Antibacterial Hydrophilic ZnO Microstructure Film with Underwater Oleophobic and Self-Cleaning Antifouling Properties

Super-hydrophilic and oleophobic functional materials can prevent pollution or adsorption by repelling oil, and have good circulation. However, traditional strategies for preparing these functional materials either use expensive fabrication machines or contain possibly toxic organic polymers, which may prohibit the practical application. The research of multifunctional ZnO microstructures or nanoarrays thin films with super-hydrophilic, antifouling, and antibacterial properties has not been reported yet. Moreover, the exploration of underwater oleophobic and self-cleaning antifouling properties in ZnO micro/nanostructures is still in its infancy. Here, we prepared ZnO microstructured films on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates (F-ZMF) for the development of advanced self-cleaning type super-hydrophilic and oleophobic materials. With the increase of the accelerators, the average size of the F-ZMF microstructures decreased. The F-ZMF shows excellent self-cleaning performance and hydrophilic (water contact angle ≤ 10°) and oleophobic characteristics in the underwater antifouling experiment. Under a dark condition, F-ZMF-4 showed good antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) with inhibition rates of 99.1% and 99.9%, respectively. This study broadens the application scope of ZnO-based material and provides a novel prospect for the development of self-cleaning super-hydrophilic and oleophobic materials.

Database Resources of the National Genomics Data Center, China National Center for Bioinformation in 2024

The National Genomics Data Center (NGDC), which is a part of the China National Center for Bioinformation (CNCB), provides a family of database resources to support the global academic and industrial communities. With the rapid accumulation of multi-omics data at an unprecedented pace, CNCB-NGDC continuously expands and updates core database resources through big data archiving, integrative analysis and value-added curation. Importantly, NGDC collaborates closely with major international databases and initiatives to ensure seamless data exchange and interoperability. Over the past year, significant efforts have been dedicated to integrating diverse omics data, synthesizing expanding knowledge, developing new resources, and upgrading major existing resources. Particularly, several database resources are newly developed for the biodiversity of protists (P10K), bacteria (NTM-DB, MPA) as well as plant (PPGR, SoyOmics, PlantPan) and disease/trait association (CROST, HervD Atlas, HALL, MACdb, BioKA, BioKA, RePoS, PGG.SV, NAFLDkb). All the resources and services are publicly accessible at https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn.

Impacts of ovarian reserve on conservative treatment for endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia

Objectives

Real-world data indicated that some endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) and early endometrial carcinoma (EEC) patients of fertility preservation had a normal ovarian reserve, while some had a decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). This study was designed to investigate the effect of baseline ovarian reserve on the treatment of EAH and EEC patients who ask for preservation of fertility.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted at a single university-affiliated fertility center. A total of 102 EAH and EEC patients who received fertility-preserving treatment between March 2019 and August 2020 were included and divided into a DOR group (n=22) and a non-DOR group (n=80).

Results

The 32-week CR rate of the non-DOR group was significantly higher than that of the DOR group (60.3% vs. 33.3%, P =0.028). The DOR group had a longer treatment duration to achieve CR than the non-DOR group (40.07 vs. 29.71 weeks, P=0.008, HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.86). Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that DOR (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13-0.99, P=0.049) and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.92, P=0.031) were negatively associated with 32-week CR.

Conclusions

Decreased baseline ovarian reserve is negatively correlated with the efficacy of fertility-preserving treatment in EAH and EEC patients, as this group has a lower CR rate and a longer treatment duration to achieve CR than those without DOR.

Glucan from Oudemansiella raphanipes suppresses breast cancer proliferation and metastasis by regulating macrophage polarization and the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background: The glucan extract of Oudemansiella raphanipes (Orp) has multiple biological properties, similar to extracts of other natural edible fungi. Drugs traditionally used in cancer treatment are associated with several drawbacks, such as side effects, induction of resistance, and poor prognosis, and many recent studies have focused on polysaccharides extracted from natural sources as alternatives. Our study focuses on the therapeutic role and molecular mechanism of action of Orp in breast cancer progression. Methods: MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice were used as the spontaneous breast cancer mice model. Immunoblotting, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the tumor behaviors in breast cancer. The inflammatory cell model was constructed using TNF-α. Macrophage activation and WNT/β-catenin signaling were assayed using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results: Orp management significantly inhibited tumor growth and promoted tumor cell apoptosis in MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice. Besides, the Orp challenge also attenuated the ability of breast tumors to metastasize into lung tissues. Mechanistically, Orp treatment restrained the polarization of M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages and suppressed WNT/β-catenin signaling in mouse tumor tissues, which implied that Orp-mediated tumor inhibition partly occurred via regulating the inflammatory response. Findings from in vitro experiments confirmed that Orp inhibited the TNF-α-induced nuclear transportation of β-catenin, thus preventing inflammation signaling and the expression of c-Myc in MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: Orp inhibits breast cancer growth and metastasis by regulating macrophage polarization and the WNT/β-catenin signaling axis. The findings of this study suggest that Orp may be a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.

