Mechanism for leaching of fluoride ions from carbon dross generated in high-temperature and low-lithium aluminum electrolytic systems.

Carbon dross, a hazardous solid waste generated during aluminum electrolysis, contains large amounts of soluble fluoride ions for the main components of the electrolyte (such as Na3AlF6 and NaF). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the mechanism for fluoride ion leaching from carbon dross via water leaching, acid leaching and alkali leaching, and the kinetic and thermodynamic principles of the leaching process were revealed. The RSM predicted the optimum conditions of water leaching, alkali leaching and acid leaching, and the conditions are as follows: temperature, 50 °C; shaking speed, 213 r·min-1; particle size, 0.075 mm; shaking speed, 194 r·min-1; liquid-solid ratio, 12.6 mg·L-1; sodium hydroxide concentration, 1.53 mol·L-1; liquid-solid ratio, 25.0 mg·L-1; sulfuric acid concentration, 2.00 mol·L-1; and temperature, 60 °C，and actual results which were almost consistent with the predicted results were gained. The fluoride ions in the alkaline and acid leaching solutions were mainly the dissociation products of fluorides such as Na3AlF6, Na5Al3F14 and CaF2, as indicated by thermodynamics calculations. In particular, the fluoride compounds dissolved in alkali solution were Na3AlF6, Na5Al3F14, AlF3, ZrF4, K3AlF6, while the acid solution could dissolve only Na3AlF6 and CaF2. The leaching kinetics experiments showed that the leaching rate fit the unreacted shrinking core model [1-2/3α-(1-α)2/3 =kt] and that the leaching process was controlled by internal diffusion. This study provides theoretical guidance for the removal of soluble fluoride ions from carbon dross and will also assist in the separation of electrolytes from carbon dross. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Carbon dross, a hazardous waste generated during the aluminum electrolysis production process, contains a large amount of soluble fluoride. Improper storage will lead the fluoride ions pollution in soil, surface water or groundwater under the direct contact between carbon dross and rainfall, snow or surface runoff. The influence of wind will cause carbon dross dust to pollute further areas. With the human body long-term contact with fluoride ion contaminated soil or water, human health will be seriously harmed.

Ecology of Saline Watersheds: An Investigation of the Functional Communities and Drivers of Benthic Fauna in Typical Water Bodies of the Irtysh River Basin.

In this study, we investigated how changes in salinity affect biodiversity and function in 11 typical water bodies in the Altai region. The salinity of the freshwater bodies ranged from 0 to 5, the brackish water salinities ranged from 5 to 20, and the hypersaline environments had salinities > 20. We identified 11 orders, 34 families, and 55 genera in 3061 benthic samples and classified them into 10 traits and 32 categories. Subsequently, we conducted Mantel tests and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and calculated biodiversity and functional diversity indices for each sampling site. The results indicated that biodiversity and the proportion of functional traits were greater in freshwater environments than in saline environments and decreased gradually with increasing salinity. Noticeable shifts in species distribution were observed in high-salinity environments and were accompanied by specific functional traits such as swimming ability, smaller body sizes, and air-breathing adaptations. The diversity indices revealed that the species were more evenly distributed in high-diversity environments under the influence of salinity. In contrast, in high-salinity environments, only a few species dominated. The results suggested that increasing salinity accelerated the evolution of benthic communities, leading to reduced species diversity and functional homogenization. We recommend enhancing the monitoring of saline water resources and implementing sustainable water resource management to mitigate the impact of salinity stress on aquatic communities in response to climate-induced soil and water salinization.

Decoding the gene regulatory network of endosperm differentiation in maize.

The persistent cereal endosperm constitutes the majority of the grain volume. Dissecting the gene regulatory network underlying cereal endosperm development will facilitate yield and quality improvement of cereal crops. Here, we use single-cell transcriptomics to analyze the developing maize (Zea mays) endosperm during cell differentiation. After obtaining transcriptomic data from 17,022 single cells, we identify 12 cell clusters corresponding to five endosperm cell types and revealing complex transcriptional heterogeneity. We delineate the temporal gene-expression pattern from 6 to 7 days after pollination. We profile the genomic DNA-binding sites of 161 transcription factors differentially expressed between cell clusters and constructed a gene regulatory network by combining the single-cell transcriptomic data with the direct DNA-binding profiles, identifying 181 regulons containing genes encoding transcription factors along with their high-confidence targets, Furthermore, we map the regulons to endosperm cell clusters, identify cell-cluster-specific essential regulators, and experimentally validated three predicted key regulators. This study provides a framework for understanding cereal endosperm development and function at single-cell resolution.

