Two Birds with One Stone: Micro/Nanostructured SiOx Cy Composites for Stable Li-Ion and Li Metal Anodes.

Developing stable silicon-based and lithium metal anodes still faces many challenges. Designing new highly practical silicon-based anodes with low-volume expansion and high electrical conductivity, and inhibiting lithium dendrite growth are avenues for developing silicon-based and lithium metal anodes, respectively. In this study, SiOx Cy microtubes are synthesized using a chemical vapor deposition method. As Li-ion battery anodes, the as-prepared SiOx Cy not only combines the advantages of nanomaterials and the practical properties of micromaterials, but also exhibits high initial Coulombic efficiency (80.3%), low volume fluctuations (20.4%), and high cyclability (98% capacity retention after 1000 cycles). Furthermore, SiOx Cy , as a lithium deposition substrate, can effectively promote the uniform deposition of metallic lithium. As a result, low nucleation overpotential (only 6.0 mV) and high Coulombic efficiency (≈98.9% after 650 cycles, 1.0 mA cm-2 and 1.0 mAh cm-2 ) are obtained on half cells, as well as small voltage hysteresis (only 9.5 mV, at 1.0 mA cm-2 ) on symmetric cells based on SiOx Cy . Full batteries based on both SiOx Cy and SiOx Cy @Li anodes demonstrate great practicality. This work provides a new perspective for the simultaneous development of practical SiOx Cy and dendrite-free lithium metal anodes.

Validation of a supplementary condition of eighth AJCC staging system for stage II hepatocellular carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system was flawed regarding the prognosis of stage II hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aims of this study were to reveal the defect and make updates. METHODS: Clinical and survival data of HCC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were used. We re-classified stage II into T2aN0M0 (tumors >2 cm with vascular invasion) and T2bN0M0 (multiple tumors ≤5 cm). The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to estimate differences in overall survival (OS). Three propensity score matching analyses without (PSM1) or with (PSM2 and PSM3) consideration of surgical treatment were performed. Cox regression was used to reveal risk factors. RESULTS: HCC patients identified as T1bN0M0, T2aN0M0, T2bN0M0, and T3N0M0 were recruited. OS in T2N0M0 was consistent with the eighth AJCC staging system after PSM1. T2bN0M0 had increased OS compared with T2aN0M0 after PSM2 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.73; P = 0.0141) or PSM3 (HR = 1.18; 95%CI = 1.01-1.37; P = 0.0283). No survival benefit existed between T1bN0M0 and T2bN0M0 after PSM2 (HR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.80-1.05; P = 0.2171) or PSM3 (HR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.84-1.01; P = 0.0888). Compared with T2aN0M0, T3N0M0 had shorter OS after PSM2 (HR = 0.64; 95%CI = 0.50-0.82; P = 0.0003) or PSM3 (HR = 0.63; 95%CI = 0.54-0.73; P < 0.0001). Cox regression analysis revealed that surgical treatment was associated with better prognosis (HR = 0.3; 95%CI = 0.3-0.4; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current staging for T2N0M0 is imprecise because surgical treatment is not adequately evaluated and would be ineffective if the proportion of T2bN0M0 patients with surgical treatment was increased.

Aromatic Characteristics of Passion Fruit Wines Measured by E-Nose, GC-Quadrupole MS, GC-Orbitrap-MS and Sensory Evaluation.

This study investigated the volatile composition and aromatic features of passion fruit wines using a combination of gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-qMS), gas chromatography-Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (GC-Orbitrap-MS), electronic nose (E-nose) and sensory evaluation. The results showed that these passion fruit wines possessed different aromatic features confirmed by E-nose. Seventeen sulfur compounds and seventy-eight volatiles were detected in these passion fruit wines using GC-Orbitrap-MS and GC-qMS, respectively. Forty-four volatiles significantly contributed to the overall wine aroma. These wines possessed passion fruit, mango, green apple, lemon and floral aromas confirmed by sensory evaluation. The partial least squares regression analysis indicated that sulfides, esters and terpenes, and terpenes mainly correlated to the passion fruit, mango and green apple aroma, respectively. Sulfur compounds significantly affected the aroma of passion fruit wine. The findings in this study could provide useful insight toward the quality control of passion fruit wine.

