Seasonal Dynamics of Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Mobile Genetic Elements in a Subtropical Coastal Ecosystem: Implications for Environmental Health Risks.

Antibiotic resistance poses a considerable global public health concern, leading to heightened rates of illness and mortality. However, the impact of seasonal variations and environmental factors on the health risks associated with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and their assembly mechanisms is not fully understood. Based on metagenomic sequencing, this study investigated the antibiotic resistome, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and microbiomes in a subtropical coastal ecosystem of the Beibu Gulf, China, over autumn and winter, and explored the factors influencing seasonal changes in ARG and MGE abundance and diversity. Results indicated that ARG abundance and diversity were higher in winter than in autumn, with beta-lactam and multidrug resistance genes being the most diverse and abundant, respectively. Similarly, MGE abundance and diversity increased in winter and were strongly correlated with ARGs. In contrast, more pronounced associations between microbial communities, especially archaea, and the antibiotic resistome were observed in autumn than in winter. The co-occurrence network identified multiple interactions between MGEs and various multidrug efflux pumps in winter, suggesting a potential for ARG dissemination. Multivariate correlation analyses and path modeling indicated that environmental factors driving microbial community changes predominantly influenced antibiotic resistome assembly in autumn, while the relative importance of MGEs increased significantly in winter. These findings suggest an elevated health risk associated with antimicrobial resistance in the Beibu Gulf during winter, attributed to the dissemination of ARGs by horizontal gene transfer. The observed seasonal variations highlight the dynamic nature of antibiotic resistance dissemination in coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive surveillance and management measures to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in vulnerable environments.

Dual stimuli-responsive upconversion nanoparticle-poly-N-isopropylacrylamide/DNA core-shell microgels.

Stimuli-responsive upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM)/DNA core-shell microgels with tunable sizes and programmable functions have been prepared. Thanks to the near-infrared (NIR)-responsive UCNP cores and thermosensitive polymeric shells, functional DNA-incorporated microgels with high DNA activity and loading efficiency are obtained, and the activity of the loaded DNA structures can be smartly regulated by NIR illumination and temperature simultaneously.

miRNA-seq provides novel insight into the response to hyper- and hypo- salinity acclimation in Crassostrea hongkongensis.

The Hong Kong oyster, Crassostrea hongkongensis, is a significant bivalve species with economic importance. It primarily inhabits the estuarine intertidal zones in southern China, making it susceptible to salinity fluctuations. Consequently, investigating the molecular mechanisms governing salinity regulation in C. hongkongensis is essential. In this study, we conducted miRNA-seq on C. hongkongensis to compare miRNA expression differences under varying salinities (5‰, 25‰, and 35‰). The miRNA sequencing revealed 51 known miRNAs and 95 novel miRNAs across nine small RNA libraries (S5, S25, and S35). Among these miRNAs, we identified 6 down-regulated differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in response to hypo-salinity stress (5‰), while 1 up-regulated DE miRNA and 5 down-regulated DE miRNAs were associated with hyper-salinity stress (35‰). Additionally, we predicted 931 and 768 potential target genes for hypo- and hyper-salinity stress, respectively. Functional gene annotation indicated that the target genes under hypo-salinity stress were linked to vesicle-mediated transport and metal ion binding. Conversely, those under hyper-salinity stress were primarily involved in signal transduction and metabolic processes. These findings have provided insights into the regulatory role of miRNAs, their potential target genes and associated pathways in oyster hypo- and hyper-salinity stress, which establish a foundation for future studies on the roles of miRNAs in salinity acclimation mechanisms in C. hongkongensis.

Ultra-high b-value DWI accurately identifies isocitrate dehydrogenase genotypes and tumor subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas.

