Exchange Of Substances Research Articles

Development of a breast cancer prognostic model based on vesicle-mediated transport-related genes to predict immune landscape and clinical drug therapy.

Vesicle-mediated transport, vital for substance exchange and intercellular communication, is linked to tumor initiation and progression. This work was designed to study the role of vesicle-mediated transport-related genes (VMTRGs) in breast cancer (BC)prognosis. Univariate Cox analysis was utilized to screen prognosis-related VMTRGs. BC samples underwent unsupervised clustering based on VMTRGs to analyze survival, clinical factors, and immune cell abundance across different subtypes. We constructed a risk model using univariate Cox and LASSO regression analysis, with validation conducted using GEO datasets. Subsequently, we performed tumor mutational burden analysis, and immune landscape analysis on both groups. Ultimately, we conducted immunophenoscore (IPS) scoring to forecast immunotherapy and performed drug sensitivity analysis. We identified 102 VMTRGs associated with BC prognosis. Using these 102 VMTRGs, BC patients were classified into 3 subtypes, with Cluster3 patients showing significantly better survival rates. We constructed a prognostic model for BC based on 12 VMTRGs that effectively predicted patient survival. Riskscore was an independent prognostic factor for BC patients. According to median risk score, high-risk group (HRG) had higher TMB values. The immune landscape of the HRG exhibited characteristics of cold tumor, with higher immune checkpoint expression levels and lower IPS scores, whereas Gemcitabine, Nilotinib, and Oxaliplatin were more suitable for treating low-risk group. We classified BC subtypes and built a prognostic model based on VMTRGs. The genes in the prognostic model may serve as potential targets for BC therapy.

Artificial Breakthrough of Cell Membrane Barrier for Transmembrane Substance Exchange: A Review of Recent Progress

AbstractCell membrane composed of lipid bilayer is a selectively permeable membrane that only allows specific molecules to pass through. While such selectivity is essential for the survival and function of cells, there exist instances when it is necessary to overcome the cell membrane barrier. Study on the artificial cell membrane barrier breakthrough strategies is of great significance for the development of drug delivery systems and the understanding of cellular behaviors. Herein, the advancements in the development of strategies for opening cell membrane barriers over the past decade are summarized. The main transmembrane mechanisms are elucidated and then divided into three categories, i.e., cell perforation via microinjection/external physical fields, cell endocytosis‐assisted construction of artificial transmembrane channels, and untethered micro/nanomachines. Next, the potential applications after opening the cell membrane are discussed, which mainly focus on the transmembrane cargo delivery into the cell and endogenous substance extraction out from the cell. Finally, this review outlines the current challenges that impede the realization of practical applications and presents an outlook of future opportunities to promote further development. Through overcoming the challenges, it is anticipated that artificial cell membrane breakthrough strategies will provide a revolutionized tool in the near future to advance the field of biomedicine and biotechnology.

Sr–Nd Isotopic Evidence of a Heterogeneous Magmatic Source of Alkaline–Carbonatite Rocks of the Odikhincha Alkaline–Carbonatite Massif (Maimecha-Kotui Province, Siberia)

