Cd/Pb behavior during combustion in a coal-fired power plant and their spatiotemporal impacts on soils: New insights from Cd/Pb isotopes.

Coal power plants annually generate quantities of byproducts that release environmentally hazardous heavy metals like Cd and Pb. Understanding the behavior and spatiotemporal impacts on soils of these releases is crucial for pollution control. This study investigated the concentrations and isotope ratios of Cd/Pb in combustion byproducts, depositions and soils collected from a coal-fired power plant or its surrounding area. The pulverized fuel ash (PFA) and desulfurized gypsum (DG) exhibited heavier Cd isotopes with Δ114Cd values of 0.304‰ and 0.269‰, respectively, while bottom ash (BA) showed lighter Cd isotopes (Δ114CdBA-coal = -0.078‰), compared to feed coal. We proposed a two-stage condensation process that governs the distribution of Cd/Pb, including accumulation on PFA and DG within electrostatic precipitators and desulfurization unit, as well as condensation onto fine particles upon release from the stack. Emissions from combustion and large-scale transport make a significant contribution to deposition, while the dispersion of Cd/Pb in deposition is primarily influenced by the prevailing wind patterns. However, the distribution of Cd/Pb in soils not only exhibit predominant wind control but is also potentially influenced by the resuspension of long-term storage byproducts. The power plant significantly contributes to soil in the NW-N-NE directions, even at a considerable distance (66%-79%), demonstrating its pervasive impact on remote regions along these orientations. Additionally, based on the vertical behavior in the profile, we have identified that Cd tends to migrate downward through leaching, while variations in Pb respond to the historical progression of dust removal.

Cysteine-Facilitated Cr(VI) reduction by Fe(II/III)-bearing phyllosilicates: Enhancement from In-Situ Fe(II) generation.

Structural Fe in phyllosilicates represents a crucial and potentially renewable reservoir of electron equivalents for contaminants reduction in aquatic and soil systems. However, it remains unclear how in-situ modification of Fe redox states within Fe-bearing phyllosilicates, induced by electron shuttles such as naturally occurring organics, influences the fate of contaminants. Herein, this study investigated the processes and mechanism of Cr(VI) reduction on two typical Fe(II/III)-bearing phyllosilicates, biotite and chlorite, in the presence of cysteine (Cys) at circumneutral pH. The experimental results demonstrated that Cys markedly enhanced the rate and extent of Cr(VI) reduction by biotite/chlorite, likely because of the formation of Cr(V)-organic complexes and consequent electron transfer from Cys to Cr(V). The concomitant production of non-structural Fe(II) (including aqueous Fe(II), surface bound Fe(II), and Cys-Fe(II) complex) cascaded transferring electrons from Cys to surface Fe(III), which further contributed to Cr(VI) reduction. Notably, structural Fe(II) in phyllosilicates also facilitated Cr(VI) reduction by mediating electron transfer from Cys to structural Fe(III) and then to edge-sorbed Cr(VI). 57Fe Mössbauer analysis revealed that cis-coordinated Fe(II) in biotite and chlorite exhibits higher reductivity compared to trans-coordinated Fe(II). The Cr end-products were insoluble Cr(III)-organic complex and sub-nanometer Cr2O3/Cr(OH)3, associated with residual minerals as micro-aggregates. These findings highlight the significance of in-situ produced Fe(II) from Fe(II/III)-bearing phyllosilicates in the cycling of redox-sensitive contaminants in the environment.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of Giardia duodenalis in sheep from large-scale farms in Southern Xinjiang, China.

