Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.

T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.

Cellulose synthase (CesA), one of the key enzymes in the biosynthesis of cellulose in plants, plays an important role in plant growth and plant resistance. In this study, a total of 21 AsCesA genes from Aquilaria sinensis were systematically identified and the physico-chemical characteristics were analyzed based on genome database and bioinformatical methods. The phylogenetic tree was constructed and the gene location on chromosome, cis-acting elements in the 2 000 basepairs upstream regulatory regions and conservative motifs were analyzed. The AsCesA proteins were mainly located on the plasma membrane. The number of amino acids of the proteins ranged from 390 to 1 261. The isoelectric point distributed from 5.67 to 8.86. All of the 21 AsCesA proteins possessed the transmembrane domains, the number of which was from 6 to 8. The genes were classified into 3 groups according to the phylogenetic relationship. Obvious differences were observed in motif composition in genes from different groups. However, motif2, motif6, motif7 and motif10 were observed in all of AsCesA proteins. Analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that AsCesA genes family has cis-acting elements related to plant hormones, abiotic stresses, and biological processes. Seven AsCesA genes with differential expression were selected according to the calli transcriptome data induced by NaCl at different times and their expression levels under different abiotic stresses were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The results indicated that salt, low temperature, drought, and heavy metal stresses could affect the expression level of AsCesA genes, and the abundance of AsCesA1, AsCesA3 and AsCesA20 showed a significant change, implying their potential important roles to the abiotic stresses. The accumulation pattern of cellulose content under different abiotic stresses was similar to the expression trend of AsCesA genes. Our results provide valuable insights into the role of cellulose synthase in A.sinensis in plant defense.

This study design of specific identification primers for the ITS2 sequence of F. ussuriensis. The reaction system and conditions were optimized, and PCR-nucleic acid test strips were constructed to realize the visual detection of F. ussuriensis Bark. Through molecular cloning and sequencing technology, we constructed a positive control for F. ussuriensis DNA and formulated quality standards. The established method was evaluated for sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility, and the authenticity of the commercially available samples was identified. Results demonstrated that based on the ITS2 sequences, F. ussuriensis and its mixed forgeries could be distinguished. The PCR products of the authentic F. ussuriensis on test strips showed two bands in the T and C lines, while the pseudo products and negative control showed only one band in the C line, which was consistent with the results of agarose gel electrophoresis. The specificity was 100%, and the sensitivity of the PCR-nucleic acid test strip was up to 0.1 ng·μL^-1, which was 10 times higher than that of the gel electrophoresis assay. 11 out of 16 commercially available samples of F. ussuriensis were qualified, and 5 were unqualified. Collectively, the PCR-nucleic acid test strip method established in this study is specific, rapid, accurate and visualized, which can provide a new technical idea for the detection of F. ussuriensis.

