Melanogenesis is a complex physiological mechanism involving various paracrine factors. Skin cells such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes communicate with one another through secreted ...regulators, thereby regulating the melanocytes' bio-functions. The stem cell factor (SCF) is a paracrine factor produced by fibroblasts, and its receptor, c-kit, is expressed on melanocytes. Binding of SCF to c-kit activates autophosphorylation and tyrosine kinase to switch on its signal transmission.
inhibition does not suppress fibroblast proliferation in MTT assay, and
silencing induced mRNA expressions of paracrine factor genes,
,
, and
in qPCR results. Following UVB stimulation, gene expressions of
,
, and
were higher than homeostasis; in particular,
exhibited the highest correlation with
variations. We detected fibroblasts regulated
in an autocrine-dependent manner, and the conditioned medium obtained from fibroblast culture was applied to treat melanocytes. Melanogenesis-related genes,
and
, were upregulated under conditioned mediums with
silencing and exposed to UVB treatments. Melanin quantities in the melanocytes had clearly increased in the pigment content assay. In conclusion,
silencing causes variations in both fibroblast paracrine factors and melanocyte melanogenesis, and the differences in gene expressions were observed following UVB exposure.
This study delves into expressing primary emotions anger, happiness, sadness, and fear through drawings. Moving beyond the well-researched color-emotion link, it explores under-examined aspects like ...spatial concepts and drawing styles. Employing Python and OpenCV for objective analysis, we make a breakthrough by converting subjective perceptions into measurable data through 728 digital images from 182 university students. For the prominent color chosen for each emotion, the majority of participants chose red for anger (73.11%), yellow for happiness (17.8%), blue for sadness (51.1%), and black for fear (40.7%). Happiness led with the highest saturation (68.52%) and brightness (75.44%) percentages, while fear recorded the lowest in both categories (47.33% saturation, 48.78% brightness). Fear, however, topped in color fill percentage (35.49%), with happiness at the lowest (25.14%). Tangible imagery prevailed (71.43-83.52%), with abstract styles peaking in fear representations (28.57%). Facial expressions were a common element (41.76-49.45%). The study achieved an 81.3% predictive accuracy for anger, higher than the 71.3% overall average. Future research can build on these results by improving technological methods to quantify more aspects of drawing content. Investigating a more comprehensive array of emotions and examining factors influencing emotional drawing styles will further our understanding of visual-emotional communication.
Dengue is endemic in over 100 countries and is an important public health problem worldwide. Dengue fever is not endemic in Taiwan; the importation of dengue viruses from neighboring countries via ...close commercial links and air travel is considered to be the cause of local outbreaks. Therefore, efforts toward disease control have focused on preventing the importation of dengue into Taiwan. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the numbers of imported and indigenous dengue cases to test the validity of this strategy.
Data on cases of dengue fever that occurred between 2013 and 2018 were obtained from the surveillance systems of the Taiwan Center for Disease Control and Kaohsiung City Health Department. Standard epidemiological data, including the monthly numbers of indigenous and imported cases of dengue, were calculated. Potential associations between the numbers of indigenous and imported cases were investigated using correlation analyses.
We identified a possible relationship between the period of disease concealment and the number of imported dengue cases, which resulted in epidemics of indigenous dengue fever within local communities. Further analysis of confirmed cases during previous epidemics in Kaohsiung City found that the risk of indigenous dengue fever may be related to the likelihood that patients with imported dengue fever will stay within local communities.
Given the correlations found between imported and indigenous cases of dengue fever, as well as the relationship between the disease concealment period and the risk of indigenous dengue fever, prevention of disease importation and efficient identification of dengue cases within high-risk communities remain the major priorities for disease control.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC), as a strategy to dissipate heat through an atmospheric transparency window (ATW) to outer space without any extra energy consumption, has been recently ...considered as a novel approach for global net-zero emissions. However, limited to expensive manufacturing, poor thermal/chemical stability, or insufficient weather-resistance, the development of a PDRC building material for long-term outdoor usages still remains a challenge. Here, a scalable superhydrophobic silica metafibers (sh-SMF) was fabricated via an electrospinning process combined with the fluorosilane-modification on fiber surface. The optically engineered sh-SMF could attain an extremely high average reflectivity (∼97 %) with near-zero absorption in the solar spectral region, due to the multiple backscattering at the fiber/air interfaces. In addition, the sh-SMF possessed a high average emissivity (∼90 %) in ATW, originated from the strong phonon resonances of the abundant Si-O bonds. Thus, the optimal sh-SMF realized a sub-ambient cooling performance of 6 °C (4 °C in nighttime) and the maximum cooling power of 112 W/m2 (87 W/m2 in nighttime) under a solar irradiance of ∼790 W/m2. Besides, the temperature decline for the sh-SMF-covered building and vehicle models could also achieve 12.7 °C and 17 °C under sunlight, respectively. Noteworthily, the ceramic sh-SMF could withstand high temperatures over 1200 °C, which might effectively prolong the time for resident to evacuate from buildings in fireground situation. Moreover, the superhydrophobic surface (contact angle=155°) of sh-SMF demonstrated attractive self-cleaning and anti-mildew properties. Furthermore, the excellent weather resistance against acid rain and ultraviolet exposure endowed the sh-SMF with long-term cooling performance. Finally, the sh-SMF with above mentioned properties opens a path for future energy-efficient and sustainable architectural applications.
