Toxic Effects of Rare Earth Elements on Human Health: A Review.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a new type of material resource which have attracted significant attention in recent years. REEs have emerged as essential metals in modern-day technology due to their unique functions. The long-term, large-scale mining and utilization of rare earths has caused serious environmental pollution and constitutes a global health issue, which has raised concerns regarding the safety of human health. However, the toxicity profile of suspended particulate matter in REEs in the environment, which interacts with the human body, remains largely unknown. Studies have shown that REEs can enter the human body through a variety of pathways, leading to a variety of organ and system dysfunctions through changes in genetics, epigenetics, and signaling pathways. Through an extensive literature search and critical analysis, we provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence, identify knowledge gaps, and make recommendations for future research directions.

EIF4A3 modulated circ_000999 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cadmium-induced malignant transformation through the miR-205-5p/ZEB1 axis.

Cadmium (Cd) is an accumulative toxic metal which poses a serious threat to human health, even in trace amounts. One of the most important steps in the pathophysiology of lung cancer (LC) is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this investigation, a cell malignant transformation model was established by exposing human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) to a low dose of Cd for 30 weeks, after which a highly expressed circular RNA (circ_000999) was identified. Cd-induced EMT was clearly observed in rat lungs and 16HBE cells, which was further enhanced following circ_000999-overexpression. Furthermore, upregulated EIF4A3 interacted with the parental gene AGTPBP1 to promote high expression of circ_000999. Subsequent experiments confirmed that circ_000999 could regulate the EMT process by competitively binding miR-205-5p and inhibiting its activity, consequently upregulating expression of zinc finger E-box binding protein 1 (ZEB1). Importantly, the circ_000999 expression level in LC tissues was significantly increased, exhibiting a strong correlation with EMT indicators. Overall, these findings provide a new objective and research direction for reversing lung EMT and subsequent treatment and prevention of LC.

Performance of different machine learning algorithms in identifying undiagnosed diabetes based on nonlaboratory parameters and the influence of muscle strength: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Machine learning algorithms based on the artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine, naive Bayesian or logistic regression model are commonly used to identify diabetes. This study investigated which approach performed the best and whether muscle strength provided any incremental benefit in identifying undiagnosed diabetes in Chinese adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 4,482 eligible participants from eight provinces in China, who were randomly divided into the training dataset (n = 3,586) and the testing dataset (n = 896). Muscle strength was assessed by handgrip strength and the number of chair stands in the 30-s chair stand test. An oral glucose tolerance test was used to ascertain undiagnosed diabetes. The areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated accordingly and compared with each other. RESULTS: Of the included participants, 233 had newly diagnosed diabetes. All the four machine learning algorithms, which were developed based on nonlaboratory parameters, showed acceptable discriminative ability in identifying undiagnosed diabetes (all AUCs >0.70), with the ANN approach performing the best (AUC 0.806). Adding handgrip strength or the 30-s chair stand test to this approach did not increase the AUC further (P = 0.39 and 0.26, respectively). Furthermore, compared with the New Chinese Diabetes Risk Score, the ANN approach showed a larger AUC in identifying undiagnosed diabetes (Pcomparison < 0.01), regardless of the addition of handgrip strength or the 30-s chair stand test. CONCLUSIONS: The ANN approach performed the best in identifying undiagnosed diabetes in Chinese adults; however, the addition of muscle strength might not improve its efficacy.

The association between cadmium exposure and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

According to the World Health Organization, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was one of the top ten causes of death worldwide in 2019. The ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) provides a useful indicator for the diagnosis of COPD. Existing data have demonstrated that cadmium (Cd) exposure is associated with COPD. However, data concerning the incidence and progression of cadmium-induced COPD is inconsistent. To explore the relationship between cadmium exposure and the risk of COPD in humans, through January 12, 2023, we conducted a thorough search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus databases for relevant material. In this study, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between cadmium and COPD. This meta-analysis indicated that exposure to cadmium (per 1 µg/L increase) was associated with reduced FEV1/FVC (% change = -47.54%, 95% CI: -54.99% to -40.09%). Subgroup analysis showed that the combined effect estimates were significantly higher in the COPD patient group (% change = -54.66%, 95% CI: -83.32% to -26.00%) than in the general population (% change = -52.11%, 95%CI: -60.53% to -43.70%). Therefore, we conclude that cadmium exposure is associated with reduced FEV1/FVC, which suggests a risk for COPD.

