Pulsed hydraulic-pressure-responsive self-cleaning membrane.

Pressure-driven membranes is a widely used separation technology in a range of industries, such as water purification, bioprocessing, food processing and chemical production1,2. Despite their numerous advantages, such as modular design and minimal footprint, inevitable membrane fouling is the key challenge in most practical applications3. Fouling limits membrane performance by reducing permeate flux or increasing pressure requirements, which results in higher energetic operation and maintenance costs4-7. Here we report a hydraulic-pressure-responsive membrane (PiezoMem) to transform pressure pulses into electroactive responses for in situ self-cleaning. A transient hydraulic pressure fluctuation across the membrane results in generation of current pulses and rapid voltage oscillations (peak, +5.0/-3.2 V) capable of foulant degradation and repulsion without the need for supplementary chemical cleaning agents, secondary waste disposal or further external stimuli3,8-13. PiezoMem showed broad-spectrum antifouling action towards a range of membrane foulants, including organic molecules, oil droplets, proteins, bacteria and inorganic colloids, through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and dielectrophoretic repulsion.

The U-Box E3 Ubiquitin Ligase PUB35 Negatively Regulates ABA Signaling through AFP1-mediated Degradation of ABI5.

Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling is crucial for plant responses to various abiotic stresses. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) transcription factor ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) is a central regulator of ABA signaling. ABI5 BINDING PROTEIN 1 (AFP1) interacts with ABI5 and facilitates its 26S-proteasome-mediated degradation, although the detailed mechanism has remained unclear. Here, we report that an ABA-responsive U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase, PLANT U-BOX 35 (PUB35), physically interacts with AFP1 and ABI5. PUB35 directly ubiquitinated ABI5 in a bacterially reconstituted ubiquitination system and promoted ABI5 protein degradation in vivo. ABI5 degradation was enhanced by AFP1 in response to ABA treatment. Phosphorylation of the T201 and T206 residues in ABI5 disrupted the ABI5-AFP1 interaction and affected the ABI5-PUB35 interaction and PUB35-mediated degradation of ABI5 in vivo. Genetic analysis of seed germination and seedling growth showed that pub35 mutants were hypersensitive to ABA as well as to salinity and osmotic stresses, whereas PUB35 overexpression lines were hyposensitive. Moreover, abi5 was epistatic to pub35, whereas the pub35-2 afp1-1 double mutant showed a similar ABA response to the two single mutants. Together, our results reveal a PUB35-AFP1 module involved in fine-tuning ABA signaling through ubiquitination and 26S-proteasome-mediated degradation of ABI5 during seed germination and seedling growth.

A Simply Synthesized Shaking-induced Small Molecule System with Repeatableand Instantaneous Discoloration Response.

Force-related discoloration materials are highly valuable because of their characteristics of visualization, easy operation, and environment friendliness. Most force-related discoloration materials focus on polymers and depend on bond scission, which leads to insensitivity and unrecoverable. Small-molecule systems based on well-defined molecular structures and simple composition with high sensitivity would exhibit considerable mechanochromic potential. However, to date, researches about force-related discoloration materials based on small molecule solution remain limited and are rarely reported. In this study, we developed a repeatable and instantaneous discoloration small molecule solution system by simple one-pot synthesis method. It exhibited an instantaneous chromic change from yellowish to dark green under shaking and reverting back to yellow within 1 minute after removal of the shaking. Experimental results confirmed that the discoloration mechanism is attributed to the oscillation accelerating the production of unstable ortho-OH phenoxyl radical. The newly developed shaking-induced discoloration small molecule system (SDSMS) promises in field of mechanical force sensing and optical encryption.

Teadenol B as a Component of Microorganism-Fermented Tea Extract Inhibited Breast Cancers by Promoting Autophagy.

