Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonization and subsequent infection in a neonatal intensive care unit in Shanghai, China

Background

Colonization has been reported to play an important role in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infection; however, the extent to which carriers develop clinical CRE infection and related risk factors in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients is unclear.

Aim

To investigate the frequency of CRE colonization and its contribution to infections in NICU patients.

Methods

CRE colonization screening and CRE infection surveillance were performed in the NICU in 2017 and 2018.

Findings

Among 1230 unique NICU patients who were screened for CRE colonization, 144 patients tested positive (11.7%, 144/1230), with 9.2% (110/1197) in the intestinal tract, which was higher than that in the upper respiratory tract (6.6%, 62/945) (P=0.026). Gestational age, low birth weight and prolonged hospitalization were risk factors for CRE colonization (all P<0.001). Diversilab homology monitoring found an overall 17.4% (25/144) risk of infection among patients colonized with CRE. For carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP) and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CR-ECO), the risks were 19.1% (21/110) and 13.8% (4/29), respectively. The independent risk factors for CR-KP clinical infection among CR-KP carriers were receiving mechanical ventilation (odds ratio (OR), 10.177; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.667–38.830; P=0.013), a high level of neonatal nutritional risk assessment (OR, 0.251; 95% CI, 0.072–0.881; P=0.031) and a high neonatal acute physiology II (SNAP-II) score (OR, 0.256; 95% CI, 0.882–1.034; P=0.025).

Conclusions

The colonization of CRE may increase the incidence of corresponding CRE infection in NICU patients. Receiving mechanical ventilation, malnutrition and critical conditions with high SNAP-II scores were independent risk factors for subsequent CR-KP clinical infection.

Assessment of immune status of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma can predict prognosis and guide treatment

BACKGROUND

In the past few years, immunotherapy has changed the way we treat solid tumors. People pay more and more attention to the immune microenvironment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). In this study, our immunotherapy research took advantage of the clinical database and focused our in-depth analysis on the tumor microenvironment (TME).

METHODS

This study evaluated the relationship between the clinical outcome and the local tissue and overall immune status in 412 patients with primary LSCC. We constructed and validated a risk model that could predict prognosis, assess immune status, identify high-risk patients, and develop personalized treatment plans through bioinformatics. In addition, through immunohistochemical analysis, we verified the differential expression of CTSL and KDM5D genes with the largest weight coefficients in the model in LSCC tissues and their influence on the prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).

RESULTS

We found that interstitial tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor parenchymal-infiltrating lymphocyte volume, tumor infiltrates lymphocytes of frontier invasion, and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients with LSCC. A novel risk model can guide clinicians to accurately predict prognosis, identify high-risk patients, and formulate personalized treatment plans. The differential expression of genes such as CTSL and KDM5D has a significant correlation with the TILs of LSCC and the prognosis of patients.

CONCLUSION

Local and systemic inflammatory markers in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma are reliable prognostic factors. The risk model and CTSL, KDM5D gene have important potential research value.

Sub-Monolayer YOx /MoOx on Ultrathin Pt Nanowires Boosts Alcohol Oxidation Electrocatalysis

A crucial issue restricting the application of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) is the low activity of Pt-based electrocatalysts for alcohol oxidation reaction caused by the reaction intermediate (CO*) poisoning. Herein, a new strategy is demonstrated for making a class of sub-monolayer YO_x /MoO_x -surface co-decorated ultrathin platinum nanowires (YO_x /MoO_x -Pt NWs) to effectively eliminate the CO poisoning for enhancing methanol oxidation electrocatalysis. By adjusting the amounts of YO_x and MoO_x decorated on the surface of ultrathin Pt NWs, the optimized 22% YO_x /MoO_x -Pt NWs achieve a high specific activity of 3.35 mA cm^-2 and a mass activity of 2.10 A mg_Pt ^-1 , as well as the enhanced stability. In situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and CO stripping studies confirm the contribution of YO_x and MoO_x to anti-CO poisoning ability of the NWs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further reveal that the surface Y and Mo atoms with oxidation states allow COOH* to bind the surface through both the carbon and oxygen atoms, which can lower the free energy barriers for the oxidation of CO* into COOH*. The optimal NWs also show the superior activities toward the electro-oxidation of ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol.

Industrially promising NiCoP nanorod arrays tailored with trace W and Mo atoms for boosting large-current-density overall water splitting

Nanoarray catalysts supported on substrates provide an opportunity for industrially promising overall water splitting at large current densities. However, most of the present electrocatalysts show high overpotentials at a large current density, inducing a low efficiency for industrial water electrolysis. Herein, using the classic NiCoP nanorod arrays as the basic catalyst model, we presented a trace W and Mo co-doped strategy to boost the overall water splitting electrocatalysis at an industrial current density. After a trace amount of W and Mo atoms was doped, the constructed W and Mo co-doped NiCoP nanorod arrays (W,Mo-NiCoP/NF) show a low overpotential of 249 mV towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at a very large current density of 1000 mA cm^-2. We deduce that the regulation of the electronic structure caused by the trace W and Mo atoms, as well as the intrinsic features of nanoarrays leads to enhanced catalytic activity. In addition, a significant enhancement towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was also achieved by this co-doped strategy. Finally, an overall water splitting device using W,Mo-NiCoP/NF as both the anode and cathode was assembled to exhibit a low cell voltage of 1.85 V at a large current density of 500 mA cm^-2 and an excellent long-term stability within 50 h, better than most of the state-of-the-art bifunctional electrocatalysts yet reported. Our results highlight the significance of trace-doping engineering in industrial water electrolysis.

Efficient passivation of n-type and p-type silicon surface defects by hydrogen sulfide gas reaction

An efficient surface defect passivation is observed by reacting clean Si in a dilute hydrogen sulfide-argon gas mixture (<5% H₂S in Ar) for both n-type and p-type Si wafers with planar and textured surfaces. Surface recombination velocities of 1.5 and 8 cm s^-1are achieved on n-type and p-type Si wafers, respectively, at an optimum reaction temperature of 550 °C that are comparable to the best surface passivation quality used in high efficiency Si solar cells. Surface chemical analysis using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that sulfur is primarily bonded in a sulfide environment, and synchrotron-based soft x-ray emission spectroscopy of the adsorbed sulfur atoms suggests the formation of S-Si bonds. The sulfur surface passivation layer is unstable in air, attributed to surface oxide formation and a simultaneous decrease of sulfide bonds. However, the passivation can be stabilized by a low-temperature (300 °C) deposited amorphous silicon nitride (a-Si:N_X:H) capping layer.

