Insight into the crystal facet-dependent Cr(VI) reduction: A comparative study of pyrite {100} and {111} facets.

The migration and transformation of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in the environment are regulated by pyrite (FeS2). However, variations in pyrite crystal facets influence the adsorption behavior and electron transfer between pyrite and Cr(VI), thereby impacting the Cr(VI) reduction performance. Herein, two naturally common facets of pyrite were synthesized hydrothermally to investigate the facet-dependent mechanisms of Cr(VI) reduction. The experimental results revealed that the {111} facet exhibited approximately 1.30-1.50 times higher efficiency in Cr(VI) reduction compared to the {100} facet. Surface analyses and electrochemical results indicated that {111} facet displayed a higher iron-sulfur oxidation level, which was affected by its superior electrochemical properties during the reaction with Cr(VI). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the narrower band gap and lower work function on {111} facet were more favorable for the electron transfer between Fe(II) and Cr(VI). Furthermore, different adsorption configurations were observed on {100} and {111} surfaces due to the unique arrangements of Fe and S atoms. Specifically, O atoms in Cr2O72- directly bound with the S sites on {100} but the Fe sites on {111}. According to the density of states (DOS), the Fe site had better reactivity than the S site in the reaction, which appeared to be related to the fracture of S-S bonds. Additionally, the adsorption configuration of Cr2O72- on {111} surface showed a stronger adsorption energy and a more stable coordination mode, favoring subsequent Cr(VI) reduction process. These findings provide an in-depth analysis of facet-dependent mechanisms underlying Cr(VI) reduction behavior, offering new insights into studying environmental interactions between heavy metals and natural minerals.

Simultaneous immobilization of multiple heavy metal(loid)s in contaminated water and alkaline soil inoculated Fe/Mn oxidizing bacterium.

Two strains of Fe/Mn oxidizing bacteria tolerant to high concentrations of multiple heavy metal(loid)s and efficient decontamination for them were screened. The surface of the bio-Fe/Mn oxides produced by the oxidation of Fe(II) and Mn(II) by Pseudomonas taiwanensis (marked as P4) and Pseudomonas plecoglossicida (marked as G1) contains rich reactive oxygen functional groups, which play critical roles in the removal efficiency and immobilization of heavy metal(loid)s in co-contamination system. The isolated strains P4 and G1 can grow well in the following environments: pH 5-9, NaCl 0-4%, and temperature 20-30°C. The removal efficiencies of Fe, Pb, As, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Mn are effective after inoculation of the strains P4 and G1 in the simulated water system (the initial concentrations of heavy metal(loid) were 1 mg/L), approximately reaching 96%, 92%, 85%, 67%, 70%, 54% and 15%, respectively. The exchangeable and carbonate bound As, Cd, Pb and Cu are more inclined to convert to the Fe-Mn oxide bound fractions in P4 and G1 treated soil, thereby reducing the phytoavailability and bioaccessible of heavy metal(loid)s. This research provides alternatives method to treat water and soil containing high concentrations of multi-heavy metal(loid)s.

Assessment of internal exposure risk from metals pollution of occupational and non-occupational populations around a non-ferrous metal smelting plant.

Non-ferrous metal smelting poses significant risks to public health. Specifically, the copper smelting process releases arsenic, a semi-volatile metalloid, which poses an emerging exposure risk to both workers and nearby residents. To comprehensively understand the internal exposure risks of metal(loid)s from copper smelting, we explored eighteen metal(loid)s and arsenic metabolites in the urine of both occupational and non-occupational populations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with high-performance liquid chromatography and compared their health risks. Results showed that zinc and copper (485.38 and 14.00 µg/L), and arsenic, lead, cadmium, vanadium, tin and antimony (46.80, 6.82, 2.17, 0.40, 0.44 and 0.23 µg/L, respectively) in workers (n=179) were significantly higher compared to controls (n=168), while Zinc, tin and antimony (412.10, 0.51 and 0.15 µg/L, respectively) of residents were significantly higher than controls. Additionally, workers had a higher monomethyl arsenic percentage (MMA%), showing lower arsenic methylation capacity. Source appointment analysis identified arsenic, lead, cadmium, antimony, tin and thallium as co-exposure metal(loid)s from copper smelting, positively relating to the age of workers. The hazard index (HI) of workers exceeded 1.0, while residents and control were approximately at 1.0. Besides, all three populations had accumulated cancer risks exceeding 1.0 × 10-4, and arsenite (AsIII) was the main contributor to the variation of workers and residents. Furthermore, residents living closer to the smelting plant had higher health risks. This study reveals arsenic exposure metabolites and multiple metals as emerging contaminants for copper smelting exposure populations, providing valuable insights for pollution control in non-ferrous metal smelting.

