Hypoxic Memory Mediates Prolonged Tumor Intrinsic Type I Interferon Suppression to Promote Breast Cancer Progression.

Hypoxia is a common feature of many solid tumors due to aberrant proliferation and angiogenesis that is associated with tumor progression and metastasis. Most of the well-known hypoxia effects are mediated through hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Identification of the long-lasting effects of hypoxia beyond the immediate HIF-induced alterations could provide a better understanding of hypoxia-driven metastasis and potential strategies to circumvent it. Here, we uncovered a hypoxia-induced mechanism that exerts a prolonged effect to promote metastasis. In breast cancer patient-derived circulating tumor cell (CTC) lines and common breast cancer cell lines, hypoxia downregulated tumor intrinsic type I interferon (IFN) signaling and its downstream antigen presentation (AP) machinery in luminal breast cancer cells, via both HIF-dependent and HIF-independent mechanisms. Hypoxia induced durable IFN/AP suppression in certain cell types that was sustained after returning to normoxic conditions, presenting a "hypoxic memory" phenotype. Hypoxic memory of IFN/AP downregulation was established by specific hypoxic priming, and cells with hypoxic memory had an enhanced ability for tumorigenesis and metastasis. Overexpression of IRF3 enhanced IFN signaling and reduced tumor growth in normoxic, but not hypoxic, conditions. The histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) entinostat upregulated IFN targets and erased the hypoxic memory. These results point to a mechanism by which hypoxia facilitates tumor progression through a long-lasting memory that provides advantages for CTCs during the metastatic cascade.

Examination of Beam Theories for Buckling and Free Vibration of Functionally Graded Porous Beams.

This paper examines the accuracy and effectiveness of various beam theories in predicting the critical buckling loads and fundamental frequencies of functionally graded porous (FGP) beams whose material properties change continuously across the thickness. The beam theories considered are classical beam theory (CBT), first-order shear deformation beam theory (FSDBT), third-order shear deformation beam theory (TSDBT), and the broken-line hypothesis-based shear deformation beam theory (BSDBT). Governing equations for those beam theories are formulated by using the Hamilton's principle and are then solved by means of the generalised differential quadrature method. Finite element simulation solutions are provided as reference results to assess the predictions of those beam theories. Comprehensive numerical results are presented to evaluate the influences of the porosity distribution and coefficient, slenderness ratio, and boundary condition on the difference between theoretical predictions and simulation results. It is found that the differences significantly increase as the porosity coefficient rises, and this effect becomes more noticeable for the rigid beam with a smaller slenderness ratio. Nonetheless, the results produced by the BSDBT are always the closest to simulation ones. The findings in this paper will contribute to the establishment of more refined theories for the mechanical analysis of FGP structures.

Toddlers strategically adapt their information search.

Adaptive information seeking is essential for humans to effectively navigate complex and dynamic environments. Here, we developed a gaze-contingent eye-tracking paradigm to examine the early emergence of adaptive information-seeking. Toddlers (N = 60, 18-36 months) and adults (N = 42) either learnt that an animal was equally likely to be found in any of four available locations, or that it was most likely to be found in one particular location. Afterwards, they were given control of a torchlight, which they could move with their eyes to explore the otherwise pitch-black task environment. Eye-movement data and Markov models show that, from 24 months of age, toddlers become more exploratory than adults, and start adapting their exploratory strategies to the information structure of the task. These results show that toddlers' search strategies are more sophisticated than previously thought, and identify the unique features that distinguish their information search from adults'.

