Molecular characteristics of dissolved organic matter regulate the binding and migration of tungsten in porous media.

Tungsten (W) is an emerging contaminant that poses potential risks to both the environment and human health. While dissolved organic matter (DOM) can significantly influence the W's environmental behavior in natural aquifers, the mechanisms by which DOM's molecular structure and functional group diversity impact W binding and migration remain unclear. Using molecular weight-fractionated soil and sediment DOM (<1 kDa, 1-100 kDa, and 100 kDa-0.45 µm), this study systematically investigated the relationship between DOM molecular characteristics and tungstate (WO42-) binding properties using multiple spectroscopic methods, including FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy and XPS. The migration behavior of WO42- in porous media was also investigated through quartz sand column experiments. Results revealed that approximately 75 % of W was controlled by DOM, with over 50 % binding to low molecular weight DOM (<1 kDa). Tungsten bound to medium-high molecular weight DOM (1-100 kDa, >100 kDa) showed a greater propensity for retention, with the >100 kDa fractions demonstrating stronger selective binding to W, exhibiting distribution coefficients (Kmd) of 6.11 L/g and 10.69 L/g, respectively. Further analysis indicated that W primarily binds with aromatic rings, phenolic hydroxyls, polysaccharides, and carboxyl groups in DOM, potentially affecting DOM structural stability and consequently influencing W migration characteristics. Free W migration in quartz sand was primarily controlled by Langmuir monolayer adsorption, leading to local enrichment (Da = 6.83, Rd = 86.98). When bound to DOM, W's migration ability significantly increased (Rd = 8-10), with adsorption shifting to a Freundlich multilayer model, primarily controlled by convective transport (Npe = 27-62> > 1.96), while adsorption effects weakened (Da ≈ 1). This study, for the first time, systematically reveals the regulatory mechanisms of DOM molecular characteristics on tungsten's environmental behavior. It offers crucial parameter support for constructing tungsten migration models and provides important guidance for tungsten pollution risk assessment and remediation strategies.

AIEgen-functionalized metal-organic gel as a bifunctional platform for efficient adsorption and portable sensing of gaseous iodine.

Herein, we proposed a novel metal-organic gel (YTU-G-1) for efficient adsorption and portable sensing of gaseous iodine. YTU-G-1 exhibits an unprecedentedly high detection sensitivity (KSV = 2.21 × 106 L mol-1) and an extremely low limit of detection (LOD) down to the pmol level (481 pmol L-1). YTU-G-1 also shows a marked iodine adsorption capacity of 1.398 g g-1. A wearable membrane was successfully fabricated via the electrospinning technique, which exhibits excellent skin-compatibility and serves as a portable tool for sensitive response to potential on-site nuclear emergencies.

Blood-brain barrier damage accelerates the accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics in the human central nervous system.

The widespread use of plastics has led to increased micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution, resulting in significant environmental challenges and concerns about potential harm to human health. This study investigated whether certain types of MNPs can accumulate in the human central nervous system (CNS) and trigger inflammatory responses, particularly after CNS infection. Our analysis of 28 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 28 patients with or without CNS infection revealed that only polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were capable of selectively entering the human CNS. Concentrations of PP and PE were positively correlated with the CSF albumin index. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were significantly increased in patients with CNS infections. However, concentrations of MNPs were not significantly associated with CSF levels of IL-6 or IL-8. Overall, these findings suggest that specific MNPs can penetrate the human CNS, especially after impairment of the blood-brain barrier. Notably, MNPs derived from commonly used plastics did not significantly induce or exacerbate inflammation in the human CNS.

Exploring the neural link between childhood maltreatment and depression: a default mode network rs-fMRI study.

Background: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD), yet the neural mechanisms underlying the connection between CM and depression are not fully understood. This study aims to deepen our understanding of this relationship through neuroimaging, exploring how CM correlates with depression. Methods: The study included 56 MDD patients (33 with CM experiences and 23 without) and 23 healthy controls. Participants were assessed for depression severity, CM experiences, and underwent resting-state functional MRI scans. Independent Component Analysis was used to examine differences in functional connectivity (FC) within the Default Mode Network (DMN) among the groups. Results: MDD patients with CM experiences exhibited significantly stronger functional connectivity in the left Superior Frontal Gyrus (SFG) and right Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) within the DMN compared to both MDD patients without CM experiences and healthy controls. FC in these regions positively correlated with Childhood Trauma Questionnaire scores. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis underscored the diagnostic value of FC in the SFG and ACC for identifying MDD related to CM. Additionally, MDD patients with CM experiences showed markedly reduced FC in the left medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC) relative to MDD patients without CM experiences, correlating negatively with Childhood Trauma Questionnaire scores. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that increased FC in the ACC and SFG within the DMN is associated with CM in MDD patients. This enhanced connectivity in these brain regions is key to understanding the predisposition to depression related to CM.