Modeling human brain rhabdoid tumor by inactivating tumor suppressor genes in induced pluripotent stem cells

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a rare childhood malignancy that originates in the central nervous system. Over ninety-five percent of ATRT patients have biallelic inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene SMARCB1. ATRT has no standard treatment, and a major limiting factor in therapeutic development is the lack of reliable ATRT models. We employed CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to knock out SMARCB1 and TP53 genes in human episomal induced pluripotent stem cells (Epi-iPSCs), followed by brief neural induction, to generate an ATRT-like model. The dual knockout Epi-iPSCs retained their stemness with the capacity to differentiate into three germ layers. High expression of OCT4 and NANOG in neurally induced knockout spheroids was comparable to that in two ATRT cell lines. Beta-catenin protein expression was higher in SMARCB1-deficient cells and spheroids than in normal Epi-iPSC-derived spheroids. Nucleophosmin, Osteopontin, and Ki-67 proteins were also expressed by the SMARCB1-deficient spheroids. In summary, the tumor model resembled embryonal features of ATRT and expressed ATRT biomarkers at mRNA and protein levels. Ribociclib, PTC-209, and the combination of clofilium tosylate and pazopanib decreased the viability of the ATRT-like cells. This disease modeling scheme may enable the establishment of individualized tumor models with patient-specific mutations and facilitate high-throughput drug testing.

Ixekizumab for Active Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis in Chinese Patients: 16- and 52-Week Results from a Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

INTRODUCTION

Ixekizumab, an interleukin-17A inhibitor, was efficacious and well tolerated for the treatment of active radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) in international clinical studies. This phase III study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab for treating Chinese patients with active r-axSpA.

METHODS

Adults with active r-axSpA naïve to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), or with an inadequate response/intolerance to one tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, were randomized (1:1), double-blind, to receive ixekizumab 80 mg every 4 weeks (IXEQ4W; starting dose 160 mg), or placebo, for 16 weeks. Patients receiving placebo were then switched to IXEQ4W, and those receiving IXEQ4W continued, until week 52. The primary endpoint was the proportion of bDMARD-naïve patients achieving an Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society 40 (ASAS40) response at week 16.

RESULTS

In total, 147 patients were randomized to receive placebo (n = 73) or IXEQ4W (n = 74). At week 16, more bDMARD-naive patients achieved ASAS40 in the IXEQ4W group (n = 66; 40.9%) than the placebo group (n = 64, 7.8%; p < 0.001). In the overall study population, ASAS40 was also achieved by more patients in the IXEQ4W group (37.8%) than the placebo group (8.2%; p < 0.001) at week 16, with a significant difference observed as early as week 1. There were significant improvements in all key secondary endpoints at week 16 with IXEQ4W versus placebo. Efficacy was sustained at week 52 in patients who continued IXEQ4W and there were also clinical improvements from weeks 16 to 52 in patients switched to IXEQ4W. The safety profile of ixekizumab was consistent with that described previously. Infections and injection-site reactions were the most frequently reported events of special interest.

CONCLUSIONS

IXEQ4W was associated with rapid and significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of active r-axSpA in Chinese patients at week 16 that were sustained at week 52, with no new safety signals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04285229.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of a novel biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles using Rosa roxburghii extract and chitosan: Preparation, characterization, properties, and mechanisms

