Development and validation of [18 F]-PSMA-1007 PET-based radiomics model to predict biochemical recurrence-free survival following radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy (RP) is a significant concern for patients with prostate cancer. Reliable prediction models are needed to identify patients at risk for BCR and facilitate appropriate management. This study aimed to develop and validate a clinical-radiomics model based on preoperative [18 F]PSMA-1007 PET for predicting BCR-free survival (BRFS) in patients who underwent RP for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 236 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer who underwent RP were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had a preoperative [18 F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT scan. Radiomics features were extracted from the primary tumor region on PET images. A radiomics signature was developed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model. The performance of the radiomics signature in predicting BRFS was assessed using Harrell's concordance index (C-index). The clinical-radiomics nomogram was constructed using the radiomics signature and clinical features. The model was externally validated in an independent cohort of 98 patients. RESULTS: The radiomics signature comprised three features and demonstrated a C-index of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.60-0.91) in the training cohort and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.63-0.79) in the validation cohort. The radiomics signature remained an independent predictor of BRFS in multivariable analysis (HR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.47-4.17, p < 0.001). The clinical-radiomics nomogram significantly improved the prediction performance (C-index: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.66-0.95, p = 0.007) in the training cohort and (C-index: 0.78 95% CI: 0.63-0.89, p < 0.001) in the validation cohort. CONCLUSION: We developed and validated a novel [18 F]PSMA-1007 PET-based clinical-radiomics model that can predict BRFS following RP in prostate cancer patients. This model may be useful in identifying patients with a higher risk of BCR, thus enabling personalized risk stratification and tailored management strategies.

Microalgal astaxanthin ameliorates cypermethrin-induced necroptosis and inflammation via targeting mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and the ROS-NF-κB-RIPK3/MLKL axis in carp hepatocytes (Cyprinus carpio).

Cypermethrin is a toxic pesticide that has infiltrated water bodies due to its widespread use. This contamination has led to detrimental effects on the immune organs of aquatic species, including fish. The natural fat-soluble orange-red carotenoid, astaxanthin (MAT), derived from microalgae, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. To elucidate the mechanism of CY induced damage to carp liver cells and assess the potential protective effects of MAT, we established a carp hepatocyte model exposed to CY and/or MAT. Hepatocytes from carp (Cyprinus carpio) were treated with either 8 µM CY or 60 µM MAT for 24 h. Upon exposure CY, a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed alongside a diminution in the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), suggesting an impairment of cellular antioxidant capacity. Subsequently, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining and flow cytometry analysis revealed that hepatocytes exposed to CY exhibited a higher incidence of necroptosis, associated with an elevated mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration, which contributed to cellular dysfunction. Furthermore, exposure to CY also activated the ROS-NF-κB-RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway, increasing the levels of necroptosis-related regulatory factors (RIP1, RIP3, and MLKL) in hepatocytes and the expression of inflammatory genes (IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-1ß, and TNF-α), which led to immune dysfunction in hepatocytes. The immunotoxic effects induced by CY were mitigated by MAT treatment, suggesting its potential in alleviating the aforementioned changes caused by CY. Overall, the data suggested that MAT therapy could enhance hepatocyte defenses against CY-induced necroptosis and inflammatory responses by regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and inhibiting the ROS-NF-κB-RIPK3/MLKL signaling cascade. This study elucidated the potential benefits of employing MAT to protect farmed fish from agrobiological hazards during CY exposure, underscoring the practical applications of MAT in aquaculture.

Carbon footprints and health security: A comparative assessment of the Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 13 in East Asian countries.

