Acute lung injury (ALI) has been a kind of acute and severe disease that is mainly characterized by systemic uncontrolled inflammatory response to the production of huge amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lung tissue. Given the critical role of ROS in ALI, a Fe₃O₄ loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanocluster (BF) was developed to act as a nanomedicine for the treatment of ALI. Combining with NIR irradiation, it exhibited excellent ROS scavenging capacity. Significantly, it also displayed the excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions for lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced macrophages (RAW264.7), and Sprague Dawley rats via lowering intracellular ROS levels, reducing inflammatory factors expression levels, inducing macrophage M2 polarization, inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway, increasing CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cell ratios, as well as upregulating HSP70 and CD31 expression levels to reprogram redox homeostasis, reduce systemic inflammation, activate immunoregulation, and accelerate lung tissue repair, finally achieving the synergistic enhancement of ALI immunotherapy. It finally provides an effective therapeutic strategy of BF + NIR for the management of inflammation related diseases.

Working memory is an executive memory process that includes encoding, maintenance, and retrieval. These processes can be modulated by transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with sinusoidal waves. However, little is known about the impact of the rate of current change on working memory. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of two types of tACS with different rates of current change on working memory performance and brain activity. We applied a randomized, single-blind design and divided 81 young participants who received triangular wave tACS, sinusoidal wave tACS, or sham stimulation into three groups. Participants performed n-back tasks, and electroencephalograms were recorded before, during, and after active or sham stimulation. Compared to the baseline, working memory performance (accuracy and response time) improved after stimulation under all stimulation conditions. According to drift-diffusion model analysis, triangular wave tACS significantly increased the efficiency of non-target information processing. In addition, compared with sham conditions, triangular wave tACS reduced alpha power oscillations in the occipital lobe throughout the encoding period, while sinusoidal wave tACS increased theta power in the central frontal region only during the later encoding period. The brain network connectivity results showed that triangular wave tACS improved the clustering coefficient, local efficiency, and node degree intensity in the early encoding stage, and these parameters were positively correlated with the non-target drift rate and decision starting point. Our findings on how tACS modulates working memory indicate that triangular wave tACS significantly enhances brain network connectivity during the early encoding stage, demonstrating an improvement in the efficiency of working memory processing. In contrast, sinusoidal wave tACS increased the theta power during the later encoding stage, suggesting its potential critical role in late-stage information processing. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential mechanisms by which tACS modulates working memory.
Humans ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology* ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation/methods* ; Brain/physiology* ; Adult ; Electroencephalography ; Single-Blind Method

Objective:To compare the effects of standard cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia(CBT-I Plus) in patients with chronic insomnia disorder comorbid anxiety or depressive symptoms.Methods:This prospective study included 148 patients with chronic insomnia disorder and anxiety/depression symptoms who were treated at the Sleep Disorder clinic of Shanghai Mental Health Center between July 2020 and August 2023. Participants (56 males, 92 females; aged 18-65 years, mean age 35.08±10.30 years) were randomly assigned in a 1∶2 ratio to the CBT-I group ( n=54) or CBT-I Plus group ( n=94). The CBT-I Plus group received additional treatments targeting anxiety and depressive symptoms. Treatment lasted 8 weeks, with assessment conducted at baseline, weeks 2, 4, and 8. Depression severity was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD 17), anxiety severity with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Paired sample t-tests were used to evaluate within-group changes, repeated-measures ANOVA compared treatment effects between groups, and ANCOVA was employed to adjust for confounding variables. Results:Significant reductions in PSQI, HAMD 17, and HAMA scores were observed in both groups after treatment: CBT-I group: PSQI ((14.15±2.54) vs. (7.50±3.35), t=13.25), HAMD 17 ((14.70±4.09) vs. (7.40±4.61), t=9.33), and HAMA ((14.94±4.11) vs. (5.56±3.67), t=12.38) (all P<0.001).CBT-I Plus group: PSQI ((14.87±3.01) vs. (7.19±3.86), t=18.75), HAMD 17 ((16.84±3.91) vs. (6.84±4.79), t=17.42), and HAMA ((15.57±3.93) vs. (6.10±4.57), t=18.39) (all P<0.001). After adjusting for HAMD 17 scores and medication use, no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in changes in PSQI, HAMD 17, and HAMA scores ( P>0.05). A significant time-by-group interaction was found for the PSQI daytime dysfunction subscale ( F=4.87, P<0.01). Conclusion:Both CBT-I and CBT-I Plus improve sleep and emotional symptoms in patients with chronic insomnia disorder and comorbid anxiety/depression symptoms. However, CBT-I Plus has no significant advantages over standard CBT-I. Further studies are needed to refine the timing and content of interventions.

