Number of Older Biological Siblings and Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Risk.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the United States.1 Although CRC incidence has declined in individuals >50 years, incidence is rising in adults <50 years (early onset).1 By 2027, CRC is projected to become the leading cause of cancer mortality in US adults <50 years.2 To combat the rising incidence of early onset CRC (EOCRC), national guidelines recently lowered the screening age from 50 to 45 years for average-risk individuals.3 Understanding the risk profile of EOCRC can help combat the rising burden in young adults, especially in those ineligible for screening.

Chlorogenic acid ameliorates intestinal inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB and endoplasmic reticulum stress in lipopolysaccharide-challenged broilers.

Intestinal inflammation is a primary contributor to poor growth performance during poultry production. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural phenolic acid that exhibits superior anti-inflammatory activity and improved intestinal health. To investigate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of CGA during intestinal inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers, we randomly divided 288 one-day-old male Cobb broilers into 4 groups: a control group fed a basal diet (CON group), a basal diet + LPS group (LPS group), and 2 basal diet groups fed 500 or 750 mg/kg CGA + LPS (CGA_500 or CGA_750 groups). Broilers were injected with LPS or saline at 15, 17, 19, and 21 d old. Chlorogenic acid supplementation improved the growth performance of LPS-challenged broilers by increasing average daily gain (ADG) and reducing feed/gain (F/G) ratios (P < 0.05). CGA also improved intestinal barrier function in LPS-challenged boilers by enhancing jejunum morphology and integrity, decreasing intestinal permeability, and increasing occludin 3, zonula occludens-1, and mucin 2 expression (P < 0.05). CGA supplementation also improved systemic and jejunum antioxidant capacity by significantly enhancing glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities (P < 0.05), and reducing malonaldehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) levels (P < 0.05). Chlorogenic acid supplementation reduced systemic and jejunum pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-12) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) in LPS-challenged broilers (P < 0.05) by inhibiting the toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway (P < 0.05). In addition, the protective effects of CGA toward intestinal inflammation and apoptosis appeared to be correlated with inhibited endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (P < 0.05). In summary, CGA supplementation improved intestinal morphology and integrity by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB and ER stress pathways, which potentially reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and ultimately improved the growth performance of LPS-challenged broilers.

Bacillus subtilis HW2 enhances growth performance and alleviates gut injury via attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and regulation of gut microbiota in broilers under necrotic enteritis challenge.

This study investigated the effects of Bacillus subtilis HW2 on the growth performance, immune response, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and intestinal health in broilers with necrotic enteritis. Three hundred 1-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers (33.88 ± 2.34 g) were randomly allocated to 5 groups including non-infected control (NC group), basal diet + necrotic enteritis challenge (NE group), basal diet + 1 × 106 CFU/g B. subtilis HW2 + necrotic enteritis challenge (L-Pro group), basal diet + 5 × 106 CFU/g B. subtilis HW2 + necrotic enteritis challenge (M-Pro group), and basal diet + 1 × 107 CFU/g B. subtilis HW2 + necrotic enteritis challenge (H-Pro group), with 6 replicates per group. All broilers except NC group were orally given with sporulated coccidian oocysts at day 14 and Clostridium perfringens from days 19 to 21. Results showed that L-Pro and M-Pro groups improved growth performance and intestinal morphology in necrotic enteritis-challenged broilers, and L-Pro, M-Pro, and H-Pro groups improved intestinal barrier function and immune response and decreased ER stress in necrotic enteritis-challenged broilers. Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that L-Pro group increased the abundances of Alistipes, Coprobacter, Barnesiella, and Limosilactobacillus, decreased Erysipelatoclostridium abundance on day 42 in necrotic enteritis-challenged broilers. M-Pro group increased Turicibacter abundance on day 28 and the abundances of Alistipes, Barnesiella, and Limosilactobacillus on day 42 in necrotic enteritis-challenged broilers. H-Pro group decreased Romboutsia abundance on day 28 and unidentified_Clostridia abundance on day 42 in necrotic enteritis-challenged broilers. Analysis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) revealed higher isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid levels in L-Pro and M-Pro groups than NE group. Correlation analysis revealed the correlations between the biochemical parameters and gut microbiota as well as SCFAs, especially Romboutsia, Barnesiella, Coprobacter, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid. Overall, our results indicated that B. subtilis HW2 supplementation could ameliorate necrotic enteritis infection-induced gut injury. The optimal dietary supplementation dosage of Bacillus subtilis HW2 was 5 × 106 CFU/g.