Abiotic aerobic oxidation pathways of stibnite revealed by oxygen and sulfur isotope systematics of sulfate.

The environmental threat posed by stibnite is an important geoenvironmental issue of current concern. To better understand stibnite oxidation pathways, aerobic abiotic batch experiments were conducted in aqueous solution with varying δ18OH2O value at initial neutral pH for different lengths of time (15-300 days). The sulfate oxygen and sulfur isotope compositions as well as concentrations of sulfur and antimony species were determined. The sulfur isotope fractionation factor (Δ34SSO4-stibnite) values decreased from 0.8‰ to -2.1‰ during the first 90 days, and increased to 2.6‰ at the 180 days, indicating the dominated intermediate sulfur species such as S2O32-, S0, and H2S (g) involved in Sb2S3 oxidation processes. The incorporation of O into sulfate derived from O2 (∼100%) indicated that the dissociated O2 was only directly adsorbed on the stibnite-S sites in the initial stage (0-90 days). The proportion of O incorporation into sulfate from water (27%-52%) increased in the late stage (90-300 days), which suggested the oxidation mechanism changed to hydroxyl attack on stibnite-S sites promoted by nearby adsorbed O2 on stibnite-Sb sites. The exchange of oxygen between sulfite and water may also contributed to the increase of water derived O into SO42-. The new insight of stibnite oxidation pathway contributes to the understanding of sulfide oxidation mechanism and helps to interpret field data.

Cu/TiO2 adsorbents modified by air plasma for adsorption-oxidation of H2S.

In this study, non-thermal plasma (NTP) was employed to modify the Cu/TiO2 adsorbent to efficiently purify H2S in low-temperature and micro-oxygen environments. The effects of Cu loading amounts and atmospheres of NTP treatment on the adsorption-oxidation performance of the adsorbents were investigated. The NTP modification successfully boosted the H2S removal capacity to varying degrees, and the optimized adsorbent treated by air plasma (Cu/TiO2-Air) attained the best H2S breakthrough capacity of 113.29 mg H2S/gadsorbent, which was almost 5 times higher than that of the adsorbent without NTP modification. Further studies demonstrated that the superior performance of Cu/TiO2-Air was attributed to increased mesoporous volume, more exposure of active sites (CuO) and functional groups (amino groups and hydroxyl groups), enhanced Ti-O-Cu interaction, and the favorable ratio of active oxygen species. Additionally, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated the main reason for the deactivation was the consumption of the active components (CuO) and the agglomeration of reaction products (CuS and SO42-) occupying the active sites on the surface and the inner pores of the adsorbents.

The role of sulfur cycle in new particle formation: Cycloaddition reaction of SO3 to H2S.