Breast cancer is a significant threat to life and health, which needs more safe and effective drugs to be explored. Teadenol B is a characteristic chemical component of microbial fermented tea. This study discovered that teadenol B could exhibit obvious inhibitory effects on all four different clinical subtype characteristics of breast cancer cells. Proteomic studies show that deoxycytidine triphosphate deaminase (DCTD), which could block DNA synthesis and repair DNA damage, had the most significant and consistent reduction in all four types of breast cancer cells with the treatment of teadenol B. Considering MDA-MB-231 cells exhibit poor clinical prognosis and displayed substantial statistical differences in KEGG pathway enrichment analysis results, we investigated its impact on the size and growth of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast tumors transplanted into nude mice and demonstrated that teadenol B significantly suppressed tumor growth without affecting body weight significantly. Finally, we found that the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II in MDA-MB-231 increased significantly with teadenol B treatment. This proved that teadenol B could be a strong autophagy promotor, which explained the down-regulation of DCTD to some extent and may be the potential mechanism underlying teadenol B's anti-breast cancer effects. This finding provides new evidence for drinking fermented tea to prevent breast cancer and highlights the potential of teadenol B as a novel therapeutic option for breast cancer prevention and treatment, necessitating further investigations to clarify its exact target and the details involved.

Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression pattern of the late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) gene family in Juglans regia and its wild relatives J. mandshurica.

BACKGROUND: Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins are a class of proteins associated with plant stress resistance. Two Juglans species, Juglans regia and J. mandshurica, are both diploid (2n = 32), monoecious perennial economic tree species with high edible, pharmaceutical, and timber value. The identification, characterization, and expression patterns of LEA proteins in J. regia and its wild relative, J. mandshurica, would not only provide the genetic basis of this gene family, but it would also supply clues for further studies of the evolution and regulating mechanisms of LEA proteins in other tree species. RESULTS: In this study, we identified 25 and 20 members of the LEA gene family in Juglans regia and its wild relative, Juglans mandshurica, respectively. The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that the LEA members were divided into eight main subgroups. Predictions of their physicochemical properties showed the variable characteristics of LEA proteins, and the subcellular localization analysis indicated that most LEA proteins are localized in the nucleus. Chromosomal localization analysis and gene replication pattern prediction indicated that WGD is the predominant duplication mode of LEA genes. The results of the comparative analysis indicated a high level of collinearity between the two Juglans species. Analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that LEA genes had a relatively wide range of responses to abiotic stresses and phytohormonal processes, particularly in two phytohormones, methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid. Transcriptome profiling and qRT-PCR experiments showed that JrLEAs are commonly expressed in leaves, green husks, and male and female flowers, and most JmLEAs are more highly expressed in male flowers. We also hypothesized that JrLEAs are involved in the process of anthracnose resistance. Anthracnose-resistant varieties of JrLEAs presented relatively high expression levels at later stages. CONCLUSION: In this study, we provide a theoretical basis for the functional study of LEA genes in J. regia and J. mandshurica. Analysis of cis-acting elements and gene expression indicated that JrLEAs and JmLEAs play important roles in resistance to biotic stresses in these species.

Radiation combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors for unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: synergistic mechanisms, current state, challenges, and orientations.

Until the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), definitive radiotherapy (RT) concurrently with chemotherapy was recommended for unresectable, locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). The trimodality paradigm with consolidation ICIs following definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy has been the standard of care since the PACIFIC trial. Preclinical evidence has demonstrated the role of RT in the cancer-immune cycle and the synergistic effect of RT combined with ICIs (iRT). However, RT exerts a double-edged effect on immunity and the combination strategy still could be optimized in many areas. In the context of LA-NSCLC, optimized RT modality, choice, timing, and duration of ICIs, care for oncogenic addicted tumors, patient selection, and novel combination strategies require further investigation. Targeting these blind spots, novel approaches are being investigated to cross the borders of PACIFIC. We discussed the development history of iRT and summarized the updated rationale for the synergistic effect. We then summarized the available research data on the efficacy and toxicity of iRT in LA-NSCLC for cross-trial comparisons to eliminate barriers. Progression during and after ICIs consolidation therapy has been regarded as a distinct resistance scenario from primary or secondary resistance to ICIs, the subsequent management of which has also been discussed. Finally, based on unmet needs, we probed into the challenges, strategies, and auspicious orientations to optimize iRT in LA-NSCLC. In this review, we focus on the underlying mechanisms and recent advances of iRT with an emphasis on future challenges and directions that warrant further investigation. Taken together, iRT is a proven and potential strategy in LA-NSCLC, with multiple promising approaches to further improve the efficacy. Video Abstract.

