A high-fidelity DNAzyme-assisted CRISPR/Cas13a system with single-nucleotide resolved specificity.

A CRISPR/Cas system represents an innovative tool for developing a new-generation biosensing and diagnostic strategy. However, the off-target issue (i.e., mistaken cleavage of nucleic acid targets and reporters) remains a great challenge for its practical applications. We hypothesize that this issue can be overcome by taking advantage of the site-specific cleavage ability of RNA-cleaving DNAzymes. To test this idea, we propose a DNAzyme Operation Enhances the Specificity of CRISPR/Cas13a strategy (termed DOES-CRISPR) to overcome the problem of relatively poor specificity that is typical of the traditional CRISPR/Cas13a system. The key to the design is that the partial hybridization of the CRISPR RNA (crRNA) with the cleavage fragment of off-target RNA was not able to activate the collateral cleavage activity of Cas13a. We showed that DOES-CRISPR can significantly improve the specificity of traditional CRISPR/Cas13a-based molecular detection by up to ∼43-fold. The broad utility of the strategy is illustrated through engineering three different systems for the detection of microRNAs (miR-17 and let-7e), CYP2C19*17 gene, SARS-Cov-2 variants (Gamma, Delta, and Omicron) and Omicron subtypes (BQ.1 and XBB.1) with single-nucleotide resolved specificity. Finally, clinical evaluation of this assay using 10 patient blood samples demonstrated a clinical sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100% for genotyping CYP2C19*17, and analyzing 20 throat swab samples provided a diagnostic sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100% for Omicron detection, and a clinical sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 100% for XBB.1 detection.

HMGA1 sensitizes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to mTOR inhibitors through the ETS1-FKBP12 axis.

Esophageal carcinoma is amongst the prevalent malignancies worldwide, characterized by unclear molecular classifications and varying clinical outcomes. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, one of the frequently perturbed dysregulated pathways in human malignancies, has instigated the development of various inhibitory agents targeting this pathway, but many ESCC patients exhibit intrinsic or adaptive resistance to these inhibitors. Here, we aim to explore the reasons for the insensitivity of ESCC patients to mTOR inhibitors. We assessed the sensitivity to rapamycin in various ESCC cell lines by determining their respective IC50 values and found that cells with a low level of HMGA1 were more tolerant to rapamycin. Subsequent experiments have supported this finding. Through a transcriptome sequencing, we identified a crucial downstream effector of HMGA1, FKBP12, and found that FKBP12 was necessary for HMGA1-induced cell sensitivity to rapamycin. HMGA1 interacted with ETS1, and facilitated the transcription of FKBP12. Finally, we validated this regulatory axis in in vivo experiments, where HMGA1 deficiency in transplanted tumors rendered them resistance to rapamycin. Therefore, we speculate that mTOR inhibitor therapy for individuals exhibiting a reduced level of HMGA1 or FKBP12 may not work. Conversely, individuals exhibiting an elevated level of HMGA1 or FKBP12 are more suitable candidates for mTOR inhibitor treatment.

Sotorasib as first-line therapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS gene mutations combined with brain metastases: a case report.

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a high incidence of lung cancer, with a 30% incidence of KRAS mutations and a low 5-year survival rate. Until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sotorasib in May 2021, no therapies targeted mutated KRAS in cancer. Sotorasib, a new KRAS inhibitor, is currently recognized as the newest clinically targeted agent with apparent clinical efficacy in NSCLC patients with KRAS G12C mutations. FDA approval is required for patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC undergoing at least one chemotherapy regimen. Case Description: In our study, we report a patient with advanced NSCLC combined with brain metastases, clinical stage IV (c.T3N0M1b), KRAS G12C (+) detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, direct use of sotorasib, an inhibitor of KRAS G12C, as first-line therapy. The patient was treated with 4 months of oral therapy, had significant partial remission (PR), and remained in stable disease (SD) for nearly 9 months of follow-up, with no other side effects. Further extension of the follow-up period is needed to assess the impact of sotorasib as first-line therapy on patient survival. A series of clinical trials in phase 3 is ongoing, covering the first-line usage widespread. Conclusions: Based on the literature review, this is the first domestic report in China where sotorasib was used directly as first-line treatment in patients with advanced combined brain metastasis from NSCLC. It needs a longer follow-up to evaluate the efficacy of sotorasib further as a first-line.