Developing efficient and safe antibacterial agents to inhibit pathogens including Physalospora piricola and Staphylococcus aureus is of great importance. Herein, a novel compound composed of Rosa roxburghii procyanidin, chitosan and selenium nanoparticle (RC-SeNP) was bio-synthesized, with the average diameter and zeta potential being 84.56 nm and -25.60 mV, respectively. The inhibition diameter of the RC-SeNP against P. piricola and S. aureus reached 18.67 mm and 13.13 mm, and the maximum scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS reached 96.02% and 98.92%, respectively. Moreover, the RC-SeNP completely inhibited the propagation P. piricola and S. aureus on actual apples, suggesting excellent in vivo antimicrobial capacity. The transcriptome analysis and electron microscope observation indicated that the antibacterial activity would be attributed to adhering to and crack the cell walls as well as damage the cytomembrane and nucleus. Moreover, the RC-SeNP effectively maintained the vitamin C, total acid, and water contents of red bayberry, demonstrating potential application for fruit preservation. At last, the RC-SeNP showed no cell toxicity and trace selenium residual dose (0.03 mg/kg on apple, 0.12 mg/kg on red bayberry). This study would enlighten future development on novel nano-bioantibacterial agents for sustainable agriculture.

Agaricus bisporus-Derived Glucosamine Hydrochloride Regulates VEGF through BMP Signaling to Promote Zebrafish Vascular Development and Impairment Repair

Glucosamine hydrochloride (GAH) is a natural component of glycoproteins present in almost all human tissues and participates in the construction of human tissues and cell membranes. GAH has a wide range of biological activities, particularly in anti-inflammatory and osteogenic damage repair. At present, little is known about how GAH functions in angiogenesis. To determine the role of GAH on vascular development and impairment repair, we used the inhibitors VRI, DMH1, and dorsomorphin (DM) to construct vascular-impaired models in Tg(kdrl: mCherry) transgenic zebrafish. We then treated with GAH and measured its repair effects on vascular impairment through fluorescence intensity, mRNA, and protein expression levels of vascular-specific markers. Our results indicate that GAH promotes vascular development and repairs impairment by regulating the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway through modulation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. This study provides an experimental basis for the development of GAH as a drug to repair vascular diseases.

Activating transcription factor (ATF) 6 upregulates cystathionine β synthetase (CBS) expression and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) synthesis to ameliorate liver metabolic damage

Activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) is an endoplasmic reticulum stress responsive gene. We previously reported that conditional knockout of hepatic ATF6 exacerbated liver metabolic damage by repressing autophagy through mTOR pathway. However, the mechanism by which ATF6 influence liver metabolism has not been well established. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous signaling molecule that plays an important role in regulating inflammation, and suppress nonalcoholic fatty liver in mice. Based on the previous study, we assumed that ATF6 may regulate H2S production to participate in liver metabolism. In order to clarify the mechanism by which ATF6 regulates H2S synthesis to ameliorate liver steatosis and inflammatory environment, we conducted the present study. We used the liver specific ATF6 knockout mice and fed on high-fat-diet, and found that H2S level was significantly downregulated in hepatic ATF6 knockout mice. Restoring H2S by the administration of slow H2S releasing agent GYY4137 ameliorated the hepatic steatosis and glucose tolerance. ATF6 directly binds to the promoter of cystathionine β synthetase (CBS), an important enzyme in H2S synthesis. Thus, ATF6 could upregulate H2S production through CBS. Sulfhydrated Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) was downregulated in ATF6 knockout mice. The expression of pro-inflammatory factor IL-17A was upregulated and anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was downregulated in ATF6 knockout mice. Our results suggest that ATF6 can transcriptionally enhance CBS expression as well as H2S synthesis. ATF6 increases SIRT1 sulfhydration and ameliorates lipogenesis and inflammation in the fatty liver. Therefore, ATF6 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for high-fat diet induced fatty liver metabolic abnormalities.

Dynamic Simulation of Nitrifying Microbial Communities for Establishing Acidic Partial Nitritation in Suspended Activated Sludge

Acidic partial nitritation (PN) is a promising technology to achieve low-cost and energy-efficient shortcut nitrogen removal from wastewater. However, a comprehensive understanding of the acidic PN under dynamic changes of pH in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) is still lacking. In this study, we successfully established acidic PN (NO2- accumulation ratio >80%) under dynamic pH variation from 7.0 to 4.5 in a lab-scale SBR. By accumulating in situ free nitrous acid (FNA) generation based on the dynamic pH change, acidic PN maintained stability even at a low NH4+ concentration of 100 mg N L-1. The microbial community analysis revealed that two ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) genera, Nitrosospira and Nitrosomonas, successfully coexisted and cooperated during acidic PN. None of the species of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) showed adaptation to intermittent inhibition of in situ FNA even under high DO conditions (>4.0 mg O2 L-1). Furthermore, we innovatively incorporated the classic nitrification model with the growth and decay of different nitrifying bacterial species and their inhibition by pH, FNA, and free ammonia (FA) to predict the nitrifying microbial communities shifting for establishing acidic PN. The extended model was calibrated by using short-term batch experiments and was validated by using long-term dynamic data of the nitrifying microbial community during SBR operation. The validated model was further used to identify feasible influent conditions for the SBR PN process, including influent HCO3- concentration, NH4+ concentration and molar ratio (HCO3/NH4+). Outcomes from this study support the optimal design of acidic PN-based short-cut nitrogen removal processes for future application.