Association between immune-related hub genes CD36, CXCL13, FGFR4, GABBR1, LAMP3, MMP12, and PPM1H and colorectal cancer prognosis.

The present study aims to identify immune-related prognostic genes in colorectal cancer (CRC), and to explore potential mechanisms through which these genes regulate CRC progression. We first constructed a prognostic risk model based on seven gene signatures [cluster of differentiation-36 (CD36), chemokine (C-X-C-motif) ligand 13 (CXCL13), fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), gamma-amino-butyric acid type B receptor 1 (GABBR1), lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 3 (LAMP3), recombinant matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12), and protein phosphatase 1H (PPM1H)] using integrated bioinformatic analyses. FGFR4, GABBR1, and LAMP3 were highly expressed in CRC cell lines (in comparison with a normal colonic epithelial cell line), while CD36, CXCL13, MMP12, and PPM1H were weakly expressed. These in vitro expression results were largely consistent with our bioinformatic analysis. A prognostic model was generated to identify a high-risk group with worse survival outcome based on Kaplan-Meier analysis. Our prognostic model showed superior accuracy in both the training and test cohorts. In addition, we found that the low-risk subgroup exhibited greater infiltration by M1 macrophages, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and activated NK cells. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence that seven immune-related hub genes can be considered as gene signatures to predict CRC prognosis and to differentiate CRC patient benefit, ultimately serving as a guide for individualized immunotherapy.

Quantitative Phosphoproteomics Analysis Reveals the Protective Mechanism of Chlorogenic Acid on Immunologically Stressed Broiler Meat Quality.

Modern poultry production is stressful for the birds, and this stress is recognized as a major cause of inferior meat quality. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a plant phenolic acid, has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant capacity and phosphoproteomics of immunologically stressed broiler breast muscle were assessed to elucidate the mechanism of the beneficial effects of CGA on meat quality. Dietary CGA decreased drip and cooking loss, postmortem pH and antioxidant capacity of breast muscle from stressed broilers, and increased MyHC-I mRNA levels. Quantitative phosphoproteomics revealed that CGA supplementation downregulated the phosphorylation of myofibrillar proteins, glycolytic enzymes, and endoplasmic reticulum proteins involved in homeostasis, which contributed to improving the meat quality of broilers. Moreover, 14 phosphorylation sites (e.g., P13538-Ser1236 and F1NN63-Ser117) in 13 phosphoproteins were identified as key regulators of processes related to broiler meat quality. Together, these findings provide novel regulatory targets and nutritional strategies for improving the stressed broiler meat quality.

Pineal cysts may promote pubertal development in girls with central precocious puberty: a single-center study from China.

Introduction: Pineal cysts have long been considered a benign intracranial variation. However, in our clinical practice, it has been observed that some children with central precocious puberty (CPP) who have pineal cysts experience rapid progression in adolescent development. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of CPP in girls, leading to more diagnoses of CPP among children with pineal cysts. Despite this, there is no consensus regarding whether pineal cysts contribute to CPP as one of its organic factors. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of pineal cysts in children with CPP and explore the potential effects of pineal cysts on puberty development. Methods: This single-center study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from girls aged 3 to 10 years who underwent head/pituitary magnetic resonance imaging at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University between 2019 and 2022. The study categorized the detection rates of pineal cysts based on systematic disease classification and compared the rates of cyst detection between girls diagnosed with CPP and those without CPP. Subsequently, CPP-diagnosed girls with pineal cysts were examined. Among CPP-diagnosed girls meeting the study's criteria, those with pineal cysts formed the 'cyst group,' while those without cysts were matched in a 1:1 ratio based on age and body mass index to form the 'non-cyst group.' Comparative analyses were conducted to assess the clinical characteristics between these two groups. CPP-diagnosed girls with cysts were further subdivided into three groups according to cyst size (≤5 mm, 5.1-9.9 mm, and ≥10 mm) to investigate potential differences in clinical characteristics among these subgroups. The study involved an analysis of clinical data from girls diagnosed with CPP and included imaging follow-ups to explore the progression of pineal cysts over time. Results: Among the 23,245 girls who underwent head/pituitary magnetic resonance imaging scans, the detection rate of pineal cysts was 3.6% (837/23,245), with most cases being associated with endocrine diseases. The detection rate of pineal cysts in CPP patients was 6.4% (262/4099), which was significantly higher than the 3.0% (575/19,146) in patients without CPP. In comparison to the non-cyst group, the cyst group exhibited statistically significant increases in estradiol levels, peak luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, peak LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios, uterine body length, and cervix length (P < 0.001). As cyst size increased, there were significant rises in LH peak, peak LH/FSH ratio, uterine body length, and cervical length (P < 0.01). Estradiol levels and left ovarian volume also showed an increasing trend (P < 0.05). Among girls who underwent follow-up imaging, 26.3% (5/19) exhibited an increase in cyst size. Conclusion: Pineal cysts are relatively common in children with CPP. They may affect the pubertal development process, with larger cysts correlating to faster pubertal development. Therefore, the authors hypothesize that pineal cysts may trigger CPP in some cases, especially when the cysts are larger than 5 mm in size, as indicated by our data.