Association of urinary arsenic with the oxidative DNA damage marker 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified arsenic as a class I carcinogen. Oxidative DNA damage is a typical early precursor to recognized malignancies. The most sensitive early independent marker of oxidative DNA damage is believed to be 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). To date, research on the link between urinary arsenic and 8-OHdG has not been consistent. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at exploring the effects of urinary arsenic on 8-OHdG in human urine. METHODS: A literature search until January 2023 was performed on the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases through a combination of computer and manual retrieval. Stata 12.0 was used to examine the degree of heterogeneity among included studies. The percentage change and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) of 8-OHdG were calculated between populations exposed to different doses. We used a random effect model because the degree of heterogeneity exceeded 50 %. Sensitivity analysis and testing for publication bias were performed. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included nine studies, most of which were performed in China. After exposure to arsenic, urinary arsenic (per 10 µg/g creatinine increase) was associated with the increased 8-OHdG (% change = 41.49 %, 95 % CI: 19.73 %, 63.25 %). Subgroup analysis indicated that the percentage change in 8-OHdG in urine was more pronounced in people exposed to arsenic <50 µg/L (% change = 24.60 %, 95 % CI: 17.35 %, 37.85 %). In studies using total urinary arsenic content as an indicator, the percentage change in 8-OHdG in urine was more significant (% change = 60.38 %, 95 % CI: 15.08 %, 105.68 %). CONCLUSION: The 8-OHdG levels in human urine significantly increased after exposure to environmental arsenic, thus suggesting that arsenic exposure is correlated with oxidative DNA damage.

Machine learning-enabled regional multi-hazards risk assessment considering social vulnerability.

The regional multi-hazards risk assessment poses difficulties due to data access challenges, and the potential interactions between multi-hazards and social vulnerability. For better natural hazards risk perception and preparedness, it is important to study the nature-hazards risk distribution in different areas, specifically a major priority in the areas of high hazards level and social vulnerability. We propose a multi-hazards risk assessment method which considers social vulnerability into the analyzing and utilize machine learning-enabled models to solve this issue. The proposed methodology integrates three aspects as follows: (1) characterization and mapping of multi-hazards (Flooding, Wildfires, and Seismic) using five machine learning methods including Naïve Bayes (NB), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), and K-Means (KM); (2) evaluation of social vulnerability with a composite index tailored for the case-study area and using machine learning models for classification; (3) risk-based quantification of spatial interaction mechanisms between multi-hazards and social vulnerability. The results indicate that RF model performs best in both hazard-related and social vulnerability datasets. The most cities at multi-hazards risk account for 34.12% of total studied cities (covering 20.80% land). Additionally, high multi-hazards level and socially vulnerable cities account for 15.88% (covering 4.92% land). This study generates a multi-hazards risk map which show a wide variety of spatial patterns and a corresponding understanding of where regional high hazards potential and vulnerable areas are. It emphasizes an urgent need to implement information-based prioritization when natural hazards coming, and effective policy measures for reducing natural-hazards risks in future.

Backcrossing to different parents produced two distinct hybrid species.

Repeated homoploid hybrid speciation (HHS) events with the same parental species have rarely been reported. In this study, we used population transcriptome data to test paraphyly and HHS events in the conifer Picea brachytyla. Our analyses revealed non-sister relationships for two lineages of P. brachytyla, with the southern lineage being placed within the re-circumscribed P. likiangensis species complex (PLSC) and P. brachytyla sensu stricto (s.s.) consisted solely of the northern lineage, forming a distinct clade that is paratactic to both the PLSC and P. wilsonii. Our phylogenetic and coalescent analyses suggested that P. brachytyla s.s. arose from HHS between the ancestor of the PLSC before its diversification and P. wilsonii through an intermediate hybrid lineage at an early stage and backcrossing to the ancestral PLSC. Additionally, P. purpurea shares the same parents and an extinct lineage with P. brachytyla s.s. but backcrossing to the other parent, P. wilsonii at a later stage. We reveal the first case that backcrossing to different parents of the same extinct hybrid lineage produced two different hybrid species. Our results highlight the existence of more reticulate evolution during species diversification in the spruce genus and more complex homoploid hybrid events than previously identified.

Transcriptome-based analyses of adaptive divergence between two closely related spruce species on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau and adjacent regions.