Giardia duodenalis is a significant zoonotic parasite. In this study, 767 fresh fecal samples were collected randomly from six large-scale sheep farms in Southern Xinjiang, China. Initially, G. duodenalis was screened using PCR at the SSU rRNA gene. Positive samples then underwent PCR amplification at the bg, gdh, and tpi genes. The prevalence of G. duodenalis in sheep was 17.5% (134/767), with the highest prevalence observed in the 3-6 months age group at 26.8% (56/209) and the lowest in the over 12 months age group at 6.8% (14/205). Among the 134 positive samples, only Assemblage E was identified. A total of 106, 92, and 98 sequences of G. duodenalis were obtained at the gdh, tpi, and bg genes, respectively. Fourteen isolates of G. duodenalis were successfully amplified at all three genes, resulting in nine G. duodenalis multilocus genotypes (MLG) named MLG E1-MLG E14, indicating high genetic diversity. In conclusion, G. duodenalis infection in sheep from large-scale farms is common in Southern Xinjiang, China, showing geographical regional distributions and genetic diversity.

Selenoprotein S (SELENOS) is a potential prognostic biomarker for brain lower grade glioma.

BACKGROUND: Selenium, an essential micronutrient, primarily exists as selenocysteine in various selenoproteins. Selenoprotein S (SELENOS) is crucial in the development of human cancer. This study aimed to explore the correlation between SELENOS gene expression and the prognosis of brain lower-grade glioma (LGG). METHODS: SELENOS protein and mRNA expression in human normal and tumor tissues were explored through the HPA database. SELENOS expression differences between normal and tumor tissues, along with its prognostic significance in gliomas, were analyzed using the TCGA, GTEx datasets, while the CGGA dataset was used to further assess its prognostic potential in a Chinese cohort. The association between SELENOS expression and tumor immune infiltration was also assessed. Multivariate and univariate Cox models were used to screen for clinicopathological parameters associated with SELENOS expression. The GDSC datasets was utilized to explore the connection between SELENOS and chemotherapeutic responses in LGG. A protein-protein interaction network for SELENOS was created. SELENOS expression in LGG cell lines were determined by Western blotting and qRT-PCR, and its functions were ascertained by routine in vitro experiments. RESULTS: SELENOS was upregulated in 11 cancers and downregulated in 10 cancers relative to the corresponding normal tissues, and correlated significantly with the prognosis, especially for GBM, LGG and GBMLGG. Furthermore, It displayed a positive correlation with immune cell infiltration levels in LGG. Multivariate and Univariate Cox analyses confirmed that the impact of SELENOS on the prognosis of LGG is the combined result of factors such as age and tumor grade. The expression of SELENOS was significantly negatively correlated with temozolomide IC50 in LGG. We found that SELENOS interacts with 10 proteins, which are upregulated in LGG compared to human normal tissues. The expression of these interactors is positively correlated with SELENOS expression and LGG survival/prognosis. In vitro experiments confirmed the aberrant expression of SELENOS in LGG cell lines, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of SELENOS reduced the proliferation, viability, invasion and migration of LGG cells, and induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: SELENOS is a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for LGG, and its low expression is associated with favorable prognosis in LGG.

Coupled iron and heavy metal accumulation in karst soils in Southwestern China: Iron isotope perspective.

Heavy metals (HMs) are abundant in the karst soils of Southwest China, posing significant health risks to millions of people. Iron (Fe) (hyr)oxides serve as critical carriers of HMs in these soils; however, the processes governing Fe oxide formation and transformation associated with HM accumulation during carbonate weathering in karst region is less understood. In this study, we present Fe isotope compositions from a carbonate-derived profile to investigate the major factors controlling Fe migration. In the saprolite layer, strong correlations between δ56Febulk and the proportions of extracted FeNH2OH.HCl or Feresidue fractions suggest that the formation of goethite and phyllosilicate may be responsible for variations in δ56Febulk. The positive correlations between δ56FeNH2OH.HCl values and HM concentrations in this layer suggest an enhanced capacity for HM fixation by goethite in these soils. In contrast, the fractionation of Fe isotopes in the soil layer appears to be influenced by vegetation, as indicated by the correlation between total organic carbon and δ56Febulk. The negative correlations between δ56Febulk values and HM concentrations in the soil layer likely indicate that vegetation litter enhances the retention capacity of Fe oxides for HMs. This study highlights the trajectory of Fe and its connection to HM accumulation in karst soil with high geological background levels.

