Maternal Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and High-Fat Diet Influenced Hepatic Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Profile in the Offspring of C57BL/6J Mice.

SCOPE: This research examines the effects of maternal high-fat (HF) diet and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on offspring lipid metabolism and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) profile. METHODS AND RESULTS: GDM is induced using the insulin receptor antagonist S961. Weaning offspring are categorized into HF-GDM, HF-CON, NC-GDM, and NC-CON groups based on maternal diet or GDM. Adult offspring are then grouped into NC-CON-NC, NC-CON-HF, NC-GDM-NC, NC-GDM-HF, HF-CON-NC, HF-CON-HF, HF-GDM-NC, and HF-GDM-HF according to dietary patterns. Gas chromatography determines PUFA composition. Western blot assesses PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related protein expression. Feeding a normal chow diet until adulthood improves the distribution of hepatic PUFA during weaning across the four groups. PI3K expression is upregulated during weaning in HF-CON and HF-GDM, particularly in HF-CON-NC and HF-GDM-NC, compared to NC-CON-NC during adulthood. Akt expression increases in NC-GDM-NC after weaning with a normal diet. The hepatic PUFA profile in HF-CON-HF significantly distinguishes among the maternal generation health groups. Maternal HF diet exacerbates the combined impact of maternal GDM and offspring HF diet on hepatic PUFA and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins during adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: Early exposure to HF diets and GDM affects hepatic PUFA profiles and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway protein expression in male offspring during weaning and adulthood.

Feasibility of biomass-based flexible and transparent AuNPs-acetylcellulose membrane for multifarious surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy detection.

BACKGROUND: Lignocellulosic biomass-based derivatives coupled with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology have emerged as an appealing and indispensable tool in food safety and environmental monitoring for rapidly detecting trace contaminants like pesticide residues. The membrane material, serving as a substrate, ensures both sampling flexibility and test accuracy by directing the diffusion-adsorption process of the molecules. However, the existing membrane substrates, critical for the practical application of SERS, suffer from issues such as costly, intricate fabrication procedures, or restricted detection capabilities. RESULTS: Herein, we present a flexible, transparent, and biodegradable cellulose acetate membrane with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) uniformly embedded, fabricated using a simple scraping method. This membrane achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of thiram pesticide in water at 10-8 g mL-1. The unique optical transparency of the substrates allowed for in-situ detection on surfaces, with an LOD of thiram reaching 30 ng cm-2. SIGNIFICANCE: Furthermore, SERS substrates made from corn stover-derived cellulose acetate enable the detection of various contaminants, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness because of the abundance and low environmental impact of the raw materials.

Acidified sucralfate encapsulated chitosan derivative nanoparticles as oral vaccine adjuvant delivery enhancing mucosal and systemic immunity.

Oral vaccines are generally perceived to be safe, easy to administer, and have the potential to induce both systemic and mucosal immune responses. However, given the challenges posed by the harsh gastrointestinal environment and mucus barriers, the development of oral vaccines necessitates the employment of a safe and efficient delivery system. In recent years, nanoparticle-based delivery has proven to be an ideal delivery vector for the manufacture of oral vaccines. Hence, considering the above, the sucralfate acidified (SA) encapsulated N-2-Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (N-2-HACC)/N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) nanoparticles (SA@N-2-HACC/CMCS NPs) were prepared, and the BSA was used as a model antigen to investigate the immune responses. The SA@N-2-HACC/CMCS NPs had a particle size of 227 ± 7.0 nm and a zeta potential of 8.43 ± 2.62 mV. The NPs displayed slow and sustained release and high stability in simulated gastric juice and intestinal fluid. RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cell line demonstrated enhanced uptake of the SA@N-2-HACC/CMCS/BSA Nps. The vaccine via oral administration markedly enhanced the residence time of BSA in the intestine for more than 12 h and elicited the production of IgG and sIgA. The SA@N-2-HACC/CMCS NPs developed here for oral administration is an excellent technique for delivering antigens and provides a path of mucosal vaccine research.

