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It is of fundamental interest in controlling the light–matter interaction for a long time in the field of quantum information processing. Here, we explore a model by coupling a giant atom with the dynamically-modulated coupled-resonator waveguide and find the bound state, where the light shows the localization effect and the atomic decay into resonator modes is inhibited, excited by a propagating photon. An analytical treatment based on the separation of the propagating states and localized states of light has been proposed and provides inspiring explanation of our finding, i.e., there supports a quantum channel where the propagating photon can be converted to the localized state through the quantum interference from light–atom interactions in three resonators at different frequency detunings. Our work therefore shows the potential for actively localizing the photon in a modulated coupled-resonator waveguide system interacting with the giant atom, and also points out a way to study the light–atom interaction in a synthetic frequency dimension that holds the similar Hamiltonian.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) induces anti-tumor immune responses by triggering immunogenic cell death in tumor cells. Previously, we demonstrated that novel QDs-RGD nanoparticles exhibited high efficiency as photosensitizers in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, the underlying mechanism of the anti-tumor immune effects induced by the photosensitizer remains unknown. This study assessed the anticancer immune effect of QDs-RGD, as well as the conventional photosensitizer chlorine derivative, YLG-1, for comparison, against pancreatic cancer in support of superior therapeutic efficacy. The pancreatic cancer cell line, Panc02, was used for in vitro studies. C57BL/6 mice bearing pancreatic cancer cell-derived xenografts were generated for in vivo studies to assess the anti-tumor effects of QDs-RGD-PDT and YLG-1-PDT. The immunostimulatory ability of both photosensitizers was examined by measuring the expression of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMP), such as calreticulin (CRT), assessing dendritic cell (DC) maturation, and analyzing cytokine expression. The specific immunity of QDs-RGD and YLG-1-PDT on distant tumor were determined by combining PDT with anti-CTLA-4 antibody. QDs-RGD-PDT and YLG-1-PDT significantly inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. While both photosensitizers significantly promoted CRT release, DC maturation, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) expression, QDs-RGD exerted a stronger immunostimulatory effect than YLG-1. Combination treatment with QDs-RGD and CTLA-4 blockade was able to significantly inhibit the growth of distant tumors. QDs-RGD is a novel and effective PDT strategy for treating pancreatic tumors by inducing anti-tumor immune responses.

Background Increasing evidence has demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have regulatory functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The link between lincSCRG1 and HCC remains unclear. Methods To explore the lincSCRG1 regulation axis, bioinformatics, RIP and luciferase reporter assay were performed. The expressions of lincSCRG1-miR26a-SKP2 were detected in HCC tissues and cell lines through qPCR and western blot. The functions of HCC cells were investigated through in vitro assays (MTT, colony formation, transwell and flow cytometry) and the inner effect of lincSCRG1 -miR26a in vivo was evaluated by xenografts and liver metatstatic nude mice models. Results LincSCRG1 was found to be strongly elevated in human HCC tissues and cell lines. MiR26a and S phase kinase-related protein 2 (SKP2) were predicted as the target miRNA for lincSCRG1 and the target gene for miR26a with direct binding sites, respectively. LincSCRG1 was verified as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) via negative regulation of miR26a and derepression of SKP2 in HCC cells. Both overexpression of lincSCRG1 (ov- lincSCRG1 ) and inhibition of miR26a (in-miR26a) obviously stimulated cellular viability, colony formation, migration and proliferation of S phase cells and also significantly increased the protein levels of cyclinD1, CDK4, MMP2/3/9, Vimentin, and N-cadherin or inhibited the protein level of E-cadherin of HCC cells, while knockdown of lincSCRG1 (sh- lincSCRG1 ) and upregulation of miR26a (mi-miR26a) had the opposite effects on HCC cells. Cotransfection of in-miR26a or overexpression of SKP2 (ov-SKP2) with sh- lincSCRG1 could rescue the anticancer functions of sh- lincSCRG1 , including suppressing proliferation and migration of HCC cells. Additionally, sh- lincSCRG1 could effectively inhibit the growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumours and lung metastasis, while the anticancer effect of sh- lincSCRG1 could be reversed by cotransfection of in-miR26a. Conclusions LincSCRG1 acts as a ceRNA of miR26a to restrict its ability to derepress SKP2, thereby inducing the proliferation and migration of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Depletion of lincSCRG1 could be used as a potential therapeutic approach in HCC.

Nerve injury can induce aberrant changes in ion channels, enzymes, and cytokines/chemokines in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs); these changes are due to or at least partly governed by transcription factors that contribute to the genesis of neuropathic pain. However, the involvement of transcription factors in neuropathic pain is poorly understood. In this study, we report that transcription factor (TF) ETS proto-oncogene 1 (ETS1) is required for the initiation and development of neuropathic pain. Sciatic nerve chronic constrictive injury (CCI, a clinical neuropathic pain model) increases ETS1 expression in the injured male mouse DRG. Blocking this upregulation alleviated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, with no apparent effect on locomotor function. Mimicking this upregulation results in the genesis of nociception hypersensitivity; mechanistically, nerve injury-induced ETS1 upregulation promotes the expression of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1, a key initiator of pain) via enhancing its binding activity to the HDAC1 promotor, leading to the elevation of spinal central sensitization, as evidenced by increased expression of p-ERK1/2 and GFAP in the dorsal spinal horn. It appears that the ETS1/HDAC1 axis in DRG may have a critical role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain, and ETS1 is a potential therapeutic target in neuropathic pain.

