Uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferase is vital for fenpropathrin resistance in Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera).

The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an important model lepidopteran insect and can be used to identify pesticide resistance-related genes of great significance for biological control of pests. Uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferases (UGTs), found in all organisms, are the main secondary enzymes involved in the metabolism of heterologous substances. However, it remains uncertain if silkworm resistance to fenpropathrin involves UGT. This study observes significant variations in BmUGT expression among B. mori strains with variable fenpropathrin resistance post-feeding, indicating BmUGT's role in fenpropathrin detoxification. Knockdown of BmUGT with RNA interference and overexpression of BmUGT significantly decreased and increased BmN cell activity, respectively, indicating that BmUGT plays an important role in the resistance of silkworms to fenpropathrin. In addition, fenpropathrin residues were significantly reduced after incubation for 12 h with different concentrations of a recombinant BmUGT fusion protein. Finally, we verified the conservation of UGT to detoxify fenpropathrin in Spodoptera exigua: Its resistance to fenpropathrin decreased significantly after knocking down SeUGT. In a word, UGT plays an important role in silkworm resistance to fenpropathrin by directly degrading the compound, a function seen across other insects. The results of this study are of great significance for breeding silkworm varieties with high resistance and for biological control of pests.

Bombyx mori voltage-dependent anion-selective channel induces programmed cell death to defend against Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus infection.

BACKGROUND: Voltage-dependent anion-selective channels (VDACs) serve as pore proteins within the mitochondrial membrane, aiding in the regulation of cell life and cell death. Although the occurrence of cell death is crucial for defense against virus infection, the function played by VDAC in Bombyx mori, in response to the influence of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), remains unclear. RESULTS: BmVDAC was found to be relatively highly expressed both during embryonic development, and in the Malpighian tubule and midgut. Additionally, the expression levels of BmVDAC were found to be different among silkworm strains with varying levels of resistance to BmNPV, strongly suggesting a connection between BmVDAC and virus infection. To gain further insight into the function of BmVDAC in BmNPV, we employed RNA interference (RNAi) to silence and overexpress it by pIZT/V5-His-mCherry. The results revealed that BmVDAC is instrumental in developing the resistance of host cells to BmNPV infection in BmN cell-line cells, which was further validated as likely to be associated with initiating programmed cell death (PCD). Furthermore, we evaluated the function of BmVDAC in another insect, Spodoptera exigua. Knockdown of the BmVDAC homolog in S. exigua, SeVDAC, made the larvae more sensitive to BmNPV. CONCLUSION: We have substantiated the pivotal role of BmVDAC in conferring resistance against BmNPV infection, primarily associated with the initiation of PCD. The findings of this study shine new light on the molecular mechanisms governing the silkworm's response to BmNPV infection, thereby supporting innovative approaches for pest biocontrol. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Acceleration or retardation by a magnetic field of the anodic processes of iron in molybdate-bearing chloride solutions.

The modulation by a horizontal magnetic field of the anodic processes of iron in molybdate-bearing chloride solutions is determined. The magnetic field can accelerate or retard the anodic reaction depending on the rate-controlling steps at specified electrode potentials. The anodic current density arising from uniform dissolution from open or semi-open pits is increased by the magnetic field. The current density originating from occluded pits can be decreased by the magnetic field, where autocatalysis has a dominant effect on the pitting rate. The effect of the magnetic field on the pitting corrosion is a combination of the influence on electrochemical reactions at the interfaces of the pits and the disturbance of the autocatalysis process inside the pit enclave through the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect. Micro-MHD effects for specific locations and macro-MHD effects for pitting systems are recommended to illustrate the magnetic effect on localized corrosion phenomena at various combinations of potentials and solution compositions.

FeS as excellent co-activator driving nano calcium peroxide oxidation for contaminants degradation: Performance and mechanisms.

In this study, ferrous sulfide (FeS) was introduced to nano calcium peroxide (nCP)/Fe(III) system to facilitate the generation of Fe(II), more than 90% of naphthalene (NAP) could be removed at a wide pH range of 3-9. As a heterogeneous reductant, FeS could mitigate competitive reactions with reactive oxygen species (ROS), which favored the NAP degradation. As evidenced by scavenging experiments, HO• was the major ROS contributing to NAP degradation. The role of sulfur species (S2-, SO32-, and S2O32-) in nCP/Fe(III) system was investigated with S2O32- showing the preferable reactivity in Fe(III) reduction. In addition, the surface-bound HO• and surface Fe(II) were detected and the role of them on NAP degradation was revealed and concluded that both dissolved and surface Fe(II) contributed to NAP degradation, whereas surface-bound HO• was not superior to solution HO• in degrading NAP. Furthermore, nCP/Fe(III)/FeS system showed high feasibility to different solution matrixes and various types of water as well as the broad-spectrum reactivity to other toxic organic pollutants, exhibiting promise for practical application to remediate complex contaminants.