Cytotoxicity and cell membrane interactions of choline-based ionic liquids: Comparing amino acids, acetate, and geranate anions.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have found diverse applications in research and industry. Biocompatible ILs, a subset considered less toxic than traditional ILs, have expanded their applications into biomedical fields. However, there is limited understanding of the toxicity profiles, safe concentrations, and underlying factors driving their toxicity. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of 13 choline-based ILs using four different cell lines: Human dermal fibroblasts (HDF), epidermoid carcinoma cells (A431), cervical cancer cells (HeLa), and gastric cancer cells (AGS). Additionally, we explored the haemolytic activity of these ILs. Our findings showed that the cytotoxic and haemolytic activities of ILs can be attributed to the hydrophobicity of the anions and the pH of the IL solutions. Furthermore, utilising quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), we delved into the interaction of selected ILs, including choline acetate [Cho][Ac] and choline geranate [Cho][Ge], with model cell membranes composed of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC). The QCM-D data showed that ILs with higher toxicities exhibited more pronounced interactions with membranes. Increased variations in frequency and dissipation reflected substantial changes in membrane fluidity and mass following the addition of the more toxic ILs. Furthermore, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy study revealed that [Cho][Ac] could cause lipid rearrangements and pore formation in the membrane, while [Cho][Ge] disrupted the bilayer packing. This study advances our understanding of the cellular toxicities associated with choline-based ILs and provides valuable insights into their mechanisms of action concerning IL-membrane interactions. These findings have significant implications for the safe and informed utilisation of biocompatible ILs in the realm of drug delivery and biotechnology.

Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of an All-Stage Stem Rust Resistance Gene in Durum Wheat Landrace PI 94701.

Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), the causal agent of wheat stem rust, poses a significant threat to global wheat production. Genetic resistance offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution. The durum wheat landrace PI 94701 was previously hypothesized to carry two stem rust resistance (Sr) genes, but their chromosomal locations were unknown. In this study, we mapped and characterized an all-stage Sr gene in PI 94701, temporarily designated as SrPI94701. In seedling tests, SrPI94701 was effective against all six Pgt races tested. Using a large segregating population, we mapped SrPI94701 on chromosome arm 5BL within a 0.17-cM region flanked by markers pku69124 and pku69228, corresponding to 1.04 and 2.15 Mb genomic regions in the Svevo and Chinese Spring reference genomes. Within the candidate region, eight genes exhibited differential expression between the Pgt-inoculated resistant and susceptible plants. Among them, two nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes, TraesCS5B03G1334700 and TraesCS5B03G1335100, showed high polymorphism between the parental lines and were upregulated in Pgt-inoculated resistant plants. However, the flanking and completely linked markers developed in this study could not accurately predict the presence of SrPI94701 in a survey of 104 wheat accessions. SrPI94701 is a promising resource for enhancing stem rust resistance in wheat breeding programs.

The MEF2A/SNHG16/miR-425-5p/NOTCH2 axis induces gemcitabine resistance by inhibiting ferroptosis in the starving bladder tumor microenvironment.

Gemcitabine resistance is one of the leading causes of bladder cancer (BCa) recurrence and progression. The dysregulation of ferroptosis is involved in this process; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we found a prominent increase in long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) in tumor samples, which was related to advanced tumor grade and poor prognosis. SNHG16 is overexpressed in the starving tumor microenvironment (STME) and induces gemcitabine resistance by inhibiting ferroptosis in BCa. SNHG16 knockdown promotes ferroptosis and increases chemosensitivity to gemcitabine. Mechanistically, the transcription factor MEF2A was markedly upregulated in the STME, facilitating SNHG16 expression. SNHG16 acts as a competing endogenous RNA that sponges miR-425-5p and promotes NOTCH2 expression. SNHG16/miR-425-5p/NOTCH2 is demonstrated, for the first time, to suppress ferroptosis by inducing SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression in vitro and in vivo. Upregulation of miR-425-5p reverses NOTCH2-mediated inhibition of ferroptosis, thereby mitigating gemcitabine resistance. In conclusion, these findings reveal that the STME-activated MEF2A/SNHG16/miR-425-5p/NOTCH2 axis induces gemcitabine resistance by inhibiting ferroptosis and implicate SNHG16 as a potential therapeutic target for chemoresistance.

