Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe²⁺-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.

Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe²⁺-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.

As a distinctive resource of Chinese civilization， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） technology transfer faces significant opportunities under the background of digital and intelligent transformation， while also being constrained by unique challenges such as the complexity of its theoretical system， lengthy industrial chains， and multidimensional policy restrictions， resulting in a "high-value-high-threshold" paradox. At present， TCM technology transfer is deeply trapped in a "threefold reluctance" dilemma， i.e.， unwillingness to transfer， inability to transfer， and lack of capacity to transfer. Specifically， the disconnection between scientific research evaluation systems and market demand leads to low conversion rates of research achievements， unclear ownership and compliance risks suppress innovation incentives， and the absence of professional services intensifies supply-demand mismatches. This article systematically analyzes the specific characteristics of TCM technology transfer and proposes a breakthrough pathway centered on full-chain digital and intelligent transformation. By integrating technologies such as intelligent sorting systems， blockchain-based traceability， and AI diagnostic models， the TCM ecosystem spanning "cultivation-production-service" can be reconstructed. In terms of standardization， promoting the progression from "experience-based data conversion" to "data standardization" and further to "intelligent standardization" is advocated to resolve quality control challenges. For example， a "three-no-one-full" certification system can strengthen quality trust. Policy coordination should focus on optimizing mechanisms for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements， while exploring intellectual property securitization and risk-sharing models to stimulate research momentum. In terms of internationalization， reliance on the Belt and Road Initiative platform to promote the export of geo-authentic medicinal material brands and standards is recommended to build a dual-driven model of "technology plus culture". Looking ahead， through the construction of national-level databases， the cultivation of interdisciplinary talent， and the mutual recognition of international standards， a new paradigm of "scientific intelligent manufacturing" can be formed， providing systematic solutions for the modernization of TCM and global health governance.

Objective To investigate the cross-sectional associations between different fatty liver classifications and cardiac structure and function in people undergo health examination. Methods A total of 6 545 adults who underwent health examinations at the Health Management Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University between January 1 and December 31, 2017, were retrospectively included. Demographic characteristics and laboratory data were collected. The hepatic steatosis was graded by ultrasonography. And patients with fatty liver were further stratified according to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, as well as the degree of liver fibrosis. Cardiac morphology and function were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, and left ventricular geometric patterns were classified accordingly. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between fatty liver classifications and cardiac abnormalities. Results There were 2 795 patients (42.7%) with fatty liver, of whom 832 (29.8%) had significant cardiac structural alterations and 1 500 (53.7%) had diastolic dysfunction. Severe fatty liver was risk factor for concentric remodeling and increased relative wall thickness (RWT), with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.27 (P＝0.012) and 1.27 (P＝0.009), respectively. Fatty liver accompanied by elevated ALT or AST was risk factor for concentric remodeling (OR＝1.45,1.56; P＝0.001, 0.001), increased RWT (OR＝1.48,1.57; P＜0.001, ＜0.001), and diastolic dysfunction (OR＝1.27, 1.32; P＝0.035, 0.040), respectively. Fatty liver with liver fibrosis was risk factor for concentric remodeling (OR＝1.83, P＝0.046) and diastolic dysfunction (OR＝2.64, P＝0.034). Conclusions Advanced fatty liver, including severe hepatic steatosis, accompanied by elevated liver enzymes or liver fibrosis, could increase risks of cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction, while systolic function is preserved. For patients with fatty liver, it is recommended to undergo regular ultrasonography examination.

