Cancer SLC6A6-mediated taurine uptake transactivates immune checkpoint genes and induces exhaustion in CD8+ T cells.

Taurine is used to bolster immunity, but its effects on antitumor immunity are unclear. Here, we report that cancer-related taurine consumption causes T cell exhaustion and tumor progression. The taurine transporter SLC6A6 is correlated with aggressiveness and poor outcomes in multiple cancers. SLC6A6-mediated taurine uptake promotes the malignant behaviors of tumor cells but also increases the survival and effector function of CD8+ T cells. Tumor cells outcompete CD8+ T cells for taurine by overexpressing SLC6A6, which induces T cell death and malfunction, thereby fueling tumor progression. Mechanistically, taurine deficiency in CD8+ T cells increases ER stress, promoting ATF4 transcription in a PERK-JAK1-STAT3 signaling-dependent manner. Increased ATF4 transactivates multiple immune checkpoint genes and induces T cell exhaustion. In gastric cancer, we identify a chemotherapy-induced SP1-SLC6A6 regulatory axis. Our findings suggest that tumoral-SLC6A6-mediated taurine deficiency promotes immune evasion and that taurine supplementation reinvigorates exhausted CD8+ T cells and increases the efficacy of cancer therapies.

Effects of selenium nanoparticles produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus HN23 on lipid deposition in WRL68 cells.

Selenium is an essential trace element for most organisms, protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and serving as an adjunctive treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, We used the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus HN23 to reduce tetra-valent sodium selenite into particulate matter, and analyzed it through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We found that it consisted of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with a mass composition of 65.8 % zero-valent selenium and some polysaccharide and polypeptide compounds, with particle sizes ranging from 60 to 300 nm. We also detected that SeNPs were much less toxic to cells than selenite. We further used free fatty acids (FFA)-induced WRL68 fatty liver cell model to study the therapeutic effect of SeNPs on NAFLD. The results show that SeNPs are more effective than selenite in reducing lipid deposition, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and antioxidant capacity of WRL68 cells, which is attributed to the chemical valence state of selenium and organic composition in SeNPs. In conclusion, SeNPs produced by probiotics L. acidophilus had the potential to alleviate NAFLD by reducing hepatocyte lipid deposition and oxidative damage. This study may open a new avenue for SeNPs drug development to treat NAFLD.

Polysaccharide from Panax japonicus C.A. Mey prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease development based on regulating liver metabolism and gut microbiota in mice.

In this study, a new polysaccharide (PSPJ) with specific molecular weight and monosaccharide compositions was isolated and purified from the water extract of Panacis Japonici Rhizoma (PJR). 16S rRNA analysis and untargeted metabolomic analysis were used to assess PSPJ's efficacy in averting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study indicated that PSPJ significantly reduced liver fat accumulation, the increase in blood lipids and ALT caused by HFD, indicating that PSPJ can prevent NAFLD. We demonstrated through cell experiments that PSPJ does not directly affect liver cells. The gut microbiota disorder and alterations in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) induced by the high-fat diet (HFD) were ameliorated by PSPJ, as evidenced by the analysis of 16S rRNA. In particular, supplementing PSPJ reduced the abundance of Turicibacter, Dubosiella, and Staphylococcus, and increased the abundance of Bacteroides, Blautia, and Lactobacillus. Untargeted metabolomic analysis shows that PSPJ improves liver metabolic disorders by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism and retinol metabolism. The findings of our investigation indicate that PSPJ has the potential to modulate liver metabolism through alterations in the composition of intestinal bacteria, hence preventing NAFLD.

Combining hybrid nanoflowers with hybridization chain reaction for highly sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has had enormous social and economic impacts so far. The nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is highly conserved and is a key antigenic marker for the diagnosis of early SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: In this study, the N protein was first captured by an aptamer (Aptamer 58) coupled to magnetic beads (MBs), which in turn were bound to another DNA sequence containing the aptamer (Aptamer 48-Initiator). After adding 5'-biotinylated hairpin DNA Amplifier 1 and Amplifier 2 with cohesive ends for complementary hybridization, the Initiator in the Aptamer 48-Initiator began to trigger the hybridization chain reaction (HCR), generating multiple biotin-labeled DNA concatamers. When incubated with synthetic streptavidin-invertase-Ca3(PO4)2 hybrid nanoflower (SICa), DNA concatamers could specifically bind to SICa through biotin-streptavidin interaction with high affinity. After adding sucrose, invertase in SICa hydrolyzed sucrose to glucose, whose concentration could be directly read with a portable glucometer, and its concentration was positively correlated with the amount of captured N protein. The method is highly sensitive with a detection limit as low as 1 pg/mL. SIGNIFICANCE: We believe this study provided a practical solution for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and offered a new method for detecting other viruses through different target proteins.

