Deletion of scavenger receptor A protects mice from progressive nephropathy independent of lipid control during diet-induced hyperlipidemia

Scavenger receptor A (SR-A) is a key transmembrane receptor in the endocytosis of lipids and contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. To assess its role in hyperlipidemic chronic kidney disease, wild-type and SR-A-deficient (knockout) mice underwent uninephrectomy followed by either normal or high-fat diet. After 16 weeks of diet intervention, hyperlipidemic wild-type mice presented characteristic features of progressive nephropathy: albuminuria, renal fibrosis, and overexpression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad. These changes were markedly diminished in hyperlipidemic knockout mice and attributed to reduced renal lipid retention, oxidative stress, and CD11c+ cell infiltration. In vitro, overexpression of SR-A augmented monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 release and TGF-β1/Smad activation in HK-2 cells exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein. SR-A knockdown prevented lipid-induced cell injury. Moreover, wild-type to knockout bone marrow transplantation resulted in renal fibrosis in uninephrectomized mice following 16 weeks of the high-fat diet. In contrast, knockout to wild-type bone marrow transplantation led to markedly reduced albuminuria, CD11c+ cell infiltration, and renal fibrosis compared to wild-type to SR-A knockout or wild-type to wild-type bone marrow transplanted mice, without difference in plasma lipid levels. Thus, SR-A on circulating leukocytes rather than resident renal cells predominantly mediates lipid-induced kidney injury

Using CT scanning technology to investigate microscopic pore structure characteristics of low-permeability reservoir rocks after water sensitivity experiments

CT scanning and core flooding experiments were combined to investigate the change in microscopic pore structure of low-permeability reservoir rocks due to the water sensitivity effect. Water sensitivity experiments were conducted for low-permeability reservoirs using different permeability core plugs to study the pore throat radius distribution, coordination number, pore structure variation, physical property parameter variation, and effects on the seepage capacity. The comparison plates of the limit injection-production spacing were drawn. The results indicate that the pore throat damage increases while the mean coordination number decreases with the reduction of permeability, which leads to a higher flow resistance and a stronger damage to the microscopic pore structure. These combined effects lead to an increase in the starting pressure gradient. In addition, the damage extent of reservoir throats is much larger than that of pores in the reservoir. Moreover, the swelling of clay minerals and the particle migration mostly present in the pore space due to the water sensitivity effect, which would hardly influence the whole pore structure and distribution feature of the core plug. Furthermore, according to the limit injection-production spacing plates, the limit injection-production spacing of the Xingouzuizu Formation low-permeability reservoir decreases by 153 m, which is caused by the effect of water sensitivity. The injection-production well spacing must be adjusted by the infill well, which can be used to improve the injected water swept volume. This research could provide certain practical guidance for the development adjustment of low-permeability reservoirs featuring the water sensitivity effect under a long period of waterflooding

Role of Pseudogenes in Tumorigenesis

Functional genomics has provided evidence that the human genome transcribes a large number of non-coding genes in addition to protein-coding genes, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Among the group of lncRNAs are pseudogenes that have not been paid attention in the past, compared to other members of lncRNAs. However, increasing evidence points the important role of pseudogenes in diverse cellular functions, and dysregulation of pseudogenes are often associated with various human diseases including cancer. Like other types of lncRNAs, pseudogenes can also function as master regulators for gene expression and thus, they can play a critical role in various aspects of tumorigenesis. In this review we discuss the latest developments in pseudogene research, focusing on how pseudogenes impact tumorigenesis through different gene regulation mechanisms. Given the high sequence homology with the corresponding parent genes, we also discuss challenges for pseudogene research

Mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibilities of degradable Mg-RE alloys: A review

