Regulator of G protein signaling 1 is a potential target in gastric cancer and impacts tumor-associated macrophages.

Regulator of G protein signaling 1 (RGS1) is closely associated with the tumor immune microenvironment and is highly expressed in various tumors and immune cells. The specific effects of RGS1 in the dynamic progression from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer have not been reported, and the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is also unclear. In the present study, RGS1 was identified as an upregulated gene in different pathological stages ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer by using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) screening together with pancancer analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas and clinical prognostic analysis. The results indicated that RGS1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer and has potential prognostic value. We confirmed through in vivo experiments that RGS1 inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and promoted apoptosis, which was further corroborated by in vitro experiments. Additionally, RGS1 influenced cell migration and invasion. In our subsequent investigation of RGS1, we discovered its role in the immune response. Through analyses of single-cell and GEO database data, we confirmed its involvement in immune cell regulation, specifically TAM activation. Subsequently, we conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments to confirm the involvement of RGS1 in polarizing M1 macrophages while indirectly regulating M2 macrophages through tumor cells. In conclusion, RGS1 could be a potential target for the transformation of chronic gastritis into gastric cancer and has a measurable impact on TAMs, which warrants further in-depth research.

Correlation between oxygenation status of extra-synovial tissue of wrist and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a photoacoustic imaging study.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by hypoxia in the synovial tissue. While photoacoustic imaging (PA) offers a method to evaluate tissue oxygenation in RA patients, studies exploring the link between extra-synovial tissue of wrist oxygenation and disease activity remain scarce. We aimed to assess synovial oxygenation in RA patients using a multimodal photoacoustic-ultrasound (PA/US) imaging system and establish its correlation with disease activity. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 111 patients with RA and 72 healthy controls from 2022 to 2023. Dual-wavelength PA imaging quantified oxygen saturation (So2) levels in the synovial membrane and peri-wrist region. Oxygenation states were categorised as hyperoxia, intermediate oxygenation, and hypoxia based on So2 values. The association between oxygenation levels and the clinical disease activity index was evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance, complemented by the Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: Of the patients with RA, 39 exhibited hyperoxia, 24 had intermediate oxygenation, and 48 had hypoxia in the wrist extra-synovial tissue. All of the control participants exhibited the hyperoxia status. Oxygenation levels in patients with RA correlated with clinical metrics. Patients with intermediate oxygenation had a lower disease activity index compared with those with hypoxia and hyperoxia. CONCLUSION: A significant correlation exists between wrist extra-synovial tissue oxygenation and disease activity in patients with RA.

[Baicalin induces ferroptosis in HepG2 cells by inhibiting ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway].

This study aims to investigate whether baicalin induces ferroptosis in HepG2 cells and decipher the underlying mechanisms based on network pharmacology and cell experiments. HepG2 cells were cultured in vitro and the cell viability was detected by the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The transcriptome data of hepatocellular carcinoma were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA), and the ferroptosis gene data from FerrDb V2. The DEG2 package was used to screen the differentially expressed genes(DEGs), and the common genes between DEGs and ferroptosis genes were selected as the target genes that mediate ferroptosis to regulate hepatocellular carcinoma progression. The functions and structures of the target genes were analyzed by Gene Ontology(GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment with the thresholds of P<0.05 and |log_2(fold change)|>0.5. DCFH-DA probe was used to detect the changes in the levels of cellular reactive oxygen species(ROS) in each group. The reduced glutathione(GSH) assay kit was used to measure the cellular GSH level, and Fe~(2+) assay kit to determine the Fe~(2+) level. Real-time quantitative PCR(RT-PCR) was employed to measure the mRNA levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) in each group. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), p-PI3K, protein kinase B(Akt), p-Akt, forkhead box protein O3a(FoxO3a), and p-FoxO3a in each group. The results showed that treatment with 200 µmol·L~(-1) baicalin for 48 h significantly inhibited the viability of HepG2 cells. Ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma could be regulated via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The cell experiments showed that baicalin down-regulated the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4, lowered the GSH level, and increased ROS accumulation and Fe~(2+) production in HepG2 cells. However, ferrostatin-1, an ferroptosis inhibitor, reduced baicalin-induced ROS accumulation, up-regulated the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4, elevated the GSH level, and decreased PI3K, Akt, and FoxO3a phosphorylation. In summary, baicalin can induce ferroptosis in HepG2 cells by inhibiting the ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway.