The chemistry of sulfur cycle contributes significantly to the atmospheric nucleation process, which is the first step of new particle formation (NPF). In the present study, cycloaddition reaction mechanism of sulfur trioxide (SO3) to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which is a typical air pollutant and toxic gas detrimental to the environment were comprehensively investigate through theoretical calculations and Atmospheric Cluster Dynamic Code simulations. Gas-phase stability and nucleation potential of the product thiosulfuric acid (H2S2O3, TSA) were further analyzed to evaluate its atmospheric impact. Without any catalysts, the H2S + SO3 reaction is infeasible with a barrier of 24.2 kcal/mol. Atmospheric nucleation precursors formic acid (FA), sulfuric acid (SA), and water (H2O) could effectively lower the reaction barriers as catalysts, even to a barrierless reaction with the efficiency of cis-SA > trans-FA > trans-SA > H2O. Subsequently, the gas-phase stability of TSA was investigated. A hydrolysis reaction barrier of up to 61.4 kcal/mol alone with an endothermic isomerization reaction barrier of 5.1 kcal/mol under the catalytic effect of SA demonstrates the sufficient stability of TSA. Furthermore, topological and kinetic analysis were conducted to determine the nucleation potential of TSA. Atmospheric clusters formed by TSA and atmospheric nucleation precursors (SA, ammonia NH3, and dimethylamine DMA) were thermodynamically stable. Moreover, the gradually decreasing evaporation coefficients for TSA-base clusters, particularly for TSA-DMA, suggests that TSA may participate in NPF where the concentration of base molecules are relatively higher. The present new reaction mechanism may contributes to a better understanding of atmospheric sulfur cycle and NPF.

Efficient photodegradation of perfluoroalkyl substances under visible light by hexagonal ZnIn2S4 nanosheets.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are typical persistent organic pollutants, and their removal is urgently required but challenging. Photocatalysis has shown potential in PFASs degradation due to the redox capabilities of photoinduced charge carriers in photocatalysts. Herein, hexagonal ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) nanosheets were synthesized by a one-pot oil bath method and were well characterized by a series of techniques. In the degradation of sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS), one kind of representative PFASs, the as-synthesized ZIS showed activity superior to P25 TiO2 under both simulated sunlight and visible-light irradiation. The good photocatalytic performance was attributed to the enhanced light absorption and facilitated charge separation. The pH conditions were found crucial in the photocatalytic process by influencing the OBS adsorption on the ZIS surface. Photogenerated e- and h+ were the main active species involved in OBS degradation in the ZIS system. This work confirmed the feasibility and could provide mechanistic insights into the degradation and defluorination of PFASs by visible-light photocatalysis.

A novel structurally modified isophorone fluorescent probe for H2S detection.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a comprehensive contribution to the normal operation and stability of organisms and is also present in environmental water samples and food deterioration. Thus, it is exceedingly promising and significant to develop a highly sensitive detection technique for tracing H2S. Inspired by this, we designed and synthesized a new fluorescent probe 2-[3-[2-[3-bromo-4-(2,4- dinitrobenzenesulfonate)] ethenyl]-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-ylidene]propanedinitrile (SP-Br) for hydrosulfide ion detection by introducing bromine atom. Compared with reported H2S probes based on the same fluorescent parent, SP-Br has longer fluorescence emission (λem = 670 nm), shorter response time (3 min), lower detection limit (149 nM), and wider detection range (0-30 nM). SP-Br can emit weak yellow fluorescence, and the emission intensity at 670 nm is considerably enhanced in the presence of hydrosulfide ions. The identification mechanism of hydrosulfide ion by SP-Br was verified by high-resolution mass spectrometry, fluorescence, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. In addition, SP-Br has been successfully applied to the monitoring of actual water samples and beer samples and has certain development prospects and value in the fields of environmental pollution and food quality analysis.