Outcomes of fertility preservation treatments in patients with endometrial cancer with different molecular classifications based on an NGS panel

Background

The molecular classification of endometrial cancer has previously been shown to be associated with clinical outcomes. However, there are insufficient data to support the routine use of molecular classification for the treatment of patients seeking fertility preservation.

Methods

Here, we retrospectively investigated 90 patients received fertility-sparing treatment. We used a next generation sequencing (NGS) panel to classify these patients into four subtypes. All patients received hormonal therapy combined with hysteroscopy. Therapeutic effects were evaluated by hysteroscopy every three months during the treatment.

Results

Patients with POLE mutations had the highest disease progression rate (50.0%, P=0.013), while the microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) group had the highest recurrence rate (50.0%, P=0.042). PIK3CA mutation (hazard ratio (HR): 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37-0.99; P=0.046), overweight (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.32-0.96; P=0.033) and obesity (HR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20-0.95; P=0.036) were associated with a significantly lower cumulative complete response (CR) rate. The combination of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRH-a) and letrozole (HR: 3.43; 95% CI: 1.81-6.52; P< 0.001) was associated with a significantly higher cumulative CR rate. KRAS mutation was significantly associated with disease progression (P=0.002). In wild-type TP53 patients, PTEN and PIK3CA mutations significantly prolonged the duration of treatment to achieve CR (log rank P=0.034; P=0.018).

Conclusion

The implementation of molecular classification for EC patients undergoing fertility-sparing treatment is promising and can facilitate the selection of appropriate medical regimes to achieve better outcomes in patients with EC who require fertility preservation treatment.

Blockade of IL-11 Trans-Signaling or JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Ameliorates the Profibrotic Effect of IL-11

OBJECTIVES

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare rheumatic disease characterized by vascular damage, dysregulated immune response, and fibrosis. Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is upregulated in SSc. This study aimed to investigate the pathological and therapeutic role of the IL-11 trans-signaling pathway in SSc.

METHODS

Plasma IL-11 level was evaluated in 32 patients with SSc and 15 healthy controls, while the expression levels of ADAM10, ADAM17, IL-11, IL-11 Rα, or IL-11 co-stained with CD3 or CD163 in the skin of SSc patients and healthy controls were analyzed. Fibroblasts were treated with IL-11 and ionomycin to evaluate the profibrotic effect of IL-11 trans-signaling pathway. TJ301 (sgp130Fc) and WP1066 (a JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor) intervention groups were set up to investigate the antifibrotic effect of targeting IL-11.

RESULTS

Levels of plasma IL-11 were extremely low in most SSc patients and healthy controls. In contrast, levels of IL-11, IL-11 Rα, and ADAM10, but not ADAM17, were significantly elevated in the skin of SSc patients. Moreover, the numbers of IL-11+ CD3+ cells and IL-11+ CD163+ cells were increased in the skin of SSc patients. Besides, IL-11 and ADAM10 were also elevated in the skin and pulmonary of bleomycin-induced SSc mouse. Fibroblasts co-stimulated with IL-11 and ionomycin showed increased expression of COL3 and phosphorylation of STAT3, which could be inhibited by TJ301 or WP1066. TJ301 also ameliorated skin and lung fibrosis in BLM-induced SSc mouse.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-11 induces fibrosis in SSc by regulating the trans-signaling pathway. Blockage of sgp130Fc or inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway could ameliorate the profibrotic effect of IL-11.

Analysis of sputum microbial flora in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with different phenotypes during acute exacerbations

BACKGROUND

Increasing studies have shown that the imbalance of the respiratory microbial flora is related to the occurrence of COPD, the severity and frequency of exacerbations and mortality.However, it remains unclear how the sputum microbial flora differs during exacerbations in COPD patients manifesting emphysema phenotype, chronic bronchitis with emphysema phenotype and asthma-COPD overlap phenotype.