Objective:To investigate the reparative effects and underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in conjunction with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on ovarian dysfunction in mice exposed to simulated high-altitude conditions.Methods:A total of 64 six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated according to random number table, assigned to control group, model group, hUCMSCs group and hUCMSCs+HBO group, with 16 mice in each group. Mice in model group, hUCMSCs group and hUCMSCs+HBO group were placed in a hypobaric oxygen chamber to simulate a high-altitude environment at an elevation of 6 500 m for 15 d, thereby establishing a model of ovarian dysfunction. Beginning on the first day following model establishment, the control and model groups received intravenous injections of 0.2 mL saline via the tail vein. In contrast, the hUCMSCs group and the hUCMSCs+HBO group received 0.2 mL hUCMSCs (1×10 6 cells) per mouse through tail vein injection, administered once a week for three weeks, with continuous intervention lasting 15 d. Furthermore, the hUCMSCs+HBO group were subjected to daily hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The recorded variables included general health status, body weight, estrous cycle changes, serum hormone levels, bilateral ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, follicular development assessment, pathological alterations of ovarian tissue, ultrastructural changes, and the expression levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and Smad family member 3 (Smad3) detected by Western blotting in ovarian tissue. Additionally, litter size and offspring body weight were measured across all groups to evaluate the reproductive capacity of the mice. Results:1) Compared with the hUCMSCs group, the hUCMSCs+HBO group exhibited no statistically significant differences in estrous cycle, body weight, bilateral ovarian wet weight, or ovarian index (all P>0.05). Furthermore, serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as counts of various stages of follicles in hUCMSCs+HBO group, did not demonstrate statistically significant differences compared with hUCMSCs group (all P>0.05). Notably, in the hUCMSCs+HBO group, the integrity of the nuclear membrane in granulosa cells of the ovarian tissue was preserved, with only mild swelling observed in individual mitochondria, while no expansion of the rough endoplasmic reticulum or swelling of the Golgi apparatus were noted. Additionally, expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 proteins in the hUCMSCs+HBO group were significantly elevated compared with the hUCMSCs group ( P=0.010, P<0.001). The conditions of the offspring and litter size showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). 2)Compared with control group, the hUCMSCs+HBO group had slightly lower values for body weight, bilateral ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, serum levels of AMH, estradiol, and progesterone, while had slightly higher serum levels of FSH and LH without statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). Importantly, the ultrastructural characteristics of granulosa cells in the ovarian tissue of the hUCMSCs+HBO group closely resembled those of control group, displaying intact structures of the nuclear membrane, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. There was no significant difference in TGF-β1 protein level between hUCMSCs+HBO group and control group ( P=0.253), but Smad3 protein level in hUCMSCs+HBO group was higher than that in control group ( P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected in offspring body weight, litter size, or behavioral tendencies (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Both hUCMSCs and the combination of hUCMSCs with HBO intervention demonstrated a safe and effective promotion of functional repair in damaged ovarian tissue under hypoxic conditions. Notably, the combination treatment of hUCMSCs with HBO exhibited a synergistic effect compared with hUCMSCs alone. The potential mechanism underlying this enhanced functional repair may involve the upregulation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which could ultimately improve fertility outcomes in mice subjected to hypoxic environments.

Objective To analyze the risk factors affecting liver regeneration after laparoscopic anatomic liver resection(LALR),and to explore the relationship between postoperative liver regeneration and the prognosis of patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 156 patients with liver cancer who underwent LALR treatment at the People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January 2021 to December 2023.Three-dimensional liver reconstruction and simulated resection were performed based on CT examination,and the postoperative liver regeneration rate was calculated.The patients were divided into the high regeneration group and the low regeneration group based on the median liver regeneration rate 1 month after surgery,and the univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the risk factors affecting postoperative liver regeneration.The relationships between post-operative liver regeneration capacity and tumor-free survival rate and overall survival rate of patients were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve.Results Significant difference was observed between the future remnant liver volume(FRLV)1 week after operation and the remnant liver volume(RLV)after operation(P<0.05).The liver regeneration rates 1 month and 3 months after operation were significantly higher than that 1 week after operation(P<0.05).The net growth rate of liver volume 1 week after operation was significantly higher than that 1 month and 3 months after operation(P<0.05).The median liver regeneration rate 1 month after operation was 27.81%.Univariate analysis showed that gender,age,drinking history,combined with liver cirrhosis,preoperative predictional RLV,preoperative predictional standard residual liver volume(SRLV),and postoperative platelet count(PLT)were closely related to liver regeneration after operation(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that combined with liver cirrhosis,and high preoperative predictional RLV and SRLV were the independent factors affecting liver regeneration after operation(P<0.05).The postoperative follow-up showed that the cumulative tumor-free survival rate of the high regeneration group was lower than that of the low regeneration group(61.20%vs.75.28%,Log-rank χ2=3.577,P=0.043),and there was no statistically significant difference in the cumulative overall survival rate between the two groups(74.63%vs.80.89%,Log-rank χ2=1.024,P=0.312).Conclusion For patients with liver cancer undergoing LALR,combined with liver cirrhosis,and high preoperative predictional RLV and SRLV are the independent risk factors influencing early postoperative liver regeneration.Moreover,the higher the patients' postoperative liver regeneration capacity,the lower the tumor-free survival rate.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (syMRI) combined with clinicopathological characteristics for the pre-treatment prediction of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) response in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (ANPC). Materials and Methods: Patients with ANPC treated with CRT between September 2020 and June 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into response group (RG, n = 95) and non RGs (NRG, n = 32) based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1. The quantitative parameters from pre-treatment syMRI (longitudinal [T1] and transverse [T2] relaxation times and proton density [PD]), diffusion-weighted imaging (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]), and clinicopathological characteristics were compared between RG and NRG. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify parameters independently associated with CRT response and to construct a multivariable model. The areas under the receiveroperating characteristic curve (AUC) for various diagnostic approaches were compared using the DeLong test. Results: The T1, T2, and PD values in the NRG were significantly lower than those in the RG (all P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in the ADC values between these two groups. Clinicopathological characteristics (Epstein–Barr virus [EBV]-DNA level, lymph node extranodal extension, clinical stage, and Ki-67 expression) exhibited significant differences between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that T1, PD, EBV-DNA level, clinical stage, and Ki-67 expression had significant independent relationships with CRT response (all P < 0.05). The multivariable model incorporating these five variables yielded AUC, sensitivity, and specificity values of 0.974, 93.8% (30/32), and 91.6% (87/95), respectively. Conclusion SyMRI may be used for the pretreatment prediction of CRT response in ANPC. The multivariable model incorporating syMRI quantitative parameters and clinicopathological characteristics, which were independently associated with CRT response, may be a new tool for the pretreatment prediction of CRT response.