Toripalimab in combination with HBM4003, an anti-CTLA-4 heavy chain-only antibody, in advanced melanoma and other solid tumors: an open-label phase I trial.

BACKGROUND: HBM4003 is a novel anti-CTLA-4 heavy chain-only antibody, designed to enhance Treg ablation and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity while ensuring a manageable safety profile. This phase I trial investigated the safety, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity and preliminary efficacy of HBM4003 plus with anti-PD-1 antibody toripalimab in patients with advanced solid tumors, especially focusing on melanoma. METHODS: The multicenter, open-label phase I trial was divided into two parts: dose-escalation phase (part 1) and dose-expansion phase (part 2). In part 1, HBM4003 was administered at doses of 0.03, 0.1, 0.3 mg/kg in combination with toripalimab with fixed dosage of 240 mg every 3 weeks. The recommended phase II dose (RP2D) was used in the expansion phase. Primary endpoints were safety and RP2D in part 1 and objective response rate (ORR) in part 2. Biomarkers based on cytokines and multiplex immunofluorescence staining were explored. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients received study treatment, including 36 patients treated with RP2D of HBM4003 0.3 mg/kg plus toripalimab 240 mg every 3 week. 36 participants (90.0%) experienced at least one treatment-related adverse event (TRAE), of which 10 (25.0%) patients experienced grade ≥3 TRAEs and 5 (12.5%) experienced immune-mediated adverse events (irAEs) with maximum severity of grade 3. No grade 4 or 5 irAEs occurred. Efficacy analysis set included 32 melanoma patients treated with RP2D and with available post-baseline imaging data. The ORRs of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment-naïve subgroup and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment-failed subgroup were 33.3% and 5.9%, respectively. In mucosal melanoma, the ORR of the two subgroups were 40.0% and 10.0%, respectively. Baseline high Treg/CD4+ratio in the tumor serves as an independent predictive factor for the efficacy of immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: HBM4003 0.3 mg/kg plus toripalimab 240 mg every 3 week demonstrated manageable safety in solid tumors and no new safety signal. Limited data demonstrated promising antitumor activity, especially in PD-1 treatment-naïve mucosal melanoma. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04727164.

Efficacy and safety of vonoprazan and high-dose amoxicillin dual therapy in eradicating Helicobacter pylori: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vonoprazan is a new acid-suppressing drug that provides an additional choice for eradicating Helicobacter pylori. The effectiveness and safety of vonoprazan and high-dose amoxicillin (VHA) dual therapy requires study in a systematic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted up to 16 May 2024. Trials comparing H. pylori eradication rates, adverse events, and compliance of VHA dual therapy with that of other therapies were included. RevMan 5.4 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Eleven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and two retrospective clinical studies with 4570 samples were included. VHA dual therapy had superior H. pylori eradication rates (intention-to-treat [ITT]: 86.0% vs. 80.7%; odds ratio [OR]=1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.73; P=0.01; per-protocol [PP]: 90.6% vs. 85.7%; OR=1.42; 95% CI 1.07-1.88; P=0.02), fewer adverse events (15.4% vs. 27.7%; OR=0.49; 95% CI 0.35-0.68, P<0.0001), and similar compliance (94.6% vs. 93.2%; OR=1.27; 95% CI 0.98-1.64; P=0.07) compared with other guideline therapies. According to subgroup analysis with PP data, VHA dual therapy is more effective than bismuth quadruple therapy based on proton-pump inhibitors (P-BQT) (93.5% vs. 89.3%; OR=1.76; 95% CI 1.03-3.00; P=0.04). In addition, the eradication rates for 7-day, 10-day and 14-day VHA dual therapy were 65% (95% CI 0.55-0.75), 92% (95% CI 0.91-0.94) and 93% (95% CI 0.90-0.97), respectively. CONCLUSION: VHA dual therapy for 10 or 14 days showed superior efficacy and safety compared with therapies recommended by the guidelines and should be prioritised for adoption.