This study focuses on the igneous rocks composing the Odikhincha massif. The massif is typical ring alkaline–ultrabasic massif with carbonatites, second largest in the Maimecha-Kotui province. The Sr-Nd isotopic values of the traps of the Arydzhang Formation and the host dolomites were also determined for comparison. The Rb–Sr isotope system of phlogopite and calcite from the Od-16-19 carbonatite of the Odikhincha massif is disturbed; the obtained age on the mineral isochrone (245 ± 3 Ma) is close to the time of formation of the Siberian traps and rocks of the ultrabasic–alkaline Maimecha-Kotui complex, but the large scatter of analytical points (MSWD = 22) does not allow this date to be considered as reliable. The disturbance of the isotope system is probably related to the fact that the strontium isotope ratio in the fluid was not constant during autometasomatic phlogopitization of carbonatite. The U–Pb isotopic system of titanite and perovskite from the same carbonatite sample Od-16-19 also appeared to be disturbed, since data points formed discordia. The U–Pb age obtained for titanite and perovskite are 244 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 1.8) and 247 ± 18 Ma (MSWD = 4), respectively. Apparently, the age values provided by the two isotopic systems (245 ± 3 Ma by Rb–Sr and 247 ± 18 and 244 ± 5 Ma by U–Pb) are consistent with each other and reflect the time of metasomatic processes, i.e., phlogopitization and iolitization. Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotope data for ultrabasic–alkaline intrusive rocks with carbonatites of the Odikhincha massif and volcanics of the Arydzhang Formation indicate an enriched, relative to the composition of the convecting mantle, isotopically heterogeneous source of their parent melts. This source could be a combination of ultrabasic mantle rocks and rocks of basic composition (basites). The latter played the role of an enriched component. No signs of contamination of the melts with the host sedimentary rocks in situ were found, however, variations of Sr and Nd isotopic ratios in the rocks of the Odikhincha massif may indicate that during the introduction of deep magmas their interaction and substance exchange with the surrounding rocks of the lithosphere continued up to complete solidification of the melts, as indicated by the nature of local isotopic heterogeneity within the Odikhincha intrusion.

Sr–Nd Isotopic Evidence of a Heterogeneous Magmatic Source of Alkaline–Carbonatite Rocks of the Odikhincha Alkaline–Carbonatite Massif (Maimecha-Kotui Province, Siberia)

This study focuses on the igneous rocks composing the Odikhincha massif. The massif is typical ring alkaline–ultrabasic massif with carbonatites, second largest in the Maimecha-Kotui province. The Sr-Nd isotopic values of the traps of the Arydzhang Formation and the host dolomites were also determined for comparison. The Rb–Sr isotope system of phlogopite and calcite from the Od-16-19 carbonatite of the Odikhincha massif is disturbed; the obtained age on the mineral isochrone (245 ± 3 Ma) is close to the time of formation of the Siberian traps and rocks of the ultrabasic–alkaline Maimecha-Kotui complex, but the large scatter of analytical points (MSWD = 22) does not allow this date to be considered as reliable. The disturbance of the isotope system is probably related to the fact that the strontium isotope ratio in the fluid was not constant during autometasomatic phlogopitization of carbonatite. The U–Pb isotopic system of titanite and perovskite from the same carbonatite sample Od-16-19 also appeared to be disturbed, since data points formed discordia. The U–Pb age obtained for titanite and perovskite are 244 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 1.8) and 247 ± 18 Ma (MSWD = 4), respectively. Apparently, the age values provided by the two isotopic systems (245 ± 3 Ma by Rb–Sr and 247 ± 18 and 244 ± 5 Ma by U–Pb) are consistent with each other and reflect the time of metasomatic processes, i.e., phlogopitization and iolitization. Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotope data for ultrabasic–alkaline intrusive rocks with carbonatites of the Odikhincha massif and volcanics of the Arydzhang Formation indicate an enriched, relative to the composition of the convecting mantle, isotopically heterogeneous source of their parent melts. This source could be a combination of ultrabasic mantle rocks and rocks of basic composition (basites). The latter played the role of an enriched component. No signs of contamination of the melts with the host sedimentary rocks in situ were found, however, variations of Sr and Nd isotopic ratios in the rocks of the Odikhincha massif may indicate that during the introduction of deep magmas their interaction and substance exchange with the surrounding rocks of the lithosphere continued up to complete solidification of the melts, as indicated by the nature of local isotopic heterogeneity within the Odikhincha intrusion.

