. Psoriasis-related datasets GSE201827 and GSE174763 were comprehensively analyzed to obtain 635 psoriasis-related genes. These genes were further enriched to elucidate signaling pathways involved, leading to the construction of psoriasis pathogenic pathway network. Utilizing UPLC-MS/MS, 29 main ingredients of CQC were characterized. CQC ingredients-targets network was constructed using these ingredients and their targets. Screening of CQC anti-psoriasis core targets using machine learning algorithm. Molecular docking confirmed good binding affinity between these targets and ingredients. Imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriasis-like rat validated the anti-psoriasis effect of CQC by alleviating symptoms, reducing spleen and thymus index, and modulating the expressions of core targets at mRNA and protein levels. CQC effectively modulates the expression levels of AURKB, CCNB1, CCNB2, CCNE1, CDK1, and JAK3 through various ingredients, such as astilbin, salvianolic acid A, and engeletin, via multiple pathways, thereby alleviating psoriasis-like symptoms.

Background The optimal therapeutic approach for cystic prolactinomas remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the remission rates of prolactinoma patients after surgical treatment and the risk factors affecting postoperative remission in cystic prolactinoma patients. Methods The clinical data were retrospectively compiled from 141 patients with prolactinomas (including 41 cases of cystic prolactinomas, 21 cases of solid microprolactinomas and 79 cases of solid macroprolactinomas) who underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) between April 2013 and October 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Results Early postoperative remission was achieved in 65.83% (n = 27/41) of cystic prolactinomas, 80.95% (n = 17/21) of solid microprolactinomas and 40.51% (n = 32/79) of solid macroprolactinomas. The mean length of follow up in all patients was 43.95 ± 2.33 months (range: 6-105 months). The follow-up remission rates were 58.54%, 71.43% and 44.30% in cystic, solid micro- and solid macroprolactinomas, respectively. For cystic prolactinomas, the early postoperative remission rates in the patients with preoperative dopamine agonists (DA) treatment were significantly higher than those without preoperative DA treatment ( p =  0.033), but the difference in the follow-up remission rates between these two groups was not significant ( p =  0.209). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that tumor size and preoperative prolactin (PRL) levels < 200 ng/ml were independent predictors for early postoperative remission in cystic prolactinomas. Conclusion For cystic prolactinomas, tumor size and preoperative PRL levels were independent predictors of early postoperative remission. Preoperative DA therapy combined with TSS may be more beneficial to cystic prolactinoma patients.

Hydroxylation reaction is a significant source of structural diversity in natural products (NPs), playing a crucial role in improving the bioactivity, solubility, and stability of natural product molecules. This review summarizes the latest research progress in the field of natural product hydroxylation, focusing on several key hydroxylases involved in the biosynthesis of NPs, including cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, α-ketoglutarate-dependent hydroxylases, and flavin-dependent monooxygenases. These enzymes achieve selective hydroxylation modification of various NPs, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and steroids, through different catalytic mechanisms. This review systematically summarizes the recent advances on the hydroxylation of NPs, such as amino acids, steroids, terpenoids, lipids, and phenylpropanoids, demonstrating the potential of synthetic biology strategies in constructing artificial biosynthetic pathways and producing hydroxylated natural product derivatives. Through metabolic engineering, enzyme engineering, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology combined with artificial intelligence-assisted technologies, a series of engineered strains have been successfully constructed for the efficient production of hydroxylated NPs and their derivatives, achieving efficient synthesis of hydroxylated NPs. This has provided new avenues for drug development, functional food, and biomaterial production and has also offered new ideas for the industrial production of these compounds. In the future, integrating artificial synthetic pathway design, enzyme directed evolution, dynamic regulation, and artificial intelligence technology is expected to further expand the application of enzyme-catalyzed hydroxylation reactions in the green synthesis of complex NPs, promoting research on natural product hydroxylation to new heights.