Allosteric regulation of Keap1 by 8ß-hydroxy-α-cyclocostunolide for the treatment of acute lung injury.

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Genome-Wide Characterization of IQD Family Proteins in Apple and Functional Analysis of the Microtubule-Regulating Abilities of MdIQD17 and MdIQD28 under Cold Stress.

Microtubules undergo dynamic remodeling in response to diverse abiotic stress in plants. The plant-specific IQ67 DOMAIN (IQD) family proteins serve as microtubule-associated proteins, playing multifaceted roles in plant development and response to abiotic stress. However, the biological function of IQD genes in apple remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Malus domestica genome, identifying 42 IQD genes distributed across 17 chromosomes and categorized them into four subgroups. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of stress-responsive elements. Subsequent expression analysis highlighted the significant upregulation of MdIQD17 and MdIQD28 in response to cold treatments, prompting their selection for further functional investigation. Subcellular localization studies confirmed the association of MdIQD17 and MdIQD28 with microtubules. Crucially, confocal microscopy and quantification revealed diminished microtubule depolymerization in cells transiently overexpressing MdIQD17 and MdIQD28 compared to wild-type cells during cold conditions. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of IQD genes in apple, elucidating their molecular mechanism in response to cold stress.

Aucklandiae radix targeted PKM2 to alleviate ulcerative colitis: Insights from the photocrosslinking target fishing technique.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and relapsing disease marked by chronic tissue inflammation that alters the integrity and function of the gut, seriously impacting patient health and quality of life. Aucklandiae Radix (AR), known as Mu Xiang in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese medicine documented in Chinese Pharmacopoeia with effects of strengthening the intestine and stopping diarrhea. However, the potential of AR in treating intestinal inflammation and its underlying mechanism have yet to be further elucidated. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to explore the protective effect and the potential mechanism attributable to AR for treating ulcerative colitis (UC). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A murine model of UC was constructed using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to examine the therapeutic potential of AR in alleviating inflammation and modulating the immune response. Advanced techniques such as photocrosslinking target fishing technique, click chemistry, Western blot analysis, real-time quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry were employed to unveil the therapeutic mechanism of AR for treating IBD. RESULTS: AR decreased disease activity index (DAI) score to alleviate the course of IBD through ameliorating intestinal barrier function in DSS-induced mice. Furthermore, AR suppressed NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways to reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-6 and 1ß (IL-6 and IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), allowing to alleviate the inflammatory response. Flow cytometry revealed that AR could reduce the accumulation of intestinal macrophages and neutrophils, maintaining intestinal immune balance by regulating the ratio of Treg to Th17 cells. It was worth noting that pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2) served as a potential target of AR using the photocrosslinking target fishing technology, which was further supported by cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), drug affinity target stability (DARTS), and PKM2 knockdown experiments. CONCLUSION: AR targeted PKM2 to inhibit NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways, thereby modulating the inflammatory response and immunity to alleviate DSS-induced UC. These findings suggested the potential of AR in the treatment of UC and AR as a candidate for developing PKM2 regulators.

Cd mobilization in mining-impacted soils with different bedrock lithology: Insights from stable Cd isotopes.

The environmental risk of Cd in soils strongly depends on the mobilization of Cd in soils. However, limited knowledge exists on the redistribution of exogenic Cd inputs in soils, especially across diverse lithological regions. Herein, we aimed to investigate the fate of Cd in soils from two mining areas with contrasting lithologies (siliceous and calcareous) using stable Cd isotopes. The isotope tracing results confirm that mining activities are the main Cd source in both areas. The positive correlation between δ114/110Cd values and goethite/dolomite content indicates the release of heavy Cd isotopes during the dissolution of exogenetic minerals. Additionally, high contents of exchangeable Cd (11 % to 36 %) and Fe oxide-bound Cd (29 % to 42 %) drive plant pumps to transport heavy Cd isotopes from the deeper to upper horizons of the soils from the siliceous area. In the calcareous area, the total organic carbon content is positively correlated with the Cd concentration and δ114/110Cd value, suggesting potential complexation of Cd with organic matter due to the stabilizing effect of carbonate minerals on soil organic matter. This study highlights the different redistributions of exogenous Cd in soils from diverse lithological regions, emphasizing the need to consider regional lithology when developing soil quality standards for Cd.