Effects of Rosa roxburghii Tratt on Ulcerative Colitis: An Integrated Analysis of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation.

Rosa roxburghii Tratt is a traditional Chinese plant that has been used to treat different inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of Rosa roxburghii Tratt extract (RRTE) against ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology and experimental validation. HPLC-Q/Orbitrap MS was used to rapidly identify the substances contained in RRTE after extracting the active components from the fruit. Then, network pharmacology combined with molecular docking was used to explore the critical target and potential mechanism of RRTE against UC using the active ingredients in RRTE as the research object. Data are presented in a visual manner. Finally, the pharmacological effects of RRTE in alleviating UC were further verified using a DSS-induced UC model of NCM460. The results showed that 25 components in RRTE were identified. A total of 250 targets of the active components and 5376 targets associated with UC were collected. Furthermore, a systematic analysis of the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks suggests that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), and serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) are critical targets for RRTE in the treatment of UC. A comprehensive regulatory network analysis showed that RRTE alleviated UC through the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway, and molecular docking showed that active components could strongly bind to EGFR, PIK3R1, and AKT1. In addition, RRTE alleviated dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced cell injury and significantly decreased the protein expression levels of EGFR, PIK3R1, and p-AKT in NCM460 cells in vitro. Furthermore, RRTE significantly regulated the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins Apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf1), cleaved caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2), and Bcl2 associated X protein (Bax). In conclusion, the components of RRTE are complex, and RRTE can relieve UC through the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway.

Heterologous production of bioactive xenoacremone analogs in Aspergillus nidulans.

Tyrosine-decahydrofluorene derivatives are a class of hybrid compounds that integrate the properties of polyketides and nonribosomal peptides. These compounds feature a [6.5.6] tricarbocyclic core and a para-cyclophane ether moiety in their structures and exhibit anti-tumor and anti-microbial activities. In this study, we constructed the biosynthetic pathway of xenoacremones from Xenoacremonium sinensis ML-31 in the Aspergillus nidulans host, resulting in the identification of four novel tyrosine-decahydrofluorene analogs, xenoacremones I-L (1-4), along with two known analogs, xenoacremones A and B. Remarkably, compounds 3 and 4 contained a 12-membered para-cyclophane ring system, which is unprecedented among tyrosine-decahydrofluorene analogs in X. sinensis. The successful reconstruction of the biosynthetic pathway and the discovery of novel analogs demonstrate the utility of heterologous expression strategy for the generation of structurally diverse natural products with potential biological activities.

Swertia bimaculata moderated liver damage in mice by regulating intestine microbiota.

Swertia bimaculata (SB) is a medicinal herb in China having an array of therapeutic and biological properties. This study aimed to explore the attenuating effect of SB on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepato-toxicity by regulation of gut microbiome in ICR mice. For this purpose, CCl4 was injected intraperitoneally in different mice groups (B, C, D and E) every 4th day for a period of 47 days. Additionally, C, D, and E groups received a daily dose (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg respectively) of Ether extract of SB via gavage for the whole study period. The results of serum biochemistry analysis, ELISA, H&E staining, and sequencing of the gut microbiome, indicated that SB significantly alleviates the CCl4-induced liver damage and hepatocyte degeneration. The serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were significantly lower in SB treated groups compared to control while levels of glutathione peroxidase were raised. Also, the sequencing data indicate that supplementation with SB could restore the microbiome and its function in CCl4-induced variations in intestinal microbiome of mice by significantly downregulating the abundances of pathogenic intestinal bacteria species including Bacteroides, Enterococcus, Eubacterium, Bifidobacterium while upregulating the levels of beneficial bacteria like Christensenella in the gut. In conclusion, we revealed that SB depicts a beneficial effect against hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in mice through the remission of hepatic inflammation and injury, through regulation of oxidative stress, and by restoring gut microbiota dysbiosis.

Recent advances in gut microbiota-associated natural products: structures, bioactivities, and mechanisms.

