2p Levels Research Articles

Serum miR-155–5p assists the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of low-dose spiral CT imaging in early lung cancer

BackgroundLow-dose spiral CT imaging has been employed for cancer diagnosis, but its sensitivity and specificity were unsatisfactory. MicroRNAs have been considered an approach for screening cancers, and the function of miR-155–5p in lung cancer has been previously revealed. ObjectivesThis study assessed the diagnostic value of combining low-dose spiral CT with serum miR-155–5p in lung cancer aiming to explore a novel strategy to assist the clinical cancer diagnosis. MethodsThis study enrolled 115 lung cancer patients and 115 patients with benign lung diseases as control. All patients received low-dose spiral CT imaging, and serum miR-155–5p levels were analyzed by PCR. The diagnostic potential of miR-155–5p in lung cancer was evaluated by receiver operating curve (ROC), and its significance in evaluating the risk of lung cancer was evaluated by logistic regression analysis. The consistency of serum miR-155–5p and low-dose spiral CT imaging with pathological examination was assessed by the Kappa test. ResultsReduced serum miR-155–5p indicated the risk of lung cancer in patients with benign lung diseases. Decreased serum miR-155–5p showed significant diagnostic value in early lung cancer and was significantly associated with disease severity. Low-dose spiral CT imaging showed significant diagnostic value in early lung cancer and showed middle consistency with pathological examination. Combining low-dose spiral CT imaging with serum miR-155–5p improved the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy in early lung cancer, reduced the false positive rate, and showed better consistency with pathological examination. ConclusionSerum miR-155–5p levels could assist the early detection of lung cancer by low-dose spiral CT examination.

Plasma exosomes from patients with coronary artery disease promote atherosclerosis via impairing vascular endothelial junctions

The underlying mechanism of vascular endothelial hyperpermeability caused by decrease of endothelial junctions occurring in atherosclerosis remains elusive. Our findings identified that plasma exosomes from patients with stable coronary artery disease (ExoSCAD) contain differentially expressed miRNAs that are clustered with genes related to cell junctions, prompting us to investigate the role of ExoSCAD in regulating vascular endothelial junctions and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Here, we show that ExoSCAD markedly impair vascular endothelial junctions via suppressing VE-Cadherin and ZO-1 in endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo, consequently increases endothelial permeability. Critically, exosomal miR-140-3p plays a crucial role in ExoSCAD-induced inhibition of ZO-1, and may be an important causative factor in the development of endothelial hyperpermeability during atherosclerosis. Additionally, exosomal miR-140–3p level coordinates with severity of SCAD. Targeting miR-140-3p in circulating exosomes might open novel options for treatment of atherosclerosis.

Circulating miR-323–3p as a novel potential plasma biomarker for multimorbidity burden and cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults: Results from the national institute for longevity sciences–longitudinal study of aging in Japan

BackgroundSeveral circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the blood are indicators of chronic diseases, but their association with multimorbidity burden is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the association of plasma levels of circulating miR-323–3p and miR-135–3p with age, cognitive performance, and number of comorbidities in middle-aged and older individuals. MethodsData from 295 community dwellers (≥40 years) who participated in the second wave (2000‒2002) of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging in Japan were analyzed. miRNAs were isolated from the plasma, and miR-323–3p and miR-135–3p levels were measured using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and normalized, with miR-16 as an endogenous reference gene. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Information and Similarities subtests and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Short Form (WAIS-R-SF). Correlation tests and multivariate general linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship among circulating miRNA levels, burden of multimorbidity, and cognitive performance. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 59.15 ± 10.26 years. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the miR-323–3p level positively correlated with age and number of comorbidities but negatively correlated with WAIS-R-SF subtest performance. In men, miR-323–3p level negatively correlated with the performance of all three WAIS-R-SF subtests. The general linear regression analysis showed that the miR-323–3p level increased in participants with four comorbidities compared with those with one comorbidity. ConclusionCirculating miR-323–3p level is associated with the burden of multimorbidity and decreased cognitive performance in middle-aged and older adults.

Unveiling the influences of P fertilization on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in grains of four sorghum cultivars.