In Vitro Effect of Flavonoids on Basophils Degranulation and Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Damage Induced by ω-5 Gliadin-Derived Peptide.

Flavonoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, and may alleviate food allergic reactions and intestinal inflammation induced by ω-5 gliadin, a main allergen of wheat food allergy in children. In this study, a human basophil KU812 cell degranulation model and a Caco-2 monolayer cell model were constructed in vitro to evaluate the effects of four flavonoids on the allergenicity of ω-5 gliadin peptides and ω-5 gliadin peptide-induced barrier damage in Caco-2 intestinal epithelial monolayers. The results show that baicalein, luteolin, isorhamnetin and naringenin can significantly inhibit the degranulation of KU812 cells stimulated by ω-5 gliadin-derived peptide P4 and the release of IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, the four flavonoids significantly inhibited the ω-5 gliadin-derived peptide P4 to induce the release of IL-6, IL-8 in Caco-2 cells, inhibited the release of zonulin, and significantly increase the expression of tight junction proteins Occludin and ZO-1 in the Caco-2 cell monolayer. In conclusion, baicalein, luteolin, isorhamnetin and naringenin inhibit degranulation stimulated by wheat allergen and enhance intestinal barrier functions, which supports the potential pharmaceutical application of the four flavonoids treatment for wheat food allergy.

Novel insight into the role of immunotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer (Review).

To date, great progress has been made in studying the immunology of cancer and the development of immunotherapies. Immunotherapy has become an effective clinical strategy for cancer treatment in courtesy of its unique features. It has been demonstrated to delay tumor progression, reduce tumor recurrence and metastasis, and even cure tumors through enhancing the immune response, stimulating tumor-specific immunity and breaking immune tolerance. Several different immunotherapeutic approaches and methods are in the process of being developed, including the use of cytokines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, engineered T cells (such as T-cell-receptor T cells and chimeric antigen receptor T cells) and cancer vaccines. Digestive system neoplasms pose a serious threat to human health, including esophageal cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, and immunotherapy is considered to be a promising new avenue for the treatment of digestive system neoplasms. However, certain challenges remain in terms of the broad implementation of immunotherapies due to the incompletely understood mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. Therefore, it is crucially important to understand both the various different types of immunotherapy and the immune landscapes in digestive system neoplasms in order to reduce the side effects associated with these therapies. The present review discusses existing and newly emerging immunotherapeutic methods that may be applied in the treatment of digestive system neoplasms and how their clinical efficacy may be enhanced.

Decreased IGF-1 level is associated with restrained amino acid metabolism in NSCLC with diabetes mellitus.

The discovery of a large number of small pulmonary nodules and early diagnosis of lung cancer in the diabetic patients prompt us to re-examine the relationship between diabetes and the occurrence and development of lung cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying metabolites changes in diabetes with NSCLC or benign nodule patients, and further to investigate the association of serum IGF-1 level and differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). An untargeted metabolomics method was used to detect the changes of metabolism in diabetic patients with NSCLC on the platform of HR-MS. Serum level of IGF-1 was measured by ELISA. The patients were divided to three groups, DM, DLB (nodule), and DLC (cancer). we have identified numerous DEMs, which include amino acid, choline, and fatty acid derivatives. Further analysis of the involved metabolic pathways suggested that linoleate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, histidine metabolism, putative anti-Inflammatory metabolites formation from EPA, and arachidonic acid metabolism were considered to be the most significant metabolic pathways between groups. Networks analysis suggested that a series of metabolites were associated with serum IGF-1among the three groups, which can be divided into 6 categories. Nine metabolites have been identified as the main DEMs among the DLC, DLB, and DM groups. In conclusion, metabolomics is a powerful and promising tool for the cancer risk evaluation in diabetic patients. Our results suggest that decreased IGF-1 level is associated with restrained amino acid metabolism in NSCLC with diabetes mellitus.

