Simultaneous Rapid Detection of Multiple Physicochemical Properties of Jet Fuel Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Jet fuel is the primary fuel used in the aviation industry, and its quality has a direct impact on the safety and operational efficiency of aircraft. The accurate quantitative detection and analysis of various physicochemical property indicators are important for improving and ensuring the quality of jet fuel in the domestic market. This study used near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to establish a suitable model for the simultaneous and rapid detection of multiple physicochemical properties in jet fuel. Using more than 40 different sources of jet fuel, a rapid detection model was established by optimizing the spectral processing methods. The measurement models were separately built using the partial least-squares (PLS) and orthogonal PLS algorithms, and the model parameters were optimized. The results show that after the Savitzky-Golay second derivative preprocessing, the PLS model built using the feature spectra selected by the uninformative variable elimination wavelength algorithm achieved the best measurement performance. Compared with the PLS model without preprocessing, the range of the resulting accuracy improvement was at least 15.01%. Under the optimal model parameters, the calibration set regression coefficient (Rc2) of the 11 jet fuel property index models ranged from 0.9102 to 0.9763, with the root-mean-square error of calibration values up to 0.8468 °C (for flash points). The regression coefficient (Rp2) of the validation set ranged from 0.8239 to 0.9557, with the root-mean-square error of prediction values up to 1.1354 °C (for flash points). The ratios of prediction to deviation (RPD) values were all in the range of 1.9-3.0, indicating high accuracy and reliability of the model. The rapid NIR analysis method established in this study enables the simultaneous and rapid detection of multiple physicochemical properties of jet fuel, thereby providing effective technical support for ensuring the quality of jet fuel in the market.

27-Hydroxycholesterol/liver X receptor/apolipoprotein E mediates zearalenone-induced intestinal immunosuppression: A key target potentially linking zearalenone and cancer.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin that extensively contaminates food and feed, posing a significant threat to public health. However, the mechanisms behind ZEN-induced intestinal immunotoxicity remain unclear. In this study, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to ZEN at a dosage of 5 mg/kg/day b.w. for a duration of 14 days. The results demonstrated that ZEN exposure led to notable pathological alterations and immunosuppression within the intestine. Furthermore, ZEN exposure caused a significant reduction in the levels of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and liver X receptor (LXR) (P < 0.05). Conversely, it upregulated the levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) markers (P < 0.05) and decreased the presence of 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-HC) in the intestine (P < 0.05). It was observed that ApoE or LXR agonists were able to mitigate the immunosuppressive effects induced by ZEN. Additionally, a bioinformatics analysis highlighted that the downregulation of ApoE might elevate the susceptibility to colorectal, breast, and lung cancers. These findings underscore the crucial role of the 27-HC/LXR/ApoE axis disruption in ZEN-induced MDSCs proliferation and subsequent inhibition of T lymphocyte activation within the rat intestine. Notably, ApoE may emerge as a pivotal target linking ZEN exposure to cancer development.

Current Status of Cognition and Clinical Practice of Refractory Cancer Pain in Shanghai: A Questionnaire Survey.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the current status of clinical practice of refractory cancer pain (RCP) among a sample of physicians specializing in cancer pain management in Shanghai. Methods: From 2019 to 2021, a questionnaire survey was conducted among physicians engaged in diagnosis and treatment of cancer pain through the questionnaire WJX network platform in Shanghai, China. Results: A total of 238 responses participated in the survey. This survey reports physicians' understanding and incidence rate of breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP). The choice of analgesics and satisfaction of analgesic effect were investigated. We also investigated doctors' knowledge of the diagnostic criteria for RCP and their tendency to choose analgesics. Oral immediate-release morphine and intravenous or subcutaneous morphine injection have been the common treatment approach for transient cancer pain exacerbations. The main barriers to pain management are lack of standardized treatment methods for RCP, lack of knowledge related to RCP, and single drug dosage form. Doctors believe the most necessary measures to improve the current situation of poor cancer pain control include improving medical staff's understanding and treatment techniques for RCP, updating treatment techniques and methods, and improving the configuration of drug types in medical institutions. Clinicians expect to improve understanding and treatment techniques through systematic training. Conclusion: Despite multiple available analgesic measures, the treatment of RCP remains challenging. Improving the understanding of medical staff towards RCP, improving treatment techniques, and increasing the accessibility of multiple drug types are important ways to improve the satisfaction of cancer pain management in the future.

