A Rabbit Dry Eye Model Induced by Subcutaneous Scopolamine.

PURPOSE: To establish and characterize a dry eye model in New Zealand rabbits by subcutaneous injections of scopolamine hydrobromide (SCOP). METHODS: Twenty New Zealand male rabbits were injected subcutaneously SCOP for 14 consecutive days; subcutaneous saline was used as a negative control. The correlated clinical parameters of ocular surface dryness were detected in vivo using tear secretion and corneal fluorescein staining. The expression of IL-1ß and TNF-α on the ocular surface and in lacrimal glands were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blot on the 14th day. The expression of Mucin-5 subtype AC (MUC5AC) was detected by Immunofluorescence staining in conjunctival tissue. RESULTS: The SCOP-treated rabbits exhibited significantly decreased aqueous tear secretion and increased corneal fluorescein staining scores over time. Both the mRNA expression levels and the protein expression levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α were significantly increased after SCOP treatment compared with those after saline treatment. The loss of conjunctival MUC5AC was found in the SCOP-injected rabbits. Some infiltrated inflammatory cells and atrophic acinar cells were observed in the lacrimal gland after SCOP treatment. The disordered structures of the ocular surface and lacrimal glands were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that repeated subcutaneous SCOP injections successfully elicited some of the typical dry eye symptoms commonly seen in humans.

Removal and reduction mechanism of Cr (VI) in Leersia hexandra Swartz constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell coupling system.

Cr (VI) is extremely harmful to both the environment and human health, and it can linger in the environment for a very long period. In this research, the Leersia hexandra Swartz constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) system was constructed to purify Cr (VI) wastewater. By comparing with the constructed wetland (CW) system, the system electricity generation, pollutants removal, Cr enrichment, and morphological transformation of the system were discussed. The results demonstrated that the L. hexandra CW-MFC system promoted removal of pollutants and production of electricity of the system. The maximum voltage of the system was 499 mV, the COD and Cr (VI) removal efficiency was 93.73% and 97.00%. At the same time, it enhanced the substrate and L. hexandra ability to absorb Cr and change it morphologically transformation. Additionally, the results of XPS and XANES showed that the majority of the Cr in the L. hexandra and substrate was present as Cr (III). In the L. hexandra CW-MFC system, Geobacter also functioned as the primary metal catabolic reducing and electrogenic bacteria. As a result, L. hexandra CW-MFC system possesses the added benefit of removing Cr (VI) while producing energy compared to the traditional CW system.

Antitumoral Potential of the Histone Demethylase Inhibitor GSK-J4 in Retinoblastoma.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the antitumor effects of GSK-J4 on retinoblastoma, as well as its related biological functions and molecular mechanisms. Methods: The antitumor effect of GSK-J4 on retinoblastoma was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays. CCK-8, EdU incorporation, and soft agar colony formation assays were performed to examine the effect of GSK-J4 on cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effect of GSK-J4 on the cell cycle and apoptosis. RNA-seq and Western blotting were conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms of GSK-J4. An orthotopic xenograft model was established to determine the effect of GSK-J4 on tumor growth. Results: GSK-J4 significantly inhibited retinoblastoma cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phase, and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, GSK-J4 may suppress retinoblastoma cell growth by regulating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions: The antitumor effects of GSK-J4 were noticeable in retinoblastoma and were at least partially mediated by PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway suppression. Our study provides a novel strategy for the treatment of retinoblastoma.

In Vivo Evaluation of Corneal Biomechanics Following Cross-Linking Surgeries Using Optical Coherence Elastography in a Rabbit Model of Keratoconus.