MicroRNAs in Fetal Umbilical Cord Blood as a Prenatal Screening Tool for Congenital Heart Disease

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been used as molecular markers for various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the predicted performance of miRNAs in fetal umbilical cord blood for detecting congenital heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 60 pregnant women (involving 30 fetuses with CHD and 30 normal fetuses requiring induction of labor) were included. Umbilical cord blood was collected for miRNA measurement. Expression levels of the miRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR. The predictive accuracy of miRNA was assessed by constructing a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and evaluated by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). The point biserial correlation coefficient (PBCC) was analyzed to evaluate the correlation of miRNA with CHD.

RESULTS

The CHD group and control group were well-balanced in age, gravidity, and parity. miRNA-133 was not detected in all subjects. Subjects with CHD fetuses had significantly lower levels of miRNA-1, miRNA-208, and miRNA-499. Different types of CHD showed different variation trends of miRNA expression. Correlation analysis showed that expression levels of miRNA-1, miRNA-208, and miRNA-499 were negatively correlated with the occurrence of CHD, with a PBCC of -0.65, -0.47, and -0.60, respectively. miRNA-1, miRNA-208, and miRNA-499 displayed an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.76-0.96; p<0.001), 0.75 (95% CI, 0.63-0.87; p=0.009), and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.74-0.95; p<0.001), respectively, for discriminating CHD from normal fetuses, with cut-off values of 0.795, 0.835, and 0.795, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The expression levels of miRNA-1, miRNA-208, and miRNA-499 in umbilical cord blood may be useful for predicting fetal CHD. The findings indicated that miRNAs have the potential to be a prenatal screening tool in the early diagnosis of CHD.

Spontaneous and induced chiral symmetry breaking of stereolabile pillar[5]arene derivatives upon crystallisation

Stereolabile pillar[5]arene (P[5]) derivatives, which are dynamic racemic mixtures in solution on account of their low inversion barriers, were employed as platforms to study chiral symmetry breaking during crystallisation. In the solid state, we showed that crystal enantiomeric excess of a conglomerate-forming P[5] derivative can be obtained by handpicking and Viedma ripening without the intervention of external chiral entities. On the other hand, in the presence of ethyl d/l-lactate as both optically-active solvents and chiral guests, the handedness of P[5] derivative crystals, either forming racemic compounds or conglomerates upon condensation, can be directed and subsequently inverted in a highly controllable manner.

Stereolabile pillar[5]arene derivatives, which are dynamic racemic mixtures in solution on account of their low inversion barriers, were employed as platforms to study chiral symmetry breaking during crystallisation.

Micromagnetic simulation of microstructure effect for binary-main-phase Nd-Ce-Fe-B magnets

We investigate the magnetic properties of a chemically heterogeneous binary-main-phase (BMP) Nd-Ce-Fe-B magnet with a core-shell structure via micromagnetic simulation. It is found that the coercivity strongly depends on the shell thickness. The BMP magnet's coercivity initially increases and then decreases with increasing Nd-rich shell thickness, and so there is the optimal shell thickness which shows the maximum coercivity for any given Ce concentration. The simulation shows the significant difference in coercivity and maximum energy product between the BMP and single-main-phase magnets. Notably, the magnetization reversal mechanism of the BMP magnet is revealed in the simulation. Local reversals in the BMP magnet first occur in the Ce-rich shells, followed by the Nd-rich cores. Then, the magnetization in Ce-rich core/Nd-rich shell typed grains is switched after reversed magnetization of all the Nd-rich core/Ce-rich shell typed grains. The BMP magnet represents a further increased coercivity for a larger GB thickness, which can be well explained by a maximum stray field.

A genome-wide association study reveals additive and dominance effects on growth and fatness traits in large white pigs

The dominance effect is a kind of non-additive effect due to the interaction between alleles at the same locus. Quantitative traits such as growth traits in farm animals have been found to be influenced by dominance effects. However, dominance effects are usually ignored in the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of complex traits for farm animals. In this study, we performed GWAS and genetic parameters estimation for the two traits age at 100 kg (AGE) and backfat thickness at 100 kg (BF) of 3572 Large White pigs. The pigs were from three breeding farms of China and were genotyped by an in-house designed 50k SNP chip. Our results showed significant non-zero variance for the dominance effect of AGE, while the dominance effect of BF was not significant. Using a GWAS model accounting for both additive and dominance effects, we identified three additive and two dominance significant SNPs for the trait AGE. For the trait BF, three genome-wide significant additive SNPs were detected, but no significant SNP was found for the dominance effect. In total, six important functional genes (NPAS3, USP16, PARN, ARL15, GPC3, ABHD4) near significant SNPs were identified as candidate genes associated with AGE or BF. Notably, ARL15 and PARN were associated with AGE near the dominance association signals. Overall, the newly detected SNPs and newly identified candidate genes in our study added new information about the genetic architectures of growth and fatness traits in pigs, and have the potential to be applied to the pig breeding program in the future.

Amino-assisted AHMT anchored on graphene oxide as high performance adsorbent for efficient removal of Cr(VI) and Hg(II) from aqueous solutions under wide pH range

The adsorbents with high adsorption capacity for simultaneously removing Cr(VI) and Hg(II) from aqueous solutions under broad working pH range are highly desirable but still extremely scarce. Here, a novel adsorbent with multidentate ligands was facilely fabricated by covalently bonding 4-amino-3-hydrazino-5-mercapto- 1,2,4-triazole on graphene oxide via the Schiff's base reaction. The maximum adsorption capacities of Cr(VI) and Hg(II) on the current adsorbent were 734.2 and 1091.1 mg/g, which were 14.36 and 5.61 times higher than that of the pure graphene oxide, respectively, exceeding those of most adsorbents previously reported. More interestingly, Cr(VI) and Hg(II) concentrations were decreased from 2 mg/L to 0.0001 mg/L for Hg(II) and 0.004 mg/L for Cr(VI), far below the WHO recommended threshold for drinking water. Moreover, the adsorbent shows an excellent performance for simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and Hg(II) with more than 99.9% and 98.6% removal efficiencies in aqueous solutions. Finally, the adsorbent was successfully applied in dealing with the real industrial effluent, implying huge potential in industrial application. This work offers a new possibility for the removal of the metallic contaminants by rational designing target groups and ligands.

