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1.
A microfluidic array enabling generation of identical biochemical stimulating signals to trapped biological cells for single-cell dynamics.
Yu, M, Li, YJ, Yang, YN, Xue, CD, Xin, GY, Liu, B, Qin, KR
Talanta. 2024;:125172
Abstract
Microfluidic-based analyses of single-cell dynamics in response to dynamic biochemical signals are emerging as pivotal approaches for investigating the effects of extracellular microenvironmental biochemical factors on cellular structure, function, and behavior. However, current devices often fail to consistently apply identical dynamic biochemical signals to trapped cells. In this study, we introduce a novel radially distributed single-cell trapping microfluidic array, designed to quantitatively and consistently apply identical biochemical stimulating signals to each trapped cell. Numerical simulations were employed to optimize microchannel geometry, enhancing trapping efficiency while minimizing signal distortion. Experimental validation demonstrated the trapping success rate and the single-cell trapping efficiency exceeding 99% and 85%, respectively. The microarray's capability to deliver identical dynamic biochemical stimulating signals, with various waveforms, to each unit was confirmed through fluorescein transport tests. Furthermore, we examined the intracellular calcium dynamics of U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells in response to dynamic ATP signals, observing both single-peak calcium responses and calcium oscillations, which were modelled by a second-order system with a natural frequency of 1.6 mHz. Overall, our proposed microfluidic array offers a robust and valuable framework for advancing the understanding of single-cell dynamics.
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2.
Progress and hotspot of diet or exercise therapy in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Shi, X, Xiong, Y, Song, H, Rong, F, Tang, N, Zhu, L, Li, S, Wang, J, Zhang, L, You, S, et al
Frontiers in nutrition. 2024;:1326092
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is modifying lifestyle through dietary or exercise interventions. In recent decades, it has received increasing attention. However, the lack of bibliometric analysis has posed a challenge for researchers seeking to understand the overall trends in this field. METHODS As of February 3rd, 2024, 876 articles on treating NAFLD through diet or exercise therapy from 2013 to 2023 had been retrieved. Two software tools, VOSviewer and CiteSpace, were utilized to analyze the growth of publications, countries, institutions, authors, journals, citations, and keywords. Additionally, the keywords with strong citation burstiness were identified to determine the changes and future trends of research hotspots in this field. RESULTS China had the highest number of articles, followed by the United States and South Korea. Yonsei University and Nutrients were the institutions and journals with the most significant contributions. Professor Younossi Zobair M, from the United States, is the most prolific author in this field. Through analyzing the keywords, three research hotspots were identified: research on the pathogenesis of NAFLD, research on the treatment modalities of NAFLD, and research on the risk factors and diagnosis methods of NAFLD. In recent years, the research emphasis in this field has changed, suggesting that future research will focus on two frontier keywords: "oxidative stress" and "aerobic capacity." CONCLUSION In the past eleven years, the attention in this field was still rising, and the authors, journals, countries and so on had formed a considerable cooperative relationship. There were also many highly influential and productive researchers in this field. It is speculated that new research will continue around "aerobic exercise" and "oxidative stress" in the future.
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3.
The Anatomic and Functional Outcomes of Ozurdex-Aided Vitrectomy in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.