Near-infrared light-induced homogeneous photoelectrochemical biosensor based on 3D walking nanomotor-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a for ultrasensitive microRNA-155 detection.

The dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression levels is intricately linked to a myriad of human diseases, and the precise and delicate detection thereof holds paramount significance in the realm of clinical diagnosis and therapy. Herein, a near-infrared (NIR) light-mediated homogeneous photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor was constructed for miRNA-155 detection based on NaYF4: Yb, Tm@ZnIn2S4 (NYF@ ZIS) coupled with a three-dimensional (3D) walking nanomotor-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a strategy. The upconverted light emitted by the NYF in the visible and UV region upon NIR light excitation could be utilized to excite ZIS to produce a photocurrent response. The presence of target miRNA-155 initiated an amplification reaction within the 3D walking nanomotor, resulting in the production of multiple nucleic acid fragments. These fragments could activate the collateral cleavage capability of CRISPR/Cas12a, leading to the indiscriminate cleavage of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) on ALP-ssDNA-modified magnetic beads and the subsequent liberation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The released ALP facilitated the catalysis of ascorbic acid 2-phosphate to generate ascorbic acid as the electron donor to capture the photogenerated holes on the NYF@ZIS surface, resulting in a positively correlated alteration in the photocurrent response. Under optimal conditions, the NIR light-initiated homogeneous PEC biosensor had the merits of good linear range (0.1 fM to 100 pM), an acceptable limit of detection (65.77 aM) for miRNA-155 detection. Considering the pronounced sensitivity, light stability, and low photodamage, this strategy presents a promising platform for detecting various other miRNA biomarkers in molecular diagnostic practice.

Interplay between lipid dysregulation and ferroptosis in chondrocytes and the targeted therapy effect of metformin on osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a devastating whole-joint disease affecting a large population worldwide; the role of lipid dysregulation in OA and mechanisms underlying targeted therapy effect of lipid-lowering metformin on OA remains poorly defined. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of lipid dysregulation on OA progression and to explore lipid dysregulation-targeting OA treatment of metformin. METHODS: RNA-Seq data, biochemical, and histochemical assays in human and murine OA cartilage as well as primary chondrocytes were utilized to determine lipid dysregulation. Effects of metformin, a potent lipid-lowering medication, on ACSL4 expression and chondrocyte metabolism were determined. Further molecular experiments, including RT-qPCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining, were performed to investigate underlying mechanisms. Mice with intra-articular injection of metformin were utilized to determine the effects on ACLT-induced OA progression. RESULTS: ACSL4 and 4-HNE expressions were elevated in human and ACLT-induced mouse OA cartilage and IL-1ß-treated chondrocytes (P < 0.05). Ferrostatin-1 largely rescued IL-1ß-induced MDA, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptotic mitochondrial morphology (P < 0.05). Metformin decreased the levels of OA-related genes (P < 0.05) and increased the levels of p-AMPK and p-ACC in IL-1ß-treated chondrocytes. Intra-articular injection of metformin alleviated ACLT-induced OA lesions in mice, and reverted the percentage of chondrocytes positive for MMP13, Col2a1, ACSL4 and 4-HNE in ACLT mice (P < 0.05). Ferroptotic chondrocytes promoted the recruitment and chemotaxis of RAW264.7 cells via CCL2, which was blocked by metformin in vitro (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We establish a critical role of polyunsaturated fatty acids metabolic process in OA cartilage degradation and define metformin as a potential OA treatment. Metformin reshapes lipid availability and ameliorates chondrocyte ferroptosis sensitivity via the AMPK/ACC pathway. In the future, gene-edited animals and extensive omics technologies will be utilized to reveal detailed lipids' involvement in cartilage lesions.