Synthesis of a Reactive Template-Induced Core-Shell PZS@ZIF-67 Composite Microspheres and Its Application in Epoxy Composites

Developing superior properties of epoxy resin composites with high fire resistance, light smoke, and low toxicity has been the focus of the research in the flame-retardant field. In particular, it is essential to decrease the emissions of toxic gases and smoke particles generated during the thermal decomposition of epoxy resin (EP) to satisfy the industrial requirements for environmental protection and safety. Consequently, the PZS@ZIF-67 composite was designed and synthesized by employing the hydroxyl group-containing polyphosphazene (poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-4,4'-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone), PZS) as both the interfacial compatibility and an in situ template and the ZIF-67 nanocrystal as a nanoscale coating and flame-retardant cooperative. ZIF-67 nanocrystal with multidimensional nanostructures was uniformly wrapped on the surface of PZS microspheres. Subsequently, the acquired PZS@ZIF-67 composite was incorporated into the epoxy resin to prepare composite samples for the study of their fire safety, toxicity suppression, and mechanical performance. Herein, the EP/5% PZS@ZIF-67 passed the V-0 rating in a UL-94 test with a 31.9% limit oxygen index value. More precisely, it is endowed with a decline of 51.08%, 28.26%, and 37.87% of the peak heat release rate, the total heat release, and the total smoke production, respectively. In addition, the unique structure of PZS@ZIF-67 microsphere presented a slight impact on the mechanical properties of EP composites at low loading. The PZS@ZIF-67 possible flame-retardant mechanism was speculated based on the analysis of the condensed phase and the gas phase of EP composites.

Mesoporous cobalt ferrite phosphides/reduced graphene oxide as highly effective electrocatalyst for overall water splitting

Although the electrochemical production of hydrogen has been considered as a promising strategy to obtain the sustainable resources, the sluggish kinetics of anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) hindered the sustainable energy development. Herein, we design mesoporous cobalt ferrite phosphides hybridized on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a highly efficient bifunctional catalyst through a simple nanocasting method. The hybrid catalyst possesses the abundant interface, which provides the large active sites, as well as the hybrid rGO accelerates the electron exchange and ion diffusion. Moreover, the mesoporous structure not only prevents the aggregation of actives sites, but also benefits for the rapid escape of bubbles during catalytical process, which can significantly improve the catalytic performance. Consequently, the resulting mCo_0.5Fe_0.5P/rGO shows superior catalytic performance with a low overpotential of 250 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 for OER and outstanding long-term stability. More importantly, an electrolyzer with mCo_0.5Fe_0.5P/rGO as both anode and cathode catalysts shows a low voltage of 1.66 V to afford a current density of 10 mA cm^-2. This work offers a new route for designing the highly efficient OER and overall water splitting electrocatalysts.

Ni(OH)2 Templated Synthesis of Ultrathin Ni3 S2 Nanosheets as Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting

Ultrathin nickel (Ni)-based sulfide nanosheets have been reported as excellent electrocatalysts for overall water splitting; however, the uncontrollability over thickness due to the nonlayered structure still hampers its practical application. Herein, a simple topochemical conversion strategy is employed to synthesize cobalt-doped Ni₃ S₂ (Co-Ni₃ S₂ ) ultrathin nanosheets on Ni foam. The Co-Ni₃ S₂ nanosheets are controlled synthesized by using Co-Ni(OH)₂ ultrathin nanosheets as templates with anneal and sulfurization treatment, showing exceptional electrocatalytic activity. This template-assisted method can also be applied to obtain Ni, NiO, and NiP_x nanosheets, providing a universal strategy to synthesize ultrathin nanosheets of nonlayered materials. The overall water splitting of this Co-Ni₃ S₂ ultrathin nanosheets achieves a low voltage of 1.54 V at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 and high durability in 1 m KOH, comparable to the best performance of electrochemical water splitting ever reported. The detailed structural transformation of Ni-based sulfides in the catalytic process and its mechanism are further explored both experimentally and theoretically.

Oxygen Vacancies and Lewis Acid Sites Synergistically Promoted Catalytic Methane Combustion over Perovskite Oxides

An in-depth understanding of the surface properties-activity relationship could provide a fundamental guidance for the design of highly efficient perovskite-based catalysts for the control of anthropogenic methane emission. Herein, both oxygen vacancies and Coⁿ⁺ Lewis acid sites were purposely introduced on ordered macroporous La_0.8Sr_0.2CoO₃ monolithic catalysts by one-step reduction and selective etching in oxalic acid, and their synergistic effect on methane combustion was investigated. Combined with experimental and theoretical investigations, we revealed that the positively charged Coⁿ⁺ Lewis acid sites and single-electron-trapped oxygen vacancies (Vo·) formed an active pair, which enabled an effective localized electron cloud shift from Vo· to Coⁿ⁺. The characteristic electronic effect modulates surface electronic properties and coordination structures, thus resulting in superior oxygen activation capacity, lattice oxygen mobility, and reducibility, as well as favorable CH₄ interaction and oxidation. Our work not only gives insights into surface properties-activity relationships on perovskite for hydrocarbon combustion but also sheds substantial light on future environmental catalyst design and modulation for hydrocarbon pollutants elimination.

Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Mechanism of Natural Rubber Waterstop after Aging in Low-Temperature Environment

In order to elucidate the aging performance and aging mechanism of a rubber waterstop in low-temperature environments, the rubber waterstops were placed in the freezing test chamber to accelerate aging, and then we tested its tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, compression permanent deformation and hardness at different times. Additionally, the damaged specimens were tested by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. The results showed that with the growth of aging time, the mechanical properties of the rubber waterstop are reduced. At the same time, many protrusions appeared on the surface of the rubber waterstop, the C element gradually decreased, and the O element gradually increased. During the period of 72–90 days, the content of the C element in the low-temperature air environment significantly decreased compared with that in low-temperature water, while the content of O element increased significantly.

