Induced Huge Optical Activity in Nanoplatelet Superlattice.

Chiral superstructures with unique chiroptical properties that are not inherent in the individual units are essential in applications such as 3D displays, spintronic devices, biomedical sensors, and beyond. Generally, chiral superstructures are obtained by tedious procedures exploring various physical and chemical forces to break spatial symmetry during the self-assembly of discrete nanoparticles. In contrast, we herein present a simple and efficient approach to chiral superstructures by intercalating small chiral molecules into preformed achiral superstructures. As a model system, the chiral CdSe nanoplatelet (NPL) superlattice exhibits a giant and tunable optical activity with the highest g-factor reaching 3.09 × 10-2 to the excitonic transition of the NPL superlattice, nearly 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of the corresponding separated chiral NPLs. The theoretical analysis reveals that the chiral deformation in the NPL superlattice induced by the chiral perturbation of the small chiral molecules is critical to the observed huge optical activity. We anticipate that this research lays a foundation for understanding and applying chiral inorganic nanosystems.

Constructing a Novel Amino Acid Metabolism Signature: A New Perspective on Pheochromocytoma Diagnosis, Immune Landscape, and Immunotherapy.

Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PGPG) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor. Amino acid metabolism is crucial for energy production, redox balance, and metabolic pathways in tumor cell proliferation. This study aimed to build a risk model using amino acid metabolism-related genes, enhancing PGPG diagnosis and treatment decisions. We analyzed RNA-sequencing data from the PCPG cohort in the GEO dataset as our training set and validated our findings using the TCGA dataset and an additional clinical cohort. WGCNA and LASSO were utilized to identify hub genes and develop risk prediction models. The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, MCPCOUNTER, and ESTIMATE algorithm calculated the relationship between amino acid metabolism and immune cell infiltration in PCPG. The TIDE algorithm predicted the immunotherapy efficacy for PCPG patients. The analysis identified 292 genes with differential expression, which are involved in amino acid metabolism and immune pathways. Six genes (DDC, SYT11, GCLM, PSMB7, TYRO3, AGMAT) were identified as crucial for the risk prediction model. Patients with a high-risk profile demonstrated reduced immune infiltration but potentially higher benefits from immunotherapy. Notably, DDC and SYT11 showed strong diagnostic and prognostic potential. Validation through quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction and immunohistochemistry confirmed their differential expression, underscoring their significance in PCPG diagnosis and in predicting immunotherapy response. This study's integration of amino acid metabolism-related genes into a risk prediction model offers critical clinical insights for PCPG risk stratification, potential immunotherapy responses, drug development, and treatment planning, marking a significant step forward in the management of this complex condition.

Tafazzin mediates tamoxifen resistance by regulating cellular phospholipid composition in ER-positive breast cancer.

Tamoxifen is the frontline therapeutic agent for the estrogen receptor-positive (ER + ) subtype of breast cancer patients, which accounts for 70-80% of total breast cancer incidents. However, clinical resistance to tamoxifen has become increasingly common, highlighting the need to identify the underlying cellular mechanisms. In our study, we employed a genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screen and validation experiments to discover that Tafazzin (TAZ), a mitochondrial transacylase, is crucial for maintaining the cellular sensitivity of ER+ breast cancer cells to tamoxifen and other chemotherapies. Mechanistically, we found that cardiolipin, whose synthesis and maturation rely on TAZ, is required to maintain cellular sensitivity to tamoxifen. Loss of metabolic enzymatic activity of TAZ causes ERα downregulation and therapy resistance. Interestingly, we observed that TAZ deficiency also led to the upregulation of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), which in turn suppressed ERα expression and nuclear localization, thereby contributing to tamoxifen resistance. LPC is further metabolized to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive molecule that supports cell survival. Thus, our findings suggest that the depletion of TAZ promotes tamoxifen resistance through an LPC-LPA phospholipid synthesis axis, and targeting this lipid metabolic pathway could restore cell susceptibility to tamoxifen treatment.

Simultaneous occurrence of two distinct histotypes of ovarian endometriosis-associated cancer in bilateral ovaries: implications for monoclonal histogenesis from a case report.