Roles of Akirin1 in early prediction and treatment of graft kidney ischemia‒reperfusion injury.

Ferroptosis is a predominant contributor to graft kidney ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI), resulting in delayed graft function (DGF). However, much less is known about the early predicting biomarkers and therapeutic targets of DGF, especially aiming at ferroptosis. Here, we propose a precise predicting model for DGF, relying on the Akirin1 level in extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from recipient urine 48 h after kidney transplant. In addition, we decipher a new molecular mechanism whereby Akirin1 induces ferroptosis by strengthening TP53-mediated suppression of SLC7A11 during the graft kidney IRI process, that is, Akirin1 activates the EGR1/TP53 axis and inhibits MDM2-mediated TP53 ubiquitination, accordingly upregulating TP53 in two ways. Meanwhile, we present the first evidence that miR-136-5p enriched in EVs secreted by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UM-EVs) confers robust protection against ferroptosis and graft kidney IRI by targeted inhibition of Akirin1 but knockout of miR-136-5p in UM sharply mitigates the protection of UM-EVs. The functional and mechanistic regulation of Akirin1 is further corroborated in an allograft kidney transplant model in wild-type and Akirin1-knockout mice. In summary, these findings suggest that Akirin1, which prominently induces ferroptosis, is a pivotal biomarker and target for early diagnosis and treatment of graft kidney IRI and DGF after kidney transplant.

Nervonic acid triggered ovarian inflammation by inducing mitochondrial oxidative stress to activate NLRP3/ IL-1ß pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome is a serious public health concern across the globe. However, the typical metabolites and mechanisms underlying the decreased fertility related to metabolic syndrome is still elusive. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to explore the typical metabolites and mechanisms underlying the decreased fertility related with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Utilizing metabolomics, a comparative analysis was conducted on fatty acid compositions in various tissues of sows with high and low reproductive performance. Additionally, serum fatty acid compositions in a metabolic syndrome model (obese mice) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) were investigated to elucidate the lipid metabolites associated with metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, the impact of nervonic acid (NA) on ovarian function was examined using rodent animal models (rats and mice). Through biological techniques such as transcriptomics, CUT&Tag, and analysis of post-translational protein modifications, the molecular mechanisms underlying NA mediated ovarian inflammation were further elucidated based on models utilizing ovarian granulosa cells from pigs, humans, and mice. Finally, validation was performed on ovaries from patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. RESULTS: In vitro, targeted serum lipidomic analysis revealed that sows with low embryo survival rates exhibited abnormal lipid metabolism characterized by abnormal accumulation of NA in the liver, ovary, and adipose tissue. Additionally, elevated NA levels trigger ovarian inflammation to cause ovarian dysfunction in both sows and rats. Mechanistically, NA induce mitochondrial oxidative stress through inhibiting respiratory chain proteins CYTB and NDFUB8 to activate NLRP3 inflammasome, which triggers procaspase-1 into active caspase-1, and convert the cytokine precursors pro-IL-1ß into biologically active IL-1ß in ovarian granulosa cells. Notably, we evidenced that NA promotes IL-1ß activities by increasing H3K9ac modification level of IL-1ß promoter regions and regulating the expression of the transcription factor AP-1. Finally, we found that the decreased expression of CerS2 in ovaries and the increased level of chemokine CXCL14 may be the cause of abnormal NA accumulation. Surprisingly, individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver or gestational diabetes mellitus exhibit a high level of serum NA. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our current study suggests that NA is a typical metabolite of metabolic syndrome, which strongly influences the ovarian function and embryo survival and also provides that interfering with mitochondrial ROS production is a potential strong strategy for target solving abnormal NA accumulation.