Development and usage of the digital SAMG system

In order to reduce the work burden during the training and drilling of the severe accident and severe accident management guidelines, and improve the implementation efficiency of the guidelines, a method of digitizing the SAMG program files is proposed. A set of digital SAMG system supported by information technology and combined with software and hardware is developed to transform the manual processes of paper file browsing, data searching, logical judgment and auxiliary calculation into automatic and digital processes, which can be used for SAMG training and drilling, and also for verifying the SAMG execution process and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.

High-Index Faceted PdPtCu Ultrathin Nanorings Enable Highly Active and Stable Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis

Ultrathin nanosheet catalysts deliver great potential in catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but encounter the ceiling of the surface atomic utilizations, thus presenting a challenge associated with further boosting catalytic activity. Herein, a kind of PdPtCu ultrathin nanorings with increased numbers of electrocatalytically active sites is reported, with the purpose of breaking the activity ceiling of conventional catalysts. The as-made PdPtCu nanorings possess abundant high-index facets at the edge of both the exterior and interior surfaces. An ultrahigh electrochemical active surface area of 92.2 m² g^-1 _PGM is achieved on this novel catalyst, much higher than that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. The optimized Pd₃₉ Pt₃₃ Cu₂₈ /C shows a great enhanced ORR activity with a specific activity of 2.39 mA cm^-2 and a mass activity of 1.97 A mg^-1 _PGM at 0.9 V (versus RHE), as well as superior durability within 30 000 cycles. Density function theory calculations reveal that the high-index facets and alloying Cu atoms can optimize the oxygen adsorption energy, explaining the enhanced ORR activity. Overcoming a key technical barrier in sub-nanometer electrocatalysts, this work successfully introduces the hollow structures into the ultrathin nanosheets, heralding the exciting prospects of high-performance ORR catalysts in fuel cells.

Clinical Study of Ultrasonic Extreme Velocity Imaging Pulse Wave Technique in Carotid Elasticity in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

In this study, extreme velocity ultrasonic imaging pulse wave technology was used to detect the main indices of atherosclerosis such as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid elasticity, and biochemical indices such as glycated hemoglobin, blood glucose and blood lipids in one hundred twenty 18–60-year-old patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 120 healthy controls. We analyzed the correlations between carotid elasticity, carotid IMT, and a range of biochemical indices. The results indicated that when the carotid IMT in young and middle-aged patients with T2DM was within the normal range (0.56±0.03 mm), the carotid artery elasticity was abnormal [Pulse wave propagation velocity (PWV)-BS = 7.69± 1.26 m/s; PWV-ES = 8.34±1.51 m/s; P < 0.05]. Additionally, PWV-BS was positively correlated with age, course of the disease, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (r = 0.297, 0.377, 0.369, 0.382), and PWV-ES was positively correlated with age, course of the disease, HbA1c, and FBG (r = 0.318, 0.386, 0.392, 0.339). This finding provides a basis for extreme velocity ultrasonic imaging pulse wave technology to become a new method for the early screening of atherosclerosis in patients with T2DM; this is important for timely clinical intervention in patients with T2DM.

Linking melem with conjugated Schiff-base bonds to boost photocatalytic efficiency of carbon nitride for overall water splitting

Developing an efficient single component photocatalyst for overall water splitting under visible-light irradiation is extremely challenging. Herein, we report a metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-CxN4)-based nanosheet photocatalyst (x = 3.2, 3.6, or 3.8) with melem rings conjugated by Schiff-base bonds (N[double bond, length as m-dash]C-C[double bond, length as m-dash]N). The presence of the conjugated Schiff-base bond tunes the band gap of g-CxN4 and, more importantly, serves as an electron sink to suppress electron-hole pair recombination. The projected density of states (PDOS) calculations suggest that the melem ring and Schiff-base bond act as oxidizing and reducing centers, respectively, for photocatalytic water splitting. As a result, g-CxN4, in particular g-C3.6N4, can catalyze overall water splitting without the need for any co-catalyst or sacrificial donor. Under visible light (>420 nm wavelength) irradiation, g-C3.6N4 catalyzes the overall water splitting with H2 and O2 generation rates of 75.0 and 36.3 μmol h-1 g-1, respectively. g-C3.6N4 is the most efficient single-component photocatalyst ever reported for overall water splitting. Our studies demonstrate a new approach for tuning the bandgap and the electronic structure of graphitic carbon nitride for maximizing its photocatalytic performance for water splitting, which will be important for hydrogen generation and for energy applications.

Hsa-miR-4730 as a new and potential diagnostic and prognostic indicators for pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic cancer is a gastrointestinal tumor with the highest malignancy and few diagnostic and prognostic markers. Patients with disease have a 5-year survival rate that is not more than 10%. As a research hotspot in recent years, miRs (microRNAs) are differentially expressed in various tumors, so they can be used as the potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. In this study, differentially expressed miRs in patients with pancreatic cancer were screened out through the GEO chip, to provide potential markers for clinical practice. This study aimed to explore the expression and potential value of miR-4730 in pancreatic cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Differentially expressed miRs in pancreatic cancer were analyzed through logging in GEO DataSets to download GSE112264. Fifty patients with pancreatic cancer who were treated in our hospital from May 2012 to January 2014 (Group A), 50 patients with benign pancreatic lesions during the same period (Group B), and 50 healthy individuals undergoing physical examinations (Group C) were enrolled in this study. The expression of miR-4730 in the serum and the cancer tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. The correlation of miR-4730 with pathological data, and the diagnostic values of differential indicators in the data were analyzed. The patients were followed up for 5 years to observe the relationship between miR-4730 and their survival.

RESULTS

The analysis of the GEO chip showed 305 differentially expressed miRs, among which 225 were highly expressed and 80 were lowly expressed, with miR-4730 differentially expressed most. The expression of serum miR-4730 in Group A was significantly lower than that in Groups B and C (p<0.05), so miR-4730 had a diagnostic value. The expression of miR-4730 in the cancer tissue was significantly lower than that in the adjacent tissue. The correlation analysis showed that the expression of miR-4730 in the cancer tissue was positively correlated with that in the serum. Patients with low miR-4730 expression had poorly differentiated pancreatic cancer, and patients with stages III+IV of pancreatic cancer had higher incidences of lymphatic invasion and distal metastasis (p<0.05), so miR-4730 had a diagnostic value. The 3- and 5-year survival rates in the high miR-4730 expression group were higher than those in the low expression group (both p<0.05). TNM staging, lymphatic invasion, distal metastasis, and miR-4730 were independent prognostic factors for the 3- and 5-year survival of patients with pancreatic cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with pancreatic cancer, those with low miR-4730 expression have poor survival and prognoses, so miR-4730 can be used as a potential observational index for the prognosis and diagnosis of the disease.