Purpose: Validation of the feasibility of novel acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography (ARF-OCE) for the evaluation of biomechanical enhancement of the in vivo model of keratoconus by clinical cross-linking (CXL) surgery. Methods: Twelve in vivo rabbit corneas were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups were treated with collagenase type II, and a keratoconus model was obtained. Then, the two groups were treated with CXL procedures with different irradiation energy of 15 J and 30 J (CXL-15 J and CXL-30 J, respectively). An ARF-OCE probe with an ultrasmall ultrasound transducer was used to detect the biomechanical properties of cornea. An antisymmetric Lamb wave model was combined with the frequency dispersion relationship to achieve depth-resolved elastography. Results: Compared with the phase velocity of the Lamb wave in healthy corneas (approximately 3.96 ± 0.27 m/s), the phase velocity of the Lamb wave was lower in the keratoconus region (P < 0.05), with an average value of 3.12 ± 0.12 m/s. Moreover, the corneal stiffness increased after CXL treatment (P < 0.05), and the average phase velocity of the Lamb wave was 4.3 ± 0.19 m/s and 4.54 ± 0.13 m/s after CXL-15 J and CXL-30 J treatment. Conclusions: The Young's moduli of the keratoconus regions were significantly lower than the healthy corneas. Moreover, the Young's modulus of the keratoconus regions was significantly higher after CXL-30 J treatment than after CXL-15 J treatment. We demonstrated that the ARF-OCE technique has great potential in screening keratoconus and guiding clinical CXL treatment. Translational Relevance: This work accelerates the clinical translation of OCE systems using ultrasmall ultrasound transducers and is used to guide CXL procedures.

Efficient removal of tetracycline in water using modified eggplant straw biochar supported green nanoscale zerovalent iron: synthesis, removal performance, and mechanism.

A novel NaOH modified eggplant straw biochar supported green nanoscale zerovalent iron (P-nZVI/ESBC) composite was synthesized and its removal performance and reaction mechanism for tetracycline (TC) in water were investigated. Multiple characterizations showed that the prepared P-nZVI/ESBC composite contained oxygen-containing functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups) and Fe species (nZVI and its oxides). The dosage of composite, temperature, and solution pH significantly affected the removal capacity of the P-nZVI/ESBC composite for TC. The Avrami fraction-order kinetic model and Sips adsorption isotherm model can fit well the removal process of TC by the P-nZVI/ESBC composite, indicating that the adsorption behavior of TC involved multiple adsorption mechanisms and chemical adsorption might occur. The maximum adsorption capacity of the P-nZVI/ESBC composite for TC was 304.62 mg g-1. The adsorption and reductive degradation were the dominant mechanisms of TC removal by the P-nZVI/ESBC composite. This work offers abundant information on the application of eggplant straw to manufacture biochar-based composites for the efficient removal of antibiotic contaminants from aquatic environments.

Improving bioelectrochemical performance by sulfur-doped titanium dioxide cooperated with Zirconium based metal-organic framework (S-TiO2@MOF-808) as cathode in microbial fuel cells.

The sulfur-doped titanium dioxide (S-TiO2) cooperated with Zirconium based on a kind of metal-organic framework (MOF-808) was successfully prepared as cathode catalyst (S-TiO2@MOF-808) of microbial fuel cell (MFC) by two-step hydrothermal reaction. The particle size was approximately 5 µm, and the spherical S-TiO2 particle was attached to the surface of MOF-808 as irregular block solid. Zr-O, C-O and O-H bond were indicated to exist in S-TiO2@MOF-808. When n (Zr4+): n(Ti4+) was 1: 5, S-TiO2@MOF-808 showed better oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The introduction of S-TiO2 restrained the framework collapse of MOF-808, S-TiO2@MOF-808 showed much higher catalytic stability in reaction. The recombination of sulfur and TiO2 reduced the charge transfer resistance, accelerated the electron transfer rate, and improved ORR greatly. The maximum power density of S-TiO2@MOF-808-MFC was 84.05 mW/m2, about 2.17 times of S-TiO2-MFC (38.64 mW/m2). The maximum voltage of S-TiO2@MOF-808-MFC was 205 mV, and the stability was maintained for 6 d.