OBJECTIVES: To distinguish isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genotypes and tumor subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas based on the fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors (WHO CNS5) in 2021 using standard, high, and ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 70 patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas who underwent multiple b-value DWI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values including ADCb500/b1000, ADCb500/b2000, ADCb500/b3000, ADCb500/b4000, ADCb500/b6000, ADCb500/b8000, and ADCb500/b10000 in tumor parenchyma (TP) and contralateral normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) were calculated. The ADC ratios of TP/NAWM were assessed for correlations with IDH genotypes, tumor subtypes, and Ki-67 status; diagnostic performances were compared. RESULTS: All ADCs were significantly higher in IDH mutant gliomas than in IDH wild-type gliomas (p < 0.01 for all); ADCb500/b8000 had the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.866. All ADCs were significantly lower in glioblastoma than in astrocytoma (p < 0.01 for all). ADCs other than ADCb500/b1000 were significantly lower in glioblastoma than in oligodendroglioma (p < 0.05 for all). ADCb500/b8000 and ADCb500/b10000 were significantly higher in oligodendroglioma than in astrocytoma (p = 0.034 and 0.023). The highest AUCs were 0.818 for ADCb500/b6000 when distinguishing glioblastoma from astrocytoma, 0.979 for ADCb500/b8000 and ADCb500/b10000 when distinguishing glioblastoma from oligodendroglioma, and 0.773 for ADCb500/b10000 when distinguishing astrocytoma from oligodendroglioma. Additionally, all ADCs were negatively correlated with Ki-67 status (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Ultra-high b-value DWI can reliably separate IDH genotypes and tumor subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas using WHO CNS5 criteria. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging can accurately distinguish isocitrate dehydrogenase genotypes and tumor subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas, which may facilitate personalized treatment and prognostic assessment for patients with glioma. KEY POINTS: • Ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging can accurately distinguish subtle differences in water diffusion among biological tissues. • Ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging can reliably separate isocitrate dehydrogenase genotypes and tumor subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas. • Compared with standard b-value diffusion-weighted imaging, high and ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging demonstrate better diagnostic performances.

DNA Cryogels with Anisotropic Mechanical and Responsive Properties for Specific Cell Capture and Release.

Due to their programmable stimuli-responsiveness, excellent biocompatibility, and water-rich and soft structures similar to biological tissues, smart DNA hydrogels hold great promise for biosensing and biomedical applications. However, most DNA hydrogels developed to date are composed of randomly oriented and isotropic polymer networks, and the resulting slow response to biotargets and lack of anisotropic properties similar to those of biological tissues have limited their extensive applications. Herein, anisotropic DNA hydrogels consisting of unidirectional void channels internally oriented up to macroscopic length scales were constructed by a directional cryopolymerization method, as exemplified by a DNA-incorporated covalently cross-linked DNA cryogel and a DNA duplex structure noncovalently cross-linked DNA cryogel. Results showed that the formation of unidirectional channels significantly improved the responsiveness of the gel matrix to biomacromolecular substances and further endowed the DNA cryogels with anisotropic properties, including anisotropic mechanical properties, anisotropic swelling/shrinking behaviors, and anisotropic responsiveness to specific biotargets. Moreover, the abundant oriented and long macroporous channels in the gel matrix facilitated the migration of cells, and through the introduction of aptamer structures and thermosensitive polymers, an anisotropic DNA cryogel-based platform was further constructed to achieve the highly efficient capture and release of specific cells. These anisotropic DNA hydrogels may provide new opportunities for the development of anisotropic separation and biosensing systems.

Emerging applications of single-cell profiling in precision medicine of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disease that occurs in the arterial wall. Despite recent advancements in treatment aimed at improving efficacy and prolonging survival, atherosclerosis remains largely incurable. In this review, we discuss emerging single-cell sequencing techniques and their novel insights into atherosclerosis. We provide examples of single-cell profiling studies that reveal phenotypic characteristics of atherosclerosis plaques, blood, liver, and the intestinal tract. Additionally, we highlight the potential clinical applications of single-cell analysis and propose that combining this approach with other techniques can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, leading to more accurate medical interventions.

Gastrodin ameliorates acute pancreatitis by modulating macrophage inflammation cascade via inhibition the p38/NF-κB pathway.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a prevalent, destructive, non-infectious pancreatic inflammatory disease, which is usually accompanied with systemic manifestations and poor prognosis. Gastrodin (4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol 4-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside) has ideal anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases. However, its potential effects on AP had not been studied. In this study, serum biochemistry, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blot, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were performed to investigate the effects of Gastrodin on caerulein-induced AP pancreatic acinar injury model in vivo and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced M1 phenotype macrophage model in vitro. Our results showed that Gastrodin treatment could significantly reduce the levels of serum amylase and serum lipase while improving pancreatic pathological morphology. Additionally, it decreased secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and inhibited the levels of p-p38/p38, p-IκB/IκB as well as p-NF-κB p-p65/NF-κB p65. Overall our findings suggested that Gastrodin might be a promising therapeutic option for patients with AP by attenuating inflammation through inhibition of the p38/NF-κB pathway mediated macrophage cascade.