Impact of dynamic changes of tumor marker in neoadjuvant chemotherapy-treated triple-negative gastric cancer patients: a multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: Independent and valid prognostic predictors for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) patients with non-elevated serum tumor markers (Triple-negative: CA199 < 37U/ml, CEA < 5 µg/ml and CA125 < 35U/ml) before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) remain unclear. METHODS: A total of 352 LAGC patients treated with NACT(NLAGC) from two centers were included. Of the 156 were Triple-negative patients. CA72-4 trajectory groupings was defined as longitudinal changes in CA72-4 levels before and after NACT to identify different potential subgroups and to compare recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) among subgroups. The predictive performance of the nomogram-trajectory was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC), decision curve analysis, and C-index. RESULTS: In the Triple-negative patients, the Stable group had significantly worse 3-year OS than the Normal, Elevated, and Descend groups(3-year OS: 53.9% vs. 77.9% vs. 73.5% vs. 87.7%;P = 0.002). Cox multivariate analysis showed that CA72-4 trajectory groupings (Stable group: HR:3.442, 95%CI[1.574-7.528], P = 0.002) was an independent prognostic risk factor. In addition, the C-index and AUC values based on the nomogram-trajectory were significantly higher than those of ypTNM staging (C-index: 0.788 vs. 0.719,P < 0.001;AUC: 0.800 vs. 0.667,P < 0.001). Furthermore, The survival analysis revealed that the 3-year OS of the Low-Risk group of nomogram scores was significantly better than that of the High-Risk group(3-year OS:84.7% vs. 29.1%). And the Low-Risk group had the lower cumulative risk of recurrence (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The CA72-4 trajectory groupings were an independent prognostic factor for NLAGC Triple-negative patients. The predictive efficacy of the Nomogram-trajectory was significantly better than the ypTNM.

Clinical characteristics and outcome analysis of pulmonary nocardiosis in southern China: a two-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary nocardiosis (PN) is a rare and opportunistic infection. This study aimed to analyze clinical, radiological, and microbiological features, treatment and outcome of PN in southern china. METHODS: Clinical, laboratory, imaging, treatment and outcome data of PN patients at two tertiary hospitals from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2024 were collected. Factors associated with clinical outcomes were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 67 PN patients including 53 with clinical improvement and 14 with treatment failure were enrolled. Bronchiectasis was the most common respiratory disease in patients with PN (31.3%). The major symptoms of PN were cough (89.6%) and sputum (79.1%). Lung nodules, bronchiectasis, consolidation, pleural involvement, mass, cavity, and lymph node enlargement were the frequent computed tomography findings of PN. Among the Nocardia species detected, N. farcinica was the most common pathogen. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (OR = 1.052, p = 0.010), concurrent bacterial infection (OR = 7.706, p = 0.016), and the use of carbapenems (OR = 9.345, p = 0.023) were independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with PN. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important insights into the clinical features of PN in southern china. neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, concurrent bacterial infection, and the use of carbapenems were independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with PN.

Comprehensive analysis of hypoxia-related genes in diagnosis and immune infiltration in acute myocardial infarction: based on bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data.