METHODS

Sputum samples were obtained from 29 COPD patients experiencing acute exacerbations who had not received antibiotics or systemic corticosteroids within the past four weeks.Patients were divided into three groups;emphysema phenotype(E);chronic bronchitis with emphysema phenotype(B+E) and asthma-COPD overlap phenotype(ACO).We utilized metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) technology to analyze the sputum microbial flora in COPD patients with different phenotypes during exacerbations.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in alpha diversity and beta diversity among three groups.The microbial flora composition was similar in all three groups during exacerbations except for a significant increase in Streptococcus mitis in ACO.Through network analysis,we found Candidatus Saccharibacteria oral taxon TM7x and Fusobacterium necrophorum were the core nodes of the co-occurrence network in ACO and E respectively.They were positively correlated with some species and play a synergistic role.In B+E,Haemophilus pittmaniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae had a synergistic effect.Besides,some species among the three groups play a synergistic or antagonistic role.Through Spearman analysis,we found the relative abundance of Streptococcus mitis was negatively correlated with the number of hospitalizations in the past year(r = -0.410,P = 0.027).We also observed that the relative abundance of Prevotella and Prevotella melaninogenica was negatively correlated with age(r = -0.534,P = 0.003;r = -0.567,P = 0.001),while the relative abundance of Streptococcus oralis and Actinomyces odontolyticus was positively correlated with age(r = 0.570,P = 0.001;r = 0.480,P = 0.008).In addition,the relative abundance of Prevotella melaninogenica was negatively correlated with peripheral blood neutrophil ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(r = -0.479,P = 0.009;r = -0.555,P = 0.002),while the relative abundance of Streptococcus sanguinis was positively correlated with peripheral blood neutrophil ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.450,P = 0.014;r = 0.501,P = 0.006).There was also a significant positive correlation between Oribacterium and blood eosinophil counts(r = 0.491,P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Overall,we analyzed the sputum microbiota of COPD patients with different phenotypes and its relationship with clinical indicators, and explored the relationships between microbiota and inflammation in COPD.We hope to alter the prognosis of patients by inhibiting specific bacterial taxa related to inflammation and using guide individualized treatment in the future research.

Switchable Deep Eutectic Solvents for Lignin Dissolution and Regeneration

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are promising for lignin dissolution and extraction. However, they usually possess high polarity and are difficult to recycle. To overcome this drawback, a variety of switchable ionic liquids (SILs) composed of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and alcohols was synthesized and screened. According to the thermodynamic modeling suggestions, the selected DBU-HexOH SIL was coupled with hydrogen-bond donors to form switchable-DES (SDES) systems with moderated viscosity, conductivity, and pH while maintaining switchability. The SDESs produced a well-improved lignin and lignin model compound solubility compared with those of SILs; charging CO2 into SDES (SDESCO2) caused a further increase in solubility. The solubility (25 °C) of syringic acid, ferulic acid, and milled wood lignin in SDESCO2 reached 230.57, 452.17, and 279.12 mg/g, respectively. Such SDES-dissolved lignin can be regenerated using acetone as an anti-solvent. The SDES-regenerated lignin exhibited a well-preserved structure with no noticeable chemical modifications. Furthermore, the SDESCO2 lignin possessed a higher molecular weight (Mw = 10,340 g/mol; Mn = 7672 g/mol), improved uniformity (polydispersity index = 1.35), and a higher guaiacyl lignin unit content compared with the original milled wood lignin. The SDES system proposed in the present work could benefit the fractionation of lignin compounds and facilitate downstream industrial processes.

[Fertility-preserving treatment outcomes in endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia patients with different molecular profiles]