In East Asia, where several countries are among the top emitters of carbon dioxide globally, the need to address the dual challenges of reducing carbon footprints and ensuring health security is paramount. Against this backdrop, this study used a descriptive analysis to provide a comparative assessment of the carbon footprints and the level of health security in East Asia using secondary data, sourced from the World Development Indicators. The findings from the study show that it is only North Korea that its average carbon footprint of every person is less than 2.3 tons. However, China, Japan, Mongolia and South Korea are currently lagging behind in meeting the SDG 13 target. Meanwhile, North Korea recorded the highest incidence of tuberculosis in the region. Despite the fact that South Korea and Japan were the highest emitter of CO2, the duo had the lowest under five mortality, infant mortality, incidence of TB alongside the highest life expectancies which surpassed the regional performance. In view of the above, the policymakers in Asia and the rest of the countries with health insecurity should emulate the policymakers in Japan and South Korea by making adequate investment in health, education, and standard of living of their citizens.

En Asie de l'Est, où plusieurs pays comptent parmi les plus grands émetteurs de dioxyde de carbone au monde, la nécessité de relever le double défi de réduire l'empreinte carbone et d'assurer la sécurité sanitaire est primordiale. Dans ce contexte, cette étude a utilisé une analyse descriptive pour fournir une évaluation comparative des empreintes carbone et du niveau de sécurité sanitaire en Asie de l'Est à l'aide de données secondaires provenant des indicateurs de développement mondial. Les résultats de l'étude montrent que seule la Corée du Nord a une empreinte carbone moyenne par personne inférieure à 2,3 tonnes. Cependant, la Chine, le Japon, la Mongolie et la Corée du Sud sont actuellement à la traîne dans la réalisation de l'ODD 13. Pendant ce temps, la Corée du Nord a enregistré la plus forte incidence de tuberculose dans la région. Bien que la Corée du Sud et le Japon soient les plus grands émetteurs de CO2, ces deux pays ont les taux de mortalité des moins de cinq ans, de mortalité infantile et d'incidence de tuberculose les plus faibles, ainsi que les espérances de vie les plus élevées, dépassant les performances régionales. Compte tenu de ce qui précède, les décideurs politiques d'Asie et du reste des pays souffrant d'insécurité sanitaire devraient imiter les décideurs politiques du Japon et de la Corée du Sud en investissant de manière adéquate dans la santé, l'éducation et le niveau de vie de leurs citoyens.

A context-sensitive collectivism during the COVID-19 pandemic: Effect on the adoption of containment measures in China and the US.

This study investigates individuals' adoption of containment measures (e.g., wearing masks) from the perspectives of cultural values and trust in two countries-China and the US. Distinguished from previous definitions that characterise cultural values as rigid and fixed concepts, this study reconceptualizes collectivism to be a context-sensitive construct. With survey data from a collectivism-prevalent culture (China, n = 1578) and an individualism-prevalent culture (the US, n = 1510), it unfolds the underlying mechanism by which collectivism influences people's adoption of containment measures in both countries. Results indicate that institutional trust serves as a significant mediator in this relationship. In both countries, individuals who hold a collectivistic value on the pandemic are more likely to endorse the adoption of containment measures. This endorsement is driven by their trust in public institutions, which stems from their collectivistic values. Additionally, slight distinctions emerge, revealing that collectivistic values directly predict the behaviours among Chinese individuals, whereas such a direct effect is not observed in the US. Practical implications will be offered.

Core-Shell Filament with Excellent Wound Healing Property Made of Cellulose Nanofibrils and Guar Gum via Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Complexation Spinning.

Natural polymer-based sutures have attractive cytocompatibility and degradability in surgical operations. Herein, anionic cellulose nanofibrils (ACNF) and cationic guar gum (CGG) are employed to produce nontoxic CGG/ACNF composite filament with a unique core-shell structure via interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) spinning. The comprehensive characterization and application performance of the resultant CGG/ACNF filament as a surgical suture are thoroughly investigated in comparison with silk and PGLA (90% glycolide and 10% l-lactide) sutures in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Results show that the CGG/ACNF filament with the typical core-shell structure and nervation pattern surface exhibits a high orientation index (0.74) and good mechanical properties. The tensile strength and knotting strength of CGG/ACNF suture prepared by twisting CGG/ACNF filaments increase by 69.5%, and CGG/ACNF suture has a similar friction coefficient to silk and PGLA sutures. Moreover, CGG/ACNF suture with antibiosis and cytocompatibility exhibits better growth promotion of cells than silk suture, similar to PGLA suture in vitro. In addition, the stitching experiment of mice with the CGG/ACNF suture further confirms better healing properties and less inflammation in vivo than silk and PGLA sutures do. Hence, the CGG/ACNF suture with a simple preparation method and excellent application properties is promising in surgical operations.