China has become the country with the highest global burden of heart failure(HF).Despite the widespread use of prognostic-improving medications today,the mortality rate of HF remains high,reaching 13.7％at one year-particularly among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF).HF interventional device therapy(structural intervention)targets the structural factors underlying HF,including atrial pressure,ventricular remodeling,and valvular intervention.It leverages the heart's intrinsic physiological properties and pathological progression mechanisms to deliver treatments through interventions without external active forces,achieving anatomical or functional repair.This field has emerged as a rapidly growing area and plays an increasingly critical role in HF management.This article provides a comprehensive review and summary of the latest advancements in HF and cardiomyopathy interventional therapy over the past year.It covers various novel technologies and products currently in the research phase,aiming to provide an in-depth analysis of the current status and future directions of HF interventional therapy,and further advance the development of this discipline.

In continuation of research aimed at identifying anti-inflammatory agents from natural sesquiterpenoids, an activity-guided fractionation approach utilizing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated RAW264.7 cells was employed to investigate chemical constituents from Inula Britannica (I. britannica). Seven novel sesquiterpenoid dimers inulabritanoids A-G (1-7) and two novel sesquiterpenoid monomers inulabritanoids H (8) and I (9) were isolated from I. britannica together with eighteen known compounds (10-27). The structural elucidation was accomplished through comprehensive analysis of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, complemented by quantum chemical calculations. Compounds 1, 2, 12, 16, 19, and 26 demonstrated inhibitory effects on NO production, with IC₅₀ values of 3.65, 5.48, 3.29, 6.91, 3.12, and 5.67 μmol·L^-1, respectively. Mechanistic studies revealed that compound 1 inhibited IκB kinase β (IKKβ) phosphorylation, thereby blocking nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) nuclear translocation, and activated the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signal pathway, leading to decreased expression of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-1β, and IL-1α and increased expression of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), thus exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. These results indicate that dimeric sesquiterpenoids may serve as promising candidates for anti-inflammatory drug development.
Mice ; Animals ; Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification* ; Inula/chemistry* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Nitric Oxide ; Molecular Structure ; NF-kappa B/immunology* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/immunology* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; I-kappa B Kinase/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the effects and potential mechanisms by which synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) influences the distribution of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the trans-Golgi network (TGN), endolysosomal system, and cell membranes and to reveal the effects of SV2A on APP amyloid degradation. METHODS: Colocalization analysis of APP with specific tagged proteins in the TGN, ensolysosomal system, and cell membrane was performed to explore the effects of SV2A on the intracellular transport of APP. APP, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expressions, and APP cleavage products levels were investigated to observe the effects of SV2A on APP amyloidogenic processing. RESULTS: APP localization was reduced in the TGN, early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes, whereas it was increased in the recycling endosomes and cell membrane of SV2A-overexpressed neurons. Moreover, Arl5b (ADP-ribosylation factor 5b), a protein responsible for transporting APP from the TGN to early endosomes, was upregulated by SV2A. SV2A overexpression also decreased APP transport from the cell membrane to early endosomes by downregulating APP endocytosis. In addition, products of APP amyloid degradation, including sAPPβ, Aβ _1-42, and Aβ _1-40, were decreased in SV2A-overexpressed cells. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that SV2A promotes APP transport from the TGN to early endosomes by upregulating Arl5b and promoting APP transport from early endosomes to recycling endosomes-cell membrane pathway, which slows APP amyloid degradation.
Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/genetics* ; Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics* ; Animals ; Protein Transport ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Humans ; Mice ; Endosomes/metabolism* ; trans-Golgi Network/metabolism*