METABOLIC CHANGES IN BURNS DURING ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF AEROCOCCUS VIRIDANS IN UNCOMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS

The organism of farm animals is in an inextricable connection with the environment, with which there is a constant exchange of substances, energy and information, that is, it is an open metabolic system that depends on the conditions of existence. Therefore, it is very important to create the most favorable technologies for exploiting the physiological capabilities of animals in conditions of physiological well-being and epidemiological well-being. This is the foundation for obtaining high-quality and bio-safe animal husbandry products. One of the common negative factors of violations of the physiological needs of the animal body is the effect of low-intensity permanent stress of multivalent etiology. During the development of negative pathophysiological disorders, the quantitative and qualitative composition of the microbiota of the large intestine changes, as a dynamic microbial community of transient and resident populations that develop according to the chemo-static principle of functioning. Restoration and correction of the microbiota of the large intestine and transformation of the disturbed equilibrium of the interpopulation ratio is an effective means of eliminating the negative effects of stress on the animal body. The resident probiotic microflora is represented by a wide variety of prokaryotic microbiota and many reference strains are used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Aerococcus viridans is very promising and effective, which lives in various biotopes of the macro-organism and is an indicator of the physiological well-being of the organism, because it is sensitive to toxic compounds and antimicrobial substances, but with permanent use it exhibits pronounced antagonistic properties against transient microflora with potentially pathogenic properties due to inhibition of their colonization abilities and exhibits detoxification potentials. Ants were used to simulate low-intensity permanent stress. as heat-loving animals sensitive to uncomfortable temperatures of the external environment and placed them in a household refrigerator for ten days at a temperature of 6-8 oC. Probiotic culture of production strain BI-07 Aerococcus viridans in a dose of 2×109 CFU/cm3 was administered orally as an anti-stress factor. A similar experiment was conducted in comfortable conditions, that is, at a temperature of 20-22 oC. Metabolic changes in the body of ants were recorded during a laboratory blood test. Probiotic culture does not affect the normergic processes of the macro-organism and does not change indicators beyond the physiological norm, but when used in conditions of low-intensity temperature stress, it has a positive effect on the adaptation-compensatory mechanisms of the macro-organism and shows protective potential in relation to non-resident microbiota.

Piezoionic High Performance Hydrogel Generator and Active Protein Absorber via Microscopic Porosity and Phase Blending.

Generating electricity in hydrogel is very important but remains difficult. Hydrogel with electricity generation capability is more capable in bio-relevant tasks such as tissue engineering, artificial skin, or medical treatment, because electricity is indispensable in regulating physiological activities. Here, a porous and phase blending hydrogel structure for effective piezoionic electricity generation is developed. Dynamic electric field is generated taking advantage of the difference in streaming speeds of sodium and chloride in the material. Microscopic porosity and hydrophilic-hydrophobic phase blending are the two key factors for prominent piezoionic performance. Voltages as high as 600mV are first realized in hydrogels in response to medical ultrasound stimulation. The hydrogel structure is also subjective to effective substance exchange and can actively enrich proteins from surroundings under mechanical stimuli. Preliminary applications in neural stimulation, constructing complex spatial-temporal chemical and electric field distribution patterns, mimetic tactile sensor, sample pretreatment in fast detection, and enzyme immobilization are demonstrated.

Choroid plexus volume is increased in mood disorders and associates with circulating inflammatory cytokines

Depressed patients exhibit altered levels of immune-inflammatory markers both in the peripheral blood and in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and inflammatory processes have been widely implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. The Choroid Plexus (ChP), located at the base of each of the four brain ventricles, regulates the exchange of substances between the blood and CSF and several evidence supported a key role for ChP as a neuro-immunological interface between the brain and circulating immune cells. Given the role of ChP as a regulatory gate between periphery, CSF spaces and the brain, we compared ChP volumes in patients with bipolar disorder (BP) or major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls, exploring their association with history of illness and levels of circulating cytokines. Plasma levels of inflammatory markers and MRI scans were acquired for 73 MDD, 79 BD and 72 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). Patients with either BD or MDD had higher ChP volumes than HC. With increasing age, the bilateral ChP volume was larger in patients, an effect driven by the duration of illness; while only minor effects were observed in HC. Right ChP volumes were proportional to higher levels of circulating cytokines in the clinical groups, including IFN-γ, IL-13 and IL-17. Specific effects in the two diagnostic groups were observed when considering the left ChP, with positive association with IL-1ra, IL-13, IL-17, and CCL3 in BD, and negative associations with IL-2, IL-4, IL-1ra, and IFN-γ in MDD. These results suggest that ChP could represent a reliable and easy-to-assess biomarker to evaluate the brain effects of inflammatory status in mood disorders, contributing to personalized diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.

