Hypertrophic scar (HS) formation is a skin fibroproliferative disease that occurs following a cutaneous injury, leading to functional and cosmetic impairment. To date, few therapeutic treatments ...exhibit satisfactory outcomes. The mechanical force has been shown to be a key regulator of HS formation, but the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. The Piezo1 channel has been identified as a novel mechanically activated cation channel (MAC) and is reportedly capable of regulating force-mediated cellular biological behaviors. However, the mechanotransduction role of Piezo1 in HS formation has not been investigated. In this work, we found that Piezo1 was overexpressed in myofibroblasts of human and rat HS tissues. In vitro, cyclic mechanical stretch (CMS) increased Piezo1 expression and Piezo1-mediated calcium influx in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). In addition, Piezo1 activity promoted HDFs proliferation, motility, and differentiation in response to CMS. More importantly, intradermal injection of GsMTx4, a Piezo1-blocking peptide, protected rats from stretch-induced HS formation. Together, Piezo1 was shown to participate in HS formation and could be a novel target for the development of promising therapies for HS formation.
Pulmonary embolism is the most common cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction and stroke. Konstantinides (Eur Heart J 41(4):543-603, 2020) Current guidelines categorize patients with PE as ...being at low, intermediate, and high risk of early death, with the intermediate-risk group experiencing the greatest uncertainty regarding treatment recommendations. Rapid reduction of the thrombus load by thrombolysis significantly reduces symptoms and decreases mortality, but is accompanied by a high risk of bleeding. Meyer (N Engl J Med 370(15):1402-11, 2014) Mechanical thrombectomy (CDTE) have been proven safe and efficient, yet current ESC guidelines suggest the utilization of catheter interventions only for hypotensive patients with high bleeding risk, failed systemic thrombolysis, and cardiogenic shock or if a patient does not respond to conservative therapy Konstantinides (Eur Heart J 41(4):543-603, 2020). Here, we report a case of an intermediate-risk patient with pulmonary embolism who underwent thrombus aspiration and showed significant improvement in symptoms after treatment.
Bioactive polysaccharides extracted from
Ganoderma lucidum
(
G. lucidum
) have been widely applied in food and medicine for their multiple functions. In this study,
G. lucidum
exopolysaccharide (EPS) ...production in submerged fermentation was stimulated by Tween 80. The addition of 0.25% Tween 80 on day 3 gave a maximum production of mycelial biomass and EPS, with an increase of 19.76 and 137.50%, respectively. Analysis of fermentation kinetics showed that glucose was consumed faster after adding Tween 80, while the expression of EPS biosynthesis-related genes and ATP generation were greatly improved. Moreover, Tween 80 resulted in the significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species and increased cell membrane and cell wall permeability. The EPS from Tween 80-containing medium had higher contents of carbohydrate and uronic acid, lower molecular weight, and higher antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals than those of EPS produced in the absence of Tween 80. This study provides further evidence to clarify the stimulatory effects of Tween 80 in fermentation and provides a guide for the production of bioactive
G. lucidum
EPS.
Common methods of ocean remote sensing and seafloor surveying are mainly carried out by airborne and spaceborne hyperspectral imagers. However, the water column hinders the propagation of sunlight to ...deeper areas, thus limiting the scope of observation. As an emerging technology, underwater hyperspectral imaging (UHI) is an extension of hyperspectral imaging technology in air conditions, and is undergoing rapid development for applications in shallow and deep-sea environments. It is a close-range, high-resolution approach for detecting and mapping the seafloor. In this paper, we focus on the concepts of UHI technology, covering imaging systems and the correction methods of eliminating the water column’s influence. The current applications of UHI, such as deep-sea mineral exploration, benthic habitat mapping, and underwater archaeology, are highlighted to show the potential of this technology. This review can provide an introduction and overview for those working in the field and offer a reference for those searching for literature on UHI technology.
Herein, quartz fiber braids with different structures (plain, twill, satin, broken twill) were woven to explore the influence of structures on the performance of fabrics. The influences of high ...temperature and structure on the mechanical properties of quartz fiber braids were investigated in detail. As the temperature increased to 1000°C, the mechanical properties of quartz fiber decreased by around 90% due to its crystallization. Among the different fabric structures tested, quartz fabrics with satin and broken twill structures possessed good tensile properties (400 MPa) at room temperature. However, as the temperature and duration of heat treatment increased, the tensile performance of broken twill weave fabrics decreased by 50 MPa. In summary, the study demonstrates that quartz fibers and their fabrics possess significant potential for applications in high temperature environments, with the ability to withstand elevated temperatures for short durations, thereby enhancing their performance and extending their range of applications.
