A phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the denosumab biosimilar QL1206 in postmenopausal Chinese women with osteoporosis and high fracture risk.

The current study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a denosumab biosimilar, QL1206 (60 mg), compared to placebo in postmenopausal Chinese women with osteoporosis and high fracture risk. At 31 study centers in China, a total of 455 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and high fracture risk were randomly assigned to receive QL1206 (60 mg subcutaneously every 6 months) or placebo. From baseline to the 12-month follow-up, the participants who received QL1206 showed significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) values (mean difference and 95% CI) in the lumbar spine: 4.780% (3.880%, 5.681%), total hip :3.930% (3.136%, 4.725%), femoral neck 2.733% (1.877%, 3.589%) and trochanter: 4.058% (2.791%, 5.325%) compared with the participants who received the placebo. In addition, QL1206 injection significantly decreased the serum levels of C-terminal crosslinked telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTX): -77.352% (-87.080%, -66.844%), and N-terminal procollagen of type l collagen (P1NP): -50.867% (-57.184%, -45.217%) compared with the placebo over the period from baseline to 12 months. No new or unexpected adverse events were observed. We concluded that compared with placebo, QL1206 effectively increased the BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck and trochanter in postmenopausal Chinese women with osteoporosis and rapidly decreased bone turnover markers. This study demonstrated that QL1206 has beneficial effects on postmenopausal Chinese women with osteoporosis and high fracture risk.

A potential link between fibroblast growth factor-23 and the progression of AKI to CKD.

BACKGROUND: Patients who recover from acute kidney injury (AKI) have a 25% increase in the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a 50% increase in mortality after a follow-up of approximately 10 years. Circulating FGF-23 increases significantly early in the development of AKI, is significantly elevated in patients with CKD and has become a major biomarker of poor clinical prognosis in CKD. However, the potential link between fibroblast growth factor-23 levels and the progression of AKI to CKD remains unclear. METHOD: Serum FGF-23 levels in AKI patients and ischaemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) mice were detected with ELISA. Cultured HK2 cells were incubated with FGF-23 and PD173074, a blocker of FGFR, and then TGFß/Smad and Wnt/ß-catenin were examined with immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of COL1A1 and COL4A1. Histologic staining confirmed renal fibrosis. RESULTS: The level of serum FGF-23 was significantly different between AKI patients and healthy controls (P < 0.01). Moreover, serum FGF-23 levels in the CKD progression group were significantly higher than those in the non-CKD progression group of AKI patients (P < 0.01). In the AKI-CKD mouse model, serum FGF-23 levels were increased, and renal fibrosis occurred; moreover, the protein expression of ß-catenin and p-Smad3 was upregulated. PD173074 downregulated the expression of ß-catenin and p-Smad3 and reduced fibrosis in both mice and HK2 cells. CONCLUSION: The increase in FGF-23 may be associated with the progression of AKI to CKD and may mediate renal fibrosis via TGF-ß and Wnt/ß-catenin activation.

Physiological response and molecular mechanisms against UV-B radiation in Brachionus asplanchnoidis (Rotifera).

Ultraviolet B (UV-B, 280-320 nm) radiation is a major environmental stressor for aquatic organisms on Earth's surface. Its effects on biological systems are well known, but the mechanisms by which organisms respond and adapt to UV-B radiation are still being explored. In this study, we investigated the effects of UV-B radiation on the monogonont rotifer Brachionus asplanchnoidis, focusing on physiological parameters, antioxidant systems, DNA damage, and DNA repair-related molecular mechanism. Our results showed that the LD50 was at 28.53 kJ/m2, indicating strong tolerance to UV-B. However, UV-B radiation caused adverse effects on growth and reproduction, with shortened reproductive period and longevity, decreased fecundity and hatchability, and inhibition of population growth. Biochemical analyses revealed severe oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation, with increased ROS and MDA levels. Activities of antioxidant enzymes were highly induced at low doses but decreased at high doses. DNA damage also occurred in UV-B-exposed rotifers. Furthermore, selected DNA repair-related genes were up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of UV-B radiation on rotifers and highlight the importance of considering both ecological and molecular responses in assessing the impact of UV-B radiation on aquatic organisms.

