Self-endowed magnetic photocatalysts derived from iron-rich sludge and its recycling in photocatalytic process for tetracycline degradation.

The disposal of iron-rich sludge by landfill or incineration poses environmental risks and wastes resources. The utilization of iron-rich sludge for magnetic material preparation offers a sustainable and resource-efficient solution for its disposal. Herein, self-endowed magnetic photocatalysts were initially prepared by pyrolysis using iron-rich sludge without any additives. The photocatalysts performance were evaluated for tetracycline degradation, with the highest degradation rate of 95.3 % at a concentration of 10 mg·L-1 (pH = 7) within 5 h being achieved for the photocatalyst prepared at 800 °C. The reactive radical species in the photocatalysis process were confirmed to be •OH and O2•- activated by ferrous oxygen species under light irradiation. Furthermore, quinone-like structures induced bound persistent free radicals, which emerged as the predominant factors influencing 1O2 formation. The employed photocatalyst can be efficiently separated and recovered owing to its magnetism. This work presents an economic solution for antibiotic removal using waste iron-rich sludge.

Enhanced Adsorptive Removal of Tetracycline by Phosphomolybdic Acid-Modified Low-Temperature Sludge Biochar.

Increasing the adsorption capacity and reducing the energy consumption of sludge biochar during preparation is important. In this study, a new modification method was developed to prepare phosphomolybdic acid-modified sludge biochar through the low-temperature pyrolysis of sewage sludge using phosphomolybdic acid as a modifier. Tetracycline was used to assess the adsorption performance of sludge biochar, and phosphomolybdic acid-modified sludge biochar was prepared at different temperatures. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of sludge biochar improved from 84.49 to 120.86 mg/g through modification with phosphomolybdic acid at 200 °C. The maximum adsorption capacities of phosphomolybdic acid-modified sludge biochar (200 °C pyrolysis temperature) at 298, 308, and 318 K were 283.87, 421.39, and 545.48 mg/g, respectively. Both liquid film and intraparticle diffusion were the main rate-limiting steps of tetracycline adsorption by phosphomolybdic acid-modified sludge biochar. Furthermore, the adsorption of tetracycline by phosphomolybdic acid-modified sludge biochar was mainly attributed to π-π interactions, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and pore filling.

Potential targets and applications of nanodrug targeting myeloid cells in osteosarcoma for the enhancement of immunotherapy.

Targeted immunotherapies have emerged as a transformative approach in cancer treatment, offering enhanced specificity to tumor cells, and minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The targeted treatment of the tumor immune system has become clinically applicable, demonstrating significant anti-tumor activity in both early and late-stage malignancies, subsequently enhancing long-term survival rates. The most frequent and significant targeted therapies for the tumor immune system are executed through the utilization of checkpoint inhibitor antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T cell treatment. However, when using immunotherapeutic drugs or combined treatments for solid tumors like osteosarcoma, challenges arise due to limited efficacy or the induction of severe cytotoxicity. Utilizing nanoparticle drug delivery systems to target tumor-associated macrophages and bone marrow-derived suppressor cells is a promising and attractive immunotherapeutic approach. This is because these bone marrow cells often exert immunosuppressive effects in the tumor microenvironment, promoting tumor progression, metastasis, and the development of drug resistance. Moreover, given the propensity of myeloid cells to engulf nanoparticles and microparticles, they are logical therapeutic targets. Therefore, we have discussed the mechanisms of nanomedicine-based enhancement of immune therapy through targeting myeloid cells in osteosarcoma, and how the related therapeutic strategies well adapt to immunotherapy from perspectives such as promoting immunogenic cell death with nanoparticles, regulating the proportion of various cellular subgroups in tumor-associated macrophages, interaction with myeloid cell receptor ligands, activating immunostimulatory signaling pathways, altering myeloid cell epigenetics, and modulating the intensity of immunostimulation. We also explored the clinical implementations of immunotherapy grounded on nanomedicine.

Purine and purinergic receptors in health and disease.

Purines and purinergic receptors are widely distributed throughout the human body. Purine molecules within cells play crucial roles in regulating energy metabolism and other cellular processes, while extracellular purines transmit signals through specific purinergic receptors. The ubiquitous purinergic signaling maintains normal neural excitability, digestion and absorption, respiratory movement, and other complex physiological activities, and participates in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and death. Pathological dysregulation of purinergic signaling can result in the development of various diseases, including neurodegeneration, inflammatory reactions, and malignant tumors. The dysregulation or dysfunction of purines and purinergic receptors has been demonstrated to be closely associated with tumor progression. Compared with other subtypes of purinergic receptors, the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) exhibits distinct characteristics (i.e., a low affinity for ATP, dual functionality upon activation, the mediation of ion channels, and nonselective pores formation) and is considered a promising target for antitumor therapy, particularly in patients with poor response to immunotherapy This review summarizes the physiological and pathological significance of purinergic signaling and purinergic receptors, analyzes their complex relationship with tumors, and proposes potential antitumor immunotherapy strategies from tumor P2X7R inhibition, tumor P2X7R overactivation, and host P2X7R activation. This review provides a reference for clinical immunotherapy and mechanism investigation.