Appendicitis in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVES: The accuracy of ultrasound in the detection of appendicitis in pregnant women was examined in a meta-analysis. METHODS: Pregnant women with suspected acute appendicitis were evaluated using ultrasound in a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from January 1, 2011 to August 10, 2023. The sensitivity and specificity values and diagnostic odds ratios were obtained using the pooled data. RESULTS: A total of 239 patients were studied in four relevant investigations. Ultrasonography has a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 88% for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.66%. Ultrasonography had a positive likelihood ratio of 4.65 (95% confidence interval, 1.42-15.23) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.50 (95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.62). There was no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound has moderate sensitivity for identifying appendicitis in pregnant women and may be utilized as an alternative diagnostic method.

Harnessing the power of collective intelligence in dentistry: a pilot study in Victoria, Australia.

BACKGROUND: In many dental settings, diagnosis and treatment planning is the responsibility of a single clinician, and this process is inevitably influenced by the clinician's own heuristics and biases. Our aim was to test whether collective intelligence increases the accuracy of individual diagnoses and treatment plans, and whether such systems have potential to improve patient outcomes in a dental setting. METHODS: This pilot project was carried out to assess the feasibility of the protocol and appropriateness of the study design. We used a questionnaire survey and pre-post study design in which dental practitioners were involved in the diagnosis and treatment planning of two simulated cases. Participants were provided the opportunity to amend their original diagnosis/treatment decisions after viewing a consensus report made to simulate a collaborative setting. RESULTS: Around half (55%, n = 17) of the respondents worked in group private practices, however most practitioners (74%, n = 23) did not collaborate when planning treatment. Overall, the average practitioners' self-confidence score in managing different dental disciplines was 7.22 (s.d. 2.20) on a 1-10 scale. Practitioners tended to change their mind after viewing the consensus response, particularly for the complex case compared to the simple case (61.5% vs 38.5%, respectively). Practitioners' confidence ratings were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) after viewing the consensus for complex case. CONCLUSION: Our pilot study shows that collective intelligence in the form of peers' opinion can lead to modifications in diagnosis and treatment planning by dentists. Our results lay the foundations for larger scale investigations on whether peer collaboration can improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning and, ultimately, oral health outcomes.

Simultaneous immobilization of arsenic, lead and cadmium by magnesium-aluminum modified biochar in mining soil.

Owing to the human activities such as smelting and mining, arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) seriously polluted the soil of non-ferrous metal mining areas, thus efficient methods for the simultaneous immobilization of the three heavy metals are urgently needed. In the present study, Mg-Al modified biochars (MABs) were synthesized through a simple one-pot pyrolysis method to immobilize the three heavy metals. According to the BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) test method, MABs had larger specific surface areas than biochar. Compared to the materials obtained at 300 °C and 700 °C, MAB with a pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C (MAB 500) had a significant immobilization effect on As, Pb and Cd in the Gansu mining area. Compared with BC, the removal efficiencies of As, Pb and Cd increased from -62%, 17% and 5% to 52%, 100% and 66%, respectively. And the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test showed that the leaching concentrations of the three heavy metals in the treated soil were all lower than the standard value. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and kinetic experiments showed that there were various mechanisms in the immobilization process of the three heavy metals, and the large specific surface area and the multi-Mg/Al-OH of MABs play an important role in this process. More charges were provided by larger specific surface for ion exchange with heavy metals. In addition, larger specific surface area also provided more adsorption sites. More complex sites were provided by Mg/Al-OH to form Mg/Al-O-M then immobilize the heavy metals. In summary, the immobilization mechanism may involve electrostatic attraction, precipitation/co-precipitation, and surface complexation.

