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.

Osteoarthritis (OA), a highly prevalent degenerative joint disease worldwide, is defined by articular cartilage degradation, abnormal bone remodeling, and persistent chronic inflammation. It severely compromises patients’ quality of life, and currently, there is no radical cure. Abnormal mechanical stress is widely regarded as a core driver of OA pathogenesis, and the exploration of mechanical signal perception and transduction mechanisms has become crucial for deciphering OA’s pathophysiological processes. Piezo1, a key mechanosensitive cation channel belonging to the Piezo protein family, has recently gained significant attention due to its pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to mechanical stimuli in joint tissues. This review systematically examines Piezo1’s expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and pathological functions in OA, with a particular focus on its dual roles in modulating chondrocyte homeostasis and bone metabolism disorders, while also delving into the underlying molecular signaling pathways and potential therapeutic implications. Piezo1, consisting of approximately 2 500 amino acids and forming a unique trimeric propeller-like structure, is widely expressed in chondrocytes, osteocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and synovial cells. It exhibits permeability to cations such as Ca²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺, and directly responds to membrane tension changes induced by mechanical stimuli like fluid shear stress and mechanical overload. In OA patients and animal models, Piezo1 expression is significantly upregulated, especially in cartilage regions subjected to abnormal mechanical stress (e.g., human temporomandibular joint cartilage). This overexpression is closely associated with aggravated cartilage degeneration, increased chondrocyte apoptosis, accelerated cellular senescence, and intensified inflammatory responses. Mechanical overload and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β) are key inducers of Piezo1 upregulation: IL-1β activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to enhance Piezo1 expression, forming a pathogenic positive feedback loop that inhibits chondrocyte autophagy, promotes apoptosis, and further accelerates joint degeneration. Mechanistically, Piezo1 mediates OA progression through multiple interconnected pathways. When activated by mechanical stress, Piezo1 triggers excessive Ca²⁺ influx, leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and mitochondrial dysfunction, which directly induce chondrocyte apoptosis. This process involves the activation of downstream signaling cascades such as cGAS-STING and YAP-MMP13/ADAMTS5. YAP, a transcriptional regulator, upregulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and aggrecanase (ADAMTS5), thereby accelerating cartilage matrix degradation. Additionally, Piezo1-driven Ca²⁺ overload promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulates senescence markers (p16 and p21), accelerating chondrocyte senescence via the p38MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Senescent chondrocytes secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β), further amplifying joint inflammation. In terms of bone metabolism, Piezo1 maintains joint homeostasis by promoting the differentiation of fibrocartilage stem cells into chondrocytes and balancing bone formation and resorption through regulating the FoxC1/YAP axis and RANKL/OPG ratio. Therapeutically, targeting Piezo1 shows promising potential. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Piezo1 inhibitors (e.g., GsMTx4) can reduce joint damage and alleviate pain in OA mice. Simultaneously, siRNA-mediated co-silencing of Piezo1 and TRPV4 (another mechanosensitive channel) decreases intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis, and promotes cartilage repair. Conditional knockout of Piezo1 using Gdf5-Cre transgenic mice alleviates cartilage degeneration in post-traumatic OA models by downregulating MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expression. Despite existing challenges, such as off-target effects of inhibitors, inefficient local drug delivery, and interindividual genetic variability, strategies like developing selective Piezo1 antagonists, optimizing targeted nanocarriers, and combining Piezo1-targeted therapy with physical therapy provide viable avenues for clinical translation. The authors propose that Piezo1 serves as a critical therapeutic target for OA, and future research should focus on deciphering its context-dependent regulatory networks, developing tissue-specific intervention strategies, and validating their efficacy and safety in clinical trials to address the unmet medical needs of OA patients.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the radial-ulnar ratio,lateral lunate angle of radius and height loss of radius after palmar locking plate internal fixation for distal radius fractures.Methods A total of 158 patients with distal radius fractures treated with palmar locking plate internal fixation in our hospital from March 2020 to September 2023 were selected.According to the height of radius loss after operation,the patients were divided into non-radius loss group(41 cases,<2 mm),mild to moderate radius loss group(32 cases,2 to 5 mm)and severe radius loss group(85 cases,>5 mm),and the clinical data of patients in the three groups were compared.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors affecting height loss of radius.Locally weighted scatterplot smoothing(LOWESS)method was used to analyze the two-dimensional curve relationship of continuous variables.Restricted cubic spline(RCS)and threshold effect were used to analyze the relationship between the radial-ulnar ratio,lateral lunate angle of radius and height loss of radius after operation.Results The age of patients in the severe radius loss group was significantly higher than those in the non-radius loss group and the mild to moderate radius loss group(P<0.05),and the age of patients in the mild to moderate radius loss group was significantly higher than that in the non-radius loss group(P<0.05).Female patients and patients with osteoporosis and fracture type C were more likely to have height loss of radius(P<0.05).There were significant differences in patient-rated wrist evaluation(PRWE)score,disabilities of the arm,shoulder and hand(DASH)score,dorsal extension,palmar curvature,ulnar deviation,radial deviation,radial-ulnar ratio,and lateral lunate angle of radius of patients at 3 and 6 months after operation among three groups(P<0.001).The first prediction model based on age,gender,osteoporosis,fracture type,PRWE score,DASH score,dorsal extension,palmar curvature,ulnar deviation,and radial deviation and the second prediction model based on age,gender,osteoporosis,fracture type,PRWE score,DASH score,dorsal extension,palmar curvature,ulnar deviation,radial deviation,radial-ulnar ratio,and lateral lunate angle of radius were subjected to Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good goodness of fit.LOWESS analysis showed that age,PRWE score,DASH score,dorsal extension,palmar curvature,ulnar deviation,radial deviation,radial-ulnar ratio,and lateral lunate angle of radius had a certain nonlinear relationship with the height loss of radius.RCS and threshold effect analysis showed that the probability of postoperative radius loss increased with the increase of radial-ulnar ratio in patients with distal radius fractures and radial-ulnar ratio≥13.254(P<0.001).The probability of postoperative radius loss decreased with the increase of the lateral lunate angle of radius in patients with distal radius fractures and lateral lunate angle of radius≤11.068°(P<0.001).Conclusion There was a positive correlation between the radial-ulnar ratio and the height loss of radius,and a negative correlation between the lateral lunate angle of radius and the height loss of radius after palmar locking plate internal fixation for distal radius fractures.