Speciation among populations connected by gene flow is driven by adaptation to different environments, but underlying gene-environment associations remain largely unknown. Here, 162 individuals from 32 populations were sampled to obtain 191,648 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the genomes of two closely related spruce species, Picea asperata and Picea crassifolia, which occur on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and in surrounding regions. Using the SNP data set, genotype-environment associations and demographic modelling were used to examine local adaptation and genetic divergence between these two species. While morphologically similar, the two Picea species were genetically differentiated in multiple analyses. These species diverged despite continuous gene flow, and their initial divergence was dated back to the late Quaternary. The effective population sizes of both species have expanded since their divergence, as confirmed by niche distribution simulations. A total of 6365 genes were associated with the tested environmental variables; of these, 41 were positively selected in P. asperata and were mainly associated with temperature, while 83 were positively selected in P. crassifolia and were primarily associated with precipitation. These results deepen our understanding of the adaptive divergence and demographic histories of these two spruce species and highlight the importance of genomic data in deciphering the environmental selection underlying Quaternary interspecific divergence.

Biochar application enhanced rice biomass production and lodging resistance via promoting co-deposition of silica with hemicellulose and lignin.

Biochar, an environmentally friendly soil amendment, is created via a series of thermochemical processes from carbon-rich organic matter. The biochar addition enhances soil characteristics dramatically and increases crop growth and yields. However, the mechanism by which biochar improves plant lodging resistance, which is heavily influenced by cell walls, remains unknown. Three rice cultivars were grown in an experimental field provided with four concentrations of biochar (10, 20, 30, 40 t ha-1). The biochar application enhanced biomass production and lodging resistance in all three cultivars by up to 29 % and 22 %, respectively, with the largest improvement at a biochar application rate of 30 t ha-1. Biochar application significantly enhanced stem cell wall-related characteristics, with an increase in stem breaking force, wall thickness, and plumpness of 52 %, 32 %, and 21 %, respectively, which are suggested to be major contributors to enhanced lodging resistance and biomass yield. Notably, cell wall composition and silica content analysis indicated a significant increase in hemicellulose, lignin, and silica content in biochar-treated samples up to 36 %, 13 %, and 58 %, respectively, when compared to plants not treated with biochar. Integrative analysis suggested that silica, hemicellulose, and lignin were co-deposited in cell walls, which influenced biomass production and lodging resistance. Furthermore, the transcriptome profile revealed that biochar application increased the expression of genes involved in biomass production, cell wall formation, and silica deposition. This study suggests that biochar application might improve both biomass production and lodging resistance by promoting the co-deposition of silicon with hemicellulose and lignin in cell walls.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Chinese Community-Dwelling Adults with and without Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported to occur frequently in diabetes, but their prevalence in Chinese community-dwelling individuals with diabetes is unknown. The present study aimed to address this issue and explore the risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms. METHODS: A total of 1304 community-dwelling participants (214 with diabetes, 360 with prediabetes and 730 with normoglycemia) were surveyed for gastrointestinal symptoms using the Diabetes Bowel Symptom Questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were applied to identify risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms. RESULTS: Of the overall study population, 18.6% reported at least one gastrointestinal symptom, without a significant difference between subjects with normoglycemia (17.7%), prediabetes (19.7%) and diabetes (20.1%). In all three groups, lower gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly diarrhea and constipation, were the most frequent. There was an interaction between age (≥65 years) and diabetes on the prevalence of at least one gastrointestinal symptom (p = 0.01) and of constipation (p = 0.004), with these being most frequent in subjects with diabetes aged ≥ 65 years. After multivariable adjustment, female gender and older age were associated with increased odds of at least one gastrointestinal symptom, specifically lower gastrointestinal symptoms. Older age was also associated with an increase in upper gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in Chinese community-dwelling adults with and without diabetes. Females, and the elderly with diabetes, are at an increased risk of symptoms.

Investigation of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry to screen metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the abilities of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) transverse relaxation constant time (T2) and longitudinal relaxation constant time (T1) to screen people at the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Human blood samples were collected for NMR detection and biochemical examinations. Bivariate correlations, categorical analyses were performed to explore the relationship between NMR relaxation time and metabolic biomarkers. Results show that NMR relaxation time of human serum correlated well with some biomarkers associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Statistically significant differences in NMR relaxation time between subjects with normal and poor metabolic health were observed. NMR relaxation time, especially T2, can be used to screen people at risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

High-intensity physical ability training of teenager basketball players / Treino de alta intensidade do preparo físico de jogadores de basquete adolescentes / Entrenamiento de alta intensidad de la preparación física de jugadores de baloncesto adolescentes