Diagnostic Performance of Multimodal Sound Touch Elastography for Differentiating Benign and Malignant Breast Masses.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the value of screening breast masses by separate or combined use of multimodal Sound Touch Elastography. METHODS: Women with 159 masses (mean size, 14.86 ± 6.57 mm; range, 5.30-30.00 mm) were enrolled in the study. The pathology results were adopted as diagnostic standards. The abilities of Young's modulus (E), shear modulus (G), and shear wave (C) to differentiate malignant and benign breast masses based on receiver operating characteristic curves were evaluated, and the optimal cutoff values were obtained. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were calculated. Then, the values were combined to perform an overall analysis of Sound Touch Elastography using evidence-based medicine, construct forest plots, and calculate areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves, pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic scores. RESULTS: A total of 159 masses with a mean size of 14.86 ± 6.57 mm (range, 5.30-30.00 mm) were included. For the various parameters, the diagnostic values were as follows: Gmax > Emax > Cmax > Csd > Esd > Gsd > Emean > Gmean > Cmean . There were no significant differences in Emin , Gmin , or Cmin . When the 9 parameters were combined, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic scores and areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves were 84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79%-88%), 82% (95% CI, 80%-84%), 4.75 (95% CI, 4.15-5.43), 0.20 (95% CI, 0.15-0.25), 3.19 (95% CI, 2.84-3.54) and 90.2% (95% CI, 87%-92%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sound Touch Elastography can be recognized as a new ultrasound-based diagnostic method for differentiation between benign and malignant breast masses.

Causal associations between estradiol and mouth ulcers: A Mendelian randomization study.

People have difficulty in eating and speaking when they are suffering from mouth ulcers. Some studies suggest that estradiol is associated with the development and treatment of mouth ulcers, while some do not. To clarify the effect of estradiol on mouth ulcers, we performed 2-sample Mendelian randomization and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis to evaluate their relationship. Data were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS project and UK biobank, including male estradiol dataset (case/controls = 13,367/134,323), female estradiol dataset (case/controls = 37,461/126,524), mouth ulcers dataset (case/controls = 47,102/414,011). The causal associations were estimated by MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, simple mode, and weighted mode. Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO tests, and leave-one-out analysis were used to examine sensitivity analyses. The MVMR controlling for depression, anxiety or panic attacks, severe stress and adjustment disorders was used to assess the effect of estradiol on mouth ulcers. Through screening, 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of males and 2 SNPs of females in estradiol were used for harmonizing and MR analysis. The 2-sample MR analysis showed no causal association between estradiol of males and mouth ulcers (IVW, OR: 0.998, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.995-1.001, P = .18). Similar results were obtained between estradiol of females and mouth ulcers (IVW, OR: 1.000, 95% CI: 0.988-1.012, P = .97). No pleiotropy and heterogeneity were found and the results were robust (P > .05). After adjusting for the potential effects of confounders, estradiol of males and mouth ulcers still showed no causal association through MVMR analysis (P = .081). While MVMR analysis showed that the causal relationship between estradiol and mouth ulcers in women could not be statistical for the small number of SNPs. There was no evidence of a causal relationship between estradiol and mouth ulcers. The strategy of treating mouth ulcers with estradiol still needs to be confirmed by more studies.

Chitosan-Copper Hybrid Nanoflowers: A Novel Nanopesticide for Controlling Rhizoctonia solani Infection in Crops.

Copper-based nanomaterials are effective alternatives to traditional pesticides due to their antibacterial properties. However, the high cost and low dispersity limit their application. In this study, we synthesized cost-effective, eco-friendly, and stable chitosan-copper hybrid nanoflowers (CS-Cu HNFs) through facile self-assembly to manage agricultural diseases caused by the fungal pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani). The results show that CS-Cu HNFs, which utilized chitosan and copper phosphate as primary scaffolds, were formed via a series of nucleation, aggregation, self-assembly, and anisotropic growth processes. 200 mg/L CS-Cu HNFs exhibited an excellent inhibitory effect on R. solani, which was 6.11 times that of CuO nanoparticles, despite CS-Cu HNFs containing only 45% of Cu as that in CuO nanoparticles. Additionally, CS-Cu HNFs significantly reduced R. solani infection in various crops and displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. This research provides new insights into the preparation and application of organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers as nanopesticides.

