Microalgae-based biofertilizer improves fruit yield and controls greenhouse gas emissions in a hawthorn orchard.

Raising attentions have focused on how to alleviate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from orchard system while simultaneously increase fruit production. Microalgae-based biofertilizer represents a promising resource for improving soil fertility and higher productivity. However, the effects of microalgae application more especially live microalgae on GHG emissions are understudied. In this study, fruit yield and quality, GHG emissions, as well as soil organic carbon and nitrogen fractions were examined in a hawthorn orchard, under the effects of live microalgae-based biofertilizer applied at three doses and two modes. Compared with conventional fertilization, microalgae improved hawthorn yield by 15.7%-29.6% with a maximal increment at medium dose by root application, and significantly increased soluble and reducing sugars contents at high dose. While microalgae did not increase GHG emissions except for nitrous oxide at high dose by root application, instead it significantly increased methane uptake by 1.5-2.3 times in root application. In addition, microalgae showed an increasing trend in soil organic carbon content, and significantly increased the contents of soil dissolved organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon, as well as soil ammonium nitrogen and dissolved organic nitrogen at medium dose with root application. Overall, the results indicated that the live microalgae could be used as a green biofertilizer for improving fruit yield without increasing GHG emissions intensity and the comprehensive greenhouse effect, in particular at medium dose with root application. We presume that if lowering chemical fertilizer rates, application of the live microalgae-based biofertilizer may help to reduce nitrous oxide emissions without compromising fruit yield and quality.

Why did the world's largest green tides occur exclusively in the southern Yellow Sea?

The world's largest green tide, caused by the nuisance green algae Ulva prolifera, has occurred in the southern Yellow Sea for 16 consecutive years. It is puzzling why the extensive floating green tide occurs exclusively in the southern Yellow Sea, rather than other waters. We speculate that the transition of U. prolifera from a sessile state to a surface-floating one is the underlying cause of the floating green tide. Here we founded that the floating of U. prolifera was attributed to detachment from substrata and appropriate desiccation. The convergence of unreasonable green algae disposal, geographical features and farming patterns of Porphyra (economic red algae) in Subei Shoal contributed to mass production of floating U. prolifera, resulting in the exclusive occurrence of the floating green tides. Inducing the natural inactivation of green algae to prevent the floating of U. prolifera may effectively mitigate the extensive Ulva bloom at zero cost.

A Prospective, Single-Arm, Phase 2 Study of Modified Transarterial Chemoembolization Using Low-Dose Chemotherapy with Blank Microspheres Plus Low-Dose Lenvatinib and Microwave Ablation in Patients with Large (≥7 cm) Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The TALEM Trial.

Introduction: For patients with large unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the effectiveness of conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) remains suboptimal. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of modified TACE using low-dose chemotherapy with blank microspheres (BMS-TACE) plus low-dose lenvatinib (LD-LEN) and microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with large unresectable HCC. Methods: In this prospective, single-arm, phase 2 study, patients with unresectable HCC exceeding the up-to-seven criteria, with maximum tumor diameter ≥7 cm, and without macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic metastases, received initial BMS-TACE (lipiodol, low-dose doxorubicin, and lobaplatin up to 30 mg each, and blank microspheres; subsequently modified and repeated in most patients) plus LD-LEN (4-8 mg/day) and MWA. The primary endpoint was downstaging rate (DSR); secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events. Results: From November 2019 to March 2022, 43 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up was 21.2 months. Median largest tumor diameter was 11.2 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 7-25). Following BMS-TACE and LD-LEN, downstaging occurred in 37 (86.0%) patients, 32 of whom received MWA, and 8 of whom had a complete response (CR) without MWA. ORR was 93.0% (CR in 32 [74.4%] and partial response in 8 [18.6%] patients). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year PFS rates were 57.5%, 25.9%, and 18.1%, respectively (median PFS, 14.7 months [95% CI: 8.1-19.5]). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 85.8%, 67.7%, and 61.6%, respectively (median OS, 36.4 months [95% CI: 26.8-not reached]). After BMS-TACE, a significant decline in CD11b+/CD33+/HLA-DR- myeloid-derived suppressor cells and early elevation in CXCR5+/CD8+ and CXCR5+/CD4+ T cells were observed (both p < 0.05). Conclusion: BMS-TACE plus LD-LEN and MWA resulted in promising efficacy and tolerable toxicity in patients with large unresectable HCC exceeding the up-to-seven criteria with a maximum tumor diameter ≥7 cm and without macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic metastases.

