Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.

ObjectiveIn nature, objects cast shadows due to illumination, forming the basis for stereoscopic perception. Birds need to adapt to changes in lighting (meaning they can recognize stereoscopic shapes even when shadows look different) to accurately perceive different three-dimensional forms. However, how neurons in the key visual brain area in birds handle these lighting changes remains largely unreported. In this study, pigeons (Columba livia) were used as subjects to investigate how neurons in pigeon’s ventrolateral mesopallium (MVL) represent stereoscopic shapes consistently, regardless of changes in lighting. MethodsVisual cognitive training combined with neuronal recording was employed. Pigeons were first trained to discriminate different stereoscopic shapes (concave/convex). We then tested whether and how light luminance angle and surface appearance of the stereoscopic shapes affect their recognition accuracy, and further verify whether the results rely on specify luminance color. Simultaneously, neuronal firing activity of neurons was recorded with multiple electrode array implanted from the MVL during the presentation of difference shapes. The response was finally analyzed how selectively they responded to different stereoscopic shapes and whether their selectivity was affected by the changes of luminance condition (like lighting angle) or surface look. Support vector machine (SVM) models were trained on neuronal population responses recorded under one condition (light luminance angle of 45°) and used to decode responses under other conditions (light luminance angle of 135°, 225°, 315°) to verify the invariance of responses to different luminance conditions. ResultsBehavioral results from 6 pigeons consistently showed that the pigeons could reliably identify the core 3D shape (over 80% accuracy), and this ability wasn’t affected by changes in light angle or surface appearance. Statistical analysis of 88 recorded neurons from 6 pigeons revealed that 83% (73/88) showed strong selectivity for specific 3D shapes (selectivity index>0.3), and responses to convex shapes were consistently stronger than to concave shapes. These shape-selective responses remained stable across changes in light angle and surface appearance. Neural patterns were consistent under both blue and orange lighting. The decoding accuracy achieves above 70%, suggesting stable responses under different conditions (e.g., different lighting angles or surface appearance). ConclusionNeurons in the pigeon MVL maintain a consistent neural encoding pattern for different stereoscopic shapes, unaffected by illumination or surface appearance. This ensures stable object recognition by pigeons in changing visual environments. Our findings provide new physiological evidence for understanding how birds achieve stable perception (“invariant neural representations”) while coping with variations in the visual field.

Based on the strategy of metabolomics combined with bioinformatics, this study analyzed the potential allergens and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) induced by the combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology combined with UNIFI software, a total of 21 compounds were identified in Reduning and penicillin G mixed injection. Based on molecular docking technology, 10 potential allergens with strong binding activity to MrgprX2 agonist sites were further screened. Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology revealed that 34 differential metabolites such as arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes were endogenous differential metabolites of PARs caused by combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. Through the analysis of the "potential allergen-target-endogenous differential metabolite" interaction network, the chlorogenic acids (such as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid A) and β-lactam allergens in the combination of the two may be mainly regulated by PLD1, PLA2G12A and CYP1A1. The three upstream signal target proteins mainly activate the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, promote the degranulation of mast cells, release downstream endogenous inflammatory mediators, and induce PARs.

Objective To evaluate the patient-reported outcome(PRO)of patients with breast cancer who underwent autologous breast reconstruction and implant breast reconstruction.Methods Patients who underwent breast reconstruction in Shanghai Cancer Center,Fudan University from Jan 2020 to Jun 2021 were selected,including 111 patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction and 108 patients who underwent implant breast reconstruction.Chinese version Breast-Q2.0 scale,breast cancer specificity scale QLQ-BR23 and EORTC quality of life scale QLQ-C30 were used to investigate the PRO of the two groups 18 months after operation.Results The rate of stage Ⅲ breast cancer in the self-weight construction group was higher than that in the implant reconstruction group(64.9%vs.44.4%,P<0.001).The preoperative neoadjuvant therapy and postoperative radiotherapy in the autologous reconstruction group were higher than those in the implant reconstruction group(P<0.001).Postoperative chemotherapy and endocrine therapy in the autologous reconstruction group were lower than those in the implant reconstruction group(P<0.001).The study based on Breast-Q scale showed that the breast satisfaction of autologous reconstruction group was higher than that of implant reconstruction(59.28±17.20 vs.54.94±14.48,P<0.05).The study based on QLQ-BR23 showed that the self-weight construction group was higher than the implant reconstruction group in the field of arm symptoms(20.02±20.80 vs.12.65±16.18,P<0.05).The study based on QLQ-C30 scale showed that there was no significant difference in all functional areas and symptom areas of patients.There was no significant difference in the number and time of social regression between the two groups.Conclusion Breast reconstruction can improve the PRO of breast cancer patients,and oncology factors will affect the choice of breast reconstruction.Patients with autologous breast reconstruction are more satisfied with breast appearance,but upper limb symptoms such as swelling and pain are more obvious than implant reconstruction,which is related to the higher proportion of axillary lymph node dissection in patients with autologous reconstruction.There is no significant difference in quality of life and social regression between the two groups.