Meta-analysis of robotic-assisted NOSE versus traditional TWSR in colorectal cancer surgery: postoperative outcomes and efficacy.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSE) compared to traditional robotic transabdominal wall specimen retrieval surgery (TWSR) for colorectal cancer. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Embase) from inception to August 2023. Primary outcomes included postoperative complications, the number of lymph nodes harvested, overall survival and disease-free survival. Secondary outcomes included the postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, the additional use of analgesics, the restoration of gastrointestinal function, blood loss, the mean operation time, and length of postoperative hospital stay. RESULTS: In this meta-analysis, a total of 717 patients from 6 observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the TWSR group, the NOSE group had greater benefits in terms of overall postoperative complications [odds ratios (OR) 0.55; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.34 to 0.89; P = 0.01, I2 = 0%)], the number of lymph nodes harvested [weighted mean differences (WMD) = 1.18; 95% CI = 0.15 to 2.21; P = 0.02, I2 = 0%)], the rate of wound infection (OR 0.17; 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.80; P = 0.02, I2 = 0%), the passed flatus time (WMD = - 0.35 days; 95% CI = - 0.60 to - 0.10; P = 0.007, I2 = 73%), the additional use of analgesics (OR 0.25; 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.40; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%), the diet recovery time (WMD = - 0.56; 95% CI = - 1.00 to - 0.11; P = 0.01, I2 = 78%) and the postoperative VAS score (WMD = - 1.23; 95% CI = - 1.63 to - 0.83; P < 0.001, I2 = 65%). There were no significant differences in the blood loss (WMD = - 5.78 ml; 95% CI = - 17.57 to 6.00; P = 0.34, I2 = 90%), mean operation time (WMD = 14.10 min; 95% CI = - 3.76 to 31.96; P = 0.12) (I2 = 93%), length of postoperative hospital stay (WMD = - 0.47 day; 95% CI = - 0.98 to 0.03; P = 0.07, I2 = 51%), incidences of postoperative ileus (OR 1.0; 95% CI = 0.22 to 4.46; P = 1.00, I2 = 0%), anastomotic leakage (OR 0.73; 95% CI = 0.33 to 1.60; P = 0.43, I2 = 0%), and intra-abdominal abscess (OR 1.59; 95% CI = 0.47 to 5.40; P = 0.46, I2 = 0%), or 3-year overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.60 to 1.94; P = 0.81)] or disease-free survival (HR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.54 to 1.63; P = 0.82, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed that the NOSE group had better postoperative outcomes than did the TWSR group and that NOSE was a safe and viable alternative to TWSR. More large-sample reviews and further randomized trials are warranted.

Fe(III)-Based Fluorescent Probe for High-Performance Recognition, Test Strip Analysis, and Cell Imaging of Carbon Monoxide.

Fluorescence sensing and imaging techniques are being widely studied for detecting carbon monoxide (CO) in living organisms due to their speed, sensitivity, and ease of use to biological systems. Most fluorescent probes used for this purpose are based on heavy metal ions like Pd, with a few using elements like Ru, Rh, Ir, Os, Tb, and Eu. However, these metals can be expensive and toxic to cells. There is a need for more affordable and biologically safe fluorescent probes for CO detection. Drawing inspiration from the robust affinity exhibited by heme iron toward CO, in this work, a rhodamine derivative called RBF was developed for imaging CO in living cells by binding to Fe(III) and could be used for CO sensing. A Fe(III)-based fluorescent probe for CO imaging in living cells offers advantages of cost effectiveness, low toxicity, and ease of use. The fluorescence detection using the RBF-Fe system showed a direct correlation with increasing levels of CORM-3 (LOD = 146 nM) or the exposure time of CO gas, displaying reduced fluorescence. A CO test paper based on RBF-Fe was created for simple on-site CO detection, where fluorescence would diminish in response to CO exposure, allowing rapid (2 min) visual identification. Imaging of CO in living cells was successfully conducted using the probe system, showing a decrease in fluorescence intensity as CORM-3 concentrations increased, indicating its effectiveness in monitoring CO levels accurately within living cells.

Evaluation of Acupuncture Efficacy in Modulating Brain Activity With Periodic-Aperiodic EEG Measurements.