Comparison of [18F]-OC PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT/MRI in the detection and evaluation of neuroendocrine neoplasms.

OBJECTIVES: Gallium-68 (68Ga)-labeled somatostatin analog (SSA) PET imaging has been widely used in clinical practice of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Compared with 68Ga, 18F has a great practical and economic advantage. Although a few studies have shown the characteristics of [18F] AlF-NOTA-octreotide ([18F]-OC) in healthy volunteers and small NEN patient groups, its clinical value needs further investigation. Herein, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of [18F]-OC PET/CT in detecting NENs, as well as to compare it with contrast-enhanced CT/MRI. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 93 patients who had undergone [18F]-OC PET/CT and CT or MRI scans. Of these patients, there were 45 patients with suspected NENs for diagnostic evaluation, and 48 patients with pathologically confirmed NENs for detecting metastasis or recurrence. [18F]-OC PET/CT images were evaluated visually and semi-quantitatively by measuring maximum standardized uptake value of tumor (SUVmax), tumor-to-background SUVmax ratio (TBR), and SUVmax of hypophysis (SUVhypophysis). A total of 276 suspected NEN lesions were found in these 93 patients. The results of histopathology or radiographic follow-up served as the reference standard for the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with suspected NENs were confirmed by histopathological examination via resection or biopsy. [18F]-OC PET/CT showed high radiotracer uptake in the lesions of G1-G3 NENs. [18F]-OC PET/CT showed superior performance with 96.3% of sensitivity, 77.8% of specificity, and 88.9% of accuracy in diagnosing NENs compared to CT/MRI. When cutoffs of SUVmax, TBR, and SUVhypophysis were 8.3, 3.1, and 15.4, [18F]-OC PET/CT had the best equilibrium between sensitivity and specificity for differentiating NEN from non-NEN lesions. For a total of 276 suspected NEN lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of [18F]-OC PET/CT for diagnosis of NENs were 90.5%, 82.1%, and 88.8%, respectively, and were higher than those of CT and MRI. G1 and G2 NENs had higher TBR and lower CT enhancement intensity than G3. The SUVmax and TBR had a positive correlation with CT enhancement intensity in G2 rather than in G1 or G3. CONCLUSIONS: [18F]-OC PET/CT is a promising imaging modality for initial diagnosis and detecting metastasis or postoperative recurrence in NENs.

Future Directions in Optimizing Anesthesia to Reduce Perioperative Acute Kidney Injury.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in surgical patients and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are currently few options for AKI prevention and treatment. Due to its complex pathophysiology, there is no efficient medication therapy to stop the onset of the injury or repair the damage already done. Certain anesthetics, however, have been demonstrated to affect the risk of perioperative AKI in some studies. The impact of anesthetics on renal function is particularly important as it is closely related to the prognosis of patients. Some anesthetics can induce anti-inflammatory, anti-necrotic, and anti-apoptotic effects. Propofol, sevoflurane, and dexmedetomidine are a few examples of anesthetics that have protective association with AKI in the perioperative period. SUMMARY: In this study, we reviewed the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and pathogenesis of AKI. Subsequently, the protective effects of various anesthetic agents against perioperative AKI and the latest research are introduced. KEY MESSAGE: This work demonstrates that a thorough understanding of the reciprocal effects of anesthetic drugs and AKI is crucial for safe perioperative care and prognosis of patients. However, more complete mechanisms and pathophysiological processes still need to be further studied.

Changes in the gene expression and gut microbiome to the infection of decapod iridescent virus 1 in Cherax quadricarinatus.

