MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous single-stranded non-coding RNAs approximately 22 ​nt in length, which play a regulatory role in various biological processes by targeting and inhibiting protein-coding gene transcripts. Among the wide range of miRNAs, miR-668 exhibits abnormal expression patterns in different diseases, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), breast cancer (BrC), ischemic acute kidney injury (ischemic AKI), myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), smoking-related interstitial fibrosis (SRIF), premature aging, and non-segmental vitiligo (NSV), among others. The expression of miR-668 is regulated by various upstream factors, including other non-coding RNAs and endogenous proteins. Functionally, miR-668 targets 6 protein-coding genes (SDF-1, Dvl1, BTG2, MTFP1, FHIT, and NFKBIA) and is involved in 3 signaling pathways: the Drp signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and NLRP3 signaling pathway. Notably, miR-668 has contrasting effects depending on the context; it can promote the development and metastasis of HCC and induce radiation resistance in BrC cells, while also promoting aging and inhibiting HNSC progression in human keratinocytes. Furthermore, miR-668 exhibits anti-apoptotic effects, alleviates ischemia/reperfusion injury, improves intracerebral expansion, relieves hydrocephalus, and has prognostic value in gastric cancer (GC), HCC, and BrC, with high expression predicting poor outcomes. Notably, the cancer drugs melatonin and Pterostilbene (Ptero) exert their therapeutic effects by modulating miR-668. Future studies should focus on validating the reliability of miR-668 as a biomarker and elucidating the specific mechanisms through which miR-668 participates in cancer therapy.

Objective: Paper cups are mostly used for consuming beverages. These cups have an interior laminated hydrophobic thin film coated with polyethene and copolymers. During association with hot water or beverages ions like nitrite, chloride, fluoride and microplastic particles were released into water. Deposition of these particles has serious health effects in human. So, the objectives of the present study are to evaluate the degradation of the microplastic particles as a result of exposure to hot water. Methods: Different characterization techniques like UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy are used to identify microplastic particles. Information about microplastic content in such samples is limited, yet most of the analytical methods used are very time-consuming. Results: Sample preparation and detection require sophisticated analytical tools and eventually require high user knowledge. This research shown that microplastics can leach from the lining of disposable cups into the beverage within minutes of contact with hot liquids. GCMS report shows that Phthalates compound and chemical exposure affect the endocrine system which interferes with hormone function. When exposed to hot water, the plastic coatings start to break down and the compounds like Diethyl phthalate, Di-2-ethylhexyl-adipate, Butylated hydroxytoluene, Benzotriazole, Styrene, Vinyl chloride were found in the hot water. Some scientists have shown that certain bacterial enzymes can hydrolyze and degrade the microplastic compound. Conclusions: This research discusses paper cup microplastic compounds and the binding affinity of detoxification enzyme interaction have been discussed in silico. However, this research recommends to opting for reusable cups made of glass, steel, and safer materials like soil-made cup.

As part of the Healthy China Action, the prevention and treatment of hemophilia has attracted widespread attention in China. This article systematically summarizes the current status and progress of hemophilia in the country in terms of prevalence, diagnostic technology, prevention methods, and treatment plans.

This study reveals the step-wise establishment of nuclear speckle-associated domains (SPADs) during mouse embryogenesis. Using optimized CUT&Tag, researchers found paternal SPADs dominate pre-ZGA stages, coordinating sequential gene expression and 3D genome reorganization. SPADs form two classes (primary and ZGA-dependent secondary), regulated by factors like Nipbl and Gata6, linking chromatin dynamics to developmental programming.

This study reported that pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila (pAKK) promotes the differentiation of intestinal microfold cells (M cells) and increases the expression of the GP2 receptor via the TLR2-MyD88-NF-κB pathway, thereby enhancing the ability of Salmonella Typhimurium (STm) to invade Peyer's patches and leading to aggravated infection in mice. However, pAKK had no significant effect on the extracellular pathogen Citrobacter rodentium (Cr). Experiments showed that pre-treatment with pAKK significantly increased the expression of M cell markers and the number of gut lymphoid tissues, with effects depending on TLR2 signal activation mediated by the Amuc_1100 protein, independent of the canonical RANKL pathway. This study cautions that the application of probiotics should take pathogen specificity into account, as pAKK may increase the risk of infection by pathogens that rely on M cell invasion.

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of musculoskeletal disability worldwide, affecting approximately 70% of the global population (Global Burden of Disease Study 2021). Aging is an independent risk factor for LBP, with nearly 40% of individuals over 65 developing LBP and exhibiting heightened susceptibility to lumbar disc herniation. Through single-nucleus RNA sequencing of human lumbar disc specimens, this study systematically compares cellular heterogeneity between aging and herniated discs. We identified senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in aged disc cells and IL-17-mediated immune activation in herniation, revealing distinct therapeutic targets. These findings advance mechanistic understanding of disc degeneration and offer mechanistically-informed strategies, such as SASP inhibition and IL-17 pathway modulation, for precision treatment of age-related LBP in elderly populations. 

This study reveals that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) drive macrophage-derived chemokine production (CXCL9/10/11) to promote CD8+ T cell infiltration in obstruction-induced renal fibrosis. Using unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) models, researchers demonstrated that NET inhibition via PAD4 deletion or DNase treatment attenuated fibrosis, while NET transfer exacerbated it. Mechanistically, NET-macrophage interactions via TLR2/4 signaling license chemokine secretion, fueling CD8+ T cell recruitment and granzyme B-mediated tubular injury. These findings establish NETs as central orchestrators of immune-fibrotic crosstalk, providing therapeutic targets for chronic kidney diseases.

Researchers are exploring how to produce more sustainable chemicals and fuels.