Exploring factors influencing awareness and knowledge of human papillomavirus in Chinese college students: A cross-sectional study.

Cervical cancer remains a significant health burden in China, characterized by high incidence and mortality rates, which are exacerbated by low Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage, leading to substantial loss of productivity, emotional suffering, and family strain. Understanding factors that influence HPV awareness and knowledge is crucial for developing effective educational strategies. This cross-sectional study, conducted from September to October 2022, involved 2,679 college students from various educational institutions in Jiangsu Province, China. Data were collected via an online questionnaire covering demographics, HPV knowledge, and vaccination behaviors. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and multifactorial logistic regression, were used to identify factors influencing HPV knowledge. The study revealed that while over 90% of students correctly identified HPV's transmission and risks, significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions persist, particularly regarding HPV's association with HIV/AIDS and its treatment. Factors significantly associated with better HPV knowledge included age (22-24 years), female gender, being a medical major, being in a relationship, familiarity with HPV, and participation in sexual education programs. Despite a high willingness to receive the HPV vaccine (91.64%), actual vaccination rates remained low. These findings suggest that while Chinese college students were generally aware of HPV, targeted educational interventions are essential to address knowledge gaps and promote HPV vaccination effectively.

Ultrasound-Guided Microwave Ablation of Thyroid Schwannoma.

Thyroid schwannoma, a rare neoplasm of the thyroid gland, originates from Schwann cells that form the myelin sheath. A 47-year-old woman presented with a progressively enlarging thyroid nodule, which was monitored by repeated ultrasonography over the previous 2 years. Following a diagnosis of thyroid schwannoma by core needle biopsy and immunohistochemical staining, the patient underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA). Subsequent thyroid ultrasounds indicated a gradual decrease in the tumor's volume, achieving a 12-month volume reduction ratio of 79.20%. No complications were observed. Ultrasound-guided MWA may serve as an effective alternative to conventional surgery for managing thyroid schwannomas.

Size Uniformity of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots via Manganese-Doping.

The achievement of size uniformity and monodispersity in perovskite quantum dots (QDs) requires the implementation of precise temperature control and the establishment of optimal reaction conditions. Nevertheless, the accurate control of a range of reaction variables represents a considerable challenge. This study addresses the aforementioned challenge by employing manganese (Mn) doping to achieve size uniformity in CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs without the necessity for the precise control of the reaction conditions. By optimizing the Mn:Pb ratio, it is possible to successfully dope CsPbBr3 QDs with the appropriate concentrations of Mn²âº and achieve a uniform size distribution. The spectroscopic measurements on single QDs indicate that the appropriate Mn²âº concentrations can result in a narrower spectral linewidth, a longer photoluminescence (PL) lifetime, and a reduced biexciton Auger recombination rate, thus positively affecting the PL properties. This study not only simplifies the size control of perovskite QDs but also demonstrates the potential of Mn-doped CsPbBr3 QDs for narrow-linewidth light-emitting diode applications.

Linear morphea distributed along radial nerve with high incidence of neuromusculoskeletal disorders: A single-center case series.

Linear morphea is the most disabling subtype of morphea, which may cause a series of excutaneous manifestations and sequelae. To futher explore the clinical characteristics of linear morphea, we conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients diagnosed with linear morphea in our department during the past 2 years. Their baseline clinical information, skin manifestations, complications and therapeutic effect were analyzed. Here, we report six cases of a special linear morphea, usually occurring on the unilateral upper limbs of young women, spreading along the distribution of the radial nerve and frequently progressing across the joint, which increases the incidence of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Instead of traditional topical drugs, a combination of systemic prednisone and methotrexate improved their skin lesions and complications. Recognition of this special type of linear morphea enables earlier diagnosis and active treatment plan, which contributes to ameliorate the symptoms and avoid functional sequelae.