Covering: 2014 to June 2022The gut microbiota has attracted increasing attention from researchers due to its critical role in regulating human physiology and pathophysiology. Natural products (NPs) produced or transformed by gut microbes are key signalling mediators for a variety of physiological functions. On the other hand, NPs from ethnomedicines have also been found to generate health benefits through modulation of the gut microbiota. In this highlight, we review the most recent studies related to gut microbiota-derived NPs and bioactive NPs that regulate physiological and pathological processes via gut microbiota-associated mechanisms. We also outline the strategies for the discovery of gut microbiota-derived NPs and the methodologies of how to elucidate the crosstalk between bioactive NPs and the gut microbiota.

Aesculetin Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Mitochondrial Apoptosis in Bladder Cancer Cells by Suppressing the MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Aesculetin (AE), a natural coumarin derivative found in traditional medicinal herbs, has a variety of pharmacological effects. However, the role of AE and its molecular mechanisms of action on bladder cancer remains undefined. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to explore the anti-tumor effects of AE on bladder cancer cells and the associated molecular mechanisms. METHODS: We performed a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay to examine the inhibitory effects of AE on 5637 and T24 cells. The anti-tumor effects of AE on 5637 cells were evaluated by performing colony formation, living/dead cell staining, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration and invasion assays. The expression levels of related proteins were determined using western blotting. RESULTS: The viability of 5637 and T24 cells was decreased by AE. AE significantly inhibited colony formation, arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, decreased migration and invasion, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased apoptosis in 5637 cells. Western blotting results showed the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria; the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3; decrease in CDK4, CCND1, MMP2 and MMP9 levels and an increase in the BAX/BCL-2 protein ratio after treatment with AE. AE also downregulated the levels of p-ERK and p- MEK proteins. Pre-treatment with U0126 significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effects of AE. CONCLUSIONS: AE inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of bladder cancer cells through the MEK/ERK pathway. These findings provide possible therapeutic strategies for bladder cancer.

Ratiometric fluorescent Si-FITC nanoprobe for immunoassay of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlights the importance of rapid and reliable diagnostic assays for the management of virus transmission. Here, we developed a one-pot hydrothermal method to prepare Si-FITC nanoparticles (NPs) for the fluorescent immunoassay of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid protein (N protein). The synthesis of Si-FITC NPs did not need post-modification, which addressed the issue of quantum yield reduction during the coupling reaction. Si-FITC NPs showed two distinct peaks, Si fluorescence at λ em = 385 nm and FITC fluorescence at λ em = 490 nm. In the presence of KMnO4, Si fluorescence was decreased and FITC fluorescence was enhanced. Briefly, in the presence of N protein, catalase (CAT)-linked secondary antibody/reporter antibody/N protein/capture antibody immunocomplexes were formed on microplates. Subsequently, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Si-FITC NPs/KMnO4 were injected into the microplate together. The decomposition of H2O2 by CAT resulted in remaining of KMnO4, which changed the fluorescence intensity ratio of Si-FITC NPs. The fluorescence intensity ratio correlated significantly with the N protein concentration ranging from 0.02 to 50.00 ng/mL, and the detection limit was 0.003 ng/mL, which was more sensitive than the commercial ELISA kit with a detection limit of 0.057 ng/mL. The N protein concentration can be accurately determined in human serum. Furthermore, the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients were distinguishable by this method. Therefore, the ratiometric fluorescent immunoassay can be used for SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis with a high sensitivity and selectivity. Electronic Supplementary Material: Supplementary material (characterization of Si-FITC NPs (FTIR, HRXPS); stability investigation of Si-FITC NPs (photostability, pH stability, anti-interference ability); stability investigation of free FITC (pH value, KMnO4); quenching mechanism of KMnO4 (UV-vis absorption spectra, fluorescence lifetime decay curves); reaction condition optimization of biotin-CAT with H2O2 (pH value, temperature, time); detection of N protein using commercial ELISA Kit; selectivity investigation of assays for SARS-CoV-2 N protein detection; determination results of SARS-CoV-2 N protein in human serum) is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s12274-022-5005-z.

Diverse dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene derivatives from the stem and branch of Tripterygium wilfordii.

Ten new dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene polyol esters, tripterdines A-J (1-10) were isolated from the stem and branch of Tripterygium wilfordii. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, including UV, IR, HRESIMS, NMR, and CD exciton chirality method. The structures of compounds 1, 3, and 6 were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analyses. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were assessed for all the compounds (1-10). Compounds 3, 5 and 10 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities with the secretion level of TNF-α ranging from 43.86% to 51.27%, and the IL-6 ranging from 32.44% to 50.64%. In addition, compounds 1, 3, 7 and 9 showed weak cytotoxicities against three human tumor cell lines (Huh7, MCF-7 and HCT-116).