Effects of different assembly strategies on gene annotation in activated sludge.

Activated sludge comprises diverse bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, featuring a rich repertoire of genes involved in antibiotic resistance, pollutant degradation, and elemental cycling. In this regard, hybrid assembly technology can revolutionize metagenomics by detecting greater gene diversity in environmental samples. Nonetheless, the optimal utilization and comparability of genomic information between hybrid assembly and short- or long-read technology remain unclear. To address this gap, we compared the performance of the hybrid assembly, short- and long-read technologies, abundance and diversity of annotated genes, and taxonomic diversity by analysing 46, 161, and 45 activated sludge metagenomic datasets, respectively. The results revealed that hybrid assembly technology exhibited the best performance, generating the most contiguous and longest contigs but with a lower proportion of high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes than short-read technology. Compared with short- or long-read technologies, hybrid assembly technology can detect a greater diversity of microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes, as well as a wider range of potential hosts. However, this approach may yield lower gene abundance and pathogen detection. Our study revealed the specific advantages and disadvantages of hybrid assembly and short- and long-read applications in wastewater treatment plants, and our approach could serve as a blueprint to be extended to terrestrial environments.

SVEN_5003 is a Major Developmental Regulator in Streptomyces venezuelae.

Many regulatory genes that affect cellular development in Streptomyces, such as the canonical bld genes, have already been identified. However, in this study, we identified sven_5003 in Streptomyces venezuelae as a major new developmental regulatory gene, the deletion of which leads to a bald phenotype, typical of bld mutants, under multiple growth conditions. Our data indicated that disruption of sven_5003 also has a differential impact on the production of the two antibiotics jadomycin and chloramphenicol. Enhanced production of jadomycin but reduced production of chloramphenicol were detected in our sven_5003 mutant strain (S. venezuelae D5003). RNA-Seq analysis indicated that SVEN_5003 impacts expression of hundreds of genes, including genes involved in development, primary and secondary metabolism, and genes of unknown function, a finding confirmed by real-time PCR analysis. Transcriptional analysis indicated that sven_5003 is an auto-regulatory gene, repressing its own expression. Despite the evidence indicating that SVEN_5003 is a regulatory factor, a putative DNA-binding domain was not predicted from its primary amino acid sequence, implying an unknown regulatory mechanism by SVEN_5003. Our findings revealed that SVEN_5003 is a pleiotropic regulator with a critical role in morphological development in S. venezuelae.

In Situ Quantitative Imaging of Plasma Membrane Stiffness in Live Cells Using a Genetically Encoded FRET Sensor.

Cell membrane stiffness is critical for cellular function, with cholesterol and sphingomyelin as pivot contributors. Current methods for measuring membrane stiffness are often invasive, ex situ, and slow in process, prompting the need for innovative techniques. Here, we present a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based protein sensor designed to address these challenges. The sensor consists of two fluorescent units targeting sphingomyelin and cholesterol, connected by a linker that responds to the proximity of these lipids. In rigid membranes, cholesterol and sphingomyelin are in close proximity, leading to an increased FRET signal. We utilized this sensor in combination with confocal microscopy to explore changes in plasma membrane stiffness under various conditions, including differences in osmotic pressure, the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and variations in substrate stiffness. Furthermore, we explored the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on membrane stiffness and the distribution of ACE2 after attachment to the cell membrane. This tool offers substantial potential for future investigations in the field of mechanobiology.

Itaconate protects ferroptotic neurons by alkylating GPx4 post stroke.

Neuronal ferroptosis plays a key role in neurologic deficits post intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the endogenous regulation of rescuing ferroptotic neurons is largely unexplored. Here, we analyzed the integrated alteration of metabolomic landscape after ICH using LC-MS and MALDI-TOF/TOF MS, and demonstrated that aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Irg1) and its product itaconate, a derivative of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, were protectively upregulated. Deficiency of Irg1 or depletion of neuronal Irg1 in striatal neurons was shown to exaggerate neuronal loss and behavioral dysfunction in an ICH mouse model using transgenic mice. Administration of 4-Octyl itaconate (4-OI), a cell-permeable itaconate derivative, and neuronal Irg1 overexpression protected neurons in vivo. In addition, itaconate inhibited ferroptosis in cortical neurons derived from mouse and human induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that itaconate alkylated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) on its cysteine 66 and the modification allosterically enhanced GPx4's enzymatic activity by using a bioorthogonal probe, itaconate-alkyne (ITalk), and a GPx4 activity assay using phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide. Altogether, our research suggested that Irg1/itaconate-GPx4 axis may be a future therapeutic strategy for protecting neurons from ferroptosis post ICH.