Cancer Incidence Among Residents Near Coal-Fired Power Plants Based on the Korean National Health Insurance System Data.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, posing a significant threat to human health and life expectancy. Numerous existing studies explored the correlation between coal-fired power plants and cancer development. Currently, Chungcheongnam-do Province hosts 29 coal-fired power plants, constituting half of the total 58 plants across South Korea. METHODS: This study assessed the cancer incidence by proximity to coal-fired power plants in Chungcheongnam-do Province, Korea. In this study, the exposed group comprised individuals residing within a 2-km radius of the coal-fired power plants, whereas the control group comprised individuals who had no prior residency within the 2-km radius of such plants or elsewhere in the province. Standardized incidence ratios were calculated using the cancer incidence cases retrieved from the National Health Insurance System data from 2007 to 2017. RESULTS: The study found that exposed men had a 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.21) times higher risk of developing all cancer types and a 1.15 (95% CI, 1.09-1.22) times higher risk of developing cancers excluding thyroid cancer compared with control men. Exposed women had a 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.14) times higher risk of developing all cancer types and a 1.06 (95% CI, 0.98-1.13) times higher risk of developing cancers excluding thyroid cancer than did control women. The colorectal, liver, prostate, and bladder cancer incidence rates were significantly higher in exposed men than that in all control groups. The incidence of esophageal, stomach, liver, and lung cancers were significantly higher in exposed women compared with all control groups. CONCLUSION: The residents near coal-fired power plants had a higher risk of developing cancer than did those living in other areas. In the future, long-term follow-up investigations in residents living in the vicinity of power plants are warranted.

A network analysis of body image concern, interoceptive sensibility, self-consciousness, and self-objectification.

OBJECTIVE: Disrupted interoception has been found in individuals with body image concerns and related psychiatric conditions (i.e., eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder). However, few studies have explored the role of interoception in the relationship between body image concern and self-objectification (SO). As components of the bodily self, interoception and body image may also contribute to the fostering of self-consciousness. METHODS: The current study estimated the network model of body image concern, adaptive and maladaptive interoceptive sensibility (IS), self-consciousness, and SO, with data from 743 neurotypical adults. The centrality of nodes and the robustness of the network were verified. RESULTS: Our network showed that interoception correlated with certain characteristics of body image concern (BIC) with varying strength and different directions. The most central node described beliefs of BIC, namely, negative evaluation toward appearance. Self-objectification and maladaptive IS presented the highest bridge centrality. Interoception also linked BICs with SO and self-consciousness. CONCLUSION: Findings suggested that SO, adaptive and maladaptive interoception might be the targets of intervention for individuals with BIC, specifically for those with high levels of appearance-related negative self-evaluations.

Adsorption performance and mechanism of pectin modified with ß-cyclodextrin for Zn2+ and Cu2.

Removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions has drawn more and more attentions these years because of their serious global health challenge to human society. To develop an adsorbent with green, stable and high-efficiency for adsorption of heavy metals, pectin ß-cyclodextrin composite was successfully prepared and used for Zn2+ and Cu2+ adsorption for the first time. Various variables that influence the adsorption performance were explored, and the optimal adsorption conditions were determined. According to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, the adsorption process of Zn2+ and Cu2+ by the adsorbent was mainly chemical adsorption. The adsorbent adsorption process was an exothermic and non-spontaneous process. According to the Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity was 12.51 ± 0.33 and 24.98 ± 0.23 mg/g for Zn2+ and Cu2+, respectively. The FTIR, EDX and XPS results revealed that the main mechanisms of removing pollutants by adsorbent were ion exchange and coordination. In addition, electrostatic attraction and chelation were present in the adsorption process. After five adsorption desorption cycles, the pectin ß-cyclodextrin composite adsorbent still exhibited adsorption and regeneration capabilities. This study provides a low-cost, effective and simple method for preparation of modified pectin, which has excellent application potential in the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater.

Recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 alleviates learning and memory impairments via M2 microglia polarization in postoperative cognitive dysfunction mice.