Hyporheic exchange driven by emergent vegetation patches: Experiment and simulations

The vegetated region is known as the “hot zone” for the exchange of substances in river systems, which causes an uneven pressure distribution at the sediment–water interface (SWI) and then forms hyporheic exchange (HE). However, as a common form of plant survival, the impact of vegetation patches on HE has received little research attention. In this study, laboratory experiment and numerical simulations were conducted to explore the effects of solid volume fraction within the patch (φ), the overlying water average velocity (U), and the streamwise distance of the patches (Sx) on HE. The results showed that the pressure along the SWI caused the spatial–temporal characteristics of HE at the vegetation patch (VP) scale and vegetation patch group (VG) scale. At the VP scale, the HE depth was influenced by φ, U, and Sx in increasing order, and increased with the increase in these values within a certain range. At the VG scale, the HE depth was positively correlated with φ and U and negatively correlated with Sx, and the spatial characteristics of HE were larger at this scale than at the VP scale. The HE flux was linearly related to φ and power functionally related to U. There was an asymptotic behavior of the effect of Sx on the HE flux, which means that the rate of change of the HE flux progressively decreases with Sx. The HE volume was influenced by Sx, φ, and U in increasing order and was positively correlated with all of these parameters. Based on the flow blockage parameter, Reynolds number (Re), and Sx, a prediction model of HE flux was developed. The results of this study provided further understanding of the role of vegetation patches in driving the HE process and may serve as a reference for vegetated river benthic habitat restoration.

Abiotic Factors Impact on the Honey Bees Distribution in the Submontane Zone

With the onset of the autumn season, a decrease in air temperature gradually weakens the vital activity of bees from the summer months. With a decrease in air temperature, the laying of eggs of Mother bees decreases and stops. The exchange of substances in bees slows down, they begin to prepare for cold air temperatures. As soon as the cold weather comes, they begin to fill the entire box holes with propolis. As a result of the studies carried out, it was also observed that Wasps grown at low temperatures have a short female, a short canoe, and in some cases the wing is completely absent. It has been studied that the temperature in bee hives rises above 35°С, negatively affects the development of worms, sometimes leading to their death.

Flame‐retardant composite derived from polyurethane/wood‐fiber

AbstractWood–plastic composites (WPCs) are facing fire hazard when they are used in construction and furniture and need to be treated with fire protection. In this work, polyurethane (PU) was applied to derive simultaneously flame‐retardancy‐improved and mechanically strengthened wood‐polyurethane composites (WPUCs). It was constructed with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and PU by a simple way. The results showed that a decrease in smoke production in the Cone Calorimeter Test was measured. When the mass of APP is 18% of PU, limiting oxygen index can reach 31.2%. In the combustion test, the peak of heat release rate and total smoke production for WPUCs were, respectively, decreased by 42.1% and 89.7% in the presence of the above ratio of APP and PU. In addition, the results of the functional group test show that PU contains highly reactive ‐NCO which is bonded to the ‐OH and moisture in the wood fiber, resulting in improvement of physical and mechanical properties. The mechanism for the flame retardancy of WPUCs revealed that polyphosphoric acid produced by APP pyrolysis catalyzed PU into the char, and PU was arched by the resulting gases such as NH3 to form the tiny spherical structure, which worked in blocking heat and the exchange of substances. WPUCs with APP prepared by this method are shown to have improved results, and, therefore, it is expected to provide a new strategy for the preparation of flame‐retardant WPCs.