As a new emerging viral pathogen, Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1) seriously threatens crustacean farming in recent years. However, limited research progresses have been made on the immune mechanism between host and viral factors in response to DIV1 infection. In the current study, a natural occurrence of DIV1 infection with obvious clinical signs was found in farmed redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus, and confirmed by nested PCR detection and histopathological examination. Besides, gene expression profiles were analyzed after being challenged with DIV1, and results showed that 27 immune related genes were upregulated compared with the control group. Moreover, the gut microbiota from healthy and DIV1-infected crayfish were investigated by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that significant differences in the microbial composition and function were observed after DIV1 challenge. Furthermore, we discovered that changes in gene expression profiles were correlated with microbiota alterations under DIV1 challenge. Taken together, our findings will provide new insights into the immune response mechanism of DIV1 infection in crustaceans.

Electrospinning micro-nanofibers immobilized aerobic denitrifying bacteria for efficient nitrogen removal in wastewater.

Electrospinning micro-nanofibers with exceptional physicochemical properties and biocompatibility are becoming popular in the medical field. These features indicate its potential application as microbial immobilized carriers in wastewater treatment. Here, aerobic denitrifying bacteria were immobilized on micro-nanofibers, which were prepared using different concentrations of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution (8%, 12% and 15%). The results of diameter distribution, specific surface area and average pore diameter indicated that 15% PAN micro-nanofibers with tighter surface structure were not suitable as microbial carriers. The bacterial load results showed that the cell density (OD600) and total protein of 12% PAN micro-nanofibers were 107.14% and 106.28% higher than those of 8% PAN micro-nanofibers. Subsequently, the 12% PAN micro-nanofibers were selected for aerobic denitrification under the different C/N ratios (1.5-10), and stable performance was obtained. Bacterial community analysis further manifested that the micro-nanofibers effectively immobilized bacteria and enriched bacterial structure under the high C/N ratios. Therefore, the feasibility of micro-nanofibers as microbial carriers was confirmed. This work was of great significance for promoting the application of electrospinning for microbial immobilization in wastewater treatment.

Clinical features and 18F-FDG PET/CT for distinguishing of malignant lymphoma from inflammatory lymphadenopathy in HIV-infected patients.

BACKGROUND: It is vital to distinguish between inflammatory and malignant lymphadenopathy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals. The purpose of our study was to differentiate the variations in the clinical characteristics of HIV patients, and apply 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters for distinguishing of malignant lymphoma and inflammatory lymphadenopathy in such patients. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 59 consecutive HIV-infected patients who underwent whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT. Of these patients, 37 had biopsy-proven HIV-associated lymphoma, and 22 with HIV-associated inflammatory lymphadenopathy were used as controls. The determined parameters were the maximum of standard uptake value (SUVmax), SUVmax of only lymph nodes (SUVLN), the most FDG-avid lesion-to-liver SUVmax ratio (SURmax), laboratory examinations and demographics. The optimal cut-off of 18F-FDG PET/CT value was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). RESULTS: Considering the clinical records, the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores in patients with inflammatory lymphadenopathy were obviously higher than those in patients with malignant lymphoma (P = 0.015), whereas lymphocyte counts and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were obviously lower (P = 0.014 and 0.010, respectively). For the 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, extra-lymphatic lesions, especially digestive tract and Waldeyer's ring, occurred more frequently in malignant lymphoma than inflammatory lymphadenopathy. Furthermore, the SURmax and SUVLN in malignant lymphoma were markedly higher than those in inflammatory lymphadenopathy (P = 0.000 and 0.000, respectively). The cut-off point of 3.1 for SURmax had higher specificity (91.9%) and relatively reasonable sensitivity (68.2%) and the cut-off point of 8.0 for the SUVLN had high specificity (89.2%) and relatively reasonable sensitivity (63.6%). CONCLUSION: Our study identified the distinctive characteristics of the clinical manifestations, the SURmax, SUVLN and detectability of extra-lymphatic lesions on 18F-FDG PET, and thus provides a new basis for distinguishing of malignant lymphoma from inflammatory lymphadenopathy in HIV-infected patients.