LncRNA LOXL1-AS1 promotes proliferation and invasion and inhibits apoptosis in retinoblastoma by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway.

Retinoblastoma (RB) is an intraocular malignancy that is most common in children and rare in adults. Addressing novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RB to modulate tumor progression has become a challenge. The aim of the present study was to investigate the function of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) LOXL1-AS1 in RB cell proliferation and metastasis. It was found that LOXL1-AS1 was overexpressed in RB tissues and cells. In order to evaluate cell viability and colony formation potential, the knockdown of LOXL1-AS1 has been established. Knockdown of LOXL1-AS1 was also inhibited cells migration and invasion. In addition, the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase of the sh-LOXL1-AS1 group increased significantly, and the proportion of cells in the sh-NC group decreased significantly. In the xenograft model of RB, the tumors in the sh-LOXL1-AS1 group grow slowly compared to the sh-NC group. Western blot analysis revealed that LOXL1-AS1 can regulate the progression of RB cells through MAPK signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. These results indicated that LncRNA LOXL1-AS1 promotes proliferation, invasion and inhibits apoptosis of retinoblastoma by regulating MAPK signaling pathway, and might be expected to be a novel basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Effect of electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B2) on senescence of nucleus pulposus cells of degenerated lumbar intervertebral disc in rabbits. / 电针"夹脊"å¯¹è °æ¤Žé—´ç›˜é€€å˜å ”é€€å˜æ¤Žé—´ç›˜é«“æ ¸ç»†èƒžè¡°è€çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Jiaji"(EX-B2) on body mass, motor function, expression of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in nucleus pulposus cells and annulus fibrosus tissue, telomerase activi-ty, relative telomere length and different cell cycle ratio of nucleus pulposus cells in rabbits with intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD), so as to investigate its mechanism underlying delaying senescence of the degenerated lumbar intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus cells. METHODS: Twenty-five male New Zealand rabbits with mature bones were divided into control, sham operation, model, EA, and acupuncture groups, with 5 rabbits in each group. The IVDD model was established by inserting kirschner wires to the vertebral bone surface between the lumbar (L)4 and L5 vertebrae, followed by applying continuous axial pressure for 28 d. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 1-2 mA) or acupuncture (only insertion of acupuncture needles into bilateral EX-B2, but without electrical stimulation) was applied to bilateral EX-B2 for 20 min, once daily, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. The hindlimb locomotor function (locomotor score) was assessed by using Faden's and colleagues' methods. The general conditions of rabbits in each group were observed, and their body weight changes were measured every week. Nucleus pulposus cells were isolated using enzyme digestion method. After the treatment, the Cav-1 positive cell counts in nucleus pulposus cells and annulus fibrosus tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the telomerase activity of nucleus pulposus cells was detected by PCR-ELISA. The relative telomere length of nucleus pulposus cells was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR), and the cell cycle of nucleus pulposus was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the body mass from 4 to 11 week, locomotor score at 4, 7 and 11 week, telomerase activity, relative telomere length and the proportion of cells in G2/M phase of nucleus pulposus cells were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while Cav-1 positive cell counts of nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus tissue, and the proportion of nucleus pulposus cells in the G0/G1 phase considerably increased (P<0.01) in the model group. Relevant to the model group, the EA group rather than the acupuncture group had an increase in the body mass from 8 to 11 week, locomotor score at 11 week, telomerase activity, relative telomere length of nucleus pulposus cells, and the proportion of nucleus pulposus cells in G2/M phase (P<0.01), and a decrease in the Cav-1 positive cell counts of nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus tissue and the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase (P<0.01). No significant differences were found between the model and acupuncture groups in all the indexes mentioned above. CONCLUSIONS: EA at EX-B2 has a bene-ficial effect in improving motor function in rabbits with IVDD, which may be related to its functions in reducing the expression of Cav-1 in nucleus pulposus cells and annulus fibrosus, improving cycle arrest, enhancing the telomerase activity and the relative telomere length of nucleus pulposus cells, delaying the senescence of nucleus pulposus cells of the degenerated lumbar intervertebral discs.