Influence of synthetic and natural microfibers on the growth, substance exchange, energy accumulation, and oxidative stress of field-collected microalgae compared with microplastic fragment

Synthetic microfibers (MFs), which are Microplastics (MPs), have not received attention commensurate with their abundance in the environment. Currently, limited studies on MFs have focused on their effects on marine organisms. It is therefore necessary to conduct exposure experiments of MFs on freshwater organisms to provide reference data for the ecological risk assessment of MFs. As a primary producer in freshwater ecosystems, microalgae have an ecological niche that is highly overlapping with that of MFs. In this study, we examined the effects of MFs on the growth of Chlorella and indicators of oxidative stress to examine their potential risk on the microalgae population. The results showed that inhibition rate of microalgae increased with MF concentration in the range of 0.01–100 mg/L. Compared with natural fibers such as cotton and wool, PET and PP fibers showed significant growth inhibition, but less so when in fragment form with the same material and concentration. PP and PET particles, whether fibers or fragments, increased the total antioxidant capacity of microalgal cells and caused oxidative damage. To determine the influence of MFs on the interaction of cells in the environment, the exchanged substances and accumulated energy of microalgae cells were also detected. The results indicated that PP and PET fibers, as well as fragments, increased the diameter and membrane permeability of microalgae cell, thus interfering with the cell division and substance exchange processes. PET fibers and fragments showed different interactions at the level of individual cells and populations. This suggests that the evaluation of MPs should consider examinations from cells to population and even community levels in the future.

Vasomotion in human arteries and their regulations based on ion channel regulations: 10 years study.

Vasomotion is the oscillation of vascular tone which gives rise to flow motion of blood into an organ. As is well known, spontaneous contractile organs such as heart, GI, and genitourinary tract produce rhythmic contraction. It imposes or removes pressure on their vessels alternatively for exchange of many substances. It was first described over 150 years ago, however the physiological mechanism and pathophysiological implications are not well understood. This study aimed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and physiological function of vasomotion in human arteries. Conventional contractile force measurement, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis were employed to study human left gastric artery (HLGA) and uterine arteries (HUA). RESULTS: Circular muscle of HLGA and/or HUA produced sustained tonic contraction by high K+ (50 mM) which was blocked by 2 µM nifedipine. Stepwise stretch and high K+ produced nerve-independent spontaneous contraction (vasomotion) (around 45% of tested tissues). Vasomotion was also produced by application of BayK8644, 5-HT, prostagrandins, oxytocin. It was blocked by nifedipine (2 µM) and blockers of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Inhibitors of Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels (DIDS and/or niflumic acid) and ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP ) channels inhibited vasomotion reversibly. Metabolic inhibition by sodium cyanide (NaCN) and several neuropeptides also regulated vasomotion in KATP channel-sensitive and -insensitive manner. Finally, we identified TMEM16A Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels and subunits of KATP channels (Kir 6.1/6.2 and sulfonylurea receptor 2B [SUR2B]), and c-Kit positivity by Western blot analysis. We conclude that vasomotion is sensitive to TMEM16A Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels and metabolic changes in human gastric and uterine arteries. Vasomotion might play an important role in the regulation of microcirculation dynamics even in pacemaker-related autonomic contractile organs in humans.

New insight into effects of waste scrap iron on sludge anaerobic digestion: Performances, microbial community, and potential metabolic functions