A review on fermented vegetables: Microbial community and potential upgrading strategy via inoculated fermentation.

Fermentation is a traditional method utilized for vegetable preservation, with microorganisms playing a crucial role in the process. Nowadays, traditional spontaneous fermentation methods are widely employed, which excessively depend on the microorganisms attached to the surface of raw materials, resulting in great difficulties in ideal control over the fermentation process. To achieve standardized production and improve product quality, it is essential to promote inoculated fermentation. In this way, starter cultures can dominate the fermentation processes successfully. Unfortunately, inoculated fermentation has not been thoroughly studied and applied. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic review of the potential upgrading strategy of vegetable fermentation technology. First, we disclose the microbial community structures and succession rules in some typical spontaneously fermented vegetables to comprehend the microbial fermentation processes well. Then, internal and external factors affecting microorganisms are explored to provide references for the selection of fermented materials and conditions. Besides, we widely summarize the potential starter candidates with various characteristics isolated from spontaneously fermented products. Subsequently, we exhibited the inoculated fermentation strategies with those isolations. To optimize the product quality, not only lactic acid bacteria that lead the fermentation, but also yeasts that contribute to aroma formation should be combined for inoculation. The inoculation order of the starter cultures also affects the microbial fermentation. It is equally important to choose a proper processing method to guarantee the activity and convenience of starter cultures. Only in this way can we achieve the transition from traditional spontaneous fermentation to modern inoculated fermentation.

Barley Protein LFBEP-C1 from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 Fermented Barley Extracts by Inhibiting Lipid Accumulation in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the lipid-lowering activity of LFBEP-C1 in high glucose-fed Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Methods: In this study, the fermented barley protein LFBEP-C1 was prepared and tested for its potential anti-obesity effects on C. elegans. The worms were fed Escherichia coli OP50 ( E. coli OP50), glucose, and different concentrations of LFBEP-C1. Body size, lifespan, movement, triglyceride content, and gene expression were analyzed. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test. Results: Compared with the model group, the head-swing frequency of C. elegans in the group of LFBEP-C1 at 20 µg/mL increased by 33.88%, and the body-bending frequency increased by 27.09%. This indicated that LFBEP-C1 improved the locomotive ability of C. elegans. The average lifespan of C. elegans reached 13.55 days, and the body length and width of the C. elegans decreased after LFBEP-C1 intake. Additionally, LFBEP-C1 reduced the content of lipid accumulation and triglyceride levels. The expression levels of sbp-1, daf-2, and mdt-15 significantly decreased, while those of daf-16, tph-1, mod-1, and ser-4 significantly increased after LFBEP-C1 intake. Changes in these genes explain the signaling pathways that regulate lipid metabolism. Conclusion: LFBEP-C1 significantly reduced lipid deposition in C. elegans fed a high-glucose diet and alleviated the adverse effects of a high-glucose diet on the development, lifespan, and exercise behavior of C. elegans. In addition, LFBEP-C1 regulated lipid metabolism mainly by mediating the expression of genes in the sterol regulatory element-binding protein, insulin, and 5-hydroxytryptamine signaling pathways.

In vivo evaluations of Lactobacillus-fermented Eucheuma spinosum polysaccharides on alleviating food allergy activity.