20S-Ginsenoside Rh2, the major bioactive saponin in Panax notoginseng flowers, ameliorates cough by inhibition of NaV1.7 and TRPV1 channel currents and downregulation of TRPV1 expression.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Panax notoginseng flowers, which are the buds of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Sanqi, are widely used in China for their cough-ameliorating properties, with demonstrated therapeutic effects in the treatment of both acute and chronic coughs. However, both the antitussive mechanism and active compound basis of P. notoginseng flowers remain poorly understood. AIM OF THE STUDY: We investigated the antitussive effects of P. notoginseng flowers, identified the bioactive constituents responsible for alleviating cough symptoms, and elucidated the underlying pharmacological mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the major chemical constituents of aqueous extracts of P. notoginseng flowers using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and quantitatively analyzed the key component, 20S-ginsenoside Rh2, using high-performance liquid chromatography. Using a cough reflex model in healthy mice and an ovalbumin-induced, highly sensitive guinea pig cough model, we verified the suppressive effects of P. notoginseng flowers and their saponin constituents on coughing. Furthermore, we explored the mechanisms of action of the key ion channels, NaV1.7 and TRPV1, using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques and molecular docking. Finally, the therapeutic mechanisms of P. notoginseng flowers on pathological cough were revealed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. RESULTS: The active components of P. notoginseng flowers were primarily protopanaxadiol-type saponins, among which 20S-ginsenoside Rh2 had the highest content (51.46 mg/g). In the mouse model, P. notoginseng flowers exhibited antitussive effects comparable to those of pentoxyverine citrate. Although its main saponin component, 20S-ginsenoside Rh2, showed slightly weaker effects, it still demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of channel activity. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique and virtual molecular docking showed that Rh2 might exert its effects by directly binding to the NaV1.7 and TRPV1 channels. In the guinea pig model, P. notoginseng flowers and their saponin components not only reduced cough frequency and prolonged the latency period before cough onset, but also significantly inhibited tracheal and pulmonary inflammation and the overexpression of TRPV1. CONCLUSIONS: 20S-Ginsenoside Rh2, the major bioactive saponin in P. notoginseng flowers, exhibits potent antitussive effects. The potential mechanism of action of 20S-Ginsenoside Rh2 in the treatment of cough may involve inhibiting NaV1.7 and TRPV1 channel currents through direct binding to core protein active sites and downregulating TRPV1 expression.

Facile construction of heterogeneous dual-ionic poly(ionic liquid)s for efficient and mild conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates.

In the context of peaking carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, development of feasible methods for converting CO2 into high value-added chemicals stands out as a hot subject. In this study, P[D+COO-][Br-][DBUH+], a series of novel heterogeneous dual-ionic poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) were synthesized readily from 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), bromo-substituted aliphatic acids, organic bases and divinylbenzene (DVB). The structures, compositions and morphologies were characterized or determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopes (SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis (BET), etc. Application of the P[D+COO-][Br-][DBUH+] series as catalysts in converting CO2 into cyclic carbonates showed that P[D+COO-][Br-][DBUH+]-2/1/0.6 was able to catalyze epiclorohydrin-CO2 cycloaddition the most efficiently. This afforded chloropropylene carbonate (CPC) in 98.4% yield with ≥ 99% selectivity in 24 hr under solvent- and additive-free conditions at atmospheric pressure. Reusability experiments showed that recycling of the catalyst 6 times only resulted in a slight decline in the catalytic performance. In addition, it could be used for the synthesis of a variety of differently substituted cyclic carbonates in good to excellent yields. Finally, key catalytic active sites were probed, and a reasonable mechanism was proposed accordingly. In summary, this work poses an efficient strategy for heterogenization of dual-ionic PILs and provides a mild and environmentally benign approach to the fixation and utilization of carbon dioxide.

Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA Gene Library Preparation for Poultry Processing Microbiome Analyses.

The standardization of the microbiome sequencing of poultry rinsates is essential for generating comparable microbial composition data among poultry processing facilities if this technology is to be adopted by the industry. Samples must first be acquired, DNA must be extracted, and libraries must be constructed. In order to proceed to library sequencing, the samples should meet quality control standards. Finally, data must be analyzed using computer bioinformatics pipelines. This data can subsequently be incorporated into more advanced computer algorithms for risk assessment. Ultimately, *a uniform sequencing pipeline will enable both the government regulatory agencies and the poultry industry to identify potential weaknesses in food safety.This chapter presents the different steps for monitoring the population dynamics of the microbiome in poultry processing using 16S rDNA sequencing.

The structure-function relationships and techno-functions of ß-conglycinin.