Transcriptional responses of Crassostrea hongkongensis under high and low salinity stress.

Salinity, a key limiting factor, affects the distribution and survival of marine species. The Hong Kong oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis), a euryhaline species found along the coast of the South China Sea, has become a major aquaculture bivalve species. To determine the molecular mechanism by which oysters respond to coastal waters with varying salinity levels, we used RNA-seq to sequence the gill samples of oysters exposed to normal (25 ‰, S25), low (5 ‰, S5) and high (35 ‰, S35) salinity conditions for one month. The results revealed different expression transcriptome levels among oysters living under low and high salinity conditions. Using high-throughput sequencing, we identified 811 up-regulated genes and 769 down-regulated genes. As determined by KEGG pathway mapping, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in the prion diseases, histidine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and beta-alanine metabolism pathways in both the S5 vs. S25 and S35 vs. S25 group comparison. Several DEGs including heat shock 70 kDa protein 12B-like, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and tripartite motif-containing protein 2 (TRIM2), and low-density lipoprotein receptor-like, as well as KEGG pathways, including arginine and proline metabolism, apoptosis, PPAR signaling pathway, the thyroid hormone signaling pathway, were concerning response to salinity stress. Additionally, eight DEGs involved in salinity adaptation were selected for RT-qPCR validation, and the results confirmed the credibility of the transcriptome sequencing data. Overall, we designed a one-month, medium-term experiment to examine the responses of C. hongkongensis exposed to different levels of salinity stress and performed transcriptome analysis using high-throughput sequencing. Our results enhance current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of salinity stress responses in C. hongkongensis and provided insights into the osmotic biology of oysters.

Whole genome sequencing of Crassostrea ariakensis (Mollusca: Ostreidae) and C. hongkongensis expands understandings of stress resistance in sessile oysters.

To understand the environmental adaptations among sessile bivalves lacking adaptive immunity, a series of analyses were conducted, with special emphasis on the widely distributed C. ariakensis. Employing Pacbio sequencing and Hi-C technologies, whole genome for each of a C. ariakensis (southern China) and C. hongkongensis individual was generated, with the contig N50 reaching 6.2 and 13.0 Mb, respectively. Each genome harbored over 30,000 protein-coding genes, with approximately half of each genome consisting of repeats. Genome alignment suggested possible introgression between C. gigas and C. ariakensis (northern China), and re-sequencing data corroborated this result and indicated significant gene flow between C. gigas and C. ariakensis. These introgressed candidates, well-represented by genes related to immunity and osmotic pressure, may be associated with environmental stresses. Gene family dynamics modeling suggested immune-related genes were well represented among the expanded genes in C. ariakensis. These outcomes could be attributed to the spread of C. ariakensis.

Enhanced polarization via Joule heating in wood-derived carbon materials for absorption-dominated EMI shielding.