The low sludge degradation efficiency and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) generation impair the development of sludge anaerobic digestion. This study explored the effects of waste scrap iron (WSI) addition on methane (CH4) production and H2S control in sludge anaerobic digestion. The maximum cumulative CH4 yield of 205.02 mL/g VSS was obtained at the WSI dosage of 0.7 g/g VSS, which increased by 21.34 % compared to that of control without WSI addition. The increase in CH4 yield was attributed to the enhancement of sludge degradation and soluble organic conversion. Meanwhile, the cumulative H2S yield reduced by 62.00 % compared to that of control. The pH value and content of insoluble sulfide precipitate increased with the increase in WSI dosage, which were two main reasons for H2S control. Microbial community results indicated that relative abundance of unclassified_f_Clostridiaceae_1, Bacteroides, vadinBC27_wastewater-sludge_group, Clostridium_sensu-stricto-1, Macellibacteroides, and hydrogenotrophic methanogens increased with WSI addition, meaning that WSI addition promoted syntrophic interaction between key bacteria and hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Gene prediction analysis demonstrated that WSI addition promoted microbial proliferation and respiration, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, and activity of butyrate kinase, acetate kinase, pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase, and coenzyme F420 hydrogenase. In view of the enhancement of ABC transporters, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, quorum sensing, two-component systems, and ribosome metabolic pathway, it could be considered that WSI addition promoted information recognition and substance exchange among microorganisms, increasing microbial metabolic activity of anaerobic system.

Illuminating plant–microbe interaction: How photoperiod affects rhizosphere and pollutant removal in constructed wetland?

Rhizosphere is a crucial area in comprehending the interaction between plants and microorganisms in constructed wetlands (CWs). However, influence of photoperiod, a key factor that regulates photosynthesis and rhizosphere microbial activity, remains largely unknown. This study investigated the effect of photoperiod (9, 12, 15 h/day) on pollutant removal and underlying mechanisms. Results showed that 15-hour photoperiod treatment exhibited the highest removal efficiencies for COD (87.26%), TN (63.32%), and NO3–-N (97.79%). This treatment enhanced photosynthetic pigmentation and root activity, which increased transport of oxygen and soluble organic carbon to rhizosphere, thus promoting microbial nitrification and denitrification. Microbial community analysis revealed a more stable co-occurrence network due to increased complexity and aggregation in the 15-hour photoperiod treatment. Phaselicystis was identified as a key connector, which was responsible for transferring necessary carbon sources, ATP, and electron donors that supported and optimized nitrogen metabolism in the CWs. Structural equation model analysis emphasized the importance of plant–microbe interactions in pollutant removal through increased substance, information, and energy exchange. These findings offer valuable insights for CWs design and operation in various latitudes and rural areas for small-scale decentralized systems.

A clinical case of edematous syndrome: diagnostic search and treatment tactics of a complex patient in compliance with the internarial and domestic recommendations

Edematous syndrome is quite common in modern clinical practice. Swelling is one of the most common complaints that cause the patient to consult a doctor and often become the first clinical manifestation of many diseases. Fluid makes up approximately 3/5 of the human body weight, 70% of which is located in cells, and about 30% is extracellular. There is a constant exchange of electrolytes and other substances involved in metabolism between the cell and the extracellular fluid. Subcutaneous connective tissue under normal conditions contains a minimal amount of fluid. Edema fluid formed from blood plasma, which in pathological conditions under the influence of various factors is unable to retain water in the vascular bed, and water accumulates in excessive amounts in the tissues. Often, a patient refers to a doctor with the main complaint — the appearance of edema, and the correct interpretation of the origin of edema is important at this stage, because they are often a marker that reflects the severity and/or decompensation of the disease. Therefore, a detailed and comprehensive differential diagnosis of the edematous syndrome allows choosing the optimal tactics of the patient’s treatment.
 The authors present a clinical case of diagnostic search and treatment tactics for edematous syndrome based on global and national recommendations. Patient V., 1983 year of birth, on May 8th, 2023, visited a nephrologist at the L. T. Mala National Therapy Institute. She believed that kidney disease caused swelling of her face and lower limbs. However, considering the long history of intestinal dysfunction, protein loss and edema, the case was revised as a manifestation of gastroenterological pathology. The patient was referred to a gastroenterologist. An extensive diagnostic search was conducted, which allowed not only to establish the correct diagnosis, but also to administer an effective therapy.