ß-conglycinin (ß-CG) is a prominent storage protein belonging to the globulin family in soybean (Glycine max) seeds. Along with other soybean proteins, it serves as an important source of essential amino acids and high-quality nutrition. However, the digestibility and nutritional value of ß-CG are key factors affecting the nutritional profile of soy-based foods. The heterotrimeric, secondary, and quaternary structures of ß-CG, particularly the spatial arrangement of its α, α', and ß subunits, influence its functional properties. Considering these aspects, ß-CG emerges as a significant protein with diverse applications in the food and health sectors. Therefore, this review explores ß-CG's composition, structure, function, health implications, and industrial uses. Salient discussions are presented on its molecular structure, nutrition, digestibility, allergenicity, and techno-functions including emulsification, solubility, gelling, and structure-function complexities. Overall, the multifaceted potential of ß-CG in the healthcare sector and the food industry is evident.

Photoelectrochemical sensor for nitrite determination based on the etching of BiOCl/Zn0.5Cd0.5S.

A rapid photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor was constructed for nitrite detection in food based on the one-step chemical etching strategy of BiOCl/Zn0.5Cd0.5S (BOC/ZCS) nanocomposites by nitrite. BOC/ZCS heterojunction was prepared by a simple coprecipitation method, and it was found that BOC/ZCS showed significant photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity. The results of this study confirmed that the decrease in the photocurrent of the sensor was linked to the etching of ZCS by nitrite under acidic conditions. Under optimized conditions, the BOC/ZCS-based PEC sensor showed good analytical properties for detecting nitrite, with linear ranges of 1-100 µM and 100-600 µM. The detection limit of the sensor was 0.41 µM (S/N = 3). Excellent repeatability, reproducibility, low background noise, and immunity to interference were demonstrated using the proposed system, and satisfactory results were achieved for the nitrite assay using real samples. These results demonstrate a new method for nitrite detection developed using the proposed PEC sensor.

The use of direct oral anticoagulants in the secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients with severe thrombophilia: communication from the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on Physiological Anticoagulants and Thrombophilia.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the first-line anticoagulants for the secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, patients with severe inherited thrombophilias represent a group in whom the efficiency and safety of DOACs is poorly studied. In this communication, we focus on the utility of DOACs in the secondary prevention of VTE in patients with severe thrombophilia. Current evidence is based only on cohort or single-center studies, and poor data are available on compliance of the patients in the studies. Analysis of the studies suggested that full-dose DOACs and vitamin K antagonists have a similar efficacy and bleeding risk in the secondary prevention of VTE in patients with thrombophilia, with a low hazard ratio for recurrent VTE calculated from cohort studies for DOAC vs warfarin, ranging from 0.3 to 0.75. We wish to highlight that treatment failure is greater in those with severe forms of protein S deficiency (below 20%) and possibly in antithrombin deficiency type II heparin-binding site homozygous Budapest 3. In summary, the current approach to using DOACs in patients with severe thrombophilia is dependent on clinical judgment and experience. Limited evidence suggests that for those with severe thrombophilias, full-dose DOACs have similar utility as vitamin K antagonists. We recommend caution in using low-dose DOACs due to lack of evidence. Ideally, large randomized multicenter studies are required to develop a reliable treatment algorithm.

Familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case induced by concurrent hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is an uncommon genetic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of muscle weakness and hypokalemia, typically starting in early adulthood. The existence of hyperthyroidism in the presence of HypoPP is more strongly associated with a diagnosis of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP), with most cases occurring in Asian males with pathogenic KCNJ2 or KCNJ18 variants and without a family history of the condition. This case is novel due to the combination of familial HypoPP and hyperthyroidism induced by Graves' disease, a rare occurrence especially in non-Asian populations. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old African American man presented with profound muscle weakness after consuming a high-salt meal. He had a significant family history of hyperthyroidism and hypokalemia. On examination, he showed profound weakness in all extremities. Laboratory tests confirmed hypokalemia and hyperthyroidism, and genetic testing identified a pathogenic variant in the CACNA1S gene (c.1583 G > A, p. R528H), with normal SCN4A, KCNJ2 and KCNJ18 sequencing. He was diagnosed with familial HypoPP and hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease. He was started on PO methimazole 10 mg three times a day and PO acetazolamide 250 mg twice a day. He was advised to follow a low carbohydrate and low salt diet. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of considering a genetic basis for HypoPP in patients with a family history of the condition, even when hyperthyroidism is present. The combination of familial HypoPP and Graves' disease is rare and emphasizes the need for careful genetic and clinical evaluation in similar cases. Management should focus on correcting hypokalemia, treating hyperthyroidism, and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence.