Objective:To explore the latent profiles of self-perceived burden among young and middle-aged postoperative glioma patients and to compare the differences in quality of life among the identified profiles.Methods:From October 2022 to June 2023, a total of 184 young and middle-aged postoperative glioma patients were selected using convenience sampling from the Department of Neurosurgery at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Latent profile analysis was conducted using Mplus 8.3 software. Multinomial Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of different latent classes of self-perceived burden. The quality of life scores were compared across the different classes.Results:A total of 184 questionnaires were distributed, and 179 valid responses were collected, with an effective response rate of 97.3% (179/184). The self-perceived burden among young and middle-aged postoperative glioma patients was categorized into three latent profiles: low burden group (43.6%, 78/179), moderate burden group (36.3%, 65/179), and high burden group (20.1%, 36/179). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, place of residence, and duration of illness were influencing factors for latent class membership ( P<0.05). The differences in quality of life total and subscale scores among the three latent classes were all statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Young and middle-aged postoperative glioma patients exhibit distinct latent profiles of self-perceived burden, and their quality of life varies significantly across these profiles. Medical staff should pay particular attention to patients who are younger, male, from rural areas, and with shorter disease durations, and provide personalized interventions to improve their quality of life.

Objective:To explore the latent profiles of self-perceived burden among young and middle-aged postoperative glioma patients and to compare the differences in quality of life among the identified profiles.Methods:From October 2022 to June 2023, a total of 184 young and middle-aged postoperative glioma patients were selected using convenience sampling from the Department of Neurosurgery at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Latent profile analysis was conducted using Mplus 8.3 software. Multinomial Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of different latent classes of self-perceived burden. The quality of life scores were compared across the different classes.Results:A total of 184 questionnaires were distributed, and 179 valid responses were collected, with an effective response rate of 97.3% (179/184). The self-perceived burden among young and middle-aged postoperative glioma patients was categorized into three latent profiles: low burden group (43.6%, 78/179), moderate burden group (36.3%, 65/179), and high burden group (20.1%, 36/179). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, place of residence, and duration of illness were influencing factors for latent class membership ( P<0.05). The differences in quality of life total and subscale scores among the three latent classes were all statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Young and middle-aged postoperative glioma patients exhibit distinct latent profiles of self-perceived burden, and their quality of life varies significantly across these profiles. Medical staff should pay particular attention to patients who are younger, male, from rural areas, and with shorter disease durations, and provide personalized interventions to improve their quality of life.

Objective:To compare the effects of standard cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia(CBT-I Plus) in patients with chronic insomnia disorder comorbid anxiety or depressive symptoms.Methods:This prospective study included 148 patients with chronic insomnia disorder and anxiety/depression symptoms who were treated at the Sleep Disorder clinic of Shanghai Mental Health Center between July 2020 and August 2023. Participants (56 males, 92 females; aged 18-65 years, mean age 35.08±10.30 years) were randomly assigned in a 1∶2 ratio to the CBT-I group ( n=54) or CBT-I Plus group ( n=94). The CBT-I Plus group received additional treatments targeting anxiety and depressive symptoms. Treatment lasted 8 weeks, with assessment conducted at baseline, weeks 2, 4, and 8. Depression severity was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD 17), anxiety severity with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Paired sample t-tests were used to evaluate within-group changes, repeated-measures ANOVA compared treatment effects between groups, and ANCOVA was employed to adjust for confounding variables. Results:Significant reductions in PSQI, HAMD 17, and HAMA scores were observed in both groups after treatment: CBT-I group: PSQI ((14.15±2.54) vs. (7.50±3.35), t=13.25), HAMD 17 ((14.70±4.09) vs. (7.40±4.61), t=9.33), and HAMA ((14.94±4.11) vs. (5.56±3.67), t=12.38) (all P<0.001).CBT-I Plus group: PSQI ((14.87±3.01) vs. (7.19±3.86), t=18.75), HAMD 17 ((16.84±3.91) vs. (6.84±4.79), t=17.42), and HAMA ((15.57±3.93) vs. (6.10±4.57), t=18.39) (all P<0.001). After adjusting for HAMD 17 scores and medication use, no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in changes in PSQI, HAMD 17, and HAMA scores ( P>0.05). A significant time-by-group interaction was found for the PSQI daytime dysfunction subscale ( F=4.87, P<0.01). Conclusion:Both CBT-I and CBT-I Plus improve sleep and emotional symptoms in patients with chronic insomnia disorder and comorbid anxiety/depression symptoms. However, CBT-I Plus has no significant advantages over standard CBT-I. Further studies are needed to refine the timing and content of interventions.