Platycodonis Radix is the dry root of Platycodon grandiflorum of Campanulaceae, which has a variety of pharmacological effects and is a commonly used bulk Chinese medicine. In this study, the chloroplast genome sequences of six P. grandiflorum from different producing areas has been sequenced with Illumina HiSeq X Ten platform. The specific DNA barcodes were screened, and the germplasm resources and genetic diversity were analyzed according to the specific barcodes. The total length of the chloroplast genome of 6 P. grandiflorum samples was 172 260-172 275 bp, and all chloroplast genomes showed a typical circular tetrad structure and encoded 141 genes. The comparative genomics analysis and results of amplification efficiency demonstrated that trnG-UCC and ndhG_ndhF were the potential specific DNA barcodes for identification the germplasm resources of P. grandiflorum. A total of 305 P. grandiflorum samples were collected from 15 production areas in 9 provinces, for which the fragments of trnG-UCC and ndhG_ndhF were amplificated and the sequences were analyzed. The results showed that trnG-UCC and ndhG_ndhF have 5 and 11 mutation sites, respectively, and 5 and 7 haplotypes were identified, respectively. The combined analysis of the two sequences formed 13 haplotypes (named Hap1-Hap13), and Hap4 is the main genotype, followed by Hap1. The unique haplotypes possessed by the three producing areas can be used as DNA molecular tags in this area to distinguish from the germplasm resources of P. grandiflorum from other areas. The haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity and genetic distance were 0.94, 4.79×10^-3 and 0.000 0-0.020 3, respectively, suggesting that the genetic diversity was abundant and intraspecific kinship was relatively close. This study laid a foundation for the identification of P. grandiflorum, the protection and utilization of germplasm resources, and molecular breeding.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.

Objective To investigate whether curcumin is a potential drug for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GIST).Methods The differential genes of imatinib-resistant cells and non-resistant cells were analyzed by cell transcriptology.The antitumor activity of curcumin was verified by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method,and the concentration of Curcumin ranged from 5 to 80 μg·mL-1for GIST-T1 and GIST-T1/IMR cells.20 μg·mL-1 Curcumin as the experimental group,phosphate buffered solution as the control group.The contents of interleukin-6(IL-6),reactive oxygen species(ROS)and nitric oxide(NO)were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The cell cycle changes were analyzed by flow cytometry.Results Using non-resistant cells as a contrast,the results showed that there were 1 300 up-regulated genes and 1 609 down-regulated genes in imatinib-resistant cells.The 50％inhibiting concentration values of Curcumin on GIST-T1 and GIST-T1/IMR cells were(15.33±1.36)and(10.49±2.12)μg·mL-1,respectively.In GIST-T1 cells,the IL-6 levels in experimental group and control group were(3.45±0.01)and(5.64±0.42)pg·mL-1;the ROS levels were(2 841.42±81.83)and(4 174.32±439.12)pg·mL-1;the iNOS levels were(7.02±0.08)and(8.08±0.03)μmol·L-1,respectively.In GIST-T1/IMR cells,the IL-6 levels in experimental group and control group were(2.47±0.30)and(6.30±0.01)pg·mL-1;the ROS levels were(4 706.40±146.71)and(8 254.34±342.35)pg·mL-1;the iNOS levels were(6.42±0.09)and(7.29±0.04)μmol·L-1,respectively.Among the 2 cells,the differences of above indicators were statistically significant between the experimental group and the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Curcumin blocked the cell cycle of GIST-T1 and GIST-T1/IMR in G1 phase,further shortens S phase and G2 phase.Conclusion Curcumin can inhibit the secretion of inflammation and regulate the proliferation of GIST.