Anlotinib plus oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 in refractory or relapsed small-cell lung cancer (SALTER TRIAL): a multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) have few treatment options and dismal overall survival (OS) after failed platinum-based chemotherapy. METHODS: The eligibility criteria of this phase II clinical trial included patients with measurable disease, age of 18 to 75 years, a confirmed diagnosis of disease progression or recurrence after prior platinum-based chemotherapy with a pathologically proven diagnosis of SCLC. Patients were treated with anlotinib at a dosage of 12 mg once daily (QD) and S-1 at 60 mg twice daily (BID) for 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week treatment-free interval. After six cycles of the above treatment, patients continued the maintenance therapy using S-1 monotherapy at 60 mg/ BID for 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week treatment-free interval until disease progression. RESULTS: From March 2019 to June 2020, a total of 71 patients were initially assessed for eligibility in this study. Out of these, 52 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled, and 48 patients received at least two doses of the study drug. The median follow-up time was 25.1 months. The ORR was seen in 21 patients (43.8%). The median PFS was 4.5 months (95% CI, 3.5-5.5 months), and the median OS was 5.9 months (95% CI, 4.6-7.3 months). The most common grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were thrombocytopenia (16.7%), anemia (14.6%), neutropenia (14.6%), and hypertension (10.4%). No treatment-related death occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of anlotinib with oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 demonstrated notable activity in relapsed or refractory SCLC, showing a favorable ORR and an acceptable, manageable safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT03823118) on 3 January 2019.

Suppression of overactivated immunity in the early stage is the key to improve the prognosis in severe burns.

Background: Severe burns can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) due to inflammation-immunity dysregulation. This study aimed to identify key immune-related molecules and potential drugs for immune regulation in severe burn treatment. Method: Microarray datasets GSE77791 and GSE37069 were analyzed to identify immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), enriched pathways and prognosis-related genes. The DGIdb database was used to identify potentially clinically relevant small molecular drugs for hub DEGs. Hub DEGs were validated by total RNA from clinical blood samples through qPCR. The efficacy of drug candidates was tested in a severe burn mouse model. Pathologic staining was used to observe organ damage. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a and MCP-1 contents. Activation of the NF-κB inflammatory pathway was detected by western blotting. Transcriptome sequencing was used to observe inflammatory-immune responses in the lung. Results: A total of 113 immune-related DEGs were identified, and the presence of immune overactivation was confirmed in severe burns. S100A8 was not only significantly upregulated and identified to be prognosis-related among the hub DEGs but also exhibited an increasing trend in clinical blood samples. Methotrexate, which targets S100A8, as predicted by the DGIdb, significantly reduces transcription level of S100A8 and inflammatory cytokine content in blood, organ damage (lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys) and mortality in severely burned mice when combined with fluid resuscitation. The inflammatory-immune response was suppressed in the lungs. Conclusion: S100A8 with high transcription level in blood is a potential biomarker for poor severe burn prognosis. It suggested that methotrexate has a potential application in severe burn immunotherapy. Besides, it should be emphasized that fluid resuscitation is necessary for the function of methotrexate.