Background: Transformation of endometriosis to malignancy is a rare occurrence. Clear cell ovarian cancer and endometrioid ovarian cancer are the two histotypes most consistently linked to endometriosis. The exact pathways leading to malignant transformation of endometriosis remain elusive. Case presentation: A 41-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a ten days history of abdominal pain which was not responsive to medication. Pathological examination revealed an unexpected finding of bilateral endometriosis associated with distinct malignancies: a clear cell carcinoma in the right ovary and a well-differentiated endometrioid carcinoma in the left ovary. Molecular analysis indicated a shared somatic driver mutation in ING1 in the eutopic endometrium and the bilateral ovaries while simultaneously exhibiting specific genetic alterations unique to each carcinoma. Notably, several common mutation sites were also identified, including previously reported common oncogenes (KRAS, PIK3CA, ARID1A). This finding prompts the hypothesis of a possible monoclonal origin of the two tumours. Conclusion: This case represents an exceedingly rare occurrence of two different histotypes of ovarian endometriosis-associated cancer manifesting simultaneously in bilateral ovaries. Based on genetic analysis, we hypothesize that these malignancies may have a monoclonal origin, providing insights into understanding the different biological mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis.

The clean energy development path and sustainable development of the ecological environment driven by big data for mining projects.

Clean energy is urgently needed to realize mining projects' sustainable development (SD). This study aims to discuss the clean energy development path and the related issues of SD in the ecological environment driven by big data for mining projects. This study adopts a comprehensive research approach, including a literature review, case analysis, and model construction. Firstly, an in-depth literature review of the development status of clean energy is carried out, and the existing research results and technology applications are explored. Secondly, some typical mining projects are selected as cases to discuss the practice and effect of their clean energy application. Finally, the corresponding clean energy development path and the SD analysis model of the ecological environment are constructed based on big data technology to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of promoting and applying clean energy in mining projects. (1) It is observed that under different Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates, the new and cumulative installed capacities of wind energy show an increasing trend. In 2022, under the low GDP growth rate, the cumulative installed capacity of global wind energy was 370.60 Gigawatt (GW), and the new installed capacity was 45 GW. With the high GDP growth rate, the cumulative and new installed capacities were 367.83 GW and 46 GW. As the economy grows, new wind energy capacity is expected to increase significantly by 2030. In 2046, 2047, and 2050, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reductions are projected to be 8183.35, 8539.22, and 9842.73 Million tons (Mt) (low scenario), 8750.68, 9087.16, and 10,468.75 Mt (medium scenario), and 9083.03, 9458.86, and 10,879.58 Mt (high scenario). By 2060, it is expected that CO2 emissions reduction will continue to increase. (2) The proposed clean energy development path model has achieved a good effect. Through this study, it is hoped to provide empirical support and decision-making reference for the development of mining projects in clean energy, and promote the SD of the mining industry, thus achieving a win-win situation of economic and ecological benefits. This is of great significance for protecting the ecological environment and realizing the sustainable utilization of resources.

Assessment of relationships between condylar fracture pattern and mandibular third molar position by panoramic radiography and computed tomography: A retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Although previous studies have revealed the influence of the mandibular third molar (M3) on mandibular condylar fracture risk and that the presence of M3 could result in different incidences of condylar and angle fractures, there have been no analyses of the influence of M3 on fracture patterns. Moreover, evaluations of M3 position using panoramic radiography have shown insufficient accuracy. This study investigated the relationship between condylar fracture patterns and M3 position using panoramic radiography and computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 280 patients with unilateral mandibular condylar fractures and ipsilateral M3 admitted to West China Hospital of Stomatology between January 2016 and June 2022. Patient medical records, panoramic radiographs, and computed tomography images were collected. The vertical and horizontal positions of M3 were classified using the Pell and Gregory system. M3 angulation was defined as the angle between the long axis of M3 and the mandibular occlusal plane. Condylar fracture patterns were classified as intracapsular (Types A-C) or extracapsular (neck and base). Data were analyzed using McNemar-Bowker test, Pearson chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Classification of M3 position differed significantly between panoramic radiography and computed tomography images (p < .05). There was a significant association between the mandibular condylar fracture pattern and M3 horizontal position on computed tomography (p < .05). Class I M3 position on computed tomography was associated with a higher incidence of intracapsular than extracapsular fractures, along with a higher incidence of Type B than base fractures; the opposite relationships were observed for Class II. No such association was identified on panoramic radiography. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular condylar fracture patterns were presumably influenced by M3 horizontal position on computed tomography. The imaging modality affected the classification of M3 position and subsequent analyses. Computed tomography is recommended for future studies to improve accuracy and reliability.

Two-photon nanoprobes based on bioorganic nanoarchitectonics with a photo-oxidation enhanced emission mechanism.