Phosphorus is a critical nutrient in agriculture, influencing plant growth and nutritional quality. This study, uniquely designed to investigate the effects of phosphorus (P) fertilization levels, sorghum cultivars, and growing locations on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in sorghum grains, employed four sorghum cultivars (Hakeka, P954063, Tabat, and Tetron) grown under three P levels (0P, 1P, 2P) in two locations (Gezira and White Nile) in Sudan. In this study, four sorghum cultivars were grown in two distinct locations in Sudan, employing a split-plot design with three (P) fertilization levels. P was applied as triple super phosphate directly with the seeds, and additional fertilization included urea applied in two split doses. At physiological maturity, representative sorghum panicles were harvested, processed, and analyzed for bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities using standard extraction and quantification techniques such as Folin-Ciocalteu for phenolics and colorimetric flavonoid assays. Antioxidant activities were assessed through various assays, including DPPH and FRAP. Statistical analyses were performed using a three-way ANOVA to examine the effects of cultivar, P level, and location on the measured parameters, supplemented by multivariate analysis to further elucidate the interactions between these factors. Significant interactions (p<0.001) were observed among cultivars, P levels, and locations for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), carotenoids, tannins, and various antioxidant activity measures (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, TRP, H2O2). P fertilization significantly increased all measured phytochemicals and antioxidant activities compared to non-treated cultivars, except for H2O2, which decreased with P application. Among cultivars, Hakeka consistently exhibited the highest TFC, carotenoid content, and antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP, TRP, ABTS), particularly at the 2P level. P954063 showed the highest TPC and tannin concentrations. Tetron generally had the lowest phytochemical and antioxidant levels. White Nile showed higher TPC, carotenoids, DPPH, FRAP, TRP, and ABTS levels, while Gezira had higher TFC, tannins, and H2O2 concentrations. The impact of phosphorus fertilization often varies between locations. Strong positive correlations were found between TPC and all antioxidant assays (r = 0.68-0.90) and total carotenoids and antioxidant activities (r = 0.73-0.93). This study recommended cultivating the Tabat variety with 2P doses in Gezira. In addition, the Hakeka cultivar showed the highest increases in total flavonoid content, carotenoids, and antioxidant activities, particularly under the highest P level (2P). The findings highlight that P plays a critical role in enhancing sorghum's nutritional and health-promoting qualities, which are essential for leveraging this staple crop for food and nutrition security strategies in semi-arid regions.

MiR-103–3p attenuates liver injury with severe acute pancreatitis by inhibiting pyroptosis through miR-103–3p/NLRP1 axis

BackgroundSevere acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a common digestive system disorder in clinical practice, and it is often associated with liver damage in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Several studies have indicated that pyroptosis plays a role in liver damage following severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the association and specific mechanisms between liver injury following SAP and pyroptosis, providing theoretical support for research on SAP-induced liver injury. MethodsA rat model of SAP with concomitant liver injury was successfully established. The expression levels of miR-103–3p across different liver tissue groups were quantified using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatic analyses and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that NLRP1 is a direct target of miR-103–3p. In vivo assessments of miR-103–3p levels were performed, and the extent of cell pyroptosis during liver injury post-SAP was evaluated through western blotting, qRT-PCR, scanning electron microscopy, histopathology, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. The role of miR-103–3p in regulating NLRP1-mediated pyroptosis and its impact on SAP-induced liver injury were validated. ResultsThis study reports that following SAP-induced liver injury, the expression of miR-103–3p in liver tissue was significantly decreased, and cell pyroptosis was involved in the process of liver injury. Experimental validation indicated that NLRP1 was a downstream target of miR-103–3p. Overexpression of miR-103–3p in vitro significantly alleviated the severity of liver injury following SAP, while simultaneously inhibiting cell pyroptosis. ConclusionThese findings indicate that pyroptosis may be linked to SAP-induced liver injury and that miR-103–3p mitigates hepatocyte pyroptosis by reducing liver injury through the suppression of NLRP1 expression.

XPS Binding Energy Shifts in 2D Ti3C2Tz MXene go largely Beyond Intuitive Explanations: Rationalization from DFT Simulations and Experiments.