Clinical features, MRI, molecular alternations, and prognosis of astrocytoma based on WHO 2021 classification of central nervous system tumors: A single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of glioma has advanced since the release of the WHO 2021 classification with more molecular alterations involved in the integrated diagnostic pathways. Our study aimed to present our experience with the clinical features and management of astrocytoma, IDH mutant based on the latest WHO classification. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with astrocytoma, IDH-mutant based on the WHO 5th edition classification of CNS tumors at our center from January 2009 to January 2022 were included. Patients were divided into WHO 2-3 grade group and WHO 4 grade group. Integrate diagnoses were retrospectively confirmed according to WHO 2016 and 2021 classification. Clinical and MRI characteristics were reviewed, and survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were enrolled. 21.67% (13/60) of all patients changed tumor grade from WHO 4th edition classification to WHO 5th edition. Of these, 21.43% (6/28) of grade II astrocytoma and 58.33% (7/12) of grade III astrocytoma according to WHO 4th edition classification changed to grade 4 according to WHO 5th edition classification. Sex (p = 0.042), recurrent glioma (p = 0.006), and Ki-67 index (p < 0.001) of pathological examination were statistically different in the WHO grade 2-3 group (n = 27) and WHO grade 4 group (n = 33). CDK6 (p = 0.004), FGFR2 (p = 0.003), and MYC (p = 0.004) alterations showed an enrichment in the WHO grade 4 group. Patients with higher grade showed shorter mOS (mOS = 75.9 m, 53.6 m, 26.4 m for grade 2, 3, and 4, respectively, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed as WHO grade 4 according to the 5th edition WHO classification based on molecular alterations are more likely to have poorer prognosis. Therefore, treatment should be tailored to their individual needs. Further research is needed for the management of IDH-mutant astrocytoma is needed in the future.

Advanced nitrogen removal of sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification from landfill leachate after partial nitrification and denitrification pretreatment.

Sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification (S0dAD) was employed to remove residual nitrogen from the biological effluent of landfill leachate after partial nitrification and denitrification pretreatment. The performance of S0dAD were assessed with various NOx--N (NO2--N and NO3--N) loadings over a 185-day operational period. The results demonstrated that a notable NOx--N removal efficiency of 97.8 ± 2.0% was achieved under nitrogen removal rates of 0.12 ± 0.02 kg N/(m3· d), leading to total nitrogen concentrations of 8.6 ± 3.8 mg/L in the effluent. Batch experiments revealed competitive utilization of nitrogenous electron acceptors, with NO2--N demonstrating 2-4 times higher denitrification rates than NO3--N under coexistence conditions. Genus-level microbial community identified that Thiobacillus and Sulfurovum was highly enriched with as key denitrifying bacteria in the S0dAD system. These findings provide insights for advanced nitrogen removal coupling S0dAD with partial nitrification and denitrification process for landfill leachate treatment.

Inhibition and Mechanism of Citral on Bacillus cereus Vegetative Cells, Spores, and Biofilms.

Bacillus cereus causes food poisoning by producing toxins that cause diarrhea and vomiting and, in severe cases, endocarditis, meningitis, and other diseases. It also tends to form biofilms and spores that lead to contamination of the food production environment. Citral is a potent natural antibacterial agent, but its antibacterial activity against B. cereus has not been extensively studied. In this study, we first determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations, growth curves, killing effect in different media, membrane potential, intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), reactive oxygen species levels, and morphology of vegetative cells, followed by germination rate, morphology, germination state of spores, and finally biofilm clearance effect. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations of citral against bacteria ranged from 100 to 800 µg/mL. The lag phase of bacteria was effectively prolonged by citral, and the growth rate of bacteria was slowed down. Bacteria in Luria-Bertani broth were reduced to below the detection limit by citral at 800 µg/mL within 0.5 h. Bacteria in rice were reduced to 3 log CFU/g by citral at 4000 µg/mL within 0.5 h. After treatment with citral, intracellular ATP concentration was reduced, membrane potential was altered, intracellular reactive oxygen species concentration was increased, and normal cell morphology was altered. After treatment with citral at 400 µg/mL, spore germination rate was reduced to 16.71%, spore morphology was affected, and spore germination state was altered. It also had a good effect on biofilm removal. The present study showed that citral had good bacteriostatic activity against B. cereus vegetative cells and its spores and also had a good clearance effect on its biofilm. Citral has the potential to be used as a bacteriostatic substance for the control of B. cereus in food industry production.