In order to explore the in vivo anti-food allergy activity of Lactobacillus sakei subsp. sakei-fermented Eucheuma spinosum polysaccharides F1-ESP-3, an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy mouse model was established by ascites immunization and gavage. The weight, temperature, incidence of diarrhea, levels of allergic mediators and inflammatory factors in the serum of mice were analyzed. We analyzed the differentiation of mouse spleen lymphocytes and the proportion of sensitized mast cells by flow cytometry. The intestinal barrier status of mice was analyzed by intestinal pathological tissue sections and microbiota sequencing. The results showed that F1-ESP-3 could alleviate the food allergy symptoms of mice, such as hypothermia and loose stool; levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E, mast cell protease and histamine in the serum of sensitized mice and the proportion of dendritic cells and mast cells in mouse spleen were significantly reduced; in addition, F1-ESP-3 may protect the intestinal barrier and further improve the intestinal microenvironment of food-allergic mice by regulating the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. F1-ESP-3 can further improve the intestinal microenvironment of food-allergic mice by upregulating the levels of Lachnospiraceae, and may affect the signal pathways such as NOD-like receptor, MAPK, I kappa B and antigen processing and presentation.

AP-1 and SP1 trans-activate the expression of hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 in the bioactivation of AFB1 in chicken.

Dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is harmful to the health and performance of domestic animals. The hepatic cytochrome P450s (CYPs), CYP1A1 and CYP2A6, are the primary enzymes responsible for the bioactivation of AFB1 to the highly toxic exo-AFB1-8,9-epoxide (AFBO) in chicks. However, the transcriptional regulation mechanism of these CYP genes in the liver of chicks in AFB1 metabolism remains unknown. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, bioinformatics and site-directed mutation results indicated that specificity protein 1 (SP1) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) motifs were located in the core region -1,063/-948, -606/-541 of the CYP1A1 promoter as well as -636/-595, -503/-462, -147/-1 of the CYP2A6 promoter. Furthermore, overexpression and decoy oligodeoxynucleotide technologies demonstrated that SP1 and AP-1 were pivotal transcriptional activators regulating the promoter activity of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6. Moreover, bioactivation of AFB1 to AFBO could be increased by upregulation of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 expression, which was trans-activated owing to the upregulalion of AP-1, rather than SP1, stimulated by AFB1-induced reactive oxygen species. Additionally, nano-selenium could reduce ROS, downregulate AP-1 expression and then decrease the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6, thus alleviating the toxicity of AFB1. In conclusion, AP-1 and SP1 played important roles in the transactivation of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 expression and further bioactivated AFB1 to AFBO in chicken liver, which could provide novel targets for the remediation of aflatoxicosis in chicks.

Self-Assembly of Single-Virus SERS Hotspots for Highly Sensitive In Situ Detection of SARS-CoV-2 on Solid Surfaces.

Microbial surface transmission has aroused great attention since the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Developing a simple in situ detection method for viruses on solid surfaces is of great significance for timely public health surveillance. Taking advantage of the natural structure of SARS-CoV-2, we reported the assembly of Au@AgNPs on the surface of a single virus by the specific aptamer-spike protein interaction. Multiple hotspots can be created between the neighboring Au@AgNPs for the highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of SARS-CoV-2. Using two different aptamers labeled with Cy3 and Au@AgNPs, in situ SERS detection of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 (PSV) on packaging surfaces was achieved within 20 min, with a detection limit of 5.26 TCID50/mL. For the blind testing of 20 PSV-contaminated packaging samples, this SERS aptasensor had a sensitivity of 100% and an accuracy of 100%. This assay has been successfully applied to in situ detection of PSV on the surfaces of different packaging materials, suggesting its potential applicability.

Upadacitinib Rapidly Improves Patient-Reported Outcomes in Atopic Dermatitis: 16-Week Results from Phase 3 Clinical Trials (Measure Up 1 and 2).