Two-photon absorption (TPA) fluorescence imaging holds great promise in diagnostics and biomedicine owing to its unparalleled spatiotemporal resolution. However, the adaptability and applicability of currently available TPA probes, which act as a critical element for determining the imaging contrast effect, is severely challenged by limited photo-luminescence in vivo. This is particularly a result of uncontrollable aggregation that causes fluorescence quenching, and inevitable photo-oxidation in harsh physiological milieu, which normally leads to bleaching of the dye. Herein, we describe the remarkably enhanced TPA fluorescence imaging capacity of self-assembling near-infrared (NIR) cyanine dye-based nanoprobes (NPs), which can be explained by a photo-oxidation enhanced emission mechanism. Singlet oxygen generated during photo-oxidation enables chromophore dimerization to form TPA intermediates responsible for enhanced TPA fluorescence emission. The resulting NPs possess uniform size distribution, excellent stability, more favorable TPA cross-section and anti-bleaching ability than a popular TPA probe rhodamine B (RhB). These properties of cyanine dye-based TPA NPs promote their applications in visualizing blood circulation and tumoral accumulation in real-time, even to cellular imaging in vivo. The photo-oxidation enhanced emission mechanism observed in these near-infrared cyanine dye-based nanoaggregates opens an avenue for design and development of more advanced TPA fluorescence probes.

Responsive manganese-based nanoplatform amplifying cGAS-STING activation for immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway has attracted great attention for its ability to up-regulate innate immune response and thus enhance cancer immunotherapy. However, many STING agonists limit the further advancement of immunotherapy due to weak tumor responsiveness or low activation efficiency. The responsive and effective activation of cGAS-STING signaling in tumors is a highly challenging process. METHODS: In this study, a manganese-based nanoplatform (MPCZ NPs) was constructed that could responsively and efficiently generate more manganese ions (Mn2+) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to activate cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Briefly, manganese dioxide (MnO2) was loaded with zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZPP) molecule and coated by polydopamine (PDA) embedded with NH4HCO3 to obtain MPCZ NPs. Additionally, MPCZ NPs were evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their antitumor effects by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and TUNEL assays, respectively. RESULTS: In this system, tumor responsiveness was achieved by exogenous (laser irradiation) and endogenous (high levels GSH) stimulation, which triggered the collapse or degradation of PDA and MnO2. Moreover, the release of Mn2+ augmented the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and enhanced the conversion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to hydroxyl radical (·OH) under NIR laser irradiation. Furthermore, the release of ZPP and the elimination of GSH by MPCZ NPs inhibited HO-1 activity and prevented ROS consumption, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This adopted open source and reduce expenditure strategy to effectively generate more ROS and Mn2+ to responsively activate cGAS-STING signaling pathway, providing a new strategy for improving immunotherapy.

Ultra-Small Nano-Assemblies as Tumor-Targeted and Renal Clearable Theranostic Agent for Photodynamic Therapy.

It is a challenge to design photosensitizers to balance between the tumor-targeting enrichment for precise treatment and efficient clearance within a reasonable timescale for reducing side effects. Herein, an ultra-small nano-photosensitizer 1a with excellent tumor-specific accumulation and renal clearance is reported. It is formed from the self-assembly of compound 1 bearing three triethylene glycol (TEG) arms and two pyridinium groups in water. The positively charged surface with neutral TEG coating enables 1a to efficiently target the tumor, with the signal-to-background ratio reaching as high as 11.5 after tail intravenous injection. The ultra-small size of 1a with an average diameter of 5.6 nm allows its fast clearance through kidney. Self-assembly also endows 1a with an 18.2-fold enhancement of reactive oxygygen species generation rate compared to compound 1 in organic solution. Nano-PS 1a manifests an excellent photodynamic therapy efficacy on tumor-bearing mouse models. This work provides a promising design strategy of photosensitizers with renal clearable and tumor-targeting ability.

Functional chromopeptide nanoarchitectonics: molecular design, self-assembly and biological applications.