Visual outcomes and complications following one-way air-fluid exchange technique for vitreous hemorrhage post vitrectomy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of one-way surgical technique for the treatment of vitreous hemorrhage post vitrectomy on proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients. METHODS: This retrospective case series include 47 PDR patients who had vitrectomy with balanced saline solution tamponade and have developed vitreous hemorrhage without significant absorption. The one-way air-fluid exchange procedure which involves the application of a 0.22-µm pore size filter to exchange about 4.5-5.5 ml of fluid with a 10 ml syringe was performed on 47 patients (47 eyes). Post procedure, additional treatments were administered when needed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), occurrence of intra-procedural and post-procedural complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 47 eyes of 47 PDR patients with a mean age of 50.8 ± 12.0 years were reviewed. Because of vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment of PDR, all 47 eyes underwent vitrectomy with balanced saline solution tamponade prior to the exchange procedure. Four patients (8.51%) and 43 patients (91.5%) were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), respectively. All 47 eyes were given the one-way air-fluid exchange procedure in the treatment room. Forty-two cases (89.4%) needed the air-fluid exchange procedure only once, 4 cases (8.51%) underwent the procedure twice, and 1 case (2.13%) was given the procedure three times, followed by additional retinal photocoagulation and one intravitreal injection of Conbercept. In addition to the procedure, no further treatment was needed for 5 eyes (10.6%) while additional retinal laser treatment was provided for 41 eyes (87.2%). The BCVA at the final follow-up was significantly improved from the initial acuity baseline in all cases. No complications were observed during the follow-ups. CONCLUSION: This one-way air-fluid exchange procedure can effectively exchange the vitreous hemorrhage and improve visual acuity of PDR patients who develop vitreous rehemorrhage post vitrectomy without obvious complications.

Hepatic Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 Alleviates Liver Steatosis and Metabolic Disorder by Transcriptionally Suppressing Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ in Mice.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a worldwide epidemic. A large and growing unmet therapeutic need has inspired numerous studies in the field. Integrating the published genomic data available in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) with NAFLD samples from rodents, we discovered that interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) is significantly downregulated in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced fatty liver. In the current study, we identified IRF6 in hepatocytes as a protective factor in liver steatosis (LS). During HFD challenge, hepatic Irf6 was suppressed by promoter hypermethylation. Severity of HFD-induced LS was exacerbated in hepatocyte-specific Irf6 knockout mice, whereas hepatocyte-specific transgenic mice overexpressing Irf6 (IRF6-HTG) exhibited alleviated steatosis and metabolic disorder in response to HFD feeding. Mechanistic studies in vitro demonstrated that hepatocyte IRF6 directly binds to the promoter of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) gene and subsequently halts the transcription of Pparγ and its target genes (e.g., genes that regulate lipogenesis and lipid acid uptake) under physiological conditions. Conclusion: Irf6 is downregulated by promoter hypermethylation upon metabolic stimulus exposure, which fail to inhibit Pparγ and its targets, driving abnormalities of lipid metabolism.

INTRAOCULAR APPLICATION OF FIBRIN GLUE AS AN ADJUNCT TO PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY FOR RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intraocular application of fibrin glue to seal the retinal breaks during standard pars plana vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: Twenty-six eyes of 26 rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients were included in the study. Fibrin glue was used to seal the retinal breaks during standard pars plana vitrectomy in all 26 eyes. Each eye was completely filled with a balanced saline solution at the end of the surgery. The success rate of the reattachment surgery, change in best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: All eyes, with a mean age of 45.1 ± 18.3 years, were treated with pars plana vitrectomy surgery. During pars plana vitrectomy surgery, the fibrin glue showed excellent adherence and compliance to the retina. The glue was no longer visible through ultrasound scan 14.85 ± 4.56 days after surgery. The retinal breaks were sealed completely, and retina attached in all 26 eyes with no occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment during the follow-up period. The best-corrected visual acuity at 6 months after operation was significantly improved from preoperation best-corrected visual acuity. After operation, two eyes (2/26) developed an epiretinal membrane. Although three eyes (3/26) had a transient increased intraocular pressure during the 1st week after surgery, the intraocular pressure lowered to the normal range after the application of timolol. One eye (1/26) required daily topical antiglaucoma drops to lower the intraocular pressure. No adverse effects of fibrin glue were observed. CONCLUSION: The fibrin glue provided a superior adhesive effect for sealing retinal breaks, while showing no additional adverse effects. It is a worthy alternative to gas tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment vitrectomy surgery.

Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, improves hyperoxia-induced lung injury via anti-inflammation.

Roflumilast is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) and can suppress the hydrolysis of cAMP in inflammatory cells, conferring anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of roflumilast on hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (HALI) in a rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into: control group; HALI group; 2.5 mg/kg roflumilast group; and 5 mg/kg roflumilast group. Rats were pressurized to 250 kPa with pure oxygen to induce lung injury. In the roflumilast groups, rats were orally administered with roflumilast at 2.5 or 5 mg/kg once before hyperoxia exposure and once daily for two days after exposure. Rats were sacrificed 72 hours after hyperoxia exposure. The lung tissues were collected for the detection of lung water content, inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB/p-NF-κB protein expression, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was harvested for the measurement of protein concentration and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Results showed roflumilast at different doses could significantly reduce lung edema, improve lung pathology and reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the lung. The protective effects seemed to be related to the dose of roflumilast. Our study indicates roflumilast has the potential as a medication for the treatment of HALI.

Oridonin protects the lung against hyperoxia-induced injury in a mouse model.

Hyperoxic acute lung injury (HALI) is caused by prolonged exposure to high oxygen partial pressure. This study was undertaken to investigate the protective effects of oridonin on HALI in a mouse model. Mice were randomly divided into three groups: the control group, HALI group and oridonin (ORI) group. HALI was induced by exposing mice to pure oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for six hours in the HALI and ORI groups. In the ORI group, mice were intraperitoneally injected with ORI at 10 mg/kg twice daily after hyperoxic exposure. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the hyperoxia exposure, followed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Lungs were then collected. Each lung was processed for HE staining and detection of wet-to-dry weight ratio. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and protein content of BALF were determined, and the contents of malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the lung were measured. Our results showed prolonged exposure to hyperoxia significantly damaged the lung, caused lung edema, increased MDA and TNF-?, and reduced GSH and IL-10 in the lung. However, post-exposure treatment with oridonin was able to improve lung pathology, attenuate lung edema, reduce MDA and TNF-?, and increase GSH and IL-10 in the lung. These findings suggest that oridonin can protect the lung against hyperoxia-induced injury in mice.

Changes in angiotensin II and angiotensin-converting enzyme of different tissues after prolonged hyperoxia exposure.

Current study findings concerning changes in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in cases of hyperoxic acute lung injury (HALI) have shown conflicting results. This study aimed to detect the angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in a rat HALI model. Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups: the control group, HALI group and hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBO2-PC) group. HALI was induced by exposure to pure oxygen at 250 kPa for six hours. In the HBO2-PC group, rats were exposed to oxygen at 250 kPa for 60 minutes twice daily for two consecutive days; HALI was induced at 24 hours after the last oxygen exposure.=After HALI, the lung, spleen and liver were harvested for HE staining and pathological examination. At one hour and 18 hours after HALI, the blood, liver, lung and spleen were collected for the detection of Ang II and ACE contents by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pathological examination showed the lung was significantly damaged and characteristics of HALI were observed, but there were no significant pathological changes in the liver and spleen. After HALI, Ang II and ACE contents of different tissues increased progressively over time, but the HBO2-PC group showed reductions in the Ang II and ACE contents to a certain extent, especially at 18 hours after injury. These findings suggest prolonged hyperoxia exposure may activate the RAS, which may be associated with the pathogenesis of HALI. HBO2-PC has a limited capability to inhibit RAS activation.

Diagnostic accuracy of intracellular mycobacterium tuberculosis detection for tuberculous meningitis.

