Highly transparent cellulose-based phosphorescent materials with tunable afterglow colors and white emission.

Room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials with wood as framework are highly desirable due to their extended afterglow, high haze and good mechanical properties, which is highly desired in lighting materials. However, it remains challenging to obtain wood-based RTP materials that possess on-demand afterglow colors while maintaining high transparency across the entire visible spectrum. In this study, long-persistent phosphorescent transparent composite with tunable afterglow color is fabricated by infiltrating delignified wood with phosphors (including carbazole, naphthalene, and pyrene) doped polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Such RTP woods indicate remarkable transparency, over 70 %, and an extended afterglow duration of up to 8 s. Here, PMMA serves as rigid surrounding to suppress the non-radiative transition of phosphors to ensure phosphorescence, and to fulfill in the wood lumen to match the refractive index of cellulose for transparency. By formulating phosphors with different types and concentration ratios, transparent woods with diverse phosphorescence colors, and white emission, are successfully achieved. Furthermore, the RTP woods demonstrate dynamically tunable afterglow colors over time based on the varied phosphorescent lifetimes. Characterized by their high transparency and tunable colors, these natural wood-based RTP materials have great potentials for application in the fields of LED materials, optics, and building materials.

CSF3 aggravates acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis by disrupting alveolar epithelial barrier integrity.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive respiratory disorder characterized by poor prognosis, often presenting with acute exacerbation. The primary cause of death associated with IPF is acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF). However, the pathophysiology of acute exacerbation has not been clearly elucidated yet. This study aims to investigate the underlying pathophysiological molecular mechanism in a mouse AE-PF model. C57BL/6J mice were intratracheally administered bleomycin (BLM, 5 mg/kg) to induce pulmonary fibrosis. After 14 days, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 2 mg/kg) was injected via the trachea route. Histological assessments, including H&E and Masson staining, as well as inflammatory indicators, were included to evaluate the induction of AE-PF by BLM and LPS in mice. Transcriptomic profiling of pulmonary tissues identified CSF3 as one of the top 10 upregulated DEGs in AE-PF mice. Indeed, administration of exogenous CSF3 protein exacerbated AE-PF in mice. Mechanistically, CSF3 disrupted alveolar epithelial barrier integrity and permeability by regulating specialized cell adhesion complexes such as tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs) via PI3K/p-Akt/Snail pathway, contributing to the aggravation of AE-PF in mice. Moreover, the discovery of elevated sera CSF3 indicated a notable increase in IPF patients during the exacerbation of the disease. Pearson correlation analysis in IPF patients revealed significant positive associations between CSF3 levels and KL-6 levels, LDH levels, CRP levels, respectively. These results provide mechanistic insights into the role of CSF3 in exacerbating of lung fibrotic disease and indicate monitoring CSF3 levels may aid in early clinical decisions for alternative therapy in the management of rapidly progressing IPF.

[Evaluation of efficacy of Dihuang Baoyuan Granules for diabetes mellitus and composition and in vivo distribution analysis based on UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS].

Dihuang Baoyuan Granules is a prescription endorsed by HU Tianbao, a renowned and elderly Chinese medicine practitioner from Beijing, and has demonstrated definite clinical efficacy. The composition of this prescription is intricate as it includes 7 distinct herbal medicines. This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of Dihuang Baoyuan Granules, evaluate its efficacy in the treatment of diabetes and analyze the distribution of the drug components in the plasma, liver, and kidney after administration. The findings will serve as a reference for future research on pharmacodynamic substances of this prescription. UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS was employed to analyze the main chemical components of Dihuang Baoyuan Granules. A Waters ACQUITY Premier HSS T3 column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 µm) was used for chromatographic separation with 0.1% formic acid(A)-acetonitrile(B) as the mobile phases in a gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min~(-1). Electrospray ionization(ESI) source was used to acquire data in positive and negative ion modes. Furthermore, a rat model of diabetes mellitus was established by feeding with a high-sugar high-fat diet, and injection with streptozocin at a dose of 35 mg·kg~(-1), and the modeled rats were then administrated with Dihuang Baoyuan Granules. The fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and other relevant indicators were measured, and the substances present in the plasma, liver, and kidney were identified. By reference to quasi-molecular ions, MS/MS fragment ions, MS spectra of reference substances, and compound information in available reports, 191 components were identified in Dihuang Baoyuan Granules, including 29 alkaloids, 24 flavonoids, 22 organic acids, 16 amino acids, 12 terpenes, 11 steroid saponins, 9 sugars, 8 phenylethanoid glycosides, 8 nucleosides, 2 phenylpropanoids, and 49 others compounds. Eighty-three chemical components were identified in rat plasma, 109 in the liver, and 98 in the kidney. Component identification and characterization of Dihuang Baoyuan Granules in vitro and in vivo provide efficacy information and guidance for the basic research on the pharmacodynamic substances and further clinical application of this prescription.