Superconductivity in Mo-P compounds under pressure and in double-Weyl semimetal Hex-MoP2.

Based on first-principles calculations, we predict five global stable molybdenum phosphorus compounds in the pressure range of 0-300 GPa. All of them display superconductivity with different transition temperatures. Meanwhile, we find that a metastable crystal hex-MoP2, crystallized in a noncentrosymmetric structure, is a double-Weyl semimetal and the Weyl point is in the H-K path. The long Fermi arcs and the topological surface states, which can be observed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, emerge at the (100) surface below the Fermi level. Furthermore, we find that the superconductivity in hex-MoP2 can be enhanced by carrier doping. Due to the breaking of inversion symmetry, the unconventional spin-triplet pairing coexists with spin-singlet pairing in channel . Based on our theoretical model, there are the superconducting band gaps in both pairings. Our work provides a new platform of hex-MoP2 for studying both topological double-Weyl semimetal and superconductivity.

Cell-Selective Encapsulation within Metal-Organic Framework Shells via Precursor-Functionalized Aptamer Identification for Whole-Cell Cancer Vaccine.

Single-cell encapsulation is an emerging technology to endow cells with various functions, of which developing new applications in vivo is in high demand. Currently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that are used as nanometric shells to coat living cells, however, have not realized cell-selective encapsulation. Here, a biocompatible and selective cell encapsulation strategy based on precursor-functionalized nucleolin aptamer and in situ MOF mineralization on the aptamer-identified cancer cell surface are developed. After MOF coating, the encapsulated cancer cells undergo immunogenic cell death, which is found associated with the changed cell stiffness (indicated by Young's modulus). The immunogenic dead cancer cells are used as whole-cell cancer vaccines (WCCVs), forming the integral WCCV-in-shell structure with enhanced immunogenicity ascribing from the surface-exposed calreticulin to promote dendritic cell recruitment, antigen presentation, and T-cell activation. The major activation pathways in the immune response are identified including tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, suggesting the potential adjuvant effect of the MOF shells. After vaccination, WCCV-in-shell shows much better tumor immunoprophylaxis than either the imperfectly coated cancer cells or the traditional WCCV. This strategy is promising for the universal and facile development of novel whole-cell vaccines.

Changes in key aroma-active compounds and sensory characteristics of sunflower oils induced by seed roasting.

This study investigated the changes in aroma composition and perception of sunflower oils induced by seed roasting using sensory-oriented flavor analysis. Volatile compounds were extracted by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation and headspace solid-phase microextraction. Odorants were characterized by gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry and aroma extract dilution analysis. The cold-pressed and roasted sunflower oils contained 13 and 50 odorants, respectively, with the flavor dilution factors between 1 and 256. Fifty-six odorants were newly identified in sunflower oils. Quantification of 26 important odorants by the external standard method revealed apparent changes induced by seed roasting in loss of terpenes, formation of Maillard reaction products, and the increase in lipid oxidation products. The most important odorants (odor active values, OAVs = 1-1857) in the cold-pressed sunflower oil included α-pinene (11,145 µg/kg), ß-pinene (4068 µg/kg), linalool (56 µg/kg), hexanal (541 µg/kg), octanal (125 µg/kg), α-phellandrene (36 µg/kg), and (E)-2-octenal (69 µg/kg), contributing to the raw sunflower seed, woody, green, earthy, and sweet aromas of the oil. The most important contributors (OAVs = 1-884) to the roasted, smoky, and burnt aromas of the roasted sunflower oil were 2- and 3-methylbutanal (6726 and 714 µg/kg), 2,6-dimethylpyrazine (2329 µg/kg), 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (12,228 µg/kg), 2,3-dimethylpyrazine (238 µg/kg), 2,3-pentanedione (1456 µg/kg), 2-pentylfuran (1332 µg/kg), 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine (213 µg/kg), and 1-pentanol (693 µg/kg). Aroma recombination of the key odorants in odorless sunflower oil adequately mimicked the general aroma profiles of sunflower oils. This study provides an important foundation for understanding the relationship between oil processing and aroma molecules of sunflower oils. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The clear changes observed in the composition and concentrations of key aroma compounds explained the changes in sensory characteristics of sunflower seed oils induced by seed roasting on a molecular basis. Characterizing the key aroma-active composition of sunflower oil and investigating its relationship with oil processing could provide important practical applications for the sunflower oil industry in flavor regulation, quality control, product development, and process optimization.