Evaluation of bioequivalence and safety analysis of capecitabine tablets and Xeloda® under postprandial dosing conditions in Chinese patients with solid tumor.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the pharmacokinetic and safety of the test group capecitabine tablets (0.5 g) and the reference group capecitabine tablets (0.5 g). METHODS: This study was registered at www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn under the registration number CTR20220138. 48 subjects with solid tumor were recruited and randomized to receive either the test group or the reference group at a dose of 2 g per cycle for three cycles of the entire trial. RESULTS: The point estimate of the geometric mean ratio of Cmax for the subject and reference groups was 1.0670, which was in the range of 80.00%-125.00%. And the upper limit of 95% confidence interval was -0.0450 < 0. The statistics of geometric mean ratio of AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ (test group/reference group) and their 90% confidence intervals were in the range of 80.00%-125.00%, thus the test group was bioequivalent to the reference group under the conditions of this postprandial test. There were no major or serious adverse events. Conclusion: The pharmacokinetic profiles of capecitabine under postprandial conditions were consistent between the two groups. The two groups were bioequivalent and had a similar favorable safety profile in Chinese patients with solid tumor.

Multiple cardiac myxofibrosarcomas with complete right pulmonary artery occlusion: a case report.

Primary cardiac myxofibrosarcoma is a rare form of cardiac malignant tumors. MFS usually involves the left atrium and presents as a unicentric or multicentric tumor mass. We reported on a 37-year-old female who presented with chest tightness and dyspnea for a month, dry cough, and occasionally having blood streak sputum for half a month. Echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography and cardiac positron emission tomography revealed multiple tumors in the heart. The right ventricle and right pulmonary artery were involved, with occlusion of the right pulmonary artery. Cardiac tumors were surgically resected and were consistent with low-grade MFS. No recurrence or metastasis occurred at 20 months of follow-up.

Case report: Surgical repair for left main coronary artery to right atrium fistula with endocarditis.

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare coronary anomaly defined as a communication between coronary artery and other heart chambers or vascular structures. In this case report, a 32-year-old woman with a giant left main coronary artery to the right atrium fistula with endocarditis was presented. CAF was diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography and subsequently confirmed by cardiac computerized tomographic and coronary angiography. The patient received antibiotic treatment for infective endocarditis for 6 weeks preoperatively. The fistula was successfully treated with surgical repair. The patient is well now after 18 months of follow-up.

Study on potential microbial community to the waste water treatment from bauxite desilication process.

Discharging waste water from the bauxite desilication process will bring potential environmental risk from the residual ions and organic compounds, especially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide. Characterization of the microbial community diversity in waste water plays an important role in the biological treatment of waste water. In this study, eight waste water samples from five flotation plants in China were investigated. The microbial community and functional profiles within the waste water were analyzed by a metagenomic sequencing method and associated with geochemical properties. The results revealed that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant bacterial phyla. Both phylogenetical and clusters of orthologous groups' analyses indicated that Tepidicella, Paracoccus, Pseudomonas, and Exiguobacterium could be the dominant bacterial genera in the waste water from bauxite desilication process for their abilities to biodegrade complex organic compounds. The results of the microbial community diversity and functional gene compositions analyses provided a beneficial orientation for the biotreatment of waste water, as well as regenerative using of water resources. Besides, this study revealed that waste water from bauxite desilication process was an ideal ecosystem to find novel microorganisms, such as efficient strains for bio-desilication and bio-desulfurization of bauxite.

Comparison of bacterial community structure in PM2.5 during hazy and non-hazy periods in Guilin, South China.

In recent years, significant efforts have been made to study changes in the levels of air pollutants at regional and urban scales, and changes in bioaerosols during air pollution events have attracted increasing attention. In this study, the bacterial structure of PM2.5 was analysed under different environmental conditions during hazy and non-hazy periods in Guilin. A total of 32 PM2.5 samples were collected in December 2020 and July 2021, and the microbial community structures were analysed using high-throughput sequencing methods. The results show that air pollution and climate change alter the species distribution and community diversity of bacteria in PM2.5, particularly Sphingomonas and Pseudomonas. The structure of the bacterial community composition is related to diurnal variation, vertical height, and urban area and their interactions with various environmental factors. This is a comprehensive study that characterises the variability of bacteria associated with PM2.5 in a variety of environments, highlighting the impacts of environmental effects on the atmospheric microbial community. The results will contribute to our understanding of haze trends in China, particularly the relationship between bioaerosol communities and the urban environment. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10453-022-09777-0.

Transapical aortic valve replacement for quadricuspid aortic valve with severe aortic regurgitation which caused multiorgan failure.