Ethylene-responsive VviERF003 modulates glycosylated monoterpenoid synthesis by upregulating VviGT14 in grapes.

Terpenoids are important contributors to the aroma of grapes and wines. Grapes contain terpenoids in both volatile free form and non-volatile glycosidic form, with the latter being more abundant. Glycosylated terpenoids are deemed as latent aromatic potentials for their essential role in adding to the flowery and fruity bouquet of wines. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanism underlying glycosylated terpenoid biosynthesis remains poorly understood. Our prior study identified an AP2/ERF transcription factor, VviERF003, through DNA pull-down screening using the promoter of terpenoid glycosyltransferase VviGT14 gene. This study demonstrated that both genes were co-expressed and synchronized with the accumulation of glycosylated monoterpenoids during grape maturation. VviERF003 can bind to the VviGT14 promoter and promote its activity according to yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays. VviERF003 upregulated VviGT14 expression in vivo, leading to increased production of glycosylated monoterpenoids based on the evidence from overexpression or RNA interference in leaves, berry skins, and calli of grapes, as well as tomato fruits. Additionally, VviERF003 and VviGT14 expressions and glycosylated monoterpenoid levels were induced by ethylene in grapes. The findings suggest that VviERF003 is ethylene-responsive and stimulates glycosylated monoterpenoid biosynthesis through upregulating VviGT14 expression.

Neurotransmitter accumulation and Parkinson's disease-like phenotype caused by anion channelrhodopsin opto-controlled astrocytic mitochondrial depolarization in substantia nigra pars compacta.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a mitochondria-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by locomotor deficits and loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Majority of PD research primarily focused on neuronal dysfunction, while the roles of astrocytes and their mitochondria remain largely unexplored. To bridge the gap and investigate the roles of astrocytic mitochondria in PD progression, we constructed a specialized optogenetic tool, mitochondrial-targeted anion channelrhodopsin, to manipulate mitochondrial membrane potential in astrocytes. Utilizing this tool, the depolarization of astrocytic mitochondria within the SNc in vivo led to the accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in SNc, subsequently resulting in excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and locomotor deficits. Consequently, in vivo calcium imaging and interventions of neurotransmitter antagonists demonstrated that GABA accumulation mediated movement deficits of mice. Furthermore, 1 h/day intermittent astrocytic mitochondrial depolarization for 2 weeks triggered spontaneous locomotor dysfunction, α-synuclein aggregation, and the loss of DA neurons, suggesting that astrocytic mitochondrial depolarization was sufficient to induce a PD-like phenotype. In summary, our findings suggest the maintenance of proper astrocytic mitochondrial function and the reinstatement of a balanced neurotransmitter profile may provide a new angle for mitigating neuronal dysfunction during the initial phases of PD.