Beyond ribosomal function: RPS6 deficiency suppresses cholangiocarcinoma cell growth by disrupting alternative splicing.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a bile duct malignancy with a dismal prognosis. This study systematically investigated the role of the ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) gene, which is dependent in CCA. We found that RPS6 upregulation in CCA tissues was correlated with a poor prognosis. Functional investigations have shown that alterations in RPS6 expression, both gain- and loss-of function could affect the proliferation of CCA cells. In xenograft tumor models, RPS6 overexpression enhances tumorigenicity, whereas RPS6 silencing reduces it. Integration analysis using RNA-seq and proteomics elucidated downstream signaling pathways of RPS6 depletion by affecting the cell cycle, especially DNA replication. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry has identified numerous spliceosome complex proteins associated with RPS6. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that RPS6 affects numerous alternative splicing (AS) events, and combined with RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, revealed that minichromosome maintenance complex component 7 (MCM7) binds to RPS6, which regulates its AS and increases oncogenic activity in CCA. Targeting RPS6 with vivo phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (V-PMO) significantly inhibited the growth of CCA cells, patient-derived organoids, and subcutaneous xenograft tumor. Taken together, the data demonstrate that RPS6 is an oncogenic regulator in CCA and that RPS6-V-PMO could be repositioned as a promising strategy for treating CCA.

Comparison of the Efficacy Between Ultrasound-Guided Paravertebral Block and Erector Spinae Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Using Levobupivacaine: A Prospective and Randomized Study.

Introduction Various techniques have been developed in the current era of regional anesthesia practice. With the advent of ultrasound, the visualization of needle and pleura in real time enables a better outcome with negligible adverse events. This study was designed to compare the efficacy between ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and paravertebral block (PVB) in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the duration of postoperative analgesia with levobupivacaine, a local anesthetic with higher lipid solubility, making it more potent and resulting in a longer duration of action. Methods This prospective randomized single-blinded study enrolled 50 patients of ASA grades I and II, aged between 20 and 60 years, who were scheduled for PCNL under general anesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups of 25 each: group ESPB and group PVB, and 25 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine was administered to both groups. They were primarily evaluated for the duration of postoperative analgesia. Total rescue analgesic requirements, hemodynamic parameters, and any adverse effects were also assessed. Results Both ESPB and PVB provided a significant duration of analgesia postoperatively. Demographic characteristics in both groups were comparable. The duration of postoperative analgesia in group ESPB was 746 ± 58.6 minutes when compared to group PVB, which is 768 ± 68.6 minutes (p = 0.08). Intravenous (IV) paracetamol was used as a rescue analgesic. The doses used were also comparable in both groups, with the visual analog score (VAS) being high after around 12 hours of surgery. The total rescue analgesic requirement was similar in both groups (group ESPB, 2.0 ± 1.6; group PVB, 2.2 ± 1.4; p = 0.51). There were no significant hemodynamic or other adverse effects in either group. Conclusion We conclude that both ESPB and PVB using isobaric levobupivacaine 0.25% as a local anesthetic are equally efficacious in providing effective postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing PCNL under general anesthesia.

Dongia sedimenti sp. nov., isolated from river sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming and strictly aerobic bacterial strain, designated R-7T, was isolated from river sediment in Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China. Cells (1.6-3.8 µm long and 0.6-0.8 µm wide) were slightly curved to straight rods and motile by means of a polar flagellum. The strain grew optimally on Reasoner's 2A medium at 30 °C, pH 7.0 and with 1.0% (w/v) NaCl. Strain R-7T exhibited closest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Dongia mobilis CGMCC 1.7660T (95.4%), D. rigui 04SU4-PT (94.6%) and D. soli D78T (93.8%). The phylogenetic trees based on genomic and 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain R-7T was clustered in the genus Dongia. The obtained average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between R-7T and the three type strains of the genus Dongia were 73.4, 72.8 and 72.4% and 19.5, 19.0 and 18.7%, respectively. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified aminophospholipids and nine unidentified polar lipids. The major cellular fatty acids (>5% of the total) were cyclo-C19 : 0 ω8c, C16 : 0 and C16 : 0 2-OH. The DNA G+C content was 65.5 mol%. On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain R-7T represents a novel species of the genus Dongia, for which the name Dongia sedimenti sp. nov. is proposed, with strain R-7T (=KCTC 8082T=MCCC 1K08805T) as the type strain.