An engineered M2 macrophage-derived exosomes-loaded electrospun biomimetic periosteum promotes cell recruitment, immunoregulation, and angiogenesis in bone regeneration

The periosteum, a fibrous tissue membrane covering bone surfaces, is critical to osteogenesis and angiogenesis in bone reconstruction. Artificial periostea have been widely developed for bone defect repair, but most of these are lacking of periosteal bioactivity. Herein, a biomimetic periosteum (termed PEC-Apt-NP-Exo) is prepared based on an electrospun membrane combined with engineered exosomes (Exos). The electrospun membrane is fabricated using poly(ε-caprolactone) (core)-periosteal decellularized extracellular matrix (shell) fibers via coaxial electrospinning, to mimic the fibrous structure, mechanical property, and tissue microenvironment of natural periosteum. The engineered Exos derived from M2 macrophages are functionalized by surface modification of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-specific aptamers to further enhance cell recruitment, immunoregulation, and angiogenesis in bone healing. The engineered Exos are covalently bonded to the electrospun membrane, to achieve rich loading and long-term effects of Exos. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the biomimetic periosteum promotes BMSC migration and osteogenic differentiation via Rap1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and enhances vascular endothelial growth factor secretion from BMSCs to facilitate angiogenesis. In vivo studies reveal that the biomimetic periosteum promotes new bone formation in large bone defect repair by inducing M2 macrophage polarization, endogenous BMSC recruitment, osteogenic differentiation, and vascularization. This research provides valuable insights into the development of a multifunctional biomimetic periosteum for bone regeneration.

Analytical validation and pilot clinical application of a UPLC-MS/MS method for determining intracellular mycophenolic acid and metabolites in kidney transplant recipients

There is no consensus on the strategy for therapeutic drug monitoring of the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolic acid (MPA) in organ transplant recipients. The present study proposes the utilization of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for determining the concentrations of MPA and its metabolites: 7-O-mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) and acyl mycophenolic acid glucoside (AcMPAG) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We aimed to assess the potential application of monitoring MPA and its metabolite concentrations in PBMCs in the infection after transplantation in Chinese kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The UPLC-MS/MS method we developed demonstrated good linearity in the quantitative ranges of 0.05-50.00 ng/mL for MPA, 0.50-50.00 ng/mL for MPAG, and 0.10-20.00 ng/mL for AcMPAG. AcMPAG in PBMCs was unstable, degrading significantly after 48 h of storage at -80°C or after 3 freeze-thaw cycles. MPA and MPAG concentrations in KTRs' PBMCs exhibited high inter-individual variability, and the MPA concentration in PBMCs was poorly correlated with that in plasma (rs = 0.206, p = 0.117). Compared with the stable group, the infected group had significantly higher MPA concentration in PBMCs at 2 and 4 h post-dosing and in plasma at 4 h post-dosing (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for post-transplantation infection revealed that PBMCs MPA-C4 and PBMCs-MPA-C2 possessed much better diagnostic efficiency than Plasma-MPA-C4. This method is easy-to-use and reliable, making it a promising clinical quantitative tool for MPA, MPAG, and AcMPAG in PBMCs. PBMC-MPA monitoring may be a potential biomarker for infection monitoring for KTRs.

The catalytic hairpin assembly induces a conformational change of the RNA aptamer enabled in situ imaging of circRNAs in tumor cells

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are ubiquitously expressed across all cell types and tissues, playing a pivotal role in regulating diverse biological processes and being implicated in various human cancers. Their inherent stability renders them highly promising for practical applications in diagnosing and treating numerous human diseases, especially as biomarkers. In this study, we have successfully engineered a novel luminescent RNA sensor utilizing catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) to mediate aptamer conformational changes for both extracellular and intracellular circRNA detection. The CHA process is specifically triggered by the unique back-splice junction (BSJ) present in circRNA, enabling precise discrimination between circular and homologous linear RNA. Through rational design and modification of the RNA aptamer sequence to enhance its affinity for the CHA product, the modified RNA aptamer undergoes specific conformational changes that facilitate binding with small molecule dyes, thereby generating a pronounced fluorescence signal. Our approach exhibits robust performance and stability in complex biological systems, making it suitable for visualizing circRNA in tumor cells and detecting extracellular circRNA. Additionally, this method demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity in live cell imaging, along with superior specificity and sensitivity for target molecules. This technique offers a valuable tool for elucidating intricate physiological processes involving circRNA in live cells.

The impact of high intrapatient variability of tacrolimus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells on the outcomes of kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Tacrolimus (TAC) is a key immunosuppressive agent for kidney transplantation, but its narrow therapeutic window and high intra-patient variability (IPV) complicate therapeutic drug monitoring. The clinical significance of PBMC-based IPV in predicting graft rejection and infection remains unclear.

METHODS

A total of 47 renal transplant recipients were enrolled. Intracellular TAC concentrations were analyzed and quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of the first adverse event, including acute rejection or infection of any etiology. The IPV of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (IPVPBMC) and whole blood (IPVWB) was calculated as the coefficient of variation of dose-corrected concentrations from day 14 to month 12 post-transplantation. A Cox proportional hazards model was employed to identify risk factors associated with kidney transplant outcomes.

RESULTS

Within the first year post-transplantation, the incidence of acute rejection was significantly higher in the High-IPVWB group compared to the Low-IPVWB group (P = 0.024). Moreover, the IPVWB in the rejection group was significantly higher than in the stable group (P = 0.034), and High-IPVWB and extended post-operative hospital stay served as independent predictors of rejection within the first year. Additionally, High-IPVPBMC, deceased donors, and longer hospital stay were the main risk factors for early infection following transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Both IPVPBMC and IPVWB are significantly associated with graft rejection and infection. Monitoring IPVPBMC and IPVWB within the first six months post-transplantation could help identify high-risk patients and improve clinical management strategies.

Signal-on aptasensors on paper-based platform: Application of multilayer MXene nanoquencher and stabilized luminescent carbon dots

Antibiotics are emerging hazardous small molecules, requiring urgent need for fast signal-on analytical methods to control antibiotic abuse. Signal-on fluorescence sensing strategies utilizing nanoquenchers and aptamers are fascinating but rarely accomplished on paper-based platforms. Here, a novel multilayer MXene sensing platform was established by leveraging Nb2C-MXene as a multilayer nanoquencher and zero-dimensional carbon dots-labeled aptamer (B-CDs@Apt) as a stable and bright recognition probe. The Nb2C-MXene has a multilayer nanosheet stack-like structure and efficient mass transfer channels. It can efficiently adsorb abundant B-CDs@Apt probes and quench their fluorescence. Importantly, the Nb2C-MXene/B-CDs@Apt system can release the B-CDs@Apt in response to the analyte with high sensitivity, thereby restoring the fluorescent signal. The developed aptasensor achieved sensitive and selective detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) and showed satisfactory anti-interference ability, stability, and practicability. Notably, the multilayer Nb2C-MXene/B-CDs@Apt system was successfully transferred to a paper-based sensing platform, with a low-density distribution of multilayer nanoquenchers carrying sufficient aptamer probes for analyte access. In comparison, the monolayer Nb2C nanosheets were unable to adsorb enough probes to output analyte-induced signals. The established paper-based analytical device (PAD) showed a LOD of 0.360 ng mL-1 for CAP, which is the first paper-based MXene aptasensor reported for fluorescence detection. By replacing the aptamer and carbon dot, the strategy was further extended to detect another analyte oxytetracycline (OTC), with LODs of 0.399 in tube and 0.867 ng mL-1 on PAD, respectively. Furthermore, concurrent detection of CAP and OTC was achieved using a dual-color PAD, demonstrating the potential to meet multi-target analytical requirements.