Role of hydrogen sulfide-microRNA crosstalk in health and disease.

The mutual regulation between hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and microRNA (miRNA) is involved in the development of many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disease, and high-risk pregnancy. Abnormal expressions of endogenous H2S-producing enzyme and miRNA in tissues and cells often indicate the occurrence of diseases, so the maintenance of their normal levels in the body can mitigate damages caused by various factors. Many studies have found that H2S can promote the migration, invasion, and proliferation of cancer cells by regulating the expression of miRNA, while many H2S donors can inhibit cancer progression by interfering with the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, metastasis, and angiogenesis of cancer cells. Furthermore, the mutual regulation between H2S and miRNA can also prevent cell injury in cardiovascular disease and inflammatory disease through anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, and pro-autophagy. In addition, H2S can promote angiogenesis and relieve vasoconstriction by regulating the expression of miRNA, thereby improving fetal growth in high-risk pregnancy. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of mutual regulation between H2S and miRNA in various diseases, which may provide reliable therapeutic targets for these diseases.

The influence of open disc repositioning surgery on the internal derangement of the contralateral temporomandibular joint: a prospective study of 96 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of unilateral open disc repositioning surgery (ODRS) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on the internal derangement (ID) of the contralateral joint. METHODS: Patients with bilateral ID of TMJ who underwent unilateral ODRS were enrolled and followed-up for one year. They were divided into two groups based on the contralateral disease: the anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR) and without reduction (ADDWoR). Postoperative evaluation included clinical and MRI evaluation. Indices measured were unilateral intermaxillary distance (UID), visual analogue scale (VAS), disc length (DL), condylar height (CH), and disc-condyle angle (DCA). Paired t tests were used to compare the clinical and MRI indices between different time points. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were enrolled, including 47 in the ADDWR group and 49 in the ADDWoR group. One-year post-surgery, ODRS led to significant increases in MMO, DL, and CH, and decrease in VAS and DCA on the operated side (P < 0.05). In ADDWR group, UID, DL, and CH increased significantly, and VAS decreased (P < 0.05), with no significant change in DCA (P > 0.05). In ADDWoR group, clinical and MRI variables worsened slightly, except for UID, which remained unchanged (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ODRS is a promising method for correcting TMJ ID and may improve condition of ADDWR and decrease progress of ADDWoR at the contralateral joint. Preoperative bilateral TMJ evaluation is essential for better outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ODRS can effectively treat TMJ ID and produce adaptive changes in the contralateral ID, for which continuous monitoring of the contralateral joint is essential.

Enhancing the color and astringency of red wines through white grape seeds addition: Repurposing wine production byproducts.

The clear juice fermentation technique for white wines suggests that white grape seeds, rich in flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins, are not effectively utilized in the winemaking process. This study incorporated 'Gewürztraminer' grape seeds into 'Cabernet Sauvignon' must before cold soak to investigate how the resultant red wines' phenolic compound profiles, color, and astringency were affected. The results showed that adding seeds primarily inhibited the leaching of flavan-3-ols from both skins and seeds. A significant increase in the levels of flavan-3-ols, tannins, and phenolic acids, as well as direct and aldehyde-bridged flavan-3-ol-anthocyanin polymers, were observed in the wines with additional seeds. This led to the improvement in the wine' red hue and its resistance to SO2 bleaching. Furthermore, the wine added with seeds exhibited stronger astringency compared to those without. The findings provide a promising winemaking strategy to improve color stability and intensify the astringency of red wines through the utilization of grape seeds.

Exposure to Trimethyltin Chloride Induces Pyroptosis and Immune Dysfunction in Grass Carp CIK Cells by Activating the NF-κB Pathway Through Oxidative Stress.

Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) is a highly toxic organotin pollutant frequently found in aquatic environments, posing a significant threat to the ecological system. The kidney plays a vital role in the body's detoxification processes, and TMT present in the environment tends to accumulate in the kidneys. However, it remained unclear whether exposure to different doses of TMT could induce pyroptosis and immune dysfunction in grass carp kidney cells (CIK cells). For this purpose, after assessing the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of TMT on CIK cells, we established a model for exposure of CIK cells at varying concentrations of TMT. CIK cells were treated with various doses of TMT (2.5, 5, 10 µM) for 24 h. Oxidative stress levels were measured using kits and fluorescence methods, whereas the expression of related genes was verified through western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results indicated that TMT exposure led to oxidative stress, with increased levels of ROS, H2O2, MDA, and GSH, and inhibited activities of T-AOC, SOD, and CAT. It activated the NF-κB pathway, leading to the upregulation of NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, GSDMD, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1. Furthermore, TMT exposure also resulted in increased expression of cytokines (IL-18, IL-6, IL-2, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) and decreased expression of antimicrobial peptides (LEAP2, HEPC, and ß-defensin). In summary, exposure to TMT induces dose-dependent oxidative stress that activates the NF-κB pathway, leading to pyroptosis and immune dysfunction in grass carp CIK cells.

Urban spatial structure and air quality in the United States: Evidence from a longitudinal approach.

Previous studies on the relationship between urban form and air quality: (1) report mixed results among specific aspects of urban spatial structure (e.g., urban expansion, form, or shape) and (2) use primarily cross-sectional approaches with a single year of data. This study takes advantage of a multi-decade, longitudinal approach to investigate the impact of urban spatial structure on population-weighted concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2. Based on fixed-effect regression models for 481 urban areas in the United States spanning from 1990 to 2015, we found significant associations between various aspects of urban spatial structure and air quality after controlling for meteorological and socio-economic factors. Our results show that population density, compact urban form, circularity, and green space are associated with lower concentrations. Conversely, higher rates of urban expansion, industrial area, and polycentricity are associated with higher concentrations. For large cities (total population: 180,262,404), we found that increasing key factors from each urban spatial structure category (i.e., greenness, population density, compactness, circularity) by a modest 10% results in 10,387 (12,376) fewer deaths for PM2.5 (NO2). We recommend that policymakers adopt comprehensive strategies to increase population density, compactness, and green spaces while slowing urban expansion to reduce the health burden of air quality in US cities.

Pt(IV) complexes loaded hollow copper sulfide nanoparticles for tumor chemo/photothermal/photodynamic therapy.

Hollow CuS nanoparticles can achieve photothermal and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in tumor treatment. However, excessive GSH in the tumor cells will consume the reactive oxygen species produced by PDT and reduce the PDT effect. Cisplatin is a broad-spectrum antineoplastic drug that can be used in a variety of tumor treatments. However, cisplatin is cytotoxic to normal cells while it kills tumor cells. Therefore, we construct Pt(IV) complexes loaded hollow CuS nanoparticles to attenuate the toxicity of cisplatin and enhance the PDT effect of the hollow CuS nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were proved to be able to accumulate around the tumor site through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect to achieve a synergistic chemo/photothermal/photodynamic therapy.

Molecular characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. in brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) from an animal feedlot in Xinjiang, China.

Cryptosporidium infection is a common occurrence in rodents worldwide. In this study, 435 wild brown rats were captured from an animal feedlot in Xinjiang, China, with a fecal sample obtained directly from the rectal contents of each rat. The DNA extracted from these fecal samples was analyzed for Cryptosporidium spp. using PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in brown rats was found to be 5.5% (24 out of 435). Interestingly, the infection rates varied among different animal enclosures, with rates of 0% in the chicken coop (0/51), cowshed (0/3), and varying rates in other areas including the sheepfold (6.1%, 6/98), the pigsty (7.6%, 10/132), the dovecote (7.0%, 5/71), and outdoor environments (3.8%, 3/80). The study identified three species and one genotype of Cryptosporidium, namely C. occultus (n = 10), C. parvum (n = 4), C. ditrichi (n = 1), and Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (n = 9). Additionally, two of the C. parvum isolates were successfully subtyped as IIdA19G1 (n = 2) at the gp60 gene. These results offer valuable insights into the prevalence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in brown rats within the region.