Astragaloside trigger autophagy: Implication a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary fibrosis is an abnormal wound-healing response to repeated alveolar injury, characterized by continuous inflammation and abnormal collagen deposition. Its treatment is problematic. Astragaloside (AST) is an active component of Astragalus membranaceus with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Although the underlying mechanisms are unknown, AST is also used to treat fibrotic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of action of AST in pulmonary fibrosis treatment. We found that AST significantly improved restrictive ventilatory impairment, compliance, total lung capacity, and functional residual capacity. In mice with pulmonary fibrosis, extracellular matrix deposition in the pulmonary parenchyma and intemperate inflammation were reversed. This therapeutic effect can be attributed to autophagy, activating the genes for autophagy flux and autophagic vacuoles. Impaired autophagy increased susceptibility to pulmonary fibrosis by exacerbating collagen deposition in vitro and in vivo. Using a combination of molecular docking and network pharmacology, the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway was identified as a possible candidate for the pharmacologic target of AST. Functional dephosphorylation of MEK and ERK inhibited the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, which converges at the rapamycin switch to initiate autophagy. Inhibitors of Ras and MEK regulated autophagy. These findings suggest that AST might treat pulmonary fibrosis by modulating the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway mediated by depression.

Comparison of key aroma-active compounds between roasted and cold-pressed sesame oils.

This was the first study to compare the key aroma-active compounds that contributed to the different aroma profiles between roasted and cold-pressed sesame oils. Aroma compounds were extracted by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE) and were analysed using gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). The numbers of aroma-active compounds with the flavour dilution (FD) factors between 1 and 2048 were 57 and 16 in the roasted and cold-pressed sesame oils, respectively. A total of 28 volatile compounds were identified as aroma-active compounds in sesame oils for the first time. Important aroma compounds (FD ≥ 8) were quantified by the external standard method, and their odour activity values (OAV) were calculated as the ratio of their concentrations to odour thresholds in oil. The numbers of key aroma-active compounds defined by OAVs ≥ 1 were 23 (OAVs = 1-385) and 8 (OAVs = 1-42), respectively, in the roasted and cold-pressed sesame oils. 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol (smoked, 1924 µg/kg, OAV = 385), 2-methoxyphenol (smoked, 1488 µg/kg, OAV = 114) and pyrazines (roasted and nutty, 578-22750 µg/kg, OAV = 1-67) were the most important aroma-active compounds in the roasted sesame oil, whereas hexanal (green and fruity, 3094 µg/kg, OAV = 42) was the most important aroma-active compound in the cold-pressed sesame oil, followed by (E,E)-2,4-decadienal (earthy, 4170 µg/kg, OAV = 31), dimethyl sulfone (sulphur-like, 406 µg/kg, OAV = 20) and octanal (green and fruity, 901 µg/kg, OAV = 16). This study provides valuable information for manufacturers to achieve precise flavour control of sesame oil products.

Factors affecting the follow-up time after a positive result in the fecal occult blood test.

In 2010, Taiwan included the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) under preventive health insurance services. For patients whose test positive, receiving follow-ups is paramount. This study investigated factors affecting the follow-up time of these patients. This retrospective study used data from the colorectal cancer screening archives. The study period was from 2010 to 2013, and the subjects were 50-75-year-old persons who tested positive for FOBT. The t test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression were performed to address the differences in the mean tracking period between variables such as the population's demographic characteristics. The mean follow-up time for the 98,482 participants whose screening results were positive exhibited significant differences (p < 0.001) according to medical unit region and classification, age, screening location, family history, examination method, and diagnosis. The model predicting the mean follow-up time predicted a period of 10.079 days longer for those whose hospital was on an offshore island than that of those whose hospital was in the eastern regions. The follow-up time was 1.257 days shorter for people who were inpatients than those who were outpatients and was 8.902 days longer for people who underwent double contrast barium enema plus flexible sigmoidoscopy than those who underwent other examination methods. Patients with a family history of colorectal cancer and those whose examination results indicated cancer had a follow-up time of 2.562 and 2.476 days shorter than those who did not know their family history and those with other results, respectively. Factors affecting the follow-up time of people whose FOBT results were positive consisted of the location and classification of the follow-up institution, age, screening location, family history, examination method, and diagnosis. This provides valuable references for improving the cancer screening program.