Objective: To investigate the impact of molecular classification and key oncogenes on the oncologic outcomes in patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) receiving fertility-preserving treatment. Methods: Patients with EC and AEH undergoing progestin-based fertility-preserving treatment and receiving molecular classification as well as key oncogenes test at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University from January 2021 to March 2023 were reviewed. Hysteroscopic lesion resection and endometrial biopsy were performed before initiating hormone therapy and every 3 months during the treatment to evaluate the efficacy. The risk factors which had impact on the treatment outcomes in EC and AEH patients were further analyzed. Results: Of the 171 patients analyzed, the median age was 32 years, including 86 patients with EC and 85 patients with AEH. The distribution of molecular classification was as follows: 157 cases (91.8%) were classified as having no specific molecular profile (NSMP); 9 cases (5.3%), mismatch repair deficient (MMR-d); 3 cases (1.8%), POLE-mutated; 2 cases (1.2%), p53 abnormal. No difference was found in the cumulative 40-week complete response (CR) rate between the patients having NSMP or MMR-d (61.6% vs 60.0%; P=0.593), while the patients having MMR-d had increased risk than those having NSMP to have recurrence after CR (50.0% vs 14.4%; P=0.005). Multi-variant analysis showed PTEN gene multi-loci mutation (HR=0.413, 95%CI: 0.259-0.658; P<0.001) and PIK3CA gene mutation (HR=0.499, 95%CI: 0.310-0.804; P=0.004) were associated with a lower cumulative 40-week CR rate, and progestin-insensitivity (HR=3.825, 95%CI: 1.570-9.317; P=0.003) and MMR-d (HR=9.014, 95%CI: 1.734-46.873; P=0.009) were independent risk factors of recurrence in EC and AEH patients. Conclusions: No difference in cumulative 40-week CR rate is found in the patients having NSMP or MMR-d who received progestin-based fertility-preserving treatment, where the use of hysteroscopy during the treatment might be the reason, while those having MMR-d have a higher risk of recurrence after CR. Oncogene mutation of PTEN or PIK3CA gene might be associated with a lower response to progestin treatment. The molecular profiles help predict the fertility-preserving treatment outcomes in EC and AEH patients.

Studies on the [4 + 2] cycloaddition and allylic substitution of indole-fused zwitterionic π-allylpalladium

The zwitterionic π-allylpalladium species, also known as dipoles, are important synthons widely used in various reactions including cycloaddition and allylic substitution. This study reported the development of a new indole-fused zwitterionic π-allylpalladium precursor compound and its application in [4 + 2] cycloaddition and allylic substitution reactions. As a result, the synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinazolin-3-one and 7-vinyl indole compounds was achieved with moderate to good yields. Notably, the allylic substitution reaction exhibited excellent regio- and stereoselectivity.

Fate of organic micropollutants during brackish water desalination for drinking water production in decentralized capacitive electrodialysis

Capacitive electrodialysis (CED) is an emerging and promising desalination technology for decentralized drinking water production. Brackish water, often used as a drinking water source, may contain organic micropollutants (OMPs), thus raising environmental and health concerns. This study investigated the transport of OMPs in a fully-functional decentralized CED system for drinking water production under realistic operational conditions. Eighteen environmentally-relevant OMPs (20 µg L-1) with different physicochemical properties (charge, size, hydrophobicity) were selected and added to the feed water. The removal of OMPs was significantly lower than that of salts (∼94%), mainly due to their lower electrical mobility and higher steric hindrance. The removal of negatively-charged OMPs reached 50% and was generally higher than that of positively-charged OMPs (31%), whereas non-charged OMPs were barely transported. Marginal adsorption of OMPs was found under moderate water recovery (50%), in contrast to significant adsorption of charged OMPs under high water recovery (80%). The five-month operation demonstrated that the CED system could reliably produce water with low salt ions and TOC concentrations, meeting the respective WHO requirements. The specific energy consumption of the CED stack under 80% water recovery was 0.54 kWh m-3, which is competitive to state-of-the-art RO, ED, and emerging MCDI in brackish water desalination. Under this condition, the total OPEX was 2.43 € m-3, of which the cost of membrane replacement contributed significantly. Although the CED system proved to be a robust, highly adaptive, and fully automated technology for decentralized drinking water production, it was not highly efficient in removing OMPs, especially non-charged OMPs.

[Protective effect of recombinant Schistosoma japonicum cystatin against acute kidney injury associated with acute liver failure in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the protective effect of recombinant Schistosoma japonicum cystatin (rSj-Cys) against acute kidney injury induced by acute liver failure and unravel the underlying mechanism, so as to provide insights into the clinical therapy of acute kidney injury.