Aflatoxin B1 induces ROS-dependent mitophagy by modulating the PINK1/Parkin pathway in HepG2 cells.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is extremely harmful to both humans and animals. Mitophagy is a selective process of self-elimination and has an important role in controlling mitochondrial quality. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation on AFB1-induced mitophagy in HepG2 cells to provide a new perspective from which to design novel therapeutic strategies to treat AFB1 poisoning. ROS release was induced in HepG2 cells with AFB1 (10 µmol/L). Cell autophagy activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, Parkin translocation and both the transcription and expression of mitophagy-related proteins were measured when N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) partially decreased the ROS level, while the knockdown of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) resulted in a large accumulation of ROS. The results reveal that NAC pretreatment ameliorated the decline in both the MMP and the ATP levels while also activating phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5)-PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin, while the Nrf2 knockdown group exhibited the opposite trend. These results suggest that AFB1-induced mitophagy in HepG2 cells depends on ROS, and proper ROS activates mitophagy to play a protective role.

Insights into Salinity Tolerance in Wheat.

Salt stress has a detrimental impact on food crop production, with its severity escalating due to both natural and man-made factors. As one of the most important food crops, wheat is susceptible to salt stress, resulting in abnormal plant growth and reduced yields; therefore, damage from salt stress should be of great concern. Additionally, the utilization of land in coastal areas warrants increased attention, given diminishing supplies of fresh water and arable land, and the escalating demand for wheat. A comprehensive understanding of the physiological and molecular changes in wheat under salt stress can offer insights into mitigating the adverse effects of salt stress on wheat. In this review, we summarized the genes and molecular mechanisms involved in ion transport, signal transduction, and enzyme and hormone regulation, in response to salt stress based on the physiological processes in wheat. Then, we surveyed the latest progress in improving the salt tolerance of wheat through breeding, exogenous applications, and microbial pathways. Breeding efficiency can be improved through a combination of gene editing and multiple omics techniques, which is the fundamental strategy for dealing with salt stress. Possible challenges and prospects in this process were also discussed.

Complement C1q-mediated microglial synaptic elimination by enhancing desialylation underlies sevoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Repeated neonatal sevoflurane exposures led to neurocognitive disorders in young mice. We aimed to assess the role of microglia and complement C1q in sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Neonatal mice were treated with sevoflurane on postnatal days 6, 8, and 10, and the Morris water maze was performed to assess cognitive functions. For mechanistic explorations, mice were treated with minocycline, C1q-antibody ANX005, and sialidase-inhibitor N-acetyl-2,3-dehydro-2-deoxyneuraminic acid (NADNA) before sevoflurane exposures. Western blotting, RT-qPCR, Golgi staining, 3D reconstruction and engulfment analysis, immunofluorescence, and microglial morphology analysis were performed. In vitro experiments were conducted in microglial cell line BV2 cells. RESULTS: Repeated neonatal sevoflurane exposures resulted in deficiencies in learning and cognition of young mice, accompanied by microglial activation and synapse loss. Sevoflurane enhanced microglia-mediated synapse elimination through C1q binding to synapses. Inhibition of microglial activation and phagocytosis with minocycline significantly reduced the loss of synapses. We further revealed the involvement of neuronal sialic acids in this process. The enhanced activity of sialidase by sevoflurane led to the loss of sialic acids, which facilitated C1q binding to synapses. Inhibition of C1q with ANX005 or inhibition of sialidase with NADNA significantly rescued microglia-mediated synapse loss and improved neurocognitive function. Sevoflurane enhanced the engulfment of BV2 cells, which was reversed by ANX005. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that C1q-mediated microglial synaptic elimination by enhancing desialylation contributed to sevoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity. Inhibition of C1q or sialidase may be a potential therapeutic strategy for this neurotoxicity.