Copper-based nanomaterials: Opportunities for sustainable agriculture.

The exponential growth of the global population has resulted in a significant surge in the demand for food worldwide. Additionally, the impact of climate change has exacerbated crop losses caused by pests and pathogens. The transportation and utilization of traditional agrochemicals in the soil are highly inefficient, resulting in significant environmental losses and causing severe pollution of both the soil and aquatic ecosystems. Nanotechnology is an emerging field with significant potential for market applications. Among metal-based nanomaterials, copper-based nanomaterials have demonstrated remarkable potential in agriculture, which are anticipated to offer a promising alternative approach for enhancing crop yields and managing diseases, among other benefits. This review firstly performed co-occurrence and clustering analyses of previous studies on copper-based nanomaterials used in agriculture. Then a comprehensive review of the applications of copper-based nanomaterials in agricultural production was summarized. These applications primarily involved in nano-fertilizers, nano-regulators, nano-stimulants, and nano-pesticides for enhancing crop yields, improving crop resistance, promoting crop seed germination, and controlling crop diseases. Besides, the paper concluded the potential impact of copper-based nanomaterials on the soil micro-environment, including soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial communities. Additionally, the potential mechanisms were proposed underlying the interactions between copper-based nanomaterials, pathogenic microorganisms, and crops. Furthermore, the review summarized the factors affecting the application of copper-based nanomaterials, and highlighted the advantages and limitations of employing copper-based nanomaterials in agriculture. Finally, insights into the future research directions of nano-agriculture were put forward. The purpose of this review is to encourage more researches and applications of copper-based nanomaterials in agriculture, offering a novel and sustainable strategy for agricultural development.

Organic matters adsorbed on goethite inhibited the heterogeneous aggregation and adsorption of CdSe quantum dots: Experiments and extended DLVO theory.

The widespread use of Cd-based quantum dots (Cd-QDs) has led to their inevitable release into the environment, and the prevalent iron oxides and natural organic matter (NOM) are the key factors affecting the environmental behavior and fate of Cd-QDs. However, the impact of NOM adsorbed on iron oxides on the behavior of Cd-QDs with iron oxides and the mechanism of its interaction are not clear. In this study, two kinds of water-soluble QDs (CdSe QDs and core-shell CdSe/ZnS QDs) were selected to study the aggregation and adsorption behavior on goethite (Goe) and goethite-humic acid/fulvic acid composites (Goe-HA/FA). Aggregation kinetics and adsorption experiments between QDs and Goe(-HA/FA), characterization, and extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory calculations indicated that electrostatic interaction was the dominant force for QDs adsorption on Goe(-HA/FA). HA/FA changed the surface charge of Goe and increased the electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance between the particles, which in turn inhibited the adsorption of QDs on Goe. Besides, unsubstituted aromatic carbons, carboxy carbons, and carbonyl carbons played an important role in the adsorption process, and chemisorption occurred between QDs and Goe(-HA/FA). Our findings are important for better assessing the transport, fate, and potential environmental impacts and risks of Cd-QDs in iron-rich environments.