CRISPR/Cas12a-mediated cyclic signal amplification and electrochemical reporting strategy for rapid and accurate sensing of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in aquatic foods

Rapid and accurate detection of target foodborne pathogenic bacteria is extremely important for preventing and controlling foodborne diseases. Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus, Vp) is considered as a major cause of foodborne diseases, posing severe threat to food safety and public health. The efficiency and sensitivity of traditional protocols for Vp identification is time consuming and of poor precision. In this research, a simple electrochemical sensing method was developed for accurate detection of Vp in aquatic products. Target genes of Vp were rapid amplified with the designed recombinase polymerase amplification, which further activated the designed CRISPR/Cas12a system. The electrochemical active ssDNA probe on the sensing interface would be hydrolyzed by the activated trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a, inducing the release of active electrochemical tags from the sensing interface and the decreased sensing signals. Under the optimized conditions, this proposed RPA-mediated electrochemical-CRISPR (E-CRISPR) biosensor enabled sensitive detection of target Vp over a linear range from 101 to 106 CFU/mL, with limit of detection of 32 CFU/mL. Additionally, this E-CRISPR biosensor realized the successful determination of Vp in spiked fish samples with satisfied sensing performance. The isothermal amplification and the rapid electrochemical response of the E-CRISPR biosensor made it suitable for on-site screening. And this E-CRISPR biosensor could be well integrated with other isothermal protocols and extended to other target pathogens, showing great potential for practical applications in molecular diagnostics and other gene detection related fields.

Electrochemical detection of creatinine at picomolar scale with an extended linear dynamic range in human body fluids for diagnosis of kidney dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Creatinine levels in different body fluids can serve as an important biomarker for kidney functioning relevant to prostate cancer and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Creatinine levels vary in concentration in different body fluids, such as blood, urine, and saliva. Unlike previously reported sensors, the developed creatinine sensor can be employed for all levels of creatinine in samples of real patients.

RESULTS

In this study, an efficient voltammetric sensor for creatinine is developed by modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with poly (ethyleneimine) (PEI) capped silver nanoparticles at titanium dioxide (PEI-AgNPs)/TiO2, i.e., titanium dioxide (TiO2)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites (Ag@GO/TiO2-GCE). The Ag@GO/TiO2 nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Various voltammetric techniques namely cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), chronoamperometry (CA), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were employed. The Ag@GO/TiO2-GCE demonstrated good selectivity, stability, and a quick response time of 1.0 s for creatinine. An extended linear dynamic range (LDR) of creatinine from 0.01 pM (DPV) to 1.0 M (CV) based on different voltammetric techniques is imperative for detecting diverse creatinine levels in various body fluids. The LOD and LOQ of the developed creatinine detection method were found to be 1.15 pM and 3.5 pM, respectively. The electrochemical sensor exhibited an exceptionally high sensitivity of 15.74 μApM-1cm-2.The body fluids from healthy volunteers were spiked with a known amount of creatinine to evaluate sensor efficiency in the context of recovery. Finally, blood serum, saliva, and urine samples of kidney patients were analyzed for creatinine levels.

SIGNIFICANCE

An important merit of the developed creatinine sensor is its ability for non-invasive point-of-care diagnosis in saliva with more than 90 % recovery. The comparison of the developed method with the standard Jaffes' colorimetric method endorsed its reliability and extended ability for the samples where Jaffes' method fails. The low LOD, high sensitivity, extended LDR, and low-cost render the possibility of adopting this method for point-of-care diagnosis.

Bimetallic FeCo phosphide-enabled electrochemical sensor for rapid tanshinol quantification in Salvia miltiorrhiza herb at near-neutral condition

Tanshinol, an active ingredient extracted from the Salvia miltiorrhiza herb, is widely used in Chinese medicine or health supplements. Accurately and rapidly quantifying of tanshinol under near-neutral or neutral conditions is of great significance but still a significant challenge. Herein, a novel electrochemical sensor based on bimetallic FeCo phosphides (FexCo1-xP) was developed for rapid and sensitive detection of tanshinol in near-neutral environments. FexCo1-xP nanocrystals supported on porous graphene (FexCo1-xP/GFs) were synthesized, with Fe0.25Co0.75P/GFs demonstrating an enhanced electrochemical response for tanshinol detection at pH 6.5. The Fe0.25Co0.75P/GFs-based tanshinol electrochemical sensor exhibited linear detection ranges of 0.20-11.65 μM and 11.65-39.98 μM, which could accurately quantify tanshinol in Salvia miltiorrhiza herb. This study highlights the potential of earth-abundant FeCo phosphides for the electrochemical detection of tanshinol under benign conditions, offering a promising approach for the standardized analysis of Salvia miltiorrhiza herb.

LncRNAs as behind-the-scenes molecules in cancer progression through regulating tumor-associated innate immune system cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in cancer biology, particularly in the modulation of innate immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. These lncRNAs significantly influence the phenotype and function of immune cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer cells (NK), neutrophils, and γδT cells. Thus, lncRNAs emerge as pivotal molecules in cancer development due to their capacity to modulate the innate immune system. Understanding the intricate mechanisms by which lncRNAs influence tumor-associated immune cells can pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to restore effective anti-tumor immunity. This review highlights the diverse roles of lncRNAs in regulating the differentiation, activation, and effector functions of innate immune cells within the complex tumor microenvironment.

Microbial Carbonate Mineralization: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms, Applications, and Recent Advancements

Microbial carbonate mineralization, the process by which microorganisms (Bacillus sp., Sporosarcina sp., Penicillium sp., Cyanobacteria, etc.) directly mediate or indirectly influence mineral formation and deposition, represents the next frontier in technology with vast potential across scientific disciplines, including construction, environmental remediation, and carbon sequestration. This review explores the fundamental aspects of microbial carbonate mineralization, focusing on key mechanisms such as photosynthesis, methane oxidation, sulfate reduction, ureolysis, denitrification, carbonic anhydrase activity, iron reduction, and EPS mediation, all of which influence carbonate saturation and mineral nucleation. Additionally, it highlights critical regulatory factors that enhance biomineralization for bio-inspired material development in heavy metal remediation, wastewater treatment, self-healing concrete, biomedical applications, nanoscale technologies, and 3D printing. A major focus is microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP), an emerging and cost-efficient biomineralization technique, with an in-depth analysis of its molecular mechanisms and expanding applications. Furthermore, this review discusses current challenges, including process scalability, long-term stability, and environmental and safety considerations, while identifying future research directions to improve the efficacy and sustainability of microbial carbonate mineralization in advanced technological applications.

Bacterial community assembly processes mediate soil functioning under cadmium stress in the agroecosystem

Elucidating the effects of community assembly processes on soil functioning represents a crucial challenge in theoretical ecology, particularly under cadmium (Cd) stress, where our understanding remains limited. In this study, we therefore used amplicon sequencing and a quantitative-PCR-based chip to analyze the changes in bacterial community characteristics, soil functioning and their interrelationships in agroecosystems under different levels of Cd stress. The results indicated that Cd stress led to a decline in community diversity (Z-score), network complexity and stability, an increase in species turnover, and a regulation of community structure. Cd stress significantly increased the relative importance of dispersal limitation and homogeneous selection, reducing community drift and rendering the community more deterministic. Finally, Cd stress significantly reduced soil functional potential (Z-score) and soil functional stability (Z-score), impairing soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycling. It is noteworthy that correlation and random forest analyses revealed significant effects of specific community assembly processes, including dispersal limitation, homogeneous selection, drift (and others), on changes in soil functional potential (Z-score). The results emphasize the pivotal role of community assembly processes in dictating soil functioning under Cd stress, thereby offering novel insights into the comprehension of microbial-driven mechanisms governing soil functioning.