Wang, M, Luan, R, Liu, B, Gong, Y, Zhao, J, Chen, X, Yang, Q, Liu, J, Liu, J, Shao, Y, et al
Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy. 2024;:1199-1213
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the 3-months outcomes of patients who underwent intraoperative intravitreal injection of Ozurdex for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial (ChiCTR2100043399). Seventy-one patients with PDR who had indications for surgery without intravitreal injection history within 3 months preoperatively were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into three groups based on the medicine injected intraoperatively: Ozurdex, Conbercept, and Control group. The primary outcome is the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) within 3 months postoperatively. The secondary outcomes include the intraocular pressure (IOP), mean sensitivity, central retinal thickness and vessels perfusion. RESULTS The BCVA and the mean sensitivity improved in the three groups (F = 130.8, P < 0.0001; F = 34.18, P < 0.0001), but there was no statistical difference among the three groups (F = 0.858, P = 0.552; F = 0.964, P = 0.452). The IOP was no significant differences among the three groups within 3 months postoperatively (F = 0.881, P = 0.533). Compared with the other two groups, central retinal thickness (CRT) and outer retinal layer (ORL) thickness decreased significantly in patients of the Ozurdex group (F = 3.037, P = 0.008; F = 2.626, P = 0.018), especially in the diabetic macular edema (DME) patients (F = 2.761, P = 0.0164; F = 2.572, P = 0.0240). In macular region, superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) perfusion were not shown statistical difference at 3 months postoperatively in the all three groups compared with 1 day postoperatively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Compared with the other two groups, anatomical outcomes was improved significantly in Ozurdex group for DR patients. Ozurdex may help to improve the visual acuity and visual sensitivity, and there is no significant difference in the change of IOP and microvascular improvement. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn, registration number ChiCTR2100043399).
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4.
Orchestrating seed storage protein and starch accumulation toward overcoming yield-quality trade-off in cereal crops.
Cao, S, Liu, B, Wang, D, Rasheed, A, Xie, L, Xia, X, He, Z
Journal of integrative plant biology. 2024;(3):468-483
Abstract
Achieving high yield and good quality in crops is essential for human food security and health. However, there is usually disharmony between yield and quality. Seed storage protein (SSP) and starch, the predominant components in cereal grains, determine yield and quality, and their coupled synthesis causes a yield-quality trade-off. Therefore, dissection of the underlying regulatory mechanism facilitates simultaneous improvement of yield and quality. Here, we summarize current findings about the synergistic molecular machinery underpinning SSP and starch synthesis in the leading staple cereal crops, including maize, rice and wheat. We further evaluate the functional conservation and differentiation of key regulators and specify feasible research approaches to identify additional regulators and expand insights. We also present major strategies to leverage resultant information for simultaneous improvement of yield and quality by molecular breeding. Finally, future perspectives on major challenges are proposed.
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5.
Potential applications of ferroptosis inducers and regulatory molecules in hematological malignancy therapy.
Tang, X, Niu, Y, Jian, J, Guo, Y, Wang, Y, Zhu, Y, Liu, B
Critical reviews in oncology/hematology. 2024;:104203
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a novel form of iron-dependent cell death, has emerged as a potential avenue for promoting tumor cell death by causing cell membrane rupture and the accumulation of lipid peroxides (LPO) in the cell. Since its discovery in 2012, extensive research has been conducted to explore the mechanism of ferroptosis inducers, including erastin, sulfasalazine, and sorafenib. These compounds inhibit system XC-, while Ras-selective lethal small molecule 3 (RSL3) and FION2 specifically target GPX4 to promote ferroptosis. Therefore, targeting ferroptosis presents a promising therapeutic approach for malignant tumors. While the study of ferroptosis in solid tumors has made significant progress, there is limited information available on its role in hematological tumors. This review aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis inducers and discuss their clinical applications in hematological malignancies. Furthermore, the identification of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and genes that regulate key molecules in the ferroptosis pathway could provide new targets and establish a molecular theoretical foundation for exploring novel ferroptosis inducers in hematological malignancies.
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6.
Health outcomes associated with phytosterols: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.
Liu, B, Chen, K, Chen, X, Wang, J, Shu, G, Ping, Z, Zhang, S
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2024;:155151
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytosterols (PS), as a kind of plant active ingredients, have many benefits to human health. However, there is currently no comprehensive overview of the clinical evidence and an assessment of the evidence quality. PURPOSE We conducted an umbrella review, which incorporated verification spanning a number of meta-analyses and systematic reviews to clarify the link that existed between PS consuming and health outcomes. METHODS The databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library were searched for appropriate research and ultimately included 23 articles involving 79 results. Methodological quality and the validity of evidence received designation in the included meta-analyses leveraging the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS The consumption of PS makes a contribution to the alleviation of metabolic conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Its most essential function is to decrease cholesterol absorption, leading to dramatically reductions in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, utilizing PS products can have a favorable impact on managing apolipoprotein levels along with decreasing the probability of obtaining atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION This umbrella review summarized a range of beneficial functions of PS to humans, highlighting the promising potential for the development of PS into functional foods.