BACKGROUND: We present the case of a patient who underwent successful transapical aortic valve implantation in a severe quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) with severe regurgitation and multiorgan failure. CASE SUMMARY: A 57-year-old man experienced intermittent palpitation and shortness of breath for 6 months. The condition deteriorated in the past month and caused multiorgan failure. The echocardiography and computed tomography angiography revealed severe aortic regurgitation due to congenital QAV. The aortic valve replacement was successfully performed in this high-risk patient using a J-Valve system. Postoperation and follow-up were uneventful. CONCLUSION: The J-Valve system effectively treated QAV regurgitation with good clinical outcomes in this case.

circ-CCND1 regulates the CCND1/P53/P21 pathway through sponging miR-138-5p in valve interstitial cells to aggravate aortic valve calcification

To discuss the effect and mechanism of circular-CCND1 (circ-CCND1) on the regulation of calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD). Differentially expressed circRNAs were screened through the GSE155119 data set and biological prediction. Subsequently, the miR-138-5p, CCND1, and circ-CCND1 expression were detected in the non-calcified and calcified aortic valve. Then Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the above expression, and dual luciferase and RNA-pull down assays for verifying the target relationship. Porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) were isolated and transfected with pcDNA-circ-CCND1, miR-138-5p inhibitor, and miR-138-5p mimics. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was quantitatively analyzed by ALP staining, and alizarin-red staining was to check the calcium nodules formation. Finally, Western blot was applied to detect the expression of proteins associated with osteogenic differentiation (Runx2, Osterix, OPN) and CCND1/P53/P21 pathway proteins. Circ-CCND1 was highly expressed in calcific aortic valves. After inhibiting circ-CCND1 expression, a significant reduction was shown in ALP activity, the degree of ossification and the formation of calcium nodules in AVICs, and osteogenic differentiation-related protein expression and CCND1/P53/P21 pathway protein expression. By contrast, inhibition of miR-138-5p and circ-CCND1 together promoted the calcification of AVICs and expression of CCND1/P53/P21 pathway proteins. P53 inhibitor (PFT-α) could significantly reduce activation of CCND1/P53/P21 pathway protein expression by circ-CCND1 overexpression. However, P53 activator (Nutlin-3) significantly restored the suppression of the above pathway-related protein expression by downregulation of circ-CCND1. Circ-CCND1 sponges miR-138-5p to regulate CCND1 expression, thereby promoting the calcification of AVICs. (AU)

circ-CCND1 regulates the CCND1/P53/P21 pathway through sponging miR-138-5p in valve interstitial cells to aggravate aortic valve calcification.

To discuss the effect and mechanism of circular-CCND1 (circ-CCND1) on the regulation of calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD). Differentially expressed circRNAs were screened through the GSE155119 data set and biological prediction. Subsequently, the miR-138-5p, CCND1, and circ-CCND1 expression were detected in the non-calcified and calcified aortic valve. Then Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the above expression, and dual luciferase and RNA-pull down assays for verifying the target relationship. Porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) were isolated and transfected with pcDNA-circ-CCND1, miR-138-5p inhibitor, and miR-138-5p mimics. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was quantitatively analyzed by ALP staining, and alizarin-red staining was to check the calcium nodules formation. Finally, Western blot was applied to detect the expression of proteins associated with osteogenic differentiation (Runx2, Osterix, OPN) and CCND1/P53/P21 pathway proteins. Circ-CCND1 was highly expressed in calcific aortic valves. After inhibiting circ-CCND1 expression, a significant reduction was shown in ALP activity, the degree of ossification and the formation of calcium nodules in AVICs, and osteogenic differentiation-related protein expression and CCND1/P53/P21 pathway protein expression. By contrast, inhibition of miR-138-5p and circ-CCND1 together promoted the calcification of AVICs and expression of CCND1/P53/P21 pathway proteins. P53 inhibitor (PFT-α) could significantly reduce activation of CCND1/P53/P21 pathway protein expression by circ-CCND1 overexpression. However, P53 activator (Nutlin-3) significantly restored the suppression of the above pathway-related protein expression by downregulation of circ-CCND1. Circ-CCND1 sponges miR-138-5p to regulate CCND1 expression, thereby promoting the calcification of AVICs.

Construction and evaluation of detachable bone-targeting MOF carriers for the delivery of proteasome inhibitors.

Tumor bone metastasis is an important cause of tumor recurrence and death. Although bone-targeting nanoparticles decorated with targeting ligands have shown good affinity for bone tissues with the properties of adhesion to the bone matrix, it is not easy to detach from the surface of the bone matrix in the tumor-bone microenvironment, attributed to the robust coordination force between the targeting ligands, such as bisphosphates with bone-deposited calcium. This may hinder the transport of nanoparticles from bone tissue to bone metastatic tumors. In this research, we designed a bone-targeting nanocarrier with detachable bone-targeting character for the therapy of bone metastases. The nanoparticles were constructed by using ZIF-8 and bone-targeting and MMP enzyme sensitive polypeptide-modified hyaluronic acid as a carrier and proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib (BTZ) as cargo. The results show that the constructed D8-M3-HA-ZIF8@BTZ nanoparticles possessed several favorable properties such as good colloidal stability, acid-sensitive drug release, D8 peptide mediated bone targeting and MMP enzyme-responsive desorption. Besides, nanoparticle endocytosis and cytotoxicity were enhanced through HA-mediated targeting to CD44 over-expressing tumor cells. Altogether, this study provides a potential cascade targeting strategy for improving the delivery effects of bone targeted nanoparticles for the delivery of proteasome inhibitors.

