Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaojun Chen, Wenxin He, Mengzhe Sun, Yingjie Yan, Yichuan Pang, Gang Chai
Summary: The activation of STING inhibits angiogenesis, slows down bone healing process both in vitro and ex vivo. Conversely, H-151 (a hsSTING inhibitor) promotes angiogenesis at a low dose. Additionally, inhibition of mmSTING by C-176 enhances type H vessels' formation, potentially promoting osteogenesis in bone healing.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zoi Diamantopoulou, Francesc Castro-Giner, Fabienne Dominique Schwab, Christiane Foerster, Massimo Saini, Selina Budinjas, Karin Strittmatter, Ilona Krol, Bettina Seifert, Viola Heinzelmann-Schwarz, Christian Kurzeder, Christoph Rochlitz, Marcus Vetter, Walter Paul Weber, Nicola Aceto
Summary: The generation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with metastatic ability is concentrated during the rest phase, and CTCs generated during the active phase lack metastatic ability. Mechanistically, the upregulation of mitotic genes during the rest phase enables CTCs' metastasis proficiency. Circadian rhythm hormones such as melatonin, testosterone and glucocorticoids dictate the generation dynamics of CTCs, and insulin promotes tumor cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Su Zhou, Yueyue Xi, Yingying Chen, Tong Wu, Wei Yan, Milu Li, Meng Wu, Aiyue Luo, Wei Shen, Tao Xiang, Shixuan Wang
Summary: This study reveals the role of wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (WIP1) in the regulation of primordial follicle development, showing that inhibiting WIP1 phosphatase accelerates primordial follicle loss via the p53-BAX-caspase-3 pathway.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiawei Xu, Wei Ye, Ting Ting Yang, Teng Yan, Haiyan Cai, Aiwu Zhou, Yufeng Yang
Summary: In this study, a bacterial serpin called chloropin was identified and its crystal structure was determined. Chloropin showed inhibitory activity against multiple proteases and could be accelerated by DNA. These findings suggest that DNA may be a natural modulator of chloropin and prokaryotic serpins have evolved to use different surface subsites for activity modulation.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jian Sun, Ying Li, Xiao Yang, Wei Dong, Jiankun Yang, Qi Hu, Cuntai Zhang, Haoshu Fang, Anding Liu
Summary: The role of GDF11 in liver senescence is complex, with overexpression accelerating aging and knockdown having the opposite effect. GDF11 exacerbates liver senescence by affecting autophagic flux and the mTORC1/TFEB signaling pathway.
Article
Microbiology
Stefanie Krug, Pankaj Prasad, Shiqi Xiao, Shichun Lun, Camilo A. A. Ruiz-Bedoya, Mariah Klunk, Alvaro A. A. Ordonez, Sanjay K. K. Jain, Geetha Srikrishna, Igor Kramnik, William R. R. Bishai
Summary: Despite advances in TB drug development, multidrug resistance remains a major challenge for global TB control. Host-directed therapies, such as inhibition of the integrated stress response (ISR), have the potential to improve the efficacy of tuberculosis antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the impact of ISR inhibition on bacterial clearance, relapse, and lung pathology in a mouse model of TB. Our findings suggest that adjunctive ISR inhibition can accelerate bacterial clearance, reduce relapse rates, and improve lung health.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kai Chen, Tao Yu, Xin Wang
Summary: Research found that exosome-derived miRNA from diabetic patients slows down wound healing process by suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor A expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Chen, Shenbo Cao, Linlin Chen, Zhicheng Zhang, Juesheng Tian, Rencun Jin, Jun Yao
Summary: Biochar was used to promote the rapid establishment of an anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) reactor without temperature control. The addition of coconut and apricot charcoal significantly reduced the start-up time of the reactors. Biochar enhanced the electron transfer capacity and increased the abundance of functional genes related to the anammox pathway, resulting in improved nitrogen removal efficiency.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yujiao Zhang, Marie Vandestienne, Jean-Remi Lavillegrand, Jeremie Joffre, Icia Santos-Zas, Aonghus Lavelle, Xiaodan Zhong, Wilfried Le Goff, Maryse Guerin, Rida Al-Rifai, Ludivine Laurans, Patrick Bruneval, Coralie Guerin, Marc Diedisheim, Melanie Migaud, Anne Puel, Fanny Lanternier, Jean-Laurent Casanova, Clement Cochain, Alma Zernecke, Antoine-Emmanuel Saliba, Michal Mokry, Jean-Sebastien Silvestre, Alain Tedgui, Ziad Mallat, Soraya Taleb, Olivia Lenoir, Cecile Vindis, Stephane M. Camus, Harry Sokol, Hafid Ait-Oufella
Summary: Previous studies have suggested a role for the CARD9 pathway in atherosclerosis, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study shows that the pro-atherogenic effects of Card9 deficiency are mediated by CD36-dependent defective autophagy, which can be reversed by rapamycin and metformin. Therefore, the CARD9 pathway is an important protective pathway in atherosclerosis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jiayi Zheng, Weiwu Cai, Xuen Lu, Wei He, Ding Li, Haoyu Zhong, Liangjun Yang, Siyi Li, Haishan Li, Sereen Rafee, Ziming Zhao, Qi Wang, Huafeng Pan