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by intense itch and other symptoms that negatively impact quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the effect of upadacitinib (an oral selective Janus kinase inhibitor) monotherapy on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD over 16 weeks. METHODS: This integrated analysis of the double-blind, placebo-controlled periods of phase 3 monotherapy clinical trials Measure Up 1 (NCT03569293) and Measure Up 2 (NCT03607422) assessed itch (Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale [WP-NRS] and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis [SCORAD]), skin pain and symptom severity (AD Symptom Scale), symptom frequency (Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure), sleep (AD Impact Scale [ADerm-IS] and SCORAD), daily activities and emotional state (ADerm-IS), QoL (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] and Children's DLQI), mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and patient impressions (Patient Global Impression of Severity, Patient Global Impression of Change, and Patient Global Impression of Treatment). RESULTS: Data from 1683 patients (upadacitinib 15 mg, n = 557; upadacitinib 30 mg, n = 567; placebo, n = 559) were analyzed. A greater proportion of patients receiving upadacitinib versus placebo experienced improvements in itch (≥ 4-point improvement on WP-NRS) by week 1 (upadacitinib 15 mg, 11.2%; upadacitinib 30 mg, 17.7%; placebo, 0.5%; P < 0.001), with response rates sustained through week 16 (upadacitinib 15 mg, 47.1%; upadacitinib 30 mg, 59.8%; placebo, 10.4%; P < 0.001). Improvements were similar for PROs assessing skin pain/symptoms, sleep, daily activities, QoL, emotional state, mental health, and patient impressions of disease severity and treatment. Responses generally improved rapidly (within 1-2 weeks), increased through weeks 4-6, and were maintained through week 16. CONCLUSIONS: Once-daily oral upadacitinib monotherapy improved response rates across PROs compared with placebo. Upadacitinib therapy resulted in rapid, sustained improvements in PROs measuring symptom burden and QoL in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT03569293 and NCT03607422.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is characterized by itchy, dry, inflamed skin. These symptoms often make it difficult for patients to get adequate sleep. Patients with atopic dermatitis may also experience anxiety, depression, reduced self-confidence, social isolation, disruption to daily activities like school and work, and decreased quality of life. Many atopic dermatitis symptoms, including itch and psychological impact, are difficult for doctors to assess. Thus, it is important to consider patients' descriptions of their symptoms and quality of life, particularly when assessing treatment benefit. Upadacitinib is an orally administered drug approved to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. We investigated how upadacitinib (15 mg or 30 mg) given once daily to adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in the Measure Up 1 and 2 clinical trials impacts their symptoms and quality of life over a 16-week period. We compared changes in patient-reported itch, pain, sleep, daily activities, emotional state, mental health, and overall quality of life among patients in the clinical trials who received upadacitinib with those in the same studies who received a dummy (placebo) treatment. Upadacitinib improved patient-reported symptoms and quality of life early in the clinical trials, often within the first 1­2 weeks. The extent of the improvements increased through weeks 4­6 of treatment and lasted through week 16. Patients who received upadacitinib reported greater improvements in symptoms and quality of life than did patients who received placebo. Upadacitinib treatment resulted in rapid and lasting improvements in the well-being of patients with atopic dermatitis.

Inhalation of hydrogen-rich gas before acute exercise alleviates exercise fatigue.

Hydrogen, as an antioxidant, may have the potential to mitigate fatigue and improve selected oxidative stress markers induced by strenuous exercise. This study focused on previously unexplored approach of pre-exercise inhalation of hydrogen-rich gas (HRG). Twenty-four healthy adult men first completed prelaboratories to determine maximum cycling power (Wmax) and maximum cycling time (Tmax). Then they were subjected to ride Tmax at 80% Wmax on cycle ergometers after inhaled HRG or placebo gas (air) for 60-minute in a double-blind, counterbalanced, randomized, and crossover design. The cycling frequency in the fatigue modelling process and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at the beginning and end of the ride were recorded. Before gas inhalation and after fatigue modeling, visual analog scale (VAS) for fatigue and counter-movement jump (CMJ) were tested, and blood samples were obtained. The results showed that compared to placebo, HRG inhalation induced significant improvement in VAS, RPE, the cycling frequency in the last 30 seconds, the ability to inhibit hydroxyl radicals, and serum lactate after exercise (p < 0.028), but not in CMJ height and glutathione peroxidase activit. In conclusions, HRG inhalation prior to acute exercise can alleviate exercise-induced fatigue, maintain functional performance, and improve hydroxyl radical and lactate levels.