Chromoproteins are a class of delicate natural compounds that elegantly complex photosensitive species with proteins and play a central role in important life processes, such as photosynthesis. Inspired by chromoproteins, researchers integrate simple peptides and photosensitive molecular motifs to generate chromopeptides. Compared with chromoproteins, chromopeptides exhibit a relatively simple molecular structure, flexible and adjustable photophysical properties, and a capability of programmable self-assembly. Chromopeptide self-assembly has attracted great attention as the resultant high-level architectures exhibit an ingenious combination of photofunctions and biofunctions. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in chromopeptide nanoarchitectonics with particular focus on the design strategy, assembly mechanism, and structure-function relationship. Among them, the effect of peptide sequences and the variation in photophysical performance are critically emphasized. On this basis, various applications, including biomedicine and artificial photosynthesis, are discussed together with the future prospects of chromopeptide nanoarchitectonics. This review will provide insights into chromopeptide nanoarchitectonics and corresponding materials with precise designs, flexible nanostructures and versatile functions. In addition, knowledge involving chromopeptide nanoarchitectonics may aid in the development of many other kinds of supramolecular biological materials and bioengineering techniques.

Assessing the clinical utility of multi-omics data for predicting serous ovarian cancer prognosis.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is characterised by heterogeneity that complicates the prediction of patient survival and treatment outcomes. Here, we conducted analyses to predict the prognosis of patients from the Genomic Data Commons database and validated the predictions by fivefold cross-validation and by using an independent dataset in the International Cancer Genome Consortium database. We analysed the somatic DNA mutation, mRNA expression, DNA methylation, and microRNA expression data of 1203 samples from 599 serous ovarian cancer (SOC) patients. We found that principal component transformation (PCT) improved the predictive performance of the survival and therapeutic models. Deep learning algorithms also showed better predictive power than the decision tree (DT) and random forest (RF). Furthermore, we identified a series of molecular features and pathways that are associated with patient survival and treatment outcomes. Our study provides perspective on building reliable prognostic and therapeutic strategies and further illuminates the molecular mechanisms of SOC.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Recent studies have focussed on predicting cancer outcomes based on omics data. But the limitation is the performance of single-platform genomic analyses or the small numbers of genomic analyses.What do the results of this study add? We analysed multi-omics data, found that principal component transformation (PCT) significantly improved the predictive performance of the survival and therapeutic models. Deep learning algorithms also showed better predictive power than did decision tree (DT) and random forest (RF). Furthermore, we identified a series of molecular features and pathways that are associated with patient survival and treatment outcomes.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study provides perspective on how to build reliable prognostic and therapeutic strategies and further illuminates the molecular mechanisms of SOC for future studies.

Expression of EMT-related genes in lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer: a TCGA-based study.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer (EC) with metastasis in pelvic/para-aortic lymph nodes suggests an unsatisfactory prognosis. Nevertheless, there is still rare literature focusing on the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lymph node metastasis (LNM) in EC. METHODS: Transcriptional data were derived from the TCGA database. Patients with stage IA-IIIC2 EC were included, constituting the LN-positive and LN-negative groups. To evaluate the extent of EMT, an EMT signature composed of 315 genes was adopted. The EMT-related genes (ERGs) were obtained from the dbEMT2 database, and the differentially expressed ERGs (DEERGs) between these two groups were screened. On the basis of DEERGs, pathway analysis was carried out. We eventually adopted the logistic regression model to build an ERG-based gene signature with predictive value for LNM in EC. RESULTS: A total of 498 patients were included, with 75 in the LN-positive group. Median EMT score of tumor tissues from LN-negative group was - 0.369, while that from the LN-positive group was - 0.296 (P < 0.001), which clearly exhibited a more mesenchymal phenotype for LNM cases on the EMT continuum. By comparing expression profiles, 266 genes were identified as DEERGs, in which 184 were upregulated and 82 were downregulated. In pathway analysis, various EMT-related pathways were enriched. DEERGs shared between molecular subtypes were comparatively few. The ROC curve and logistic regression analysis screened 7 genes with the best performance to distinguish between the LN-positive and LN-negative group, i.e., CIRBP, DDR1, F2RL2, HOXA10, PPARGC1A, SEMA3E, and TGFB1. A logistic regression model including the 7-gene-based risk score, age, grade, myometrial invasion, and histological subtype was built, with an AUC of 0.850 and a favorite calibration (P = 0.074). In the validation dataset composed of 83 EC patients, the model exhibited a satisfactory predictive value and was well-calibrated (P = 0.42). CONCLUSION: The EMT status and expression of ERGs varied in LNM and non-LNM EC tissues, involving multiple EMT-related signaling pathways. Aside from that, the distribution of DEERGs differed among molecular subtypes. An ERG-based gene signature including 7 DEERGs exhibited a desirable predictive value for LNM in EC, which required further validation based upon clinical specimens in the future.

A Novel Fluorescent Aptasensor Based on Dual-labeled DNA Nanostructure for Simultaneous Detection of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin B1.