Huang-Jin-Shuang-Shen Decoction promotes CD8+ T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity by regulating chemokine CXCL10 in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Research on immunotherapy for gastric cancer is currently receiving significant attention, with particular emphasis on the role of CD8+ T cells in anti-tumor immune responses. In recent years, the importance of the chemokine CXCL10 in promoting anti-tumor immunity has been increasingly recognized because it plays a crucial role in recruiting CD8+ T cells to the tumor microenvironment. The Huang-Jin-Shuang-Shen (HJSS) Decoction, a Chinese medicine, has been used as an adjuvant drug for gastric cancer chemotherapy. Its mechanism of action may be related to the activation of anti-tumor immunity. PURPOSE: To assess the role of the HJSS Decoction in regulating the immune microenvironment of gastric cancer and elucidate its mechanism. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography Q Exactive-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the main components of the HJSS Decoction and evaluate the therapeutic effect of the HJSS Decoction synergized with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on gastric cancer. The proportions of CD8+ T cells and killing markers were determined using flow cytometry. Mechanisms of action and targets were screened using network pharmacology. The level of CXCL10 was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) related signaling pathway was detected in vitro. The target function was validated by siRNA transfection. RESULTS: The combination of HJSS Decoction and 5-FU demonstrated a synergistic effect in impeding the progression of subcutaneous gastric cancer. This was achieved through the facilitation of apoptosis and suppression of proliferation. Furthermore, HJSS Decoction exhibited the ability to enhance the population of CD8+ T cells and augment their cytotoxic capabilities, both in laboratory settings and in living organisms. Notably, HJSS Decoction upregulated the expression of CXCL10, and mechanistically, it activated the NFκB-related signaling pathway to initiate subsequent transcription of chemokines. CONCLUSION: The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of the HJSS Decoction and its potential clinical application in inhibiting gastric cancer in mice. HJSS Decoction can cooperate with 5-FU to inhibit gastric cancer, and the optimal dose is medium. HJSS Decoction exerts anti-tumor immunity by activating the NFκB-related signaling pathway and promoting the expression of CXCL10, which in turn recruits CD8+ T cells into the tumor immune microenvironment. Overall, these findings provide valuable evidence for the potential clinical application of HJSS Decoction.

Effects of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane and Cadmium Coexposure on Their Bioaccumulation, Oxidative Stress, Root Metabolism, and Rhizosphere Soil Microorganisms in a Soil-Rice System.

Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and cadmium (Cd) are typical pollutants in e-waste, seriously threatening crop growth. This study investigated the bioaccumulation and toxicity mechanisms of DBDPE and Cd in a soil-rice system. The results showed that 50 mg/kg DBDPE could reduce the level of accumulation of Cd in rice roots. DBDPE and Cd induced the antioxidant system (SOD, POD, and MDA) in rice seedlings. The combined exposure reduced the contents of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and organic acids. Phenylalanine and phenylpropanoid metabolisms were identified as the key detoxification metabolic pathways under combined exposure. DBDPE and Cd disrupted the functional cycling of carbon and nitrogen in rhizosphere soil, while Gemmatimonadetes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the key bacterial groups responding to DBDPE and Cd stress. This work provides data for the toxicity risk evaluation of DBDPE and Cd combined exposure to food crops.

Causal relationship between depression and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomized study.

Background: With the global rise in obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as the most common chronic liver disease. Concurrently, depression is a highly prevalent mental disorder. As the incidence of MASLD and depression continues to increase, a growing body of research indicates a potential association between the two conditions. However, the direction of causality between depression and MASLD remains uncertain. To address this gap, our study utilizes a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to explore the bidirectional causal relationship between depression and MASLD. Methods: We extracted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with depression and MASLD from pooled data of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A comprehensive assessment of possible causality was also performed. Possible mediating effects of liver enzymes on MASLD were also assessed. Results: A total of three GWAS pooled data on depression as well as GWAS data related to MASLD and GWAS data on four liver enzymes were used in this study. Our findings indicated a strong causal relationship between depression and MASLD (OR, 1.557; 95% CI, 1.097-2.211; P = 0.016). And we found a mediating effect of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). ALT 10% (95% CI: 7% - 13%, P< 0.0002). AST, 4.14% (95% CI: 2.34% - 5.94%, P < 0.05). GGT 0.19% (95% CI: 0.15% - 0.22%, P< 0.000000002). However, we did not find a mediating effect of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Our inverse MR analysis did not reveal any causal relationship between MASLD and depression. Conclusions: The MR analysis revealed a positive causal relationship between depression and MASLD, while no reverse causal relationship was identified. Liver enzymes may mediate the role between depression and MASLD.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Changes in Gut Microbiota and Blood Lipids.