Association between pretreatment emotional distress and immune checkpoint inhibitor response in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Emotional distress (ED), commonly characterized by symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, is prevalent in patients with cancer. Preclinical studies suggest that ED can impair antitumor immune responses, but few clinical studies have explored its relationship with response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Here we report results from cohort 1 of the prospective observational STRESS-LUNG study, which investigated the association between ED and clinical efficacy of first-line treatment of ICIs in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. ED was assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. The study included 227 patients with 111 (48.9%) exhibiting ED who presented depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥5) and/or anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item score ≥5) symptoms at baseline. On the primary endpoint analysis, patients with baseline ED exhibited a significantly shorter median progression-free survival compared with those without ED (7.9 months versus 15.5 months, hazard ratio 1.73, 95% confidence interval 1.23 to 2.43, P = 0.002). On the secondary endpoint analysis, ED was associated with lower objective response rate (46.8% versus 62.1%, odds ratio 0.54, P = 0.022), reduced 2-year overall survival rate of 46.5% versus 64.9% (hazard ratio for death 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 2.97, P = 0.016) and detriments in quality of life. The exploratory analysis indicated that the ED group showed elevated blood cortisol levels, which was associated with adverse survival outcomes. This study suggests that there is an association between ED and worse clinical outcomes in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with ICIs, highlighting the potential significance of addressing ED in cancer management. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05477979 .

A 4D-Printable Photocurable Resin Derived from Waste Cooking Oil with Enhanced Tensile Strength.

In pursuit of enhancing the mechanical properties, especially the tensile strength, of 4D-printable consumables derived from waste cooking oil (WCO), we initiated the production of acrylate-modified WCO, which encompasses epoxy waste oil methacrylate (EWOMA) and epoxy waste oil acrylate (EWOA). Subsequently, a series of WCO-based 4D-printable photocurable resins were obtained by introducing a suitable diacrylate molecule as the second monomer, coupled with a composite photoinitiator system comprising Irgacure 819 and p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB). These materials were amenable to molding using an LCD light-curing 3D printer. Our findings underscored the pivotal role of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) among the array of diacrylate molecules in enhancing the mechanical properties of WCO-based 4D-printable resins. Notably, the 4D-printable material, composed of EWOA and TEGDMA in an equal mass ratio, exhibited nice mechanical strength comparable to that of mainstream petroleum-based 4D-printable materials, boasting a tensile strength of 9.17 MPa and an elongation at break of 15.39%. These figures significantly outperformed the mechanical characteristics of pure EWOA or TEGDMA resins. Furthermore, the EWOA-TEGDMA resin demonstrated impressive thermally induced shape memory performance, enabling deformation and recovery at room temperature and retaining its shape at -60 °C. This resin also demonstrated favorable biodegradability, with an 8.34% weight loss after 45 days of soil degradation. As a result, this 4D-printable photocurable resin derived from WCO holds immense potential for the creation of a wide spectrum of high-performance intelligent devices, brackets, mold, folding structures, and personalized products.

Peroxydisulfate-Driven Reductive Dechlorination as Affected by Soil Constituents: Free Radical Formation and Conversion.

We report a previously unrecognized but efficient reductive degradation pathway in peroxydisulfate (PDS)-driven soil remediation. With supplements of naturally occurring low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) in anaerobic biochar-activated PDS systems, degradation rates of 12 γ-hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH)-spiked soils boosted from 40% without LMWOAs to a maximum of 99% with 1 mM malic acid. Structural analysis revealed that an increase in α-hydroxyl groups and a diminution in pKa1 values of LMWOAs facilitated the formation of reductive carboxyl anion radicals (COO•-) via electrophilic attack by SO4•-/•OH. Furthermore, degradation kinetics were strongly correlated with soil organic matter (SOM) contents than iron minerals. Combining a newly developed in situ fluorescence detector of reductive radicals with quenching experiments, we showed that for soils with high, medium, and low SOM contents, dominant reactive species switched from singlet oxygen/semiquinone radicals to SO4•-/•OH and then to COO•- (contribution increased from 30.8 to 66.7%), yielding superior HCH degradation. Validation experiments using SOM model compounds highlighted critical roles of redox-active moieties, such as phenolic - OH and quinones, in radical formation and conversion. Our study provides insights into environmental behaviors related to radical activation of persulfate in a broader soil horizon and inspiration for more advanced reduction technologies.

Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Binge Eating Scale in Young Adults.