Highly efficient and ultrafast removal of Cr(VI)in aqueous solution to ppb level by poly(allylamine hydrochloride) covalently cross-linked amino-modified graphene oxide

We herein report a facile strategy to prepare poly(allylamine hydrochloride) cross-linked amino-modified graphene oxide (PAH-ASGO) by Schiff-base reactions. The resulting PAH-ASGO exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 373.1 mg/g for Cr(VI), which was nearly 9 times higher than that of pure graphene oxide, exceeding that of most GO-based materials previously reported. More significantly, PAH-ASGO can effectively diminish the Cr(VI) concentration from 9.9 mg/L to the extremely low level of 0.004 mg/L within 10 s, far below the maximum allowable level of Cr(VI) (0.05 mg/L) in drinking water. In addition, the adsorbents still displayed excellent removal efficiency of 91.8% after 10 cycles. Considering the broad diversity, we developed also a magnetic PAH-ASGO/Fe₃O₄ adsorbent by a simple cross-linking reaction to achieve rapid separation of PAH-ASGO from their aqueous solution. Finally, the PAH-ASGO was successfully utilized to treat the actual industrial effluent.

Optimal NH4 + /NO3 - ratios enhance the shade tolerance of soybean seedlings under low light conditions

In the maize-soybean intercropping system, shade is the major chronic restraint that affects normal growth of soybean. Different spatial patterns of this system affect the microclimate of soybean through shading from maize plants. However, the negative impacts of shading stress can be mitigated by providing optimal ratios of different fertilizers. Therefore, to test this hypothesis, soybean plants were grown under different light conditions (normal light or shade) to evaluate the response to varying NH4 + /NO3 - ratios. Seeds of soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Nan-99-6) were grown in nutrient solution with a total concentration of 5 mM N using different NH4 + /NO3 - ratios (T0  = 0:0, T1  = 0:100, T2  = 25:75, T3  = 50:50 and T4  = 75:25) for 40 days in a greenhouse at PPFD 320.95 μmol m-2  s-1 (low light) or 967.53 μmol m-2  s-1 (normal light). Under low light, growth and photosynthesis of soybean seedlings significantly decreased as compared to normal light conditions. However, the optimal ratios of NH4 + / NO3 - improved growth and photosynthesis of soybean seedlings under both light conditions. Our results indicated that soybean seedlings supplied with optimal NH4 + /NO3 - ratios (25:75 and 50:50) have maximum biomass yield, chlorophyll pigments, leaf gas exchange, photochemical activity and root growth as compared to low and high NH4 + /NO3 - ratios (T1 and T4 ). High ratios of NH4 + /NO3 - (T4 ) resulted in reduced plant growth due to nutrient accumulation in plant tissues; therefore, we suggest that optimal ratios of NH4 + /NO3 - (T2 and T3 ) can enhance the shade tolerance of soybean seedlings.

Adverse childhood experiences and co-occurring psychological distress and substance abuse among juvenile offenders: the role of protective factors

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to estimate associations between cumulative exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), protective factors, and co-occurrence among male and female juvenile offenders.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Validated measures of ACEs, internal resilience, external youth assets, psychological distress, and substance abuse were collected from 429 youths involved in the juvenile justice system in Nevada. A three-level outcome variable was created using the psychological distress and substance use measures: no problems, one problem, or co-occurring problems. Hierarchical multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the independent, direct, and moderating impact of the protective factors on ACEs and the outcome.

RESULTS

Internal resilience, family communication, school connectedness, peer role models, and non-parental adult role models were associated with lower odds of co-occurrence compared to having no problems (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] ranged from 0.11 to 0.33). When ACEs were added to the model, internal resilience and all assets except for one (non-parental adult role models) continued to offer protection against co-occurrence. Internal resilience was the only protective factor that significantly moderated the association between ACEs and co-occurrence (AOR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06, 0.99).

CONCLUSION

Most protective factors decreased co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems in the presence of ACE exposure and internal resilience moderated the relationship between ACEs and co-occurrence. Juvenile justice systems should use positive youth development approaches to help prevent co-occurrence among youths.

Exclusive Strain Effect Boosts Overall Water Splitting in PdCu/Ir Core/Shell Nanocrystals

Core/shell nanocatalysts are a class of promising materials, which achieve the enhanced catalytic activities through the synergy between ligand effect and strain effect. However, it has been challenging to disentangle the contributions from the two effects, which hinders the rational design of superior core/shell nanocatalysts. Herein, we report precise synthesis of PdCu/Ir core/shell nanocrystals, which can significantly boost oxygen evolution reaction (OER) via the exclusive strain effect. The heteroepitaxial coating of four Ir atomic layers onto PdCu nanoparticle gives a relatively thick Ir shell eliminating the ligand effect, but creates a compressive strain of ca. 3.60%. The strained PdCu/Ir catalysts can deliver a low OER overpotential and a high mass activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the compressive strain in Ir shell downshifts the d-band center and weakens the binding of the intermediates, causing the enhanced OER activity. The compressive strain also boosts hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and the strained nanocrystals can be served as excellent catalysts for both anode and cathode in overall water-splitting electrocatalysis.

Disposable multiplexed electrochemical sensors based on electro-triggered selective immobilization of probes for simultaneous detection of DNA and proteins

Electrically addressable covalent immobilization of probes on a multiplexed electrode for the simultaneous detection of multiple targets within the same sample is often regarded as a difficult milestone to be achieved. Herein, we demonstrated a reagentless disposable multiplexed electrochemical DNA and aptamer-based sensing platform for the simultaneous determination of various targets. The electrochemically triggered "click" chemistry was developed, and three biomarkers, including p53, thrombin, and VEGF165 were used as model analytes. The proposed sensor consisted of three independent screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE), with an alkyne-azide cycloaddition reaction that was activated selectively by means of electrical triggering, so that different DNA probes can be modified on the desired electrode units in sequence. In terms of simultaneous detection, the sensor was able to quantify the DNA target of p53 with a detection limit of 0.35 nM, whereas the limits of detection for protein quantification of thrombin and VEGF165 were 0.22 nM and 0.014 nM, respectively. The proposed sensor not only showed encouraging reproducibility and stability, but also performed well even in 50% serum samples. Therefore, the work described here offers a general strategy for developing a multiplexed sensor with promising potential to achieve rapid, simple and cost-effective analysis of biological samples.