Genomic structure, expression, and functional characterization of the Fem-1 gene family in the redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus.

The Fem-1 (Feminization-1) gene, encoding an intracellular protein with conserved ankyrin repeat motifs, has been proven to play a key role in sex differentiation in Caenorhabditis elegans. In the present study, three members of the Fem-1 gene family (designating Fem-1A, Fem-1B, and Fem-1C, respectively) were cloned and characterized in the redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus. Sequence analysis showed that all three Fem-1 genes contained the highly conserved ankyrin repeat motifs with variant repeat numbers, which shared similarity with other reported crustaceans. In addition, a phylogenetic tree revealed that the Fem-1 proteins from C. quadricarinatus were clustered with the crustacean Fem-1 homologs, and had the closest evolutionary relationship with Eriocheir sinensis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results demonstrated that Fem-1B exhibited a significant higher expression abundance in the ovary than in other tissues. In addition, a regular mRNA expression pattern of the Fem-1B gene appeared in the reproductive cycle of ovarian development. Furthermore, RNA interference experiments were employed to investigate the role of Fem-1B in ovarian development. Moreover, knockdown of Fem-1B by RNAi decreased the expression of VTG in the ovaries and hepatopancreas. In summary, this study pointed out that Fem-1B was involved in the sex differentiation process through regulating VTG expression in C. quadricarinatus, and provided new insights into the role of Fem-1B in ovary development.

Curaxin-Induced DNA Topology Alterations Trigger the Distinct Binding Response of CTCF and FACT at the Single-Molecule Level.

The candidate anticancer drug curaxins can insert into DNA base pairs and efficiently inhibit the growth of various cancers. However, how curaxins alter the genomic DNA structure and affect the DNA binding property of key proteins remains to be clarified. Here, we first showed that curaxin CBL0137 strongly stabilizes the interaction between the double strands of DNA and reduces DNA bending and twist rigidity simultaneously, by single-molecule magnetic tweezers. More importantly, we found that CBL0137 greatly impairs the binding of CTCF but facilitates trapping FACT on DNA. We revealed that CBL0137 clamps the DNA double helix that may induce a huge barrier for DNA unzipping during replication and transcription and causes the distinct binding response of CTCF and FACT on DNA. Our work provides a novel mechanical insight into CBL0137's anticancer mechanisms at the nucleic acid level.

LncRNA HOTTIP facilitates the stemness of breast cancer via regulation of miR-148a-3p/WNT1 pathway.

Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a key role in tumorigenesis. The lncRNA, HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP), has been reported to be up-regulated in multiple cancers, including breast cancer, and is involved in various biological processes, including the maintenance of stemness. However, the biological function and underlying modulatory mechanism of HOTTIP in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) remains unknown. In this study, we found that HOTTIP was markedly up-regulated in BCSCs and had a positive correlation with breast cancer progression. Functional studies revealed that overexpression of HOTTIP markedly promoted cell clonogenicity, increased the expression of the stem cell markers, OCT4 and SOX2, and decreased the expression of the differentiation markers, CK14 and CK18, in breast cancer cells. Knockdown of HOTTIP inhibited the CSC-like properties of BCSCs. Consistently, depletion of HOTTIP suppressed tumour growth in a humanized model of breast cancer. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that HOTTIP directly binds to miR-148a-3p and inhibits the mediation of WNT1, which leads to inactivation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway. Our study is the first to report that HOTTIP regulates the CSC-like properties of BCSCs by as a molecular sponge for miR-148a-3p to increase WNT1 expression, offering a new target for breast cancer therapy.

Imaging diagnostics of pulmonary ground-glass nodules: a narrative review with current status and future directions.