Summary: The study found that chronic stress exacerbates the condition of gastric precancerous lesions, shortens the disease process, and increases the risk of tumor development. Close monitoring of the mental health of cancer survivors and precancerous lesion patients is crucial in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Katarzyna Greda, Dorota Nowicka
Summary: Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are believed to restrict plasticity in adult animals, but after ischemic stroke, their massive breakdown leads to rejuvenated neuronal plasticity. The study suggests that early intervention to inhibit hyaluronidase activity improves post-stroke recovery without affecting the number of PNNs, indicating a significant reorganization of polysaccharide content after stroke.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jiaxin Xie, Lin Wang, Chao Xiao, Shaofei Ying, Junru Ren, Zhuo Chen, Yue Yu, Dong Xu, Dezhong Yao, Bin Wu, Tiejun Liu
Summary: This study found that low-frequency alternating current stimulation can facilitate brain cortex activity during daytime naps, accelerating the onset of sleep and positively impacting the sleep process.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wenlian Rong, Yu Zhang, Shengjun Luo, Rongbo Guo
Summary: In this study, copper nanowires coated with sulfonate polymer (CuNW@PSS) were used in methane hydrate experiments. The CuNW@PSS material showed a core-shell structure, hydrophobic surface, and enhanced methane hydrate formation ability.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Jiajia Li, Xue Han, Yiming Qin, Feng Tan, Yulong Chen, Zikai Wang, Haitao Song, Xi Zhou, Yuan Zhang, Lun Hu, Pengwei Hu
Summary: The abundance of AI algorithms and computing power has revolutionized the smart medical industry, but most current applications are limited to unimodal data. To meet the demands of clinicians dealing with multi-modal data, the development of multi-modal AI solutions has become crucial.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Huai Yu, Hui Cao, Hang Yu
Summary: This study found that the expression of miR-98 gradually decreased in atherosclerotic mouse arteries under high-fat diet conditions. Furthermore, the expression of miR-98 was significantly reduced in endothelial cells treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), while it was slightly decreased in macrophages. Functionally, the downregulation of miR-98 promoted the secretion of chemokines and adhesion molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by ox-LDL, leading to increased infiltration of macrophages and expression of pro-inflammatory genes, as well as foam cell formation. The findings suggest that miR-98 could be a novel drug target for the management of atherosclerosis.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HYPERTENSION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. C. Guillette, James McCord, Matthew Guillette, M. E. Polera, Kyle T. Rachels, Clint Morgeson, Nadine Kotlarz, Detlef R. U. Knappe, Benjamin J. Reading, Mark Strynar, Scott M. Belcher
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Article
Neurosciences
Thomas W. Jackson, Gabriel A. Bendfeldt, Kelby A. Beam, Kylie D. Rock, Scott M. Belcher
NEUROTOXICOLOGY AND TERATOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Catherine Hanna, Kathreena M. Kurian, Karin Williams, Colin Watts, Alan Jackson, Ross Carruthers, Karen Strathdee, Garth Cruickshank, Laurence Dunn, Sara Erridge, Lisa Godfrey, Sarah Jefferies, Catherine McBain, Rebecca Sleigh, Alex McCormick, Marc Pittman, Sarah Halford, Anthony J. Chalmers
Article
Reproductive Biology
Jerrold J. Heindel, Scott Belcher, Jodi A. Flaws, Gail S. Prins, Shuk-Mei Ho, Jiude Mao, Heather B. Patisaul, William Ricke, Cheryl S. Rosenfeld, Ana M. Soto, Frederick S. vom Saal, R. Thomas Zoeller
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Thomas W. Jackson, Chris M. Scheibly, M. E. Polera, Scott M. Belcher
Summary: This study optimized a novel thermal denaturation assay to evaluate the thermal stability changes of HSA in the presence of various PFAS, revealing the protein-binding properties of most PFAS and providing a new method for understanding the structure and protein-binding properties of these chemicals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kaylie Kirkwood, Jonathon Fleming, Helen Nguyen, David M. Reif, Erin S. Baker, Scott M. Belcher
Summary: As concerns over exposure to PFAS continue to rise, novel monitoring methods are needed. This study used pine needles as passive samplers and a multidimensional analytical method to detect over 70 PFAS in the needles. The results provide critical insights into PFAS transport, contamination, and reduction efforts over the past six decades.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Thomas W. Jackson, Oliver Baars, Scott M. Belcher
Summary: This study found that gestational exposure to cadmium can cause hepatic insulin resistance, metabolic disruption, and obesity in female mice. Additionally, it was discovered that cadmium can preferentially cross the female placenta, accumulate in the liver, and lead to lifelong dysregulation of metal ion concentrations.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Scott M. Belcher, Matthew P. Guillette, Frank Robb, Kylie D. Rock
Summary: The study found that blood mercury concentrations were particularly high in American alligators at Lake Waccamaw in North Carolina, while concentrations were lower at the Wilmington site. The bioaccumulation of mercury in alligators is greatly influenced by local environmental factors.