3D Artificial Solid-Electrolyte Interphase for Lithium Metal Anodes Enabled by Insulator-Metal-Insulator Layered Heterostructures

Despite considerable efforts to prevent lithium (Li) dendrite growth, stable cycling of Li metal anodes with various structures remains extremely difficult due to the direct contact of the liquid electrolyte with Li. Rational design of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) for 3D electrodes is a promising but still challenging strategy for preventing Li dendrite growth and avoiding lithium-electrolyte side reactions in Li-metal batteries. Here, a 3D architecture is constructed with g-C₃ N₄ /graphene/g-C₃ N₄ insulator-metal-insulator sandwiched nanosheets to guide uniform Li plating/stripping in the van der Waals gap between the graphene and the g-C₃ N₄ , and the function of which can be regarded as a 3D artificial SEI. Li deposition on the surface of g-C₃ N₄ is suppressed due to its insulating nature. However, its uniform lithiophilic sites and nanopore channels enable homogeneous lithium plating between the graphene and the g-C₃ N₄ , prohibiting the direct contact of the electrolyte with the Li metal. The use of the g-C₃ N₄ -layer-modified 3D anode enables long-term Li deposition with a high Coulombic efficiency and stable cycling of full cells under high cathode loading, limited Li excess, and lean electrolyte conditions. The concept of a 3D artificial SEI will shed light on developing safe and stable Li-metal anodes.

Integrative Analysis of DNA Methylation Data and Transcriptome Data Identified a DNA Methylation-Dysregulated Four-LncRNA Signature for Predicting Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Increasing evidence has demonstrated the crosstalk between DNA epigenetic alterations and aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) during carcinogenesis. However, epigenetically dysregulated lncRNAs and their functional and clinical roles in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) are still not explored. In this study, we performed an integrative analysis of DNA methylation data and transcriptome data and identified a DNA methylation-dysregulated four-lncRNA signature (DNAMeFourLncSig) from 596 DNA methylation-dysregulated lncRNAs using a machine-learning-based feature selection method, which classified the patients of the discovery cohort into two risk groups with significantly different survival including overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free survival. Then the DNAMeFourLncSig was implemented to another two HNSCC patient cohorts and showed similar prognostic values in both. Results from multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that the DNAMeFourLncSig might be an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, the DNAMeFourLncSig was substantially correlated with the complete response rate of chemotherapy and may predict chemotherapy response. Functional in silico analysis found that DNAMeFourLncSig-related mRNAs were mainly enriched in cell differentiation, tissue development and immune-related pathways. Overall, our study will improve our understanding of underlying transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms in HNSCC carcinogenesis and provided a new potential biomarker for the prognosis of patients with HNSCC.

Potential High-Temperature Piezoelectric Ceramics with Remarkable Performances Enhanced by the Second-Order Jahn-Teller Effect

Herein, the second-order Jahn-Teller effect was applied to the design of the bismuth ferrite-based ceramics. A large distortion of an electron structure arranged along the z axis and an asymmetric distribution of charge density were calculated in 0.80(0.725BiFeO₃-0.275BaTiO₃)-0.20PT (0.20 PT) based on the density functional theory, indicating good ferro/piezoelectric properties. The top experimental polarization of 36.89 μC/cm², optimal d₃₃ value of 258 pC/N measured at room temperature, and ultrahigh d₃₃ value of 303 pC/N measured at 370 °C were obtained at 0.20 PT, thereby further confirming the calculations. Furthermore, a high Curie point of 488 °C, as well as outstanding temperature stability ranging from room temperature to 430 °C of the 0.20 PT ceramic was observed. The domain of the 0.20 PT exhibited greater order and smaller size, resulting in easy switching when applying voltage. The distorted electron structure, plumb grains, ordered and easily switchable domains, and coexistences of tetragonal (T) and rhombohedral (R) phases contributed to the large piezoelectric constant of the 0.2 PT ceramic. BFBT-xPT ceramics are potentially promising for high-temperature piezoelectric field applications.

LncRNA APPAT regulated miR-328a/Pkp1 signal pathway to participate in breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies indicated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in the development of breast cancer, which is the pathological basis of breast cancer. Here, we reported the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNA APPAT regulated in the progression of breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

QPCR was used to inspect the expression of lncRNA APPAT and miR-328a in breast cancer cell lines. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct target effect of APPAT and miR-328a. Western blot was used to check Pkp1 protein expression in breast cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

The expressions of lncRNA APPAT, Pkp1 protein levels and miR-328a were commonly expressed in breast cancer cells. The inhibition of lncRNA APPAT expression repressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion in breast cancer and reverse results were found after lncRNA APPAT overexpressing. Mechanistically, the binding targets of lncRNA APPAT vs. miR-328a and Pkp1 vs. miR-328a were checked in breast cancer. Meanwhile, miR-328a silencing enhanced the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Moreover, the effect caused by Pkp1 silencing on cell proliferation, migration and invasion was reversed by miR-328a inhibitor in MCF-7 and BT594 cells. Additionally, Pkp1 knockout reversed the effect of cell proliferation, migration and invasion triggered by APPAT elevated. Taken together, these results showed miR-328a as a downstream target of lncRNA APPAT linking lncRNA APPAT to Pkp1.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA APPAT regulated the proliferation, migration, invasion of breast cancer by regulating miR-328a/Pkp1 signaling pathway, providing a novel possible strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.