Proteomics analysis of cancer tissues identifies IGF2R as a potential therapeutic target in laryngeal carcinoma.

Background: Laryngeal cancer (LC) is a prevalent head and neck malignancy; however, the essential pathophysiological mechanism underlying its tumorigenesis and progression remains elusive. Due to the perduring scarcity of effective targeted drugs for laryngeal cancer, insights into the disease's pathophysiological mechanisms would substantially impact the treatment landscape of laryngeal cancer. Methods: To ensure quality consistency, 10 tumor and 9 non-tumor samples underwent proteomic analysis on a single mass spectrometer using a label-free technique. Subsequently, gene expression variations between laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and normal tissues were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immunohistochemical expressions of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R), fibronectin (FN), vimentin, and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in LC tissues and normal tissues were determined. Results: In the tumor group, significant variations were detected for 433 upregulated and 61 downregulated proteins. Moreover, the heatmap revealed that the expressions of RNA translation-related proteins and proteins involved in RNA metabolism, such as IGF2R, tenascin C (TNC), periostin (POSTN), proteasome 26S subunit ATPase 4 (PSMC4), serpin family A member 3 (SERPINA3), heat shock protein family B (small) member 6 (HSPB6), osteoglycin (OGN), chaperonin containing TCP1 subunit 6A (CCT6A), and chaperonin containing TCP1 subunit 6B (CCT6B), were prominently elevated in the tumor group. Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD), RNA translation, and protein stability were significantly altered in LC tumors. IGF2R was remarkably upregulated in LC tumors. In the TCGA database, the IGF2R mRNA level was significantly upregulated in LSCC tissues. Additionally, IGF2R mRNA expression was lowest in clinical grade 1 samples, with no significant difference between grades 2 and 3. In LSCC patients, a significant positive correlation between IGF2R expression and the stromal score was detected using the ESTIMATE algorithm to estimate the immune score, stromal score, and tumor purity in the tumor microenvironment. Lastly, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that IGF2R is overexpressed in LC. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the vital role of IGF2R in LC carcinogenesis and progression and may facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of LC.

A high-resolution Orbitrap Mass spectral library for trace volatile compounds in fruit wines.

The overall aroma is an important factor of the sensory quality of fruit wines, which attributed to hundreds of volatile compounds. However, the qualitative determination of trace volatile compounds is considered to be very challenging work. GC-Orbitrap-MS with high resolution and high sensitivity provided more possibilities for the determination of volatile compounds, but without the high-resolution mass spectral library. For accuracy of qualitative determination in fruit wines by GC-Orbitrap-MS, a high-resolution mass spectral library, including 76 volatile compounds, was developed in this study. Not only the HRMS spectrum but also the exact ion fragment, relative abundance, retention indices (RI), CAS number, chemical structure diagram, aroma description and aroma threshold (ortho-nasally) were provided and were shown in a database website (Food Flavor Laboratory, http://foodflavorlab.cn/ ). HRMS library was used to successfully identify the volatile compounds mentioned above in 16 fruit wines (5 blueberry wines, 6 goji berry wines and 5 hawthorn wines). The library was developed as an important basis for further understanding of trace volatile compounds in fruit wines.

Adaptive Bird-like Genome Miniaturization During the Evolution of Scallop Swimming Lifestyle.