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7.
Optimization of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) juice fermentation process and analysis of its metabolites during fermentation.
Zhao, L, Maimaitiyiming, R, Hong, J, Wang, L, Mu, Y, Liu, B, Zhang, H, Chen, K, Aihaiti, A
Frontiers in nutrition. 2024;:1344117
Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a nutritious fruit and vegetable. Fermentation can be used to enhance their nutritional value. In this study, the tomato juice was co-fermented with multistrains, optimized by uniform experimental design and response surface methodology. Superoxide dismutase activity reached 496.67 U/g and lycopene content reached 77.12μg/g when P. pentosaceus (53.79%), L. casei (13.17%), L. plantarum (19.87%), L. fermentum (13.17%). To gain insight into the dynamics of metabolites during the tomato fermentation juice process multivariate statistical analysis was performed using the UHPLC-QE-MS/MS method. The main metabolites are peptides, amino acids carbohydrates, organic acids, and phospholipids. Carbohydrates were fully retained at the end of fermentation.The content of galactitol increased from the initial 5.389 to 6.607 while the content of cytarabine decreased by 29% and uridine by 44%. Meanwhile, phospholipids (PS, PE, PC, PG, PI) were all retained by more than 70%. Terpenoids (16-deacetylgairin, (+)-Royleanone, artemisinin) were increased to varying degrees, which gives them good nutritional value and biological activity. Organic acids (malic and citric) were reduced and lactic acid content was increased, changing its original flavor and making it more palatable to the general population. The research results have demonstrated the benefits of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on tomato juice, providing a theoretical basis and reference for the fermentation metabolism process of tomato juice.
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8.
Whole-genome sequencing in medicinal plants: current progress and prospect.
Pei, Y, Leng, L, Sun, W, Liu, B, Feng, X, Li, X, Chen, S
Science China. Life sciences. 2024;(2):258-273
Abstract
Advancements in genomics have dramatically accelerated the research on medicinal plants, and the development of herbgenomics has promoted the "Project of 1K Medicinal Plant Genome" to decipher their genetic code. However, it is difficult to obtain their high-quality whole genomes because of the prevalence of polyploidy and/or high genomic heterozygosity. Whole genomes of 123 medicinal plants were published until September 2022. These published genome sequences were investigated in this review, covering their classification, research teams, ploidy, medicinal functions, and sequencing strategies. More than 1,000 institutes or universities around the world and 50 countries are conducting research on medicinal plant genomes. Diploid species account for a majority of sequenced medicinal plants. The whole genomes of plants in the Poaceae family are the most studied. Almost 40% of the published papers studied species with tonifying, replenishing, and heat-cleaning medicinal effects. Medicinal plants are still in the process of domestication as compared with crops, thereby resulting in unclear genetic backgrounds and the lack of pure lines, thus making their genomes more difficult to complete. In addition, there is still no clear routine framework for a medicinal plant to obtain a high-quality whole genome. Herein, a clear and complete strategy has been originally proposed for creating a high-quality whole genome of medicinal plants. Moreover, whole genome-based biological studies of medicinal plants, including breeding and biosynthesis, were reviewed. We also advocate that a research platform of model medicinal plants should be established to promote the genomics research of medicinal plants.
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9.
Fraxini cortex: Progresses in phytochemistry, pharmacology and ethnomedicinal uses.