Potential therapeutic targets of macrophages in inhibiting immune damage and fibrotic processes in musculoskeletal diseases.

Macrophages are a heterogeneous cell type with high plasticity, exhibiting unique activation characteristics that modulate the progression and resolution of diseases, serving as a key mediator in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Macrophages display a variety of activation states in response to stimuli in the local environment, with their subpopulations and biological functions being dependent on the local microenvironment. Resident tissue macrophages exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles and functions, all of which are essential for maintaining internal homeostasis. Dysfunctional macrophage subpopulations, or an imbalance in the M1/M2 subpopulation ratio, contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases. In skeletal muscle disorders, immune and inflammatory damage, as well as fibrosis induced by macrophages, are prominent pathological features. Therefore, targeting macrophages is of great significance for maintaining tissue homeostasis and treating skeletal muscle disorders. In this review, we discuss the receptor-ligand interactions regulating macrophages and identify potential targets for inhibiting collateral damage and fibrosis in skeletal muscle disorders. Furthermore, we explore strategies for modulating macrophages to maintain tissue homeostasis.

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline using magnetic biochar derived by iron-rich sludge.

Industrial wastewater treatment processes produce a large quantity of iron-rich sludge due to the extensive utilization of iron salt reagent. Reuse of iron-rich sludge is an attractive route for excess sludge disposal and management. In this study, sludge-derived magnetic photocatalyst was prepared using industrial iron-rich sludge as raw materials for the first time. The photocatalytic degradation system constructed by the sludge-derived photocatalysts were evaluated using tetracycline (TC) as the target contaminant, achieving a high degradation rate of 98.3% within 5 h under optimal conditions. Major reactive oxygen species in the photocatalytic systems were investigated using radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results suggested that •OH and O2•- were activated by photogenerated electrons and holes, respectively. Moreover, bound persistent free radicals induced by quinone-like structure in sludge-derived biochar were the predominant factors affecting radical 1O2 formation under the light irradiation. The reactive oxygen species of •OH, O2•-, and 1O2 played main roles in the degradation of TC. The used magnetic biochar can be effectively separated and recovered in aqueous solutions by the magnetism. This method provides a new cost-effective strategy for antibiotics removal from aqueous solution.

Add fuel to the fire: Inflammation and immune response in lung cancer combined with COVID-19.

The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has had an unprecedented and persistent impact on oncological practice, especially for patients with lung cancer, who are more vulnerable to the virus than the normal population. Indeed, the onset, progression, and prognosis of the two diseases may in some cases influence each other, and inflammation is an important link between them. The original chronic inflammatory environment of lung cancer patients may increase the risk of infection with COVID-19 and exacerbate secondary damage. Meanwhile, the acute inflammation caused by COVID-19 may induce tumour progression or cause immune activation. In this article, from the perspective of the immune microenvironment, the pathophysiological changes in the lungs and whole body of these special patients will be summarised and analysed to explore the possible immunological storm, immunosuppression, and immune escape phenomenon caused by chronic inflammation complicated by acute inflammation. The effects of COVID-19 on immune cells, inflammatory factors, chemokines, and related target proteins in the immune microenvironment of tumours are also discussed, as well as the potential role of the COVID-19 vaccine and immune checkpoint inhibitors in this setting. Finally, we provide recommendations for the treatment of lung cancer combined with COVID-19 in this special group.

Application of platelet-rich plasma in spinal surgery.

With the aging of the population and changes in lifestyle, the incidence of spine-related diseases is increasing, which has become a major global public health problem; this results in a huge economic burden on the family and society. Spinal diseases and complications can lead to loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Therefore, it is necessary to identify effective treatment strategies. Currently, the treatment of spine-related diseases includes conservative, surgical, and minimally invasive interventional therapies. However, these treatment methods have several drawbacks such as drug tolerance and dependence, adjacent spondylosis, secondary surgery, infection, nerve injury, dural rupture, nonunion, and pseudoarthrosis. Further, it is more challenging to promote the regeneration of the interstitial disc and restore its biomechanical properties. Therefore, clinicians urgently need to identify methods that can limit disease progression or cure diseases at the etiological level. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a platelet-rich form of plasma extracted from venous blood, is a blood-derived product. Alpha granules contain a large number of cytokines, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor, platelet factor 4 (PF-4), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß). These growth factors allow stem cell proliferation and angiogenesis, promote bone regeneration, improve the local microenvironment, and enhance tissue regeneration capacity and functional recovery. This review describes the application of PRP in the treatment of spine-related diseases and discusses the clinical application of PRP in spinal surgery.