A widely conserved protein Rof inhibits transcription termination factor Rho and promotes Salmonella virulence program.

Transcription is crucial for the expression of genetic information and its efficient and accurate termination is required for all living organisms. Rho-dependent termination could rapidly terminate unwanted premature RNAs and play important roles in bacterial adaptation to changing environments. Although Rho has been discovered for about five decades, the regulation mechanisms of Rho-dependent termination are still not fully elucidated. Here we report that Rof is a conserved antiterminator and determine the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of Rho-Rof antitermination complex. Rof binds to the open-ring Rho hexamer and inhibits the initiation of Rho-dependent termination. Rof's N-terminal α-helix undergoes conformational changes upon binding with Rho, and is key in facilitating Rof-Rho interactions. Rof binds to Rho's primary binding site (PBS) and excludes Rho from binding with PBS ligand RNA at the initiation step. Further in vivo analyses in Salmonella Typhimurium show that Rof is required for virulence gene expression and host cell invasion, unveiling a physiological function of Rof and transcription termination in bacterial pathogenesis.

Evidence of an active role of dreaming in emotional memory processing shows that we dream to forget.

Dreaming is a universal human behavior that has inspired searches for meaning across many disciplines including art, psychology, religion, and politics, yet its function remains poorly understood. Given the suggested role of sleep in emotional memory processing, we investigated whether reported overnight dreaming and dream content are associated with sleep-dependent changes in emotional memory and reactivity, and whether dreaming plays an active or passive role. Participants completed an emotional picture task before and after a full night of sleep and they recorded the presence and content of their dreams upon waking in the morning. The results replicated the emotional memory trade-off (negative images maintained at the cost of neutral memories), but only in those who reported dreaming (Dream-Recallers), and not in Non-Dream-Recallers. Results also replicated sleep-dependent reductions in emotional reactivity, but only in Dream-Recallers, not in Non-Dream-Recallers. Additionally, the more positive the dream report, the more positive the next-day emotional reactivity is compared to the night before. These findings implicate an active role for dreaming in overnight emotional memory processing and suggest a mechanistic framework whereby dreaming may enhance salient emotional experiences via the forgetting of less relevant information.

tRNA-derived small RNAs in human cancers: roles, mechanisms, and clinical application.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are a new type of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) produced by the specific cleavage of precursor or mature tRNAs. tsRNAs are involved in various basic biological processes such as epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translation regulation, thereby affecting the occurrence and development of various human diseases, including cancers. Recent studies have shown that tsRNAs play an important role in tumorigenesis by regulating biological behaviors such as malignant proliferation, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, immune response, tumor resistance, and tumor metabolism reprogramming. These may be new potential targets for tumor treatment. Furthermore, tsRNAs can exist abundantly and stably in various bodily fluids (e.g., blood, serum, and urine) in the form of free or encapsulated extracellular vesicles, thereby affecting intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Meanwhile, their abnormal expression is closely related to the clinicopathological features of tumor patients, such as tumor staging, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of tumor patients; thus, tsRNAs can be served as a novel type of liquid biopsy biomarker. This review summarizes the discovery, production, and expression of tsRNAs and analyzes their molecular mechanisms in tumor development and potential applications in tumor therapy, which may provide new strategies for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of tumors.

Recent Progress of Small Interfering RNA Delivery on the Market and Clinical Stage.