Chidamide Suppresses the Growth of Cholangiocarcinoma by Inhibiting HDAC3 and Promoting FOXO1 Acetylation.

Inhibitors for histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been identified as epigenetic drug targets to treat a variety of malignancies through several molecular mechanisms. The present study is aimed at investigating the mechanism underlying the possible antitumor effect of the HDAC inhibitor chidamide (CDM) on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Microarray-based gene expression profiling was conducted to predict the expression of HDACs in CCA, which was validated in clinical tissue samples from CCA patients. Next, the proliferation, migration, invasion, autophagy, and apoptosis of human CCA QBC939 and SNU308 cells were measured following treatment with CDM at different concentrations. The acetylation level of FOXO1 in the nucleus and cytoplasm of QBC939 and SNU308 cells was determined after overexpression and suppression of HDAC3. A QBC939-implanted xenograft nude mouse model was established for further exploration of CDM roles in vitro. HDAC3 was prominently expressed in CCA tissues and indicated a poor prognosis for patients with CCA. CDM significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of QBC939 and SNU308 cells, while inducing their autophagy and apoptosis by reducing the expression of HDAC3. CDM promoted FOXO1 acetylation by inhibiting HDAC3, thereby inducing cell autophagy. Additionally, CDM inhibited tumor growth in vivo via HDAC3 downregulation and FOXO1 acetylation induction. Overall, this study reveals that CDM can exhibit antitumor effects against CCA by promoting HDAC3-mediated FOXO1 acetylation, thus identifying a new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of CCA.

MiR-138-5p targets RUNX2 to inhibit osteogenic differentiation of aortic valve interstitial cells via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Human aortic valve interstitial cells (hAVICs) are a key factor in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). This research examines the role and mechanism of microRNA miR-138-5p in osteogenic differentiation of hAVICs. METHODS: RT-qPCR analysis was applied for detecting miR-138-5p and RUNX2 expression in valve tissues of CAVD patients and controls. On completion of induction of osteogenic differentiation of hAVICs, and after overexpression or interference of miR-138-5p expression, the condition of osteogenic differentiation and calcification of hAVICs was confirmed using alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining. Subsequently, western blot was utilized to detect the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins OPN and ALP, and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins. Finally, the relationship between miR-138-5p and RUNX2 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay and Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: Down-regulation of miR-138-5p was found in CAVD patients and during osteogenic differentiation of hAVICs. Overexpression of miR-138-5p contribute to the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation and calcium deposition in hAVICs, and of ALP and OPN protein expression. RUNX2 was a target gene of miR-138-5p, and it was negatively correlated with miR-138-5p in CAVD. Additionally, overexpression of RUNX2 could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-138-5p on osteogenic differentiation of hAVICs. CONCLUSION: miR-138-5p can act as a positive regulator of osteogenic differentiation in CAVD patients to involve in inhibiting valve calcification, which is achieved through RUNX2 and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Intervention with the Bone-Associated Tumor Vicious Cycle through Dual-Protein Therapeutics for Treatment of Skeletal-Related Events and Bone Metastases.

Bone metastasis is a common metastasis site such as lung cancer, prostate cancer, and other malignant tumors. The occurrence of bone metastases of lung cancer is often accompanied by bone loss, fracture, and other skeletal-related events (SREs) caused by tumor proliferation and osteoclast activation. Furthermore, along with the differentiation and maturation of osteoclasts in the bone microenvironment, it will further promote the occurrence and development of bone metastasis. Protein drugs are one of the most promising therapeutic pharmaceuticals, but in vivo delivery of protein therapeutics still confronts great challenges. In order to more effectively conquer bone metastases and alleviate SREs, herein, we constructed biomineralized metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles carrying protein toxins with both bone-seeking and CD44-receptor-targeting abilities. More importantly, through combination with Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κ B Ligand (RANKL) antibody, in vivo results demonstrated that these two protein agents not only enhanced the detraction effects of protein toxin agents as ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) on bone metastatic tumor cells but also exhibited synergistic intervention of the crosstalk between bone cells and tumor cells and reduced SREs such as bone loss. Collectively, we expect that this strategy can provide an effective and safe option in regulating bone-tumor microenvironments to overcome bone metastasis and SREs.