ABSTRACT Introduction: The antagonism of basketball is very prominent during the game. Athletes with good physical fitness will have great advantages in basketball games. Objective: To study the influence of physical exercise on the physical fitness of young athletes. Methods: This article uses mathematical statistics to investigate and analyze the physical training status of young basketball players. Results: After studying various training methods, we found that impedance training can improve the physical fitness of young athletes. Basketball physical training includes strength, speed, endurance, sensitivity, etc. Conclusion: Young basketball players need to adopt a variety of training methods. Group sports can effectively improve the physical fitness of young basketball players and increase the winning probability of the team in the game. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: O antagonismo é muito presente em partidas de basquete. Atletas em boas condições físicas terão grande vantagem nessas partidas. Objetivos: Estudar a influência da atividade física no preparo físico de jovens atletas. Métodos: Esse artigo utiliza estatísticas matemáticas para investigar e analisar o estado do treinamento físico de jovens jogadores de basquete. Resultados: Após o estudo de vários métodos de treinamento, descobrimos que o treino de impedância pode aprimorar o preparo físico de jovens atletas. O treino físico do basquete inclui força, velocidade, resistência, sensibilidade, etc. Conclusão: Jogadores de basquete jovens precisam adotar diversos métodos de treinamento. Esportes de grupo podem, efetivamente, aprimorar o preparo físico de jovens jogadores de basquete, aumentando as chances de vitória de seus times nas partidas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação do resultado de tratamentos.

RESUMEN Introducción: El antagonismo está muy presente en partidos de baloncesto. Atletas en buenas condiciones físicas tendrán una gran ventaja en estos partidos. Objetivos: Estudiar la influencia de la actividad física en la preparación física de jóvenes atletas. Métodos: Este artículo utiliza estadísticas matemáticas para investigar y analizar el estado del entrenamiento físico de jóvenes jugadores de baloncesto. Resultados: Después del estudio de varios métodos de entrenamiento, descubrimos que el entrenamiento de impedancia puede mejorar la preparación física de jóvenes atletas. El entrenamiento físico del baloncesto incluye fuerza, velocidad, resistencia, sensibilidad, etc. Conclusión: Jugadores de baloncesto jóvenes necesitan adoptar diversos métodos de entrenamiento. Deportes de grupo pueden, efectivamente, mejorar la preparación física de jóvenes jugadores de baloncesto, aumentando las oportunidades de victoria de sus equipos en los partidos. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación del resultado de tratamientos.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Planar-Chiral Macrocycles through Asymmetric Electrophilic Aromatic Amination.

An efficient approach for asymmetric synthesis of planar-chiral macrocycles (paracyclophanes) has been disclosed through enantioselective electrophilic aromatic aminations with azodicarboxylates enabled by chiral phosphoric acid catalysis. A wide range of chiral macrocycles bearing varied ring sizes (16 to 23-membered) and functional group-containing ansa chains were readily afforded using this method, with excellent yields and high enantioselectivities (23 examples, up to 99.5 : 0.5 er). Experimental studies and DFT calculations were performed to elucidate the mechanism and origin of stereoselectivities of these reactions. Preliminary utilization of the planar-chiral macrocycle as chiral organocatalyst showcased the potential applications of these novel chiral skeletons.

Graphite prelithiation by solid electrochemical corrosion of lithium metal with a superficial mosaic structure.

A transformative concept of solid electrochemical corrosion has been put forward, in which solid-state electrolyte LiPON has been applied to replace the liquid one to prelithiate graphite with Li-metal. Thus, high prelithiation efficiency and low polarization of the treated anode can be obtained, with a unique mosaic structure left at the surface.

Atroposelective synthesis of configurationally stable nonbiaryl N-C atropisomers through direct asymmetric aminations of 1,3-benzenediamines.

A highly atroposelective synthesis of nonbiaryl N-C atropisomers was achieved via direct aminations of 1,3-benzenediamines with azodicarboxylates enabled by chiral phosphoric acid catalysis. A series of N-substituents, benzene-substituents and azodicarboxylates were well tolerated, generating N-C atropisomers with high configurational stability. The facile derivatizations and utilizations of the chiral products as novel chiral organocatalysts demonstrate the value of these reactions.

Prickly waterlily and rigid hornwort genomes shed light on early angiosperm evolution.