Objective To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)combined with Chinese medicine emotional intervention on immune function and psychological stress in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical rectal cancer surgery.Methods A total of 100 patients hospitalized for laparoscopic radical surgery for rectal cancer were randomly divided into 4 groups of Group A,B,C,and D,25 patients in each group.Group A was given TEAS for 30 minutes before anesthesia,Group B was given TEAS continuously until the end of the surgery,Group C was given TEAS for 30 minutes and Chinese medicine emotional intervention before anesthesia,Group D was given TEAS continuously until the end of the surgery together with Chinese medicine emotional intervention.TEAS was performed at bilateral Zusanli(ST36)points,bilateral Sanyinjiao(SP6)points,Baihui(GV20)points,bilateral Neiguan(PC6)points.The changes of perioperative outcomes and the changes of parameters associated with the immune function,molecular mechanism of Th1/Th2 cells,and psychological stress response before the surgery and 3 days after the surgery in each group were observed.Moreover,the occurrence of adverse reactions in each group was compared.Results(1)The differences of perioperative outcomes operation time,bleeding volume and infusion amount were not statistically significant among the 4 groups(P＞0.05).The Sufentanil dosage,Remifentanil dosage,postoperative awakening time,and 24-hour postoperative pain Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores of group D were lower than those of Groups A,B,and C(P＜0.05),and the above indexes of group B and group C were all lower than those of Group A(P＜0.05).(2)Three days after the surgery,the levels of immune function indicators of T lymphocyte subsets CD3+,CD4+ and natural killer(NK)cells in Group D were higher than those in Groups A,B,and C(P＜0.05),while the above indexes in Groups B and C were higher than those in Group A(P＜0.05).(3)Three days after the surgery,the levels of parameters associated with the molecular mechanism of Th1/Th2 cells such as interleukin 2(IL-2)and interferon gamma(IFN-γ)in Group D were higher(P＜0.05),and the serum interleukin 10(IL-10)level was lower than those in Groups A,B,and C(P＜0.05);the serum IL-2 and IFN-γ levels in Group B and C were higher(P＜0.05)and serum IL-10 level was lower than those in Group A(P＜0.05).(4)Three days after the surgery,the scores of the psychological stress response indicators of self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)and self-rating depression scale(SDS)in Group D were lower than those in Groups A,B,and C(P＜0.05),while the above scores in Groups B and C were lower than those in Group A(P＜0.05).(5)In Group A,there was one case of nausea and vomiting;in Group B,there were two cases of nausea and vomiting and one case of dizziness;no adverse reaction occurred in Group C,and there was one case of nausea and vomiting in Group D.The incidences of adverse reactions in Groups A,B,C and D were 4.0%(1/25),12.0%(3/25),0.0%(0/25),and 4.0%(1/25),respectively.The intergroup comparison showed no statistically significant difference among the 4 groups(χ2 = 0.400,P = 0.527).Conclusion In treating patients undergoing laparoscopic radical surgery for rectal cancer,TEAS combined with Chinese medicine emotional intervention can effectively regulate the perioperative immune function,reduce the stress response,and alleviate the anxiety of the patients.Moreover,the therapy exerts certain analgesic effect,which leads to the reduction of the dosage of opioids and the increase of perioperative comfort and surgical tolerance of the patients.

Objective To investigate the attributable risk(AR)of Acinetobacter baumannii(AB)infection in criti-cally ill patients.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients in inten-sive care unit(ICU).Patients with AB isolated from sterile body fluid and confirmed with AB infection in each cen-ter were selected as the infected group.According to the matching criteria that patients should be from the same pe-riod,in the same ICU,as well as with similar APACHE Ⅱ score(±5 points)and primary diagnosis,patients who did not infect with AB were selected as the non-infected group in a 1:2 ratio.The AR was calculated.Results The in-hospital mortality of patients with AB infection in sterile body fluid was 33.3％,and that of non-infected group was 23.1％,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.069).The AR was 10.2％(95％CI:-2.3％-22.8％).There is no statistically significant difference in mortality between non-infected pa-tients and infected patients from whose blood,cerebrospinal fluid and other specimen sources AB were isolated(P＞0.05).After infected with AB,critically ill patients with the major diagnosis of pulmonary infection had the high-est AR.There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients in the infected and non-infec-ted groups(P＞0.05),or between other diagnostic classifications.Conclusion The prognosis of AB infection in critically ill patients is highly overestimated,but active healthcare-associated infection control for AB in the ICU should still be carried out.

