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

Background Electroplating technology is widely used in the mechanical manufacturing industry. Electroplating workers may be exposed to occupational hazards such as chromium, zinc, cyanides, and sulfuric acid. With the continuous improvement of protective conditions, occupational hazards have been effectively controlled, but there is less focus on the potential acute occupational poisoning that may occur during the electroplating process. Objective To identify causes of an acute chromium poisoning accident occurred during the cleaning process of electroplating tank in a hardware processing plant, and to formulate relevant prevention and control measures to avoid similar poisoning accidents. Methods Occupational history, medical history, and treatment process of the poisoned worker were inquired in detail, his inpatient medical records were consulted , and his blood samples were tested. Occupational health investigation and testing were carried out at the scene of the poisoning accident. Results The air concentration of peak exposure (CPE) and permissible concentration-time weighted average (CTWA) of chromium and its compounds in the workplace were 0.49 mg·m⁻³ and 0.31 mg·m⁻³ respectively. The results of auxiliary test were Serum chromium 4175.85 μg·L⁻¹, serum creatinine 1370.2 μmol·L⁻¹, urea 42.28 mmol·L⁻¹, and urine osmotic pressure 248 mosm·L⁻¹. The final diagnosis was occupational acute severe toxic nephropathy (chromium and its compounds) and occupational chemical skin moderate burn (chromic acid, sulfuric acid). The prescribed treatment included right lower limb expansion skin grafting, hemodialysis and symptomatic support. The patient’s condition was stable and gradually improved after the treatment. Conclusion The main causes of the poisoning accident include weak awareness of the employer of occupational disease prevention and control; failures in fulfilling legal obligations of occupational disease prevention and control, implementing effective occupational disease prevention measures, and providing proper occupational health and safety training and effective personal protective equipment. In order to protect the health of workers, the relevant government departments and employers should attach great importance to the prevention and control of occupational diseases, such as strengthening training and education, increasing the intensity of occupational health supervision, and urging employers to implement occupational disease prevention measures in accordance with the law.

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.

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

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*

ObjectiveTo understand the prevalence of hookworm infection and its relevant behavioral factors in rural areas of Tiantai County， Zhejiang Province， and to provide scientific evidence for prevention and control of hookworm disease. MethodsBy using a stratified cluster random sampling strategy， local residents aged ≥3 years was divided into 5 districts according to geographical location； furthermore， those in one administrative village （surveillance site） were investigated in each district. Species of hookworm were identified by filter paper culture in vitro， and enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected by cellophane anal swab in children aged 3‒9 year. Risk factors were determined by questionnaire. ResultsA total of 1 013 residents were investigated in 5 surveillance sites. Thirty nine cases with hookworm infection were detected， with the total infection rate of 3.85% . All species detected were determined to be Necator americanus. The infection rate significantly differed across the towns （χ²=48.32， P<0.05）， with the highest rate in Nanping Town （10.95%） . It significantly differed by age groups （χ²=65.65， P<0.05）， with the highest rate in those aged >70 years （9.75%）. Furthermore， it decreased with educational background. It was significantly associated with fertilize with fresh manure （χ²=6.87， P<0.05） and barefoot labor （χ²=157.69， P<0.05）. ConclusionThe overall infection rate of hookworm in Tiantai County remains low. Dominant species of hookworm is hookworm Necator americanus. It is necessary to strengthen the advocacy of hookworm prevention and control knowledge， improve hygiene in work and life style， and increase self-protection awareness.

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: To investigate the effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the plasma levels of trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) in rabbits with atherosclerosis (AS), as well as to explore the possible mechanism of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in treating AS. Methods: After 1-week adaptive feeding, 28 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into a blank group, a model group, an antibiotic group, and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group according to the random number table method, with 7 rabbits in each group. Rabbits were fed with a basic diet in the blank group, while with a basic diet plus 1％ choline in the remaining groups to prepare the AS model. Rabbits were given drinking water with broad-spectrum antibiotics in the antibiotic group, and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group for 12 weeks. The atherosclerotic plaques by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the blood lipid levels, the plasma TMA and TMAO levels by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were detected for rabbits in each group at the end of interventions. Liver FMO3 protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Liver FMO3 mRNA expression was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: HE staining showed that the arterial wall was rough, the intima was significantly thickened, and more foam cells and lipid deposits were seen in rabbits of the model group. Arterial wall thickening was not obvious with a few foam cells and lipid deposits in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group. Compared with the blank group, the serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) were increased (P<0.01), the plasma levels of TMA and TMAO were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression levels of liver FMO3 protein and mRNA were all increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); while the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was decreased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the LDL-C and TC levels were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), the HDL-C levels were increased (P<0.01), the TMA and TMAO levels were decreased (P<0.05), while the protein and mRNA expression levels of FMO3 were decreased without statistical significance in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the antibiotic group. Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can slow atherosclerotic plaque formation and regulate lipid levels in AS rabbits, and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of TMA and TMAO expression in the plasma.

Objective : To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of cases with pertussis in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide insights into pertussis diagnosis and control. Methods: A total of 186 patients with definitive diagnosis of pertussis in medical institutions in Yiwu City from November 1, 2020 to August 31, 2022 were recruited, and subjects' demographic, clinical symptoms and history of pertussis vaccination were collected using questionnaire surveys. The temporal, population, and spatial distribution and clinical symptoms of pertussis were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method, and the clinical characteristics of pertussis patients with different doses of pertussis vaccination were compared. Results: Pertussis was found to predominantly occur during the period between July and November (101 cases, 54.30%), and the three highest-incidence regions included Jiangdong Street, Beiyuan Street and Choujiang Street (87 cases, 46.77%). The 186 pertussis cases included 105 males (56.45%) and 81 females (43.55%), and included 144 cases with age of onset under 7 year (77.42%). Preschool and diaspora children were predominant among all pertussis cases, and the main clinical symptoms included spasmodic cough (97 cases, 52.15%), post-tussive vomiting (82 cases, 44.09%) and aggravated cough at night (77 cases, 41.40%). Routine blood tests measured 119 cases with abnormal white blood cell counts (63.98%), 137 cases with abnormal lymphocyte counts (73.66%), 39 cases with abnormal neutrophil counts (20.97%), 21 cases with abnormal platelet counts (11.29%) and 111 cases with abnormal hemoglobin concentrations (59.68%). There were 55 cases that were unvaccinated (29.57%), 23 cases that were not fully vaccinated (12.37%), and 108 cases that were fully vaccinated (58.06%). There were significant differences among pertussis cases with different doses of vaccination in terms of age, incidence of post-tussive vomiting, percentage of abnormal platelet counts and percentage of hemoglobin concentrations (all P<0.05). Conclusions The majority of pertussis cases are preschool and diaspora children in Yiwu City from November 1, 2020 to August 31, 2022, and the clinical symptoms mainly include spasmodic cough, post-tussive vomiting and aggravated cough at night, with atypical symptoms. The capability for differential diagnosis of pertussis is required to be improved in medical institutions.