MXenes are prototypes of surface tunable 2D materials with vast potential for properties tuning. Accurately characterizing their surface functionalization and its role in electronic structure is crucial, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) being among the go-to methods to do so. Despite extensive use, XPS analysis remains however intricate. Focusing on the benchmark MXene Ti3C2Tz, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of core-level binding energy shifts (BE.s.) are combined with experiments in order to provide a quantitative interpretation of XPS spectra. This approach demonstrates that BE.s. are driven by the complex interplay between chemical, structural, and subtle electronic structure effects preventing analysis from intuitive arguments or comparison with reference materials. In particular, it is shown that O terminations induce the largest BE.s. at Ti 2p levels despite lower electronegativity than F. Additionally, F 1s levels show weak sensitivity to the F local environment, explaining the single contribution in the spectrum, whereas O 1s states are significantly affected by the local surface chemistry. Finally, clear indicators of surface group vacancies are given at Ti 2p and O 1s levels. These results demonstrate the combination of calculations with experiments as a method of the highest value for MXenes XPS spectra analysis, providing guidelines for otherwise complex interpretations.

Substitution of blast furnace slag by melting furnace slag as active component in green concrete application

Blast furnace slag (BFS), a commonly used substitute for cement clinker, is in large demand and gradually increasing in price. Melting furnace slag (MFS), a by-product of the co-disposal of waste incineration fly ash and metallurgical dust sludge, has potential hydration properties, and its large accumulation also poses a serious threat to the environment. In this study, we focus on the effect of MFS replacing BFS on concrete properties and its hydration mechanism. Results showed that MFS significantly enhanced the compressive strength at the later stage of hydration, and the 28-d compressive strength of MSD concrete was 15.15 % higher than BSD concrete. MFS enriched with a large amount of amorphous silica and alumina played a key role in the hydration process. This is mainly shown as the increase in the fluctuation of Si-O and Al-O bond strengths and the decrease in the energy separation between Ca 2p and Si 2p levels. In addition, the increased substitution of aluminum for silicon in MSD results in the formation of C-A-S-H gels, which are tightly bonded with ettringite to form a composite structure. Subsequent durability assessments indicate that the incorporation of MFS diminishes the permeability to chlorides and sulfates, while also bolstering the concrete’s resistance to carbonation. These findings imply a positive impact on the concrete’s enduring service life.

Sishen pills inhibit inflammatory dendritic cell differentiation via miR-505–3p mediated E-cadherin downregulation in ulcerative colitis

BackgroundUlcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune disease that is highly susceptible to recurrence, which is still a lack of effective drugs with minor side effects in clinic. Intervention of inflammatory differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs) might be an effective strategy to treat UC. Sishen Pills (SSP) is a classic Chinese herbal formula which has been demonstrated the protective effect of UC, but the mechanism remains unclear. PurposeTo elucidate the protective effects of SSP against UC in mice and reveal its regulatory mechanism of DCs and the key active ingredients for the UC treatment based on transcriptomics, network pharmacology and experiments validation in vivo and vitro. MethodThe key active ingredients of SSP were detected and screened integrating LC-MS/MS and network pharmacology. A mouse UC model was induced with 3% sodium dextran sulfate and treated with SSP for 14 days to evaluate the efficacy. ELISA was used to detect the levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in the colon; flow cytometry was used to detect the expression levels of DCs and their subpopulations; whole transcriptomic sequencing of differential RNAs in the colon and RT-PCR to detect key miRNAs to verify the sequencing results. Mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were isolated, an inflammatory model was constructed using 100 ng/ml LPS, and the effects of SSP on DC proliferation and apoptosis and their surface co-stimulatory molecule expression were examined; IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α levels were measured by ELISA; RT-PCR and WB were performed to detect miR-505–3p, CDH1, E-cadherin expression. BMDCs with low expression of miR-505–3p were constructed by lentiviral transfection for further validation. The potential key ingredient was re-validated in vivo and vitro experiment. ResultsAnimal experiments showed that SSP alleviated DSS-induced UC symptoms and colonic pathological injury in mice, and inhibited IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α secretion and inflammatory DC proliferation and activation maturation. Network pharmacology predicted that evodiamine, isobavachalcone, curcumin, and engenol may play a key role in SSP. RNA sequencing revealed that miR-505–3p, as the differential miRNA, shared a large number of transcription factors with E-cadherin, and was involved in inflammatory differentiation regulation. In vivo experiments confirmed that SSP accelerated apoptosis, slowed down proliferation, inhibited inflammatory differentiation and IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α secretion in BMDCs, and decreased miR-505–3p, CDH1, and E-cadherin levels. After knocking down miR-505–3p, SSP could not regulate the inflammatory differentiation and IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α level in BMDCs. Additionally, evodiamine was found and verified to be the key active ingredient of SSP in preventing the inflammatory differatiation of DCs. ConclusionSSP prevented the inflammatory differentiation of DCs by downregulating the expression of miR-505–3p, in which Evodiamine may played a key role.