Genome miniaturization drives key evolutionary innovations of adaptive traits in vertebrates, such as the flight evolution of birds. However, whether similar evolutionary processes exist in invertebrates remains poorly understood. Derived from the second-largest animal phylum, scallops are a special group of bivalve molluscs and acquire the evolutionary novelty of the swimming lifestyle, providing excellent models for investigating the coordinated genome and lifestyle evolution. Here, we show for the first time that genome sizes of scallops exhibit a generally negative correlation with locomotion activity. To elucidate the co-evolution of genome size and swimming lifestyle, we focus on the Asian moon scallop (Amusium pleuronectes) that possesses the smallest known scallop genome while being among scallops with the highest swimming activity. Whole-genome sequencing of A. pleuronectes reveals highly conserved chromosomal macrosynteny and microsynteny, suggestive of a highly contracted but not degenerated genome. Genome reduction of A. pleuronectes is facilitated by significant inactivation of transposable elements, leading to reduced gene length, elevated expression of genes involved in energy-producing pathways, and decreased copy numbers and expression levels of biomineralization-related genes. Similar evolutionary changes of relevant pathways are also observed for bird genome reduction with flight evolution. The striking mimicry of genome miniaturization underlying the evolution of bird flight and scallop swimming unveils the potentially common, pivotal role of genome size fluctuation in the evolution of novel lifestyles in the animal kingdom.

Transcriptome and Metabolomics Integrated Analysis Reveals Terpene Synthesis Genes Controlling Linalool Synthesis in Grape Berries.

In this study, four hybrids from the cross between "Italia" and "Tamina" grapes were chosen to investigate their distinct monoterpenoids patterns and candidate genes involved. Monoterpenoid profiles and transcriptome data were generated at four berry developmental stages. Trans-rose oxide, cis-rose oxide, citronellol, neral, nerol, nerol oxide, geraniol, geranial, geranic acid, and cis-isogeraniol were the dominant compounds in R250 hybrid, while linalool, hotrienol, linalool oxide pyranoside, and cis-furan linalool oxide were the main compounds in R77 hybrid. Six TPS-g subfamily genes were found related with the contents of linalool and its related monoterpenoids by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and phylogenetic analysis. Among them, TPS59 was cloned and functionally verified by transient overexpression in the leaves of Vitis quinquangularis. Meanwhile, NAC (newGene_195), C2C2-GATA (VIT_15s0021g02510), and bHLH (VIT_14s0128g00110) were selected as candidate transcription factors (TFs) that could regulate the expression of the six TPS-b genes. These data enhanced our understanding on the regulation of monoterpenoid biosynthesis in grapes.

Accurate Determination of 12 Lactones and 11 Volatile Phenols in Nongrape Wines through Headspace-Solid-Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) Combined with High-Resolution Gas Chromatography-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (GC-Orbitrap-MS).

This paper clarifies the contribution of lactones and volatile phenols to the aroma of nongrape wine. A target method for the simultaneous determination of these two kinds of volatiles in nongrape wines was developed using headspace-solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with high-resolution gas chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (GC-Orbitrap-MS). A high-resolution mass spectrometry database including 12 lactones and 11 volatile phenols was established for qualitative accuracy. Different matrix-matched calibration standards should be prepared for specific samples due to the matrix effects. The method was successfully validated and applied in three nongrape wines. Hawthorn wine contained more lactones (δ/γ-hexalactone, δ/γ-nonalactone, δ/γ-decalactone, γ-undecalactone, δ/γ-dodecalactone, C10 massoia lactone, and whiskey lactone), while blueberry wine contained more volatile phenols (especially 4-vinylguaiacol and 4-ethylguiaiacol). Goji berry wines contained certain concentrations of δ-nonalactone, γ-nonalactone, δ-hexalactone, and 3-ethyl phenol. This study demonstrated that HS-SPME-GC-Orbitrap-MS can be applied for the accurate quantification of trace aroma compounds such as lactones and volatile phenols in fruit wines.

Sensory and chemical characterization of Chinese bog bilberry wines using Check-all-that-apply method and GC-Quadrupole-MS and GC-Orbitrap-MS analyses.