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are promising therapeutic strategies, and five siRNA drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC). This marks a significant milestone in the development of siRNA for clinical applications. The approved siRNA agents can effectively deliver siRNAs to the liver and treat liver-related diseases. Currently, researchers have developed diverse delivery platforms for transporting siRNAs to different tissues such as the brain, lung, muscle, and others, and a large number of siRNA drugs are undergoing clinical trials. Here, these delivery technologies and the latest advancements in clinical applications are summarized, and this Review provides a concise overview of the strategies employed for siRNA delivery to both hepatic and extrahepatic tissues.

Nontargeted Analysis of Coumarins in Source Water and Their Formation of Chlorinated Coumarins as DBPs in Drinking Water.

Coumarin was detected as one of the most abundant compounds by nontargeted analysis of natural product components in actual water samples prior to disinfection. More importantly, prechlorination of humic acid generated 3-hydroxycoumarin and monohydroxy-monomethyl-substituted coumarin with a total yield of ≤10.1%, which suggested the humic substance in raw water is an important source of coumarins. 7-Hydroxycoumarin, 6-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin, and 7-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin were identified in raw water by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry because only some coumarin standards were commercially available. Their chlorination generated monochlorinated and polychlorinated coumarins, and their structures were confirmed by the synthesized standards. These products could form at various dosages of chlorine and pH levels, and some with a concentration of 600 ng/L can be stable in tap water for days. 3,6,8-Trichloro-7-hydroxycoumarin, 3-chloro-7-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin, and 3,6-dichloro-7-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin were first identified in finished water with concentrations of 0.0670, 78.1, and 14.7 ng/L, respectively, but not in source water, suggesting that they are new DBPs formed during disinfection. The cytotoxicity of 3-chloro-7-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin in CHO-K1 cells was comparable to those of 2,6-dibromo-1,4-benzoquinone and 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone in TIC-Tox analyses, suggesting that further investigation of their occurrence and control in drinking water systems is warranted.

The efficacy and safety of ciprofol and propofol in patients undergoing colonoscopy: A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Propofol is a commonly utilized anesthetic for painless colonoscopy, but its usage is occasionally limited due to its potential side effects, including cardiopulmonary suppression and injection pain. To address this limitation, the novel compound ciprofol has been proposed as a possible alternative for propofol. This study sought to determine whether there are any differences in the safety and efficacy of propofol and ciprofol for painless colonoscopy. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Single-centre, class A tertiary hospital, November 2021 to November 2022. PATIENTS: Adult, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I to II and body mass index of 18 to 30 kg m-2 patients scheduled to undergo colonoscopy. INTERVENTIONS: Consecutive patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive sedation for colonoscopy with ciprofol (group C) or propofol (group P). MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the success rate of colonoscopy. The secondary outcomes were onset time of sedation, operation time, recovery time and discharge time, patients and endoscopists satisfaction, side effects (e.g. injection pain, myoclonus, drowsiness, dizziness, procedure recall, nausea and vomiting) and incidence rate of cardiopulmonary adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the success rate of colonoscopy between the two groups (ciprofol 96.3% vs. propofol 97.6%; mean difference - 1.2%, 95% CI: -6.5% to 4.0%, P = 0.650). However, group C showed prolonged sedation (63.4 vs. 54.8 s, P < 0.001) and fully alert times (9 vs 8 min, P = 0.013), as well as reduced incidences of injection pain (0 vs. 40.2%, P < 0.001), respiratory depression (2.4% vs. 13.4%, P = 0.021) and hypotension (65.9% vs. 80.5%, P = 0.034). Patients satisfaction was also higher in Group C (10 vs 9, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ciprofol can be used independently for colonoscopy. When comparing the sedation efficacy of ciprofol and propofol, a 0.4 mg kg-1 dose of ciprofol proved to be equal to a 2.0 mg kg-1 dose of propofol, with fewer side effects and greater patient satisfaction during the procedure.

Variations to plasma H2O2 levels and TAC in chronical medicated and treatment-resistant male schizophrenia patients: Correlations with psychopathology.