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•Superhydrophobic silica metafibers (sh-SMFs), fabricated through electrospinning, serving as a scalable, flexible, and flame- and weather-resistant ceramic PDRC emitter.•The optimal sh-SMFs operated with a near-zero value of Psun (<3 W/m2), and a high value of Pcooling (112 W/m2) during the daytime, resulting from high solar reflectivity (97 %) and thermal emissivity (90 %).•Maximum temperature decreases of sh-SMF–covered building and vehicle models of 12.7 and 17 °C, respectively, under sunlight.•The sh-SMFs could withstand high temperatures (>1200 °C), making them especially suitable as a building material that could effectively prolong the time available for residents to evacuate buildings in the event of fire.•The sh-SMFs display excellent self-cleaning, anti-mildew, and anti-acid abilities, combined with great UV-resistance, resulting in great weather-resistance for long-term outdoor applications.
Background and Purpose
The retention of plasma low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in subendothelial space following transcytosis across the endothelium is the initial step of atherosclerosis. ...Whether or not C‐reactive protein (CRP) can directly affect the transcytosis of LDL is not clear. Here we have examined the effect of CRP on transcytosis of LDL across endothelial cells and have explored the underlying mechanisms.
Experimental Approach
Effects of CRP on transcytosis of FITC‐labelled LDL were examined with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and venous rings in vitro and, in vivo, ApoE‐/‐ mice. Laser scanning confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry and Oil Red O staining were used to assay LDL.
Key Results
CRP increased transcytosis of LDL. An NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium, and the reducing agent, dithiothreitol partly or completely blocked CRP‐stimulated increase of LDL transcytosis. The PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide I and the Src kinase inhibitor, PP2, blocked the trafficking of the molecules responsible for transcytosis. Confocal imaging analysis revealed that CRP stimulated LDL uptake by endothelial cells and vessel walls. In ApoE‐/‐ mice, CRP significantly promoted early changes of atherosclerosis, which were blocked by inhibitors of transcytosis.
Conclusions and Implications
CRP promoted atherosclerosis by directly increasing the transcytosis of LDL across endothelial cells and increasing LDL retention in vascular walls. These actions of CRP were associated with generation of reactive oxygen species, activation of PKC and Src, and translocation of caveolar or soluble forms of the N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein.
Cisplatin (cis-Dichlorodiammine platinum, CP), as the first-line chemotherapy drug of choice for many cancers such as urogenital system tumors and digestive tract tumors, also causes toxicity and ...side effects to the kidney. Previous studies have shown that Pulsatilla chinensis has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, but the mechanism of cisplatin induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in vivo has not been thoroughly studied. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effect of pulchinenoside B4 (PB4), a representative and major component with a content of up to 10% in root of P. chinensis, on AKI induced by CP in mice. Our results indicated the significant protective effect of PB4 by evaluating renal function indicators, inflammatory factor levels and renal histopathological changes. In addition, PB4 may mainly act on NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the kidney after CP exposure, thus exerting anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, PB4 regulated MAPK signaling pathway and its downstream apoptotic factors to inhibit the occurrence of apoptosis, such as Bax, Bcl-2, caspase 3 and caspase 9. Notably, the activations of caspase 3 induced by cisplatin were strikingly reduced in PB4-treated mice. Therefore, the above evidence suggested that PB4 is a potential renal protectant with significant anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.
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•PB4 alleviated renal function damage induced by CP in AKI mice.•PB4 blocked the NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the inflammatory level in mice.•PB4 inhibited the MAPK signaling pathway and improved the level of apoptosis.