Association of circulating micro-RNAs (miR-21-5p and miR-142-3p (and tumor necrosis factor-α with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) become a promising biomarker for diagnosis due to their stability and reproducibility and could be help to find a new effective treatment. This study is designed to evaluate the diagnostic utility and clinical significance of circulating micro-RNAs (miR-21-5p and miR-142-3p (and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for patient with RA and to assess their correlation with disease activity. This case control study involved sixty patients and 30 apparently healthy subjects as control group. The diagnosis was done depending on the classification criteria of American college of rheumatology-European league against rheumatism (ACR- EULAR). Expression levels of circulating miRNA were determined by two step reversed transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT- PCR). The concentrations of TNF-α, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies(ACPA) and C- reactive protein(CRP) were estimated by Enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay technique (ELISA). The expression level of circulating miRNA- 21- 5p and miRNA - 142- 3p was significantly elevated (P <0.01) in patients group as well as the levels of blood ESR, serum CRP, ACPA, and TNF-α compared to controls. There are significant differences (P < 0.01) in miRNA- 21- 5p levels between different patients groups, while the expression of miR-142-3p show non-significant difference (p>0.05). It is found that miRNA- 21-5p expression levels are significantly correlated with RA activity. Both miR-21-5p and miR-142-3p have significant positive correlation with levels of CRP, ACPA, and TNF-α. The level of TNF-α have significant positive correlation with both of CRP and ACPA also with the DAS-28 and CDAI. In conclusion, circulating miR-21- 5p and miRNA - 142- 3p may be associated to RA pathogenesis due to their positive correlation with inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, CRP and ACPA, therefore these miRNAs might be considered new targets for RA treatment, and alterations in their expression could be used for diagnosis and monitoring the disease activity and treatment response.

Time-resolved analysis of Ar metastable and electron populations in low-pressure misty plasma processes using optical emission spectroscopy

Misty plasmas have recently emerged as a promising tool for nanocomposite thin films deposition. However, aerosol-plasma interactions remain poorly documented, especially at low working pressure. In this work, optical emission spectroscopy is used to probe the temporal evolution of three fundamental plasma parameters during pulsed liquid injection in an inductively coupled argon plasma at low-pressure. Time-resolved values of metastable argon density, electron temperature, and electron density are determined from radiation trapping analysis and particle balance equations of selected argon 1s and 2p levels. Pulsed liquid injection is found to induce a sudden drop in metastable density and electron temperature, and an increase in electron density. These results are attributed to the lower ionization thresholds of the injected molecular species compared to the one of argon. In addition, upstream liquid temperature is found to affect the transitory kinetics for non-volatile solvents more than volatile ones, in accordance with a previously reported flash boiling atomization mechanism.

MiR-129–2-3p binds SEMA4C to regulate HCC development and inhibit the EMT

BackgroundAmong primary liver cancers, HCC is the most prevalent. Small noncoding RNAs called miRNAs control the expression of downstream target genes to take part in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including those related to cancer. MethodsmiR-129–2–3p and SEMA4C expression levels were assessed using RT-qPCR. The CCK-8, invasion, and wound healing assays were used to confirm the capacity of HCC cells for proliferation, invasion and migration respectively. Serum SEMA4C levels were detected via ELISA. The RIP and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the existence of intergenic binding sites. Cell apoptosis assay and cell cycle assay were performed to detect the apoptosis rate and cycle distribution of cells, and WB was performed to detect the protein expression of SEMA4C, RhoA, ROCK1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. Furthermore, cancer-inhibiting role of miR-129–2–3p were further confirmed by animal tests. ResultsmiR-129–2–3p expression was reduced in HCC tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-129–2–3p decreased the proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT in HCC cells, whereas inhibition of miR-129–2–3p had the opposite effects. Our research also showed that SEMA4C was increased in HCC tissues, serum and cells, and that SEMA4C knockdown prevented HCC cell invasion, migration, proliferation, and EMT. Overexpression of SEMA4C reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-129–2–3p on HCC. ConclusionsOverall, we discovered that through binding to SEMA4C, miR-129–2–3p regulates HCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT.