Simultaneous Cd immobilization and oxidative stress alleviation in Brassica chinensis by a novel phosphate-solubilizing strain Sutcliffiella horikoshii P1

Microbial remediation of cadmium (Cd) pollution offers economically green and operationally simple advantages, particularly in environments with mild contamination. The acquisition of efficient strains and coupling between bacterial response and plant fitness are current research emphases in the remediation process. In this study, a novel phosphate-solubilizing strain with outstanding Cd-resistance, Sutcliffiella (S.) horikoshii P1 was isolated. Cd removal efficiency reached 98.85 % by the strain within 24 h at an initial concentration of 5 mg/L. Distribution analysis revealed that the dominant mechanism of Cd removal by the strain varies with Cd concentrations. Notably, the seed soaking of Brassica chinensis with S. horikoshii P1 could improve seed germination rate and growth potential regardless of the presence of Cd stress. Morphological and biochemical trait analysis revealed that the inoculated strain also increased fresh weight and reduced the Cd phytoavailability of Brassica chinensis by producing active substances and alleviating plant oxidative stress. Pot experiment demonstrated that the transport factor (TF) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) decreased by 22.76 % and 33.59 %, respectively, and Cd content in edible parts met food safety standards. Whole-genome sequencing analysis demonstrated that functional genes related to heavy metal resistance and transport (cadC, czcD, znuA, etc.), and gene clusters involved in siderophore secretion may regulate Cd immobilization and the plant growth-promoting effect of S. horikoshii P1. The results underscored the feasibility and effectiveness of Sutcliffiella horikoshii in addressing Cd contamination and promoting plant growth, providing a basis for the future application in agricultural safe production.

A split ribozyme system for in vivo plant RNA imaging and genetic engineering

RNA plays a central role in plants, governing various cellular and physiological processes. Monitoring its dynamic abundance provides a discerning understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to internal (developmental) and external (environmental) stimuli, paving the way for advances in plant biotechnology to engineer crops with improved resilience, quality and productivity. In general, traditional methods for analysis of RNA abundance in plants require destructive, labour-intensive and time-consuming assays. To overcome these limitations, we developed a transformative innovation for in vivo RNA imaging in plants. Specifically, we established a synthetic split ribozyme system that converts various RNA signals to orthogonal protein outputs, enabling in vivo visualisation of various RNA signals in plants. We demonstrated the utility of this system in transient expression experiments (i.e., leaf infiltration in Nicotiana benthamiana) to detect RNAs derived from transgenes and tobacco rattle virus, respectively. Also, we successfully engineered a split ribozyme-based biosensor in Arabidopsis thaliana for in vivo visualisation of endogenous gene expression at the cellular level, demonstrating the feasibility of multi-scale (e.g., cellular and tissue level) RNA imaging in plants. Furthermore, we developed a platform for easy incorporation of different protein outputs, allowing for flexible choice of reporters to optimise the detection of target RNAs.

Collaborative effects of antimony-arsenic contaminations on microbial communities in the typical antimony mining areas of Southwest China

Antimony (Sb) and arsenic (As) co-contamination is prevalent in Sb mining areas and poses significant risks to the surrounding ecological environment. However, the extent of this co-contamination and the impact of key environmental variables and long-term exposure on the microbial communities remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study assessed Sb-As levels in three representative antimony mining areas in Southwest China and explored the relationships between microorganisms and environmental variables. The results indicated that the concentrations of soil Sb ranged from 6.90 to 50,794.07 mg/kg and As from 4.56 to 8798.86 mg/kg. The potential ecological risk index (RI) in mining and smelting areas surpassed 260, indicating a significantly high risk level. Sb-As predominantly exist as residual fractions. pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and interactions between Sb-As are critical factors influencing the transformation of their chemical fractions. Sb-As exposure altered the microbial community structure and diversity, with positive correlations dominating the co-network. Spearman correlation, redundancy analysis (RDA), canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), and random forest analysis (RF) indicated that the total concentration of Sb-As, the bioavailable fractions of Sb-As, pH, oxidation-reduction potential (Eh), and EC were the main variables affecting the microbial community. Variation partition analysis (VPA) indicated that Sb-As and their chemical fractions explained more microbial community variation than the physicochemical properties. Moreover, the bioavailable fractions were an even more significant variable influencing the microbial communities than the total concentrations of Sb-As. In-depth research on the ecological impact of Sb-As on microbial communities provides valuable insights for environmental monitoring and management.

Bioreduction of hexavalent chromium and removal mechanisms using Staphylococcus succinus

The microbial reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), particularly by bacteria, has been extensively studied, revealing varying removal mechanisms among different strains. This investigation identified a novel bacterial strain, Staphylococcus succinus subsp. Succinus AMG-D1, which was isolated from mining soil and Cr(VI)-resistant. This strain demonstrated the capability to completely remove a high concentration of 200 mg/L Cr(VI) within 120 h at pH 7 and 35 °C. Moreover, it effectively reduced repeated contamination of 100 mg/L Cr(VI). Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the strain's high resistance to Cr(VI), coupled with the secretion of a viscous material, possibly metal-adsorbing exopolysaccharides. Energy dispersive X-ray peaks analysis revealed characteristic chromium peaks, indicating the presence of adsorbed Cr(VI) and/or precipitated species of reduced chromium (Cr(III)). Further investigations into Cr(VI) removal mechanisms have revealed a detoxification process involving adsorption, accumulation, and enzymatically mediated biological reduction. This reduction predominantly occurs through constitutive cytoplasmic proteins. Moreover, a protein with a molecular weight of approximately 30 kDa was identified on an SDS-PAGE gel, potentially responsible for Cr(VI) reduction. The remarkable resistance and substantial reduction capabilities of Staphylococcus succinus position it as a promising strain for bioremediation applications.

Augmenting Cr(VI) phytoremediation potential of Ricinus communis through rhizospheric crosstalk with multi stress tolerant plant growth promoting Bacillus altitudinis M1

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for bioremediation of Cr(VI). This study investigated the effects of rhizobacterial strain Bacillus altitudinis M1 on Cr(VI) reduction, plant growth promotion and Cr(VI) stress mitigation in Ricinus communis. Biosorption and bioreduction of Cr(VI) up to 300 mg/l by the strain M1 was confirmed by FTIR, Raman Spectrum and TEM-EDX analysis. Moreover, the strain M1 exhibited high tolerance to temperature (up to 40 °C), pH (up to 8.0), NaCl (up to 6%) and various heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Mn and Zn). The strain M1 produced significant IAA, ammonia and EPS under higher concentration of Cr(VI). The strain improved the growth and development of test crop R. communis under higher Cr(VI) concentration. Inoculation of the strain M1 alleviated Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress in roots and leaves of R. communis by decreasing proline (up to 24 and 33%), H2O2 (up to 56 and 43%), and MDA (up to 42 and 40%) by regulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These findings suggest that the strain M1 promotes plant growth under Cr(VI) stress through multiple mechanisms, including phytohormone production, nutrient mobilization, stress metabolite modulation, and antioxidant defense system regulation. Thus the application of the strain M1 potentially reduces Cr(VI) bioavailability, making it a promising candidate for Cr(VI) bioremediation.