The molecular signature and prognosis of glioma with preoperative intratumoral hemorrhage: a retrospective cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intratumoral hemorrhage, though less common, could be the first clinical manifestation of glioma and is detectable via MRI; however, its exact impacts on patient outcomes remain unclear and controversial. The 2021 WHO CNS 5 classification emphasised genetic and molecular features, initiating the necessity to establish the correlation between hemorrhage and molecular alterations. This study aims to determine the prevalence of intratumoral hemorrhage in glioma subtypes and identify associated molecular and clinical characteristics to improve patient management. METHODS: Integrated clinical data and imaging studies of patients who underwent surgery at the Department of Neurosurgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2011 to January 2022 with pathological confirmation of glioma were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into hemorrhage and non-hemorrhage groups based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. A comparison and survival analysis were conducted with the two groups. In terms of subgroup analysis, we classified patients into astrocytoma, IDH-mutant; oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant, 1p/19q-codeleted; glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype; pediatric-type gliomas; or circumscribed glioma using integrated histological and molecular characteristics, according to WHO CNS 5 classifications. RESULTS: 457 patients were enrolled in the analysis, including 67 (14.7%) patients with intratumoral hemorrhage. The hemorrhage group was significantly older and had worse preoperative Karnofsky performance scores. The hemorrhage group had a higher occurrence of neurological impairment and a higher Ki-67 index. Molecular analysis indicated that CDKN2B, KMT5B, and PIK3CA alteration occurred more in the hemorrhage group (CDKN2B, 84.4% vs. 62.2%, p = 0.029; KMT5B, 25.0% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.029; and PIK3CA, 81.3% vs. 58.5%, p = 0.029). Survival analysis showed significantly worse prognoses for the hemorrhage group (hemorrhage 18.4 months vs. non-hemorrhage 39.1 months, p = 0.01). In subgroup analysis, the multivariate analysis showed that intra-tumoral hemorrhage is an independent risk factor only in glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (162 cases of 457 overall, HR = 1.72, p = 0.026), but not in other types of gliomas. The molecular alteration of CDK6 (hemorrhage group p = 0.004, non-hemorrhage group p < 0.001), EGFR (hemorrhage group p = 0.003, non-hemorrhage group p = 0.001), and FGFR2 (hemorrhage group p = 0.007, non-hemorrhage group p = 0.001) was associated with shorter overall survival time in both hemorrhage and non-hemorrhage groups. CONCLUSIONS: Glioma patients with preoperative intratumoral hemorrhage had unfavorable prognoses compared to their nonhemorrhage counterparts. CDKN2B, KMT5B, and PIK3CA alterations were associated with an increased occurrence of intratumoral hemorrhage, which might be future targets for further investigation of intratumoral hemorrhage.

Operative Mortality After Type A Aortic Dissection Surgery: Differences Based on Sex and Age.

Background: There is controversy regarding sex differences in short-term mortality in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of sex differences on 30-day operative mortality after ATAAD surgery and to determine if other covariates modify the association. Methods: Consecutive patients (N = 5670) with surgically repaired ATAAD were identified from the multicenter China 5A study. The primary outcome was operative mortality. The age dependency was modeled using a cubic spline curve. Results: There were 1,503 females (26.5%) and 4,167 males (73.5%). Females were older and had a lower percentage of comorbidities compared with males. Females had higher mortality compared to males (10.2% vs 8.2%, P = 0.019); however, there was no difference after propensity analyses (adjusted OR: 1.334 [95% CI: 0.918-1.938]). There was an interaction with sex and age (P interaction = 0.035): older age was associated with higher odds of operative mortality among females (OR: 1.045 [95% CI: 1.029-1.061]) compared with males (OR: 1.025 [95% CI: 1.016-1.035]). The risk of mortality for males and females appears to diverge at 55 years of age (P interaction = 0.019): females under 55 years of age had similar odds to males (OR: 0.852 [95% CI: 0.603-1.205]) but higher odds when over 55 years (OR: 1.420 [95% CI: 1.096-1.839]) compared to males. Conclusions: Under the age of 55 years, females have similar odds of operative mortality compared with males; however, over the age of 55 years females have higher odds than males. Understanding differences in risk allows for individualized treatment strategies. (Additive Anti-inflammatory Action for Aortopathy & Arteriopathy; NCT04398992).