Association between serum uric acid levels and lung function in the NHANES cohort (2007-2012): A cross-sectional analysis of a diverse American population.

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia has been linked to various health conditions. However, the relationship between uric acid (UA) levels and lung function remains debated. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 6750 participants aged 20-69 from NHANES, we assessed UA levels and lung function (FVC and FEV1). We conducted regression analyses while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: After accounting for factors like age, sex, BMI, smoking, and more, we found a negative association between UA FVC and FEV1. Specifically, for every 0.1 mg/dL increase in UA, FEV1 decreased by 15.265 mL, and FVC decreased by 24.46 mL. No association was observed with FEV1/FVC. Subgroup analyses revealed similar negative correlations among various groups, particularly in non-Hispanic Black females under 60. CONCLUSION: Serum UA levels are inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC in the American population, with a notable impact on non-Hispanic Black females under 60.

SAPHO syndrome complicated by multiple venous thrombosis of left lower limb: A case report and literature review.

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is an uncommon clinical syndrome with the signs of skin problems and osteoarthropathy as its main features. The pathogenesis of SAPHO syndrome has not been fully elucidated, and multiple complications may be present, including thrombosis. A 39-year-old male patient was diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome, complicated by multiple venous thrombosis of the left lower limb. We conducted a brief review of the current available literature on thrombosis in patients with SAPHO syndrome and speculated that the presence of lower extremity thrombosis in this patient with SAPHO syndrome may be related to physiological structure or antiphospholipid syndrome. Whether positive lupus anticoagulant has an effect on thrombosis in patients with SAPHO syndrome remains to be investigated.

The African Research Group for Oncology: A decade fostering colorectal cancer research in Nigeria.

The African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) was formed in 2013 to undertake methodologically rigorous cancer research in Nigeria, and to strengthen cancer research capacity in the country through training and mentorship of physicians, scientists, and other healthcare workers. Here, we describe how ARGO's work in colorectal cancer (CRC) has evolved over the past decade. This includes the consortium's scientific contributions to the understanding of CRC in Nigeria and globally and its research capacity-building program.

Effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercise in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common disorder characterized by heterogeneous symptoms that leads to decreased functioning, work productivity, and quality of life. Exercise has been recommended for fibromyalgia treatment. Traditional Chinese exercise (TCE), including Taichi, Qigong, Badunjin, Wuqinxi, etc., as a kind of mind-body exercise, plays an important role in alleviating symptoms of FMS. The objective of this study is to summarize the available evidence, through meta-analysis, on the pain relief, quality of life, sleep improvement, and emotion regulation of FMS in TCE. METHODS: Databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Google scholar, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, VIP, etc. were used to search eligible studies that were published from the time of their inception to February 11, 2022, in English and Chinese. The included studies were divided into two groups: TCE group (experimental group) and control group. The Cochrane collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and Revman5.4.1 software was used to synthesize and analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 12 literatures were included in this study, which contained 781 patients, and 448 of them were included in the treatment group, 333 of others in control group. TCE significantly alleviated pain [SMD = -0.83, 95% CI (-1.15, -0.51), p < .00001], improved quality of life [SMD = -0.53, 95% CI (-0.86, -0.19), p = .002] and improved qualities of sleep [SMD = -0.41, 95% CI (-0.57, -0.24), p < .00001] and relieved depression [SMD = -0.40, 95% CI (-0.69, -0.10), p < .008]. CONCLUSION: TCE may be a way to reduce pain, improve the quality of life and sleep, and relieve depression for FMS, and it could be part of the FMS treatment.