The reuse reclaimed water for irrigation and the application of reclaimed biosolids in agriculture have sparked global concerns regarding the potential contamination of farmland and crops with ...pharmaceuticals and personal products (PPCPs). This concern is especially relevant to vegetables that are consumed raw by humans. To address this issue, we have developed a straightforward and robust method for concurrently screening of eight antibiotic compounds, including quinolones, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides, in vegetables. The detection and quantification of antibiotics were accomplished using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrum (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) in positive mode. We optimized the sample preparation and instrumental operations to enhance the signal peak area of the target analytes. The recoveries of antibiotics in the five tested vegetables ranged from 84 % to 127.5 %, with a relative standard deviation(RSD) below 12.11 %. Additionally, the method exhibits limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 1.834 to 4.97 ng/g dry weight (dw). Following validation, we successfully applied the method to analyze antibiotic accumulation in hydroponic lettuce in a greenhouse. All antibiotics were detected in three different concentration treatment groups (0.1ppm, 1ppm and 3ppm), and the bioconcentration increased with higher antibiotic concentrations spiked to the nutrient solution. Given the various physicochemical properties of the antibiotics used in this study, our work suggests that the developed method offers a simple, reliable and effective means to identify and quantify antibiotic residues in leafy vegetables and other crops that may be impacted by contaminated treated wastewater or biosolids.
Skin fibrosis is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) caused by fibrotic disorders of the skin. In recent years, ECM stiffness has emerged as a prominent ...mechanical cue that precedes skin fibrosis and drives its progression by promoting fibroblasts activation. However, how stiffness influences fibroblasts activation for skin fibrosis progression remains unknown. Here, we report a positive feedback loop mediated by the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 and aberrant tissue mechanics in driving skin fibrosis. Piezo1 is upregulated in fibrotic skin in both humans and mice. Piezo1 knockdown dermal fibroblasts lose their fibroproliferative phenotypes despite being grown on a stiffer substrate. We show that Piezo1 acts through the Wnt2/Wnt11 pathway to mechanically induce secretion of C-C motif chemokine ligand 24 (CCL24, also known as eotaxin-2), a potent cytokine associated with fibrotic disorders. Importantly, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated Piezo1 knockdown ameliorated the progression of skin fibrosis and skin stiffness in mice. Overall, increased matrix stiffness promotes skin fibrosis through the inflammatory Piezo1-Wnt2/Wnt11-CCL24 pathway. In turn, a stiffer skin microenvironment increases Piezo1 expression to exacerbate skin fibrosis aggression. Therefore, targeting Piezo1 represents a strategy to break the positive feedback loop between fibroblasts mechanotransduction and aberrant tissue mechanics in skin fibrosis.
As a hydrocarbon-rich depression within the Bohai Bay Basin, the Huanghekou Depression is a focal region for exploring hydrocarbons in the eastern China Sea. Previous studies have insufficiently ...examined the correlation between the enrichment of organic matter and the environments in which it is deposited. Herein, the hydrocarbon potential, palaeoclimate, sedimentary environment, organic matter sources, and organic matter enrichment of the source rocks of the Shahejie Formation in the Huanghekou Depression were investigated using organic and inorganic geochemical indicators. The organic matter type of the source rock in Huanghekou Depression’s Shahejie Formation was predominantly Type II, with a minor presence of Type III. Furthermore, the source rock had a poor-to-good comprehensive evaluation grade in E3s1–2, whereas E2s3 and E2s4 had medium-to-good comprehensive evaluations in their source rocks. In terms of maturity, E3s1 was in an intermediate position between the immature and mature stages and E3s2 and E2s3 were between the low-maturity and mature stages, whereas E2s4 transitioned into full maturity. Biomarkers and sensitive element indicators indicated that the organic matter in E3s1–2 was primarily derived from lower aquatic organisms and algae. This palaeoclimate was characterised by aridity, a water body containing saline and semi-saline water, and a strongly reducing environment resulting from water body stratification, leading to oxygen deficiency. The organic matter in E2s3 was primarily derived from aquatic organisms and algal inputs; these deposits were formed in a reduced environment characterised by relatively low salinity, ranging between semi-saline and freshwater conditions. The organic matter enrichment model of the Shahejie Formation was established based on sedimentary environment, palaeoclimatic, and organic matter source analyses, utilising E3s1–2 as preservation models and E2s3 as the productivity model. This study provides a basis for in-depth exploration and advancement of oil and gas reserves.
Bladder cancer is one of most common malignant urinary tract tumor types with high incidence worldwide. In general, transurethral resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer followed by ...intravesical instillation of chemotherapy is the standard treatment approach to minimize recurrence and delay progression of bladder cancer. However, conventional intravesical chemotherapy lacks selectivity for tumor tissues and the concentration of drug is reduced with the excretion of urine, leading to frequent administration and heavy local irritation symptoms. While nanomedicines can overcome all the above shortcomings and adhere to the surface of bladder tumors for a long time, and continuously and efficiently release drugs to bladder cancers. The rapid advances in targeted therapy have led to significant improvements in drug efficacy and precision of targeted drug delivery to eradicate tumor cells, with reduced side-effects. This review summarizes the different available nano-systems of targeted drug delivery to bladder cancer tissues. The challenges and prospects of targeted therapy for bladder cancer are additionally discussed.
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