METHODS

Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into the normal control group, rSj-Cys control group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GaIN) model group and LPS/D-GaIN + rSj-Cys treatment group, of 6 mice each group. Mice in the LPS/D-GaIN group and LPS/D-GaIN + rSj-Cys group were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (10 μg/kg) and D-GaIN (700 mg/kg), and mice in the LPS/D-GaIN + rSj-Cys group were additionally administered with rSj-Cys (1.25 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection 30 min post-modeling, while mice in the rSj-Cys group were intraperitoneally injected with rSj-Cys (1.25 mg/kg), and mice in the normal control group were injected with the normal volume of PBS. All mice were sacrificed 6 h post-modeling, and mouse serum and kidney samples were collected. Serum creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured, and the pathological changes of mouse kidney specimens were examined using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of inflammatory factors and pyroptosis-related proteins was quantified in mouse kidney specimens using immunohistochemistry. In addition, the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway-associated proteins was determined in mouse kidney specimens using Western blotting assay.

RESULTS

HE staining showed no remarkable abnormality in the mouse kidney structure in the normal control group and the rSj-Cys control group, and renal tubular injury was found in LPS/D-GaIN group, while the renal tubular injury was alleviated in LPS/D-GaIN+rSj-Cys treatment group. There were significant differences in serum levels of Cr (F = 46.33, P < 0.001), BUN (F = 128.60, P < 0.001), TNF-α (F = 102.00, P < 0.001) and IL-6 (F = 202.10, P < 0.001) among the four groups, and lower serum Cr [(85.35 ± 32.05) μmol/L], BUN [(11.90 ± 2.76) mmol/L], TNF-α [(158.27 ± 15.83) pg/mL] and IL-6 levels [(56.72 ± 4.37) pg/mL] were detected in the in LPS/D-GaIN + rSj-Cys group than in the LPS/D-GaIN group (all P values < 0.01). Immunohistochemical staining detected significant differences in TNF-α (F = 24.16, P < 0.001) and IL-10 (F = 15.07, P < 0.01) expression among the four groups, and lower TNF-α [(106.50 ± 16.57)%] and higher IL-10 expression [(91.83 ± 5.23)%] was detected in the LPS/D-GaIN + rSj-Cys group than in the LPS/D-GaIN group (both P values < 0.01). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry detected significant differences in the protein expression of pyroptosis-related proteins NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) (F = 24.57 and 30.72, both P values < 0.001), IL-1β (F = 19.24 and 22.59, both P values < 0.001) and IL-18 (F = 16.60 and 19.30, both P values < 0.001) in kidney samples among the four groups, and lower NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 expression was quantified in the LPS/D-GaIN + rSj-Cys treatment group than in the LPS/D-GaIN group (P values < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences in the protein expression of NF-κB signaling pathway-associated proteins p-NF-κB p-P65/NF-κB p65 (F = 71.88, P < 0.001), Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 (F = 45.49, P < 0.001) and p-IκB/IκB (F = 60.87, P < 0.001) in mouse kidney samples among the four groups, and lower expression of three NF-κB signaling pathway-associated proteins was determined in the LPS/D-GaIN + rSj-Cys treatment group than in the LPS/D-GaIN group (all P values < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

rSj-Cys may present a protective effect against acute kidney injury caused by acute liver failure through inhibiting inflammation and pyroptosis and downregulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Mechanically-Compliant Bioelectronic Interfaces through Fatigue-Resistant Conducting Polymer Hydrogel Coating

Because of their distinct electrochemical and mechanical properties, conducting polymer hydrogels have been widely exploited as soft, wet, and conducting coatings for conventional metallic electrodes, providing mechanically compliant interfaces and mitigating foreign body responses. However, the long-term viability of these hydrogel coatings is hindered by concerns regarding fatigue crack propagation and/or delamination caused by repetitive volumetric expansion/shrinkage during long-term electrical interfacing. This study reports a general yet reliable approach to achieving a fatigue-resistant conducting polymer hydrogel coating on conventional metallic bioelectrodes by engineering nanocrystalline domains at the interface between the hydrogel and metallic substrates. It demonstrates the efficacy of this robust, biocompatible, and fatigue-resistant conducting hydrogel coating in cardiac pacing, showcasing its ability to effectively reduce the pacing threshold voltage and enhance the long-term reliability of electric stimulation. This study findings highlight the potential of its approach as a promising design and fabrication strategy for the next generation of seamless bioelectronic interfaces.