Objective:To further improve the understanding of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), we retrospectively analyzed and summarized the clinical characteristics, treatment status, and survival status of patients with PNH in Zhejiang Province.Methods:This study included 289 patients with PNH who visited 20 hospitals in Zhejiang Province. Their clinical characteristics, comorbidity, laboratory test results, and medications were analyzed and summarized.Results:Among the 289 patients with PNH, 148 males and 141 females, with a median onset age of 45 (16-87) years and a peak onset age of 20-49 years (57.8% ). The median lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level was 1 142 (604-1 925) U/L. Classified by type, 70.9% (166/234) were classical, 24.4% (57/234) were PNH/bone marrow failure (BMF), and 4.7% (11/234) were subclinical. The main clinical manifestations included fatigue or weakness (80.8%, 235/289), dizziness (73.4%, 212/289), darkened urine color (66.2%, 179/272), and jaundice (46.2%, 126/270). Common comorbidities were hemoglobinuria (58.7% ), renal dysfunction (17.6% ), and thrombosis (15.0% ). Moreover, 82.3% of the patients received glucocorticoid therapy, 70.9% required blood transfusion, 30.7% used immunosuppressive agents, 13.8% received anticoagulant therapy, and 6.3% received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The 10-year overall survival (OS) rate was 84.4% (95% CI 78.0% -91.3% ) . Conclusion:Patients with PNH are more common in young and middle-aged people, with a similar incidence rate between men and women. Common clinical manifestations include fatigue, hemoglobinuria, jaundice, renal dysfunction, and recurrent thrombosis. The 10-year OS of this group is similar to reports from other centers in China.

Objective:Flotillin-2(FLOT2)is a prototypical oncogenic and a potential target for cancer therapy.However,strategies for targeting FLOT2 remain undefined.Post-translational modifications are crucial for regulating protein stability,function,and localization.Understanding the mechanisms and roles of post-translational modifications is key to developing targeted therapies.This study aims to investigate the regulation and function of lysine acetylation of FLOT2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma,providing new insights for targeting FLOT2 in cancer intervention. Methods:The PhosphoSitePlus database was used to analyze the lysine acetylation sites of FLOT2,and a lysine acetylation site mutation of FLOT2[FLOT2(K211R)]was constructed.Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells were treated with histone deacetylase(HDAC)inhibitor trichostatin A(TSA)and Sirt family deacetylase inhibitor nicotinamide(NAM).TSA-treated human embryonic kidney(HEK)-293T were transfected with FLOT2 mutant plasmids.Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)was used to detect total acetylation levels of FLOT2 and the effects of specific lysine(K)site mutations on FLOT2 acetylation.Western blotting was used to detect FLOT2/FLAG-FLOT2 protein expression in TSA-treated nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells transfected with FLOT mutant plasmids,and real-time reverse transcription PCR(real-time RT-PCR)was used to detect FLOT2 mRNA expression.Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells were treated with TSA combined with MG132 or chloroquine(CQ)to analyze FLOT2 protein expression.Cycloheximide(CHX)was used to treat HEK-293T cells transfected with FLAG-FLOT2(WT)or FLAG-FLOT2(K211R)plasmids to assess protein degradation rates.The BioGrid database was used to identify potential interactions between FLOT2 and HDAC6,which were validated by Co-IP.HEK-293T cells were co-transfected with FLAG-FLOT2(WT)/FLAG-FLOT2(K211R)and Vector/HDAC6 plasmids,and grouped into FLAG-FLOT2(WT)+Vector,FLAG-FLOT2(WT)+HDAC6,FLAG-FLOT2(K211R)+Vector,and FLAG-FLOT2(K211R)+HDAC6 to analyze the impact of K211R mutation on total lysine acetylation levels.In 6-0B cells,overexpression of FLOT2(WT)and FLOT2(K211R)was performed,and the biological functions of FLOT2 acetylation site mutants were assessed using cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),colony formation,and Transwell invasion assays. Results:The PhosphoSitePlus database indicated that FLOT2 has an acetylation modification at the K211 site.Co-IP confirmed significant acetylation of FLOT2,with TSA significantly increasing overall FLOT2 acetylation levels,while NAM had no effect.Mutation at the K211 site significantly reduced overall FLOT2 acetylation,unaffected by TSA.TSA decreased FLOT2 protein expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells without affecting FLOT2 mRNA levels or FLOT2(K211R)protein expression in transfected cells.The degradation rate of FLOT2(K211R)protein was significantly slower than that of FLOT2(WT).The proteasome inhibitor MG132 prevented TSA-induced FLOT2 degradation,while the lysosome inhibitor CQ did not.BioGrid data suggested a potential interaction between FLOT2 and HDAC6,confirmed by Co-IP.Knockdown of HDAC6 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells significantly increased FLOT2 acetylation;co-transfection of HDAC6 and FLAG-FLOT2(WT)significantly decreased total lysine acetylation levels,whereas co-transfection of HDAC6 and FLAG-FLOT2(K211R)had no effect.Knockdown of HDAC6 significantly reduced FLOT2 protein levels without affecting mRNA levels.MG132 prevented HDAC6-knockdown-induced FLOT2 degradation.Knockdown of HDAC6 significantly accelerated FLOT2 degradation.Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells transfected with FLOT2(K211R)showed significantly higher proliferation and invasion than those transfected with FLOT2(WT). Conclusion:The K211 site of FLOT2 undergoes acetylation modification,and HDAC6 mediates deacetylation at this site,inhibiting proteasomal degradation of FLOT2 and maintaining its stability and tumor-promoting function in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

The Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) is an ancillary transcription initiation complex which is highly conserved. The ADA1 (alteration/deficiency in activation 1, also called histone H2A functional interactor 1, HFI1) is a subunit in the core module of the SAGA protein complex. ADA1 plays an important role in plant growth and development as well as stress resistance. In this paper, we performed genome-wide identification of banana ADA1 gene family members based on banana genomic data, and analyzed the basic physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationships, selection pressure, promoter cis-acting elements, and its expression profiles under biotic and abiotic stresses. The results showed that there were 10, 6, and 7 family members in Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana and Musa itinerans. The members were all unstable and hydrophilic proteins, and only contained the conservative SAGA-Tad1 domain. Both MaADA1 and MbADA1 have interactive relationship with Sgf11 (SAGA-associated factor 11) of core module in SAGA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that banana ADA1 gene family members could be divided into 3 classes. The evolution of ADA1 gene family members was mostly influenced by purifying selection. There were large differences among the gene structure of banana ADA1 gene family members. ADA1 gene family members contained plenty of hormonal elements. MaADA1-1 may play a prominent role in the resistance of banana to cold stress, while MaADA1 may respond to the Panama disease of banana. In conclusion, this study suggested ADA1 gene family members are highly conserved in banana, and may respond to biotic and abiotic stress.
Musa/genetics* ; Phylogeny ; Fungal Proteins ; Cell Nucleus ; Histones ; Stress, Physiological/genetics*

As the search for effective treatments for COVID-19 continues, the high mortality rate among critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU) presents a profound challenge. This study explores the potential benefits of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a supplementary treatment for severe COVID-19. A total of 110 critically ill COVID-19 patients at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Vulcan Hill Hospital between Feb., 2020, and April, 2020 (Wuhan, China) participated in this observational study. All patients received standard supportive care protocols, with a subset of 81 also receiving TCM as an adjunct treatment. Clinical characteristics during the treatment period and the clinical outcome of each patient were closely monitored and analysed. Our findings indicated that the TCM group exhibited a significantly lower mortality rate compared with the non-TCM group (16 of 81 vs 24 of 29; 0.3 vs 2.3 person/month). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, TCM treatment was associated with improved survival odds (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the analysis also revealed that TCM treatment could partially mitigate inflammatory responses, as evidenced by the reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and contribute to the recovery of multiple organic functions, thereby potentially increasing the survival rate of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Humans ; COVID-19 ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Critical Illness ; Treatment Outcome