As global climate change worsens, trees will have difficulties adapting to abiotic pressures, particularly in the field, where environmental characteristics are difficult to control. A prospective commercial and ornamental tree species, Styrax tonkinensis, has its seed oil output and quality reduced as a result, which lowers the economic benefits. This necessitates growers to implement efficient strategies to increase the seeds of woody biofuel species’ tolerance to abiotic stress. Numerous studies have shown that ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), a new material, and BRs assist plants to increase their resilience to abiotic stress and subsequently adapt to it. However, there have not been many investigations into S. tonkinensis seed resistance. In this study, we examined the changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and transcriptomic results of S. tonkinensis seeds throughout the seed development period to investigate the effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL), one of the BRs, and ZnO NPs treatments alone or together on the stress resistance of S. tonkinensis seeds. On 70, 100, and 130 days after flowering (DAF), spraying EBL or ZnO NPs increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (POD, SOD, and CAT) in S. tonkinensis seeds. Moreover, when the EBL and ZnO NPs were sprayed together, the activities of antioxidant enzymes were the strongest, which suggests that the positive effects of the two can be superimposed. On 70 and 100 DAF, the EBL and ZnO NPs treatments improved seed stress resistance, mostly through complex plant hormone crosstalk signaling, which includes IAA, JA, BR, and ABA signaling. Additionally, ABA played an essential role in hormone crosstalk, while, on 130 DAF, due to the physiological characteristics of seeds themselves in the late stage of maturity, the improvement in seed stress resistance by EBL and ZnO NPs was related to protein synthesis, especially late embryogenesis-abundant protein (LEA), and other nutrient storage in seeds. Spraying EBL and ZnO NPs during the seed growth of S. tonkinensis could significantly increase seed stress resistance. Our findings provide fresh perspectives on how cultural practices can increase abiotic stress tolerance in woody seedlings.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the predictive factors and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine Shengji Ointment in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly population, with the intent of formulating an effective predictive model for deep diabetic foot ulcer healing. The importance of this research lies in its provision of new perspectives and tools for addressing the severe health impact of diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly population, considering the complexity and diversity of its treatment methods. Methods: The study includes 180 elderly patients with Wagner grade 3-4 diabetic foot ulcers that involve the tendon or fascia. The dependent variable is the initiation time of granulation tissue development. Independent variables encompass demographic information, a treatment strategy including Shengji Ointment, pre-treatment trauma assessment data, routine blood count, and biochemical index test results. Lasso regression is employed for variable selection, and Cox regression is utilized for the construction of a prediction model. A nomogram is generated to authenticate the model. Results: The Chinese Medicine treatment approach, ulcer location, creatinine levels, BMI, and haemoglobin levels are identified as independent predictors of granulation tissue development in diabetic foot ulcers. The combined treatment of Chinese herbal Shengji ointment and bromelain positively influenced granulation tissue development. The location of plantar ulcers, impaired renal functionality, obesity, and anaemia are established as independent risk factors that might influence the speed and probability of ulcer healing. The area under the time-dependent ROC curve fluctuates between 0.7 and 0.8, demonstrating substantial discrimination and calibration of the model. Conclusion: The study ascertains that a combined treatment strategy incorporating Shengji Ointment demonstrates greater effectiveness than the use of cleansing gel debridement alone in facilitating the healing of Wagner grade 3 or higher diabetic foot ulcers. Furthermore, the predictive model developed in this research serves as a valuable tool in evaluating the efficacy of Chinese Medicine treatments like Shengji Ointment for diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly. It aids clinicians in effectively assessing and adjusting treatment strategies, thereby proving its significant application value in clinical practice. Clinical Trial Registration: ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.html?id=73862&v=1.5&u_atoken=b403af53-d3b9-41ae-a7e2-db5498609b0c&u_asession=01tNh69p235bMUO4CmHIXcv8Hxirl5-557Duue9QB5lGfl3mf8IvPlcs2kN2zC30voX0KNBwm7Lovlpxjd_P_q4JsKWYrT3W_NKPr8w6oU7K_AyPrQhedMUWBMR2-ZDL_KO0uwDPR9XlF566xraDvT9mBkFo3NEHBv0PZUm6pbxQU&u_asig=05Kd_Q8fjv-24MVbZpOS9ef3xuCCN-tSVH5eUoJKgNLM7E0-n0zMpW6xLq9gh9aUhkKEEA15rdDoCydncF99APBwVSaTPgEG_V_B1iT4wimdCTxV_4ZVbTlDewxyQtE4YgU4-Oza7KPi94RJ64Utel0yZfqg3Tlm-bVxFNOY-zXFP9JS7q8ZD7Xtz2Ly-b0kmuyAKRFSVJkkdwVUnyHAIJzSYJ6SfhFl0WMTCCasZ7zV2I2qfyrp5m-SELPVeREKgX_6yRmLu26qT8kGfcS-Yaeu3h9VXwMyh6PgyDIVSG1W-7D_Sko5YQtpDbs3uvezYkZcUUY4o9-zDPaoYelmMDs8u7I4TPvtCXaPp44YUJcQ9bHr-_RmKA5V8nji3daArhmWspDxyAEEo4kbsryBKb9Q&u_aref=NNH1nHSUCE6pNvCilV%2F1MD0aERs%3D ), identifier (ChiCTR2000039327).