Quantification and analyses of seven tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting hepatocellular carcinoma in human plasma by QuEChERS and UPLC-MS/MS.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are commonly used to treat various cancers. Literature suggests that the blood concentration of TKIs strongly correlates with their efficacy and adverse effects. Therefore, establishing a Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) methodology for TKI drugs is crucial to improving their clinical efficacy and minimizing the treatment-related adverse effects. However, quantifying their concentrations in the plasma using existing methods to avoid potential toxicity is challenging. Herein, seven TKIs, namely sorafenib tosylate, axitinib, erlotinib, cediranib, brivanib, linifanib, and golvatinib, were successfully analyzed in human plasma by following a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) pretreatment method combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Briefly, biological samples were extracted using 1 mL of methanol, followed by the sequential addition of 250 mg of anhydrous magnesium sulfate and 25 mg of N-propylethylenediamine (PSA) for salinization and purification by adsorption, respectively. In this study, dovitinib was used as the internal standard. The seven TKIs were detected by the gradient elution method for 4 min in the positive ion electrospray mode. The mobile phase comprised methanol (phase A) and 0.1 % aqueous formic acid solution (phase B) on the Agilent Zorbax RRHD Stablebond Aq, (2.1 × 50 mm; 1.8 µm). Brivanib, linifanib, axitinib, sorafenib tosylate, and golvatinib exhibited good linearity in the range of 5-500 ng/mL, and erlotinib and cediranib exhibited good linearity in the range of 10-1000 ng/mL, with linear correlation coefficients (R2) ≥ 0.99. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.60-0.18 ng/mL and 5-10 ng/mL, respectively. The intraday and interday accuracy values ranged from -6.12 % to 7.31 %, with a precision (RSD) of ≤ 10.57 %. The method was rapid, accurate, specific, simple, reproducible, and suitable for the quantitative determination of the seven TKIs in human plasma.

An assessment of the sensory drivers influencing consumer preference in infant formula, assessed via sensory evaluation and GC-O-MS.

Consumer partiality for food products is related to purchase and consumption behavior, and are influenced by sensory preferences. The sensory and chemical drivers behind consumer preference in the infant formula (IF) were analyzed. A total of 31 aroma-active compounds were identified, playing an important role in the production of off-flavors (especially fishy). Combined with the correlation analysis, the key aroma substances affecting the sensory attributes of IF were initially identified. A21, A22, B9 represented the key substances responsible for producing milky and creamy, while A2, A5, A11, A12, B5, C15, H5 primarily produced fishy. In addition, the two sensory attributes namely milky and creamy, and the T-sweet were more strongly correlated with consumer preference. Therefore, it can be concluded that consumers are more interested in the main flavor of the product than the off-flavor. These findings will inform the quality control of IF and the maintenance of sensory quality.

Population-level exploration of alternative splicing and its unique role in controlling agronomic traits of rice.

Alternative splicing (AS) plays crucial roles in regulating various biological processes in plants. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying AS and its role in controlling important agronomic traits in rice (Oryza sativa) remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored AS in rice leaves and panicles using the rice minicore collection. Our analysis revealed a high level of transcript isoform diversity, with approximately one fifth of potential isoforms acting as major transcripts in both tissues. Regarding the genetic mechanism of AS, we found that the splicing of 833 genes in the leaf and 1,230 genes in the panicle was affected by cis-genetic variation. Twenty-one percent of these AS events could only be explained by large structural variations. Approximately 77.5% of genes with significant splicing quantitative trait loci (sGenes) exhibited tissue-specific regulation, and AS can cause 26.9% (leaf) and 23.6% (panicle) of sGenes to have altered, lost or gained functional domains. Additionally, through splicing-phenotype association analysis, we identified phosphate-starvation induced RING-type E3 ligase (OsPIE1; LOC_Os01g72480), whose splicing ratio was significantly associated with plant height. In summary, this study provides an understanding of AS in rice and its contribution to the regulation of important agronomic traits.

Exploring new mechanisms of Imeglimin in diabetes treatment: Amelioration of mitochondrial dysfunction.

