Association between serum cotinine and hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis in adolescent: a population-based study in the United States.

Tobacco exposure is known to be associated with a higher prevalence and incidence of liver diseases. Cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, is a typical indicator of tobacco exposure. However, the relationship of serum cotinine levels with hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis remains controversial and these relationships need more research to explored in American teenagers. Cross-sectional data included 1433 participants aged 12-19 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to 2020 were thoroughly used for this study. The linear relationships between serum cotinine levels and the Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) and Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) were examined using multiple linear regression models. Subgroup analysis, interaction tests, and nonlinear interactions were also carried out. Serum cotinine levels > 2.99 ng/ml [ß = 0.41 (0.07, 0.76), p = 0.018] and 0.05-2.99 ng/ml [ß = 0.24 (0.00, 0.49), p = 0.048] showed a significant positive connection with LSM in multivariate linear regression analysis when compared to serum cotinine levels ≤ 0.05 ng/ml (p for trend = 0.006). Moreover, we discovered an inverted U-shaped association of log2-transformed cotinine with LSM with an inflection point of 4.53 using a two-stage linear regression model. However, according to multiple regression analysis, serum cotinine and CAP did not significantly correlate (p = 0.512). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that smoking cessation and keep away from secondhand smoking may beneficial for liver health in American teenagers.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and therapeutic strategies in metabolic, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

The accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), due to genetic determinants and extrinsic environmental factors, leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress). As ER stress ensues, the unfolded protein response (UPR), comprising three signaling pathways-inositol-requiring enzyme 1, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase, and activating transcription factor 6 promptly activates to enhance the ER's protein-folding capacity and restore ER homeostasis. However, prolonged ER stress levels propels the UPR towards cellular demise and the subsequent inflammatory cascade, contributing to the development of human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and diabetes. Notably, increased expression of all three UPR signaling pathways has been observed in these pathologies, and reduction in signaling molecule expression correlates with decreased proliferation of disease-associated target cells. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting ER stress-related interventions have attracted significant research interest. In this review, we elucidate the critical role of ER stress in cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases, offering novel therapeutic approaches for these conditions.

pH-Triggered nanoreactors as oxidative stress amplifiers for combating multidrug-resistant biofilms.

Developing radical oxygen species (ROS)-generating nanoreactors as new "antibiotics" is a promising strategy for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) biofilm infections. Herein, we designed and fabricated silver nanoparticle-decorated calcium peroxide (CaO2) nanoreactors (CPA) for combating MDR biofilms. CPA could locally boost ROS production as oxidative stress amplifiers in a pH-triggered and self-catalytic manner in acidic biofilms, where H2O2 was released by the hydrolysis of CaO2 and sequentially catalyzed by Ag NPs in situ to generate O2˙-, thereby efficiently disrupting mature biofilms and killing bacteria.

Estimation of maize evapotraspiration under drought stress - A case study of Huaibei Plain, China.

Given the importance and complexity of crop evapotranspiration estimation under drought stress, an experiment tailored for maize under drought stress was completed using six sets of large-scale weighing lysimeters at the Xinmaqiao Comprehensive Experimental Irrigation and Drainage Station, Anhui Province, China. Our aim was to analyze maize evapotranspiration under different drought conditions. Based on estimates of maize evapotranspiration under no drought stress using the dual crop coefficient approach, we optimized and calibrated basic crop coefficients Kcbini, Kcbmid, Kcbend, and the maximum crop coefficient Kcmax using a genetic algorithm. Measurements of solar radiation at the experimental station were used to derive the empirical parameters a and b from the Angstrom formula through the genetic algorithm, and then evapotranspiration was calculated for the reference crop (ET0). We then estimated the maize evapotranspiration under drought using the dual crop coefficient approach. The results indicated that a slight water deficit during the earlier stage of vegetative growth may stimulate the maize homeostatic mechanism and increase tolerance to drought stress in later growth periods. Maize evapotranspiration significantly decreased if drought stress continued into the elongation stage, and the same degree of drought stress had a greater influence on the middle and later stages of vegetative and reproductive growth. The calibrated results for Kcbini, Kcbmid, Kcbend, and Kcmax were 0.155, 1.218, 0.420 and 1.497 respectively. We calculated the root-mean-square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean relative error (MRE) of maize evapotranspiration under no drought stress over the full growing season using a dual crop coefficient approach, and the results were 1.33 mm/day, 0.99 mm/day, and 1.30%, respectively, or 18.40%, 17.50%, and 91.11% lower than results using the recommended coefficients. The RMSE, MAE, and MRE results for maize under drought stress during two full growth periods were 1.18 mm/day, 0.98 mm/day, and 13.92%, respectively. These results were higher than maize without drought stress, but better than the estimated results based on FAO-56 recommended values. Therefore, maize evapotranspiration estimation under drought stress using the dual crop coefficient approach and genetic algorithm was reasonable and reliable. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing suitable regional irrigation programs and decreasing losses due to agricultural drought.

Optimal Water Resources Regulation for the Pond Irrigation System Based on Simulation-A Case Study in Jiang-Huai Hilly Regions, China.

Due to the importance and complexity of water resources regulations in the pond irrigation systems of the Jiang-Huai hilly regions, a water allocation simulation model for pond irrigation districts based on system simulation theory was developed in this study. To maximize agricultural irrigation benefits while guaranteeing rural domestic water demand, an optimal water resources regulation model for pond irrigation districts and a simulation-based optimal water resources regulation technology system for the pond irrigation system were developed. Using this system, it was determined that the suitable pond coverage rate (pond capacity per unit area) was 2.92 × 105 m3/km2. Suitable water supply and operational rules for adjusting crop planting structure were also developed the water-saving irrigation method and irrigation system. To guarantee rural domestic water demand, the multi-year average total irrigation water deficit of the study area decreased by 4.66 × 104 m3/km2; the average multi-year water deficit ratio decreased from 20.40% to 1.18%; the average multi-year irrigation benefit increased by 1.11 × 105 RMB (16,128$)/km2; and the average multi-year revenue increased by 6.69%. Both the economic and social benefits were significant. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and technological support for comprehensive pone governance in the Jiang-Huai hilly regions and promote the establishment of a water allocation scheme and irrigation system for pond irrigation districts, which have practical significance and important application value.