Krüppel-like factor 2(KLF2),a potential target for neuroregeneration

Neurological disorders and injuries lead to the impairment or depletion of neurons in terms of quantity,structure,or function,resulting in the loss of cognitive,emotional,and physical abilities in human beings.This,in turn,accompanies the shortfall of valuable human resources and economic potential,causing a detriment to society.Addressing these challenges,therefore,becomes imperative not only from a humanitarian perspective but also as a means of preserving human capital and bolstering economic prosperity.

Vertical plane depth-resolved surface potential and carrier separation characteristics in flexible CZTSSe solar cells with over 12% efficiency

Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4(CZTSSe)solar cells have resource distribution and economic advantages.The main cause of their low efficiency is carrier loss resulting from recombination of photo-generated electron and hole.To overcome this,it is important to understand their electron-hole behavior characteristics.To determine the carrier separation characteristics,we measured the surface potential and the local current in terms of the absorber depth.The elemental variation in the intragrains(IGs)and at the grain boundaries(GBs)caused a band edge shift and bandgap(Eg)change.At the absorber surface and subsurface,an upward Ec and Ev band bending structure was observed at the GBs,and the carrier separation was improved.At the absorber center,both upward Ec and Ev and downward Ec-upward Ev band bending structures were observed at the GBs,and the carrier separation was degraded.To improve the carrier separation and suppress carrier recombination,an upward Ec and Ev band bending structure at the GBs is desirable.

Geometries and electronic structures of Zr_(n)Cu(n=2–12) clusters: A joint machine-learning potential density functional theory investigation

Zr-based amorphous alloys have attracted extensive attention because of their large glassy formation ability, wide supercooled liquid region, high elasticity, and unique mechanical strength induced by their icosahedral local structures.To determine the microstructures of Zr–Cu clusters, the stable and metastable geometry of Zr_(n)Cu(n=2–12) clusters are screened out via the CALYPSO method using machine-learning potentials, and then the electronic structures are investigated using density functional theory. The results show that the Zr_(n)Cu(n ≥ 3) clusters possess three-dimensional geometries, Zr_(n)Cu(n≥9) possess cage-like geometries, and the Zr_(12)Cu cluster has icosahedral geometry. The binding energy per atom gradually gets enlarged with the increase in the size of the clusters, and Zr_(n)Cu(n=5,7,9,12) have relatively better stability than their neighbors. The magnetic moment of most Zr_(n)Cu clusters is just 1μB, and the main components of the highest occupied molecular orbitals(HOMOs) in the Zr_(12)Cu cluster come from the Zr-d state. There are hardly any localized two-center bonds, and there are about 20 σ-type delocalized three-center bonds.

Phospholipase A2 enzymes PLA2G2A and PLA2G12B as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Phospholipase A2(PLA2)enzymes are pivotal in various biological processes,such as lipid mediator production,membrane remodeling,bioenergetics,and maintaining the body surface barrier.Notably,these enzymes play a significant role in the development of diverse tumors.AIM To systematically and comprehensively explore the expression of the PLA2 family genes and their potential implications in cholangiocarcinoma(CCA).METHODS We conducted an analysis of five CCA datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus.The study identified differentially expressed genes between tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues,with a focus on PLA2G2A and PLA2G12B.Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was utilized to pinpoint associated pathways.Moreover,relevant hub genes and microRNAs for PLA2G2A and PLA2G12B were predicted,and their correlation with the prognosis of CCA was evaluated.RESULTS PLA2G2A and PLA2G12B were discerned as differentially expressed in CCA,manifesting significant variations in expression levels in urine and serum between CCA patients and healthy individuals.Elevated expression of PLA2G2A was correlated with poorer overall survival in CCA patients.Additionally,the study delineated pathways and miRNAs associated with these genes.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that PLA2G2A and PLA2G12B may serve as novel potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for CCA.The increased levels of these genes in biological fluids could be employed as non-invasive markers for CCA,and their expression levels are indicative of prognosis,underscoring their potential utility in clinical settings.