Acupuncture is an important therapeutic method of traditional Chinese medicine and can effectively modulate brain disorders. The therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture is hard to evaluate due to lacking of effective measurements of brain activity. In this work, we design an EEG-based monitoring system to evaluate therapeutic effect of acupuncture on human brain by extracting periodic-aperiodic features. Power spectral density is estimated to compute the adjusted power of periodic oscillatory rhythm in EEG under acupuncture stimulation. It is exhibited that the brain activity in alpha band (8-12 Hz) is significantly enhanced during acupuncture, especially in parietal and occipital lobe regions. To probe the modulatory effect of acupuncture on aperiodic brain activity, we calculate the aperiodic exponent based on the parameterization of EEG power spectra. The aperiodic exponent decreases along with acupuncture process, which is more significant in central and frontal lobe regions. Furthermore, sensitivity of different brain regions to acupuncture is assessed by the integration of adjusted power and aperiodic exponent. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed periodic-aperiodic measurements of EEG signals, by which different effects of four acupuncture manipulations are precisely evaluated and a knowledge graph is established. The monitoring system provides a new perspective to quantitatively evaluate acupuncture effect on human brain and improve its therapeutic efficacy in clinical applications for neural disorders.

Microcin C7 as a Potential Antibacterial-Immunomodulatory Agent in the Postantibiotic Era: Overview of Its Bioactivity Aspects and Applications.

In the postantibiotic era, the pathogenicity and resistance of pathogens have increased, leading to an increase in intestinal inflammatory disease. Bacterial infections remain the leading cause of animal mortality. With increasing resistance to antibiotics, there has been a significant decrease in resistance to both inflammation and disease in animals, thus decreasing production efficiency and increasing production costs. These side effects have serious consequences and have detracted from the development of China's pig industry. Microcin C7 (McC7) demonstrates potent antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens, stable physicochemical properties, and low toxicity, reducing the likelihood of resistance development. Thus, McC7 has received increasing attention as a potential clinical antibacterial and immunomodulatory agent. McC7 has the potential to serve as a new generation of antibiotic substitutes; however, its commercial applications in the livestock and poultry industry have been limited. In this review, we summarize and discuss the biosynthesis, biochemical properties, structural characteristics, mechanism of action, and immune strategies of McC7. We also describe the ability of McC7 to improve intestinal health. Our aim in this study was to provide a theoretical basis for the application of McC7 as a new feed additive or new veterinary drug in the livestock and poultry breeding industry, thus providing a new strategy for alleviating resistance through feed and mitigating drug resistance. Furthermore, this review provides insight into the new functions and anti-infection mechanisms of bacteriocin peptides and proposes crucial ideas for the research, product development, and application of bacteriocin peptides in different fields, such as the food and medical industries.

Largescale multicenter study of a serum metabolite biomarker panel for the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is currently the most prevalent malignancy worldwide, and finding effective non-invasive biomarkers for routine clinical detection of BC remains a significant challenge. Here, we performed non-targeted and targeted metabolomics analysis on the screening, training and validation cohorts of serum samples from 1,947 participants. A metabolite biomarker model including glutamate, erythronate, docosahexaenoate, propionylcarnitine, and patient's age was established for detecting BC. This model demonstrated better diagnostic performance than carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) alone in discriminating BC from healthy controls both in the training and validation cohorts [area under the curve (AUC), 0.954; sensitivity, 87.1% and specificity, 93.5% for the training cohort and 0.834, 68.3%, and 85.2%, respectively, for the validation cohort 1]. This study has established a noninvasive approach for the detection of BC, which shows potential as a suitable supplement to the clinical screening methods currently employed for BC.

Rapid and ultra-sensitive trace water determination in organic solvents utilizing nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)-based fluorescent sensing system.

The presence of minute quantities of water in organic solvents can affect the progress of many reactions and cause unnecessary losses and even safety accidents in the chemical industry, especially in the productions process of organic fine chemicals. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out high-performance strategies for trace water detections in commonly used organic solvents. In this work, a fluorescent sensing system based on competitive binding of protons has been developed, demonstrating remarkable responses by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence two-modes toward a trace amount of water in organic solvents including 1,4-dioxane (Diox), tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetonitrile (MeCN), acetone (ACE), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and mixed organic solvents (THF: MeCN=1: 1). The key component of the sensing system is a newly designed fluorophore NBD-PMA, which can be deprotonated to form a dynamic non-luminescent adduct, namely NBD-PMA-F, by an organic fluoride salt tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF). NBD-PMA-F can be reprotonated via using trace water, exhibiting fluorescence turn on of the system. The as-prepared sensing system shows superior sensitivity, low detection limits (v/v, 0.0007 %), quick response speed (≤1.2 s) and good reversibility. Moreover, naked-eye visual rapid detection has also been successfully realized at ambient temperature, which demonstrated their practical applications value for trace water determinations.