To cope with sophisticated application scenarios, carbon materials can provide opportunities for integrating multi-functionalities into superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties. Nevertheless, carbon materials usually possess high electrical conductivity, which allows them to counteract electromagnetic waves by reflection. Moreover, the identification of factors that dominate the shielding mechanisms has typically been result-oriented, leading to a reliance on a trial-and-error approach for the development of shielding materials. Thus, it is crucial to identify the dominant factors for EMI shielding and elucidate the mechanism underlying the coordination of the balance between reflection and absorption in carbon materials. In this study, we developed a promising and viable approach to create Co@CNTs embedded in carbonized wood (CW) via chemical vapor deposition, producing Co@CNTs/CW foams. The CNTs, densely grown on the CW surface, tightly encapsulated the Co nanoparticles within them. By manipulating the Co content, the defect density and CNT length varied within the Co@CNTs. Through first-principles calculations, these variations substantially influenced the work function, charge density, and dipole moment of the Co@CNTs. Thus, defect-induced and interfacial polarizations were improved, inducing a transformation of the shielding mechanism from reflection to absorption. Regarding the Co@CNTs/CW foams, while high conductivity was essential for achieving satisfactory shielding performance, the enhanced polarization loss dominated the contribution of absorption to the overall shielding effectiveness. Taking advantage of the enhanced polarizations, the Co@CNTs/CW foams exhibited an impressive shielding effectiveness of 42.0 dB, along with an absorptivity of 0.64, which were instrumental in effectively minimizing secondary reflections. Remarkably, these as-prepared foams possessed outstanding hydrophobicity and Joule heating features with a water contact angle of 138° and a saturation temperature of 85.5 °C (2.5 V). Through the stimulation of voltage-driven Joule heating, the absorptivity of Co@CNTs/CW foams can be significantly enhanced to a range of 0.61 to 0.73, irrespective of the Co content. This research would provide a new avenue for designing carbon materials with an absorption-dominated mechanism integrated into EMI shielding performance.

Effects of a PRECEDE-PROCEED Model-Based Intervention on Fatigue in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to determine how a 12-week PRECEDE-PROCEED model-based intervention affected fatigue in patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS: This cluster randomized controlled trial recruited participants diagnosed with coronary heart disease at 2 community health centers in China. Participants in the control group (n = 36) received routine health education, whereas those in the intervention group (n = 38) were given a 12-week PRECEDE-PROCEED model-based intervention and routine health education. The intervention consisted of 6 training sessions on coronary heart disease, fatigue, fatigue management, self-management skills and social support. A primary outcome (fatigue) and 4 secondary outcomes (knowledge of fatigue, self-management, quality of life and body mass index) were assessed using the Fatigue Scale-14, Fatigue Cognitive Questionnaire for Patients with Coronary Heart Disease, Coronary Artery Disease Self-Management Scale, Chinese Cardiovascular Questionnaire of Quality of Life, and electronic weighing scale, respectively. Data were collected 3 times over 12 weeks. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in the level of fatigue (8.72 vs 7.06, P < .001), knowledge of fatigue (P < .001), self-management skills (P < .001), and quality of life (P < .001). However, there was no significant difference in body mass index between the 2 groups (P = .504). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that a well-designed intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model could alleviate fatigue symptoms and increase knowledge of fatigue, self-management skills and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease.

The male and female genomes of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) provide insights into the sex chromosome evolution and rapid growth.

INTRODUCTION: Golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) is economically significant important for offshore cage aquaculture in China and Southeast Asian countries. Lack of high-quality genomic data and accurate gene annotations greatly restricts its genetic breeding progress. OBJECTIVES: To decode the mechanisms of sex determination and rapid growth in golden pompano and facilitate the sex- and growth-aimed genetic breeding. METHODS: Genome assemblies of male and female golden pompano were generated using Illumina, PacBio, BioNano, genetic maps and Hi-C sequencing data. Genomic comparisons, whole genome re-sequencing of 202 F1 individuals, QTL mapping and gonadal transcriptomes were used to analyze the sex determining region, sex chromosome evolution, SNP loci, and growth candidate genes. Zebrafish model was used to investigate the functions of growth candidate gene. RESULTS: Female (644.45 Mb) and male (652.12 Mb) genomes of golden pompano were assembled and annotated at the chromosome level. Both genomes are highly conserved and no new or highly differentiated sex chromosomes occur. A 3.5 Mb sex determining region on LG15 was identified, where Hsd17b1, Micall2 and Lmx1a were putative candidates for sex determination. Three SNP loci significantly linked to growth were pinpointed, and a growth-linked gene gpsstr1 was identified by locus BSNP1369 (G â†’ C, 17489695, Chr23). Loss of sstr1a (homologue of gpsstr1) in zebrafish caused growth retardation. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into sex chromosome evolution, sex determination and rapid growth of golden pompano.

Solar-powered simultaneous highly efficient seawater desalination and highly specific target extraction with smart DNA hydrogels.