We reported the clinical manifestations,radiographic characteristics and prognosis of 1 case with Mycolicibacterium wolinskyi pulmonary disease,and provided a comprehensive literature review on this disease.Using"M.wolinskyi"OR"Mycobacterium wolinskyi"OR"Mycolicibacterium wolinskyi"as search term in PubMed database,CNKI and Wanfang database up to August 26 2023,40 reports were retrieved.32 cases from the literature and 1 case of our institution were used for review.A 59-year-old female presented intermittent hemoptysis since 2015.She was diagnosed with tuberculosis and clinical symptoms continued after anti-tuberculosis treatment.After multiple cultures of mycobacterium sputum and species identification in our hospital,M.wolinskyi was finally identified.She was diagnosed with M.Wolinski pulmonary disease according to clinical symptoms,computed tomography findings as well as bacteriological examinations.Combination therapy with Azithromycin,Moxifloxacin hydrochloride and Amikacin were administered based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Mycobacterium sputum culture became negative after 1 month treatment and kept negative,and the patient continued this combination therapy for 12 months after first culture negative.M.wolinskyi disease is exceedingly rare in medical institutions,and clinical symptoms are different depending on different location.Most cases were infected with skin,soft tissue or bone tissue infection after trauma or surgery,and a few cases were bloodstream infection.Most patients could have a good prognosis after proper treatment.M.wolinskyi disease is rare and clinically atypical,which may lead to long-term misdiagnosis.With the increase of aged or immunosuppressed population,the diagnosis and treatment of these rare non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections deserve more attention.

Primary aldosteronism(PA)is the most common cause of secondary hypertension,yet its diagnosis remains under-recognized,with a high rate of missed diagnoses.This condition significantly impacts multiple systems,including the cardiovascular,renal,metabolic,and skeletal systems,resulting in notable complications.Patients with Klinefelter syndrome(KS)exhibit a markedly higher prevalence of metabolic disorders,which may further exacerbate cardiovascular and endocrine dysfunction.Here we report a patient who presented with refractory hypertension and an incidentally discovered adrenal mass,and was ultimately diagnosed with a left adrenal aldosterone-producing adenoma combined with KS.We provide a detailed description of the patient's clinical manifestations,biochemical indices,diagnostic process,and postoperative histopathological findings in order to enhance the understanding of PA and KS and their potential interconnections,which offers diagnostic insights to reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses.