Background: Hypoxia has been found to cause cellular dysfunction and cell death, which are essential mechanisms in the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the impact of hypoxia-related genes (HRGs) on AMI remains uncertain. Methods: The training dataset GSE66360, validation dataset GSE48060, and scRNA dataset GSE163956 were downloaded from the GEO database. We identified hub HRGs in AMI using machine learning methods. A prediction model for AMI occurrence was constructed and validated based on the identified hub HRGs. Correlations between hub HRGs and immune cells were explored using ssGSEA analysis. Unsupervised consensus clustering analysis was used to identify robust molecular clusters associated with hypoxia. Single-cell analysis was used to determine the distribution of hub HRGs in cell populations. RT-qPCR verified the expression levels of hub HRGs in the human cardiomyocyte model of AMI by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) treatment in AC16 cells. Results: Fourteen candidate HRGs were identified by differential analysis, and the RF model and the nomogram based on 8 hub HRGs (IRS2, ZFP36, NFIL3, TNFAIP3, SLC2A3, IER3, MAFF, and PLAUR) were constructed, and the ROC curves verified its good prediction effect in training and validation datasets (AUC = 0.9339 and 0.8141, respectively). In addition, the interaction between hub HRGs and smooth muscle cells, immune cells was elucidated by scRNA analysis. Subsequently, the HRG pattern was constructed by consensus clustering, and the HRG gene pattern verified the accuracy of its grouping. Patients with AMI could be categorized into three HRG subclusters, and cluster A was significantly associated with immune infiltration. The RT-qPCR results showed that the hub HRGs in the OGD group were significantly overexpressed. Conclusion: A predictive model of AMI based on HRGs was developed and strongly associated with immune cell infiltration. Characterizing patients for hypoxia could help identify populations with specific molecular profiles and provide precise treatment.

Relationship between tree species diversity and water holding capacity of litter layer in subtropical region.

Litter layer, serving as the "skin" of forest soil, plays a crucial role in conserving water resources and maintaining soil and water conservation. We analyzed the relationship of tree species richness, community weighted mean traits, and functional diversity with the standing mass, maximum water holding rate, and effective water sto-rage capacity of litters from various tree species including Liquidambar formosana, Mytilaria laosensis, Castanopsis sclerophylla, Castanopsis hystrix, Cunninghamia lanceolata, Pinus massoniana, Fokienia hodginsii, Taxus wallichiana and their combinations of mixed forests in subtropical region. The results showed that across various tree species combinations, the ranges of maximum water holding rate, standing litter mass and effective water storage capacity of undecomposed layer were 0-419%, 0-0.58 t·hm-2, and 0-1.66 t·hm-2, respectively. For the semi-decomposition layer, these values spanned in 0-375%, 0-6.14 t·hm-2, and 0-16.03 t·hm-2, respectively. Tree species richness and community weighted mean specific leaf area had significantly positive effects on standing mass of litter and effective water storage capacity, while community weighted mean leaf N content had significantly negative effect on standing mass of litter. The maximum water holding rate increased with the increases of functional diversity of specific leaf area and community weighted mean specific leaf area, decreased with the increase of community weighted mean leaf thickness. Results of structural equation model showed that tree species richness increased litter water holding capacity by increasing functional diversity of specific leaf area. The community weighted mean specific leaf area increased the water holding capacity of litter layer by increasing standing mass of litter and the maximum water holding rate. It is necessary to consider planting mixed forest with higher community weighted mean specific leaf area in the management of subtropical artificial forest, so as to improve the water holding capacity of litter layer.

A Self-Constructed Mg2+/K+ Co-Doped Prussian Blue with Superior Cycling Stability Enabled by Enhanced Coulombic Attraction.

Prussian blue (PB) is regarded as a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries because of its sustainable precursor elements (e.g., Mn, Fe), easy preparation, and unique framework structure. However, the unstable structure and inherent crystal H2O restrain its practical application. For this purpose, a self-constructed trace Mg2+/K+ co-doped PB prepared via a sea-water-mediated method is proposed to address this problem. The Mg2+/K+ co-doping in the Na sites of PB is permitted by both thermodynamics and kinetics factors when synthesized in sea water. The results reveal that the introduced Mg2+ and K+ are immovable in the PB lattices and can form stronger K‒N and Mg‒N Coulombic attraction to relieve phase transition and element dissolution. Besides, the Mg2+/K+ co-doping can reduce defect and H2O contents. As a result, the PB prepared in sea water exhibits an extremely long cycle life (80.1% retention after 2400 cycles) and superior rate capability (90.4% capacity retention at 20 C relative to that at 0.1 C). To address its practical applications, a sodium salts recycling strategy is proposed to greatly reduce the PB production cost. This work provides a self-constructed Mg2+/K+ co-doped high-performance PB at a low preparation cost for sustainable, large-scale energy storage.

Endothelial Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Promote Aberrant Neutrophil Trafficking and Subsequent Remote Lung Injury.

