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China’s energy economic efficiency evaluation based on novel dynamic network DEA
Fermented grapeseed oil repairs chemically damaged hair via enhanced permeability mechanisms
Abstract Human hair is a biopolymer composed of keratin filaments, lipids, pigments, and water. Chemical treatments of hair, such as dyeing, perming, and bleaching, can impair the integrity of the hair protein structure and accelerate the loss of water and lipids, resulting in increased fragility, breakage, and rapid colour fading. This study investigates compositional changes in fermented grapeseed oil (F-GO) compared to grapeseed oil (GO) and identifies its enhanced hair permeability, highlighting its substantial potential to mitigate hair damage from bleaching and dyeing. The fluorescent labelling results verified that the ability to permeate hair was significantly improved by F-GO compared to GO and silicone oil. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermal weight analyser (TGA) results illustrate that F-GO-treated hair can form additional intermolecular hydrogen bonds and might cause a conformational change in the protein structure. The in vitro assessments demonstrate that F-GO delays hair colour loss and enhances mechanical properties. The colour fixation mechanism of F-GO is attributed to its ability to act as an anti-oxygen barrier on the outer layer and a lipid barrier in the inner layer. Together, they protect against pigment loss and degradation. F-GO enhances damaged hair strength by forming hydrogen bonds with keratin residues and preserving lipids and moisture contents. Therefore, F-GO has broad application prospects for bleaching and dyeing damaged hair improvement.
Genetic variation associated with increased lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in West Africa
Lipid accumulation product and cardiometabolic index as indicators for sarcopenia: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2011–2018
A lightweight anomaly detection model for network traffic using multi scale spatio temporal residual learning
Pumice soil stabilisation using alkali-activated waste glass for sustainable road subgrade applications
<i>PIK3CA</i> gain-of-function mutation in Schwann cells leads to severe neuropathy and aerobic glycolysis through a non-cell autonomous effect
PIK3CA -related disorders are rare genetic disorders due to somatic gain-of-function mutations in PIK3CA during embryonic development, a pathway involved in cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism. Accumulating evidence from patients with PIK3CA -related disorders indicates that peripheral nerves are frequently affected, leading to severe neurological symptoms. However, the exact underlying mechanism of these disorders remains unclear. To address this, we developed a mouse model with a PIK3CA gain-of-function mutation specifically in Schwann cells, which successfully mirrored the clinical features observed in patients. In this model, we observed that PIK3CA -mutated cells communicate with neighboring healthy cells, such as adipocytes and hair follicles, through a unique crosstalk mechanism that triggers their growth, proliferation, and anagen phase expansion. Additionally, we demonstrated that PIK3CA mutation in peripheral nerves leads to a metabolic shift through glycolytic activation. We investigated the effects of alpelisib, an approved pharmacological inhibitor of PIK3CA, in the model. Early administration of alpelisib significantly improved the signs and symptoms in the mice. However, when treatment was delayed, its efficacy was diminished due to the drug’s inability to penetrate the myelin sheath effectively. In summary, our study offers a valuable mouse model for studying PIK3CA -related neuropathy, uncovers a unique communication between healthy and affected tissues, and highlights the potential benefits of early pharmacological intervention using alpelisib.
Research on site selection and capacity determination problem based on improved particle swarm algorithm
Abnormal gut microbiota may cause PD-1 inhibitor-related cardiotoxicity via suppressing regulatory T cells
Study on the adsorption of Pb2+ in aqueous solution by alkali modified wheat bran
Sustainable optimization of high specific surface area Spartina alterniflora biochar for Rhodamine B removal and mechanism
Abstract Managing dye contaminants is a major challenge in modern water governance. This study developed a KOH-activated Spartina alterniflora biochar (KBC) adsorbent for removing Rhodamine B (RhB) dye from water. Microscopic analysis validated the presence of an appealing porous structure and surface functionalities that are key for the adsorption of RhB. KBC demonstrated an enormous specific surface area, providing many active sites (3109.67 m2·g−1). Optimal circumstances for eliminating RhB were achieved an impressive 89.77% at a pH level of 7, utilizing a KBC dosage of 100 mg/100 mL over a contact period of 48 h, resulting in a maximum adsorption capacity of 1820.47 mg·g−1. Furthermore, according to the findings, pseudo-second-order, Langmuir, and Freundlich models offered a precise match of the batch experiment results. The combined effects of the KBC pore filling, π–π electron donor–acceptor (π–π EDA), hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions facilitated both physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms, which in turn bolstered the biochar’s superior adsorption capabilities. These results underscore the viability of KBC as a promising candidate for water purification, demonstrating its potential to eliminate RhB from polluted waters for sustainable cleanup efforts effectively and the resource utilization of waste.