Effects of valproic acid on syncytialization in human placental trophoblast cell lines

The placenta is a critical organ for fetal development and a healthy pregnancy, and has multifaceted functions (e.g., substance exchange and hormone secretion). Syncytialization of trophoblasts is important for maintaining placental functions. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the influence of antiepileptic drugs, including valproic acid (VPA), carbamazepine, lamotrigine, gabapentin, levetiracetam, topiramate, lacosamide, and clobazam, at clinically relevant concentrations on syncytialization using in vitro models of trophoblasts. To induce differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast-like cells, BeWo cells were treated with forskolin. Exposure to VPA was found to dose-dependently influence syncytialization-associated genes (ERVW-1, ERVFRD-1, GJA1, CGB, CSH, SLC1A5, and ABCC4) in differentiated BeWo cells. Herein, the biomarkers between differentiated BeWo cells and the human trophoblast stem model (TSCT) were compared. In particular, MFSD2A levels were low in BeWo cells but abundant in TSCT cells. VPA exposure affected the expression of ERVW-1, ERVFRD-1, GJA1, CSH, MFSD2A, and ABCC4 in differentiated cells (ST-TSCT). Furthermore, VPA exposure attenuated BeWo and TSCT cell fusion. Finally, the relationships between neonatal/placental parameters and the expression of syncytialization markers in human term placentas were analyzed. MFSD2A expression was positively correlated with neonatal body weight, head circumference, chest circumference, and placental weight. Our findings have important implications for better understanding the mechanisms of toxicity of antiepileptic drugs and predicting the risks to placental and fetal development.

P-406 Metal-phenolic network cell-membrane modification-mediated assembly strategy for re-establishing oocyte-granulosa cell communications and improving oocyte developmental potential

Abstract Study question Re-establish the cell-cell communication of isolated oocyte and granulosa cells (GCs) to mimic the follicle microenvironment and promote the success rate of in-vitro maturation (IVM). Summary answer The Metal-phenolic network (MPN) nanoparticles-mediated cell membrane modification system was used to achieve self-assembly of GCs on the oocyte membrane and re-establishing the Oocyte-GCs communication. What is known already How to preserve the fertility of female patients of childbearing age is an important problem faced by reproductive medicine. IVM of oocytes is an important means for female fertility preservation, but the problem of oocyte maturation rate needs to be solved urgently. The Oocyte-GCs interaction determines the key events in the oocyte development and maturation. Biological materials are gradually used for IVM, but there are still significant disadvantages. MPN has been widely used for the functionalization of bacteria and cell surface due to its unique nano-network structure and good biocompatibility. Study design, size, duration The MPN nanoparticles are respectively modified on GCs and oocytes, and the GCs can be self-assembled on the surface of the oocytes to re-establish cell communication. Then explore the biosafety and cytotoxicity of MPN nanoparticles on GCs and oocytes to rule out potential impact on the secretory function of GCs, reveal the formation of gap junction and substance exchange of Oocyte-GCs, and evaluate the effects of this technology on oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo development. Participants/materials, setting, methods The oocyte-GCs assembly could be achieved through the MPN(EGCG-Zn2+). Then MPN@GCs and MPN@Oocytes were characterized by fluorescent protein, Zeta, SEM and TEM; the cytotoxicity was assessed by Live/Dead staining, CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. Gap junction was observed by TEM; the expression levels changes of signaling pathways for assembled oocyte and GCs were detected by single-cell RNA-seq, RT-qPCR and WB. The oocyte and embryo developmental potential were also analyzed. Main results and the role of chance We confirmed the formation of a nano-network surrounding GCs and oocytes and achieved the assembly of GCs on the surface of oocytes. Furthermore, we illustrated that MPN was non- cytotoxicity for GCs and oocytes and have no negative effect on the secretion function of GCs, indicating high biocompatibility of MPN and shows the potential application on the re-establishment of oocyte-GCs communication. Gap junctions formation and substance exchange establishment between GCs and oocytes were also proved in the study. The single-cell RNA-seq uncovered key pathways involved in oocyte-GCs interactions after the oocyte-GCs assembly. In detail, the SUMO1 ubiquitination modification of PTEN was inhibited after re-establishing cell-cell communication and decreased the localization of PTEN at the GCs membrane, which weakened its inhibition on PI3K. Higher PI3K level further up-regulated AKT level and stimulated its activation by increasing phosphorylation modification, finally improved the developmental potential and maturation rate of oocytes. The re-establishment of cell communication significantly down-regulated the P38/MAPK pathway in oocytes, including inhibited P38/MAPK expression, thereby reducing the phosphorylation of MSK1 and the activation of ATF-1, and effectively weakened the apoptosis controlled by P38/MAPK. Finally, a significantly higher fertilization and blastocyst formation rate were observed as compared to the control group. Limitations, reasons for caution Although this study has achieved promising results, there is still gap between basic research and applications, and more fundamental research should be conducted to make it a powerful tool for clinical application in the future. Wider implications of the findings This study not only provided a promising tool for establishing oocyte-GCs communication and improving oocyte maturation rate for IVM, but also showed a versatile and powerful cell-cell assembly platform for regenerative medicine including tissue engineering and organoid studies. Trial registration number not applicable