Night shift work, sleep duration and endometrial cancer risk: A pooled analysis from the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium (E2C2).

Data on the role of circadian related factors in the etiology of endometrial cancer are scarce. We collected individual data on night shift work or daily sleep duration from 7,207 cases and 22,027 controls participating in 11 studies from the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium (E2C2). Main analyses were performed among postmenopausal women: 6,335 endometrial cancer cases and 18,453 controls. Using individual data, study-specific odd ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with logistic regression and pooled analyses were conducted using random-effects meta-analyses. A non-significant inverse association was observed between endometrial cancer and night shift work (OR=0.89, 95%CI=0.72-1.09; I2=0.0%, Pheterogeneity=0.676). Associations did not vary by shift type (permanent or rotating), or duration of night work. Categorizations of short (<7h) or long (≥9h) sleep duration were not associated with endometrial cancer risk (ORshort=1.02, 95%CI=0.95-1.10; I2=55.3%, Pheterogeneity=0.022; ORlong=0.93, 95%CI=0.81-1.06; I2=11.5%, Pheterogeneity=0.339). No associations were observed per 1-h increment of sleep (OR=0.98, 95%CI=0.95-1.01; I2=46.1%, Pheterogeneity=0.063), but an inverse association was identified among obese women (OR=0.93, 95%CI=0.89-0.98 per 1-h increment; I2=12.7%, Pheterogeneity=0.329). Overall, these pooled analyses provide evidence that night shift work and sleep duration are not strong risk factors for endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women.

Recent advances on solar-driven valorization of polyethylene terephthalate plastics into value-added chemicals.

The random disposal and immature recycling of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packages lead to a severe threaten to the ecological system owing to slow natural degradation kinetics of PET plastic, and meanwhile cause a waste of carbon resources stored in PET plastics. Many methods have been developed to recycle PET plastics, such as mechanical recycling, which induces a reduced quality relative to the virgin PET. In recent years, the photocatalytic conversion of PET plastic wastes into chemicals has received considerable attention due to their unique advantages, including mild conditions, less energy consumption, and simple operation. In this review, we have summarized the latest achievements in photoreforming of PET plastics into value-added chemicals. Primarily, we described the mechanism for bond cleavage during PET photoreforming, the emerging pretreatment methodologies for PET plastics, and the advantages of photocatalytic PET plastics conversion. Then, we introduced electro-/bio-assisted photocatalysis technologies for PET disposal and commented their strengths and limitations. Finally, we put forward the challenges and potential advances in the domain of photocatalytic PET plastics conversion.

Genome-wide interaction analysis of folate for colorectal cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that higher folate intake is associated with decreased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk; however, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood. Genetic variation that may have a direct or indirect impact on folate metabolism can provide insights into folate's role in CRC. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to perform a genome-wide interaction analysis to identify genetic variants that may modify the association of folate on CRC risk. METHODS: We applied traditional case-control logistic regression, joint 3-degree of freedom, and a 2-step weighted hypothesis approach to test the interactions of common variants (allele frequency >1%) across the genome and dietary folate, folic acid supplement use, and total folate in relation to risk of CRC in 30,550 cases and 42,336 controls from 51 studies from 3 genetic consortia (CCFR, CORECT, GECCO). RESULTS: Inverse associations of dietary, total folate, and folic acid supplement with CRC were found (odds ratio [OR]: 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90, 0.96; and 0.91; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.94 per quartile higher intake, and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.88) for users compared with nonusers, respectively). Interactions (P-interaction < 5×10-8) of folic acid supplement and variants in the 3p25.2 locus (in the region of Synapsin II [SYN2]/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 4 [TIMP4]) were found using traditional interaction analysis, with variant rs150924902 (located upstream to SYN2) showing the strongest interaction. In stratified analyses by rs150924902 genotypes, folate supplementation was associated with decreased CRC risk among those carrying the TT genotype (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.86) but increased CRC risk among those carrying the TA genotype (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.05), suggesting a qualitative interaction (P-interaction = 1.4×10-8). No interactions were observed for dietary and total folate. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in 3p25.2 locus may modify the association of folate supplement with CRC risk. Experimental studies and studies incorporating other relevant omics data are warranted to validate this finding.