RATIONALE: Early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous meningitis saves lives, but current laboratory diagnostic tests lack sensitivity. OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether the detection of intracellular bacteria by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain and early secretory antigen target (ESAT)-6 in cerebrospinal fluid leukocytes improves tuberculous meningitis diagnosis. METHODS: Cerebrospinal fluid specimens from patients with suspected tuberculous meningitis were stained by conventional Ziehl-Neelsen stain, a modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain involving cytospin slides with Triton processing, and an ESAT-6 immunocytochemical stain. Acid-fast bacteria and ESAT-6-expressing leukocytes were detected by microscopy. All tests were performed prospectively in a central laboratory by experienced technicians masked to the patients' final diagnosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty patients with suspected tuberculous meningitis were enrolled. Thirty-seven had Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultured from cerebrospinal fluid; 40 had a microbiologically confirmed alternative diagnosis; the rest had probable or possible tuberculous meningitis according to published criteria. Against a clinical diagnostic gold standard the sensitivity of conventional Ziehl-Neelsen stain was 3.3% (95% confidence interval, 1.6-6.7%), compared with 82.9% (95% confidence interval, 77.4-87.3%) for modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain and 75.1% (95% confidence interval, 68.8-80.6%) for ESAT-6 immunostain. Intracellular bacteria were seen in 87.8% of the slides positive by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. The specificity of modified Ziehl-Neelsen and ESAT-6 stain was 85.0% (95% confidence interval, 69.4-93.8%) and 90.0% (95% confidence interval, 75.4-96.7%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced bacterial detection by simple modification of the Ziehl-Neelsen stain and an ESAT-6 intracellular stain improve the laboratory diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.

[Preliminary study on CT retrograde intubation dacryosystography (CT-RIDC) and its impact factors].

OBJECTIVE: To observe practicality and safety of CT-RIDC for the patients with presaccular lacrimal obstruction and study the related factors. To provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of the patients with presaccular lacrimal obstruction. METHODS: Fifty-four patients (75 eyes) with presaccular lacrimal obstruction, including 3 cases (5 eyes) of upper and lower lacrimal punctum atresia, 15 cases (24 eyes) of superior and inferior canalicular obstruction, 18 cases (28 eyes) of common canaliculus obstruction, 18 cases (18 eyes) of old laceration of superior and inferior canalicular, were recruited. All patients underwent the examination by using 0° and 30° ear endoscope and the imaging characteristics of the inferior orifice of nasolacrimal duct were obtained. Fifty-three cases (65 eyes) with the opening inferior orifice were randomly divided into four groups (15 eyes, 17 eyes, 17 eyes, 16 eyes) according to different angle of head hypsokinesis in the supine position. The OM lines back along the sagittal plane of the head back 10°, 20°, 30°, 40° were measured. The angles of head hypsokinesis were set in accordance with the OM line measurement results.Intubation was successful when the intubation guided needle within the set of epidural anesthetic catheter aided with endoscopy was inserted into the inferior orifice of nasolacrimal duct and then the epidural anesthetic catheter was inserted into the lacrimal duct 6 mm. The angle (θ) between the long axis of the curved part of the intubation guided needle and the long axis of the guided needle was measured. The numbers of intubation success cases in each group were recorded.χ² test was used to compare intubation success rate under the different angle of head hypsokinesis.Scheffe method was used to compare intubation success rate between each group. Contrast medium was then injected into lacrimal duct through the epidural anesthetic catheter for patients with successful intubation and CT scan was carried out. 3D model of lacrimal passage was reconstructed with CT axial scanning. RESULTS: The intubation guided needle was successfully inserted into the inferior orifice of nasolacrimal duct in 44 eyes among 65 eyes with the opening orifice. The number of successful intubation cases were 4 eyes, 15 eyes, 13 eyes, 12 eyes and the intubation success rate was 26.67%, 88.24%, 76.74%, 75.00% according the angle of head hypsokinesis 10° group (15 eyes), 20° group (17 eyes), 30° group (17 eyes), 40° group (16 eyes). The intubation success rate of head hypsokinesis 10° group was significantly lower than that of the other groups. Multiple Comparison by Scheffe Test demonstrated that there was a remarkable difference (P < 0.05) in the intubation success rate between head hypsokinesis 10° group and the other three groups. There were no significant differences in the intubation success rate among head hypsokinesis 20° group, head hypsokinesis 30° group and head hypsokinesis 40° group. The mean of θ was 108° with a range of 93.2°-120.5° by measuring the angle θ of the successful intubation cases. According to the frequency distribution plot, most θ was in 104°-115°. The successful intubation cases (44 eyes) underwent CT scan in the same position immediately after injected contrast medium (Optiray) through the epidural anesthetic catheter. CT images of 28 eyes showed retained contrast medium in the nasolacrimal duct and lacrimal sac. The findings from CT-DCG images were basically agreed with the operation. CONCLUSIONS: CD-RIDC may apply to pre-operative examination for the patients with the opening orifice and presaccular lacrimal obstruction.It provideed imaging evidence for diagnosis and therapy and it was safe and practical. Many factors could affect CD-RIDC. The main verified facors were the shape of the inferior orifice of nasolacrimal duct, head position of the patient and the bending angle of the tip of intubation guided needle.