Composition, Predicted Functions, and Co-occurrence Networks of Bacteria and Fungi in Hummock Wetlands of Northeastern Inner Mongolia, China

Wetland microhabitats, varying in water table position, pH, and biochemical properties, have been understudied in terms of their influence on soil microbial community structure. This study employed amplicon-based gene sequencing to investigate the responses of both fungal and bacterial communities to habitat changes in northeastern Inner Mongolia, China. The results showed that while α-diversity indices (Shannon and Chao1) did not significantly differ between hummocks and hollows, β-diversity analyses revealed distinct microbial community structures in these habitats. Bacterial communities were primarily influenced by soil pH, EC, and AP, whereas fungal communities were affected by pH, AKP, MBC, MBN, and AP. Bacterial interactions were predominant in hollows, whereas fungal interactions were predominant in hummocks. Hummocks significantly enhanced amino acid metabolism function, whereas hollows significantly increased the abundance of endophyte-litter saprotroph-soil saprotroph-undefined saprotroph. This study underscores the importance of habitats in regulating microbial networks and functions, thereby enhancing our understanding of the influence of microhabitats, such as hummocks, on wetland ecosystem structure and function.

Correlation between the interleukin-36 subfamily and gut microbiota in patients with liver cirrhosis: Implications for gut-liver axis imbalance

BACKGROUND

Liver cirrhosis (LC) affect millions of people worldwide. The pathogenesis of cirrhosis involves complex interactions between immune responses and gut microbiota. Recent studies have highlighted the role of the interleukin-36 (IL-36) subfamily in inflammation and immune regulation. However, the relationship between serum IL-36 subfamily levels and gut microbiota in cirrhosis patients remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the clinical significance of serum IL-36 subfamily levels and their association with gut microbiota in cirrhosis patients.

AIM

To explore the clinical significance of serum IL-36 subfamily levels and their relationship with gut microbiota among cirrhosis patients.

METHODS

Sixty-one cirrhosis patients were enrolled from Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University from May 2022 to November 2023 as the LC group and 29 healthy volunteers as the healthy control (HC) group. The serum expressions of IL-36α, IL-36β, IL-36γ, IL-36Ra, and IL-38 were measured through ELISA, while 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to rate microbial community in human fecal samples.

RESULTS

The serum levels of IL-36α, IL-36γ, IL-36Ra, and IL-38 in the LC group remarkably exceeded those in the HC group (P < 0.05). IL-36α, IL-36γ, and IL-38 were related positively to the Child-Pugh score (P < 0.05) and prominently exceeded those in the Child-Pugh C group (P < 0.05). The absolute abundance of harmful bacteria (Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium) remarkably rose, while the beneficial bacteria (Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella) notably decreased in the LC group (P < 0.05). IL-36α, IL-36γ, and IL-38 related positively to Lactobacillus (P < 0.05), while IL-38 negatively related to Fusicatenibacter (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

IL-36γ and IL-38 show promise as potential biomarkers for LC progression, but further validation is required.

Potential Mechanisms for Immunotherapy Resistance in Adult Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

Soft-tissue sarcomas represent a diverse group of rare malignancies originating from mesenchymal tissue, accounting for less than 1% of adult cancers in the USA. With over 13,000 new cases and around 5350 deaths annually, patients with metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas face limited therapeutic options and an estimated median overall survival of 18 months. While immunotherapy has demonstrated effectiveness in several cancers, its application in soft-tissue sarcomas remains challenging owing to the tumors' largely "cold" immunological environment, characterized by low levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and a lack of soft-tissue sarcoma-specific biomarkers. This review examines potential mechanisms underlying immunotherapy resistance in soft-tissue sarcomas, including the complex interplay between innate and adaptive immunity, the tumor microenvironment, and the role of immune-related genes. Despite preliminary findings suggesting correlations between immune profiles and histological subtypes, consistent biomarkers for predicting immunotherapeutic responses across soft-tissue sarcoma types are absent. Emerging strategies focus on converting "cold" tumors to "hot" tumors, enhancing their susceptibility to immunologic activation. While research is ongoing, personalized treatment approaches may offer hope for overcoming the inherent heterogeneity and resistance seen in soft-tissue sarcomas, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for affected patients.

Prunella vulgaris: A potential molecule for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is widely used in treating various diseases, but its relationship with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study systematically evaluates PV's therapeutic potential in HCC and explores its molecular mechanisms. Active compounds and molecular targets of PV were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database, and HCC-related targets were identified using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A drug-disease target network was built to identify key hub genes, which were further investigated through immune analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. We identified 185 drug targets and 635 HCC-related targets, with 15 potential PV targets linked to HCC progression. In vitro validation confirmed significant expression of these targets in HCC cells. Mechanistic analysis indicated that these hub genes may influence HCC progression through pathways like tumor protein 53 signaling and are associated with immune cell subsets, including CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells. This study identifies key bioactive components of PV for HCC treatment and reveals their molecular mechanisms. Dysregulation of these targets correlates with HCC pathogenesis, suggesting their potential as novel biomarkers. Future research will focus on further validation in vitro and in vivo to explore the clinical applicability of these targets and the synergistic potential of PV in combination with other treatments.

Model-Informed Immunogenicity Assessment of Nivolumab as Monotherapy and in Combination with Ipilimumab

Immunogenicity to biotherapeutics can lead to antidrug antibodies (ADAs) that have potential to alter pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy, and safety. Here we provide an extensive model-informed immunogenicity assessments of nivolumab monotherapy and in combination with ipilimumab across multiple clinical trials. ADA was evaluated as both a binary and semiquantitative covariate, incorporating ADA titers to account for intensity over time. Data from 28 clinical trials, including 7,820 subjects with 2,770 ADA titer measurements, were analyzed using population pharmacokinetic (popPK) modeling. Nivolumab ADA incidence rate was higher for combination therapy (~ 32%) compared to monotherapy (~ 16%). ADA increased nivolumab clearance (CL) by 20-80% depending on titer. Nivolumab ADA impact on efficacy and safety was evaluated in melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Despite the occurrence of nivolumab ADA being associated with lower nivolumab exposures, objective response rates (ORR) were similar in ADA-positive and negative patients, and ADA titer was not a significant predictor of response. An overall survival (OS) landmark analysis at 3 months suggested similar OS for NSCLC but lower OS for melanoma for ADA-positive vs negative patients mainly due to the imbalanced patient baseline characteristics. Propensity score matching and multivariable Cox Proportional-Hazards analysis indicated no ADA impact on OS. Additionally, there were no associations between ADA and acute hypersensitivities or immune mediated safety events. This model-based approach underscores the importance of accounting for ADA dynamics in clinical development and supports no significant association between ADA presence and clinical efficacy or safety, even with higher ADA incidence in combination therapy.

Integrated Analysis of PSMB8 Expression and Its Potential Roles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a highly aggressive malignancy with significant global health implications. The proteasome subunit beta type-8 (PSMB8) gene, known for its association with hepatitis B virus susceptibility, has emerged as a potential regulator of tumor progression. However, its functional role and clinical significance in HCC remain poorly characterized.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics analysis to elucidate the role of PSMB8 in HCC. PSMB8 expression profiles were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas and validated using the GSE76427 dataset. Prognostic significance was assessed through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Then, we systematically evaluated the relationships between PSMB8 expression and clinicopathological features, somatic mutations, immune cell infiltration, immune regulatory genes, and immune checkpoint responses. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub database were analyzed to determine cell type-specific PSMB8 expression. Tissue-level validation was performed using multiplex immunofluorescence staining on HCC tissue microarrays.

RESULTS

PSMB8 demonstrated significant overexpression in HCC tissues and exhibited strong prognostic value. Single-cell analysis revealed predominant PSMB8 expression in T and B cell populations. Notably, PSMB8 expression showed significant positive correlations with immune checkpoint molecules PD-L1/CD274 and CD27. Functional enrichment analysis implicated PSMB8 in multiple oncogenic pathways, particularly proteasome-related processes.