Background and Aims: The global prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is 25%. This study aimed to explore differences in the gut microbial community and blood lipids between normal livers and those affected by NAFLD using 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing. Methods: Gut microbiome profiles of 40 NAFLD and 20 non-NAFLD controls were analyzed. Information about four blood lipids and 13 other clinical features was collected. Patients were divided into three groups by ultrasound and FibroScan, those with a normal liver, mild FL (FL1), and moderate-to-severe FL (FL2). FL1 and FL2 patients were divided into two groups, those with either hyperlipidemia or non-hyperlipidemia based on their blood lipids. Potential keystone species within the groups were identified using univariate analysis and a specificity-occupancy plot. Significant difference in biochemical parameters ion NAFLD patients and healthy individuals were identified by detrended correspondence analysis and canonical correspondence analysis. Results: Decreased gut bacterial diversity was found in patients with NAFLD. Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes decreased as NAFLD progressed. Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus 2 were the most representative fatty-related bacteria. Glutamate pyruvic transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and white blood cell count were selected as the most significant biochemical indexes. Calculation of areas under the curve identified two microbiomes combined with the three biochemical indexes that identified normal liver and FL2 very well but performed poorly in diagnosing FL1. Conclusions: Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus 2, combined with glutamate pyruvic transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and white blood cell count distinguished NAFLD. We speculate that regulating the health of gut microbiota may release NAFLD, in addition to providing new targets for clinicians to treat NAFLD.

Beta-elemene: A phytochemical with promise as a drug candidate for tumor therapy and adjuvant tumor therapy.

BACKGROUND: ß-Elemene (IUPAC name: (1 S,2 S,4 R)-1-ethenyl-1-methyl-2,4-bis(prop-1-en-2-yl) cyclohexane), is a natural compound found in turmeric root. Studies have demonstrated its diverse biological functions, including its anti-tumor properties, which have been extensively investigated. However, these have not yet been reviewed. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of ß-elemene research, with respect to disease treatment. METHODS: ß-Elemene-related articles were found in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases to systematically summarize its structure, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and pharmacological activity. We also searched the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database for therapeutic targets of ß-elemene. We further combined these targets with the relevant literature for KEGG and GO analyses. RESULTS: Studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying ß-elemene activity indicate that it regulates multiple pathways, including STAT3, MAPKs, Cyclin-dependent kinase 1/cyclin B, Notch, PI3K/AKT, reactive oxygen species, METTL3, PTEN, p53, FAK, MMP, TGF-ß/Smad signaling. Through these molecular pathways, ß-elemene has been implicated in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion and improving the immune microenvironment. Additionally, ß-elemene increases chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and reverses resistance by inhibiting DNA damage repair and regulating pathways including CTR1, pak1, ERK1/2, ABC transporter protein, Prx-1 and ERCC-1. Nonetheless, owing to its lipophilicity and low bioavailability, additional structural modifications could improve the efficacy of this drug. CONCLUSION: ß-Elemene exhibits low toxicity with good safety, inhibiting various tumor types via diverse mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. When combined with chemotherapeutic drugs, it enhances efficacy, reduces toxicity, and improves tumor killing. Thus, ß-elemene has vast potential for research and development.

Megafossils of Betulaceae from the Oligocene of Qaidam Basin and their paleoenvironmental and phytogeographic implications.

Understanding the paleoenvironment and phytogeographical history of the Tibetan Plateau, China relies on discovering new plant fossils. The Qaidam Basin has long been regarded as an ideal 'field laboratory' to investigate the paleoclimate and paleobiological evolution of the northern Tibetan Plateau. However, fossil angiosperms from the Qaidam Basin are rare, and our knowledge of its paleovegetation is poor. Here, we report fossil leaves and fruits of Betulaceae found from the Oligocene Shangganchaigou Formation of northwestern Qaidam Basin (Huatugou area). Comparative morphological analysis led us to assign the fruits to the Betula subgenus Betula and the leaves to Carpinus grandis. These findings, together with other reported fossil plants from the same locality, reveal a close floristic linkage between the Qaidam Basin and Europe during the Oligocene. The northern pathway of this floristic exchange may have crossed through the Qaidam Basin during the late Paleogene. This floristic linkage may have been facilitated by the continuous narrowing of the Turgai Strait and stronger westerlies, which transported moisture and provided favorable climatic conditions. Indeed, fossil plants collected from the Qaidam Basin suggest that during the Oligocene this region had warm and humid deciduous broad-leaf forest, which differs from the region's modern vegetation and indicates that the Qaidam Basin may have been a suitable region for these plants to flourish and spread during the Oligocene.