The sensory and chemical profiles of commercial bog bilberry (BB) wines were investigated using a multi-analytical approach. Sensory test included scaling and check-all-that-apply (CATA) method with questions on liking of BB wine. The sensory data was correlated with their volatile compound profiles determined using gas chromatography coupled with quadrupole and orbitrap mass spectrometry (GC-Quadrupole/Orbitrap-MS). In general, all BB wines were characterized with "fruity", "blueberry" and "floral" odors and "sour", "mouth puckering" and "sweet" flavors. Samples more frequently characterized as "fruity" and "floral" in CATA were preferred by the panelists (n = 93). High relative proportions of o-cymene, p-cymenene, 1-octen-3-one and 3-ethylphenol in a sample (described as "ginger" and "chili") resulted in a lower liking rating. Similarly, generally disliked sample described with "Chinese herbs" and "licorice" was characterized by compounds 3-methylpentan-1-ol, 1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene, and 4-vinylphenol. The data will give novel information for berry wine and beverage industry on the quality factors of BB wines linked to higher acceptance.

The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of the deep-sea limpet Bathyacmaea lactea.

The deep-sea limpet Bathyacmaea lactea, inhibited in cold seeps of the South China Sea, belongs to the most primitive gastropod groups, the Patellogastropoda (true limpets). Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of B. lactea, which is 18,446 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, and 22 tRNA genes. The mitochondrial genome of B. lactea enriches the molecular resources for further understanding deep-sea molluskan adaptation and Gastropoda evolution.

The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Amusium pleuronectes.

Amusium pleuronectes, commonly known as the Asian moon scallop, is widely distributed in Indo-Pacific coasts. In this study, the complete mitogenome sequence of A. pleuronectes (18,044 bp) is reported, which represents the first mitogenome from the Amusium genus. This mitogenome contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, and 22 tRNA genes, showing similar mitogenome features for most marine bivalves. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that within the family Pectinidae, the genus Amusium is closely related to the genus Argopecten. The mitogenome of A. pleuronectes provides a valuable resource for further advancing the understanding of bivalve phylogeny and evolution.

Alcohol acyltransferase gene and ester precursors differentiate composition of volatile esters in three interspecific hybrids of Vitis labrusca × V. Vinifera during berry development period.

This study investigated the accumulation of esters in three hybrid grape cultivars during berry development under two vintages to elucidate the differentiation on their esters biosynthesis. Results showed 'Moldova' showed lower esters content than 'Campbell Early' and 'Catawba' resulting from its limited AAT gene expression and 20 different encoded amino acids. The volatile esters compositions of 'Campbell Early' and 'Catawba' in both vintages were different. Correlation analysis revealed that concentrations of hexyl acetate, 2-phenethyl acetate, ethyl (E,E)-2,4-hexadienoate and ethyl phenylacetate were related to their corresponding alcohols level, whereas threonine and alanine affected ethyl heptanoate formation. Transcriptome analysis indicated that 1847, 1781 and 1870 DEGs, at E-L 35, 36 and 38, respectively, were characterized between 'Campbell Early' and 'Catawba'. The expression level of genes related to the volatile ester precursors biosynthesis, including PRX-VIT_211s0016g05320, PAO-VIT_217s0000g09100, ACOX-VIT_212s0028g02660, ACOX-VIT_216s0022g01120, echA-VIT_205s0077g00860 and ACOX-VIT_200s0662g00010, exhibited a positive correlation to the concentrations of their corresponding volatile esters.

Data on free and bound volatile compounds in six Ribes nigrum L. blackcurrant cultivars.