CONCLUSION

Our findings position PSMB8 as a promising prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in HCC. The observed associations with immune checkpoint molecules and proteasomal pathways suggest its potential role in modulating tumor immunity and protein homeostasis, warranting further investigation into its mechanistic contributions to HCC progression.

Global trends and prospects in research on heavy metal pollution at contaminated sites

Soil contamination by heavy metals is a global environmental challenge, poses a serious risk to plant life, human health, and global food supply. In recent years, advanced and effective remediation strategies for heavy metal-contaminated soils have developed rapidly, and a systematic summarization of this progress is important. Based on 2822 bibliographic data (2014-2023) acquired from the Web of Science Core Collection, the research status, hotspots and trends of heavy metal-contaminated sites worldwide had been synthetically analyzed in scientometrics. The results showed that China, India, and the USA were the most active countries in related research, and the main research subjects were the assessment of contaminated sites and remediation methods. The keywords showed 3 co-occurrence clusters, focusing on site characterization, phytoremediation and physical-chemical remediation. The time zone view shows a multidisciplinary amalgamation tendency particular in methods such as using artificial intelligence and remote sensing to predict spatial distribution and migration characteristics of heavy metals. Regarding the types of contaminated sites, the most frequently studied are mining sites and industrial waste sites. Among heavy metals, Cd, Pb, and Zn are the most commonly studied pollutants. The heavy metal contamination in soil, ranked by the geo-accumulation index, is as follows: Cd (5.91) > Pb (4.12) > Zn (3.73) > Cu (2.37) > Cr (1.85) > Ni (1.34). In terms of remediation technologies, the frequency of utilization is ranked as follows: phytoremediation > microbial remediation > soil washing > electrokinetic remediation > oxidation reduction > solidification/stabilization > thermal desorption > soil replacement. Additionally, phytoremediation and soil washing are the most effective technologies for removing Cd, Pb, and Zn. The insights derived from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the state-of-the-art in this field and help to develop/select applicable methods for the effective remediation of heavy metal-contaminated sites.

LINC01559 drives osimertinib resistance in NSCLC through a ceRNA network regulating miR-320a/IGF2BP3 axis

Background

Osimertinib resistance remains a major challenge in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of drug resistance, but their roles in osimertinib resistance are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify lncRNAs driving osimertinib resistance and elucidate their molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Multi-cohort analysis (GSE222820, GSE232890, GSE255958) identified osimertinib resistance-associated lncRNAs. Functional validation employed in vitro assays (proliferation, migration, invasion, drug sensitivity) and xenograft models. Mechanistic studies involved luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and Western blotting. Clinical correlations were analyzed using TCGA-LUAD data.

Results

Our findings demonstrated that LINC01559 was markedly upregulated in LUAD tissues and osimertinib-resistant cell lines, correlating with poor patient survival. Functional analyses revealed that LINC01559 critically regulates processes linked to drug resistance, enhancing tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasive capabilities. Knockdown of LINC01559 sensitized resistant cells to osimertinib, significantly reducing colony-forming potential and suppressing migratory/invasive behaviors. In contrast, overexpression of LINC01559 exacerbated therapeutic resistance. Mechanistically, LINC01559 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-320a, promote osimertinib -resistance and upregulate the expression of the miR-320a target IGF2BP3. Rescue experiments and xenograft models confirmed that Linc01559 drives resistance via the miR-320a/IGF2BP3 axis.

Conclusion

This study identifies LINC01559 as a novel ceRNA that drives osimertinib resistance in lung adenocarcinoma by sponging miR-320a to enhance IGF2BP3 expression. Targeting the LINC01559/miR-320a/IGF2BP3 axis may provide a therapeutic strategy to overcome osimertinib resistance.

Machine Learning Approach and Bioinformatics Analysis Discovered Key Genomic Signatures for Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocyte Remodeling and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver cancer, which is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Chronic inflammation via HBV in the host hepatocytes causes hepatocyte remodeling (hepatocyte transformation and immortalization) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recognizing cancer stages accurately to optimize early screening and diagnosis is a primary concern in the outlook of HBV-induced hepatocyte remodeling and liver cancer. Genomic signatures play important roles in addressing this issue. Recently, machine learning (ML) models and bioinformatics analysis have become very important in discovering novel genomic signatures for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HBV-induced hepatic cell remodeling and HCC. We discuss the recent literature on the ML approach and bioinformatics analysis revealed novel genomic signatures for diagnosing and forecasting HBV-associated hepatocyte remodeling and HCC. Various genomic signatures, including various microRNAs and their associated genes, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), have been discovered to be involved in the upregulation and downregulation of HBV-HCC. Moreover, these genetic biomarkers also affect different biological processes, such as proliferation, migration, circulation, assault, dissemination, antiapoptosis, mitogenesis, transformation, and angiogenesis in HBV-infected hepatocytes.

Simultaneous high molecular weight PAHs degradation and chromate and arsenite detoxification by Altererythrobacter sp. H2

The cooccurrence of high molecular weight PAHs and heavy metals Cr and As is frequently observed in soil and water and challenges public health and environmental management. Yet the limited microbial resources were reported to simultaneously detoxify PAHs, Cr(VI) and As(III), which restricts the bioremediation of co-contaminated soil by PAHs, Cr and As. Here, we isolated Altererythrobacter sp. H2 and found it could degrade various PAHs, including phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, and benzo[a]pyrene, and tolerate and detoxify high concentrations of Cr(VI) and As(III). Genomic, transcriptomic, and biochemical assays reveal strain H2 degrades PAHs, reduces Cr(VI), and oxidize As(III) via a horizontally transferred RHO gene cluster, a chromate reductase ChrR, and a arsenite resistance gene cluster arsRBC. The horizontally transferred PAHs-degrading gene cluster encodes the Rieske dioxygenase three-component system and other enzymes required for PAHs degradation, which suggested those heavy metal-detoxifying bacteria could be excellent PAHs-degrading and heavy metal-detoxifying agents after accommodating a PAHs degradation gene cluster like strain H2 did. To our knowledge, strain H2 is the only reported Altererythrobacter member that uses a classical Rieske dioxygenase three-component system to initial PAHs degradation and the only one could simultaneously detoxify PAHs, Cr(VI), and As(III). Our study provides insights into the PAHs degradation mechanism of Altererythrobacter members and demonstrates the excellent potential of H2 in the bioremediation of both PAHs and heavy metal pollutants.

The Emerging Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials of Dendritic Cells in NSCLC

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant subtype of lung cancer. Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of established treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the prognosis for patients with advanced NSCLC remains poor. Dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs), play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of NSCLC. This review explores the classification and biological functions of DCs, highlighting the specific molecular pathways and external factors that influence their maturation and function in NSCLC, which is novel in this review. Moreover, we discuss the potential therapeutic applications of DCs in the management of NSCLC, presenting novel possibilities for future treatments.

Hepatitis B virus infection after immunization: How serious it is? An updated review

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the significant challenges worldwide. Despite the availability of antiviral drugs against this virus, the most critical strategy to prevent HBV infection is HB vaccination. Basically, despite widespread conventional HB vaccination, due to various reasons, including waning of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer after vaccination, the emergence of vaccine-escape mutants, failure to respond to the vaccine due to viral and host factors, levels of response in high-risk individuals and non-responders to conventional HB vaccination remains a major, unsolved and severe concern. This review focuses on the underlying reasons for conventional hepatitis B vaccination failures. It also suggests solutions to overcome these failures by highlighting significant advances in vaccination, including hepatitis B third-generation vaccines and adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccines as efficient alternatives to second-generation vaccines. Potentially, these new strategies will compensate for the shortcomings caused by second-generation vaccines. Adherence to these denouements has a significant role in preventing the circulation of HBV among individuals and reducing the global burden of HBV-related diseases.