Retinal microvascular changes in diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: To explore the characteristics of retina microvascular changes in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and its risk factors. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study. 145 patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM) and DN were included in the study. Demographic and clinical parameters were obtained from medical records. Presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), hard exudates (HEs) and diabetic macular edema (DME) were evaluated according to the color fundus images, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescence angiography (FFA). RESULTS: DR accounted for 61.4% in type 2 DM patients with DN, of which proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) accounted for 23.6% and sight threatening DR accounted for 35.7%. DR group had significantly higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.004), HbA1c (P = 0.037), Urine albumin creatine ratio (ACR) (p < 0.001) and lower level of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P = 0.013). Logistic regression analysis showed DR was significantly associated with ACR stage (p = 0.011). Subjects with ACR stage3 had higher incidence of DR compared with subjects with ACR stage1 (OR = 24.15, 95%CI: 2.06-282.95). 138 eyes of 138 patients were analyzed for HEs and DME, of which 23.2% had HEs in posterior pole and 9.4% had DME. Visual acuity was worse in HEs group than in non-HEs group. There was significant difference in the LDL-C cholesterol level, total cholesterol (CHOL) level and ACR between HEs group and non-HEs group. CONCLUSIONS: A relatively higher prevalence of DR was found in type 2 DM patients with DN. ACR stage could be recognized as a risk factor for DR in DN patients. Patients with DN needs ophthalmic examination more timely and more frequently.

A new marker constructed from immune-related lncRNA pairs can be used to predict clinical treatment effects and prognosis: in-depth exploration of underlying mechanisms in HNSCC.

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a vital role in tumor proliferation, migration, and treatment. Since it is challenging to standardize the gene expression levels detected by different platforms, the signatures composed of many immune-related single lncRNAs are still inaccurate. Utilizing a gene pair formed of two immune-related lncRNAs and strategically assigning values can effectively meet the demand for a higher-accuracy dual biomarker combination. METHODS: Co-expression and differential expression analyses were performed on immune genes and lncRNAs data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the ImmPort database to obtain differentially expressed immune-related lncRNAs for pairwise pairing. The prognostic-related differentially expressed immune-related lncRNAs (PR-DE-irlncRNAs) pairs were then identified by univariate Cox regression and used for lasso regression to construct a prognostic model. Various methods were used to validate the predictive prognostic performance of the model. Additionally, we explored the potential guiding value of the model in immunotherapy and chemotherapy and constructed a nomogram suitable for efficient prognosis prediction. Mechanistic exploration of anti-tumor immunity and mutational perspectives are also included. We also analyzed the correlation between the model and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-related, N6-methyadenosine (m6A)-related, and multidrug resistance genes. RESULTS: We used a total of 20 pairs of PR-DE-irlncRNAs to create a prognosis model. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments further verified the abnormal expression of 11 lncRNAs in HNSCC cells. Various methods have confirmed the excellent performance of the model in predicting patient prognosis. We reasoned that lncRNAs/TP53 mutation might play a positive/negative anti-tumor role through the immune system by multi-perspective analyses. Finally, it was found that the prognostic model was closely related to immunotherapy and chemotherapy as well as the expression of ICIs/m6A/multidrug resistance-related genes. CONCLUSION: The prognostic model performs excellently in predicting the prognosis of patients and provides the potential value of practical guidance for treatment.