The data investigated 198 volatile compounds of six currant cultivars grown in China which is analyzed by SPME-GC-MS. Volatile compounds in these currant samples were identified by two methods, comparing retention indices with reference standards and matching mass spectrum in the NST11 library. A synthetic currant matrix prepared according to the currant juice condition were extracted and analyzed using the same extraction procedure as the currant samples. The standard curve was generated for quantification of volatile compounds. For the volatiles without the available standard, the data provided consulting standards that had the same carbon atom or the similar functional structure for quantification. Further interpretation and discussion can be seen in article entitled "Characterization of Free and Bound Volatile Compounds in Six Ribes nigrum L. Blackcurrant Cultivars" (Liu et al., 2018) [1].

Characterization of free and bound volatile compounds in six Ribes nigrum L. blackcurrant cultivars.

This study investigated the profiles of free and bound volatile compounds of six currant cultivars grown in China. Results showed that 166 free and 111 bound volatiles were found in these cultivars with esters and terpenoids as the major volatiles. Additionally, 10 hydroxy esters were detected in these cultivars for the first time. Floral, fruity, and sweet flavors appeared to be the feature aroma in these cultivars, which resulted from the contribution of 17 volatiles. Principal component analysis indicated the cultivar "Fertodi", "Risagar" and "Liangye" had the similar profiles of free and bound volatile compounds, whereas the cultivar "Brodtrop" and "Yadrionaya" exhibited the similarity on their free and bound volatiles. The cultivar "Sofya" showed a different volatile composition. Cluster analysis revealed the cultivar "Fertodi", "Risagar", and "Liangye" had the similar profiles of free and bound volatile compounds, whereas the similar free and bound volatile compositions were observed in the cultivar "Sofya" and "Yadrionaya". This study could provide useful information on quality control of commercial currant products.

Scallop genome reveals molecular adaptations to semi-sessile life and neurotoxins.

Bivalve molluscs are descendants of an early-Cambrian lineage superbly adapted to benthic filter feeding. Adaptations in form and behavior are well recognized, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we investigate the genome, various transcriptomes, and proteomes of the scallop Chlamys farreri, a semi-sessile bivalve with well-developed adductor muscle, sophisticated eyes, and remarkable neurotoxin resistance. The scallop's large striated muscle is energy-dynamic but not fully differentiated from smooth muscle. Its eyes are supported by highly diverse, intronless opsins expanded by retroposition for broadened spectral sensitivity. Rapid byssal secretion is enabled by a specialized foot and multiple proteins including expanded tyrosinases. The scallop uses hepatopancreas to accumulate neurotoxins and kidney to transform to high-toxicity forms through expanded sulfotransferases, probably as deterrence against predation, while it achieves neurotoxin resistance through point mutations in sodium channels. These findings suggest that expansion and mutation of those genes may have profound effects on scallop's phenotype and adaptation.

Effect of Oak Chips on Evolution of Phenolic Compounds and Color Attributes of Bog Bilberry Syrup Wine During Bottle-Aging.

This study investigated the evolution of phenolic compounds of bog bilberry syrup wine during a bottle-aging process, and further estimated the oak chip treatment on the wine color alteration. The wine was macerated with oak chips (2 or 5 g/L under light or medium toasting level) for 20 d and then bottle-aged for 6 mo. Results showed that the oak chip treatment significantly increased the content of phenolic compounds and enhanced the copigmented anthocyanin level before aging. It also resulted in an increase on a* and C* but a decrease on L* , b* , and H* of the wine. During aging process, a content decrease of total phenol and antioxidant capacity of the wine was observed. Phenolic acids, flavonol glycosides, and anthocyanins reduced the content, whereas flavonol increased the content. Free and copigmented anthocyanin levels decreased, whereas polymerized anthocyanins level increased. This process caused an increase on L* , b* , and H* , but a decrease on a* and C* . The oak chip treatment delayed the wine color change and its effect was mainly depended on the addition amount. Partial least square regression revealed that flavonol glycosides, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins displayed a positive correlation with L* , b* , and H* , but a negative correlation with a* and C* . Quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, myricetin-3-O-galactoside, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin exerted a more important effect on the color alteration in wine.