Interactions between polystyrene nanoparticles and human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells

Nanoplastics enter the human body mainly by ingestion through the gastrointestinal tract and thus the uptake and release of nanoplastics in intestinal cells have been studied. However, the fate of nanoplastics in intestinal cells remains poorly understood, particularly how they are exocytosed. Herein, we investigated the uptake, distribution, and exocytosis of nanoplastics in Caco-2 cells using 70 nm red fluorescent polystyrene (R70PS) as a nanoplastic model. The results show that R70PS readily enters Caco-2 cells and the content per cell peaks at around 24 h, but the total intracellular content in all cells increases continuously over 72 h. In addition, the uptake mechanisms change over incubation time, i.e. R70PS entered Caco-2 cells via both the energy-independent pathway and the energy-dependent caveolae-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis at 4 h incubation, but almost all R70PS entered cells in an energy-dependent manner via caveolae-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, and clathrin-mediated endocytosis at 12 h incubation. Most of the intracellular R70PS accumulated in lysosomes, but R70PS also entered the mitochondria and its level increased over time. Approximately 45 % of the intracellular R70PS could be cleared from the cells within 12 h, mainly via the lysosomal pathway. Exocytosis was also associated with autophagy and was facilitated by the increase in the number of mitochondria and lysosomes, but inhibited by serum in the medium. Our findings deepen the understanding of the interaction between nanoplastics and intestinal cells, which is helpful for the risk assessment of nanoplastics.

Effect of the solvent on the green synthesis of NIR active polymeric nanoparticles and theirin vitrophotothermal therapeutic validation

Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery has revolutionized nano-therapeutics. It ensures improved biodistribution, longer blood circulation, and improved bioavailability inside the body. The loading efficiency and stability of the drug within the carrier are the major challenges for ideal drug delivery. In this study, we have synthesized indocyanine green (ICG) loaded Poly-L-Lysine (PLL) nanoparticles by a two-step self-assembly process using a green chemistry approach, where water-based solvents were used for fabrication such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4), deionized water (DI), and Milli-Q water (MQ). The effect of these solvents on the morphology, stability and loading efficiency of ICG was investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The results demonstrated that nanoparticles can be fabricated using all the three solvents, however, there was a huge difference between their functional and morphological properties. These functional and morphological properties play important role in their biomedical applications. It was found that PBS-based NPs showed the maximum loading of ICG followed by DI water and MQ water respectively. The PBS suspended ICG-loaded PLL nanoparticles were highly monodispersed with the mean diameter of ∼200 nm and showed highest photothermal efficiency. The green synthesized biocompatible and biodegradable NPs were designed to treat solid tumors via local hyperthermia due to photothermal property of these NPs. The photothermal cytotoxicity assessment of PBS-based PLL-ICG NPs in both 2D and 3Din vitrocultures displayed notable efficacy. Therefore, we conclusively demonstrate that selection of right solvent is crucial to realize the full potential of green-synthesized polymeric nanoparticles.

The role of immunotherapy in targeting tumor microenvironment in genitourinary cancers

Genitourinary (GU) cancers, including renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and testicular cancer, represent a significant health burden and are among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in traditional treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, the complex interplay within the tumor microenvironment (TME) poses substantial hurdles to achieving durable remission and cure. The TME, characterized by its dynamic and multifaceted nature, comprises various cell types, signaling molecules, and the extracellular matrix, all of which are instrumental in cancer progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy (IO) have opened a new era in the management of GU cancers, offering renewed hope by leveraging the body's immune system to combat cancer more selectively and effectively. This approach, distinct from conventional therapies, aims to disrupt cancer's ability to evade immune detection through mechanisms such as checkpoint inhibition, therapeutic vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer therapies. These strategies highlight the shift towards personalized medicine, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricate dynamics within the TME for the development of targeted treatments. This article provides an in-depth overview of the current landscape of treatment strategies for GU cancers, with a focus on IO targeting the specific cell types of TME. By exploring the roles of various cell types within the TME and their impact on cancer progression, this review aims to underscore the transformative potential of IO strategies in TME targeting, offering more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with GU cancers, thereby improving outcomes and quality of life.

Stabilization effects and mechanisms of lignin-based hydrogel-coated sulfide nano-zero-valent iron on lead and cadmium contamination in soil

Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) is extensively employed in soil remediation due to its superior capacity for removing heavy metals, however, issues related to its agglomeration and oxidation hinder its practical application. Therefore, in this study, lignin-based hydrogel-coated nano ferric sulfide (BLS-nZVI@LH) was synthesized and evaluated for its stabilizing effect, underlying mechanism, and influence on the soil microenvironment and health risks. The results indicate that BLS-nZVI@LH significantly mitigated nZVI agglomeration and oxidation, thereby enhancing its reactivity. The formation of FeS on the particle surface provided additional active sites for stabilizing Pb and Cd in the soil. In soil incubation experiments, BLS-nZVI@LH significantly improved the stability of Pb and Cd after 90 days. Compared to sulfide nano-zero-valent iron (S-nZVI) and ball-milled lignin sulfide nano-zero-valent iron (BLS-nZVI), BLS-nZVI@LH increased the soil's residual Cd content by 23.0 % and 31.0 %, respectively, and the oxidizable Pb content by 10.9 % and 20.8 %. Characterization analysis revealed that precipitation, redox reactions, and surface complexation primarily govern Cd stabilization by BLS-nZVI@LH, whereas complexation and reduction predominantly contribute to Pb immobilization. Furthermore, BLS-nZVI@LH improved soil pH and organic carbon content, boosting β-glucosidase and peroxidase activities. It also promoted the richness and diversity of soil microbial communities, particularly enhancing the growth of Sphingomonas, Gemmatimonas, and RB41, thereby improving the soil microenvironment and boosting remediation capacity. In continuous cropping experiments, the addition of 0.5 % and 1 % BLS-nZVI@LH significantly reduced Pb and Cd absorption and accumulation in Chinese broccoli. Notably, 1 % supplementation lowered Pb and Cd levels in edible parts below the national food safety standard (Pb ＜ 0.3, Cd ＜ 0.2 mg·kg-1), thereby effectively mitigating dietary health risks across different populations. This study offers technical insights into the development of highly active modified materials and provides scientific evidence for the application of BLS-nZVI@LH in stabilizing Pb and Cd contamination in soils, improving soil health, and reducing heavy metal accumulation in crops.

Top-Down Proteomic Profiling of Protein Corona by High-Throughput Capillary Isoelectric Focusing-Mass Spectrometry

In the rapidly evolving field of nanomedicine, understanding the interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and biological systems is crucial. A pivotal aspect of these interactions is the formation of a protein corona when NPs are exposed to biological fluids (e.g., human plasma), which significantly influences their behavior and functionality. This study introduces an advanced capillary isoelectric focusing tandem mass spectrometry (cIEF-MS/MS) platform designed to enable high-throughput and reproducible top-down proteomic analysis of protein corona. Our cIEF-MS/MS technique completed each analysis within 30 min. It produced reproducible proteoform measurements of protein corona for at least 50 runs regarding the proteoforms' migration time [relative standard deviations (RSDs) <4%], the proteoforms' intensity (Pearson's correlation coefficients between any two runs >0.90), the number of proteoform identifications (71 ± 10), and the number of proteoform-spectrum matches (PrSMs) (196 ± 30). Of the 53 identified genes, 33 are potential biomarkers of various diseases (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease). We identified 1-102 proteoforms per potential protein biomarker, containing various sequence variations or post-translational modifications. Delineating proteoforms in protein corona by our cIEF-MS/MS in a reproducible and high-throughput fashion will benefit our understanding of nanobiointeractions and advance both diagnostic and therapeutic nanomedicine technologies.