With the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it has become critical to identify effective treatment strategies. In recent years, the novel oral hypoglycaemic drug Imeglimin has attracted much attention in the field of diabetes treatment. The mechanisms of its therapeutic action are complex and are not yet fully understood by current research. Current evidence suggests that pancreatic ß-cells, liver, and skeletal muscle are the main organs in which Imeglimin lowers blood glucose levels and that it acts mainly by targeting mitochondrial function, thereby inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis, enhancing insulin sensitivity, promoting pancreatic ß-cell function, and regulating energy metabolism. There is growing evidence that the drug also has a potentially volatile role in the treatment of diabetic complications, including metabolic cardiomyopathy, diabetic vasculopathy, and diabetic neuroinflammation. According to available clinical studies, its efficacy and safety profile are more evident than other hypoglycaemic agents, and it has synergistic effects when combined with other antidiabetic drugs, and also has potential in the treatment of T2DM-related complications. This review aims to shed light on the latest research progress in the treatment of T2DM with Imeglimin, thereby providing clinicians and researchers with the latest insights into Imeglimin as a viable option for the treatment of T2DM.

Revealing novel and conservative T-cell epitopes with MHC B2 restriction on H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV).

B2 haplotype major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been extensively reported to confer resistance to various avian diseases. But its peptide-binding motif is unknown, and the presenting peptide is rarely identified. Here, we identified its peptide-binding motif (X-A/V/I/L/P/S/G-X-X-X-X-X-X-V/I/L) in vitro using Random Peptide Library-based MHC I LC-MS/MS analysis. To further clarify the structure basis of motif, we determined the crystal structure of the BF2∗02:01-PB2552-560 complex at 1.9 Å resolution. We found that BF2∗02:01 had a relatively wide antigen-binding groove, and the structural characterization of pockets was consistent with the characterization of peptide-binding motif. The wider features of the peptide-binding motif and increased number of peptides bound by BF2∗02:01 than BF2∗04:01 might resolve the puzzles for the presence of potential H9N2 resistance in B2 chickens. Afterward, we explored the H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV)-induced cellular immune response in B2 haplotype chickens in vivo. We found that ratio of CD8+ T cell and kinetic expression of cytotoxicity genes including Granzyme K, interferon-γ, NK lysin, and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were significantly increased in defending against H9N2 AIV infection. Especially, we selected 425 epitopes as candidate epitopes based on the peptide-binding motif and further identified four CD8+ T-cell epitopes on H9N2 AIV including NS198-106, PB2552-560, NP182-190, and NP455-463 via ELI-spot interferon-γ detections after stimulating memory lymphocytes with peptides. More importantly, these epitopes were found to be conserved in H7N9 AIV and H9N2 AIV. These findings provide direction for developing effective T cell epitope vaccines using well-conserved internal viral antigens in chickens.

The role and therapeutic potential of SIRTs in sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by the host's dysfunctional response to infection. Abnormal activation of the immune system and disturbance of energy metabolism play a key role in the development of sepsis. In recent years, the Sirtuins (SIRTs) family has been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. SIRTs, as a class of histone deacetylases (HDACs), are widely involved in cellular inflammation regulation, energy metabolism and oxidative stress. The effects of SIRTs on immune cells are mainly reflected in the regulation of inflammatory pathways. This regulation helps balance the inflammatory response and may lessen cell damage and organ dysfunction in sepsis. In terms of energy metabolism, SIRTs can play a role in immunophenotypic transformation by regulating cell metabolism, improve mitochondrial function, increase energy production, and maintain cell energy balance. SIRTs also regulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting cells from oxidative stress damage by activating antioxidant defense pathways and maintaining a balance between oxidants and reducing agents. Current studies have shown that several potential drugs, such as Resveratrol and melatonin, can enhance the activity of SIRT. It can help to reduce inflammatory response, improve energy metabolism and reduce oxidative stress, showing potential clinical application prospects for the treatment of sepsis. This review focuses on the regulation of SIRT on inflammatory response, energy metabolism and oxidative stress of immune cells, as well as its important influence on multiple organ dysfunction in sepsis, and discusses and summarizes the effects of related drugs and compounds on reducing multiple organ damage in sepsis through the pathway involving SIRTs. SIRTs may become a new target for the treatment of sepsis and its resulting organ dysfunction, providing new ideas and possibilities for the treatment of this life-threatening disease.