ABSTRACT: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a severe complication of the central nervous system that occurs after anesthesia and surgery, and has received attention for its high incidence and effect on the quality of life of patients. To date, there are no viable treatment options for postoperative cognitive dysfunction. The identification of postoperative cognitive dysfunction hub genes could provide new research directions and therapeutic targets for future research. To identify the signaling mechanisms contributing to postoperative cognitive dysfunction, we first conducted Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE95426 dataset, which consists of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs differentially expressed in mouse hippocampus 3 days after tibial fracture. The dataset was enriched in genes associated with the biological process "regulation of immune cells," of which Chill was identified as a hub gene. Therefore, we investigated the contribution of chitinase-3-like protein 1 protein expression changes to postoperative cognitive dysfunction in the mouse model of tibial fracture surgery. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 24 hours post-surgery, and the injection groups were compared with untreated control mice for learning and memory capacities using the Y-maze and fear conditioning tests. In addition, protein expression levels of proinflammatory factors (interleukin-1ß and inducible nitric oxide synthase), M2-type macrophage markers (CD206 and arginase-1), and cognition-related proteins (brain-derived neurotropic factor and phosphorylated NMDA receptor subunit NR2B) were measured in hippocampus by western blotting. Treatment with recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 prevented surgery-induced cognitive impairment, downregulated interleukin-1ß and nducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and upregulated CD206, arginase-1, pNR2B, and brain-derived neurotropic factor expression compared with vehicle treatment. Intraperitoneal administration of the specific ERK inhibitor PD98059 diminished the effects of recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1. Collectively, our findings suggest that recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 ameliorates surgery-induced cognitive decline by attenuating neuroinflammation via M2 microglial polarization in the hippocampus. Therefore, recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 may have therapeutic potential for postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with surgically treated high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: A multicenter retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic factors and survival outcomes of patients with surgically treated high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (NECC). METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study involved 98 cervical cancer patients with stage IA2-IIA2 and IIIC1/2p high-grade NECC. We divided the patients into two groups based on histology: the pure and mixed groups. All clinicopathologic variables were retrospectively evaluated. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods were used for analysis. RESULTS: In our study, 60 patients were in the pure group and 38 patients were in the mixed group. Cox multivariate analysis showed that mixed histology was a protective factor impacting overall survival (OS) (P = 0.026) and progression free survival (PFS) (P = 0.018) in surgically treated high-grade NECC. Conversely, survival outcomes were negatively impacted by ovarian preservation (OS: HR, 20.84; 95% CI: 5.02-86.57, P < 0.001), age >45 years (OS: HR, 4.50; 95% CI: 1.0-18.83, P = 0.039), tumor size >4 cm (OS: HR, 6.23; 95% CI: 2.34-16.61, P < 0.001), parity >3 (OS: HR, 4.50; 95% CI: 1.02-19.91, P = 0.048), and perineural invasion (OS: HR, 5.21; 95% CI: 1.20-22.53, P = 0.027). Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed notable differences in histologic type (OS: P = 0.045; PFS: P = 0.024), chemotherapy (OS: P = 0.0056; PFS: P = 0.0041), ovarian preservation (OS: P = 0.00031; PFS: P = 0.0023), uterine invasion (OS: P < 0.0001; PFS: P < 0.0001), and depth of stromal invasion (OS: P = 0.043; PFS: P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Patients with mixed histologic types who undergo surgery for high-grade NECC have a better prognosis. Meanwhile, ovarian preservation, tumor size >4 cm, parity >3, age >45 years and perineural invasion were poor prognostic predictors. Therefore, patients with high-risk factors should be considered in clinical practice.

Enzyme/ROS dual-sensitive nanoplatform with on-demand Celastrol release capacity for enhanced ulcerative colitis therapy by ROS scavenging, microbiota rebalancing, inflammation alleviating.

BACKGROUND: The oral administration of drugs for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) is hindered by several factors, including inadequate gastrointestinal stability, insufficient accumulation in colonic lesions, and uncontrolled drug release. METHODS: A multiple sensitive nano-delivery system comprising ß-cyclodextrin (CD) and 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenylboronic acid (PAPE) with enzyme/reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensitivity was developed to load celastrol (Cel) as a comprehensive treatment for UC. RESULTS: Owing to the positive charge in the site of inflamed colonic mucosa, the negatively charged nanomedicine (Cel/NPs) could efficiently accumulate. Expectedly, Cel/NPs showed excellent localization ability to colon in vitro and in vivo tests. The elevated concentration of ROS and intestinal enzymes in the colon microenvironment quickly break the CD, resulting in Cel release partially to rebalance microbiota and recover the intestinal barrier. The accompanying cellular internalization of residual Cel/NPs, along with the high concentration of cellular ROS to trigger Cel burst release, could decrease the expression of inflammatory cytokines, inhibit colonic cell apoptosis, promote the macrophage polarization, scavenge ROS, and regulate the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, which certified that Cel/NPs possessed a notably anti-UC therapy outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a promising strategy for addressing UC symptoms via an enzyme/ROS-sensitive oral platform capable of releasing drugs on demand.

Beta-frequency sensory stimulation enhances gait rhythmicity through strengthened coupling between striatal networks and stepping movement.