The role of green financing to enhance tourism growth by mitigating carbon emission in China.

The tourism industry has undergone rapid inquiry in modern times. Based on climatic importance, current research intends to inquire about the role of green financing in enhancing tourism growth by mitigating carbon emissions in China. The study used Data Envelopment Analysis to infer the efficiency of the study model in the study context based on research topicality. Our findings highlighted that China's local tourism destination, renowned for its health and wellness tourism, indicated tourist inspiration to visit climate-supporting visit stations. Study results extended that using green financing for climate change mitigation in a Chinese tourist destination is essential. Empirical results confirmed that green funding directly mitigated climate change and enhanced tourism growth in Chinese settings by solving related issues. On such findings, the study yielded the practical implications for green financing institutions, climate change policymakers and Chinese officials for tourism development.

Mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury: Mechanisms, current advances and future challenges.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has considerable impact on patient physical, mental, and financial health. Secondary SCI is associated with inflammation, vascular destruction, and subsequent permanent damage to the nervous system. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have anti-inflammatory properties, promoting vascular regeneration and the release neuro-nutrients, and are a promising strategy for the treatment of SCI. Preclinical studies have shown that MSCs promote sensory and motor function recovery in rats. In clinical trials, MSCs have been reported to improve the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) sensory and motor scores. However, the effectiveness of MSCs in treating patients with SCI remains controversial. MSCs promote tumorigenesis and ensuring the survival of MSCs in the hostile environment of SCI is challenging. In this article we examine the evidence on the pathophysiological changes occurring after SCI. We then review the underlying mechanisms of MSCs in the treatment of SCI and summarize the potential application of MSCs in clinical practice. Finally, we highlight the challenges surrounding the use of MSCs in the treatment of SCI and discuss future applications.

Biomaterials delivery strategies to repair degenerated intervertebral discs by regulating the inflammatory microenvironment.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is one of the leading causes of lower back pain. Although IVDD cannot directly cause death, it can cause pain, psychological burdens, and economic burdens to patients. Current conservative treatments for IVDD can relieve pain but cannot reverse the disease. Patients who cannot tolerate pain usually resort to a strategy of surgical resection of the degenerated disc. However, the surgical removal of IVDD can affect the stability of adjacent discs. Furthermore, the probability of the reherniation of the intervertebral disc (IVD) after surgery is as high as 21.2%. Strategies based on tissue engineering to deliver stem cells for the regeneration of nucleus purposes (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) have been extensively studied. The developed biomaterials not only locally withstand the pressure of the IVD but also lay the foundation for the survival of stem cells. However, the structure of IVDs does not provide sufficient nutrients for delivered stem cells. The role of immune mechanisms in IVDD has recently become clear. In IVDD, the IVD that was originally in immune privilege prevents the attack of immune cells (mainly effector T cells and macrophages) and aggravates the disease. Immune regulatory and inflammatory factors released by effector T cells, macrophages, and the IVD further aggravate IVDD. Reversing IVDD by regulating the inflammatory microenvironment is a potential approach for the treatment of the disease. However, the biological factors modulating the inflammatory microenvironment easily degrade in vivo. It makes it possible for different biomaterials to modulate the inflammatory microenvironment to repair IVDD. In this review, we have discussed the structures of IVDs and the immune mechanisms underlying IVDD. We have described the immune mechanisms elicited by different biological factors, including tumor necrosis factors, interleukins, transforming growth factors, hypoxia-inducible factors, and reactive oxygen species in IVDs. Finally, we have discussed the biomaterials used to modulate the inflammatory microenvironment to repair IVDD and their development.

Engineered nanomaterials trigger abscopal effect in immunotherapy of metastatic cancers.