Objective This study aimed to understand the epidemic status and phylogenetic relationships of rotavirus group A(RVA)in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province,China. Methods This study included individuals aged 28 days-85 years.A total of 706 stool samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis collected between January 2019 and January 2020 were analyzed for 17 causative pathogens,including RVA,using a Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel,followed by genotyping,virus isolation,and complete sequencing to assess the genetic diversity of RVA. Results The overall RVA infection rate was 14.59%(103/706),with an irregular epidemiological pattern.The proportion of co-infection with RVA and other pathogens was 39.81%(41/103).Acute gastroenteritis is highly prevalent in young children aged 0-1 year,and RVA is the key pathogen circulating in patients 6-10 months of age with diarrhea.G9P[8](58.25%,60/103)was found to be the predominant genotype in the RVA strains,and the 41 RVA-positive strains that were successfully sequenced belonged to three different RVA genotypes in the phylogenetic analysis.Recombination analysis showed that gene reassortment events,selection pressure,codon usage bias,gene polymorphism,and post-translational modifications(PTMs)occurred in the G9P[8]and G3P[8]strains. Conclusion This study provides molecular evidence of RVA prevalence in the Pearl River Delta region of China,further enriching the existing information on its genetics and evolutionary characteristics and suggesting the emergence of genetic diversity.Strengthening the surveillance of genotypic changes and gene reassortment in RVA strains is essential for further research and a better understanding of strain variations for further vaccine development.

Objective:To describe the distribution of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels in non-arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) population in China and explore its influencing factors.Methods:This study was based on a nested case-control study in the CKB study measured plasma biomarkers. Lp(a) levels was measured using a polyclonal antibody-based turbidimetric assay certified by the reference laboratory and ≥75.0 nmol/L defined as high Lp(a). Multiple logistic regression model was used to examine the factors related to Lp(a) levels.Results:Among the 5 870 non-ASCVD population included in the analysis, Lp(a) levels showed a right-skewed distribution, with a M ( Q1, Q3) of 17.5 (8.8, 43.5) nmol/L. The multiple logistic regression analysis found that female was associated with high Lp(a) ( OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.43). The risk of increased Lp(a) levels in subjects with abdominal obesity was significantly reduced ( OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.52-0.89). As TC, LDL-C, apolipoprotein A1(Apo A1), and apolipoprotein B(Apo B) levels increased, the risk of high Lp(a) increased, with OR (95% CI) for each elevated group was 2.40 (1.76-3.24), 2.68 (1.36-4.93), 1.29 (1.03-1.61), and 1.65 (1.27-2.13), respectively. The risk of high Lp(a) was reduced in the HDL-C lowering group with an OR (95% CI) of 0.76 (0.61-0.94). In contrast, an increase in TG levels and the ratio of Apo A1/Apo B(Apo A1/B) was negatively correlated with the risk of high Lp(a), with OR (95% CI) of 0.73 (0.60-0.89) for elevated triglyceride group, and OR (95% CI) of 0.60 (0.50-0.72) for the Apo A1/B ratio increase group (linear trend test P≤0.001 except for Apo A1). However, no correlation was found between Lp(a) levels and lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and physical activity. Conclusions:Lp(a) levels were associated with sex and abdominal obesity, but less with lifestyle behaviors.

Objective To evaluate the clinical application value of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS)in analyzing the homology of Acinetobacter baumannii(AB).Methods After excluding repetitive strains from multiple specimens of the same patient or environment,a total of 46 AB strains isolated from patients'sputum and environmental specimens of neurological intensive care unit(ICU)in a tertiary first-class general hospital from May 2020 to February 2021 were collected.Strains were detected by VITEK-MS mass spectrometer.Cluster analysis was performed by SARAMIS Premium software,and verified by multilocus sequence typing(MLST).Results Cluster analysis and comparison of MALDI-TOF MS and MLST found that among the 46 AB strains,39 were the type MS-a of MALDI-TOF MS,of which 22 strains were the clus-ter MT-A of MLST,including ST208(n=3),ST540(n=3),ST195(n=8),ST369(n=5),ST136(n=1),ST436(n=1)and ST1893(n=1);16 strains were MT-B,including type ST381(n=4),type ST469(n=11),and type ST938(n=1);one strain was cluster MT-C(ST1821);one strain of type MS-b was ST381;two strains of type MS-c were ST369;one strain of type MS-d was ST195;two strains of type MS-e were ST540 and ST369,respectively;one strain of type MS-f was STN1.Conclusion As a homology analysis method,MALDI-TOF MS still has certain limitations such as low consistency with MLST results,low resolution and specificity,thus cannot replace MLST technology.