Stepping movement is delta (1-4 Hz) rhythmic and depends on sensory inputs. In addition to delta rhythms, beta (10-30 Hz) frequency dynamics are also prominent in the motor circuits and are coupled to neuronal delta rhythms both at the network and the cellular levels. Since beta rhythms are broadly supported by cortical and subcortical sensorimotor circuits, we explore how beta-frequency sensory stimulation influences delta-rhythmic stepping movement, and dorsal striatal circuit regulation of stepping. We delivered audiovisual stimulation at 10 Hz or 145 Hz to mice voluntarily locomoting, while simultaneously recording stepping movement, striatal cellular calcium dynamics and local field potentials (LFPs). We found that 10 Hz, but not 145 Hz stimulation prominently entrained striatal LFPs. Even though sensory stimulation at both frequencies promoted locomotion and desynchronized striatal network, only 10 Hz stimulation enhanced the delta rhythmicity of stepping movement and strengthened the coupling between stepping and striatal LFP delta and beta oscillations. These results demonstrate that higher frequency sensory stimulation can modulate lower frequency dorsal striatal neural dynamics and improve stepping rhythmicity, highlighting the translational potential of non-invasive beta-frequency sensory stimulation for improving gait.

Functional Group-Driven Competing Mechanism in Electrochemical Reaction and Adsorption/Desorption Processes toward High-Capacity Aluminum-Porphyrin Batteries.

Nonaqueous organic aluminum batteries are considered as promising high-safety energy storage devices due to stable ionic liquid electrolytes and Al metals. However, the stability and capacity of organic positive electrodes are limited by their inherent high solubility and low active organic molecules. To address such issues, here porphyrin compounds with rigid molecular structures present stable and reversible capability in electrochemically storing AlCl2 +. Comparison between the porphyrin molecules with electron-donating groups (TPP-EDG) and with electron-withdrawing groups (TPP-EWG) suggests that EDG is responsible for increasing both highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels, resulting in decreased redox potentials. On the other hand, EWG is associated with decreasing both HOMO and LUMO energy levels, leading to promoted redox potentials. EDG and EWG play critical roles in regulating electron density of porphyrin π bond and electrochemical energy storage kinetics behavior. The competitive mechanism between electrochemical redox reaction and de/adsorption processes suggests that TPP-OCH3 delivers the highest specific capacity ~171.8 mAh g-1, approaching a record in the organic Al batteries.

Phagocytic Plasma Cells in Teleost Fish Provide Insights into the Origin and Evolution of B Cells in Vertebrates.

Teleost IgM+ B cells can phagocytose, like mammalian B1 cells, and secrete Ag-specific IgM, like mammalian B2 cells. Therefore, teleost IgM+ B cells may have the functions of both mammalian B1 and B2 cells. To support this view, we initially found that grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) IgM+ plasma cells (PCs) exhibit robust phagocytic ability, akin to IgM+ naive B cells. Subsequently, we sorted grass carp IgM+ PCs into two subpopulations: nonphagocytic (Pha-IgM+ PCs) and phagocytic IgM+ PCs (Pha+IgM+ PCs), both of which demonstrated the capacity to secrete natural IgM with LPS and peptidoglycan binding capacity. Remarkably, following immunization of grass carp with an Ag, we observed that both Pha-IgM+ PCs and Pha+IgM+ PCs could secrete Ag-specific IgM. Furthermore, in vitro concatenated phagocytosis experiments in which Pha-IgM+ PCs from an initial phagocytosis experiment were sorted and exposed again to beads confirmed that these cells also have phagocytic capabilities, thereby suggesting that all teleost IgM+ B cells have phagocytic potential. Additionally, we found that grass carp IgM+ PCs display classical phenotypic features of macrophages, providing support for the hypothesis that vertebrate B cells evolved from ancient phagocytes. These findings together reveal that teleost B cells are a primitive B cell type with functions reminiscent of both mammalian B1 and B2 cells, providing insights into the origin and evolution of B cells in vertebrates.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of piperine derivatives as potent antitumor agents.