Neurogenic potential of NG2 in neurotrauma:a systematic review

Regenerative approaches towards neuronal loss following traumatic brain or spinal cord injury have long been considered a dogma in neuroscience and remain a cutting-edge area of research.This is reflected in a large disparity between the number of studies investigating primary and secondary injury as therapeutic to rgets in spinal co rd and traumatic brain injuries.Significant advances in biotechnology may have the potential to reshape the current state-of-the-art and bring focus to primary injury neurotrauma research.Recent studies using neural-glial factor/antigen 2(NG2)cells indicate that they may differentiate into neurons even in the developed brain.As these cells show great potential to play a regenerative role,studies have been conducted to test various manipulations in neurotrauma models aimed at eliciting a neurogenic response from them.In the present study,we systematically reviewed the experimental protocols and findings described in the scientific literature,which were peer-reviewed original research articles(1)describing preclinical experimental studies,(2)investigating NG2 cells,(3)associated with neurogenesis and neurotrauma,and(4)in vitro and/or in vivo,available in PubMed/MEDLINE,Web of Science or SCOPUS,from 1998 to 2022.Here,we have reviewed a total of 1504 papers,and summarized findings that ultimately suggest that NG2 cells possess an inducible neurogenic potential in animal models and in vitro.We also discriminate findings of NG2 neurogenesis promoted by different pharmacological and genetic approaches over functional and biochemical outcomes of traumatic brain injury and spinal co rd injury models,and provide mounting evidence for the potential benefits of manipulated NG2 cell ex vivo transplantation in primary injury treatment.These findings indicate the feasibility of NG2 cell neurogenesis strategies and add new players in the development of therapeutic alternatives for neurotrauma.

Nrf2 as a potential target for the treatment of epilepsy

Epilepsy is a prevalent chronic brain disorder that is characterized by a persistent predisposition to recurrently generate epileptic seizures and is often associated with cognitive and psychological consequences.Epilepsy affects approximately 65 million individuals,including both males and females of all ages worldwide,and poses a significant burden on patients,their families,and the health system(Vezzani et al.,2019).

Nrf2 and Her3 co-expression in cholangiocarcinoma:Possible biological pathways for potential therapeutic approach

To the Editor:Cholangiocarcinomas(CCAs)are heterogeneous group of malignancies,encompassing intrahepatic CCA(iCCA),and extrahepatic CCA(eCCA);they are also classified into common hepatic duct cholangiocarcinoma(CHDCCA),choledocus extrapancreatic cholangiocarcinoma(EPCCA)and choledocus intrapancreatic cholangiocarcinoma(IPCCA)and,finally,gallbladder carcinoma(GBCCA).CCAs are relatively uncommon but.

Dysregulated microRNAs in type 2 diabetes and breast cancer:Potential associated molecular mechanisms

Type 2 diabetes(T2D)is a multifaceted and heterogeneous syndrome associated with complications such as hypertension,coronary artery disease,and notably,breast cancer(BC).The connection between T2D and BC is established through processes that involve insulin resistance,inflammation and other factors.Despite this comprehension the specific cellular and molecular mechanisms linking T2D to BC,especially through microRNAs(miRNAs),remain elusive.miRNAs are regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and have the function of regulating target genes by modulating various signaling pathways and biological processes.However,the signaling pathways and biological processes regulated by miRNAs that are associated with T2D and BC have not yet been elucidated.This review aims to identify dysregulated miRNAs in both T2D and BC,exploring potential signaling pathways and biological processes that collectively contribute to the development of BC.

SIRT2 as a potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia globally with an increasing incidence over the years,bringing a heavy burden to individuals and society due to the lack of an effective treatment.In this context,sirtuin 2,the sirtuin with the highest expression in the brain,has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.This review summarizes and discusses the complex roles of sirtuin 2 in different molecular mechanisms involved in Alzheimer's disease such as amyloid and tau pathology,microtubule stability,neuroinflammation,myelin formation,autophagy,and oxidative stress.The role of sirtuin 2 in all these processes highlights its potential implication in the etiology and development of Alzheimer's disease.However,its presence in different cell types and its enormous variety of substrates leads to apparently contra dictory conclusions when it comes to understanding its specific functions.Further studies in sirtuin 2 research with selective sirtuin2 modulators targeting specific sirtuin 2 substrates are necessary to clarify its specific functions under different conditions and to validate it as a novel pharmacological target.This will contribute to the development of new treatment strategies,not only for Alzheimer's disease but also for other neurodegenerative diseases.