Despite advances in cancer treatment, metastatic cancer is still the main cause of death in cancer patients. At present, the treatment of metastatic cancer is limited to palliative care. The abscopal effect is a rare phenomenon in which shrinkage of metastatic tumors occurs simultaneously with the shrinkage of a tumor receiving localized treatment, such as local radiotherapy or immunotherapy. Immunotherapy shows promise for cancer treatment, but it also leads to consequences such as low responsiveness and immune-related adverse events. As a promising target-based approach, intravenous or intratumoral injection of nanomaterials provides new opportunities for improving cancer immunotherapy. Chemically modified nanomaterials may be able to trigger the abscopal effect by regulating immune cells. This review discusses the use of nanomaterials in killing metastatic tumor cells through the regulation of immune cells and the prospects of such nanomaterials for clinical use.

Ascorbic acid enhanced ferrous/persulfate system for degradation of tetracycline contaminated groundwater.

Persulfate (PS) activated by Fe(ii) has been widely investigated for degradation of contaminants. However, the Fe(ii)/PS systems used for actual contaminated groundwater remediation have been restricted by circulation of Fe(iii)/Fe(ii). Herein, an ascorbic acid (AA) enhanced Fe(ii)/PS system was developed for degradation of tetracycline (TC) contaminated groundwater. The influence of Fe(ii), AA, PS dosage and pH on degradation of TC was investigated, the free radicals produced in the reaction were identified and the reusability of Fe(ii) in the Fe(ii)/PS/AA system for degradation of TC was also evaluated. The results showed that AA significantly promoted the degradation of TC in the Fe(ii)/PS system, and a degradation rate of 86% for TC was achieved at 60 min. The dominant oxidant species for contaminant degradation in the Fe(ii)/PS/AA system is ˙OH. Appropriate Fe(ii), AA and PS dosage can improve the degradation rate of TC. Moreover, the degradation rate of TC in the Fe(ii)/PS/AA system under acidic conditions is higher than that under alkaline conditions. With the increase of reaction time, TC can also be completely degraded even with a little Fe(ii) or under alkaline conditions in the Fe(ii)/PS/AA system, and Fe(ii) showed a good reusability for the degradation of TC. Thus, the AA-enhanced Fe(ii)/PS system for the degradation of contaminants displays the advantages of less Fe(ii) consumption and a wide range of pH. This method provides a new strategy for in situ remediation of contaminated groundwater.

Application of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes from different sources in intervertebral disc degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a main cause of lower back pain, leading to psychological and economic burdens to patients. Physical therapy only delays pain in patients but cannot eliminate the cause of IVDD. Surgery is required when the patient cannot tolerate pain or has severe neurological symptoms. Although surgical resection of IVD or decompression of the laminae eliminates the diseased segment, it damages adjacent normal IVD. There is also a risk of re-protrusion after IVD removal. Cell therapy has played a crucial role in the development of regenerative medicine. Cell transplantation promotes regeneration of degenerative tissue. However, owing to the lack of vascular structure in IVD, sufficient nutrients cannot be provided for transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In addition, dead cells release harmful substances that aggravate IVDD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been extensively studied as an emerging therapeutic approach. EVs generated by paracrine MSCs retain the potential of MSCs and serve as carriers to deliver their contents to target cells to regulate target cell activity. Owing to their double-layered membrane structure, EVs have a low immunogenicity and no immune rejection. Therefore, EVs are considered an emerging therapeutic modality in IVDD. However, they are limited by mass production and low loading rates. In this review, the structure of IVD and advantages of EVs are introduced, and the application of MSC-EVs in IVDD is discussed. The current limitations of EVs and future applications are described.

[FU Li-xin's experience in treatment of vertigo with "regulating the middle jiao, opening gate and relaxing tendon" method of acupuncture].

The paper introduces professor FU Li-xin's theoretic ideas and experience in treatment of vertigo. Professor FU believes that this disease is closely related to the blockage of qi movement in the middle jiao, opening-closing disarrangement in the pivot, "gate" obstruction, malnutrition of brain orifice and decreased blood flow in the nape. Based on the holistic idea of qi movement in traditional Chinese medicine and the circulatory theory of western medicine, the characteristics of the specific acupuncture therapy for "regulating the middle jiao, opening gate and relaxing tendon" are summarized. Using the layered needling technique at Zhongwan (CV 12) and "gate points" in the neck region, the tendon-bone needling technique with modified "dark tortoise seeking hole" at local tendon blockage points, vertigo is cured through regulating qi in the middle jiao, opening gate and nourishing marrow, relaxing tendon and harmonizing the mind.

Pull the plug: Anti-angiogenesis potential of natural products in gastrointestinal cancer therapy.

Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC), including gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, is a common malignant tumor originating from the gastrointestinal epithelium. Although the pathogenesis of GIC has not been fully elucidated, angiogenesis is recognized as the key pathological basis for the growth, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, and GIC angiogenesis is closely related to vascular endothelial growth factor family, hypoxia-inducible factor family, fibroblast growth factor family and matrix metalloproteinase family. Recently, many natural products have shown a wide range of pharmacological biological activities against GIC. In this review, the effects and mechanisms of natural compounds on the angiogenesis of gastric and colorectal cancer were summarized. The results show that some natural compounds, especially gallic catechin gallate, astragaloside and curcumin, can effectively inhibit angiogenesis; the HIF-1α/VEGF, COX-2/PGE2, HGF/c-Met and PI3K/Akt/mTOR are involved in these inhibition effects. This review examines the anti-angiogenesis potential of natural products in the GIC treatment and provides clues to the development of vascular targeted agents.

Reverse Adverse Immune Microenvironments by Biomaterials Enhance the Repair of Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe and traumatic disorder that ultimately results in the loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic nervous function. After SCI, local immune inflammatory response persists and does not weaken or disappear. The interference of local adverse immune factors after SCI brings great challenges to the repair of SCI. Among them, microglia, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, astrocytes, and the release of various cytokines, as well as the destruction of the extracellular matrix are mainly involved in the imbalance of the immune microenvironment. Studies have shown that immune remodeling after SCI significantly affects the survival and differentiation of stem cells after transplantation and the prognosis of SCI. Recently, immunological reconstruction strategies based on biomaterials have been widely explored and achieved good results. In this review, we discuss the important factors leading to immune dysfunction after SCI, such as immune cells, cytokines, and the destruction of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, the immunomodulatory strategies based on biomaterials are summarized, and the clinical application prospects of these immune reconstructs are evaluated.

An m6A-Related lncRNA Signature Predicts the Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish an N6-methylandenosine (m6A)-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) signature to predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify m6A-related lncRNAs. We then performed univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis to construct an m6A-related lncRNA signature. Based on the cutoff value of the risk score determined by the X-title software, we divided the HCC patients into high -and low-risk groups. A time-dependent ROC curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of the model. Finally, we constructed a nomogram based on the m6A-related lncRNA signature. Results: ZEB1-AS1, MIR210HG, BACE1-AS, and SNHG3 were identified to comprise an m6A-related lncRNA signature. These four lncRNAs were upregulated in HCC tissues compared to normal tissues. The prognosis of patients with HCC in the low-risk group was significantly longer than that in the high-risk group. The M6A-related lncRNA signature was significantly associated with clinicopathological features and was established as a risk factor for the prognosis of patients with HCC. The nomogram based on the m6A-related lncRNA signature had a good distinguishing ability and consistency. Conclusion: We identified an m6A-related lncRNA signature and constructed a nomogram model to evaluate the prognosis of patients with HCC.

Biomaterials delivery strategies to repair spinal cord injury by modulating macrophage phenotypes.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes tremendous harm to a patient's physical, mental, and financial health. Moreover, recovery of SCI is affected by many factors, inflammation is one of the most important as it engulfs necrotic tissue and cells during the early stages of injury. However, excessive inflammation is not conducive to damage repair. Macrophages are classified into either blood-derived macrophages or resident microglia based on their origin, their effects on SCI being two-sided. Microglia first activate and recruit blood-derived macrophages at the site of injury-blood-borne macrophages being divided into pro-inflammatory M1 phenotypes and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. Among them, M1 macrophages secrete inflammatory factors such as interleukin-ß (IL-ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) at the injury site, which aggravates SCIs. M2 macrophages secrete IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and neurotrophic factors to inhibit the inflammatory response and inhibit neuronal apoptosis. Consequently, modulating phenotypic differentiation of macrophages appears to be a meaningful therapeutic target for the treatment of SCI. Biomaterials are widely used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering due to their targeting and bio-histocompatibility. In this review, we describe the effects of biomaterials applied to modulate macrophage phenotypes on SCI recovery and provide an outlook.

Physical Cues of Matrices Reeducate Nerve Cells.

The behavior of nerve cells plays a crucial role in nerve regeneration. The mechanical, topographical, and electrical microenvironment surrounding nerve cells can activate cellular signaling pathways of mechanical transduction to affect the behavior of nerve cells. Recently, biological scaffolds with various physical properties have been developed as extracellular matrix to regulate the behavior conversion of nerve cell, such as neuronal neurite growth and directional differentiation of neural stem cells, providing a robust driving force for nerve regeneration. This review mainly focused on the biological basis of nerve cells in mechanical transduction. In addition, we also highlighted the effect of the physical cues, including stiffness, mechanical tension, two-dimensional terrain, and electrical conductivity, on neurite outgrowth and differentiation of neural stem cells and predicted their potential application in clinical nerve tissue engineering.