Spectroscopic and Thermographic Qualities of Praseodymium-Doped Oxyfluorotellurite Glasses.

The thermal stability of oxyfluorotellurite glass systems, (65-x)TeO2-20ZnF2-12PbO-3Nb2O5-xPr2O3, doped with praseodymium was examined. The different concentrations of praseodymium oxide (x = 0.5 and 2 mol%) were applied to verify the thermal, optical and luminescence properties of the materials under study. The relatively high values of the Dietzel (ΔT) and Saad-Poulain (S or H') thermal stability factors determined using a differential thermal analysis (DTA) indicate the good thermal stability of the glass matrix, which gradually improves with the content of the active dopant. The temperature dependence of optical spectra in the temperature range 300-675 K for the VIS-NIR region was investigated. The involved Pr3+ optical transition intensities and relaxation dynamic of the praseodymium luminescent level were determined. The ultrashort femtosecond pulses were utilized to examine a dynamic relaxation of the praseodymium luminescent levels. Although the measured emission of the Pr3+ active ions in the studied glass encompasses the quite broad spectral region, the observed luminescence may only be attributed to 3PJ excited states. As a result, the observed decrease in the experimental lifetime for the 3P0 level along with the increasing activator content was identified as an intensification of the Pr-Pr interplay and the associated self-quenching process. The maximum relative sensitivities (Sr) estimated over a relatively wide temperature range are ~0.46% K-1 (at 300 K) for FIR (I530/I497) and 0.20% K-1 (at 600 K) for FIR (I630/I497), which seems to confirm the possibility of using investigated glasses in optical temperature sensors.

A CEBPB/miR-32–5p/GATA6 axis promotes vascular calcification in type 2 diabetes

Vascular calcification in diabetes patients is a major independent risk factor for developing diabetic cardiovascular complications. However, the mechanisms by which diabetes leads to vascular calcification are complex and not yet fully understood. Our previous study revealed that miR-32–5p is a potential new diagnostic marker for coronary artery calcification. In this study, we found that miR-32–5p levels were significantly greater in the plasma of type 2 diabetes patients with coronary artery calcification and were positively correlated with the coronary artery calcification score. In type 2 diabetic mice, miR-32–5p levels were also elevated in the aorta, and knockout of miR-32–5p inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-32–5p promoted vascular smooth muscle cell calcification, while antagonism of miR-32–5p inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell calcification under high-glucose conditions. GATA binding protein 6 (GATA6) was identified as the key target gene through which miR-32–5p promotes vascular smooth muscle cell calcification. Overexpression of GATA6 antagonized the effects of miR-32–5p on vascular calcification. Additionally, high glucose levels were shown to induce the upregulation of miR-32–5p by activating CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (CEBPB). These results suggest that miR-32–5p is an important procalcification factor in vascular calcification associated with type 2 diabetes and identify the CEBPB/miR-32–5p/GATA6 axis as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for preventing and treating vascular calcification in type 2 diabetes.

Regulating effect of miR-132–3p on the changes of MAPK pathway in rat brains and SH-SY5Y cells exposed to excessive fluoride by targeting expression of MAPK1

BackgroundAlthough the changes of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in the central nervous system (CNS) induced by excessive fluoride has been confirmed by our previous findings, the underlying mechanism(s) of the action remains unclear. Here, we investigate the possibility that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the aspect. MethodsAs a model of chronic fluorosis, SD rats received different concentrations of fluoride in their drinking water for 3 or 6 months and SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to fluoride. Literature reviews and bioinformatics analyses were used to predict and real-time PCR to measure the expression of 12 miRNAs; an algorithm-based approach was applied to identify multiply potential target-genes and pathways; the dual-luciferase reporter system to detect the association of miR-132–3p with MAPK1; and fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect miR-132–3p localization. The miR-132–3p inhibitor or mimics or MAPK1 silencing RNA were transfected into cultured cells. Expression of protein components of the MAPK pathway was assessed by immunofluorescence or Western blotting. ResultsIn the rat hippocampus exposed with high fluoride, ten miRNAs were down-regulated and two up-regulated. Among these, miR-132–3p expression was down-regulated to the greatest extent and MAPK1 level (selected from the 220 genes predicted) was corelated with the alteration of miR-132–3p. Furthermore, miR-132–3p level was declined, whereas the protein levels MAPK pathway components were increased in the rat brains and SH-SY5Y cells exposed to high fluoride. MiR-132–3p up-regulated MAPK1 by binding directly to its 3′-untranslated region. Obviously, miR-132–3p mimics or MAPK1 silencing RNA attenuated the elevated expressions of the proteins components of the MAPK pathway induced by fluorosis in SH-SY5Y cells, whereas an inhibitor of miR-132–3p just played the opposite effect. ConclusionMiR-132–3p appears to modulate the changes of MAPK signaling pathway in the CNS associated with chronic fluorosis.