A fluorescent sensor based on sulfur nanodots encapsulated into zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 for ultrasensitive detection of tartrazine.

A new composite material (SDs@ZIF-8) was synthesized by integrating sulfur nanodots (SDs) into metal-organic frameworks (ZIF-8) through a facile one-step self-assembly strategy. The obtained SDs@ZIF-8 has not only the high adsorption performance of ZIF-8 but also the superior fluorescence characteristics of SDs. The composite featured good dispersibility, stable structure as well as excellent fluorescence in water solution, and can be used as an ideal fluorescent sensor for tartrazine detection. Due to the high specific surface area and adsorption performance of ZIF-8, the prepared composite material can significantly enrich tartrazine, further enhancing the sensitivity of analysis. The fluorescence of SDs @ZIF-8 composite can be effectively quenched by tartrazine through the inner filter effect. The sensing technique exhibited exceptional sensitivity, as evidenced by its impressive detection limit of 6.5 nM across a broad linear range spanning from 0.02 to 90 µM. In addition to its high sensitivity, the technique displayed rapid response times and excellent selectivity. Moreover, the fluorescent sensing technology we developed has been employed successfully for the detection of tartrazine in real samples, which is expected to promote the development of the food safety industry.

Convenient green synthesis of Cu/Fe nanoparticles using pomegranate peel extracts and their performance for tetrabromobisphenol A removal.

In this work, pomegranate peel extracts were used as the green reducing agent to synthesize Cu/Fe nanoparticles (P-Cu/Fe nanoparticles) and removed tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) in aqueous solution. P-Cu/Fe nanoparticles were amorphous and irregularly spherical. The surfaces of nanoparticles contained Fe0, Fe3+ oxides (hydroxides), and Cu0. The bioactive molecules from pomegranate peel were extremely important for the synthesis of nanoparticles. P-Cu/Fe nanoparticles had excellent removal performance for TBBPA, and 98.6% of TBBPA (5 mg L-1) was removed within 60 min. The removal reaction of TBBPA by P-Cu/Fe nanoparticles was well-fitted with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The Cu loading was critical for TBBPA removal with an optimum value of 1.0 wt%. A weakly acidic condition (pH 5) was more favorable for the removal of TBBPA. The removal efficiency of TBBPA increased with the rise of temperature and decreased with increasing initial TBBPA concentration. The activation energy (Ea) was 54.09 kJ mol-1, indicating that the removal of TBBPA by P-Cu/Fe nanoparticles was mainly surface-controlled. Reductive degradation was the main mechanism of TBBPA removal by P-Cu/Fe nanoparticles. In conclusion, green synthesized P-Cu/Fe nanoparticles using pomegranate peel waste show great potential for the remediation of TBBPA in aqueous solution.

High-efficiency and durable V-Ti-Nb ternary catalyst prepared by a wet-solid mechanochemical method for sustainably producing acrylic acid via acetic acid-formaldehyde condensation.

Based on the precise phase control V species adjustment of vanadium phosphorus oxides (VPOs), a series of metal oxides (Nb2O5, MoO3, WO3, and Bi2O3) were selected as modification agents to further enhance the catalytic activity and retain the excellent durability of VPO-TiO2-based catalysts for the new procedure of producing acrylic acid via acetic acid-formaldehyde condensation. At an elevated liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), the (AA + MA) selectivity reached 92.3% with a (MA + AA) formation rate of 63.8 µmol-1 gcat -1 min-1 over the Nb-decorated catalyst (catalyst VTi-Nb), and it maintained good durability for up to 100 h. The detailed characterization results of XRD, Raman, XPS, NH3-TPD, CO2-TPD, and H2-TPR, demonstrated that the addition of Nb2O5 could observably enhance the catalytic efficiency of the VPO-TiO2 catalyst. It not only improved the catalyst durability by enhancing prereduction of the V5+ species, but also enhanced the active site density to improve the catalytic activity.