Emerging and multifaceted potential contributions of polyphenols in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is recognized as a serious public health concern with a considerable impact on human life,long-term health expenditures,and substantial health losses.In this context,the use of dietary polyphenols to prevent and manage T2DM is widely documented.These dietary compounds exert their beneficial effects through several actions,including the protection of pancreatic islet β-cell,the antioxidant capacities of these molecules,their effects on insulin secretion and actions,the regulation of intestinal microbiota,and their contribution to ameliorate diabetic complications,particularly those of vascular origin.In the present review,we intend to highlight these multifaceted actions and the molecular mechanisms by which these plant-derived secondary metabolites exert their beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes patients.

Heterogeneously elevated branched-chain/aromatic amino acids among new-onset type-2 diabetes mellitus patients are potentially skewed diabetes predictors

BACKGROUND The lack of specific predictors for type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)severely impacts early intervention/prevention efforts.Elevated branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs:Isoleucine,leucine,valine)and aromatic amino acids(AAAs:Tyrosine,tryptophan,phenylalanine)show high sensitivity and specificity in predicting diabetes in animals and predict T2DM 10-19 years before T2DM onset in clinical studies.However,improvement is needed to support its clinical utility.AIM To evaluate the effects of body mass index(BMI)and sex on BCAAs/AAAs in new-onset T2DM individuals with varying body weight.METHODS Ninety-seven new-onset T2DM patients(<12 mo)differing in BMI[normal weight(NW),n=33,BMI=22.23±1.60;overweight,n=42,BMI=25.9±1.07;obesity(OB),n=22,BMI=31.23±2.31]from the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province,Kunming,China,were studied.One-way and 2-way ANOVAs were conducted to determine the effects of BMI and sex on BCAAs/AAAs.RESULTS Fasting serum AAAs,BCAAs,glutamate,and alanine were greater and high-density lipoprotein(HDL)was lower(P<0.05,each)in OB-T2DM patients than in NW-T2DM patients,especially in male OB-T2DM patients.Arginine,histidine,leucine,methionine,and lysine were greater in male patients than in female patients.Moreover,histidine,alanine,glutamate,lysine,valine,methionine,leucine,isoleucine,tyrosine,phenylalanine,and tryptophan were significantly correlated with abdominal adiposity,body weight and BMI,whereas isoleucine,leucine and phenylalanine were negatively correlated with HDL.CONCLUSION Heterogeneously elevated amino acids,especially BCAAs/AAAs,across new-onset T2DM patients in differing BMI categories revealed a potentially skewed prediction of T2DM development.The higher BCAA/AAA levels in obese T2DM patients would support T2DM prediction in obese individuals,whereas the lower levels of BCAAs/AAAs in NW-T2DM individuals may underestimate T2DM risk in NW individuals.This potentially skewed T2DM prediction should be considered when BCAAs/AAAs are to be used as the T2DM predictor.

Emerging roles of microRNAs as diagnostics and potential therapeutic interest in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a metabolic disease of impaired glucose utilization.Uncontrolled high sugar levels lead to advanced glycation end products(AGEs),which affects several metabolic pathways by its receptor of advanced glycation end products(RAGE)and causes diabetic complication.MiRNAs are small RNA molecules which regulate genes linked to diabetes and affect AGEs pathogenesis,and target tissues,influencing health and disease processes.AIM To explore miRNA roles in T2DM's metabolic pathways for potential therapeutic and diagnostic advancements in diabetes complications.METHODS We systematically searched the electronic database PubMed using keywords.We included free,full-length research articles that evaluate the role of miRNAs in T2DM and its complications,focusing on genetic and molecular disease mechanisms.After assessing the full-length papers of the shortlisted articles,we included 12 research articles.RESULTS Several types of miRNAs are linked in metabolic pathways which are affected by AGE/RAGE axis in T2DM and its complications.miR-96-5p,miR-7-5p,miR-132,has_circ_0071106,miR-143,miR-21,miR-145-5p,and more are associated with various aspects of T2DM,including disease risk,diagnostic markers,complications,and gene regulation.CONCLUSION Targeting the AGE/RAGE axis,with a focus on miRNA regulation,holds promise for managing T2DM and its complications.MiRNAs have therapeutic potential as they can influence the metabolic pathways affected by AGEs and RAGE,potentially reducing inflammation,oxidative stress,and vascular complications.Additionally,miRNAs may serve as early diagnostic biomarkers for T2DM.Further research in this area may lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for diabetes and its associated complications.