Cu-Based Catalysts Supported on H3PO4-Activated Coffee Biochar for Selective Reduction of Nitroaromatics.

Selective reduction of nitroaromatics to the corresponding aromatic amines is extremely an attractive chemical process for both fundamental research and potential commercial applications. Herewith, we report that a highly dispersed Cu catalyst supported on H3PO4-activated coffee biochar and the resulting Cu/PBCR-600 catalyst show complete conversion of the nitroaromatics and >97.0% selectivity for the corresponding aromatic amines. The TOF of catalyzing the reduction of nitroaromatics (1.55-460.74 min-1) is approximately 2 to 15 times higher than those of previously reported non-noble and even noble metal catalysts. Additionally, Cu/PBCR-600 also shows high stability in catalytic recycles. Furthermore, it exhibits long-term catalytic stability (660 min) for practical application in a continuous-flow reactor. The characterizations and activity tests reveal that Cu0 existing in Cu/PBCR-600 acts as an active site in nitroaromatics reduction. Also, the further characterization by FTIR and UV-vis demonstrates that N, P co-doped coffee biochar could selectively adsorb and activate the nitro group of nitroaromatics.

Diagnostic accuracy of the Copenhagen Index in ovarian malignancy: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value of the Copenhagen index for ovarian malignancy. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CBM, CNKI, and WanFang databases were searched throughout June 2021. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 12, Meta-DiSc, and RevMan 5.3. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated, the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn, and the area under the curve was calculated. RESULTS: Ten articles, including 11 studies with a total of 5266 patients, were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.82 [95% CI (0.80-0.83)], 0.88 [95% CI (0.87-0.89)], and 57.31 [95% CI (32.84-100.02)], respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristics curve and the Q index were 0.9545 and 0.8966, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review shows that the sensitivity and specificity of the Copenhagen index are high enough for it to be used in a clinical setting to provide accurate ovarian cancer diagnosis without considering menopausal status.

Status and related factors of anxiety of primary caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes: a prospective study.

Primary caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are prone to negative emotions. This study explored the anxiety status of the caregivers and analyzed the related factors. In this prospective study, 245 primary caregivers of T1DM children who were reexamined in the outpatient clinic of Children's Hospital affiliated to Zhengzhou University between April 2020 and Sep 2022 were surveyed with a questionnaire and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA). The detection rate of anxiety symptoms in T1DM primary caregivers was 21.2%, with a total score of HAMA score of 11.74 ± 2.50. There were significant differences between the anxiety and non-anxiety groups in treatment method, HbA1C to standard (≤7.0%), severe hypoglycemia in the last 1 year and the number of adolescent cases (χ2 = 15.798, p = 0.000; χ2 = 4.197, p = 0.040; χ2 = 5.291, p = 0.021; χ2 = 14.279, p = 0.000). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that insulin pump treatment, HbA1C to standard (≤7.0%) and adolescence were associated with anxiety in primary caregivers (OR = 4.040, 95%CI 1.969-8.289, p = 0.000; OR = 0.472, 95%CI 0.237-0.955, p = 0.037; OR = 2.952, 95%CI 1.495-5.831, p = 0.002). Pediatric endocrine care should pay more attention to the anxiety of the caregivers of adolescent T1DM children treated with insulin pumps while helping the children manage their disease.

Genetic Susceptibility to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Risk for Pancreatic Cancer: Mendelian Randomization.

