Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane-bound structures that are released from cells into the surrounding environment. These structures can be categorized as exosomes, microvesicles, or ...apoptotic vesicles, and they play an essential role in intercellular communication. These vesicles are attracting significant clinical interest as they offer the potential for drug delivery, disease diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention. To fully understand the regulation of intercellular communication through EVs, it is essential to investigate the underlying mechanisms. This review aims to provide a summary of the current knowledge on the intercellular communications involved in EV targeting, binding, and uptake, as well as the factors that influence these interactions. These factors include the properties of the EVs, the cellular environment, and the recipient cell. As the field of EV-related intercellular communication continues to expand and techniques improve, we can expect to uncover more information about this complex area, despite the current limitations in our knowledge.
Due to the rapid development of teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL), on the one hand, and the arrival of positive psychology (PP) in the process of language education, on the ...other hand, student engagement has been burgeoned and got a noteworthy role in the academic field. The present review attempts to investigate the relationship of grit with students’ L2 engagement, by examining both backgrounds and consequences of grit. Consequently, the effectiveness of findings for policymakers and academic experts is discussed, along with the prominence of strengthening grit in the scholastic contexts in order to cultivate character in learners and improve their prospects.
Background
Ovarian cancer is one of the three major malignant tumors of the female reproductive system, and the mortality associated with ovarian cancer ranks first among gynecologic malignant ...tumors. The pathogenesis of ovarian cancer is not yet clearly defined but elucidating this process would be of great significance for clinical diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. For this study, we used bioinformatics to identify the key pathogenic genes and reveal the potential molecular mechanisms of ovarian cancer; we used immunohistochemistry to validate them.
Methods
We analyzed and integrated four gene expression profiles (GSE14407, GSE18520, GSE26712, and GSE54388), which were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, with the aim of obtaining a common differentially expressed gene (DEG). Then, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). We then established a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs through the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and selected hub genes. Finally, survival analysis of the hub genes was performed using a Kmplotter online tool.
Results
A total of 226 DEGs were detected after the analysis of the four gene expression profiles; of these, 87 were upregulated genes and 139 were downregulated. GO analysis results showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes including the G2/M transition of the mitotic cell cycle, the apoptotic process, cell proliferation, blood coagulation, and positive regulation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. KEGG analysis results showed that DEGs were particularly enriched in the cell cycle, the p53 signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, the Ras signaling pathway, the Rap1 signaling pathway, and tyrosine metabolism. We selected 50 hub genes from the PPI network, which had 147 nodes and 655 edges, and 30 of them were associated with the prognosis of ovarian cancer. We performed immunohistochemistry on phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1). PSAT1 was highly expressed in cancer tissues, and its expression level was related to clinical stage and tissue differentiation in ovarian cancer. A Cox proportional risk model suggested that high expression of PSAT1 and late clinical stage were independent risk factors for survival and prognosis of ovarian cancer patients.
Conclusion
The detection of DEGs using bioinformatics analysis might be crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer, especially the molecular mechanisms of its development. The association between PSAT1 expression and the occurrence, development, and prognosis of ovarian cancer was further verified by immunohistochemistry. The PSAT1 expression can be used as a prognostic marker to provide a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.
We used bioinformatics methods to integrate multiple ovarian cancer data sets in the Gene Expression Omnibus database to find core genes involved in the development of ovarian cancer. The Kaplan–Meier plotter and Oncomine databases were used to verify the prognosis and expression of the research gene phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1). The expression of PSAT1 in ovarian cancer was further verified by immunohistochemistry and its relationships with clinical pathological parameters and survival prognosis of ovarian cancer were analyzed. PSAT1 expression associates with distinct patterns of genomic alterations and biological process were performed to explore the possible mechanisms of PSAT1 in tumorigenesis. In future studies, we will further verify the biological behavior and molecular mechanism of PSAT1 in ovarian cancer cells by cytology experiments.
A new, complete sample of 14,584 broad-line active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at z < 0.35 is presented, which are uncovered homogeneously from the complete database of galaxies and quasars observed ...spectroscopically in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Seventh Data Release. The stellar continuum is properly removed for each spectrum with significant host absorption line features, and careful analyses of the emission line spectra, particularly in the H and Hβ wavebands, are carried out. The broad Balmer emission line, particularly H , is used to indicate the presence of an AGN. The broad H lines have luminosities in a range of 1038.5- 1044.3 , and line widths (FWHMs) of 500-34,000 . The virial black hole masses, estimated from the broad-line measurements, span a range of 105.1- 1010.3 , and the Eddington ratios vary from −3.3 to 1.3 in logarithmic scale. Other quantities such as multiwavelength photometric properties and flags denoting peculiar line profiles are also included in this catalog. We describe the construction of this catalog and briefly discuss its properties. The catalog is publicly available online. This homogeneously selected AGN catalog, along with the accurately measured spectral parameters, provides the most updated, largest AGN sample data, which will enable further comprehensive investigations of the properties of the AGN population in the low-redshift universe.
Biosorption, as a cost-effective technology for the removal of soluble heavy metals and organics from aqueous solutions, has been extensively studied, and most biosorption research mainly focused on ...the process isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics. Thus, this paper attempted to offer a better understating of representative biosorption isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics with special focuses on theoretical approaches for derivation of combined Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm as well as the pseudo-first- and second-order kinetic equations and general rate law equation for biosorption. Meanwhile, some potential problems encountered in biosorption research were also discussed.