Background and Objective: The incidence rate of lung cancer, which also has the highest mortality rates for both men and women worldwide, is increasing globally. Due to advancements in imaging technology and the growing inclination of individuals to undergo screening, the detection rate of ground-glass nodules (GGNs) has surged rapidly. Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) methods for data analysis and interpretation, image processing, illness diagnosis, and lesion prediction offer a novel perspective on the diagnosis of GGNs. This article aimed to examine how to detect malignant lesions as early as possible and improve clinical diagnostic and treatment decisions by identifying benign and malignant lesions using imaging data. It also aimed to describe the use of computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsies and highlight developments in AI techniques in this area. Methods: We used PubMed, Elsevier ScienceDirect, Springer Database, and Google Scholar to search for information relevant to the article's topic. We gathered, examined, and interpreted relevant imaging resources from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University's Imaging Center. Additionally, we used Adobe Illustrator 2020 to process all the figures. Key Content and Findings: We examined the common signs of GGNs, elucidated the relationship between these signs and the identification of benign and malignant lesions, and then described the application of AI in image segmentation, automatic classification, and the invasiveness prediction of GGNs over the last three years, including its limitations and outlook. We also discussed the necessity of conducting biopsies of persistent pure GGNs. Conclusions: A variety of imaging features can be combined to improve the diagnosis of benign and malignant GGNs. The use of CT-guided puncture biopsy to clarify the nature of lesions should be considered with caution. The development of new AI tools brings new possibilities and hope to improving the ability of imaging physicians to analyze GGN images and achieving accurate diagnosis.

Exploring the potential of cryptochlorogenic acid as a dietary adjuvant for multi-target combined lung cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is a highly malignant disease with limited treatment options and significant adverse effects. It is urgent to develop novel treatment strategies for lung cancer. In recent years, TMEM16A has been confirmed as a specific drug target for lung cancer. The development of TMEM16A-targeting drugs and combined administration for the treatment of lung cancer has become a research hotspot. METHODS: Fluorescence screening and electrophysiological experiments were conducted to confirm the inhibitory effect of CCA on TMEM16A. Molecular dynamics simulation and site-directed mutagenesis were employed to analyze the binding mode of CCA and TMEM16A. CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, and annexin-V experiments were conducted to explore the regulatory effects and mechanisms of CCA on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of lung cancer cells. Tumor model mice and pharmacokinetic experiments were used to examine the efficacy and safety of CCA and cisplatin in vivo. RESULTS: This study firstly confirmed that CCA effectively inhibits TMEM16A to exert anticancer effects and analyzed the pharmacological mechanism. CCA bound to S517/N546/E623/E633/Q637 of TMEM16A through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. It inhibited the proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis of lung cancer cells by targeting TMEM16A. In addition, the combined administration of CCA and cisplatin exhibited a synergistic effect, enhancing the efficacy of lung cancer treatment while reducing side effects. CONCLUSION: CCA is an effective novel inhibitor of TMEM16A, and it synergizes with cisplatin in anticancer treatment. These findings will provide new research ideas and lead compound for the combination therapy of lung cancer.

How halogenated aromatic compounds affect the electron supply and consumption in glucose supported denitrification?

Halogenated aromatic compounds possess bidirectional effects on denitrifying bio-electron behavior, providing electrons and potentially interfering with electron consumption. This study selected the typical 4-chlorophenol (4-CP, 0-100 mg/L) to explore its impact mechanism on glucose-supported denitrification. When COD(glucose)/COD(4-CP)=28.70-3.59, glucose metabolism remained the dominant electron supply process, although its removal efficiency decreased to 73.84-49.66 %. When COD(glucose)/COD(4-CP)=2.39-1.43, 4-CP changed microbial carbon metabolism priority by inhibiting the abundance of glucose metabolizing enzymes, gradually replacing glucose as the dominant electron donor. Moreover, 5-100 mg/L 4-CP reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by 15.52-24.67 % and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 31.13-63.47 %, causing severe lipid peroxidation, thus inhibiting the utilization efficiency of glucose. Activated by glucose, 4-CP dechlorination had stronger electron consumption ability than NO2--N reduction (NO3--N > 4-CP > NO2--N), combined with the decreased nirS and nirK genes abundance, resulting in NO2--N accumulation. Compared with the blank group (0 mg/L 4-CP), 5-40 mg/L and 60-100 mg/L 4-CP reduced the secretion of cytochrome c and flavin adenine dinucleotides (FAD), respectively, further decreasing the electron transfer activity of denitrification system. Micropruina, a genus that participated in denitrification based on glucose, was gradually replaced by Candidatus_Microthrix, a genus that possessed 4-CP degradation and denitrification functions after introducing 60-100 mg/L 4-CP.