Histone acetyltransferase Kat2a regulates ferroptosis via enhancing Tfrc and Hmox1 expression in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent myocardial microvascular complication of the myocardium with a complex pathogenesis. Investigating the pathogenesis of DCM can significantly contribute to enhancing its prevention and treatment strategies. Our study revealed an upregulation of lysine acetyltransferase 2 A (Kat2a) expression in DCM, accompanied by a decrease in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modified Kat2a mRNA levels. Our study revealed an upregulation of lysine acetyltransferase 2 A (Kat2a) expression in DCM, accompanied by a decrease in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modified Kat2a mRNA levels. Functionally, inhibition of Kat2a effectively ameliorated high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte injury both in vitro and in vivo by suppressing ferroptosis. Mechanistically, Demethylase alkB homolog 5 (Alkbh5) was found to reduce m6A methylation levels on Kat2a mRNA, leading to its upregulation. YTH domain family 2 (Ythdf2) played a crucial role as an m6A reader protein mediating the degradation of Kat2a mRNA. Furthermore, Kat2a promoted ferroptosis by increasing Tfrc and Hmox1 expression via enhancing the enrichment of H3K27ac and H3K9ac on their promoter regions. In conclusion, our findings unveil a novel role for the Kat2a-ferroptosis axis in DCM pathogenesis, providing valuable insights for potential clinical interventions.

High specific surface area carbon aerogel derived from starch for methylene blue adsorption and supercapacitors.

Starch based carbon aerogel has attracted significant attention due to the wide source, environmental friendliness and low price of raw materials. Here, starch based carbon aerogel was fabricated by graft reaction and cross-linking reaction of starch. The network structure of starch hydrogel was optimized through graft and cross-linking reaction. After freeze drying and high temperature carbonization, the obtained carbon aerogel that carbonized at 800 °C showed a specific surface area of 1508 m2·g-1 without activation which is far higher than that of other unactivated carbon aerogels. The starch based carbon aerogel carbonized at 800 °C exhibited superior methylene blue adsorption ability with a maximum adsorption capacity of 963.5 mg·g-1 as a result of its rich surface functional groups, high specific surface area, and reasonable pore size distribution. Furthermore, the carbon aerogel carbonized at 700 °C exhibited excellent electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of 180.1 F·g-1 at a current density of 1 A·g-1as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Overall, this work provides a new method to prepare high performance starch based carbon aerogel.

Comparison of Therapeutic Effects Between Conventional 2D Laparoscopy and 3D Laparoscopy in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 2D laparoscopy vs 3D laparoscopy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. METHODS: A literature search was conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from their inception to January 2024. Studies investigating different outcomes of colorectal surgery were included. Results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The protocol for this review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024504902). RESULTS: A total of 10 publications were retrieved in this article. The 3D group is associated with a significant improvement in intraoperative blood loss (MD = -8.04, 95% CI = -14.18 to -1.89, P = 0.01, I2 = 55%), operative time (MD = -17.33, 95% CI = -29.15 to -5.51, P = 0.004, I2 = 90%), and postoperative hospital stay (MD = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.43 to -0.04, P = 0.02, I2 = 48%) compared to that of patients treated in the 2D group, particularly for rectal cancer patients above three results (MD = -10.36, 95% CI = -15.00 to -5.73, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%), (MD = -18.85, 95% CI = -34.88 to -2.82, P = 0.02, I2 = 57%), and (MD = -0.93, 95% CI = -1.53 to -0.34, P = 0.002, I2 = 0%), respectively. There was no significant statistical difference in the time of pass flatus (MD = -0.14, 95% CI = -0.49 to 0.21, P = 0.44, I2 = 79%) and the number of dissected lymph nodes (MD = 0.36, 95% CI = -0.49 to 1.21, P = 0.41, I2 = 45%), but the 3D group had an earlier postoperative pass flatus for rectal cancer patients (MD = -0.46, 95% CI = -0.66 to -0.27, P<0.001, I2 = 0%) and the more number of dissected lymph nodes for colon cancer patients (MD = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.05 to 3.03, P = 0.04, I2 = 69%) than the 2D group. There was no significant difference in postoperative overall complication (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.31, P = 0.71, I2 = 0%) and anastomotic leakage (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.48 to 1.80, P = 0.83, I2 = 0%) in the two groups, regardless of rectal cancer and colon surgery patients. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that 3D laparoscopy could reduce the amount of blood loss, accelerate postoperative pass flatus, and shorten the operation time and postoperative hospital stay over 2D for radical rectal cancer surgery, without obvious advantage for radical colon cancer surgery. Moreover, 3D laparoscopy increases the number of dissected lymph nodes for radical colon cancer surgery but may not be observed in rectal cancer surgery.