Effect of Polymer and Crosslinker Concentration on Static and Dynamic Gelation Behavior of Phenolic Resin Hydrogel.

The application results of profile control and water plugging technology are highly related to the gelation time and strength of phenolic resin hydrogel. In this work, a hydrogel solution was prepared by fully mixing the prepared polymer solution with a crosslinker. The static gelation process of PFR hydrogel in ampoule bottles and porous media was analyzed by changes in the viscosity and residual resistance coefficient. Then, the dynamic gelation of the PFR hydrogel in porous media was tested using a circulating flow device, and the changes in viscosity and injection pressure were analyzed during the dynamic gelation process. Finally, the effects of the polymer concentration and crosslinker concentration on dynamic gelation were analyzed. The initial gelation time and final gelation time in porous media were 1-1.5 times and 1.5-2 times those in ampoule bottles under static conditions, respectively. The initial dynamic gelation time in porous media was 2-2.5 times and 1.5-2 times the initial static gelation times in ampoule bottles and porous media, respectively. The final dynamic gelation time was four times and two times the initial static gelation times in ampoule bottles and porous media, respectively. The production after dynamic gelation in porous media comprised hydrogel aggregates and water fluid, leading to a high injection pressure and low viscosity of the produced liquid. As the concentration of polymer and crosslinker increased, the dynamic gelation time was shortened and the gel strength was increased. In the dynamic gelation process in porous media, the phenol resin hydrogel could migrate deeply, but it was limited by the concentrations of the polymer and crosslinker. The results of subsequent water flooding showed that the polymer hydrogel had a good plugging ability after dynamic gelation. The deep reservoir could only be blocked off in the subsequent water flooding process when the migration of hydrogel happened in the dynamic gelation process.

Unveiling long-term combined effect of salinity and Lead(II) on anammox activity and microbial community dynamics in saline wastewater treatment.

The study assessed the effect of salinity and lead (Pb(II)) on the anammox sludge for nitrogen removal from saline wastewater. Results showed decreased nitrogen removal and specific anammox activity (SAA) with elevated salinity and Pb(II). SAA reduced from 541.3 ± 4.3 mg N g-1 VSS d-1 at 0.5 mg/L Pb(II) to 436.0 ± 0.2 mg N g-1 VSS d-1 at 30 g/L NaCl, further to 303.6 ± 7.1 mg N g-1 VSS d-1 under 30 g/L NaCl + 0.5 mg/L Pb(II). Notably, the combined inhibition at salinity (15-20 g/L NaCl) and Pb(II) (0.3-0.4 mg/L) exhibited synergistic effect, while higher salinity and Pb(II) aligned with independent inhibition models. Combined inhibition decreased protein/polysaccharides ratio, indicating more severe negative effect on anammox aggregation capacity. Metagenomics confirmed decreased Candidatus Kuenenia, and enhanced denitrification under elevated salinity and Pb(II) conditions. This study offers insights into anammox operation for treating saline wastewater with heavy metals.

Hydrothermally Assisted Conversion of Switchgrass into Hard Carbon as Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, reducing the reliance on scarce transition metals. Converting agricultural biomass into SIB anodes can remarkably enhance sustainability in both the agriculture and battery industries. However, the complex and costly synthesis and unsatisfactory electrochemical performance of biomass-derived hard carbon have hindered its further development. Herein, we employed a hydrothermally assisted carbonization process that converts switchgrass to battery-grade hard carbon capable of efficient Na-ion storage. The hydrothermal pretreatment effectively removed hemicellulose and impurities (e.g., lipids and ashes), creating thermally stable precursors suitable to produce hard carbon via carbonization. The elimination of hemicellulose and impurities contributes to a reduced surface area and lower oxygen content. With the modifications, the initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and cycling stability are improved concurrently. The optimized hard carbon showcased a high reversible specific capacity of 313.4 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1, a commendable ICE of 84.8%, and excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 308.4 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles. In short, this research introduces a cost-effective method for producing anode materials for SIBs and highlights a sustainable pathway for biomass utilization, underscoring mutual benefits for the energy and agricultural sectors.