A coordinated balance between the positive and negative regulation of pattern-recognition receptor (PRR)-initiated innate inflammatory responses is required to ensure the most favorable outcome for ...the host. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of innate sensors and downstream signaling molecules influence their activity and function by inducing their covalent linkage to new functional groups. PTMs including phosphorylation and polyubiquitination have been shown to potently regulate innate inflammatory responses through the activation, cellular translocation, and interaction of innate receptors, adaptors, and downstream signaling molecules in response to infectious and dangerous signals. Other PTMs such as methylation, acetylation, SUMOylation, and succinylation are increasingly implicated in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammation. In this review, we focus on the roles of PTMs in controlling PRR-triggered innate immunity and inflammatory responses. The emerging roles of PTMs in the pathogenesis and potential treatment of infectious and inflammatory immune diseases are also discussed.
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of innate sensors and downstream signaling molecules influence their activity and function, and this regulation is crucial to maintain host immunity. Cao and colleagues discuss the emerging roles of PTMs in the pathogenesis and potential treatment of infectious and inflammatory immune diseases.
Twist is a critical epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factor that increases expression of vimentin. How Twist1 regulates this expression remains unclear. Here, we report ...that Twist1 regulates Cullin2 (Cul2) circular RNA to increase expression of vimentin in EMT. Twist1 bound the Cul2 promoter to activate its transcription and to selectively promote expression of Cul2 circular RNA (circ-10720), but not mRNA. circ-10720 positively correlated with Twist1, tumor malignance, and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Twist1 promoted vimentin expression by increasing levels of circ-10720, which can absorb miRNAs that target vimentin. circ-10720 knockdown counteracted the tumor-promoting activity of Twist1
and in patient-derived xenograft and diethylnitrosamine-induced TetOn-Twist1 transgenic mouse HCC models. These data unveil a mechanism by which Twist1 regulates vimentin during EMT. They also provide potential therapeutic targets for HCC treatment and provide new insight for circular RNA (circRNA)-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
A circRNA-based mechanism drives Twist1-mediated regulation of vimentin during EMT and provides potential therapeutic targets for treatment of HCC.
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Due to the advantages of good scalability, flexibility, low cost, ease of processing, 3D‐stacking capability, and large capacity for data storage, polymer‐based resistive memories have been a ...promising alternative or supplementary devices to conventional inorganic semiconductor‐based memory technology, and attracted significant scientific interest as a new and promising research field. In this review, we first introduced the general characteristics of the device structures and fabrication, memory effects, switching mechanisms, and effects of electrodes on memory properties associated with polymer‐based resistive memory devices. Subsequently, the research progress concerning the use of single polymers or polymer composites as active materials for resistive memory devices has been summarized and discussed. In particular, we consider a rational approach to their design and discuss how to realize the excellent memory devices and understand the memory mechanisms. Finally, the current challenges and several possible future research directions in this field have also been discussed.
In this review we introduce the general characteristics of the device structures and fabrication, memory effects, and switching mechanisms of polymer‐based resistive memory devices. Subsequently, the research progress concerning the use of single polymers or polymer composites as active materials for resistive memory devices are summarized. Finally, current challenges and future research directions in this field are discussed.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, manifest as a result of intricate interactions involving genetic predisposition, environmental factors, ...intestinal microbiota dynamics, and immune dysregulation, ultimately leading to persistent mucosal inflammation. Addressing this complex pathology requires a nuanced understanding to inform targeted therapeutic strategies. Consequently, our study explored the viability of Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) as an alternative therapeutic regimen for IBD management. Utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we characterized AGE, revealing distinctions from Fresh Garlic Extract (FGE), particularly the absence of allicin in AGE and accompanying structural alterations. In In-Vivo experiments employing an IBD rat model, AGE intervention exhibited remarkable antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Noteworthy outcomes included improved survival rates, mitigation of intestinal damage, restoration of gut microbial diversity, reinforcement of tight junctions, and reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction. Collectively, these effects contributed to the preservation of enterocyte integrity and the attenuation of inflammation. In conclusion, the unique chemical composition of AGE, coupled with its substantial influence on gut microbiota, antioxidant defenses, and inflammatory pathways, positions it as a promising adjunctive therapy for the management of IBD. These observations, synergistically considered with existing research, provide significant insights into the potential utility of AGE in addressing the intricate pathophysiology inherent to IBD. The potential strength of study and rationale of using AGE against IBD includes exploring alternative therapeutic regimens if conventional treatments are associated with side effects, identification of potential hotspots/pathways involved in disease progression and study can provide economically cheaper and naturally occurring alternative to patient community who are struggling to afford expensive medications. These promising findings underscore the necessity for additional investigations to ascertain the feasibility of clinical translation, thereby substantiating the potential therapeutic role of AGE in the management of IBD.
A sensitive and selective fluorescence “turn-off” sensor to detect heparin using water-soluble silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) was developed for the first time. The Si NPs were synthesized by a simple ...one-step procedure, which did not need high-temperature and complex modification. The as-prepared Si NPs featured strong fluorescence, favorable biocompatibility, and robust photo- and pH stability. Significantly, the Si NPs were induced to assemble or aggregate via hydrogen bonding, which resulted in the fluorescence of Si NPs quenched. Under the optimized conditions, the linear range was obtained from 0.02 to 2.0 μg/mL, with a limit of detection of 18 ng/mL (equal to 0.004 U/mL). It was lower than the proper therapeutic level of heparin during cardiovascular surgery and long-term therapy. This proposed method was relatively free of interference from heparin analogues, which commonly existed in heparin samples and could possibly affect heparin detection. Moreover, it did not need to introduce any control medium. As expected, the method was successfully applied to detect heparin in human serum samples with satisfactory recovery ranging from 98.8 to 102.5%. The Si NPs were superbly suitable for cell imaging owing to the negligible cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility.
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