U-shaped association of serum uric acid with all-cause mortality in patients with hyperlipidemia in the United States: a cohort study.

Background: Serum uric acid (SUA) interferes with lipid metabolism and is considered an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, a major complication in patients with hyperlipidemia. However, the effects of uric acid levels on mortality in hyperlipidemic patients has yet to be sufficiently determined. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between all-cause mortality and SUA in a hyperlipidemic population. Methods: To determine mortality rates, we obtained data for 20,038 hyperlipidemia patients from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2001-2018 and National Death Index. To examine the all-cause mortality effect of SUA, multivariable Cox regression models, restricted cubic spline models, and two pairwise Cox regression models were used. Results: Over a median follow-up of 9.4 years, a total of 2079 deaths occurred. Mortality was examined according to SUA level quintiles: <4.2, 4.3-4.9, 5.0-5.7, 5.8-6.5, and >6.6 mg/dl. In multivariable analysis using 5.8-6.5 mg/dl SUA as a reference, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of all-cause mortality across the five groups were 1.24 (1.06-1.45), 1.19 (1.03-1.38), 1.07 (0.94-1.23), 1.00 (reference), and 1.29 (1.13-1.48), respectively. According to a restricted cubic spline, we noted a U-shaped relationship between SUA and all-cause mortality. The inflection point was approximately 6.30 mg/dl, with hazard ratios of 0.91 (0.85-0.97) and 1.22 (1.10-1.35) to the left and right of the inflection point, respectively. In both sexes, SUA was characterized by a U-shaped association, with inflection points at 6.5 and 6.0 mg/dl for males and females, respectively. Conclusion: Using nationally representative NHANES data, we identified a U-shaped association between SUA and all-cause mortality in participants with hyperlipidemia.

Efficacy and safety of LY01005 versus goserelin implant in Chinese patients with prostate cancer: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase III, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: LY01005 (Goserelin acetate sustained-release microsphere injection) is a modified gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist injected monthly. This phase III trial study aimed to evaluated the efficacy and safety of LY01005 in Chinese patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled, open-label, non-inferiority trial across 49 sites in China. This study included 290 patients with prostate cancer who received either LY01005 or goserelin implants every 28 days for three injections. The primary efficacy endpoints were the percentage of patients with testosterone suppression ≤50 ng/dL at day 29 and the cumulative probability of testosterone ≤50 ng/dL from day 29 to 85. Non-inferiority was prespecified at a margin of -10%. Secondary endpoints included significant castration (≤20 ng/dL), testosterone surge within 72 h following repeated dosing, and changes in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prostate specific antigen levels. RESULTS: On day 29, in the LY01005 and goserelin implant groups, testosterone concentrations fell below medical-castration levels in 99.3% (142/143) and 100% (140/140) of patients, respectively, with a difference of -0.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.9% to 2.0%) between the two groups. The cumulative probabilities of maintaining castration from days 29 to 85 were 99.3% and 97.8%, respectively, with a between-group difference of 1.5% (95% CI, -1.3% to 4.4%). Both results met the criterion for non-inferiority. Secondary endpoints were similar between groups. Both treatments were well-tolerated. LY01005 was associated with fewer injection-site reactions than the goserelin implant (0% vs . 1.4% [2/145]). CONCLUSION: LY01005 is as effective as goserelin implants in reducing testosterone to castration levels, with a similar safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04563936.

An electrochemical method for measuring magnetic flux density.

A magneto-electrochemical method is designed and validated for measuring magnetic flux density. This method is based on the correlation of the change of open circuit potential to the flux density of an applied magnetic field. Electrochemical systems with iron in ferric solutions are selected for demonstrating the validity of the proposed methods. Magnetic flux density can be measured with this method by voltmeter without using a Tesla meter.

U-Shaped Relationship Between Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase with All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Purpose: In the anaerobic metabolic pathway, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) plays an important role in hypoxia, inflammation, and cell damage, making it a potential biomarker for the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to examine the relationship between LDH levels and all-cause mortality in participants with COPD. Patients and Methods: Data of participants in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2007-2012 aged ≥20 years who underwent spirometry tests were examined, and follow-up mortality data were obtained. According to serum LDH levels, participants with COPD were divided into five groups (59-111, 112-123, 124-135, 136-150, and 151-344 U/L). To evaluate whether LDH levels were independently associated with COPD mortality, we used multivariate Cox regression analysis and smooth curve fitting. Results: We included 1320 subjects, 64 with stage III or IV COPD and 541 with stage II COPD. Over a median follow-up of 9.7 years (IQR: 7.8, 11.2), 252 of the 1320 subjects died. The mean LDH level was 132.5 U/L (standard deviation [SD], 27.0). A U-shaped relationship was observed between LDH levels and all-cause mortality. Below and above the inflection point, which was approximately 110 U/L, we found different slopes for the correlation between LDH and all-cause mortality of patients with COPD. Below the threshold, per 1-standard deviation (1SD) increase in LDH resulted in a 68% reduced risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-0.81, P=0.016); conversely, above the threshold, per 1SD increase in LDH accelerated the risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08-1.41, P= 0.002). Conclusion: Using the nationally representative NHANES data, we found a U-shaped association between LDH level and all-cause mortality in participants with COPD. An optimal LDH level of approximately 110 U/L was associated with the lowest risk of all-cause mortality.