Obtaining freshwater and important minerals from seawater with solar power facilitates the sustainable development of human society. Hydrogels have demonstrated great solar-powered water evaporation potential, but highly efficient and specific target extraction remains to be expanded. Here, we report the simultaneous highly efficient seawater desalination and specific extraction of uranium with smart DNA hydrogels. The DNA hydrogel greatly promoted the evaporation of water, with the water evaporation rate reached a high level of 3.54 kilograms per square meter per hour (1 kilowatt per square meter). Simultaneously, uranyl-specific DNA hydrogel exhibited a high capture capacity of 5.7 milligrams per gram for uranium from natural seawater due to the rapid ion transport driven by the solar powered interfacial evaporation and the high selectivity (10.4 times over vanadium). With programmable functions and easy-to-use devices, the system is expected to play a role in future seawater treatment.

IGF­1 inhibits palmitic acid­induced mitochondrial apoptosis in macrophages.

Insulin growth factor­1 (IGF­1) is an endocrine regulator that plays an important role in normal growth and development. IGF­1 mediated effects may result in protecting macrophages from immunometabolic response. However, it is unclear whether IGF­1 has a protective effect on fatty acid­induced macrophages damage. In the present study, THP­1 cells were differentiated into macrophages and stimulated with palmitic acid (PA) in the absence or presence of IGF­1. Macrophages apoptosis was measured by Cell Counting Kit­8 assay, flow cytometry, Hoechst 33342 staining and western blotting. The mitochondrial damage was evaluated using JC­1 staining and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species detection. The activation of mitophagy was assessed using immunofluorescence and western blotting. As a result, IGF­1 significantly restored the survival rate in macrophages, while the apoptosis was inhibited through mitochondrial pathway. In addition, IGF­1 protected the mitochondrial damage induced by PA. Furthermore, PA induced mitophagy via phosphatase and tensin homolog­induced putative kinase protein 1/Parkin, which was reversed by IGF­1. Taken together, the present study demonstrated the protective effect of IGF­1 on PA­induced mitochondrial apoptosis in macrophages, which might provide a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of lipotoxicity.

Stress and influencing factors of public health and preventive medicine students in the post-pandemic period: a cross-sectional study in Changsha, China.

Objectives: Little is known about the stress levels and associated factors of public health and preventive medicine students in the post-pandemic period. This study aims to investigate the stress levels of these students in the post-COVID-19 era and to determine the association of personal background, employment attitude, and psychological state with stress. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2023 among 620 public health and preventive medicine students from two universities in Changsha, China. The survey included demographic characteristics, employment attitudes, perceived stress scale 10, general anxiety disorder 7, the University of California at Los Angeles loneliness scale 20, and the PTSD checklist-civilian version. Two-sided t-tests and ANOVA tests were used to compare the differences in PSS scores among variables, and multiple hierarchical regression analysis was used to evaluate the associated factors with stress. Results: The survey was completed by 504 students (mean age: 21.5 ± 2.6 years, 69.2% female). 24.8% of the students were screened for a high level of stress. 69.0% thought the epidemic positively impacted employment while 18.5% believed it had a negative impact. The results of regression analysis showed that older age (B = 0.42, p = 0.001), higher grade (B1=3.59, p < 0.001, B2=4.57, p < 0.001), having internship experiences (B = 1.16, p = 0.006), having anti-epidemic experiences (B = 1.77, p < 0.001), believing that COVID-19 has a negative impact on employment (B = 2.56, p < 0.001), and having higher GAD scores (B = 0.64, p < 0.001) and UCLA scores (B = 0.07, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with high-stress levels. Conversely, being female (B = -1.64, p < 0.001) and believing that the pandemic had a positive impact on employment (B = -1.98, p = 0.001) were associated with low-stress levels. Conclusion: Public health and preventive medicine students in Changsha, China, experienced a high-stress level in the post-pandemic period, which was influenced by age, gender, grade, employment attitude, internship experience, anxiety, and loneliness. As one of the main guardians of the epidemic, these students should be given more attention and psychological interventions in the future.

Identification of novel serum autoantibody biomarkers for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia detection.