Mitochondria–cGAS–STING axis is a potential therapeutic target for senescence-dependent inflammaging-associated neurodegeneration

The word “senescence” comes from the Latin senescens, meaning “to begin to age”, and is characterized by a long-lasting but reversible block in proliferation, resulting from stress-induced cell cycle arrest of previously replication-competent cells.

Median Nerve Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in Patients with Chiari Malformation

Abnormal SEP reflects dysfunction of the medial lemniscus and posterior cervical cord. These structures are likely to be affected in Chiari malformation. Therefore, SEP abnormalities may provide valuable information in patients with CM. However, the consistency of SEP abnormality or normality with the damage is a matter of research. Knowing whether median nerve somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) is useful in revealing subclinical damage in patients with Chiari malformation is important in the treatment and follow-up plan of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between median nerve SEP values and the severity of cerebellar ectopia in patients with Chiari type 1 malformation. Median nerve SEP values were obtained from 30 healthy individuals and 146 individuals with Chiari malformation. The cerebellar ectopia degree and McRae line length were measured. SEP values were not significantly different between groups. The McRae line was found to be significantly shorter in the control group than in the Chiari malformation group (p = 0.031). There was no correlation between the degree of cerebellar ectopia and the length of the McRae line (r = 0.002, p = 0.979). Neither cerebellar ectopy degree nor McRae line length had a relationship with SEP values (r = -0.153, p = 0.066;r = -0.056, p = 0.500, respectively). There was no difference in cerebellar ectopy degree or SEP values between the groups with cerebellar ectopy with and without a syrinx (p = 0.899;p = 0.080, respectively). Likewise, McRae line length was not found to be related to the presence of a syrinx (p = 0.139). Median nerve SEP examination was not beneficial for diagnosing asymptomatic-oligosymptomatic Chiari malformation as a subclinical injury, whether accompanied by syringomyelia or not.

Potential evaluation of saline aquifers for the geological storage of carbon dioxide: A case study of saline aquifers in the Qian-5 member in northeastern Ordos Basin

The well-developed coal electricity generation and coal chemical industries have led to huge carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emissions in the northeastern Ordos Basin.The geological storage of CO_(2) in saline aquifers is an effective backup way to achieve carbon neutrality.In this case,the potential of saline aquifers for CO_(2) storage serves as a critical basis for subsequent geological storage project.This study calculated the technical control capacities of CO_(2) of the saline aquifers in the fifth member of the Shiqianfeng Formation(the Qian-5 member)based on the statistical analysis of the logging and the drilling and core data from more than 200 wells in the northeastern Ordos Basin,as well as the sedimentary facies,formation lithology,and saline aquifer development patterns of the Qian-5 member.The results show that(1)the reservoirs of saline aquifers in the Qian-5 member,which comprise distributary channel sand bodies of deltaic plains,feature low porosities and permeabilities;(2)The study area hosts three NNE-directed saline aquifer zones,where saline aquifers generally have a single-layer thickness of 3‒8 m and a cumulative thickness of 8‒24 m;(3)The saline aquifers of the Qian-5 member have a total technical control capacity of CO_(2) of 119.25×10^(6) t.With the largest scale and the highest technical control capacity(accounting for 61%of the total technical control capacity),the Jinjie-Yulin saline aquifer zone is an important prospect area for the geological storage of CO_(2) in the saline aquifers of the Qian-5 member in the study area.

THE SMOOTHING EFFECT IN SHARP GEVREY SPACE FOR THE SPATIALLY HOMOGENEOUS NON-CUTOFF BOLTZMANN EQUATIONS WITH A HARDPOTENTIAL

In this article, we study the smoothing effect of the Cauchy problem for the spatially homogeneous non-cutoff Boltzmann equation for hard potentials. It has long been suspected that the non-cutoff Boltzmann equation enjoys similar regularity properties as to whose of the fractional heat equation. We prove that any solution with mild regularity will become smooth in Gevrey class at positive time, with a sharp Gevrey index, depending on the angular singularity. Our proof relies on the elementary L^(2) weighted estimates.

Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Potential Using AVO Analysis in the FORMAT Field, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

The study involved the evaluation of the hydrocarbon potential of FORMAT Field, coastal swamp depobelt Niger delta, Nigeria to obtain a more efficient reservoir characterization and fluid properties identification. Despite advances in seismic data interpretation using traditional 3D seismic data interpretation, obtaining adequate reservoir characteristics at the finest level had proved very challenging with often disappointing results. A method that integrates the amplitude variation with offfset (AVO) analysis is hereby proposed to better illuminate the reservoir. The Hampson Russell 10.3 was used to integrate and study the available seismic and well data. The reservoir of interest was delineated using the available suite of petrophysical data. This was marked by low gamma ray, high resistivity, and low acoustic impedance between a true subsea vertical depth (TVDss) range of 10,350 - 10,450 ft. The AVO fluid substitution yielded a decrease in the density values of pure gas (2.3 - 1.6 g/cc), pure oil (2.3 - 1.8 g/cc) while the Poisson pure brine increased (2.3 to 2.8 g/cc). Result from FORMAT 26 plots yielded a negative intercept and negative gradient at the top and a positive intercept and positive gradient at the Base which conforms to Class III AVO anomaly. FORMAT 30 plots yielded a negative intercept and positive gradient at the top and a positive intercept and negative gradient at the Base which conforms to class IV AVO anomaly. AVO attribute volume slices decreased in the Poisson ratio (0.96 to - 1.0) indicating that the reservoir contains hydrocarbon. The s-wave reflectivity and the product of the intercept and gradient further clarified that there was a Class 3 gas sand in the reservoir and the possibility of a Class 4 gas sand anomaly in that same reservoir.

Thermal conductivity of GeTe crystals based on machine learning potentials

GeTe has attracted extensive research interest for thermoelectric applications.In this paper,we first train a neuroevolution potential(NEP)based on a dataset constructed by ab initio molecular dynamics,with the Gaussian approximation potential(GAP)as a reference.The phonon density of states is then calculated by two machine learning potentials and compared with density functional theory results,with the GAP potential having higher accuracy.Next,the thermal conductivity of a GeTe crystal at 300 K is calculated by the equilibrium molecular dynamics method using both machine learning potentials,and both of them are in good agreement with the experimental results;however,the calculation speed when using the NEP potential is about 500 times faster than when using the GAP potential.Finally,the lattice thermal conductivity in the range of 300 K-600 K is calculated using the NEP potential.The lattice thermal conductivity decreases as the temperature increases due to the phonon anharmonic effect.This study provides a theoretical tool for the study of the thermal conductivity of GeTe.

Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumors:Benign,malignant,and uncertain malignant potential

In 2013,the World Health Organization defined perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa)as“a mesenchymal tumor which shows a local association with vessel walls and usually expresses melanocyte and smooth muscle markers.”This generic definition seems to better fit the PEComa family,which includes angiomyolipoma,clear cell sugar tumor of the lung,lymphangioleiomyomatosis,and a group of histologically and immunophenotypically similar tumors that include primary extrapulmonary sugar tumor and clear cell myomelanocytic tumor.Clear cell tumors with this immunophenotypic pattern have also had their malignant variants described.When localizing to the liver,preoperative radiological diagnosis has proven to be very difficult,and most patients have been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma,focal nodular hyperplasia,hemangioma,or hepatic adenoma based on imaging findings.Examples of a malignant variant of the liver have been described.Finally,reports of malignant variants of these lesions have increased in recent years.Therefore,we support the use of the Folpe criteria,which in 2005 established the criteria for categorizing a PEComa as benign,malignant,or of uncertain malignant potential.Although they are not considered ideal,they currently seem to be the best approach and could be used for the categorization of liver tumors.

Plasma potential measurements using an emissive probe made of oxide cathode

A novel emissive probe consisting of an oxide cathode coating is developed to achieve a low operating temperature and long service life.The properties of the novel emissive probe are investigated in detail,in comparison with a traditional tungsten emissive probe,including the operating temperature,the electron emission capability and the plasma potential measurement.Studies of the operating temperature and electron emission capability show that the tungsten emissive probe usually works at a temperature of 1800 K-2200 K while the oxide cathode emissive probe can function at about 1200 K-1400 K.In addition,plasma potential measurements using the oxide cathode emissive probe with different techniques have been accomplished in microwave electron cyclotron resonance plasmas with different discharge powers.It is found that a reliable plasma potential can be obtained using the improved inflection point method and the hot probe with zero emission limit method,while the floating point method is invalid for the oxide cathode emissive probe.