Aim： To investigate whether human multiple myeloma （MM） cells secrete microvesicles （MVs） and whether the MVs secreted from MM cells （MM-MVs） promote angiogenesis. Methods： RPMI8226 human MM cells ...and EA.hy926 human umbilical vein cells were used. MVs isolated from RPMI 8226 cells were characterized under laser confocal microscopy, electron microscopy and with flow cytometry. The fusion of MM-MVs and EA.hy926 cells was studied under confocal microscopy, and the transfer of CD138 to EA.hy926 cells was demonstrated with flow cytometry. The proliferation, invasion and tube formation of EA.hy926 cells in vitro were evaluated using M-r, transwell migration and tube formation assays, respectively. The vasculization of EA.hy926 cells in vivo was studied using Matrigel plug assay. The expression of IL-6 and VEGF was analyzed with PCR and ELISA. Results： MM-MVs from the RPMI 8226 cells had the characteristic cup-shape with diameter of 100-1000 nm. Most of the MM-MVs expressed phosphatidylserine and the myeloma cell marker CD138, confirming that they were derived from myeloma cells. After added to EA.hy926 cells, the MM-MVs transferred CD138 to the endothelial cells and significantly stimulated the endothelial cells to proliferate, invade, secrete IL-6 and VEGF, two key angiogenic factors of myeloma, and form tubes in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion： Our results confirm the presence of MVs in MM cells and support the idea that MM-MVs are newfound mediators for myeloma angiogenesis and may serve as a therapeutic target to treat MM.
This study combines ChatGPT, Apple’s Shortcuts, and LINE to create the ChatGPT-based Intelligent Learning Aid (CILA), aiming to enhance self-regulation progress and knowledge construction in blended ...learning. CILA offers real-time, convergent information to learners’ inquiries, as opposed to traditional Google search engine that provide divergent information. By addressing questions promptly, CILA minimizes interruptions during the performance phase of self-regulation progress. The tool records learners’ questions and answers, aiding self-reflection in self-regulation progress. We evaluated self-regulation progress using motivation, engagement, and self-efficacy as indicators. Findings show that CILA’s intervention effectively improves self-regulation progress and knowledge construction, offering benefits over divergent information in blended learning contexts with respect to amotivation, intrinsic motivation, and behavioral engagement. This research highlights the potential of incorporating large language models like ChatGPT in educational settings to support teachers and students.
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•Argininyl-fructosyl-glucose (AFG), a unique compound from red ginseng, exerted significant neuroprotective and anti-aging properties.•AFG alleviated the senescence and oxidative ...stress on D-galactose induced cell injury via inhibiting PERK signaling pathway in N2a cells.•AFG reduced intracellular Ca2+ concentration, mitigates cell apoptosis, and enhanced mitochondrial function in N2a cells.
Argininyl-fructosyl-glucose (AFG), a distinctive non-saponin compound isolated from red ginseng (Panax ginseng. C.A. Meyer), demonstrates neuroprotective effects. However, the molecular mechanism underlying AFG's anti-aging properties remains unclear. This study established an in vitro D-galactose-induced N2a cells subacute aging model to investigate AFG's anti-aging activity and potential mechanisms. Results indicated that AFG treatment (8 μM) significantly reduces the overexpression of aging-related proteins (p53/p21/p16) induced by D-galactose, highlighting its anti-aging efficacy. AFG concurrently diminishes ROS accumulation, lowering extracellular lactate dehydrogenase and alleviating intracellular oxidative stress. Notably, AFG suppresses the PERK/CHOP/caspase 12 pathway, reducing intracellular Ca2+ concentration and mitigating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Additionally, AFG decreases Bax and caspase 3 expression, elevates Bcl-2 and mitochondrial membrane potential, mitigating apoptosis. NAC with 4-PBA validated the results. Overall, AFG protects N2a cells from aging by reducing ER stress and apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a key substance for treating aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Equisetum ramosissimum, a genus of Equisetaceae, is a medicinal plant that can be separated into ethyl acetate (EA), dichloromethane (DM), n-hexane (Hex), methanol (MeOH), and water extracts. EA ...extract was known to have potent antioxidative properties, reducing power, DPPH scavenging activity, and metal ion chelating activity. This study compared these five extracts in terms of their inhibiting effects on three human malignant melanomas: A375, A375.S2, and A2058. MTT assay presented the notion that both EA and DM extracts inhibited melanoma growth but did not affect the viabilities of normal dermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) or fibroblasts. Western blot analyses showed that both EA and DM extracts induced overexpression of caspase proteins in all three melanomas. To determine their roles in melanogenesis, this study analyzed their in vitro suppressive effects on mushroom tyrosinase. All extracts except for water revealed moderate suppressive effects. None of the extracts affected B16-F10 cells proliferation. EA extract inhibited cellular melanin production whereas DM extract unexpectedly enhanced cellular pigmentation in B16-F10 cells. Data for modulations of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1, and tyrosinase-related protein 2 showed that EA extract inhibited protein expression mentioned above whereas DM extract had the opposite effect. Overall, the experiments indicated that the biofunctional activities of EA extract contained in food and cosmetics protect against oxidation, melanoma, and melanin production.
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