Resonant photoemission studies on Fe-Ni alloys

This paper investigates the electronic structure of Fe1−xNix (x = 0.32, 0.36, 0.4, 0.5) alloys employing high resolution photoelectron spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation. The valence bands and the core levels have been recorded at various on-resonance and off-resonance photon energies of Fe and Ni. An anti-resonance dip observed in the valence bands taken at Fe 3p → 3d resonance lies closer to the Fermi level compared to that observed at Ni 3p → 3d resonance, indicating larger density of itinerant Fe 3d electrons. Whereas, Ni 3d states are comparatively less itinerant in these alloys. The hybridization effects increase with increase of Fe content in the alloy system. The intensity of Ni L3M4,5M4,5 Coster-Cronig Auger transition observed with 853 eV (Ni 2p → 3d resonance) photon energy, drops down drastically for the Invar alloy (Fe0.64Ni0.36) as compared to other Fe-Ni alloys due to the existence of Ni in more than one local chemical surroundings as expected for Invar alloy. The electron-electron interaction energy (Udd) of Ni 3d shell is found to decrease with the decrease of Ni concentration. The 3p and 3s core levels of Fe and Ni recorded at 707 eV (Fe 2p → 3d resonance) are overwhelmed by various intense resonant Auger features such as Fe L3M2,3M2,3, Fe L3M2,3M4,5 and Fe L3M1M4,5. The 1S state of Fe L3M2,3M2,3 is greatly enhanced in the Invar alloy as compared to other alloys. The microscopic compositional in-homogeneity present in Invar alloy plays a crucial role in the screening of holes in Ni sites but does not contribute in screening the holes in Fe sites.

Effect of remote ischemic preconditioning intervention on serum levels of microRNA-582–5p/HMGB1 in patients with acute cerebral infarction

ObjectiveAcute cerebral infarction (ACI) contributes to disability and death accross the globe. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) reduces cerebral infarct size and improves neurological function in ACI. We conducted this research to reveal the effects of RIPC intervention on serum levels of microRNA-582–5p (miR-582–5p)/high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1), inflammation, oxidative stress and neurological function in patients with ACI. MethodsIn this study, 158 patients with ACI were prospectively selected and randomized into the control (administered symptomatic medication alone) and the RIPC (underwent RIPC of the limbs based on medication) groups, with their clinical baseline data documented. Serum levels of miR-582–5p, and HMGB1 and inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/interleukin-1beta (IL-1β)/IL-10] were assessed by RT-qPCR/ELISA, followed by comparisons of oxidative stress indices [glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px)/catalase (CAT)/superoxide dismutase (SOD)] using a fully automatic biochemical analyzer. Correlations between serum miR-582–5p with serum HMGB1, and between their levels with TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-10 were analyzed by Pearson analysis. The NIHSS score/Barthel Index scale were used to assess neurological function/daily living ability. Intervention safety for ACI patients was evaluated. ResultsRIPC intervention increased serum miR-582–5p levels and decreased serum HMGB1 levels in ACI patients. RIPC intervention significantly reduced inflammation (diminished TNF-α/IL-1β levels, increased IL-10 level) and oxidative stress (elevated GSH-Px/CAT/SOD levels) in ACI patients. Serum miR-582–5p was negatively correlated with TNF-α and IL-1β levels, while positively correlated with IL-10 level, while HMGB1 was positively correlated with TNF-α and IL-1β levels, while negatively correlated with IL-10 level. miR-582–5p was negatively correlated with HMGB1. RIPC intervention improved neurological function (reduced NIHSS, increased Barthel scores) in ACI patients to some extent. RIPC had certain effectiveness and safety in the treatment of ACI. ConclusionAfter RIPC intervention, serum miR-582–5p levels were increased, HMGB1 levels were decreased, and inflammation and oxidative stress were reduced in ACI patients, which mitigated neurological deficits, improved patients’ ability to perform life activities, and exerted neuroprotective effects to some extent.