The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in sepsis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. However, the molecular pathogenesis underlying sepsis-induced ARDS remains elusive. Neutrophil heterogeneity and dysfunction contribute to uncontrolled inflammation in patients with ARDS. A specific subset of neutrophils undergoing reverse transendothelial migration (rTEM), which is characterized by an activated phenotype, is implicated in the systemic dissemination of inflammation. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), it identified functionally activated neutrophils exhibiting the rTEM phenotype in the lung of a sepsis mouse model using cecal ligation and puncture. The prevalence of neutrophils with the rTEM phenotype is elevated in the blood of patients with sepsis-associated ARDS and is positively correlated with disease severity. Mechanically, scRNA-seq and proteomic analys revealed that inflamed endothelial cell (EC) released extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched in karyopherin subunit beta-1 (KPNB1), promoting abluminal-to-luminal neutrophil rTEM. Additionally, EC-derived EVs are elevated and positively correlated with the proportion of rTEM neutrophils in clinical sepsis. Collectively, EC-derived EV is identified as a critical regulator of neutrophil rTEM, providing insights into the contribution of rTEM neutrophils to sepsis-associated lung injury.

A thalamic nucleus reuniens-lateral septum-lateral hypothalamus circuit for comorbid anxiety-like behaviors in chronic itch.

Chronic itch often clinically coexists with anxiety symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of itch-anxiety comorbidities that are difficult to treat. However, the neuronal circuit mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of anxiety in chronic itch remain elusive. Here, we report anxiety-like behaviors in mouse models of chronic itch and identify γ-aminobutyric acid-releasing (GABAergic) neurons in the lateral septum (LS) as the key player in chronic itch-induced anxiety. In addition, chronic itch is accompanied with enhanced activity and synaptic plasticity of excitatory projections from the thalamic nucleus reuniens (Re) onto LS GABAergic neurons. Selective chemogenetic inhibition of the Re → LS circuit notably alleviated chronic itch-induced anxiety, with no impact on anxiety induced by restraint stress. Last, GABAergic neurons in lateral hypothalamus (LH) receive monosynaptic inhibition from LS GABAergic neurons to mediate chronic itch-induced anxiety. These findings underscore the potential significance of the Re → LS → LH pathway in regulating anxiety-like comorbid symptoms associated with chronic itch.

Developing a modified textbook outcome for elderly patients with gastric cancer: a multi-center study.

OBJECTIVE: Textbook outcome (TO) is widely recognized as a comprehensive prognostic indication for patients with gastric cancer (GC). This study aims to develop a modified TO (mTO) for elderly patients with GC. METHODS: Data from the elderly patients (aged ≥ 65 years) in two Chinese tertiary referral hospitals were analyzed. 1389 patients from Fujian Medical University Union Hospital were assigned as the training cohort and 185 patients from Affiliated Hospital of Putian University as the validation cohort. Nomogram was developed by the independent prognostic factors of Overall Survival (OS) based on Cox regression. RESULTS: In the training cohort, laparoscopic surgery was significantly correlated with higher TO rate (P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that surgical approach was also an independent factor of OS (P < 0.001), distinct from the traditional TO. In light of these findings, TO parameters were enhanced by the inclusion of surgical approach, rendering a modified TO (mTO). Further analysis showed that mTO, tumor size, pTNM staging, and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors associated with OS (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the nomogram incorporating these four indicators accurately predicted 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS in the training cohort, with AUC values of 0.793, 0.814, and 0.807, respectively, and exhibited outstanding predictive performance within the validation cohort. CONCLUSION: mTO holds a robust association with the prognosis of elderly patients with GC, meriting intensified attention in efforts aimed at enhancing surgical quality. Furthermore, the predictive model incorporating mTO demonstrates excellent predictive performance for elderly patients with GC.

Multifunctional human serum albumin-crosslinked and self-assembling nanoparticles for therapy of periodontitis by anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and osteogenesis.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can result in the irreversible loss of tooth-supporting tissues and elevate the likelihood and intensity of systemic diseases. The presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated related oxidative stress is intricately linked to the progression and severity of periodontal inflammation. Targeted removal of local ROS may serve to attenuate inflammation, improve the unfavorable periodontal microenvironment and potentially reverse ensuing pathological cascades. These ROS scavenging nanoparticles, which possess additional characteristics such as anti-inflammation and osteogenic differentiation, are highly sought after for the treatment of periodontitis. In this study, negative charged human serum albumin-crosslinked manganese-doped self-assembling Prussian blue nanoparticles (HSA-MDSPB NPs) were fabricated. These nanoparticles demonstrate the ability to scavenge multiple ROS including superoxide anion, free hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, HSA-MDSPB NPs exhibit the capacity to alleviate inflammation in gingiva and alveolar bone both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, HSA-MDSPB NPs have been shown to play a role in promoting the polarization of macrophages from the M1 to M2 phenotype, resulting in reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. More attractively, HSA-MDSPB NPs have been demonstrated to enhance cellular osteogenic differentiation. These properties of HSA-MDSPB NPs contribute to decreased inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation and bone loss in periodontal tissue. In conclusion, the multifunctional nature of HSA-MDSPB NPs provides a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of periodontitis.

Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production by a Mixed Ligand-Functionalized Uranyl-Organic Framework.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production driven by solar energy has received enormous attention due to its high efficiency, low cost, and environmental friendliness characteristics. Searching for new photocatalytic materials for H2O2 production is one of the most important targets. In this work, a new three-dimensional (3D) uranyl-organic framework material was constructed with mixed ligands via a solvothermal reaction and used for photocatalytic H2O2 production. The mixed ligand strategy not only benefits the construction of a 3D uranyl-organic framework but also introduces strong photon absorption groups into the framework. The thiophene and pyridine rings in the framework enhance photon absorption and carrier transfer. In addition, with the assistance of the hydrogen abstraction reaction of uranyl centers, the H2O2 production rate reaches 345 µmol h-1 g-1. This study provides a new blueprint for exploring the artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 through uranium-based metal-organic frameworks.

Metabolomic insights into Monascus-fermented rice products: Implications for monacolin K content and nutritional optimization.

This study aims to elucidate the detailed metabolic implications of varying monacolin K levels and sterilization methods on Monascus-fermented rice products (MFRPs), acclaimed for their health benefits and monacolin K content. Advanced metabolite profiling of various MFRP variants was conducted using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF MS). Statistical analysis encompassed t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariate techniques including PCA, PLS-DA, and OPLS-DA. Notable variations in metabolites were observed across MFRPs with differing monacolin K levels, particularly in variants such as MR1-S, MR1.5-S, MR2-S, and MR3-S. Among the 524 identified metabolites, significant shifts were noted in organic acids, derivatives, lipids, nucleosides, and organic oxygen compounds. The study also uncovered distinct metabolic changes resulting from different sterilization methods and the use of highland barley as a fermentation substitute for rice. Pathway analysis shed light on affected metabolic pathways, including those involved in longevity regulation, cGMP-PKG signaling, and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. The research provides critical insights into the complex metabolic networks of MFRPs, underscoring the impact of fermentation substrates and conditions on monacolin K levels and their health implications. This study not only guides the nutritional optimization of MFRPs but also emphasizes the strategic importance of substrate choice and sterilization techniques in enhancing the nutritional and medicinal value of these functional foods.

[Rapid determination of nine preservatives in tobacco flavor by three phase-hollow fiber-liquid phase microextraction-high performance liquid chromatography].