A high-efficiency mixotrophic photoelectroactive biofilm reactor (MPBR) for enhanced simultaneous removal of nutrients and antibiotics by integrating light intensity regulation and microbial extracellular electron extraction.

The performance of a mixotrophic photoelectroactive biofilm reactor (MPBR) was improved in order to achieve enhanced simultaneous removal of multiple aqueous pollutants and the production of valuable biomass. The MPBR was optimized by integrating the regulation of light intensity (3000, 8000 and 23000 lux) and microbial extracellular electron extraction (using an electrode at -0.3, 0 and 0.3 V). Results showed that the MPBR operated at a high light intensity (23000 lux) with a potential of -0.3 V (Coulomb efficiency (CE) of 9.65%) achieved maximum pollutant removal efficiencies, effectively removing 65% NH4+-N, 95% PO43--P and 52% sulfadiazine (SDZ) within 72 h, exhibiting an increase by 30%, 56% and 26% compared to an MPBR operated at the same light intensity but without an externally applied potential. The use of an electrode with an applied potential of -0.3V was most suitable for the extraction of photosynthetic electrons from the photoelectroactive biofilm, in which Rhodocyclaceae was highly enriched, effectively alleviating photoinhibition and thereby enhancing N, P assimilation and SDZ degradation under high light conditions. A maximum lipid content of 409.28 mg/g was obtained under low light intensity (3000 lux) conditions with an applied potential of 0.3 V (CE 9.08%), while a maximum protein content of 362.29 mg/g was obtained at a low light intensity (3000 lux) and 0 V (CE 10.71%). The selective enrichment of Chlorobium and the subsequent enhanced conversion of excess available carbon under low light and positive potential stimulation conditions, were responsible for the enhanced accumulation of proteins and lipids in biomass.

Dual modification based on electrostatic repulsion of bentonite and SPR effect of Bi facilitate charge transfer of Bi2WO6 for antibiotics degradation.

Development of efficient photocatalysts is vital for light-driven removal of refractory antibiotics. Herein, Bi2WO6 microspheres were successfully anchored on the surface of bentonite, and metallic Bi was reduced in-situ by a one-step solvothermal method. Notably, the Bi/Bi2WO6/BT with a mass ratio of 0.15:1:0.1 exhibited the best photocatalytic activity toward degradation of tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) after 120 min of visible light irradiation, and their reaction rate constants were 8.0 and 5.5 folds higher than that of pristine Bi2WO6, respectively. The boosted photocatalytic activity over Bi/Bi2WO6/BT was ascribed to the establishment of electrostatic repulsion and SPR effect, which synergistically promoted charges transfer, thus achieving more h+ and ·O2- radical generation. Moreover, possible TC and CIP degradation pathways over Bi/Bi2WO6/BT were proposed based on the identified intermediates, and most of the intermediates were less toxic than TC and CIP. The study provides options to develop high-efficiency photocatalytic composites for contaminants elimination using semiconductors and readily available bentonite.

Geographical Inequality on Cataract Surgery Uptake in 200,000 Australians: Findings from the "45 and Up Study".