MiR-584–5p / Ykt6 - mediated autophagy - lysosome - exosome pathway as a critical route affecting the toxic effects of lead on HK-2 cells

Lead is a widespread environmental pollutant with serious adverse effects on human health, but the mechanism underlying its toxicity remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-584–5p / Ykt6 axis in the toxic effect of lead on HK-2 cells and the related mechanism. Our data suggested that lead exposure caused significant cytotoxicity, DNA and chromosome damage to HK-2 cells. Mechanistically, lead exposure down-regulated miR-584–5p and up-regulated Ykt6 expression, consequently, autophagosomal number and autophagic flux increased, lysosomal number and activity decreased, exosomal secretion increased. Interestingly, when miR-584–5p level was enhanced with mimic, autophagosomal number and autophagic flux decreased, lysosomal number and activity increased, ultimately, exosomal secretion was down-regulated, which resulted in significant aggravated toxic effects of lead. Further, directly blocking exosomal secretion with inhibitor GW4869 also resulted in exacerbated toxic effects of lead. Herein, we conclude that miR-584–5p / Ykt6 - mediated autophagy - lysosome - exosome pathway may be a critical route affecting the toxic effects of lead on HK-2 cells. We provide a novel insight into the mechanism underlying the toxicity of lead on human cells.

Dynamically enhanced Autler–Townes splitting by orthogonal XUV fields

Abstract Based on numerical solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, we theoretically investigate the photoelectron spectrum of hydrogen atoms ionized by a pair of ultrashort, intense, and orthogonally polarized laser pulses with a relative time delay in a pump–probe configuration. The pump pulse resonantly excites electrons from the 1s and 2p levels, inducing Rabi oscillations. The resulting dynamically enhanced Autler–Townes (AT) splitting is observed in the photoelectron energy spectrum upon interaction with the second probe pulse. In contrast to the previous parallel-polarization scheme, the proposed orthogonal-polarization configuration enables the resolution of dynamically enhanced AT splitting over a considerably wider range of probe photon energies.

First measurement of kaonic helium-4 M-series transitions

In this paper we present the results of a new kaonic helium-4 measurement with a 1.37 g l−1 gaseous target by the SIDDHARTA-2 experiment at the DAΦNE collider. We measured, for the first time, the energies and yields of three transitions belonging to the M-series. Moreover, we improved by a factor about three, the statistical precision of the 2p level energy shift and width induced by the strong interaction, obtaining the most precise measurement for gaseous kaonic helium, and measured the yield of the L α transition at the employed density, providing a new experimental input to investigate the density dependence of kaonic atoms transitions yield.

Growth and spectroscopic properties of Ca3(Ta,Ga)5O12:Pr3+ single crystal as a promising new laser material in the visible domain

Structurally disordered Pr3+-doped Ca3(Ta,Ga)5O12 - Pr:CTGG single crystal was grown by the Czochralski technique for the first time and its spectroscopic properties were investigated. Modified Judd-Ofelt analysis was applied to determine spectroscopic and laser emission characteristics. Based on low-temperature absorption and emission spectra, the partial energy levels of Pr3+ ions have been obtained and a multicenter structure of the optical spectra was highlighted. The electron-phonon interactions were also observed in the emission spectra corresponding to the 3P0 → 3H4 transition under different excitation wavelengths. The fluorescence decays of the 3P0 and 1D2 levels were measured. The emission cross-sections corresponding to the 3P0 → 3H4 (486.5 nm) and 3P0 → 3F2 (652.7 nm) transitions were found to be σem = 19 × 10−20 cm2 and σem = 15 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. The values for other parameters that may predict the possibility of achieving efficient laser emission, especially at 486.5 nm, such as quantum efficiency (ⴄ = 50 %), gain bandwidth (σem× Δλeff, = 32.2 × 10−26 cm3), and optical gain (σem× τmeas = 12.86 × 10−25 cm2 s) were determined. The obtained results indicate that the Pr:CTGG crystal has a high potential for obtaining efficient laser emission in the blue domain.