The effects of systemic and sustained hypoxia on orthodontic tooth movement in rats
Investigating the efficacy of bioactive compounds from selected plant extracts against Gibberella fujikuroi species complex associated with damping off disease in sweet corn
Abstract Fusarium genera are widespread disease-causing fungi that severely reduce plant productivity and yield quality, particularly in corn. In this study, we investigated the antifungal potential of selected plant extracts against damping-off disease-associated fungi in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata). Fourteen Fusarium isolates were obtained from symptomatic sweet corn plants belonging to five different species, viz. F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum, F. verticillioides, F. oxysporum, and F. acuminatum. Although all the isolated fungi were pathogenic, F. verticillioides (Fv-A), F. fujikuroi (Ff-A) and F. oxysporum (Fo-W2) were more aggressive showing higher values for infection (%) and infection severity (%) and negatively affected seed germination (%) and other growth variables. Phytochemical analysis for five wildly growing plant species namely; Eruca vesicaria L., Strigosella africana L., Chenopodium album L., Oxalis pes-caprae L. and Ducrosia ismaelis was conducted using GC-MS analysis. The most abundant bioactive compounds in the three selected extracts (E. vesicaria, O. pes-caprae L. and D. ismaelis) were 1-eicosanol, (Z)6,(Z)9-Pentadecadien-1-ol and n-Hexadecanoic acid, and Nonadecane, respectively. Oxacyclotricosan-2-one and D-Homoandrostane from E. vesicaria L.; Vitamin E and Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, methyl ester from O. pes-caprae L. and 7.beta.-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl), alpha-gurjunene from D. ismaelis showed extraordinary molecular docking and dynamic properties including high binding free energy, relatively low inhibition constant (pKi), ligand efficiency, and low torsional energy against three fungal enzymes, namely GH10 xylanase, Plant-type chitinase inhibitors, and Sterol 14-alpha Demethylase. Thus, these bioactive compounds can be listed as potential binders of these target proteins and could be used in designing new fungicides.
Advanced predictive disease modeling in biomedical IoT using the temporal adaptive neural evolutionary algorithm
Effects of acid mine drainage on microbial community development and physicochemical properties of mine contaminated sites in Southwest China
S-adenosylmethionine metabolism buffering is regulated by a decrease in glycine N-methyltransferase via the nuclear ubiquitin–proteasome system
Metabolic homeostasis is essential for survival; however, many studies have focused on the fluctuations of these factors. Furthermore, while metabolic homeostasis depends on the balance between the production and consumption of metabolites, there have been limited investigations into the mechanisms regulating their consumption. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) metabolism has diverse functions, including methylation, polyamine biosynthesis, and transsulfuration, making its regulation and control crucial. Recent studies have revealed the feedback regulation of SAM production; however, the mechanisms governing its consumption are still poorly understood. In this study, we focused on the stability of SAM levels in the fat body (FB) of Drosophila , which serves as a functional equivalent of the mammalian liver and adipose tissue, under conditions of SAM shortage, including nutrient deprivation. We found that glycine N-methyltransferase (Gnmt), a major SAM-consuming methyltransferase in the FB, decreased via the nuclear ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), along with the inhibition of SAM synthesis and starvation. The inhibition of Gnmt level reduction by suppression of the nuclear UPS causes starvation tolerance. Thus, the regulation of Gnmt levels through nuclear UPS-mediated reduction helps maintain SAM levels under SAM shortage conditions.
TIGAR regulated by HPV E6 is correlated with disease stage, drug sensitivity, and immune microenvironment in cervical cancer
Lactylation associated biomarkers and immune infiltration in aortic dissection
Abstract Protein lactylation, a novel post-translational modification (PTM), has emerged as a critical factor in disease processes related to glycolysis and immune responses. However, its role in aortic dissection (AD) has yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of protein lactylation in AD and identify key lactylation-related genes as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Transcriptomic data from public databases were analyzed to identify differentially expressed lactylation-related genes in AD. Functional enrichment analyses were performed, and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify gene modules associated with AD. Machine learning methods, including LASSO and Random Forest, were employed to identify key diagnostic genes. Experimental validation was performed using human aortic tissues and an AD model. Bioinformatics analysis identified 11 lactylation-related differentially expressed genes (LR-DEGs) in AD. WGCNA and machine learning revealed two optimal feature genes, PGK1 and HMGA1, which were validated in an independent dataset and demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC: PGK1 = 1, HMGA1 = 0.94). Immune infiltration analysis indicated significant correlations between these genes and specific immune cell types, suggesting a role in immune regulation. Experimental validation in human and murine AD tissues confirmed the upregulation of PGK1 and HMGA1. This study underscores the importance of lactylation in the pathogenesis of AD and identifies PGK1 and HMGA1 as key biomarkers related to lactylation. These findings enhance our understanding of the metabolic and immune mechanisms involved in AD, thereby presenting new molecular targets for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.
Downregulation of EAAT-2 impairs chronic neuropathic pain via increasing of plasma glutamate after herpes zoster infection
Abstract Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a debilitating complication of herpes zoster (HZ) with significant impact on quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the association between excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT-2) expression and plasma glutamate concentrations in HZ patients with CNP. This study was conducted with 102 consecutive patients diagnosed with HZ. Participants were divided into two groups: CNP ( n = 51) and acute pain (ACP, n = 51). Pain severity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale. Blood samples were collected for genotype analysis, mRNA and protein extraction, and plasma glutamate measurement. EAAT-2 DNA genotyping was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); EAAT-2 mRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR; EAAT-2 protein and glutamate levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The EAAT-2 DNA showed no significant difference in CNP and ACP patients. CNP patients exhibited lower EAAT-2 mRNA and protein levels compared to ACP patients. However, plasma glutamate levels were significantly elevated in the CNP patients. A correlation was observed between EAAT-2 protein concentration and plasma glutamate levels in the CNP group. This study demonstrates EAAT-2 mRNA downregulation, reduced EAAT-2 protein concentration, and elevated plasma glutamate levels play roles in CNP following HZ infection. These findings suggests that EAAT-2 may be a relevant target for further investigation in therapeutic development.