Background: Early diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is critical for effective treatment and optimal prognosis; however, less study on serum biomarkers for the early ESCC detection has been reported. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate several serum autoantibody biomarkers in early ESCC. Methods: We initially screened candidate tumor-associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) associated with ESCC by serological proteome analysis (SERPA) combined with nanoliter-liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), and the TAAbs were further subjected to analysis by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a clinical cohort (386 participants, including 161 patients with ESCC, 49 patients with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia [HGIN] and 176 healthy controls [HC]). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Results: The serum levels of CETN2 and POFUT1 autoantibodies which were identified by SERPA were statistically different between ESCC or HGIN patients and HC in ELISA analysis with the area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.709 (95%CI: 0.654-0.764) and 0.741 (95%CI: 0.689-0.793), 0.717 (95%CI: 0.634-0.800) and 0.703 (95%CI: 0.627-0.779) for detection of ESCC and HGIN, respectively. Combining these two markers, the AUCs were 0.781 (95%CI: 0.733-0.829), 0.754 (95%CI: 0.694-0.814) and 0.756 (95%CI: 0.686-0.827) when distinguishing ESCC, early ESCC and HGIN from HC, respectively. Meanwhile, the expression of CETN2 and POFUT1 was found to be correlated with ESCC progression. Conclusions: Our data suggest that CETN2 and POFUT1 autoantibodies have potential diagnostic value for ESCC and HGIN, which may provide novel insights for early ESCC and precancerous lesions detection.

The Role of Circular RNAs in Ischemic Stroke.

Ischemic stroke (IS), a devastating condition characterized by intracranial artery stenosis and middle cerebral artery occlusion leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, is a major cause of death and physical disability worldwide. Recent research has demonstrated the critical role of circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of covalently enclosed noncoding RNAs that are widespread in eukaryotic cells, in regulating various physiological and pathophysiological cellular processes, including cell apoptosis, autophagy, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation. In the past few years, circRNAs have attracted extensive attention in the field of IS research. This review summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the involvement of circRNAs in IS development. A better understanding of circRNA-mediated pathogenic mechanisms in IS may pave the way for translating circRNA research into clinical practice, ultimately improving the clinical outcomes of IS patients.

Retraction notice to "Betulinic acid downregulates expression of oxidative stress-induced lipoprotein lipase via PKC/ERK/c-Fos pathways in RAW264.7 macrophages" [Biochimie 119C (2015) 192-203].

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. Concerns raised by Dr. Sander Kersten in PubPeer pointed out that Figs. 6.1B and 6.2B of this paper were different figures but the legends and Western blots were identical; the quantification was also seen to be different between the two figures. Shortly afterwards, the authors asked to publish a corrigendum for part B of Fig. 6.1, including images of western blots and associated bar plots. Subsequently, the journal conducted an investigation and found evidence that there had been improper manipulation and duplication of images in Fig. 2 E, 6.2 B, 5 A and and 6.2 D, as shown by the reuse of several western blot bands with approximately 180° rotation in each case. After raising the complaint with the authors, the corresponding author agreed that the paper should be retracted. The authors apologise to the readers of the journal.

Identification and evaluation of novel serum autoantibody biomarkers for early diagnosis of gastric cancer and precancerous lesion.

PURPOSE: Early diagnosis is crucial for optimal prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). Hereby, we aimed to identify novel serum autoantibody-based biomarkers for precancerous lesion (PL) and early GC. METHODS: We performed serological proteome analysis (SERPA) combined with nanoliter-liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (Nano-LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) to screen for GC-associated autoantibodies. The identified autoantibodies were analyzed for potential detection value for PL and GC by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the biomarkers. RESULTS: We identified seven candidates, such as mRNA export factor (RAE1), Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), and ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4). Antibodies against all seven proteins were present at higher levels in sera from 242 patients (51 PL, 78 early GC, 113 advanced GC) compared with sera from 122 healthy individuals. RAE1-specific autoantibody discriminated best between patients at different GC stages, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.710, 0.745, and 0.804 for PL, early GC, and advanced GC, respectively. Two predictive models composed of gender, RAE1, PGK1, NPM1, and ARF4 autoantibodies (Model 2 for PL) and of age, gender, RAE1, PGK1, and NPM1 autoantibodies (Model 3 for early GC) had improved diagnostic efficiencies, with AUCs of 0.803 and 0.857, sensitivities of 66.7% and 75.6%, and specificities of 78.7% and 87.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The identified serum tumor-associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) may have good potential for early detection of GC and PL.