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting data on whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with susceptibility to pancreatic cancer. Using Mendelian randomization (MR), we investigated the relationship between genetic predisposition to NAFLD and risk for pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) within the Pancreatic Cancer Cohort Consortium (PanScan; cases n = 5,090, controls n = 8,733) and the Pancreatic Cancer Case Control Consortium (PanC4; cases n = 4,163, controls n = 3,792) were analyzed. We used data on 68 genetic variants with four different MR methods [inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, simple median, and penalized weighted median] separately to predict genetic heritability of NAFLD. We then assessed the relationship between each of the four MR methods and pancreatic cancer risk, using logistic regression to calculate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for PC risk factors, including obesity and diabetes. RESULTS: No association was found between genetically predicted NAFLD and pancreatic cancer risk in the PanScan or PanC4 samples [e.g., PanScan, IVW OR, 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.88-1.22; MR-Egger OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.65-1.21; PanC4, IVW OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.90-1.27; MR-Egger OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.67-1.28]. None of the four MR methods indicated an association between genetically predicted NAFLD and pancreatic cancer risk in either sample. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic predisposition to NAFLD is not associated with pancreatic cancer risk. IMPACT: Given the close relationship between NAFLD and metabolic conditions, it is plausible that any association between NAFLD and pancreatic cancer might reflect host metabolic perturbations (e.g., obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome) and does not necessarily reflect a causal relationship between NAFLD and pancreatic cancer.

Electrochemical Production of Glycolate Fuelled By Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastics with Improved Techno-Economics.

Electrochemical valorization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste streams into commodity chemicals offers a potentially sustainable route for creating a circular plastic economy. However, PET wastes upcycling into valuable C2 product remains a huge challenge by the lack of an electrocatalyst that can steer the oxidation economically and selectively. Here, it is reported a catalyst comprising Pt nanoparticles hybridized with γ-NiOOH nanosheets supported on Ni foam (Pt/γ-NiOOH/NF) that favors electrochemical transformation of real-word PET hydrolysate into glycolate with high Faradaic efficiency (> 90%) and selectivity (> 90%) across wide reactant (ethylene glycol, EG) concentration ranges under a marginal applied voltage of 0.55 V, which can be paired with cathodic hydrogen production. Computational studies combined with experimental characterizations elucidate that the Pt/γ-NiOOH interface with substantial charge accumulation gives rise to an optimized adsorption energy of EG and a decreased energy barrier of potential determining step. A techno-economic analysis demonstrates that, with the nearly same amount of resource investment, the electroreforming strategy towards glycolate production can raise revenue by up to 2.2 times relative to conventional chemical process. This work may thus serve as a framework for PET wastes valorization process with net-zero carbon footprint and high economic viability.

Boosting the epoxidation of squalene to produce triterpenoids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

BACKGROUND: Polycyclic triterpenoids (PTs) are common in plants, and have attracted considerable interest due to their remarkable biological activities. Currently, engineering the ergosterol synthesis pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a safe and cost-competitive way to produce triterpenoids. However, the strict regulation of ERG1 involved in the epoxidation of squalene limits the triterpenoid production. RESULTS: In this study, we found that the decrease in ERG7 protein level could dramatically boost the epoxidation of squalene by improving the protein stability of ERG1. We next explored the potential factors that affected the degradation process of ERG1 and confirmed that ERG7 was involved in the degradation process of ERG1. Subsequently, expression of four different triterpene cyclases utilizing either 2,3-oxidosqualene or 2,3:22,23-dioxidosqualene as the substrate in ERG7-degraded strains showed that the degradation of ERG7 to prompt the epoxidation of squalene could significantly increase triterpenoid production. To better display the potential of the strategy, we increased the supply of 2,3-oxidosqualene, optimized flux distribution between ergosterol synthesis pathway and ß-amyrin synthesis pathway, and modified the GAL-regulation system to separate the growth stage from the production stage. The best-performing strain ultimately produced 4216.6 ± 68.4 mg/L of ß-amyrin in a two-stage fed-fermentation (a 47-fold improvement over the initial strain). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that deregulation of the native restriction in ergosterol pathway was an effective strategy to increase triterpenoid production in yeast, which provided a new insight into triterpenoids biosynthesis.

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis syndrome with cranial bone involvement: Case report and literature review.

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by osteoarticular and dermatological manifestations. The most common osteoarticular manifestations involve the anterior chest wall, axial skeleton, and long bones. Cranial bone involvement is less reported in SAPHO syndrome. We herein present three cases of SAPHO syndrome with cranial bone involvement, and review the previous literature on similar manifestations. It was revealed that SAPHO syndrome could lead to cranial bone involvement, which could involve the dura mater, leading to hypertrophic pachymeningitis, but the outcome is usually good. Janus kinase inhibitors may be a potential treatment option.