Objective To preliminarily explore the safety of collecting colostrum in the third trimester,and to evaluate postpartum breastfeeding in pregnant women with hyperglycemia during pregnancy.Methods Pregnant women with hyperglycemia during pregnancy who had prenatal examinations in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University from Jul to Nov 2022 were prospectively divided into the colostrum collection group(n=52)in the third trimester and the control group(n=55)by randomized controlled grouping method.The t-test,χ2 test,Fisher's exact probability method and rank sum test were used for statistical analysis of the data to compare the delivery outcomes,neonatal outcomes and postpartum breastfeeding status between the two groups.Results There were no significant differences in the gestational weeks at delivery,delivery methods,breastfeeding rates at 42 days postpartum and 4 months postpartum between the two groups of pregnant women with hyperglycemia during pregnancy.There were also no significant differences in the Apgar scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth and the neonatal hospitalization rate.The proportion of formula milk as the first supplementary feeding after delivery and the delayed lactation rate at 3 days postpartum in the colostrum collection group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The exclusive breastfeeding rates at 24 hours postpartum and 3 days postpartum in the colostrum collection group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Collecting colostrum in the third trimester among pregnant women with hyperglycemia during pregnancy is safe,and it can reduce the rate of supplementary feeding with formula milk after delivery,and increase the exclusive breastfeeding rates at 24 hours postpartum and 3 days postpartum.

Objective To preliminarily explore the safety of collecting colostrum in the third trimester,and to evaluate postpartum breastfeeding in pregnant women with hyperglycemia during pregnancy.Methods Pregnant women with hyperglycemia during pregnancy who had prenatal examinations in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University from Jul to Nov 2022 were prospectively divided into the colostrum collection group(n=52)in the third trimester and the control group(n=55)by randomized controlled grouping method.The t-test,χ2 test,Fisher's exact probability method and rank sum test were used for statistical analysis of the data to compare the delivery outcomes,neonatal outcomes and postpartum breastfeeding status between the two groups.Results There were no significant differences in the gestational weeks at delivery,delivery methods,breastfeeding rates at 42 days postpartum and 4 months postpartum between the two groups of pregnant women with hyperglycemia during pregnancy.There were also no significant differences in the Apgar scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth and the neonatal hospitalization rate.The proportion of formula milk as the first supplementary feeding after delivery and the delayed lactation rate at 3 days postpartum in the colostrum collection group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The exclusive breastfeeding rates at 24 hours postpartum and 3 days postpartum in the colostrum collection group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Collecting colostrum in the third trimester among pregnant women with hyperglycemia during pregnancy is safe,and it can reduce the rate of supplementary feeding with formula milk after delivery,and increase the exclusive breastfeeding rates at 24 hours postpartum and 3 days postpartum.

This study was aimed at establishing a method of ultra-fast quantitative PCR for Brucella detection.We used an exogenous recombinant plasmid as the internal reference and targeted the T4SS secretion system,an important Brucella viru-lence factor,to design specific primers and probes.The sensitivity,specificity,and repeatability of this method were evaluated,and a standard curve was constructed.The coincidence rate of detection findings with this method versus quantitative PCR was determined.This method markedly decreased the detection time to only 10 minutes.The standard curve demonstrated a good linear relationship(Y=-3.410 7x+38.357,R2=0.998 5)with a low minimum detection limit of 10 copies/μL.The method exhibited good specificity and did not specifically amplify several common clinical bacteria other than Brucella.The de-tection of three concentrations of positive plasmids yielded coefficients of variation(CVs)of 0.20％to 0.91％,thus demonstra-ting the method's excellent repeatability.Furthermore,140 clinical samples were analyzed concurrently with the fluorescence PCR method,which yielded a 100％compliance rate and consistent results.Our findings indicated that the Brucella ultra-fast quantitative PCR was ultrafast;had high sensitivity,high specificity,and good specificity;and can be used for the clinical de-tection of Brucella and emergency investigation of epidemics.Therefore,this method is valuable for the early diagnosis of Bru-cella.

Sneddon syndrome is a rare neurocutaneous disorder that primarily affects small-and medium-sized arteries.Its clinical manifestations include livedo racemosa and recurrent cerebral ischemic events,and it may also involve multiple organs such as the heart,spleen,and kidneys.This disease can lead to early-onset stroke,making it a rare cause of stroke in young adults.This article reported a case of a young female patient who experienced two cerebral infarctions within one month.Genetic testing identified a homozygous mutation in the adenosine deaminase 2 gene,confirming the diagnosis of Sneddon syndrome.This case serves as a reference to improve clinical recognition of this disease.