Interaction of the lignin-/cellulose-derived char with volatiles of varied origin: Part of the process for evolution of products in pyrolysis

The interaction between volatiles and homologous and/or heterologous char is almost inevitable during the transfer or diffusion of volatiles from inner core to outer surface of a biomass particle in pyrolysis. This shapes both composition of volatiles (bio-oil) and property of char. In this study, the potential interaction of lignin- and cellulose-derived volatiles with char of varied origin was investigated at 500 °C. The results indicated that both the lignin- and cellulose-char promoted polymerization of the lignin-derived phenolics, enhancing production of bio-oil by ca. 20%–30%, generating more heavy tar but suppressing gases formation, especially over cellulose-char. Conversely, the char catalysts, especially the heterologous lignin-char, promoted cracking of the cellulose-derivatives, producing more gases while less bio-oil and heavy organics. Additionally, the volatiles-char interaction also led to gasification of some organics and also aromatization of some organics on surface of char, resulting in enhanced crystallinity and thermostability of the used char catalyst, especially for the lignin-char. Moreover, the substance exchange and formation of carbon deposit also blocked pores and formed fragmented surface dotted with particulate matters in the used char catalysts.

A microfluidic tool for real-time impedance monitoring of in vitro renal tubular epithelial cell barrier

The cell barrier is built to delineate tissue compartments and regulate the substance exchange between different compartments. In this work, we developed a microfluidic tool for real-time impedance monitoring of in vitro renal tubular epithelial cell barrier (RTECB) to follow its formation dynamics and its drug responses. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were cultured on an artificial basement membrane (ABM) and monitored inside a microfluidic device for up to 10 days. The recorded impedance spectra of the cell layer were analyzed based on an equivalent circuit, giving rise to a set of fitting parameters varying in time. This allowed us to assess the electrophysiological properties of the system and correlate them to the tightness of the epithelial barrier. A calcium switch assay was performed to illustrate the high sensibility of the barrier to biochemical stimuli. Finally, the formation characteristics of the barrier on ABM and conventional transwell membrane were compared, showing significant differences in terms of cell growth dynamics and cell layer stability.

Self-strengthen luminescent hydrogel.

For typical synthetic materials, continue mechanical loading usually cause damage and even failure, because they are closed systems, without substance exchange with surroundings and structural reconstruction after damage. Double-network (DN) hydrogels have recently been demonstrated to generate radicals under mechanical loading. In this work, DN hydrogel provided with sustained monomer and lanthanide complex supply undergo self-growth, and thus simultaneous self-strengthen in both mechanical performance and luminescence intensity are realized through bond rupture-initiated mechanoradical polymerization. This strategy proves the feasibility of imparting desired functions to the DN hydrogel by mechanical stamping, and provides a new strategy for the design of luminescent soft materials with high fatigue resistance.