Magnesium-rare earth (Mg-RE) alloys, as potential biodegradable materials, are attracting considerable attention owing to their good mechanical properties and biodegradation behavior. Indeed, some RE elements within certain amounts of addition have proved to exhibit biocompatibility. Two main strategies have been applied to develop biomedical Mg-RE alloys. One strategy depends on the industrial fabrication system for these alloys while the other is to redesign them from the view point of biomaterials. In this work, the advances in new Mg-RE alloys design are reviewed. It is also summarized the mechanical properties, biocorrosion resistance and biocompatibilities of currently reported Mg-RE alloys. Then, several Mg-RE alloys that may be used in future medical applications are proposed. Finally, a strategy for ongoing development of biomedical Mg-RE alloys is suggested. Keywords: Mg-RE alloys, Mechanical property, Biodegradation, Biocompatibilit

AgBr/(Sr_0.6Bi_0.305)₂Bi₂O₇ Heterostructured Composites: Fabrication, Characterization, and Significantly Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

The pyrochlore-type (Sr0.6Bi0.305)2Bi2O7 (SBO) containing Bi3+ and Bi5+ mixed valent states was first investigated as a photocatalyst in our very recent work. To further improve the photocatalytic performance, AgBr/SBO heterostructured composites were synthesized by using a deposition-precipitation method. The characterization of phase structure, morphology, microstructure, elemental composition, and optical properties of the obtained products were performed using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). The photocatalytic activity of samples was evaluated by degrading methylene blue under visible light illumination. AgBr/SBO composites possess high stability and significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance. The improvement of photocatalytic activity is due to the enhanced light absorption and the separation of photoinduced electrons and holes on the interface of AgBr/SBO heterostructured composites

The prevalence of spontaneous resolution among pediatric trigger thumb: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Trigger thumb is a prevalent hand condition observed in children, and its management remains a topic of considerable debate, ranging from mere observation to surgical intervention. In recent times, there has been a growing interest in exploring nonoperative treatments as alternatives to surgical procedures for managing pediatric trigger thumb. Gaining insight into the prevalence of spontaneous resolution in pediatric trigger thumb is of paramount importance. However, the literature presents a wide variation in estimates regarding the prevalence of this spontaneous resolution, highlighting the need for further investigation and consensus. The aim of this review was to estimate the overall prevalence of spontaneous resolution among pediatric trigger thumb. Methods This study meticulously followed the PRISMA guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for all relevant studies up to May 2024.Inclusion criteria were studies reported only observation spontaneous resolution pediatric trigger thumb, aged up to 14 years, reported at least 10 thumbs and followed up time at least 3 months. Confounded intervention treatment measure studies were excluded. To synthesize the prevalence rates from individual studies, we employed a random-effects meta-analysis. In order to uncover the sources of heterogeneity and to compare prevalence estimates across different groups, we performed sensitivity and subgroup analyses. To meticulously evaluate the quality of the included studies, the Joanna Briggs Institute’s quality assessment checklist was employed. Furthermore, to assess the heterogeneity among the studies, both Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistic were utilized. Results A total of eleven studies were included for the final analysis, with 599 pediatric trigger thumbs. Our final meta-analysis showed that more than one-third of these pediatric trigger thumb cases resolved spontaneously, with a resolution rate of 43.5% (95% CI 29.6–58.6). Subgroup analyses showed that in terms of age at the first visit, the prevalence of spontaneous resolution in the less than 24 months group and in the 24 months or older group was 38.7%(95% CI 18.1–64.4)and 45.8%(95% CI 27.4–65.4), respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups(P = 0.690). When analyzing follow up time, the prevalence of spontaneous resolution in the 24 months or longer group and in the less than 24 months group was 58.9%(95% CI 41.6–74.2)and 26.8%(95% CI 14.7–43.8), respectively.There was significant statistical differences between the two groups(P = 0.009). Based on the initial severity of interphalangeal (IP) joint flexion contracture, the prevalence of spontaneous resolution in the 30 degrees or less group and in the other measurements group was 54.1%(95% CI 31.5–75.1)and 37.1%(95% CI 21.9–55.4), respectively.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P = 0.259). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that a significant proportion of pediatric trigger thumbs resolve spontaneously. This finding highlights the benefits of early observation in managing this condition. By prioritizing non-operative observation, both parents and surgeons are better equipped to make informed decisions regarding the treatment of pediatric trigger thumb, potentially reducing the need for surgical intervention