Tobacco flavors are extensively utilized in traditional tobacco products, electronic nicotine, heated tobacco products, and snuff. To inhibit fungal growth arising from high moisture content, preservatives such as benzoic acid (BA), sorbic acid (SA), and parabens are often incorporated into tobacco flavors. Nonetheless, consuming preservatives beyond safety thresholds may pose health risks. Therefore, analytical determination of these preservatives is crucial for both quality assurance and consumer protection. For example, BA and SA can induce adverse reactions in susceptible individuals, including asthma, urticaria, metabolic acidosis, and convulsions. Parabens, because of their endocrine activity, are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Despite extensive research, the concurrent quantification of trace-level hydrophilic (BA and SA) and hydrophobic (methylparaben, ethylparaben, isopropylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, and benzylparaben) preservatives in tobacco flavors remains challenging. Traditional liquid phase extraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) often results in high false positive rates and inadequate sensitivity. In contrast, tandem mass spectrometry offers high sensitivity and specificity; however, its widespread application is limited by laborious sample preparation and significant operational costs. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a fast and sensitive sample pretreatment and analysis method for the nine preservatives in tobacco flavors. In this study, a method for the simultaneous determination of the nine preservatives (SA, BA and seven parabens) in tobacco flavor was established based on three phase-hollow fiber-liquid phase microextraction (3P-HF-LPME) technology combined with HPLC. To obtain the optimal pretreatment conditions, extraction solvent type, sample phase pH, acceptor phase pH, sample phase volume, extraction time, and mass fraction of sodium chloride, were examined. Additionally, the HPLC parameters, including UV detection wavelength and mobile phase composition, were refined. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: dihexyl ether was used as extraction solvent, 15 mL sample solution (pH 4) was used as sample phase, sodium hydroxide aqueous solution (pH 12) was used as acceptor phase, and the extraction was carried out at 800 r/min for 30 min. Chromatographic separation was accomplished using an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column (100 mm×3 mm, 2.7 µm) and a mobile phase comprising methanol, 0.02 mol/L ammonium acetate aqueous solution (containing 0.5% acetic acid), and acetonitrile for gradient elution. Under the optimized conditions, the nine target analytes showed good linear relationships in their respective linear ranges, the correlation coefficients (r) were ≥0.9967, limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) were 0.02-0.07 mg/kg and 0.08-0.24 mg/kg, respectively. Under two spiked levels, the enrichment factors (EFs) and extraction recoveries (ERs) of the nine target analytes were 30.6-91.1 and 6.1%-18.2%, respectively. The recoveries of the nine target analytes ranged from 82.2% to 115.7% and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) (n=5) were less than 14.5% at low, medium and high levels. The developed method is straightforward, precise, sensitive, and well-suited for the rapid screening of preservatives in tobacco flavor samples.

CircUBA2 promotes the cancer stem cell-like properties of gastric cancer through upregulating STC1 via sponging miR-144-5p.

BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critical factors that limit the effectiveness of gastric cancer (GC) therapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are confirmed as important regulators of many cancers. However, their role in regulating CSC-like properties of GC remains largely unknown. Our study aimed to investigate the role of circUBA2 in CSC maintenance and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: We identified circUBA2 as an upregulated gene using circRNA microarray analysis. qRT-PCR was used to examine the circUBA2 levels in normal and GC tissues. In vitro and in vivo functional assays were performed to validate the role of circUBA2 in proliferation, migration, metastasis and CSC-like properties of GC cell. The relationship between circUBA2, miR-144-5p and STC1 was characterised using bioinformatics analysis, a dual fluorescence reporter system, FISH, and RIP assays. RESULTS: CircUBA2 expression was significantly increased in GC tissues, and patients with GC with high circUBA2 expression had a poor prognosis. CircUBA2 enhances CSC-like properties of GC, thereby promoting cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Mechanistically, circUBA2 promoted GC malignancy and CSC-like properties by acting as a sponge for miR-144-5p to upregulate STC1 expression and further activate the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. More importantly, the ability of circUBA2 to enhance CSC-like properties was inhibited by tocilizumab, a humanised Interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibody. Thus, circUBA2 knockdown and tocilizumab synergistically inhibited CSC-like properties. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the critical role of circUBA2 in regulating CSC-like properties in GC. CircUBA2 may be a promising prognostic biomarker for GC.

Connectomic insights into the impact of 1p/19q co-deletion in dominant hemisphere insular glioma patients.

Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the influences of 1p/19q co-deletion on structural connectivity alterations in patients with dominant hemisphere insular diffuse gliomas. Methods: We incorporated 32 cases of left insular gliomas and 20 healthy controls for this study. Using diffusion MRI, we applied correlational tractography, differential tractography, and graph theoretical analysis to explore the potential connectivity associated with 1p/19q co-deletion. Results: The study revealed that the quantitative anisotropy (QA) of key deep medial fiber tracts, including the anterior thalamic radiation, superior thalamic radiation, fornix, and cingulum, had significant negative associations with 1p/19q co-deletion (FDR = 4.72 × 10-5). These tracts are crucial in maintaining the integrity of brain networks. Differential analysis further supported these findings (FWER-corrected p < 0.05). The 1p/19q non-co-deletion group exhibited significantly higher clustering coefficients (FDR-corrected p < 0.05) and reduced betweenness centrality (FDR-corrected p < 0.05) in regions around the tumor compared to HC group. Graph theoretical analysis indicated that non-co-deletion patients had increased local clustering and decreased betweenness centrality in peritumoral brain regions compared to co-deletion patients and healthy controls (FDR-corrected p < 0.05). Additionally, despite not being significant through correction, patients with 1p/19q co-deletion exhibited lower trends in weighted average clustering coefficient, transitivity, small worldness, and global efficiency, while showing higher tendencies in weighted path length compared to patients without the co-deletion. Conclusion: The findings of this study underline the significant role of 1p/19q co-deletion in altering structural connectivity in insular glioma patients. These alterations in brain networks could have profound implications for the neural functionality in patients with dominant hemisphere insular gliomas.