Article
Toxicology
Sierra D. Riegl, Cassie Starnes, Dereje D. Jima, Marine Baptissart, Anna Mae Diehl, Scott M. Belcher, Michael Cowley
Summary: Cadmium (Cd) exposure in adulthood is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study reveals that developmental Cd exposure may also play a significant role in the programming of NAFLD. The Imprinted Gene Network (IGN) and its regulator Zac1 are identified as key factors in the programming of NAFLD during Cd exposure.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kylie D. Rock, Madison E. Polera, Theresa C. Guillette, Hannah M. Starnes, Kentley Dean, Mike Watters, Debra Stevens-Stewart, Scott M. Belcher
Summary: In this study, serum PFAS concentrations were determined for 31 dogs and 32 horses in Gray's Creek NC. PFAS were detected in every sample, with higher concentrations found in dogs compared to horses. The study suggests that long-term PFAS exposures may affect the renal and hepatic health of domestic animals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jane Muncke, Anna-Maria Andersson, Thomas Backhaus, Scott M. Belcher, Justin M. Boucher, Bethanie Carney Almroth, Terrence J. Collins, Birgit Geueke, Ksenia J. Groh, Jerrold J. Heindel, Frank A. von Hippel, Juliette Legler, Maricel V. Maffini, Olwenn V. Martin, John Peterson Myers, Angel Nadal, Cristina Nerin, Ana M. Soto, Leonardo Trasande, Laura N. Vandenberg, Martin Wagner, Lisa Zimmermann, R. Thomas Zoeller, Martin Scheringer
Summary: Food contact materials and articles are widely used in the global food system, but current regulations do not adequately protect public health from harmful chemicals that migrate from these materials. To address this issue, we propose testing the migration of finished food contact articles and expanding toxicological testing to improve the safety of these materials.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
T. C. Guillette, Thomas W. Jackson, Matthew Guillette, James McCord, Scott M. Belcher
Summary: The surface and groundwater of the Cape Fear River basin in North Carolina is contaminated with high levels of PFAS, which have been found to have immune toxicant effects. This study evaluated the exposure of American alligators in the Cape Fear River to PFAS and found an association between increased PFAS exposure, disrupted immune functions, and autoimmune-like pathology in the alligator population.
FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Toxicology
Hannah M. M. Starnes, Kylie D. D. Rock, Thomas W. W. Jackson, Scott M. M. Belcher
Summary: PFAS are a class of synthetic organic chemicals that are chemically stable, persistent in the environment, and have been globally contaminating built and natural environments. Studies show that PFAS accumulate in the brain of humans and wildlife, potentially causing neurotoxic effects, especially with exposures during development. There is limited research on short-chain PFAS, and most studies focus on high dose exposures to single PFAS congeners rather than chronic low-dose mixtures, highlighting the need for further analysis on the neurodevelopmental effects of environmentally relevant concentrations and complex mixtures of PFAS.
FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lars Lind, Jesus A. Araujo, Aaron Barchowsky, Scott Belcher, Brian R. Berridge, Nipavan Chiamvimonvat, Weihsueh A. Chiu, Vincent J. Cogliano, Sarah Elmore, Aimen K. Farraj, Aldrin V. Gomes, Cliona M. McHale, Kathleen B. Meyer-Tamaki, Nikki Gillum Posnack, Hugo M. Vargas, Xi Yang, Lauren Zeise, Changcheng Zhou, Martyn T. Smith
Summary: The concept of key characteristics (KCs) has been developed to identify carcinogenic hazards and has now been applied to identify cardiovascular (CV) toxicants. This study identified 12 KCs of CV toxicants, divided into those affecting cardiac tissue, the vascular system, or both. These KCs can be used to identify potential CV toxicants and evaluate CV toxicity in a more comprehensive and standardized manner.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2021)
Article
Toxicology
Thomas W. Jackson, Garret L. Ryherd, Chris M. Scheibly, Aubrey L. Sasser, T. C. Guillette, Scott M. Belcher
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2020)