An Intelligent Fire-Protection Coating Based on Ammonium Polyphosphate/Epoxy Composites and Laser-Induced Graphene

Fire-protection coatings with a self-monitoring ability play a critical role in safety and security. An intelligent fire-protection coating can protect humans from personal and property damage. In this work, we report the fabrication of a low-cost and facile intelligent fire coating based on a composite of ammonium polyphosphate and epoxy (APP/EP). The composite was processed using laser scribing, which led to a laser-induced graphene (LIG) layer on the APP/EP surface via a photothermal effect. The C–O, C=O, P–O, and N−C bonds in the flame-retardant APP/EP composite were broken during the laser scribing, while the remaining carbon atoms recombined to generate the graphene layer. A proof-of-concept was achieved by demonstrating the use of LIG in supercapacitors, as a temperature sensor, and as a hazard detection device based on the shape memory effect of the APP/EP composite. The intelligent flame protection coating had a high flame retardancy, which increased the time to ignition (TTI) from 21 s to 57 s, and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value increased to 37%. The total amount of heat and smoke released during combustion was effectively suppressed by ≈ 71.1% and ≈ 74.1%, respectively. The maximum mass-specific supercapacitance could reach 245.6 F·g⁻¹. The additional LIG layer enables applications of the device as a LIG-APP/EP temperature sensor and allows for monitoring of the deformation according to its shape memory effect. The direct laser scribing of graphene from APP/EP in an air atmosphere provides a convenient and practical approach for the fabrication of flame-retardant electronics.

Circular RNA-ABCB10 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression through upregulating NRP1/ABL2 via sponging miR-340-5p/miR-452-5p

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common liver malignancies worldwide with a high rate of recurrence and mortality. Circular RNA-ABCB10 (circ-ABCB10), 724 nucleotides in length, plays a pro-oncogenic role in tumor progression. However, the role of circ-ABCB10 in HCC is still unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the role of circ-ABCB10 in HCC progression in vitro and in vivo and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Tumor tissues from patients with HCC and multiple HCC cell lines were used for in vitro experiments and a mouse xenograft model was used for in vivo experiments. Quantitative Real Time-PCR, Western blots, lentivirus transfection, cell proliferation assays, cloning formation, migration, and invasion assays, flow cytometry, Luciferase reporter assays, and biotin-coupled probe pull-down assays were performed to investigate the mechanism underlying the effect of circ-ABCB10 on HCC.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the expression of circ-ABCB10 was downregulated in both HCC tissues and cell lines and was positively correlated with histological grade and tumor size. The overexpression of circ-ABCB10 exerted inhibitory effects on HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mechanistic and functional evidence together showed that circ-ABCB10 elevated expressions of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and ABL related gene (ABL2) by sponging miR-340-5p and miR-452-5p, which inhibited the progression of HCC. Furthermore, the in vivo study suggests that circ-ABCB10 inhibited tumor growth in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

In brief, the results demonstrate that circ-ABCB10 exerts anti-tumor roles via miR-340-5p/miR-452-5p-NRP1/ABL2 signaling axis, providing a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

[Safety of administration of norepinephrine through peripheral vein line in patients with septic shock]

OBJECTIVE

To analysis the risk factors and safety of administration of norepinephrine (NE) via peripheral vein line (PVL) in patients with septic shock.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was conducted. According to the Lanzhou University Second Hospital information system (HIS) and nursing adverse events report cards, patients with septic shock administrated with NE via PVL to correct the hypotension from January 1st 2015 to December 31st, 2019 were enrolled. The patients' general information, placement location of peripheral venous catheter and venousneedle type, characteristics of NE usage and patient general condition when extravasation occurred were collected. The univariate analysis and Logistic regression were used to analyze risk factors associated with extravasation. Also, the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn, and the predictive value of risk factors for extravasation was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 1 022 cases with NE were enrolled. After a preliminary screening, a total of 910 cases with NE were used to correct low blood pressure, including 116 cases of peripheral venous infusion. The average age was (52.91±18.69) years old, with majority of female (77 cases, 66.4%). Basic diseases were mainly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, 100 cases, 86.2%), followed by hypertension (91 cases, 78.4%), coronary heart disease (87 cases, 75.0%), type 2 diabetes (74 cases, 63.8%) respectively, the primary disease was septic shock in 109 cases (94.0%). A total of 147 peripheral venous catheters were inserted, and the most common site of puncture was the forearm [78.9% (116/147)], followed by the hand [12.2% (18/147)] and the median cubital vein [8.8% (13/147)]. 89.9% of the needles were 20 G in diameter, and 75 cases (64.7%) were converted to central venous catheters (CVC) during subsequent treatment due to continuous infusion of NE. Six patients (5.2%) had extravasation, the median time of extravasation was 29 (23-39) hours, and the median time of NE was 23 (11-53) hours, including 2 patients with an infusion concentration of 60 mg/L and 4 patients with an infusion concentration of 120 mg/L.The infusion speed was 0.5-1.0 μg×kg^-1×min^-1, and the average speed of infusion was (0.75±0.04) μg×kg^-1×min^-1 when extravasation. Univariate and binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors related to the occurrence of extravasation included: (1) patient factors: the presence of basic diseases, hypertension [odds ratio (OR) = 3.11, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 3.09-3.12, P = 0.001] and edema (OR = 1.79, 95%CI was 1.32-2.99, P = 0.032). (2) Factors of infusion fluid itself: long-term (> 24 hours) infusion (OR = 2.91, 95%CI was 1.04-5.96, P = 0.040), infusion concentration > 60 mg/L (OR = 1.88, 95%CI was 1.32-3.99, P = 0.024), infusion speed > 0.3 μg×kg^-1×min^-1 (OR = 2.43, 95%CI was 2.38-2.51, P = 0.029) and diameter of needles < 20 G (OR = 3.11, 95%CI was 3.09-3.22, P = 0.033). (3) Medical personnel factors: lack of observation and assessment (OR = 1.09, 95%CI was 1.03-6.77, P = 0.043). The ROC curve analysis showed that: edema, long-term infusion (> 24 hours), infusion rate > 0.3 μg×kg^-1×min^-1 and diameter of needles < 20 G had a certain predictive value for extravasation of NE through peripheral venous infusion in patients with septic shock, the area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.610, 0.762, 0.672, 0.629, 95%CI was 0.508-0.713, 0.675-0.849, 0.571-0.772, 0.525-0.732, and P values were 0.044, 0.000, 0.002, 0.019, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension, edema, long-term infusion (> 24 hours), infusion concentration > 60 mg/L, infusion speed > 0.3 μg×kg^-1×min^-1, diameter of needle < 20 G, and lack of observation and evaluation by medical staff regularly were risk factors affecting the safety of peripheral intravenous NE in patients with septic shock. Peripheral NE should be avoided in the presence of the above risk factors.