High-efficiency removal of As(iii) from groundwater using siderite as the iron source in the electrocoagulation process.

Electrocoagulation technology, due to its simplicity and ease of operation, is often considered for treating arsenic-contaminated groundwater. However, challenges such as anode wear have hindered its development and application. This study aims to develop a siderite-filled anode electrocoagulation system for efficient removal of As(iii) and investigate its effectiveness. The impact of operational parameters on the removal rate of As(iii) was analyzed through single-factor tests, and the stability and superiority of the device were evaluated. The response surface methodology was employed to analyze the interactions between various factors and determine the optimal operational parameters by integrating data from these tests. Under conditions where the removal rate of As reached 99.3 ± 0.37%, with an initial concentration of As(iii) at 400 µg L-1, current intensity at 30 mA, initial solution pH value at 7, and Na2SO4 concentration at 10 mM. The flocculant used was subjected to characterization analysis to examine its structure, morphology, and elemental composition under these optimal operational parameters. The oxidation pathway for As(iii) within this system relies on integrated results from direct electrolysis as well as ˙O2 -, ˙OH, and Fe(iv) mediated oxidation processes. The elimination of arsenic encompasses two fundamental mechanisms: firstly, the direct adsorption of As(iii) by highly adsorbent flocculants like γ-FeOOH and magnetite (Fe3O4); secondly, the oxidation of As(iii) into As(v), followed by its reaction with siderite or other compounds to generate a dual coordination complex or iron arsenate, thus expediting its eradication. The anodic electrocoagulation system employing siderite as a filler exhibits remarkable efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while ensuring exceptional stability, thereby providing robust theoretical underpinnings for the application of electrocoagulation technology in arsenic removal.

Particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals, platelet parameters and blood pressure alteration: Multi-pollutants study among population.

Epidemiological findings have determined the linkage of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the morbidity of hypertension. However, the mode of action and specific contribution of PM2.5 component in the blood pressure elevation remain unclear. Platelets are critical for vascular homeostasis and thrombosis, which may be involved in the increase of blood pressure. Among 240 high-PM2.5 exposed, 318 low-PM2.5 exposed workers in a coking plant and 210 workers in the oxygen plant and cold-rolling mill enrolled in present study, both internal and external exposure characteristics were obtained, and we performed linear regression, adaptive elastic net regression, quantile g-computation and mediation analyses to analyze the relationship between urine metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals fractions with platelets indices and blood pressure indicators. We found that PM2.5 exposure leads to increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP). Specifically, for every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, there was a 0.09 mmHg rise in PP. Additionally, one IQR increase in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1.06 µmol/mol creatinine) was associated with a 3.43 % elevation in PP. Similarly, an IQR increment of urine cobalt (2.31 µmol/mol creatinine) was associated with a separate 1.77 % and 4.71 % elevation of SBP and PP. Notably, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) played a mediating role in the elevation of SBP and PP induced by cobalt. Our multi-pollutants results showed that PAHs and cobalt were deleterious contributors to the elevated blood pressure. These findings deepen our understanding of the cardiovascular effects associated with PM2.5 constituents, highlighting the importance of increased vigilance in monitoring and controlling the harmful components in PM2.5.