Accumulating evidence suggests that imbalanced oxidative stress (OS) may contribute to the mechanism of schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations of OS parameters with psychopathological symptoms in male chronically medicated schizophrenia (CMS) and treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) patients. Levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (·OH), peroxidase (POD), α-tocopherol (α-toc), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) were assayed in males with CMS and TRS, and matched healthy controls. Schizophrenia symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The results demonstrated significant differences in the variables H2O2 (F = 5.068, p = 0.008), ·OH (F = 31.856, p < 0.001), POD (F = 14.043, p < 0.001), α-toc (F = 3.711, p = 0.027), TAC (F = 24.098, p < 0.001), and MMP-9 (F = 3.219, p = 0.043) between TRS and CMS patients and healthy controls. For TRS patients, H2O2 levels were correlated to the PANSS positive subscale (r = 0.386, p = 0.032) and smoking (r = -0,412, p = 0.021), while TAC was significantly negatively correlated to the PANSS total score (r = -0.578, p = 0.001) and POD and TAC levels were positively correlated to body mass index (r = 0.412 and 0.357, p = 0.021 and 0.049, respectively). For patients with CMS, ·OH levels and TAC were positively correlated to the PANSS general subscale (r = 0.308, p = 0.031) and negatively correlated to the PANSS total score (r = -0.543, p < 0.001). Furthermore, H2O2, α-toc, and ·OH may be protective factors against TRS, and POD was a risk factor. Patients with CMS and TRS exhibit an imbalance in OS, thus warranting future investigations.

Erythritol as a Saccharide Multifunctional Electrolyte Additive for Highly Reversible Zinc Anode.

Dendrite formation and water-triggered side reactions on the surface of Zn metal anodes severely restrict the commercial viability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). In this work, we introduce erythritol (Et) as an electrolyte additive to enhance the reversibility of zinc anodes, given its cost-effectiveness, mature technology, and extensive utilization in various domains such as food, medicine, and other industries. By combining multiscale theoretical simulation and experimental characterization, it was demonstrated that Et molecules can partially replace the coordination H2O molecules to reshape the Zn2+ solvation sheath and destroy the hydrogen bond network of the aqueous electrolyte. More importantly, Et molecules tend to adsorb on the zinc anode surface, simultaneously inhibit water-triggered side reactions by isolating water and promote uniform and dense deposition by accelerating the Zn2+ diffusion and regulating the nucleation size of the Zn grain. Thanks to this synergistic mechanism, the Zn anode can achieve a cycle life of more than 3900 h at 1 mA cm-2 and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.77%. Coupling with δ-MnO2 cathodes, the full battery delivers a high specific capacity of 228.1 mAh g-1 with a capacity retention of 76% over 1000 cycles at 1 A g-1.

Low initial cell density promotes the differentiation and maturation of human pluripotent stem cells into erythrocytes.

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived red blood cells (RBCs) possess great potential for compensating shortages in transfusion medicine. For better RBC generation from hPSCs, we compared the cell seeding density in the embryoid body formation-based hPSC induction protocol. In the selection of low- and high-density inoculation conditions, we found that low-density culture performed better in the final RBC product with more cell output and increased average cellular hemoglobin content. An elaborate study using flow cytometry demonstrated that low inoculation density promoted endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition, followed by improved hematopoietic progenitor formation and erythrocyte generation. The improved transformation from glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidation and reduced apoptosis might be responsible for this effect. Hints from RNA sequencing suggested that molecules involved in microenvironment interaction and metabolic regulation might respond for the different developmental potential. The possible mediators between outer message and intracellular response could be the nutrition sensors FOXO, PRKAA1 (AMPK) and MTOR genes. It is possible that low inoculation density triggered metabolic regulation signals, promoted mitochondrial oxidation, and resulted in enhanced cell amplification and hematopoietic differentiation. The low cell culture density will improve RBC generation from human PSCs.