Photocatalytic Self-Fenton System of g-C3N4-Based for Degradation of Emerging Contaminants: A Review of Advances and Prospects.

The discharge of emerging pollutants in the industrial process poses a severe threat to the ecological environment and human health. Photocatalytic self-Fenton technology combines the advantages of photocatalysis and Fenton oxidation technology through the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and interaction with iron (Fe) ions to generate a large number of strong reactive oxygen species (ROS) to effectively degrade pollutants in the environment. Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is considered as the most potential photocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) photocatalyst for H2O2 production due to its excellent chemical/thermal stability, unique electronic structure, easy manufacturing, and moderate band gap (2.70 eV). Hence, in this review, we briefly introduce the advantages of the photocatalytic self-Fenton and its degradation mechanisms. In addition, the modification strategy of the g-C3N4-based photocatalytic self-Fenton system and related applications in environmental remediation are fully discussed and summarized in detail. Finally, the prospects and challenges of the g-C3N4-based photocatalytic self-Fenton system are discussed. We believe that this review can promote the construction of novel and efficient photocatalytic self-Fenton systems as well as further application in environmental remediation and other research fields.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of hepatic tissue in allotetraploid hybridized from red crucian carp and common carp identified crucial proteins and pathways associated with metabolism and growth rate.

Allotetraploid is a new species produced by distant hybridization between red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var., abbreviated as RCC) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., abbreviated as CC). There is a significant difference in growth rate between allotetraploid and its parents. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. In this study, to find direct evidence associated with metabolism and growth rate in protein level, we performed quantitative proteomics analysis on liver tissues between allotetraploid and its parents. A total of 2502 unique proteins were identified and quantified by SWATH-MS in our proteomics profiling. Subsequently, comprehensive bioinformatics analyses including gene ontology enrichment analysis, pathway and network analysis, and protein-protein interaction analysis (PPI) were conducted based on differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between allotetraploid and its parents. The results revealed several significant DEPs involved in metabolism pathways in liver. More specifically, the integrative analysis highlighted that the DEPs ACSBG1, OAT, and LDHBA play vital roles in metabolism pathways including "pentose phosphate pathway," "TCA cycle," and "glycolysis and gluconeogenesis." These could directly affect the growth rate in fresh water fishes by regulating the metabolism, utilization, and exchange of substance and energy. Since the liver is the central place for metabolism activity in animals, we firstly established the comprehensive and quantitative proteomics knowledge base for liver tissue from freshwater fishes, our study may serve as an irreplaceable reference for further studies regarding fishes' culture and growth.

Preparation of a Chitosan-Lead Composite Carbon Aerogel and Its Catalytic Thermal Decomposition Performance on Ammonium Perchlorate.

Chitosan-lead (CS-Pb) carbon aerogels were prepared by ionic cross-linking and high-temperature carbonization using chitosan (CS) as the carbon precursor. The obtained carbon aerogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The obtained aerogels have a 3D structure and a large surface area, which can effectively prevent the agglomeration phenomenon of metals. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was used to analyze the catalytic performance of a carbon aerogel for ammonium perchlorate (AP). The results showed that the CS-Pb carbon aerogel reduced the peak temperature of AP pyrolysis from 703.9 to 627.7 K. According to the Kissinger method calculations, the Ea of AP decomposition decreased about 27.2 kJ/mol. The TG data at different warming rates were analyzed by the Flynne-Walle-Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) methods, which are two of the isoconversion methods, and the activation energies of AP and AP+CS-Pb-3.5 were calculated. Between the conversion degrees (α) of 0.1 and 0.9, the Ea values obtained by the two isoconversion methods are similar and have a certain match. Also, the two isoconversion methods confirm Kissinger's calculation. Finally, thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TG-MS) was used to monitor the gases generated during the thermal decomposition of the AP+CS-Pb-3.5 system in real time.