Genomic scan revealed KIT gene underlying white/gray plumage color in Chinese domestic geese

Goose is an important type of domesticated poultry. The wild geese that are regarded as the ancestors of modern domestic geese present gray plumage. Domesticated, geese have both white and gray feathers. To elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of white and gray plumage in geese, we resequenced the whole genome of 18 geese from six populations including white and gray goose breeds. The average sequencing depth per individual was 9.81× and the average genome coverage was 96.8%. A total of 346 genes were detected in the top 1% of F_ST scores of gray- and white-feathered geese, and a significant F_ST site was located in the intron region within the KIT gene, the 18 bp deletion in KIT having the strongest potential association with white feathers. It has been reported that a number of genes are associated with plumage colors in birds. However, no studies have identified the relationship between KIT and plumage color in birds at present, although the white coat can be attributed to mutations in KIT in some mammals. Our study showed that that KIT is a plausible candidate gene for white/gray plumage color in Chinese domestic geese.

Design of Geiger Muller detector system for searching lost γ-ray source

If a radiation source is lost, it will do harm to human being, especially for the searching person. In order to find the lost radiation source easily, a detector system, including 3 detectors, was designed to search the lost c-ray radiation source autonomously in any environment. First, based on GEANT4 simulation, the radiation dose rates in 3 Geiger Muller (GM) counters were simulated at the different source-detector distances, distances between detectors and angles. Various analyses were performed by experimentally and verified the simulated detector designed system. A Mono-energetic 137Cs c-ray source with energy 662 keV and activity of 1.11 GBq was used for the observation. The simulated results were compared with the experimental dose rate values and obtained good agreements for various cases. Only based on the dose rates in three detectors, the radiation source was searched in a different location at a specific source activity and angle. The corresponding angles of deviation and detection limit were calculated for sensitivity and ability of detector designed system. The proposed detector designed system can be used to navigate radiation sources in the low level and high radiation environments.

Hypoxia-Induced LIN28A mRNA Promotes the Metastasis of Colon Cancer in a Protein-Coding-Independent Manner

The hypoxic microenvironment is beneficial to the metastasis but not to the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the mechanisms regarding to hypoxia differentially regulating cancer metastasis and proliferation are largely unknown. In this study, we revealed that hypoxia induced the expression of LIN28A at mRNA level but segregated LIN28A mRNAs in the P-bodies and thus inhibits the production of LIN28A protein. This unexpected finding suggests that there may be non-coding role for LIN28A mRNA in the progression of colon cancer. We further showed that the non-coding LIN28A mRNA promotes the metastasis but not proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we revealed that methionyl aminopeptidase 2 (METAP2) is one of the up-regulated metastasis regulators upon over-expression of non-coding LIN28A identified by mass spectrum, and confirmed that it is non-coding LIN28A mRNA instead of LIN28A protein promotes the expression of METAP2. Moreover, we demonstrated that knockdown of DICER abolished the promotional effects of non-coding LIN28A on the metastasis and METAP2 expression. Conclusively, we showed that hypoxia induces the production of LIN28A mRNAs but segregated them into the P-bodies together with miRNAs targeting both LIN28A and METAP2, and then promotes the metastasis by positively regulating the expression of METAP2. This study uncovered a distinctive role of hypoxia in manipulating the metastasis and proliferation by differently regulating the expression of LIN28A at mRNA and protein level.

Cross-linked sulfydryl-functionalized graphene oxide as ultra-high capacity adsorbent for high selectivity and ppb level removal of mercury from water under wide pH range

It is highly desirable but remains extremely challenging to develop a facile strategy to prepare adsorbent for dealing with heavy metal pollution in water. Here, we report a facile approach for preparing sulfydryl-functionalized graphene oxide (S-GO) by cross-linking method with an unprecedented adsorption capacity and ultrahigh selectivity for efficient Hg(II) removal. The adsorbents exhibit a prominent performance in capturing Hg(II) from wastewater with a record-high adsorption capacity of 3490 mg/g and rapid kinetics to reduce Hg(II) contaminants below the discharge standard of drinking water (2 ppb) within 60 min under a wide pH range even in the coexistent of other interfering metal ions. In addition, the adsorbents can be also easily recycled and reused multiple times with no apparent decline in removal efficiency. Considering the broad diversity, we developed also a magnetic Fe₃O₄/S-GO adsorbent by a simple chemical cross-linking reaction to achieve rapid separation of S-GO from their aqueous solution. In addition, the adsorbents were successfully applied in dealing with the practical industrial wastewater. The results indicate the potential of rationally designed sulfydryl-functionalized graphene oxide for high performance Hg(II) removal.

Molecular Regulatory Mechanism and Toxicology of Neurodegenerative Processes in MPTP/Probenecid-Induced Progressive Parkinson's Disease Mice Model Revealed by Transcriptome

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a variety of unclear complex pathogenic factors. The 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid (MPTP/p)-induced progressive PD mice is a well-recognized classic model for studying PD, but the molecular toxicology of this model is still unclear. Here, for the first time, we report gradual neurodegenerative processes in MPTP/p-induced progressive PD mice model using RNA-seq. Transcriptional responses are orchestrated to regulate the expression of many genes in substantia nigra, such as Ntf3, Pitx3, Th, and Drd2, leading to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons at last. We proposed that the established model could be divided into three phases based on their molecular toxicological features: "the stress response phase" which maintained the microenvironment homeostasis, "the pre-neurodegenerative phase" which demonstrated observed MPTP/p cytotoxicity and gradual degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, and "the neurodegenerative phase" which reflected distinct damage and dopaminergic neuron apoptotic process. Glia cells exhibited a certain protective effect on dopaminergic neurons in 3rd and 6th MPTP/p-induced cytotoxicity. But in 10th MPTP/p injection, glia cells play a promoting role in PD and tissue damages caused by oxidative stress. This study also indicated that the substantia nigra of PD mice showed unique patterns of changes at each stage. Moreover, neurotrophic signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis and necroptosis were enriched at 3rd and 6th MPTP/p injection, which might be associated with the PD progress. This study provided an extensive data set of molecular toxicology for elucidating of PD progression and offered comprehensive theoretical knowledge for the development of new therapy.