Using a geographical information system (GIS), we investigated the spatiotemporal evolution of a cataract surgery service and its association with socioeconomic factors and private insurance, based on 10-year real-world medical claim data in an Australian population. The data collected cover a decade (2007-2016) from the "45 and Up Study". A total of 234,201 participants within the cataract surgery service were grouped into 88 Statistical Area Level 3 (SA3s) according to their residential postcodes in New South Wales Australia. We analyzed the spatiotemporal variations and geographical distribution inequality in cataract surgery incidence and its respect to socioeconomic status (SES) and private health insurance coverage by Spearman correlation analysis and Moran's I test. Then these variations were intuitive displayed by six-quartile maps and a local indicator of spatial association (LISA) maps based on GIS. The average cumulative age-gender-standardized of the incidence of cataract surgery (ICS) was 8.85% (95% CI, 5.33-15.6). Spatial variation was significant (univariate Moran's I = 0.45, P = 0.001) with incidence gradually decreasing from the coastal regions to the north-western inland regions, suggesting inequality in the cataract surgery service across the state of New South Wales. Notably, clustering of the low incidence areas had gradually disappeared over the decade, suggesting that the cataract surgery service has improved over time. Low scores on the "index of socioeconomic disadvantages" (IRSD) and high private health insurance coverage were significantly associated with a higher incidence of cataract surgery (bivariate Moran's I = -0.13 and 0.23, P < 0.01; Spearman correlation r = 0.25 and -0.25, P = 0.02), which is displayed on the map visually and obviously. Spatiotemporal variations in the incidence of cataract surgery are significant, but the low incidence area had gradually disappeared over time. High socioeconomic status and private insurance contribute to a higher incidence of cataract surgery in Australia.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Leaf Extract as a Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in Acidic Solution: Electrochemical, Functional and Molecular Analysis.

An extract of cucumber leaves (ECSL) was prepared as a green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel. Its carbon steel corrosion inhibition performance against 0.5 mol L-1 H2SO4 was investigated using electrochemical methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its composition was analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) were conducted to elucidate the adsorption mechanism of the inhibitor molecules on the carbon steel surface. The results indicated that the inhibition efficiency increases with its increasing concentration. The extract acted as a mixed type corrosion inhibitor, and its inhibition properties were ascribed to the geometric coverage effect induced by its adsorption on the metal surface in accordance with Langmuir's law. The active components in the extract were identified as mainly organic compounds with functional groups such as aromatic moieties and heteroatoms. The inhibition activities of ECSL are delivered through the ability of the active components to adsorb on the metal surface through their functional groups to form a protective layer which hinders the contact of aggressive substances with carbon steel and thus suppresses its corrosion. This research provides an important reference for the design of green corrosion inhibitors based on plant waste materials.

Quantitative Assessment of Biomechanical Properties of the Human Keratoconus Cornea Using Acoustic Radiation Force Optical Coherence Elastography.

Purpose: Quantification of biomechanical properties of keratoconus (KC) corneas has great significance for early diagnosis and treatment of KC, but the corresponding clinical measurement remains challenging. Here, we developed an acoustic radiation force (ARF) optical coherence elastography technique and explored its potential for evaluating biomechanical properties of KC corneas. Methods: An ARF system was used to induce the tissue deformation, which was detected by an optical coherence tomography system, and thus the localized point-by-point Young's modulus measurements were achieved. Then, two healthy rabbit eyes were imaged to test the system, after which the human keratoconus cornea was evaluated by using the same method. Three regions were selected for biomechanics analysis: the conical region, the transitional region, and the peripheral region. Results: Young's moduli of transitional region ranged from 53.3 to 58.5 kPa. The corresponding values for the peripheral region were determined to be 58.6 kPa and 63.2 kPa, respectively. Young's moduli of the conical region were gradually increased by 18.3% from the center to the periphery, resulting in the minimum and maximum values of 44.9 kPa and 53.1 kPa, respectively. Furthermore, Young's moduli of the anterior and posterior of the center were determined to be 44.9 kPa and 50.7 kPa, respectively. Conclusions: Differences in biomechanical properties between the three regions and slight variations within the conical region were clearly distinguished. Biomechanical weakening of the keratoconus cornea was mainly localized in the conical region, especially in the vertex position. Translational Relevance: The system may provide a promising clinical tool for the noninvasive evaluation of local corneal biomechanics and thus may have potential applications in early keratoconus detection with further optimization.

Petroleum spill bioremediation by an indigenous constructed bacterial consortium in marine environments.