Based on DNA strand replacement reaction and aptamer-specific recognition, a simple dual-labeled DNA nanostructure is designed for the simultaneous detection of Ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). C1 is labeled with Cy3 and Cy5, while C2 and C3 are labeled with BHQ2. The fluorescence intensity of DNA nanostructure composed of C1, C2 and C3 is weak because of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. When OTA Aptamer (OTA-Apt) and AFB1 Aptamer (AFB1-Apt) are added to the homogeneous system at the same time, C1 can be replaced with the help of toehold strand displacement, resulting in fluorescence enhancement. In the presence of both OTA and AFB1, the toehold strand displacement reaction is inhibited due to preferential binding between the target and their corresponding aptamers. The limit of detection of OTA was 0.007 ng/mL and that of AFB1 was 0.03 ng/mL. The recoveries of OTA and AFB1 were 96%-101% and 97%-101% in the corn sample, and 99%-101% and 92%-106% in the wine sample. Compared with other sensors, the preparation of this aptasensor needs simpler experimental steps and a shorter total-preparing time, confirming the convenient, rapid, and time-saving operation process.

Room-Temperature Spin Transport in Metal Nanocluster-Based Spin Valves.

As a new type of inorganic-organic hybrid semiconductor, quantum-confined atomically precise metal nanoclusters (MNCs) have been widely applied in the fields of chemical sensing, optical imaging, biomedicine and catalysis. Herein, we successfully design and fabricate the first example of MNC-based spin valves (SVs) that exhibit remarkable magnetoresistance (MR) value up to 1.6 % even at room temperature (300 K). The concomitant photoresponse of MNC-based SVs unambiguously confirms that the spin-polarized electron transmission takes place across the MNC interlayer. Furthermore, the spin-dependent transport property of MNC-based SVs is largely varied by changing the atomic structure of MNCs. Both experimental proofs and quantum chemistry calculations reveal that the atomic structure-discriminative spin transport behavior is attributed to the distinct spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effect of MNCs.

Tumor immune microenvironment in endometrial cancer of different molecular subtypes: evidence from a retrospective observational study.

Objective: Tumor immune microenvironmental features may predict survival and guide treatment. This study aimed to comprehensively decipher the immunological features of different molecular subtypes of endometrial cancer. Methods: In this retrospective study, 26 patients with primary endometrial cancer and four with recurrent disease treated in our center from December 2018 to November 2021 were included. Next-generation sequencing was performed on tumor samples. Patients were classified into four subtypes, including POLE mutant, microsatellite instability high (MSI-H), no specific molecular profile (NSMP) and TP53 mutant subtypes. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were quantified using multiplex immunofluorescence assays. Results: Of the 26 primary endometrial cancer cases, three were POLE mutant, six were MSI-H, eight were NSMP and nine were TP53 mutant. Of the four recurrent cases, two belonged to the NSMP subtype and two belonged to the TP53 mutant subtype. The tumor mutation burden (TMB) levels of POLE mutant and MSI-H cases were significantly higher than that of the other two subtypes (p< 0.001). We combined POLE mutant and MSI-H subtypes into the TMB high (TMB-H) subtype. The TMB-H subtype showed a high degree of infiltration of CD8+ T cells. In the NSMP subtype, the overall degree of intra-tumoral infiltrating immune cells was low. In the TP53 mutant subtype, the densities of both PD-L1+ macrophages (p = 0.047) and PD-1+ T cells (p = 0.034) in tumor parenchyma were the highest among the four subtypes. Conclusion: Endometrial cancer of TMB-H, NSMP and TP53 mutant subtypes displayed phenotypes of normal immune response, absence of immune infiltration, and suppressed immune response, respectively. These features may provide mechanistic explanations for the differences in patients' prognosis and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapies among different endometrial cancer subtypes.

A fluorescent aptasensor based on nitrogen-doped carbon supported palladium and exonuclease III-assisted signal amplification for sensitive detection of AFB1.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has strong carcinogenicity and toxicity, so it is necessary to develop a highly sensitive detection method. In this paper, a novel nitrogen-doped carbon supported palladium (C-N-Pd) material was synthesized and firstly used as the energy receptor for fluorescent aptasensor. Using C-N-Pd as a novel quenching material and exonuclease Ⅲ (Exo III) as assisted signal amplification, a fluorescent aptasensor for AFB1 detection was constructed. Compared with the sensor without enzyme, the fluorescence intensity obtained by the sensor with Exo III increased by 74.7%. The fabricated fluorescent aptasensor exhibited a good selectivity toward AFB1 with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 9 pg mL-1. Moreover, the designed aptasensor was successfully utilized to detect AFB1 in spiked corn, peanut and wine samples, and the LOD is 15 pg mL-1, 13 pg mL-1 and 18 pg mL-1, respectively. In addition, the aptasensor was also compared with HPLC method, and the good agreement was found between them.