Shuttle-Shape Carrier-Free Platinum-Coordinated Nanoreactors with O2 Self-Supply and ROS Augment for Enhanced Phototherapy of Hypoxic Tumor.

The synergistic nanotheranostics of reactive oxygen species (ROS) augment or phototherapy has been a promising method within synergistic oncotherapy. However, it is still hindered by sophisticated design and fabrication, lack of a multimodal synergistic effect, and hypoxia-associated poor photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy. Herein, a kind of porous shuttle-shape platinum (IV) methylene blue (Mb) coordination polymer nanotheranostics-loaded 10-hydroxycamptothecin (CPT) is fabricated to address the abovementioned limitations. Our nanoreactors possess spatiotemporally controlled O2 self-supply, self-sufficient singlet oxygen (1O2), and outstanding photothermal effect. Once they are taken up by tumor cells, nanoreactors as a cascade catalyst can efficiently catalyze degradation of the endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into O2 to alleviate tumor hypoxia. The production of O2 can ensure enhanced PDT. Subsequently, under both stimuli of external red light irradiation and internal lysosomal acidity, nanoreactors can achieve the on-demand release of CPT to augment in situ mitochondrial ROS and highly efficient tumor ablation via phototherapy. Moreover, under the guidance of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging, our nanoreactors exhibit strongly synergistic potency for treatment of hypoxic tumors while reducing damages against normal tissues and organs. Collectively, shuttle-shape platinum-coordinated nanoreactors with augmented ROS capacity and enhanced phototherapy efficiency can be regarded as a novel tumor theranostic agent and further promote the research of synergistic oncotherapy.

Gastrodia remodels intestinal microflora to suppress inflammation in mice with early atherosclerosis.

Atherosclsis is a critical actuator causing cardiac-cerebral vascular disease with a complicated pathogeneon, refered to the disorders of intestinal flora and persistent inflammation. Gastrodin (4-(hydroxymethyl) phenyl-ß-D- Glucopyranoside) is the most abundant glucoside extracted from the Gastrodiaelata, which is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for cardiac-cerebral vascular disease, yet its mechanisms remain little known. In the present study, the gastrodia extract and gastrodin attenuate the lipid deposition and foam cells on the inner membrane of the inner membrane of the thoracic aorta in the early atherosclerosis mice. Blood lipid detection tips that TC and LDL-C were reduced in peripheral blood after treatment with the gastrodia extract and gastrodin. Furthermore, unordered gut microbes are remodeled in terms of bacterial diversity and abundance at family and genus level. Also, the intestinal mucosa damage and permeability were reversed, accompaniedwith the reducing of inflammatory cytokines. Our findings revealed that the functions of gastrodia extract and gastrodin in cardiac-cerebral vascular disease involved to rescued gut microbes and anti-inflammation may be the mechanismof remission lipid accumulation.

[Identification of Armeniacae Semen Amarum and Persicae Semen from different origins based on near infrared hyperspectral imaging technology].

In order to establish a rapid and non-destructive evaluation method for the identification of Armeniacae Semen Amarum and Persicae Semen from different origins, the spectral information of Armeniacae Semen Amarum and Persicae Semen in the range of 898-1 751 nm was collected based on hyperspectral imaging technology. Armeniacae Semen Amarum and Persicae Semen from different origins were collected as research objects, and a total of 720 Armeniacae Semen Amarum samples and 600 Persicae Semen samples were used for authenticity discrimination. The region of interest(ROI) and the average reflection spectrum in the ROI were obtained, followed by comparing five pre-processing methods. Then, partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), support vector machine(SVM), and random forest(RF) method were established for classification models, which were evaluated by the confusion matrix of prediction results and receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC). The results showed that in the three sample sets, the se-cond derivative pre-processing method and PLS-DA were the best model combinations. The classification accuracy of the test set under the 5-fold cross-va-lidation was 93.27%, 96.19%, and 100.0%, respectively. It was consistent with the confusion matrix of the predicted results. The area under the ROC curve obtained the highest values of 0.992 3, 0.999 6, and 1.000, respectively. The study revealed that the near-infrared hyperspectral imaging technology could accurately identify the medicinal materials of Armeniacae Semen Amarum and Persicae Semen from different origins and distinguish the authentication of these two varieties.