In situ growth of a cobalt porphyrin-based covalent organic framework on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for ultrasensitive real-time monitoring of living cell-released nitric oxide

Nitric oxide (NO), as a critical transcellular messenger, participates in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. However, its real-time detection still faces challenges due to its short half-life and trace amounts. Here, MWCNTs@COF-366-Co was prepared by in situ growth of a cobalt porphyrin-based covalent organic framework (COF-366-Co) on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and a unique biosensing platform for ultrasensitive real-time NO determination was established. Remarkably, MWCNTs@COF-366-Co contains plenty of atomically arranged M-N4 active sites for electrocatalysis, which provides more efficient electron transfer pathways and resolves the random arrangement issue of active sites. COF-366-Co with a high surface area contains a large number of exposed active M-N4 sites, providing faster NO transport/diffusion and more efficient electron transfer pathways. Due to the synergy of atomic-level periodic structural features of COF-366-Co and high conductivity of MWCNTs, the MWCNTs@COF-366-Co electrochemical biosensor exhibited excellent NO determination performance in a wide range from 0.09 to 400 μM, with high sensitivity (8.9 μA μM-1 cm-2) and a low limit of detection (16 nM). Moreover, the biosensor has been successfully used to sensitively monitor NO molecules released from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). This research not only designed a multifunctional intelligent biosensor platform, but also provided a broad prospect for continuous dynamic monitoring of the activity of living cells and their released metabolites.

Potential Effect of Combined Exposure of Crystalline Silica Dust and Cigarette Smoking on the Incidence of Silicosis among Chinese Male Stone Processing Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Silicosis is a progressive and irreversible disease primarily caused by exposure to crystalline silica dust and, to a lesser extent, cigarette smoking. However, further research is needed to validate the potential combined effect of these risk factors on the increased incidence of the disease. Methods: A total of 1688 male workers employed at a Chinese stone processing plant between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2019, were included in the study. Cumulative exposure to industrial crystalline silica dust and packyears of smoking were collected through health surveillance, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for silicotic changes due to industrial silica exposure and cigarette smoking were estimated using logistic regression models. Results: Among all participants, a significant exposure-response relationship was observed between long-term exposure to industrial silica dust and radiographic findings resembling silicosis (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.41). However, among middle-aged workers, a weak and statistically insignificant relationship was found between prolonged cigarette smoking and X-ray evidence of lung silicosis (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.53). Furthermore, significant combined effects, exceeding the additive models, were identified in each age group and employment sector (relative risk due to interaction 0.51, 95% CI 0.08 to 3.42). Conclusions: It is critically important to implement effective dust removal measures and tobacco control strategies in order to enhance respiratory health among employees across all age groups in the stone processing industry.

Dihydroartemisinin increased the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila by YAP1 depression that sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy

The effect of anti-programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD-1) immunotherapy is limited in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) expression increased in liver tumor cells in early HCC, and Akkermansia muciniphila abundance decreased in the colon. The response to anti-PD-1 treatment is associated with A. muciniphila abundance in many tumors. However, the interaction between A. muciniphila abundance and YAP1 expression remains unclear in HCC. Here, anti-PD-1 treatment decreased A. muciniphila abundance in the colon, but increased YAP1 expression in the tumor cells by mice with liver tumors in situ. Mechanistically, hepatocyte-specific Yap1 knockout (Yap1LKO) maintained bile acid homeostasis in the liver, resulting in an increased abundance of A. muciniphila in the colon. Yap1 knockout enhanced anti-PD-1 efficacy. Therefore, YAP1 inhibition is a potential target for increasing A. muciniphila abundance to promote anti-PD-1 efficacy in liver tumors. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), acting as YAP1 inhibitor, increased A. muciniphila abundance to sensitize anti-PD-1 therapy. A. muciniphila by gavage increased the number and activation of CD8+ T cells in liver tumor niches during DHA treatment or combination with anti-PD-1. Our findings suggested that the combination anti-PD-1 with DHA is an effective strategy for liver tumor treatment.

Therapeutic potential of salicylamide derivatives for combating viral infections

Since time immemorial human beings have constantly been fighting against viral infections. The ongoing and devastating coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic represents one of the most severe and most significant public health emergencies in human history, highlighting an urgent need to develop broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Salicylamide (2-hydroxybenzamide) derivatives, represented by niclosamide and nitazoxanide, inhibit the replication of a broad range of RNA and DNA viruses such as flavivirus, influenza A virus, and coronavirus. Moreover, nitazoxanide was effective in clinical trials against different viral infections including diarrhea caused by rotavirus and norovirus, uncomplicated influenza A and B, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In this review, we summarize the broad antiviral activities of salicylamide derivatives, the clinical progress, and the potential targets or mechanisms against different viral infections and highlight their therapeutic potential in combating the circulating and emerging viral infections in the future.