Albumin-mediated "Unlocking" of supramolecular prodrug-like nanozymes toward selective imaging-guided phototherapy.

Construction of an activatable photosensitizer and integration into an adaptive nanozyme during phototherapy without producing off-target toxicity remains a challenge. Herein, we have fabricated a prodrug-like supramolecular nanozyme based on a metallic-curcumin and cyanine co-assembly. The albumin-mediated phenol AOH group transformation of nanozyme changes its adjustable oxygen stress from negative superoxide dismutase-like activity of ROS-scavenging to positive photo oxidase activity with an ROS-amplifying capacity. It further increases the depth penetration of a nanozyme in a tumor spheroid, selectively targeting tumorous phototherapy. It also triggers a signal in targeted tumor cells and helps increase cancer cell ablation. This work suggests new options for development of activatable supramolecular nanozymes and provides a synergetic prodrug-like nanozyme strategy for early diagnosis and preclinical phototherapeutics.

RNA methylation-mediated LINC01559 suppresses colorectal cancer progression by regulating the miR-106b-5p/PTEN axis.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate multiple biological effects in cancers. Recently, RNA methylation has been found to modify not only coding RNAs but also some noncoding RNAs. How RNA methylation affects lncRNAs to affect colorectal cancer (CRC) progression remains elusive. The expression of LINC01559 was explored through RNA sequencing, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH). The preliminary exploration of its function was performed using Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Functional experiments in vitro and in vivo were conducted to explore the biological functions of LINC01559 in CRC. The LINC01559/miR-106-5p/PTEN axis was verified through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), luciferase assays, and rescue experiments. RIP-sequencing, m6A RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assays and bioinformatic analysis were conducted to determine the upstream mechanism of LINC01559. The results showed that LINC01559 was downregulated in CRC compared with normal controls. Lower expression of LINC01559 in CRC patients predicted a poor prognosis. In addition, PTEN was found to be positively correlated with LINC01559, and miR-106b-5p could be the link between LINC01559 and PTEN. Then, silencing LINC01559 restored the malignant phenotype of CRC cells, while cotransfection of miR-106b-5p inhibitor neutralized this effect. Mechanistically, we found abundant m6A modification sites on LINC01559. Then, we uncovered these sites as potential targets of METTL3 through experiments in vivo. The results revealed a negative functional regulation of the LINC01559/miR-106b-5p/PTEN axis in CRC progression and explored a new mechanism of METTL3-mediated m6A modification on LINC01559. These results elucidate a novel potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

Water-based Fe3O4 magnetic fluid-coated Aspergillus niger spores for treating liquid contaminated with Cr(VI).

The use of magnetic biosorbents for the remediation of heavy metals has attracted increasing attention due to their ease of separation and reusability. We developed a method for preparing superparamagnetic biosorbent materials using water-based magnetic fluids. Water-based magnetic fluid-spores (WMFSs) were obtained by combining water-based magnetic fluid (WMF) with Aspergillus niger spores at ratios of 0.6:1 (WMFS1), 0.8:1 (WMFS2), 1:1 (WMFS3), 1.2:1 (WMFS4), and 1.4:1 (WMFS5). A magnetic composite material was prepared from magnetic nanoparticles and spores in a ratio of 1:1 as a control. The adsorption efficiency and separation effect of WMFS3 were significantly better than those of the magnetic composite material. The morphology and structure of WMFS3 were characterized by performing transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that Fe3O4 magnetic particles were uniformly coated on the spore surface. The superparamagnetism of WMFS3 was tested using a vibrating sample magnetometer. At pH 2.0, the maximum adsorption capacity of WMFS3 for Cr(VI) was 105 mg/g; in the pH range of 2.0-3.0, the adsorption equilibrium time of WMFS3 was 60 min. Thus, the adsorption process conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm. Thermodynamic studies showed that the process was spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption mechanisms of WMF3 for Cr(VI) included electrostatic, reduction, and complexation adsorption. This biosorbent material showed excellent adsorption performance for Cr(VI) and is promising for wastewater resource applications.