GWA-based pleiotropic analysis identified potential SNPs and genes related to type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms including excessive body fat and insulin resistance which may lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The physiological and pathological cross-talk between T2D and obesity is crucial and complex, meanwhile, the genetic connection between T2D and obesity is largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify pleiotropic SNPs and genes between these two associated conditions by applying genetic analysis incorporating pleiotropy and annotation (GPA) on two large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data sets: a body mass index (BMI) data set containing 339,224 subjects and a T2D data set containing 110,452 subjects. In all, 5182 SNPs showed pleiotropy in both T2D and obesity. After further prioritization based on suggested local false discovery rates (FDR) by the GPA model, 2146 SNPs corresponding to 217 unique genes are significantly associated with both traits (FDR < 0.2), among which 187 are newly identified pleiotropic genes compare with original GWAS in individual traits. Subsequently, gene enrichment and pathway analyses highlighted several pleiotropic SNPs including rs849135 (FDR = 0.0002), rs2119812 (FDR = 0.0018), rs4506565 (FDR = 1.23E-08), rs1558902 (7.23E-10) and corresponding genes JAZF1, SYN2, TCF7L2, FTO which may play crucial rol5es in the etiology of both T2D and obesity. Additional evidences from expression data analysis of pleiotropic genes strongly supports that the pleiotropic genes including JAZF1 (p = 1.39E-05 and p = 2.13E-05), SYN2 (p = 5.49E-03 and p = 5.27E-04), CDKN2C (p = 1.99E-12 and p = 6.27E-11), RABGAP1 (p = 3.08E-03 and p = 7.46E-03), and UBE2E2 (p = 1.83E-04 and p = 8.22E-03) play crucial roles in both obesity and T2D pathogenesis. Pleiotropic analysis integrated with functional network identified several novel and causal SNPs and genes involved in both BMI and T2D which may be ignored in single GWAS.

The Disruption of the Endothelial Barrier Contributes to Acute Lung Injury Induced by Coxsackievirus A2 Infection in Mice.

Sporadic occurrences and outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by Coxsackievirus A2 (CVA2) have frequently reported worldwide recently, which pose a great challenge to public health. Epidemiological studies have suggested that the main cause of death in critical patients is pulmonary edema. However, the pathogenesis of this underlying comorbidity remains unclear. In this study, we utilized the 5-day-old BALB/c mouse model of lethal CVA2 infection to evaluate lung damage. We found that the permeability of lung microvascular was significantly increased after CVA2 infection. We also observed the direct infection and apoptosis of lung endothelial cells as well as the destruction of tight junctions between endothelial cells. CVA2 infection led to the degradation of tight junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1, claudin-5, and occludin). The gene transcription levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF), endothelin (ET), thrombomodulin (THBD), granular membrane protein 140 (GMP140), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) related to endothelial dysfunction were all significantly increased. Additionally, CVA2 infection induced the increased expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, and MCP-1) and the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In conclusion, the disruption of the endothelial barrier contributes to acute lung injury induced by CVA2 infection; targeting p38-MAPK signaling may provide a therapeutic approach for pulmonary edema in critical infections of HFMD.

Upregulation of TDRD1 Promotes the Sexual Maturation in Allotetraploids Hybridized from Red Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus Red var) (♀) and Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L) (♂).