Efficient naphthalene degradation in FeS2-activated nano calcium peroxide system: Performance and mechanisms.

Naphthalene (NAP) has received increasing concern due to frequent detection in groundwater and harm to humans. In this study, FeS2 was selected as a novel catalyst to activate nano calcium peroxide (nCP) for NAP degradation. Batch experiments were conducted in a 250 mL glass reactor containing 0.1 mM NAP solution to investigate the effect of reagents dosage, pH, air conditions (with or without N2 purge), and different solution matrixes on NAP degradation. Scavenging tests, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum, and radical probe tests were conducted to identify the main radicals. Results indicated that over 96% NAP was removed in a wide pH range (3.0-9.0) within 180 min at optimal dosage of nCP = 1.0 mM and FeS2 = 5.0 g L-1 in nCP/FeS2 system. Aerobic condition was more beneficial to NAP degradation and the system could tolerate complex solution conditions. Moreover, HO• was determined to be responsible for NAP degradation. NAP degradation intermediates were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the possible degradation pathways were revealed. Finally, the efficient degradation of other organic pollutants confirmed the broad-spectrum reactivity of the nCP/FeS2 system. Overall, these findings strongly demonstrated the potential applicability of nCP/FeS2 system in remediating organic contaminated groundwater.

Mechanism of trichloroethylene degradation in Fe(II)-activated peroxymonosulfate coupled with citric acid system in the presence of surfactants.

This study demonstrated that peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activated by Fe(II)/citric acid (CA) could effectively degrade trichloroethylene (TCE) in the presence of Tween-80 (TW-80) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Significant TCE removal of 91.6% (90.1%) with 1.3 g L-1 TW-80 (2.3 g L-1 SDS) were achieved at the PMS/Fe(II)/CA/TCE molar ratio of 4/4/4/1 (20/20/20/1). TCE degradation could be greatly elevated by Fe(II) and CA addition, while the existence of surfactants restrained TCE removal and the inhibitory effect increased with the higher surfactant concentration. The tests of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and reactive radicals scavenging experiments proved that sulfate radical (SO4-•), hydroxyl radical (HO•), and superoxide radical (O2-•) were responsible for TCE degradation and SO4-• acted as the major one. The influences of initial solution pH and inorganic anions k(Cl- and HCO3-) on TCE removal were also investigated. Eventually, TCE removal in actual groundwater tests with surfactants confirmed that the PMS/Fe(II)/CA process has a huge potential of practical application in remediating the groundwater contaminated by TCE after the pretreatment by solubilization using surfactants.

The bonding variation of γ-TiAl during deformation.

To improve the ductility of γ-TiAl, the complicated interaction of Ti-Al chemical bonds, Al-Al covalent bonds, and Ti metallic bonds in the process of deformation should be evaluated. The electronic structure variation of γ-TiAl during deformation is investigated using first-principles calculation with the local energy schemes. The relative influence of these bonds on atomic stability is for the first time qualitatively evaluated by the combination of local energy schemes and Electron Localization Function (ELF) analysis. The discrepant influence pattern of some alloy elements on ductility is discussed based on the bonding analysis.

Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase: A novel biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in lung adenocarcinoma.

Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), is an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-related kinase that serves important roles in tumourigenesis in multiple malignant tumours. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of MELK in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been elucidated. The present study aimed to explore the clinical significance of MELK in the prognosis of LUAD. Data from Oncomine, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were selected to predict the differential mRNA expression levels of MELK mRNA in LUAD and normal tissues. Subsequently, LUAD and adjacent normal tissue samples were collected from 75 patients with the disease, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of MELK. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database, GEPIA and TCGA were used to verify the effect of MELK expression on clinical prognosis in patients with LUAD. MELK was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues compared with that in normal tissues based on Oncomine, GEPIA and TCGA data (P<0.05). In addition, the results from immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the MELK protein level in LUAD tissues was significantly higher compared with that in matched normal tissues (P<0.05). Prognostic analysis performed using the Kaplan-Meier plotter, GEPIA and TCGA suggested that the expression of MELK was negatively associated with the overall survival time of patients with LUAD (P<0.05). In conclusion, MELK was highly expressed in LUAD based on bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry analysis, and increased expression of MELK was associated with a poor patient prognosis. MELK may serve as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for LUAD.