Cpd-A1 alleviates acute kidney injury by inhibiting ferroptosis.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined as sudden loss of renal function characterized by increased serum creatinine levels and reduced urinary output with a duration of 7 days. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated necrotic pathway, has been implicated in the progression of AKI, while ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a selective inhibitor of ferroptosis, inhibited renal damage, oxidative stress and tubular cell death in AKI mouse models. However, the clinical translation of Fer-1 is limited due to its lack of efficacy and metabolic instability. In this study we designed and synthesized four Fer-1 analogs (Cpd-A1, Cpd-B1, Cpd-B2, Cpd-B3) with superior plasma stability, and evaluated their therapeutic potential in the treatment of AKI. Compared with Fer-1, all the four analogs displayed a higher distribution in mouse renal tissue in a pharmacokinetic assay and a more effective ferroptosis inhibition in erastin-treated mouse tubular epithelial cells (mTECs) with Cpd-A1 (N-methyl-substituted-tetrazole-Fer-1 analog) being the most efficacious one. In hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)- or LPS-treated mTECs, treatment with Cpd-A1 (0.25 µM) effectively attenuated cell damage, reduced inflammatory responses, and inhibited ferroptosis. In ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)- or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced AKI mouse models, pre-injection of Cpd-A1 (1.25, 2.5, 5 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p.) dose-dependently improved kidney function, mitigated renal tubular injury, and abrogated inflammation. We conclude that Cpd-A1 may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of AKI.

Portable SERS-Based POCT Kit for Ultrafast and Sensitive Determining Paraquat in Human Gastric Juice and Urine.

Paraquat (PQ) poisoning poses a significant public health concern. Unfortunately, point-of-care testing (POCT) of PQ in biofluids remains challenging. This study developed a portable kit that enables swift and reliable identification and quantification of PQ in human urine and gastric juice. The approach employed the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique, leveraging gold-silver core-shell nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs) as the substrate. The kit comprised a portable Raman spectrometer and three sealed tubes containing Au@Ag NPs colloid, KI solution, and MgSO4 solution. A discernible correlation was observed between signal intensity and the logarithmic concentration, spanning from 5 to 500 µg/L in urine and 10 µg/L to 1 mg/L in gastric juice. The detection limits, calculated from the characteristic peak at 1648 cm -1, were 1.36 and 4.05 µg/L in human urine and gastric juice, respectively. Notably, this POCT kit obviated the need for pretreatment procedures, and the detection process was accomplished within 1 min, yielding satisfactory recoveries. This expeditious time frame is crucial for clinical diagnosis and rescue operations. Compared to conventional methods, this kit demonstrated real-time determinations in nonlaboratory settings. The simplicity and practicality of this POCT assay suggest its significant potential as an innovative alternative for poisoning detection applications.

Acute myocardial infarction due to spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a young male with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease which typically presents in young women. Patients with SLE exhibit features of accelerated atherosclerosis. Here, the present study reported a rare case of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a male patient diagnosed with SLE. A 29-year-old male with no cardiovascular history was diagnosed with AMI and underwent coronary angiography, which showed a long-extended spiral-shaped dissection of the right coronary artery (RCA). The patient's autoimmune panel tested positive for antinuclear, anti-nuclear ribonucleoprotein/Smith and anti-Sjogren's syndrome A antibodies. The patient was diagnosed with SLE and was administered prednisone, hydroxychloroquine and calcium carbonate therapy. At the 3-month follow-up, a repeat coronary angiography showed no dissection in the RCA. Intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography also showed an isolated atherosclerotic lesion without arterial dissection in the RCA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a male patient with SLE who developed myocardial infarction caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). The present report may provide new insights into possible future treatments for SCAD. SCAD should be considered in patients with SLE and AMI, particularly in young patients without cardiovascular risk factors. Early diagnosis of SCAD is important to provide accurate therapy that differs from the treatment of AMI caused by atherosclerosis.