Unveiling a novel mechanism for anaerobic hexavalent chromium reduction mediated by extracellular reductases

Anaerobic biological treatment technology are considered as promising way for toxic Cr(VI)-containing wastewater removal. However, the inherent mechanisms of bioremediation of Cr(VI) by microbial enzymatic reduction is unclear, which limited the regulation for enhancing Cr(VI) removal. In this work, the effects of Cr(VI) on anaerobic process and the bio-reduction of Cr(VI) by intracellular and extracellular reductase were investigated. Results showed that the Cr(VI) exposure with concentration >5 mg/L significantly inhibited the anaerobic digestion (e.g., glucose degradation and CH4 production) and reduced the reduction efficiency of Cr(VI). Moreover, the non-enzymatic and enzymatic test on Cr(VI) reduction indicates that enzymatic reduction dominated the transformation of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), occupying 81.6 %-89.3 % of total Cr(VI) reduction. Furthermore, the extracellular enzymatic effect showed a comparable contribution to the intracellular enzymatic effect for Cr(VI) reduction, indicating that the reduction of extracellular enzymes is an important aspect of Cr(VI) reduction. The findings revealed the vital role of extracellular enzymatic reduction in the transformation of Cr(VI), which contributes to clarifying the mechanisms of Cr(VI) reduction through anaerobic biological treatment.

NIR-II Cyazulene Fluorophores with Adjustable Cycloalkenes and Spectroscopic Properties for Imaging Applications

NIR-II fluorescence imaging has shown broad application prospects in life science because of its deeper tissue penetration and higher spatiotemporal resolution. Developing NIR-II fluorophores with special spectroscopic properties and analytical functions has become a cutting-edge but challenging topic in this field. Herein, a series of azulene-based NIR-II fluorophores (called cyazulenes) with adjustable cycloalkenes and spectroscopic properties for imaging applications is reported. Cyazulenes (CA965, CA985, and CA1025) are constructed via the convenient coupling of cycloalkenes with azulene derivatives. They exhibit different H-aggregation and J-aggregation. Particularly noteworthy is that CA985 can form significant J-aggregates with strong and sharp NIR-II emission in biological media, and can be used for in vivo imaging of blood vessels and fine structures of collecting lymphatics in mice. Moreover, CA985 displays passive bone-targeted capacity, thereby enabling bone imaging. This study demonstrates the chemical impact of varying cycloalkenes on the aggregate formation and spectral properties of cyazulenes, which will advance azulene-based NIR-II fluorophores.

The impact of age on the survival outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after transarterial chemoembolization: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background & Objective

The efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in different populations of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is still unclear. This meta-analysis explores the impact of TACE on survival outcomes in elderly versus younger patients with HCC, considering regional variations and heterogeneity among studies.

Methods

Nineteen studies involving 30,093 participants were systematically reviewed from January 1964 to January 2024. Data were pooled using random-effects models to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall survival and survival rates, respectively. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age cut-offs and geographical regions to assess the effect of these variables on treatment outcomes.

Results

Pooled HR for overall survival did not show a significant difference between elderly and younger patients (HR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.02), with similar findings for survival rates (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.45). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 78.0% for HR and 94.3% for OR), with notable regional differences indicating lower survival odds in European studies compared to Asian ones. No significant effect (OR = 0.95) was detected in prospective studies, while retrospective studies indicated a significant reduction in survival rates in elderly patients (OR = 0.35).

Conclusion

TACE appears to be equally effective in elderly and younger HCC patients. However, significant regional differences and study heterogeneity suggest the need for personalized treatment approaches. Further research is required to understand the underlying causes of these variations and to optimize TACE protocols.

Robust UPLC-MS/MS Method With Acetonitrile for Precise Intracellular Quantification of Tacrolimus in PBMCs: A Step Toward Clinical Integration

Monitoring whole blood tacrolimus concentrations is standard in clinical practice; however, it may not fully reflect its therapeutic effects, as tacrolimus primarily acts within lymphocytes. While various intracellular quantification methods have been developed, many involve complex procedures such as evaporation, reconstitution, or specialized tools (e.g., magnetic beads, online solid-phase extraction), limiting their accessibility. This study aimed to develop and validate a streamlined, sensitive method for measuring intracellular tacrolimus concentrations using 5×105 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Tacrolimus concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). PBMCs were aliquoted into 50 μL volumes containing 5×105 cells and prepared via acetonitrile-based protein precipitation. Chromatographic separation was performed using a Luna C18 column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of water with 20 mM ammonium acetate, 0.1% formic acid, and methanol at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The method demonstrated excellent linearity between 0.1 and 25 ng/mL, corresponding to intracellular concentrations of 1-250 pg/5×105 cells (r2 = 0.999). Intra- and interday accuracy ranged from 98.1% to 109.8%, with precision between 2.08% and 8.70% across validation runs. Extraction recovery was high (93.0%-97.2%), with minimal matrix effects (100.9% at low QC and 111.6% at high QC). This validated LC-MS/MS method provides a rapid, reliable, and sensitive approach for pharmacokinetic studies and clinical applications, facilitating intracellular tacrolimus monitoring in transplant patients.

The Role of Killer Ig-like Receptors in Diseases from A to Z

Killer Ig-like Receptors (KIRs) regulate immune responses, maintaining the balance between activation and inhibition of the immune system. KIRs are expressed on natural killer cells and some CD8 T cells and interact with HLA class I molecules, influencing various physiological and pathological processes. KIRs' polymorphism creates a variability in immune responses among individuals. KIRs are involved in autoimmune disorders, cancer, infections, neurological diseases, and other diseases. Specific combinations of KIRs and HLA are linked to several diseases' susceptibility, progression, and outcomes. In particular, the balance between inhibitory and activating KIRs can determine how the immune system responds to pathogens and tumors. An imbalance can lead to an excessive response, contributing to autoimmune diseases, or an inadequate response, allowing immune evasion by pathogens or cancer cells. The increasing number of studies on KIRs highlights their essential role as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of KIRs in all clinical conditions and diseases, listed alphabetically, where they are analyzed.

Afamin and Apolipoprotein F Associated With Liver Steatosis From People Living With HIV: A Discovery Study

INTRODUCTION

Liver steatosis (LS) is a condition that is characterised by hepatic fat accumulation unrelated to significant alcohol consumption. This study explored the serum proteomic profile associated with LS in people living with HIV (PLWH).

METHODS

The study cohort comprised 266 PLWH, 21.1% and 78.9% of whom had LS and no LS, respectively. Serum samples were analysed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

RESULTS

Among the 220 proteins detected, afamin (AFM) and apolipoprotein F (APOF) were identified as proteins associated with LS. Differential expression of AFM and APOF was observed in under- and normoweight patients, emphasising their potential as biomarkers in patients without overweight or obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the identified proteins could serve as promising biomarkers of LS in PLWH, paving the way for further investigations into the roles of these proteins in LS development in this unique population.

Target-Triggered Enzymatic Cascade LF-NMR Biosensor for the Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells

A target-triggered, enzymatic cascade-amplified low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) sensor was developed for the detection of the circulating tumor cell (CTC) A549. A multifunctional two-dimensional bionanomaterial GDA@GOX&DNA1 was designed as the initiator, with Fe3O4@DNA2/Apt as the recognition unit and CaO2@MnO2 as the signal unit. When A549 was present, the aptamer (Apt) detached from the recognition unit, allowing the formation of GDA@GOX&DNA1-DNA2@Fe3O4 and triggering the following reactions: (1) glucose oxidase (GOX) catalyzed the reaction between the substrate glucose and oxygen (O2) to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); (2) the generated acid and H2O2 reacted with MnO2, producing signal probes Mn2+ and O2; and (3) CaO2 reacted with the acid, generating H2O2. These cyclic reactions brought the generation of massive Mn2+ and a decrease of the transverse relaxation time (T2), resulting in a target-triggered, enzymatic cascade-amplified LF-NMR biosensing of CTCs. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the linear range and limit of detection (LOD) were 10-1.0 × 106 and 6 cells/mL, respectively. The feasibility and reliability in practical applications were verified by using spiked whole blood samples containing A549 cells. This study represents the first successful demonstration of an LF-NMR biosensor for the detection of intact CTCs, providing a new tool for clinical testing and diagnosis.