Allotetraploid hybrids of Red Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus red var, abbreviated as RCC) (♀) and common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L, abbreviated as CC) (♂) is a species produced by distant hybridization. In this study, SWATH mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) was applied for quantitative proteomics profiling of gonad tissues of allotetraploids and their parents RCC (♀) and CC (♂). A total of 2338 unique proteins were identified in our proteomic profiling by SWATH-MS. Gene enrichment and network analysis based on differentially expressed proteins revealed some metabolic enzymes involved in gonad growth and development of allotetraploids. Especially, the upregulated gene TDRD1 (ratio = 2.59, p = 0.02) in allotetraploids plays a significant role in spermatogenesis, which could speed up the sexual maturation during the process of gonad growth and development. Protein-protein interaction and pathway analysis further suggested that TDRD1 served as a hub protein in metabolic-related pathways and networks. It could regulate gonad development via regulating metabolic pathways in a synergistic way with surrounding regulatory factors including CS, GPIA, PGK1, and IDH2. In addition, TDRD1 could directly regulate spermatogenesis in conjunction with PIWIL1, PIWIL2, and VASA. Quantitative proteomics integrated with network analysis explored the molecular mechanism in that TDRD1 regulated sexual maturation, development, and growth of allotetraploids in a synergetic way with metabolic genes and pathways.

Multi-omics analysis revealed crucial genes and pathways associated with black carp antiviral innate immunity.

Multi-omics strategy contributes as an indispensable and efficient approach for the investigation of the innate immunity in vertebrates. To explore the crucial genes and pathways involved in the antiviral innate immunity of black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), the comparative phosphoproteomics and transcriptomics of Mylopharyngodon piceus kidney (MPK) cells with/without GCRV infection were performed in this manuscript. In phosphoproteomics analysis, 2637 phosphosites corresponding to 1532 proteins were identified and quantified, in which 1372 proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) with 683 upregulated and 689 downregulated in GCRV infected cells. Functional annotation, enrichment analysis and pathway analysis highlighted that a large number of DEPs were enriched in immune related pathways including TLR pathway and NLR pathway. In transcriptomics analysis, a total of 2936 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs), in which 2290 and 646 genes were upregulated and downregulated respectively after GCRV infection. As expected, pathway analysis based on DEGs also showed that a large proportion of DEGs were enriched in immune related pathways including TLR and RLR pathway. A combined list of DEPs and DEGs that enriched in above pathways were imported in Cytoscape for network analysis, reconstruction and visualization. The integrative study suggested that several significant DEPs and DEGs, such as MAP3K7 (TAK1), JUN, MAP2K2, CASP8, IL8 and IRF7 might be functionally crucial in host antiviral innate immunity. Thus, this study contributes as an indispensable reference map for the further investigation of the innate immune system of black carp.

Endo-Illumination-Aided Scleral Buckling Combined with Intravitreal Injection of Hyaluronate for Treatment of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 25-gauge illumination-aided scleral buckling (SB) combined with hyaluronate injection for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: Forty-five cases were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-five cases of the treatment group received SB with the aid of endo-illumination and noncontact wide-angle viewing system combined with hyaluronate injection after subretinal fluid drainage, while 20 cases of the control group received conventional SB with binocular indirect ophthalmoscope combined with air injection. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications were observed and recorded. RESULTS: The mean operation duration of the treatment group (42.06 ± 16.77 min) was significantly shorter than that of the control group (50.19 ± 21.61 min, p = 0.042). Only 1 case of the control group underwent a second surgery, and the final reattachment ratios of the 2 groups were both 100%. BCVA improved in both the treatment group (from 0.91 ± 0.79 to 0.42 ± 0.58 logMAR, p < 0.001) and the control group (from 0.82 ± 0.70 to 0.41 ± 0.37 logMAR, p = 0.001). The improvements of BCVA of the treatment group and control group were -0.49 ± 0.38 and -0.42 ± 0.46 logMAR, with no significant difference (p = 0.594). There was no significant difference in IOP and complications between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: 25-gauge endo-illumination-aided SB combined with hyaluronate injection was safe and effective for RRD.

MicroRNAs Responding to Space Radiation.