Preparation of TiO2/Carbon Nanotubes/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for the Degradation of Rhodamine B

In this report, ternary titanium dioxide (TiO2)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites were fabricated by a facile and environmentally friendly one-pot solvethermal method for the removal of Rhodamine B (RhB). Its structures were represented by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photocatalytic performance was tested by the degradation efficiency of RhB under UV-vis light irradiation. The experimental results indicated that photocatalytic activity improved as the ratio of CNTs:TiO2 ranged from 0.5% to 3% but reduced when the content increased to 5% and 10%, and the TiO2/CNTs/rGO-3% composites showed superior photocatalytic activity compared with the binary ones (i.e., TiO2/CNTs, TiO2/rGO) and pristine TiO2. The rate constant k of the pseudo first-order reaction was about 1.5 times that of TiO2. The improved photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the addition of rGO and CNTs, which reduced the recombination of photo-induced electron-hole pairs, and the fact that CNTs and rGO, with a high specific surface area and high adsorption ability to efficiently adsorb O2, H2O and organics, can increase the hydroxyl content of the photocatalyst surface

The Mycobacterial DNA Methyltransferase HsdM Decreases Intrinsic Isoniazid Susceptibility

Tuberculosis, caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a serious infectious disease worldwide. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) remains a global problem, and the understanding of this resistance is incomplete. Studies suggested that DNA methylation promotes bacterial adaptability to antibiotic treatment, but the role of mycobacterial HsdM in drug susceptibility has not been explored. Here, we constructed an inactivated Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) strain, ΔhsdM. ΔhsdM shows growth advantages over wild-type BCG under isoniazid treatment and hypoxia-induced stress. Using high-precision PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing to compare the ΔhsdM and BCG methylomes, we identified 219 methylated HsdM substrates. Bioinformatics analysis showed that most HsdM-modified genes were enriched in respiration- and energy-related pathways. qPCR showed that HsdM-modified genes directly affected their own transcription, indicating an altered redox regulation. The use of the latent Wayne model revealed that ΔhsdM had growth advantages over wild-type BCG and that HsdM regulated trcR mRNA levels, which may be crucial in regulating transition from latency to reactivation. We found that HsdM regulated corresponding transcription levels via gene methylation; thus, altering the mycobacterial redox status and decreasing the bacterial susceptibility to isoniazid, which is closely correlated with the redox status. Our results provide valuable insight into DNA methylation on drug susceptibility

Experimental and Numerical Modeling of the Stress Rupture Behavior of Nickel-Based Single Crystal Superalloys Subject to Multi-Row Film Cooling Holes

The stress rupture behavior of nickel-base single crystal superalloys is a primary issue facing aero-engine design, which has been studied for more than 40 years. To a large degree, it is the existence of film cooling holes with the introduction of air cooling techniques that adds the extra challenge to the problem. Using both experimental and numerical methods, we explore here the stress rupture behavior of nickel base single crystal plate specimens subject to multi-row film cooling holes. As the numerical simulation part, finite element analysis using Abaqus was performed. Numerical results reveal that the existence of film-holes causes stress concentration and transforms local stress from uniaxial to multi-axial. For the stress distribution of different types of specimens, we defined a stress multiaxiality factor to quantitatively characterize the degree of the stress complexity and examined its effect on the rupture behaviors of the specimens along with the true stress concentration factor. The test was also carried out and results indicated that the creep rupture lives of one- and two-row specimens turn out to be longer than those of non-hole specimen. However, the three- and four-row configuration showed the opposite trend. Among the geometric parameters of film-hole configuration, film-hole row spacing is a predominant one influencing the creep rupture properties. Numerical results agree well with the fracture positions and shapes of specimens