Zheng, Z, Sun, C, Zhong, Y, Shi, Y, Zhuang, L, Liu, B, Liu, Z
Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2024;:117849
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fraxini cortex, which has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine for 2000 years, is made from the dried bark of four plant species: Fraxinus chinensis subsp. rhynchophylla (Hance) A.E.Murray, Fraxinus chinensis Roxb., Fraxinus chinensis subsp. chinensis and Fraxinus stylosa Lingelsh.. In Chinese traditional medicine, it possesses the properties of heat-clearing and dampness-drying, asthma relief and cough suppression, as well as vision improvement. It is utilized for treating bacterial disorders, enteritis, leukorrhea, chronic bronitis, painful red eyes with swelling, lacrimation due to windward exposure, psoriasis, and other diseases or related symptoms. AIM OF THE STUDY Fraxini cortex is abundant in chemical constituents and has garnered significant attention from plant chemists, particularly regarding coumarins, as evidenced by the recently identified three coumarin compounds. Considering the current dearth of systematic reporting on studies pertaining to Fraxini cortex, herein we provide a comprehensive summary of the advancements in phytochemistry, pharmacology, detection methods, and ethnomedicinal applications of Fraxini cortex. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search across online data sources (Web of Science, Public Medicine (PubMed), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), as well as Chinese dissertations) and traditional Chinese medicine classics to gather the necessary literature resources for this review. RESULTS Briefly, The Fraxini cortex yielded a total of 132 phytochemicals, including coumarins, lignans, secoiridoids, phenylethanol glycosides, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and other compounds. Among them, the main active ingredients are coumarins which possess a diverse range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory effects, anti-tumor properties, prevention of tissue fibrosis and oxidation damage as well as cardioprotective effects. CONCLUSIONS All types of research conducted on Fraxini cortex, particularly in the field of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology, have been thoroughly reviewed. However, certain traditional applications and pharmacological activities of Fraxini cortex lack scientific evaluation or convincing evidence due to incomplete methodologies and ambiguous results, as well as a lack of clinical data. To validate its pharmacological activity, clinical efficacy, and safety profile, a systematic and comprehensive research evaluation is imperative. As an important traditional Chinese medicine, Fraxini cortex should be further explored to facilitate the development of novel drugs and therapeutics for various diseases. Greater attention should be given to how it can be better utilized.
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10.
Circ-10720 as a ceRNA adsorbs microRNA-1238 and modulates ZEB2 to boost NSCLC development by activating EMT.
Zhang, W, Xiao, P, Liu, B, Zhang, Y
European journal of medical research. 2024;(1):226
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are critical regulators in the progression of tumors. This experimental design aimed to explore the mechanism of circ-10720 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS We used RT-qPCR to measure circ-10720 expression in clinical samples and analyzed its relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC patients. The expression levels of microRNA-1238 (miR-1238) and Zinc Finger E-box-binding Homeobox 2 (ZEB2) in clinical samples were detected by RT-qPCR. NSCLC cells were transfected with relevant plasmids or sequences. Circ-10720, miR-1238, and ZEB2 expressions in cells were analyzed via RT-qPCR or western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed with CCK-8, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The protein expression of ZEB2 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin, N-cadherin) were detected via western blot. Xenograft assay was used to determine the effect of circ-10720 on NSCLC in vivo. Circ-10720 and ZEB2 expressions in tumors were detected using RT-qPCR or Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate E-cadherin and N-cadherin expression in tumors. Finally, the binding relationship between miR-1238 with circ-10720 or ZEB2 was verified by the bioinformatics website, dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay, and RIP assay. RESULTS Circ-10720 was upregulated in NSCLC and correlated with TNM stage of NSCLC patients. MiR-1238 was lowly expressed but ZEB2 was highly expressed in NSCLC. Circ-10720 silencing suppressed the proliferation, metastasis, and EMT of NSCLC cells. Mechanically, circ-10720 was a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-1238, and ZEB2 was a target of miR-1238. circ-10720-modulated ZEB2 via competitively binding with miR-1238 to control NSCLC progression. In addition, circ-10720 knockdown suppressed tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Circ-10720 acts as a ceRNA to adsorb miR-1238 and modulate ZEB2 to facilitate the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of NSCLC cells.