High-energy and high-atom-number (HZE) space radiation poses an inevitable potential threat to astronauts on deep space exploration missions. Compared with low-LET radiation, high-energy and high-LET radiation in space is more efficient in inducing clustered DNA damage with more serious biological consequences, such as carcinogenesis, central nervous system injury and degenerative disease. Space radiation also causes epigenetic changes in addition to inducing damage at the DNA level. Considering the important roles of microRNAs in the regulation of biological responses of radiation, we systematically reviewed both expression profiling and functional studies relating to microRNAs responding to space radiation as well as to space compound environment. Finally, the directions for improvement of the research related to microRNAs responding to space radiation are proposed. A better understanding of the functions and underlying mechanisms of the microRNAs responding to space radiation is of significance to both space radiation risk assessment and therapy development for lesions caused by space radiation.

Transnasal Endoscopic Retrieval of a Metallic Intraorbital Intraconal Foreign Body Facilitated by an Intraoperative Magnetic Stick.

Here, we report the case of an intraorbital intraconal foreign body that was successfully retrieved by a transnasal endoscopic approach facilitated intraoperatively by a magnetic stick. A 36-year-old man was admitted to our unit with a left-sided intraorbital intraconal metallic foreign body. Following 2 failed attempts via a transconjunctiva approach, we finally recovered the foreign body using transnasal endoscopic surgery. During this procedure, a magnetic stick was used to help us locate and successfully remove the foreign body, grapeshot measuring approximately 0.5 cm in diameter. Visual acuity in the injured eye increased from 0.01 preoperatively to 0.04 6 days after surgical intervention. There were no complications. We therefore propose that in selected patients, the endoscopic transnasal approach is an effective, safe and minimally invasive approach for the removal of intraorbital intraconal foreign bodies. The intraoperative use of a magnet can facilitate the successful location and removal of magnetic metallic foreign bodies.

Comparative proteomic analysis revealed the metabolic mechanism of excessive exopolysaccharide synthesis by Bacillus mucilaginosus under CaCO3 addition.

The metabolic mechanism of excessive exopolysaccharide (BMPS) synthesis by Bacillus mucilaginosus CGMCC5766 under CaCO3 addition was investigated. Under CaCO3 (5 g/L), the maximum BMPS concentration reached 28.4 g/L, which was 11.2 folds higher than that of the control. Proteomics was then used to analyze the proteins with substantial differences expressed by B. mucilaginosus with and without CaCO3 addition. The proteomic results revealed that the enzymes related to the central metabolic pathway, amino acid biosynthesis, and nucleotide metabolism were depressed. By contrast, the UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase involved in BMPS biosynthesis was overexpressed and converted metabolic flux from the biomass accumulation to the biosynthesis of BMPS. This research provides a new and widened perspective into understanding the mechanism of BMPS biosynthesis and applying theoretical and practical significance for the improvement of BMPS production from B. mucilaginosus.

Body mass index and cancer risk among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and diabetes are two risk factors for cancer. To evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) with cancer risk in diabetic patients may improve current understanding of potential mechanisms. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 51,004 newly diagnosed T2DM patients derived from an electronic health record (EHR) database of Minhang district in Shanghai, China. Incident cancer cases and all-cause deaths occurred before September 30, 2015 were identified by linking with the Shanghai Cancer Registry and the Shanghai Vital Statistics. To examine the potential non-linear and linear relationships of BMI and cancer risk, Cox proportional hazard models with and without restricted cubic spline functions were used, respectively. RESULTS: A non-linear association was observed between BMI and overall cancer incidence in men younger than 60 years old (p for non-linearity = 0.009). Compared with those having BMI of 25.0 kg/m2, the cancer risk increased in those with either lower or higher BMI. In women older than 60 years old, linear dose-response relationships were observed between BMI and the risk of both overall cancer and breast cancer. As each unit increase in BMI, the overall cancer risks elevated by 3% (95%CI: 1-5%) and the breast cancer risks increased by 7% (95%CI: 1-13%). No significant association was observed between BMI and other common cancer sites. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the effect of BMI on cancer risk in Chinese patients with T2DM may vary by gender, age and cancer subtypes, suggesting different underlying biological mechanisms.