Synthesis of eco-friendly multifunctional dextran microbeads for multiplexed assays.

There has been an increasing demand for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in one sample. Microbead-based platforms have been developed for multiplexed assays. However, most of the microbeads are made of non-biodegradable synthetic polymers, leading to environmental and human health concerns. In this study, we developed an environmentally friendly dextran microbeads as a new type of multi-analyte assay platform. Biodegradable dextran was utilized as the primary material. Highly uniform magnetic dextran microspheres were successfully synthesized using the Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification technique. To enhance the amount of surface functional groups for ligand conjugation, we coated the dextran microbeads with a layer of dendrimers via a simple electrostatic adsorption process. Subsequently, a unique and efficient click chemistry coupling technique was developed for the fluorescence encoding of the microspheres, enabling multiplexed detection. The dextran microbeads were tested for 3-plex cytokine analysis, and exhibited excellent biocompatibility, stable coding signals, low background noise and high sensitivity.

Natural products and derivatives for breast cancer treatment: From drug discovery to molecular mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer stands as the most common malignancy among women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Conventional treatments, such as surgery, hormone therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and small-molecule targeted therapy, often fall short of addressing the complexity and heterogeneity of certain breast cancer subtypes, leading to drug resistance and metastatic progression. Thus, the search for novel therapeutic targets and agents is imperative. Given their low toxicity and abundant variety, natural products and their derivatives are increasingly considered valuable sources for small-molecule anticancer drugs. PURPOSE: This review aims to elucidate the pharmacological impacts and underlying mechanisms of active compounds found in select natural products and their derivatives, primarily focusing on breast cancer treatment. It intends to underscore the potential of these substances in combating breast cancer and guide future research directions for the development of natural product-based therapeutics. METHODS: We conducted comprehensive searches in electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until October 2023, using keywords such as 'breast cancer', 'natural products', 'derivatives', 'mechanism', 'signaling pathways', and various keyword combinations. RESULTS: The review presents a spectrum of phytochemicals, including but not limited to flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids, and examines their actions in various animal and cellular models of breast cancer. The anticancer effects of these natural products and derivatives are manifested through diverse mechanisms, including induction of cell death via apoptosis and autophagy, and suppression of tumor angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: An increasing array of natural products and their derivatives are proving effective against breast cancer. Future therapeutic strategies can benefit from strategic enhancement of the anticancer properties of natural compounds, optimization for targeted action, improved bioavailability, and minimized side effects. The forthcoming research on natural products should prioritize these facets to maximize their therapeutic potential.

Exploring a specialized programmed-cell death patterns to predict the prognosis and sensitivity of immunotherapy in cutaneous melanoma via machine learning.

The mortality and therapeutic failure in cutaneous melanoma (CM) are mainly caused by wide metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. Meanwhile, immunotherapy is considered a crucial therapy strategy for CM patients. However, the efficiency of currently available methods and biomarkers in predicting the response of immunotherapy and prognosis of CM is limited. Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a significant role in the occurrence, development, and therapy of various malignant tumors. In this research, we integrated fourteen types of PCD, multi-omics data from TCGA-SKCM and other cohorts in GEO, and clinical CM patients to develop our analysis. Based on significant PCD patterns, two PCD-related CM clusters with different prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME), and response to immunotherapy were identified. Subsequently, seven PCD-related features, especially CD28, CYP1B1, JAK3, LAMP3, SFN, STAT4, and TRAF1, were utilized to establish the prognostic signature, namely cell death index (CDI). CDI accurately predicted the response to immunotherapy in both CM and other cancers. A nomogram with potential superior predictive ability was constructed, and potential drugs targeting CM patients with specific CDI have also been identified. Given all the above, a novel CDI gene signature was indicated to predict the prognosis and exploit precision therapeutic strategies of CM patients, providing unique opportunities for clinical intelligence and new management methods for the therapy of CM.