Kinetic Analysis of High-Temperature Plastic Flow in 2.25Cr-1Mo-0.25V Steel.

High-temperature plastic flow of heat-resistant 2.25Cr-1Mo-0.25V steel was investigated by hot tension (at 500-650 °C) on a Gleeble 3800 machine. The strain rate of hot tension was set as 0.001-1 s-1. The constitutive relation of the steel was modeled by the introduction of the parameters termed "true activation energy" and "threshold stress". Then, the kinetics of high-temperature plastic flow was analyzed based on an Arrhenius equation modified by a "threshold stress". The stress exponent of the modified equation was equal to 5. True activation energy was estimated to be 132 kJ·mol-1. According to the slip band model, the basic mechanism behind the hot deformation of the steel was considered to be dislocation climbing, which was governed by grain boundary diffusion. This model proved to be successful in its analysis of the experimental results of hot tension tests.

RETRACTED: Baicalein inhibits proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cell line T24 by down-regulation of microRNA-106.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. A panel from Figure 2A appears similar to a panel from Figure 6C of the article published by Qiu Hong Rui, Jian Bo Ma, Yu Feng Liao, Jin Hua Dai and Zhen Yu Cai in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 52(4) (2019) e7728 http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X20197728. Also, panels from Figure 4F appear similar to panels from Figure 6C of the article published by the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 52(4) (2019) e7728 and Figure 2B of the article published by Jin Zhou, Hao Li, Na Li, Xiangpan Li, Huibo Zhang, Qibin Song and Min Peng in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 10(8) (2017) 8211­8221 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6965428/. The journal also requested a response from the corresponding author on the post-publication comments of Dr Elisabeth Bik https://scienceintegritydigest.com/2020/02/21/the-tadpole-paper-mill/ but did not receive a response. Although this article was published earlier than the article from the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, the Editor decided to retract this article given the concerns on the reliability of the data. Also, one of the conditions of submission of a paper for publication is that authors declare explicitly that their work is original. As such this article represents an abuse of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process.

Effect of a functional polymorphism in the pre-miR-146a gene on the risk and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that function as regulators of tumor suppressors and oncogenes. A G>C polymorphism (rs2910164) in the miR­146a precursor sequence leads to a functional change associated with a risk for various types of malignancy. The role of this single nucleotide polymorphism in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not yet been examined. The present study evaluated the association between rs2910164 genotypes and the risk and prognosis of RCC in a population comprised of 421 RCC cases and 432 controls. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for rs2910164 genotypes according to case status. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to estimate hazards ratios and 95% CIs according to the genotypes among the RCC patients. It was found that the rs2910164 GG and GC genotypes were associated with an increased risk of RCC only in senior subjects (>57­years old; adjusted OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.04­2.43). Furthermore, the GC and GG genotypes were associated with a poorer survival rate among patients with RCC compared with the CC genotype (P=0.002). In conclusion, the observed association between the GG and GC genotype and poorer survival rate of RCC was at least partially mediated by the decreased expression of miR-146a.

Enhanced paramagnetic Cu²âº ions removal by coupling a weak magnetic field with zero valent iron.

A weak magnetic field (WMF) was proposed to enhance paramagnetic Cu(2+) ions removal by zero valent iron (ZVI). The rate constants of Cu(2+) removal by ZVI with WMF at pH 3.0-6.0 were -10.8 to -383.7 fold greater than those without WMF. XRD and XPS analyses revealed that applying a WMF enhanced both the Cu(2+) adsorption to the ZVI surface and the transformation of Cu(2+) to Cu(0) by ZVI. The enhanced Cu(2+) sequestration by ZVI with WMF was accompanied with expedited ZVI corrosion and solution ORP drop. The uneven distribution of paramagnetic Cu(2+) along an iron wire in an inhomogeneous MF verified that the magnetic field gradient force would accelerate the paramagnetic Cu(2+) transportation toward the ZVI surface due to the WMF-induced sharp decay of magnetic flux intensity from ZVI surface to bulk Cu(2+) solution. The paramagnetic Fe(2+) ions generated by ZVI corrosion would also accumulate at the position with the highest magnetic flux intensity on the ZVI surface, causing uneven distribution of Fe(2+), and facilitate the local galvanic corrosion of ZVI, and thus, Cu(2+) reduction by ZVI. The electrochemical analysis verified that the accelerated ZVI corrosion in the presence of WMF partly arose from the Lorentz force-enhanced mass transfer.