Comparison Between Intraoperative Target Area Cement-Enhanced Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Conventional Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Non-Total Vertebral Fractures.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and feasibility of target area cement-enhanced percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and conventional PVP in osteoporotic thoracolumbar non-total vertebral fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of one hundred and two patients treated in our hospital from March 2020 to May 2021 and divided into groups A (targeted) and B (conventional PVP). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), anterior vertebral height ratio, intraoperative bleeding, operative time, bone cement volume, complications, and refracture of the injured vertebra were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The 2 days and 1-year post-operative VAS and ODI scores improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). The 2 days post-operative VAS and ODI scores were better in group A (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the scores between the groups at the last follow-up (p > 0.05). The anterior vertebral height ratios were significantly higher in both groups 2 days postoperatively (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the 2 days and 1-year post-operative ratios in group A (p > 0.05). The anterior vertebral height ratio reduced in group B after 1 year compared to the 2 days post-operative value (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in intraoperative bleeding and the operative time between the groups (p > 0.05), and the bone cement volume was lesser in group A (p < 0.05). Six patients in group A and four patients in group B demonstrated cement leakage, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Three patients in group A and 11 patients in group B demonstrated refracture, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Target area cement-enhanced PVP can effectively relieve short-term pain and functional disability and reduce the long-term possibility of secondary collapse. Therefore, it is a technically feasible and efficacious method for the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar non-total vertebral fractures.

MRS study on the correlation between frontal GABA+/Glx ratio and abnormal cognitive function in medication-naive patients with narcolepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the GABA+/Glx (glutamate-glutamine) ratio in the prefrontal lobe under non-rapid eye movement sleep between patients with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) and normal controls and explore the correlation between this difference and abnormal cognitive function, using synchronous electroencephalography-functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (EEG-fMRS). METHODS: MRS measurements of GABA+ and Glx concentrations as well as synchronous EEG data were obtained from 26 medication-naive patients with NT1 and 29 sex- and age-matched healthy community volunteers. Cognition was appraised with the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and daytime sleepiness was measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. All subjects recorded a 2-week sleep log as well as an overnight polysomnography within 1 week before MR scanning to understand their sleep habits and determine sleep stages. After PSG, they also underwent multiple sleep latency trials. Patient/control group differences in the individual measurements of GABA+ and Glx and the GABA+/Glx ratio and their relationship with cognition were assessed. RESULTS: The GABA+/Glx ratio and GABA + levels of patients with narcolepsy were higher than those of the control group (P＜0.0001 and P = 0.0008, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in Glx levels (P = 0.6360). The GABA+/Glx ratio negatively correlated with abnormal cognitive function (r = -0.6710, P = 0.0002). Moreover, GABA + levels were inversely proportional to rapid eye movement sleep latency (REML) in patients with narcolepsy (r = -0.5019, P = 0.0106). CONCLUSION: The GABA+/Glx ratio in the prefrontal lobe was higher in NT1 patients during N2 sleep than in normal controls, mainly caused by GABA + levels; this ratio was negatively related to abnormal cognitive function. In addition, GABA + levels were inversely proportional to REML.

Genomic testing and targeted therapy of non-small cell lung cancer in China: a nationwide survey of physicians and clinical pathologists.

BACKGROUND: Genomic diagnostic testing is necessary to guide optimal treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The proportion of NSCLC patients whose treatment was selected based on genomic testing is still unknown in many countries or needs further improvement. This survey aimed to assess perception of genomic testing and targeted therapy for NSCLC in clinical pathologists and physicians across China. METHODS: The web-based survey was conducted with 150 clinical pathologists and 450 physicians from oncology, respiratory and thoracic surgery departments from May to September 2020, across 135 cities in China. The participants had >5 years of clinical experience in genomic testing, diagnosis or treatment of NSCLC. RESULTS: Clinical pathologists reported capability of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS-1) testing as 95.3%, 94.7%, and 84.7%, respectively, but only 81.9%, 75.5%, and 65.6% of physicians believed that the pathology department of the hospital is capable of performing the testing. The proportions of sending out specimens for testing were 21.0% and 49.7% as reported from clinical pathologists and physicians, respectively. Testing for EGFR mutation was recommended by physicians most often, followed by ALK and ROS-1 rearrangement. As first-line treatment, among the newly diagnosed patients with EGFR mutation, 77% received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapy (49% treated with gefitinib); among patients with ALK rearrangement, 71% received TKI (64% treated with crizotinib); among patients with ROS-1 fusion, 65% received TKI (88% treated with crizotinib). CONCLUSIONS: The improvement of the non-tertiary hospital pathology departments' detection capabilities and the physicians' awareness are needed for enhancing the rate of genomic testing and targeted therapy in NSCLC patients in China.