Occurrence and genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in flying squirrels (Trogopterus xanthipes) from China.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite with a worldwide distribution. As a zoonotic pathogen, E. bieneusi can infect a wide range of wildlife hosts through the fecal-oral route. Although the feces of flying squirrels (Trogopterus xanthipes) are considered a traditional Chinese medicine (as "faeces trogopterori"), no literature is available on E. bieneusi infection in flying squirrels to date. In this study, a total of 340 fresh flying squirrel fecal specimens from two captive populations were collected in Pingdingshan city, China, to detect the prevalence of E. bieneusi and assess their zoonotic potential. By nested PCR amplification of the ITS gene, six specimens tested positive, with positive samples from each farm, with an overall low infection rate of 1.8%. The ITS sequences revealed three genotypes, including known genotype D and two novel genotypes, HNFS01 and HNFS02. Genotype HNFS01 was the most prevalent (4/6, 66.7%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all genotypes clustered into zoonotic Group 1, with the novel genotypes clustering into different subgroups. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi infection in flying squirrels, suggesting that flying squirrels could act as a potential reservoir and zoonotic threat for E. bieneusi transmission to humans in China.

Title: Occurrence et génotypage d'Enterocytozoon bieneusi chez les écureuils volants (Trogopterus xanthipes) de Chine. Abstract: Enterocytozoon bieneusi est un parasite microsporidien intracellulaire obligatoire présent dans le monde entier. En tant qu'agent pathogène zoonotique, E. bieneusi peut infecter un large éventail d'hôtes sauvages par la voie fécale-orale. Bien que les excréments d'écureuils volants (Trogopterus xanthipes) soient considérés comme un ingrédient de médecine traditionnelle chinoise (comme « faeces trogopterori ¼), aucune littérature n'est disponible à ce jour sur l'infection par E. bieneusi chez les écureuils volants. Dans cette étude, un total de 340 spécimens fécaux frais d'écureuils volants provenant de deux populations captives ont été collectés dans la ville de Pingdingshan, en Chine, pour détecter la prévalence d'E. bieneusi et évaluer leur potentiel zoonotique. Par amplification PCR nichée du gène ITS, six échantillons se sont révélés positifs, avec des échantillons positifs dans chaque ferme, et un taux d'infection global faible, à 1,8 %. Les séquences ITS ont révélé trois génotypes, dont le génotype D connu et deux nouveaux génotypes, HNFS01 et HNFS02. Le génotype HNFS01 était le plus répandu (4/6, 66,7 %). L'analyse phylogénétique a montré que tous les génotypes se regroupaient dans le groupe zoonotique 1, les nouveaux génotypes se regroupant en différents sous-groupes. À notre connaissance, il s'agit du premier rapport d'infection par E. bieneusi chez des écureuils volants, ce qui suggère que les écureuils volants pourraient agir comme un réservoir potentiel et une menace zoonotique pour la transmission d'E. bieneusi aux humains en Chine.

Recent advances in the role of hydrogen sulfide in age-related diseases.

In recent years, the impact of age-related diseases on human health has become increasingly severe, and developing effective drugs to deal with these diseases has become an urgent task. Considering the essential regulatory role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in these diseases, it is regarded as a promising target for treatment. H2S is a novel gaseous transmitter involved in many critical physiological activities, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and angiogenesis. H2S also regulates cell activities such as cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and autophagy. These regulatory effects of H2S contribute to relieving and treating age-related diseases. In this review, we mainly focus on the pathogenesis and treatment prospects of H2S in regulating age-related diseases.