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP), one of the most common complications of diabetes, is characterized by bilateral symmetrical distal limb pain and substantial morbidity. To compare the differences  is aimed at serum metabolite levels between 81 DNP and 73 T2DM patients without neuropathy and found that the levels of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) are significantly lower in DNP patients than in T2DM patients. In high‐fat diet/low‐dose streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)‐induced T2DM and leptin receptor‐deficient diabetic (db/db) mouse models, it is verified that BCAA deficiency aggravated, whereas BCAA supplementation alleviated DNP symptoms. Mechanistically, using a combination of RNA sequencing of mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues and label‐free quantitative proteomic analysis of cultured cells, it is found that BCAA deficiency activated the expression of L‐type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) through ATF4, which is reversed by BCAA supplementation. Abnormally upregulated LAT1 reduced Kv1.2 localization to the cell membrane, and inhibited Kv1.2 channels, thereby increasing neuronal excitability and causing neuropathy. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of the LAT1 inhibitor, BCH, alleviated DNP symptoms in mice, confirming that BCAA‐deficiency‐induced LAT1 activation contributes to the onset of DNP. These findings provide fresh insights into the metabolic differences between DNP and T2DM, and the development of approaches for the management of DNP. Treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain remains a major challenge due to its unclear mechanisms. This paper describes an observation that branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) abundance is correlated with diabetic neuropathic pain in patients, and offers new perspectives on the metabolic regulation of diabetic neuropathic pain beyond traditional glucose‐centric approaches.

We propose a quantum secure group communication protocol for the purpose of sharing the same message among multiple authorized users. Our protocol can remove the need for key management that is needed for the quantum network built on quantum key distribution. Comparing with the secure quantum network based on BB84, we show our protocol is more efficient and securer. Particularly, in the security analysis, we introduce a new way of attack, i.e., the counterfactual quantum attack, which can steal information by “invisible” photons. This invisible photon can reveal a single-photon detector in the photon path without triggering the detector. Moreover, the photon can identify phase operations applied to itself, thereby stealing information. To defeat this counterfactual quantum attack, we propose a quantum multi-user authorization system. It allows us to precisely control the communication time so that the attack can not be completed in time.

(1) Background: At the time of harvest, the stems of broccoli are frequently discarded. (2) Methods: In this study, the sulforaphane content and glucosinolate profile of broccoli stems were analyzed at different temperature treatments. (3) Results: Thermal treatment of broccoli stems for 1 h resulted in maximal sulforaphane content at 50 °C, with a subsequent progressive reduction in concentration correlating to elevated temperatures. Metabolomic analysis was conducted on broccoli stem samples subjected to 25 °C (CK), 50 °C, and 80 °C treatments. Among the 25 identified GSLs, the 50 °C-treated samples demonstrated significantly reduced GSL accumulation, whereas the 80 °C group exhibited maximal GSL retention. Indole derivatives predominated among the three GSL subclasses (aliphatic, aromatic, and indole), accounting for approximately 70% of total GSLs across all groups. The observed GSL depletion at 50 °C correlated with enhanced sulforaphane biosynthesis. Comparative analysis further indicated that 80 °C treatment induced a more pronounced elevation of indole GSLs compared to aliphatic and aromatic counterparts in broccoli stems. (4) Conclusions: The results demonstrated that indole GSLs in broccoli stems exhibit superior thermal stability. Moderate thermal treatments effectively enhance sulforaphane content, whereas exposure to 80 °C significantly increases total GSL content.

Cat states, as an important resource in the study of macroscopic quantum superposition and quantum information applications, have garnered widespread attention. To date, preparing large-sized optical cat states has remained challenging. We demonstrate that, by utilizing interaction-free measurement and the quantum Zeno effect, even a fragile quantum microscopic system can deterministically control and become entangled with strong light fields, thereby generating large-amplitude optical cat states. During the entire preparation process, our method ensures that the microscopic system functions within a weak field environment, so that its quantum property can be protected. Furthermore, we show that the preparation of cat states is possible even when the quantum microsystem suffers from significant photon loss, provided that optical losses from classical devices are kept low, which implies that the fidelity of the cat state can be enhanced by improvements to and the perfection of the classical optical system. In quantum physics, superposition—illustrated by Schrödinger’s cat being both dead and alive—inspires ‘cat states’, utilized in quantum technologies. The authors propose a theory where the optical state, through multiple indirect atom interactions in an interferometric setup, can generate large-amplitude optical cat states, advancing quantum applications.