Growth and physiological responses of submerged macrophytes to linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS).

The potential toxic effects of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), widely used in commercial detergents and cleaners, on submerged macrophytes remain unclear. We conducted a two-week exposure experiment to investigate LAS toxicity on five submerged macrophytes (four native and one exotic), focusing on their growth and physiological responses. The results showed that lower concentrations of LAS (< 5 mg/L) slightly stimulated the growth of submerged macrophytes, while higher doses inhibited it. Increasing LAS concentration resulted in decreased chlorophyll content, increased MDA content and POD activity, and initially increased SOD and CAT activities before declining. Moreover, Elodea nuttallii required a higher effective concentration for growth compared to native macrophytes. These findings suggest that different species of submerged macrophytes exhibited specific responses to LAS, with high doses (exceeding 5 ∼ 10 mg/L) inhibited plant growth and physiology. However, LAS may promote the dominance of surfactant-tolerant exotic submerged macrophytes in polluted aquatic environments.

Reproductive toxicity of hexabromocyclododecane in rotifer Brachionus plicatilis: Involvement of reactive oxygen species and calcium signaling pathways.

To assess the toxicity of Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), the population, individual, and cellular biochemical parameters of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis exposed to different concentrations of HBCD were investigated. The results showed that the population growth rate, reproductive period, and offspring number in B. plicatilis significantly decreased under 324 µg/L and 648 µg/L HBCD. Antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression of CAT and Mn-SOD were promoted at low concentrations (32 µg/L and 64 µg/L) and inhibited at high concentrations (324 µg/L and 648 µg/L), while MDA content accumulated continuously with increasing HBCD concentrations, indicating that HBCD induced oxidation imbalance in rotifers. Further evidence was provided by the correlation between DNA fragmentation and physiological changes. The increased intercellular concentration of Ca2+ and the expression of CaM mRNA suggested that HBCD activated pathways related to calcium signaling. In summary, the excessive production of ROS induced by HBCD was considered to be the main cause of reproductive toxicity.

Variations in life history parameters, population dynamics, and transcriptome regulation of Brachionus plicatilis exposed to triclosan.

Triclosan (TCS) poses an ecological health risk due to its lipophilic nature, long half-life, and bioconcentration. To evaluate the toxicity of TCS on aquatic organisms, the life history parameters, population dynamics, and transcriptome regulation of Brachionus plicatilis exposed to TCS were investigated. In this study, the fecundity of rotifers was promoted by 25 µg/L of TCS and inhibited by higher concentrations (100 µg/L, 200 µg/L). The reproductive period of rotifers was shortened by 46.24 % but the post-reproductive period was prolonged by 176.47 % in 200 µg/L TCS. Both population growth and life table parameters indicated that a high concentration of TCS (200 µg/L) had negative impacts on population growth. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the effects of TCS on the life history parameters and population dynamics of rotifers were determined by regulating the expression of functional genes in cilium organization and cilium assembly and involved in pathways of focal adhesion.