Biomechanical study of different bone cement distribution on osteoporotic vertebral compression Fracture-A finite element analysis.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical effects of different bone cement distribution methods on osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). Patients and methods: Raw CT data from a healthy male volunteer was used to create a finite element model of the T12-L2 vertebra using finite element software. A compression fracture was simulated in the L1 vertebra, and two forms of bone cement dispersion (integration group, IG, and separation group, SG) were also simulated. Six types of loading (flexion, extension, left/right bending, and left/right rotation) were applied to the models, and the stress distribution in the vertebra and intervertebral discs was observed. Additionally, the maximum displacement of the L1 vertebra was evaluated. Results: Bone cement injection significantly reduced stress following L1 vertebral fractures. In the L1 vertebral body, the maximum stress of SG was lower than that of IG during flexion, left/right bending, and left/right rotation. In the T12 vertebral body, compared with IG, the maximum stress of SG decreased during flexion and right rotation. In the L2 vertebral body, the maximum stress of SG was the lowest under all loading conditions. In the T12-L1 intervertebral disc, compared with IG, the maximum stress of SG decreased during flexion, extension, and left/right bending and was basically the same during left/right rotation. However, in the L1-L2 intervertebral discs, the maximum stress of SG increased during left/right rotation compared with that of IG. Furthermore, the maximum displacement of SG was smaller than that of IG in the L1 vertebral bodies under all loading conditions. Conclusions: SG can reduce the maximum stress in the vertebra and intervertebral discs, offering better biomechanical performance and improved stability than IG.

How does the digital economy affect the provincial "zero-waste city" construction? Evidence from China.

The digital economy is playing a crucial effect in the field of environmental governance. Digital and intelligent management is an essential means to fully realize the "zero-waste city" construction. The present paper investigates the impact of digital economy on China's provincial "zero-waste city" construction. The results indicate that digital economy can contribute to "zero-waste city" construction. The digital economy has a positive nonlinear effect on the construction of "zero-waste city," but the marginal effect is diminishing. The digital economy can facilitate "zero-waste city" construction by improving industrial structure upgrading and green technology innovation. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that digital economy contributes to the construction of "zero-waste city" in the eastern and western regions and high-level environmental regulation regions, while this impact is insignificant in the central region and low-level environmental regulation regions. The digital economy exerts the most significant positive influence on waste resource recycling followed by waste final disposal and then waste reduction at the source. These findings underscore the effect of digital economy in fostering "zero-waste city" construction and promoting sustainable waste management. The present study provides new ideas for the "zero-waste city" construction in emerging developing countries such as China.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors analysis of 505 cases of infusion reactions in a tertiary hospital.

Background: The clinical characteristics and risk factors of infusion reactions (IRs) are inadequately described in clinical practice due to underreported cases. In the present study, we reported the current status of IRs based on an in-hospital pharmacovigilance database of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Our study conducted a retrospective analysis of drug-induced IRs recorded at an in-hospital pharmacovigilance center between January 2015 to December 2019. The descriptive statistical analysis encompassed main causative agents, clinical manifestations, organ/system involvement and outcome. The severity of IRs was assessed with reference to the CTCAE version 5.0 criteria and we investigated risk factors associated with severe IRs. Results: During the study period, a total of 505 cases of inpatient drug-induced IRs were detected, of which 79.2% (400 cases) were classified as general IRs and 20.8% (105 cases) were categorized as severe IRs. The primary drugs responsible for these reactions were antibiotics (23%, 116 cases), with piperacillin sodium-sulbactam sodium being the most prevalent, followed by antineoplastic agents (18.4%, 93 cases) and traditional Chinese medicine injections (TCMIs) (12.9%, 65 cases). The administration of cefoperazone - sulbactam, mannatide, Shenqi Fuzheng, elemene, and diterpene ginkgolides meglumine resulted in a higher incidence of critical IRs. Among all cases of IRs, 43.2%, 41.2%, and 23.4% showed signs and symptoms of circulation, skin mucosa, and respiratory organs/systems, respectively. 9.1% of cases experienced systemic damage, while 7.1% and 5.9% of cases reported neurological and gastrointestinal related adverse reactions, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that alcohol consumption (OR = 2.389%, 95% CI 1.141-5.002, p = 0.021), age over 65 (OR = 1.814%, 95% CI 1.052-3.127, p = 0.032) and the utilization of contrast media (OR = 4.072%, 95% CI 1.903-8.713, p < 0.001) were identified as risk factors for the development of severe IRs. Conclusion: Understanding the clinical characteristics of IRs helps to implement effective pharmaceutical monitoring and appropriate preventive measures for susceptible populations with risk factors.