The Role of Iron Metabolism in Sepsis-associated Encephalopathy: a Potential Target.

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is an acute cerebral dysfunction secondary to infection, and the severity can range from mild delirium to deep coma. Disorders of iron metabolism have been proven to play an important role in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases by inducing cell damage through iron accumulation in glial cells and neurons. Recent studies have found that iron accumulation is also a potential mechanism of SAE. Systemic inflammation can induce changes in the expression of transporters and receptors on cells, especially high expression of divalent metal transporter1 (DMT1) and low expression of ferroportin (Fpn) 1, which leads to iron accumulation in cells. Excessive free Fe2+ can participate in the Fenton reaction to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to directly damage cells or induce ferroptosis. As a result, it may be of great help to improve SAE by treatment of targeting disorders of iron metabolism. Therefore, it is important to review the current research progress on the mechanism of SAE based on iron metabolism disorders. In addition, we also briefly describe the current status of SAE and iron metabolism disorders and emphasize the therapeutic prospect of targeting iron accumulation as a treatment for SAE, especially iron chelator. Moreover, drug delivery and side effects can be improved with the development of nanotechnology. This work suggests that treating SAE based on disorders of iron metabolism will be a thriving field.

Causal diagnostic model and governance strategies to reduce pollution from ship accidents in Chinese waters.

Ship transportation is a primary mode for global trade and cargo transport, yet even minor discrepancies can lead to ship accidents, causing severe secondary environmental pollution. Maritime accidents involve complex and numerous factors. Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) can identify the key contributing factors and their impact levels by eliminating homogenization factors in maritime accidents. This study constructs an innovative FCA model of ship accidents in Chinese waters, utilizing 172 ship accident reports released by the China Maritime Safety Administration. The analysis reveals seven reduced sets and 23 diagnostic rules of ship accidents. Results show that failed ship registration/security inspection, deficient nautical data and instruments, and management issues are the most critical factors. Three accident chains are identified and corresponding mitigation strategies are proposed to reduce potential pollution from ship accidents. These strategies offer significant reference value for preventing ship accidents and reducing their environmental impact in China and globally.

Biomaterials-Based Technologies in Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering.

For many clinically prevalent severe injuries, the inherent regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle remains inadequate. Skeletal muscle tissue engineering (SMTE) seeks to meet this clinical demand. With continuous progress in biomedicine and related technologies including micro/nanotechnology and 3D printing, numerous studies have uncovered various intrinsic mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle regeneration and developed tailored biomaterial systems based on these understandings. Here, the skeletal muscle structure and regeneration process are discussed and the diverse biomaterial systems derived from various technologies are explored in detail. Biomaterials serve not merely as local niches for cell growth, but also as scaffolds endowed with structural or physicochemical properties that provide tissue regenerative cues such as topographical, electrical, and mechanical signals. They can also act as delivery systems for stem cells and bioactive molecules that have been shown as key participants in endogenous repair cascades. To achieve bench-to-bedside translation, the typical effect enabled by biomaterial systems and the potential underlying molecular mechanisms are also summarized. Insights into the roles of biomaterials in SMTE from cellular and molecular perspectives are provided. Finally, perspectives on the advancement of SMTE are provided, for which gene therapy, exosomes, and hybrid biomaterials may hold promise to make important contributions.