Unraveling the role of tissue colonized microbiome in ovarian cancer progression.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer (OC) is found to be the third most common gynecologic malignancy over the world, having the highest mortality rate among such tumors. Emerging studies underscore the presence of microorganisms within tumor tissues, with certain pathogens intricately linked to disease onset and progression. Disruption of the microbiome frequently precipitates disturbances in host metabolic and immune pathways, thereby fostering the development of cancer. METHODS: In this study, we initiated the investigation by conducting microbial reannotation on the RNA sequencing data derived from ovarian cancer tissues. Subsequently, a comprehensive array of analyses on tissue microbes was executed. These analyses encompassed the assessment of intergroup variations in microbial diversity, differential microbiological analysis, exploration of the association between host gene expression and microbial abundance, as well as an enrichment analysis of functional pathways linked to host genes associated with microbes. RESULTS: The analysis results revealed that Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the main components at phylum level in ovarian tissue. Notably, the microbial composition of ovarian cancer tissue significantly diverged from that of normal ovarian tissue e, exhibiting markedly lower alpha diversity and distinct beta diversity. Besides, pathogenic microorganisms Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Enterobacter hormaechei were enriched in cancer tissue. Host genes associated with these pathogens were enriched in key pathways including "JAK-STAT signaling pathway", "Transcriptional misregulation in cancer", and "Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation", suggesting their role in ovarian cancer progression through microbial dysbiosis and immune response interaction. CONCLUSION: Abundance of pathogenic microorganisms in ovarian cancer tissue could modulate the expression of host genes, consequently impacting cancer-related signaling pathways and fostering cancer progression.

Ecotoxicological assessment, oxidative response, and enzyme activity disorder of the rotifer Brachionus asplanchnoidis exposed to a toxic cocktail of spent lithium-ion battery leachate.

Spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as a major source of waste due to their low recovery rate. The physical disposal of spent LIBs can lead to the leaching of their contents into the surrounding environment. While it is widely agreed that hazardous substances such as nickel and cobalt in the leachate can pose a threat to the environment and human health, the overall composition and toxicity of LIB leachate remain unclear. In this study, a chemical analysis of leachate from spent LIBs was conducted to identify its primary constituents. The ecotoxicological parameters of the model organism, rotifer Brachionus asplanchnoidis, were assessed to elucidate the toxicity of the LIB leachate. Subsequent experiments elucidated the impacts of the LIB leachate and its representative components on the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme activity of B. asplanchnoidis. The results indicate that both the LIB leachate and its components are harmful to individual rotifers due to the adverse effects of stress-induced disturbances in biochemical indicators, posing a threat to population development. The intensified poisoning phenomenon under combined stress suggests the presence of complex synergistic effects among the components of LIB leachate. Due to the likely environmental and biological hazards, LIBs should be strictly managed after disposal. Additionally, more economical and eco-friendly recycling and treatment technologies need to be developed and commercialized.

Functional roles of circular RNAs in lung injury.

Lung injury leads to respiratory dysfunction, low quality of life, and even life-threatening conditions. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous RNAs produced by selective RNA splicing. Studies have reported their involvement in the progression of lung injury. Understanding the roles of circRNAs in lung injury may aid in elucidating the underlying mechanisms and provide new therapeutic targets. Thus, in this review, we aimed to summarize and discuss the characteristics and biological functions of circRNAs, and their roles in lung injury from existing research, to provide a theoretical basis for the use of circRNAs as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for lung injury.

[Tea polyphenols inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer DU145 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of tea polyphenols on the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells and its possible mechanism. METHODS: We cultured androgen-independent prostate cancer DU145 cells in the medium with different concentrations (50, 100, 250 and 500 microg/ml) of tea polyphenols, and those in the normal medium as the control. After 48 hours of culture, we detected the survival rate of the cells by MTT assay and determined the expression of survivin by Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: At 48 hours, the survival rates of the prostate cancer DU145 cells were 0.97 +/- 0.12, 0.71 +/- 0.07, 0.20 +/- 0.03 and 0.08 +/- 0.01 in the 50, 100, 250 and 500 microg/ml tea polyphenols treatment groups, all significantly reduced as compared with the control group (P < 0.01) except that of the 50 microg/ml group (P = 0.42). Furthermore, the survival rate continued to decrease with the prolonging of time, dropping below 5% at 96 hours except in the 50 microg/ml group. The grey values of the survivin expression in the 100, 250 and 500 microg/ml tea polyphenols groups were 13 425 +/- 34, 2 017 +/- 24 and 1 274 +/- 22, respectively, at 48 hours, significantly lower than 15 075 +/- 48 in the control group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the content of survivin mRNA at 48 hours was markedly lower in the 50, 100, 250 and 500 microg/ml treatment groups (0.74 +/- 0.03, 0.64 +/- 0.02, 0.52 +/- 0.01 and 0.21 +/- 0.02) than in the control (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Tea polyphenols can inhibit the proliferation of human prostate cancer DU145 cells, which may be associated with the decreased expression of the survivin gene.