Mitochondrial KATP channel-mediated autophagy contributes to angiotensin II-induced vascular dysfunction in mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present study aimed to investigate whether the mitochondrial KATP channel contributes to angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular dysfunction, the development of hypertension, and atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: ApoE (-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet were chronically infused with Ang II for eight weeks and concomitantly treated with losartan (ARB), apocynin, or 5-hydroxy decanoate (5-HD), or 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Systolic blood pressure was measured, and pathological changes of aortic or liver tissue were observed. Nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) levels and vasorelaxation rate were measured, and protein and mRNA expressions were examined by western blot and RT-PCR. Ang II-induced development of hypertension was suppressed not only by ARB, and apocynin but also by 5-HD or 3-MA. Ang II infusion decreased aortic NO production and relaxation, as well as SOD2 activity in liver, which were improved by all treatments. In addition, Ang II-induced activation of autophagy was suppressed by 5-HD in aortic tissue, furthermore, Ang II increases the atherosclerotic index in plasma and exacerbates the development of atherosclerosis by increases of fat deposition in the aorta and liver. Lipid metabolism-related mRNA expressions (LXR-α, LDLR, SRBI, Acca, and FASN) were changed by Ang II. Similarly, not only ARB, and apocynin, but also 5-HD and 3-MA suppressed Ang II-induced these changes. CONCLUSIONS: Our present findings evidence that mitochondrial KATP channel-mediated autophagy contributes to Ang II-induced vascular dysfunction, development of hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (ZZUCSBi001-A) from skin fibroblasts of a healthy donor.

Fibroblasts were extracted from the scalp of a healthy 55-year-old male and subsequently transformed into pluripotent stem cells by introducing episomal plasmids harboring essential reprogramming factors. These induced pluripotent stem cells exhibited a normal karyotype and demonstrated the capacity to differentiate into all three germ layers, as confirmed through teratoma assays. This specific cell line serves as a valuable reference for comparative investigations alongside other induced pluripotent stem cell lines generated from somatic cells of patients afflicted by genetic neurodegenerative disorders.

Point-of-Use SERS Approach for Efficient Determination and Removal of Phthalic Acid Esters Based on a Metal-Organic Framework-Coated Melamine Sponge.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, and their real-time monitoring and removal remain challenging. Herein, a point-of-use (POU) device integrating adsorption, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and removal strategy was developed and realized ultrafast on-site determination of PAEs and cleanup of them from water. A piece of flexible melamine sponge (MS) was coated with gold nanostars (AuNSs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), thus obtaining SERS activity and adsorption capacity. Based on this multifunctional AuNSs@MOFs/MS composite, clear trends were observed between SERS signal intensity and concentration of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The method detection limits of DEHP and DBP were calculated to be 0.75 × 10-7 and 0.67 × 10-7 M in water, respectively, proving good sensitivity. Furthermore, this POU device exhibited satisfactory adsorption capacity (∼82.3 g/g for DBP and ∼90.0 g/g for DEHP), high adsorption efficiency (equilibrium in 100 s), and good regeneration capability (removal efficiency >70% after 5 cycles). The applicability of this device was verified by its good determination and removal performance in real environmental water matrices. The whole process could be completed within 5 min. This approach provides a new POU alternative for real-time monitoring and removal of PAEs in water.