Effect of polyethylene, polyamide, and polylactic acid microplastics on Cr accumulation and toxicity to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in hydroponics.

Microplastics (MPs) in farmland soil may affect the environmental fate and toxicity of heavy metals; however, how non-biodegradable and biodegradable MPs change the accumulation and phytotoxicity of Cr(VI) to the plants is still unknown. In this study, we explored the impacts of Cr(VI) concentrations (0, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 µmol/L), MP types (polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), and polylactic acid (PLA)), sizes (13, 48, and 500 µm), and concentrations (40, 200, and 1000 mg/L) on the Cr accumulation and toxicity to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under hydroponic conditions for 14 days. The results show that the presence of PE-MPs promoted the Cr accumulation in root by 8-39.8%. However, PA-MPs inhibited the Cr accumulation in the whole plant under less than 100 µmol/L Cr(VI). Notably, 1000 mg/L PA-MPs significantly reduced Cr accumulation in root and stem by 44.70% and 48.20%, respectively. Moreover, PE-MPs and PLA-MPs reduced the chlorophyll content and slowed down the growth of seedlings, while PA-MPs were beneficial to the growth of cucumber under 50-500 µmol/L Cr(VI) treatments, increasing the biomass by 20.99-189.99%. Furthermore, PE-MPs enhanced the content of MDA, especially under 500 µmol/L Cr(VI) concentration by 27.39%; however, the addition of PA-MPs and PLA-MPs slightly enhanced the enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT). Significantly, 1000 mg/L PA-MPs promoted biomass and reduced MDA content compared the control due to their high Cr(VI) adsorption efficiency. Thus, MP type, especially PE-MPs, mainly determined the Cr accumulation and phytotoxicity, which was attributed to the various adsorption capacities of MPs to Cr(VI).

Polyamide microplastics as better environmental vectors of Cr(VI) in comparison to polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics.

The adsorption, desorption, and their influence factors of Cr(VI) by microplastics (MPs) in the solution was investigated in this study. The results demonstrated that UV aging promoted adsorption, while the increase of salinity and natural organic matter (NOM) inhibited adsorption. The particle size affected the total Cr(VI) active adsorption sites on MPs, while the pH changed the electrostatic force. The Cr(VI) adsorption by MPs conformed to the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order kinetic models, and was monolayer and inhomogeneous. SEM-EDS, XPS and ATR-FTIR analyses demonstrated that the physical adsorption dominated the adsorption process. Especially, the highest adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) by polyamide (PA) MPs was attributed to their hydrophilic amide groups. However, Cr(VI) was only released from PA MPs, of which desorption rate followed the sequence of seawater (79.5 %) > fresh water (66.6 %) > deionized water (34.8 %). Thus, PA MPs might be non-negligible environmental vectors for the transport of Cr(VI).

Simultaneous immobilization of arsenic, lead, and cadmium in soil by magnesium-aluminum modified biochar: Influences of organic acids, aging, and rainfall.

Magnesium-aluminum modified biochar (MABs) has an outstanding effect on the simultaneous immobilization of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in soil, but the stability of remediation effect of MAB under various natural conditions is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of organic acids, dry-wet cycles (DW), freeze-thaw cycles (FT), and rainfall (pH 4, 7, and 8) on the immobilization of As, Pb, and Cd by MAB. The results showed that oxalic acid decreased the immobilization efficiencies of As, Pb, and Cd by 15.5%-38.5%; meanwhile, humic acid reduced the immobilization efficiency of Pb by 89.7%, but elevated that of Cd by 19.5%. The immobilization mechanisms of MAB-5 on three metals were mainly involved in ion exchange and surface-complexation. Compared with the 7th round, the immobilization efficiencies of As, Pb, and Cd by MAB in the 28th round was decreased by 17%-28% in DW, but was increased by 11%-18% in FT. In addition, MAB was transformed into hydrotalcite after FT and DW. After experiencing simulated rainfall, MAB caused more As, Pb, and Cd to be retained in the upper soil layer, and the immobilization effect of MBA was more significant under the stimulated rainfall with higher pH. The study provides a more theoretical basis for the application of MAB in the actual site remediation.