Background: Although structured clinical interviews are considered the gold standard for assessing binge eating disorder (BED), the self-administered Binge Eating Scale (BES) has been widely used as a screening tool for BED in clinical research. However, the psychometric properties of the BES among Chinese young adults remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the validity of a Chinese version of the BES with a large sample. Methods: A total of 2182 young adult college students were tested using the Simplified Chinese version of BES (SCBES), the 7-Item Binge-Eating Disorder Screener (BEDS-7), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Dual-Modes of Self-Control Scale (DMSC). The frequency of objective binge-eating episodes was used as a measure of severity. Validity and reliability of the SCBES were assessed through multiple analyses, along with the item analysis. Results: The data revealed that the SCBES demonstrated reasonable reliability and validity. The Cronbach's α value was 0.813, with a one-month test-retest reliability of 0.835. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) extracted three first-order factors, which explained a total of 53.82% of the variance. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the three-factor model (ie, Binge-eating behaviors, Lack of control, Negative affects related to overeating), with a good model fit. The SCBES also demonstrated excellent concurrent and criterion validity, significantly correlating with the BEDS-7 and frequency of objective binge-eating episodes (r=0.760-0.782, p<0.001). Gender, body mass index, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and self-control were significantly associated with the total score of SCBES. Conclusion: The SCBES demonstrated sound psychometric properties and exhibited good cross-cultural adaptability in Chinese young adults, with a novel three-factor model fitting the data best. This scale could serve as a useful screening tool for identifying the severity of binge eating behaviors among Chinese youths.

A Single-Cell Landscape of Spermioteleosis in Mice and Pigs.

(1) Background: Spermatozoa acquired motility and matured in epididymis after production in the testis. However, there is still limited understanding of the specific characteristics of sperm development across different species. In this study, we employed a comprehensive approach to analyze cell compositions in both testicular and epididymal tissues, providing valuable insights into the changes occurring during meiosis and spermiogenesis in mouse and pig models. Additionally, we identified distinct gene expression signatures associated with various spermatogenic cell types. (2) Methods: To investigate the differences in spermatogenesis between mice and pigs, we constructed a single-cell RNA dataset. (3) Results: Our findings revealed notable differences in testicular cell clusters between these two species. Furthermore, distinct gene expression patterns were observed among epithelial cells from different regions of the epididymis. Interestingly, regional gene expression patterns were also identified within principal cell clusters of the mouse epididymis. Moreover, through analysing differentially expressed genes related to the epididymis in both mouse and pig models, we successfully identified potential marker genes associated with sperm development and maturation for each species studied. (4) Conclusions: This research presented a comprehensive single-cell landscape analysis of both testicular and epididymal tissues, shedding light on the intricate processes involved in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, specifically within mouse and pig models.

The influencing factors of changes in physical activity levels of pregnant women during pregnancy: From the perspective of continuous care.

A comprehensive understanding of physical activity levels (PAL) among Chinese pregnant women and an exploration, from a continuous care perspective, of various factors influencing these activity levels. Investigating the correlations between adverse habits, psychological factors, and PAL in prenatal health management. This study aims to provide substantial guidance for prenatal health management and personalized care, offering recommendations to healthcare professionals and policymakers to enhance the overall health and well-being of pregnant women. This study enrolled 1256 pregnant women as research subjects. Baseline information was collected through a personal information collection form. Subsequently, continuous care was provided during the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy, documenting the respective influencing factors. Simultaneously, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized to assess the PAL of pregnant women across different trimesters. Finally, using the SPSS software version 25.0, a combined approach of generalized linear mixed effects (GLME) models and multivariate logistic regression was used to statistically analyze the collected data, comprehensively exploring the influencing factors of PAL during pregnancy. The proportion of research subjects engaged in low-level physical activity decreased from 60.80% to 40.34% across various stages of pregnancy, while the proportion engaged in moderate-level physical activity ranged from 25.32% to 40.75%. Meanwhile, the proportion engaged in high-level physical activity accounted for 13.88% to 18.91%.There was P = .021 and ß = -0.276 for smoking before pregnancy. The P-value of pregnant women who smoke in the second trimester was.035, the Odds Ratio (OR) value was 0.638, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was (0.406, 0.972). The difference was statistically significant (all P < .05). In China, the physical activity level of pregnant women is generally low, which is related to factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep disorders, and depression during pregnancy. Medical personnel should improve the living habits of pregnant women and enhance their PAL through measures such as health education and psychological counseling.