A series of piperine derivatives were designed and successfully synthesized. The antitumor activities of these compounds against 293 T human normal cells, as well as MDA-MB-231 (breast) and Hela (cervical) cancer cell lines, were assessed through the MTT assay. Notably, compound H7 exhibited moderate activity, displaying reduced toxicity towards non-tumor 293 T cells while potently enhancing the antiproliferative effects in Hela and MDA-MB-231 cells. The IC50 values were determined to be 147.45 ± 6.05 µM, 11.86 ± 0.32 µM, and 10.50 ± 3.74 µM for the respective cell lines. In subsequent mechanistic investigations, compound H7 demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of clone formation, migration, and adhesion in Hela cells. At a concentration of 15 µM, its inhibitory effect on Hela cell function surpassed that of both piperine and 5-Fu. Furthermore, compound H7 exhibited promising antitumor activity in vivo, as evidenced by significant inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and reduction in tumor weight in a chicken embryo model. These findings provide a valuable scientific foundation for the development of novel and efficacious antitumor agents, particularly highlighting the potential of compound H7 as a therapeutic candidate for cervical cancer and breast cancer.

Telomere-to-telomere Citrullus super-pangenome provides direction for watermelon breeding.

To decipher the genetic diversity within the cucurbit genus Citrullus, we generated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies of 27 distinct genotypes, encompassing all seven Citrullus species. This T2T super-pangenome has expanded the previously published reference genome, T2T-G42, by adding 399.2 Mb and 11,225 genes. Comparative analysis has unveiled gene variants and structural variations (SVs), shedding light on watermelon evolution and domestication processes that enhanced attributes such as bitterness and sugar content while compromising disease resistance. Multidisease-resistant loci from Citrullus amarus and Citrullus mucosospermus were successfully introduced into cultivated Citrullus lanatus. The SVs identified in C. lanatus have not only been inherited from cordophanus but also from C. mucosospermus, suggesting additional ancestors beyond cordophanus in the lineage of cultivated watermelon. Our investigation substantially improves the comprehension of watermelon genome diversity, furnishing comprehensive reference genomes for all Citrullus species. This advancement aids in the exploration and genetic enhancement of watermelon using its wild relatives.

Phosphorylation of USP27X by PIM2 promotes glycolysis and breast cancer progression via deubiquitylation of MYC.

Aberrant cell proliferation is a hallmark of cancer, including breast cancer. Here, we show that USP27X is required for cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in breast cancer. We identify a PIM2-USP27X regulator of MYC signaling axis whose activity is an important contributor to the tumor biology of breast cancer. PIM2 phosphorylates USP27X, and promotes its deubiquitylation activity for MYC, which promotes its protein stability and leads to increase HK2-mediated aerobic glycolysis in breast cancer. Moreover, the PIM2-USP27X-MYC axis is also validated in PIM2-knockout mice. Taken together, these findings show a PIM2-USP27X-MYC signaling axis as a new potential target for breast cancer treatment.

Benzo(a)pyrene promotes the malignant progression of malignant-transformed BEAS-2B cells by regulating YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 to inhibit ferroptosis.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is associated with the development of lung cancer, but the underlying mechanism has not been completely clarified. Here, we used 10 µM BaP to induce malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells, named BEAS-2B-T. Results indicated that BaP (6.25, 12.5 and 25 µM) treatment significantly promoted the migration and invasion of BEAS-2B-T cells. Meanwhile, BaP exposure inhibited ferroptosis in BEAS-2B-T, ferroptosis-related indexes Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased significantly. The protein level of ferroptosis-related molecule transferrin receptor (TFRC) decreased significantly, while solute carrier family 7 membrane 11 (SLC7A11), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) increased significantly. The intervention of ferroptosis dramatically effected the migration and invasion of BEAS-2B-T induced by BaP. Furthermore, the expression of YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) was markedly increased after BaP exposure. YTHDF1 knockdown inhibited BEAS-2B-T migration and invasion by promoting ferroptosis. In the meantime, the contents of Fe2+, MDA, LPO and ROS increased significantly, TFRC was markedly increased, and SLC7A11, FTH1, and GPX4 were markedly decreased. Moreover, overexpression of YTHDF1 promoted BEAS-2B-T migration and invasion by inhibiting ferroptosis. Importantly, knockdown of YTHDF1 promoted ferroptosis and reduced BEAS-2B-T migration and invasion during BaP exposure, and overexpression of YTHDF1 increased migration and invasion of BEAS-2B-T by inhibiting ferroptosis during BaP exposure. RNA immunoprecipitation assays indicated that the binding of YTHDF1 to SLC7A11 and FTH1 markedly increased after YTHDF1 overexpression. Therefore, we concluded that BaP promotes the malignant progression of BEAS-2B-T cells through YTHDF1 upregulating SLC7A11 and FTH1 to inhibit ferroptosis. This study reveals new epigenetic and ferroptosis markers for preventing and treating lung cancer induced by environmental carcinogens.