Functional Identification of HhUGT74AG11-A Key Glycosyltransferase Involved in Biosynthesis of Oleanane-Type Saponins in Hedera helix.

Hedera helix is a traditional medicinal plant. Its primary active ingredients are oleanane-type saponins, which have extensive pharmacological effects such as gastric mucosal protection, autophagy regulation actions, and antiviral properties. However, the glycosylation-modifying enzymes responsible for catalyzing oleanane-type saponin biosynthesis remain unidentified. Through transcriptome, cluster analysis, and PSPG structural domain, this study preliminarily screened four candidate UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), including Unigene26859, Unigene31717, CL11391.Contig2, and CL144.Contig9. In in vitro enzymatic reactions, it has been observed that Unigene26859 (HhUGT74AG11) has the ability to facilitate the conversion of oleanolic acid, resulting in the production of oleanolic acid 28-O-glucopyranosyl ester. Moreover, HhUGT74AG11 exhibits extensive substrate hybridity and specific stereoselectivity and can transfer glycosyl donors to the C-28 site of various oleanane-type triterpenoids (hederagenin and calenduloside E) and the C-7 site of flavonoids (tectorigenin). Cluster analysis found that HhUGT74AG11 is clustered together with functionally identified genes AeUGT74AG6, CaUGT74AG2, and PgUGT74AE2, further verifying the possible reason for HhUGT74AG11 catalyzing substrate generalization. In this study, a novel glycosyltransferase, HhUGT74AG11, was characterized that plays a role in oleanane-type saponins biosynthesis in H. helix, providing a theoretical basis for the production of rare and valuable triterpenoid saponins.

Atom-Level Tandem Catalysis in Lithium Metal Batteries.

High-energy-density lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are limited by reaction or diffusion barriers with dissatisfactory electrochemical kinetics. Typical conversion-type lithium sulfur battery systems exemplify the kinetic challenges. Namely, before diffusing or reacting in the electrode surface/interior, the Li(solvent)x + dissociation at the interface to produce isolated Li+, is usually a prerequisite fundamental step either for successive Li+ "reduction" or for Li+ to participate in the sulfur conversions, contributing to the related electrochemical barriers. Thanks to the ideal atomic efficiency (100 at%), single atom catalysts (SACs) have gained attention for use in LMBs toward resolving the issues caused by the five types of barrier-restricted processes, including polysulfide/Li2S conversions, Li(solvent)x + desolvation, and Li0 nucleation/diffusion. In this perspective, the tandem reactions including desolvation and reaction or plating and corresponding catalysis behaviors are introduced and analyzed from interface to electrode interior. Meanwhile, the principal mechanisms of highly efficient SACs in overcoming specific energy barriers to reinforce the catalytic electrochemistry are discussed. Lastly, the future development of high-efficiency atomic-level catalysts in batteries is presented.

Liver cancer wars: plant-derived polyphenols strike back.

Liver cancer currently represents the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The majority of liver cancer arises in the context of chronic inflammation and cirrhosis. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy have been the guideline-recommended treatment options for decades. Despite enormous advances in the field of liver cancer therapy, an effective cure is yet to be found. Plant-derived polyphenols constitute a large family of phytochemicals, with pleiotropic effects and little toxicity. They can drive cellular events and modify multiple signaling pathways which involves initiation, progression and metastasis of liver cancer and play an important role in contributing to anti-liver cancer drug development. The potential of plant-derived polyphenols for treating liver cancer has gained attention from research clinicians and pharmaceutical scientists worldwide in the last decades. This review overviews hepatic carcinogenesis and briefly discusses anti-liver cancer mechanisms associated with plant-derived polyphenols, specifically involving cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and metastasis. We focus on plant-derived polyphenols with experiment-based chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties against liver cancer and generalize their basic molecular mechanisms of action. We also discuss potential opportunities and challenges in translating plant-derived polyphenols from preclinical success into clinical applications.