In the process of marine oil spill remediation, adding highly efficient oil degrading microorganisms can effectively promote oil degradation. However, in practice, the effect is far less than expected due to the inadaptability of microorganisms to the environment and their disadvantage in the competition with indigenous bacteria for nutrients. In this article, four strains of oil degrading bacteria were isolated from seawater in Jiaozhou Bay, China, where a crude oil pipeline explosion occurred seven years ago. Results of high-throughput sequencing, diesel degradation tests and surface activity tests indicated that Peseudomonas aeruginosa ZS1 was a highly efficient petroleum degrading bacterium with the ability to produce surface active substances. A diesel oil-degrading bacterial consortium (named SA) was constructed by ZS1 and another oil degrading bacteria by diesel degradation test. Degradation products analysis indicated that SA has a good ability to degrade short chain alkanes, especially n-alkanes (C10-C18). Community structure analysis showed that OTUs of Alcanivorax, Peseudomona, Ruegeria, Pseudophaeobacter, Hyphomonas and Thalassospira on genus level increased after the oil spill and remained stable throughout the recovery period. Most of these enriched microorganisms were related to known alkane and hydrocarbon degraders by the previous study. However, it is the first time to report that Pseudophaeobacter was enriched by using diesel as the sole carbon source. The results also indicated that ZS1 may have a dominant position in competition with indigenous bacteria. Oil pollution has an obvious selective effect on marine microorganisms. Although the oil degradation was promoted after SA injection, the recovery of microbial community structure took a longer time.

SP2509, a Selective Inhibitor of LSD1, Suppresses Retinoblastoma Growth by Downregulating ß-catenin Signaling.

Purpose: To study the role of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) in retinoblastoma (RB) growth and to determine whether the LSD1 inhibitor SP2509 can inhibit RB progression. Methods: We detected the levels of LSD1 in 12 RB tissue samples, two RB cell lines (Y79 and Weri-RB1), and a retinal pigment epithelium cell line (ARPE-19). Overexpression or knockdown of LSD1 was performed to examine the role of LSD1 in RB cancer cell survival. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to detect the antitumor effect of SP2509, and the antitumor mechanism of SP2509 was examined by RNA sequencing and Western blot. Results: LSD1 is overexpressed in RB tissues and cells and increases RB cancer cell viability and colony formation ability. The LSD1 inhibitor SP2509 inhibits RB cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with SP2509 increases the levels of dimethylated histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me2) and inhibits the expression of ß-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins in RB cells. Conclusions: We demonstrated that LSD1 is overexpressed in RB cells and promotes RB cell survival. The LSD1 inhibitor SP2509 exerted strong growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo, which was at least partially mediated by suppression of the ß-catenin pathway.

In Vivo Evaluation of the Effects of SMILE with Different Amounts of Stromal Ablation on Corneal Biomechanics by Optical Coherence Elastography.

This work aims to depth-resolved quantitatively analyze the effect of different stromal ablation amounts on the corneal biomechanical properties during small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) using optical coherence elastography (OCE). A 4.5-MHz ultrasonic transducer was used to excite elastic waves in the corneal tissue. The OCE system combined with the antisymmetric Lamb wave model was employed to achieve a high-resolution, high-sensitivity, and depth-resolved quantitative detection of the corneal Young's modulus. Eighteen rabbits were randomly divided into three groups; each group had six rabbits. The first and second groups underwent -3D and -6D SMILE surgeries, and the third group was the control group, respectively. Young's modulus of the corneal cap and residual stromal bed (RSB) were both increased after SMILE, which shared the stress under intraocular pressure (IOP). Furthermore, the Young's modulus of both the corneal cap and RSB after 3D SMILE group were significantly lower than that in the -6D group, which indicated that the increases in the post-operative corneal Young's modulus were positively correlated with the amount of stromal ablation. The OCE system for quantitative spatial characterization of corneal biomechanical properties can provide useful information on the extent of safe ablation for SMILE procedures.