[Nutritional components of 5 potatoes in Anqing City in 2021].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the nutrient composition and nutritional value evaluation of 5 potatoes in Anqing City. METHODS: According to the requirements of the Technical Manual for Food Composition Monitoring Projects, 5 types of potato samples were collected from Anqing City, Anhui Province. National standard detection method were used to determine the nutritional components such as water, ash, protein, fat, dietary fiber, sugar, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids in the samples. The index of nutritional quality(INQ) method was used to evaluate proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and the amino acid scoring standard mode(FAO/WHO mode) was used to evaluate the nutritional value of amino acids. RESULTS: Among the 5 types of potatoes, purple potato had the highest protein(2.3 g/100 g) and dietary fiber content(3.6 g/100 g). Sweet potato(red) had the highest carotene content(4003 µg/100 g), sweet potato(white) had the highest content of vitamin C(15.4 mg/100 g). Sugar in potatoes mainly existed in three forms: fructose, glucose, and sucrose; Purple potatoes had the highest levels of calcium(47 mg/100 g) and phosphorus(74 mg/100 g), respectively. Potatoes(white) had the highest content of potassium(401 mg/100 g), while sweet potatoes(red) had the highest content of magnesium(31 mg/100 g). Sodium(104.0 mg/100 g), iron(0.9 mg/100 g), copper(0.17 mg/100 g), and manganese(0.40 mg/100 g) had the highest content in sweet potatoes(white). The Na/K ratio range of the 5 potato varieties was 0.003-0.456, and the INQ of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese were greater than 1. The detection result of 5 potatoes all contain 18 amino acids, and aspartic acid was the highest. The amino acid score(AAS) was 0.29-1.35, and the ratio coefficient(RC) was 0.47-1.69. CONCLUSION: The 5 types of potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C and minerals, and belong to the high potassium and low sodium type of food. Potatoes can meet the daily needs of the human body for phosphorus, potassium, magnesium copper, and manganese elements. Lysine is rich in content and can be used as a nutritional supplement for grains. The AAS score and RC are close to 1, and the AAS evaluation mode is closer to the human amino acid composition mode, which can meet the daily needs of the human body for this essential amino acid.

KLHL21 suppresses gastric tumourigenesis via maintaining STAT3 signalling equilibrium in stomach homoeostasis.

OBJECTIVE: Precancerous metaplasia transition to dysplasia poses a risk for subsequent intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma. However, the molecular basis underlying the transformation from metaplastic to cancerous cells remains poorly understood. DESIGN: An integrated analysis of genes associated with metaplasia, dysplasia was conducted, verified and characterised in the gastric tissues of patients by single-cell RNA sequencing and immunostaining. Multiple mouse models, including homozygous conditional knockout Klhl21-floxed mice, were generated to investigate the role of Klhl21 deletion in stemness, DNA damage and tumour formation. Mass-spectrometry-based proteomics and ribosome sequencing were used to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: Kelch-like protein 21 (KLHL21) expression progressively decreased in metaplasia, dysplasia and cancer. Genetic deletion of Klhl21 enhances the rapid proliferation of Mist1+ cells and their descendant cells. Klhl21 loss during metaplasia facilitates the recruitment of damaged cells into the cell cycle via STAT3 signalling. Increased STAT3 activity was confirmed in cancer cells lacking KLHL21, boosting self-renewal and tumourigenicity. Mechanistically, the loss of KLHL21 promotes PIK3CB mRNA translation by stabilising the PABPC1-eIF4G complex, subsequently causing STAT3 activation. Pharmacological STAT3 inhibition by TTI-101 elicited anticancer effects, effectively impeding the transition from metaplasia to dysplasia. In patients with gastric cancer, low levels of KLHL21 had a shorter survival rate and a worse response to adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlighted that KLHL21 loss triggers STAT3 reactivation through PABPC1-mediated PIK3CB translational activation, and targeting STAT3 can reverse preneoplastic metaplasia in KLHL21-deficient stomachs.