The ICR(Institute of Cancer Research)mouse infection model was constructed to study the pathogenicity of Sal-monella Telelkebir serotype,and the pathogenic identification of mouse isolates was carried out.Observe the bacterial excretion cycle,evaluate the pathogenicity of Salmonella serotype to mice,and calculate the LD50 by the changes in clinical characteris-tics,histopathology and tissue bacterial load of infected mice;by flight mass spectrometry,biochemical identification,serotype identification,molecular typing and other experiments,compared with human isolates;virulence gene analysis was carried out by PCR experiment and whole genome sequencing.The LD50 of Salmonella Telelkebir is 2.67 × 108 CFU/mL;curling and fluffing may occur 0.5 h after infection;autopsy of dead mice showed that the small intestine was severely congested,with more bubbles and fluid accumulation,cecal necrosis,liver apical degeneration and necrosis,necrotic foci on the surface of the kidney and spleen atrophy;the bacterial load of spleen,kidney,lung,liver and jejunum in mice reached its peak at 3 days after infection,while that of heart at 6 days;the bacterial excretion time of the high-dose group exceeded 100 days;The level of CD3 in tissues increased with increasing dose,with inflammatory cell infiltration,myocardial capillary dilation and hyperemia,large area of vacuoles,degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes,obvious enlargement of splenic sinus,blurred zoning,thickening of glomerular basement membrane,partial exfoliation of ciliated epithelium,atrophy and exfoliation of jejunal villi;PCR and whole genome sequencing revealed Salmonella-related virulence genes such as cdtB,plt A and pltB.This study was the first to successfully establish the ICR mouse model of Salmonella Telelkebir,demonstrating that this serotype of Salmonella has some pathogenicity.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between urinary metals copper (Cu), arsenic (As), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) and grip strength. Methods We used linear regression models, quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess the relationship between metals and grip strength.Results In the multimetal linear regression, Cu (β=-2.119), As (β=-1.318), Sr (β=-2.480), Ba (β=0.781), Fe (β= 1.130) and Mn (β=-0.404) were significantly correlated with grip strength (P < 0.05). The results of the quantile g-computation showed that the risk of occurrence of grip strength reduction was -1.007 (95％ confidence interval:-1.362, -0.652; P < 0.001) when each quartile of the mixture of the seven metals was increased. Bayesian kernel function regression model analysis showed that mixtures of the seven metals had a negative overall effect on grip strength, with Cu, As and Sr being negatively associated with grip strength levels. In the total population, potential interactions were observed between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn (Pinteractions of 0.003 and 0.018, respectively).Conclusion In summary, this study suggests that combined exposure to metal mixtures is negatively associated with grip strength. Cu, Sr and As were negatively correlated with grip strength levels, and there were potential interactions between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn.

Objective:To analyze the whole genome sequence and key site mutations of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients with different stages of disease progression, and to understand the relationship between HBV genetic characteristics and disease progression.Methods:Serum samples and basic information of hepatitis B patients with asymptomatic HBV carrier, chronic hepatitis B patients, cirrhosis patients and primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients were collected. Nested PCR was used to amplify the samples to obtain HBV whole gene sequences. Phylogenetic trees were constructed to determine the genotype of the samples, and gene mutations of the samples were analyzed combined with reference sequences of each type.Results:A total of 256 samples were successfully amplified, including 68 asymptomatic HBV carrier patients, 118 CHB patients, 15 LC patients and 55 HCC patients, and five genotypes (B, C, D, I and C/D) were detected. The result of comparative analysis showed that the mutation rate of 56 nucleotide sites was significantly different among the four groups ( P<0.05). In addition to the discovery of C105T, A1762T/G1764A and G1899A and other previously reported key site mutations, the mutation rates of T53A, C1485T and C1628T in newly diagnosed HCC group were significantly higher than those in other groups, and the mutation rates of T2150G and T2151C in asymptomatic HBV infection group were significantly higher than those in other groups. A total of 26 sequences were deleted, mainly distributed in the pre-C and pre-S regions. The deletion mutation rate in the HCC group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. Conclusions:The data of this study indicate that some nucleotide substitution mutations and deletion mutations may be closely related to the occurrence and development of HBV-related diseases, and HCC patients are more likely to have gene mutations than non-HCC patients. These result provide a reference for understanding the relationship between viral mutation and the progression of HBV infection-related diseases.

Objective To observe the clinical effect of Dongjing Tiaoshen Comprehensive Therapy combined with computerized cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia(CCBT-I)in the treatment of chronic insomnia patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome.Methods A total of 60 patients with chronic insomnia of liver depression and spleen deficiency type were randomly divided into observation group and control group,30 cases in each group.Both groups of patients were treated with CCBT-I as the basic treatment,the observation group was additionally treated with Dongjing Tiaoshen Comprehensive Therapy,i.e.,mind-regulating acupuncture therapy combined with regular aerobic exercises and Dantian Qigong exercises,and the control group was additionally treated with cranial electrotherapy stimulation.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 4 weeks.The changes of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score,Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)score and Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS)score in the two groups were observed before and after treatment,and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after treatment.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 86.67%(26/30),and that of the control group was 70.00%(21/30).The intergroup comparison(tested by rank sum test)showed that the curative effect of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the PSQI scores of the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of PSQI scores in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the SAS and SDS scores of the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of SAS and SDS scores in the observation group tended to be superior to that in the control group,but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion For the treatment of chronic insomnia of liver depression and spleen deficiency type,the combination of Dongjing Tiaoshen Comprehensive Therapy with CCBT-I can significantly improve the sleep quality,relieve anxiety and depression,and improve the quality of life of the patients,which exerts significant efficacy.