Angiosperms represent one of the most spectacular terrestrial radiations on the planet1, but their early diversification and phylogenetic relationships remain uncertain2-5. A key reason for this impasse is the paucity of complete genomes representing early-diverging angiosperms. Here, we present high-quality, chromosomal-level genome assemblies of two aquatic species-prickly waterlily (Euryale ferox; Nymphaeales) and the rigid hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum; Ceratophyllales)-and expand the genomic representation for key sectors of the angiosperm tree of life. We identify multiple independent polyploidization events in each of the five major clades (that is, Nymphaeales, magnoliids, monocots, Ceratophyllales and eudicots). Furthermore, our phylogenomic analyses, which spanned multiple datasets and diverse methods, confirm that Amborella and Nymphaeales are successively sister to all other angiosperms. Furthermore, these genomes help to elucidate relationships among the major subclades within Mesangiospermae, which contain about 350,000 species. In particular, the species-poor lineage Ceratophyllales is supported as sister to eudicots, and monocots and magnoliids are placed as successively sister to Ceratophyllales and eudicots. Finally, our analyses indicate that incomplete lineage sorting may account for the incongruent phylogenetic placement of magnoliids between nuclear and plastid genomes.

Monodispersity of Poly(ethylene glycol) Matters for Low-Fouling Coatings.

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is the most used hydrophilic polymer for low-fouling coatings to minimize nonspecific interactions. The PEG molecular weight or its length as well as surface density are typically considered as the main impacts on the control over low-fouling properties. However, the influence of PEG monodispersity on such investigations is typically ignored and rarely reported. Herein, we report the assembly of PEGylated coatings on planar surfaces and Au nanorods (AuNRs) using a series of monodisperse PEG (Mono-PEG) with exact molecular weights and commonly used polydisperse PEG (Poly-PEG) to investigate the effect of the PEG molecular weight and monodispersity on the low-fouling properties. Nonspecific interactions with proteins or cells on PEGylated planar surfaces can be significantly reduced when Mono-PEG with a molecular weight of 752 Da and above is used, while a higher average molecular weight of 2000 Da is required for Poly-PEG-modified surfaces. Cell association of PEGylated AuNRs further confirms that a low molecular weight of Mono-PEG is sufficient to achieve low-fouling properties. This study provides an insight and general guidance into the engineering of low-fouling surfaces by the appropriate choice based on the PEG monodispersity and/or molecular weights.

Disease burden concerning hepatitis E-infected inpatients in Jiangsu province, China.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the disease burden of hepatitis E virus (HEV)-infected inpatients in Jiangsu province, China. METHODS: Between July 1, 2016 and October 31, 2018, 1152 HEV-infected inpatients were identified from four cities in Jiangsu province, namely, Nanjing, Suzhou, Yancheng, and Zhenjiang. The disease burden comprised the economic burden and loss of health due to HEV infection. Factors influencing the disease burden were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The average direct, indirect, and total economic burden for 1152 HEV-infected inpatients was US$ 4,986.40, US$ 1,507.28, and US$ 6,493.68, respectively, accounting for 46.66%, 14.11%, and 60.77% of per capita disposable income (PCDI) in Jiangsu province, respectively. The disease burden for HEV-infected inpatients with hepatitis B was significantly higher than that for other inpatients. The average EQ-5D utility value of 1152 HEV-infected inpatients was 0.72 ±â€¯0.18 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the average EQ-visual analogue score (EQ-VAS) was 0.66 ±â€¯0.17 points. Multivariate analysis showed that the direct economic burden and the total economic burden were influenced by variables such as hospitalization days, outcomes, past history of other diseases, and regions (P < 0.05). It was estimated the direct economic burden, the indirect economic burden, and the total economic burden for all HEV-infected inpatients in Jiangsu province in 2018 was approximately US$ 9.2 million, US$ 2.8 million and US$ 12.0 million, respectively. CONCLUSION: The disease burden of HEV infection in Jiangsu province is severe, and more attention should be paid to the prevention of hepatitis E and the treatment of comorbidities.

Atroposelective Synthesis of Biaryl Diamines and Amino Alcohols via Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed para-Aminations of Anilines and Phenols.

A versatile method for atroposelective synthesis of chiral biaryl diamines and amino alcohols has been developed via para-amination of anilines and phenols with azodicarboxylates enabled by chiral phosphoric acid catalysis. Meanwhile, highly efficient kinetic resolution of the racemic biaryl anilines has also been realized through these reactions, giving selectivity factor up to 246. The gram-scale reaction and facile derivatizations of the chiral products well demonstrate the potential of these reactions in the development of novel chiral ligands and catalysts.