Smart nanomedicines powered by artificial intelligence: a breakthrough in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, primarily due to challenges in early detection, suboptimal therapeutic efficacy, and severe adverse effects associated with conventional treatments. The convergence of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential in precision oncology, enabling innovative solutions for lung cancer diagnosis and therapy. Intelligent nanomedicines facilitate targeted drug delivery, enhanced imaging, and theranostic applications, while AI-driven models harness big biomedical data to optimize nanomedicine design, functionality, and clinical application. This review explores the synergistic integration of AI and nanotechnology in lung cancer care, highlighting recent advancements, key challenges, and future directions for clinical translation. Ethical considerations, including data standardization and privacy concerns, are also addressed, providing a comprehensive roadmap to overcome current barriers and advance the adoption of AI-driven intelligent nanomedicines in precision oncology. This synthesis underscores the critical role of emerging technologies in revolutionizing lung cancer management.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) - Driven variations of cadmium mobility and bioavailability in waterlogged paddy soil

Cadmium (Cd) mobility and bioavailability in paddy soils are strongly influenced by dissolved organic matter (DOM), yet the mechanisms remain unclear. This study conducted a 90-day waterlogged soil incubation with DOM / sulfate amendments under varying Cd levels. Key parameters, including dissolved organic carbon (DOC), pe+pH, Fe/S - related parameters, alongside indicators of Cd mobility and bioavailability, were monitored. Results revealed that DOM addition increased Cd mobility on the 3rd day of incubation (DOI), irrespective of sulfate application, due to Cd desorption from iron oxides and DOM-Cd complexation. After the 10th DOI, DOM addition reduced Cd mobility and bioavailability mainly due to facilitation of sulfide-mediated Cd sequestration driven by Fe-S related reducing bacteria. The combined application with sulfate strengthened this effect. However, in low-Cd soils, DOM addition increased Cd bioavailability since the 45th DOI, likely due to the low Cd/DOM ratio, which limited sulfide immobilization. Nevertheless, sulfate application mitigated this effect. Furthermore, DOM supplementation generally decreased Cd mobility, but increased Cd availability at the 45th DOI in high-Cd soils due to competitive adsorption and Fe transformation. This study demonstrates the dual role of DOM in regulating Cd dynamics and its interaction with sulfate, offering insights for Cd contamination management in paddy soils.

Characterizing SSTR2 expression and modulation for targeted imaging and therapy in preclinical models of triple-negative breast cancer

Patients with breast cancer which lack molecular targets, such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) or hormone receptors, have limited access to targeted therapies. Somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) is overexpressed in some cancers, and SSTR2-targeted radiopharmaceuticals are FDA-approved for theranostic targeted imaging and therapy in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Importantly, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can epigenetically modulate SSTR2 expression in NETs with low or variable basal expression. The goal of this study is to characterize SSTR2 basal expression and induction via HDAC inhibition as a potential target for imaging and therapy in preclinical models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). SSTR2 expression in mouse samples was assessed via Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry, and cell binding assays were utilized to determine if HDAC inhibition can upregulate SSTR2 expression. [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, which targets SSTR2, was used to non-invasively characterize SSTR2 expression and variability in the EO771 and 4T1 TNBC models before and after HDAC inhibition. These studies demonstrate that HDAC inhibition can upregulate SSTR2 at the transcriptional, translational, and functional levels in breast cancer. Importantly, SSTR2 expression can be characterized non-invasively via PET imaging and modulation with HDAC inhibitors can be monitored longitudinally. Our findings highlight SSTR2 as a promising therapeutic molecular target in TNBC.

Lead (Pb2+) biosorption and bioaccumulation efficiency of Enterobacter chuandaensis DGI-2: Isotherm, kinetics and mechanistic study for bioremediation

Heavy metal (HM) contamination, particularly lead (Pb²⁺), threatens environmental and agricultural sustainability, necessitating effective remediation strategies. This study evaluates the Pb²⁺ sequestration potential of Enterobacter chuandaensis DGI-2, an HM-tolerant rhizobacterium isolated from a Pb-contaminated rhizosphere. DGI-2 exhibited high Pb²⁺ removal efficiency, achieving 94.73 % removal at 100 µg/mL and 69.09 % at 750 µg/mL over 96 h, primarily through cell surface and exopolysaccharide (EPS) adsorption. Biosorption studies demonstrated higher Pb²⁺ uptake in living biomass (102.95 mg/g, 68.63 %) than in dead biomass (98.61 mg/g, 65.74 %) under controlled conditions (0.5 g/L biomass, pH-6.5, 720 min). Mechanistic analyses revealed that Pb²⁺ adsorption primarily involved interactions with -OH, -COOH, and -PO₄³ ⁻ functional groups, facilitated by multilayer sorption, complexation, and ion exchange. Moreover, a 210.66 % increase in phosphatase activity promoted Pb²⁺ precipitation, forming stable Pb-phosphate minerals (e.g., Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl, Pb₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂), as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), significantly contributing to Pb sequestration. Regeneration studies demonstrated the biomass' reusability over four cycles. Soil microcosm experiments showed an 11.7-13.1 % reduction in bioavailable Pb, with greater stabilization in non-sterile soils, suggesting synergistic effects with native microbiota. Additionally, DGI-2 exhibited plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, reducing phytotoxicity, enhancing soil health and phytostabilization potential, positioning it as a sustainable biosorbent for Pb²⁺ remediation.

Potential application of Staphylococcus devriesei MS as a biosorbent agent for manganase, chromium, and cadmium heavy metals in contaminated water

This study identified one bacterial isolate as Staphylococcus devriesei, which is resistant to cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Following that, the strain sequence was submitted to GenBank under accession number PQ013181. In this investigation, the biosorption potential of Staphylococcus devriesei was evaluated for the biosorption of chrmoium, cadmium, and manganese ions. The effects of pH, contact time, and initial concentration were examined in a batch-mode study. According to our findings, after 6 h at the ideal pH, Staphylococcus devriesei's maximal biosorption capabilities of Cr and Cd were 98 and 81.2%, respectively. The maximum biosorption of Mn was 95.6% after 24 h at pH 6. SEM micrographs showed that, Staphylococcus devriesei were irregular and cracked with wrinkles on the surface after absorbing the studied Cr metal ions. It was observed that the alterations in cell size occurred when the bacterium was exposed to a dose of Mn and the aggregation of cells was seen. Bacterial cells treated with Cd exhibited irregularities, featuring depressions on their surfaces, and surface wrinkles. FTIR analysis showed obvious alterations in peak positions and intensities before and after the biosorption process. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed extra metal depositions on the treated cell surface compared to the control. At the ultrastructural level, TEM imaging demonstrates the involvement of extracellular and intracellular precipitates and accumulated metals on the cell walls. Thus, the results of this study indicated that Staphylococcus devriesei can effectively aid in the remediation of contaminated water with moderate to light levels of Cd, Cr, and Mn.

Advances in nanomedicine and delivery systems for gastric cancer research

The early diagnosis rate of gastric cancer is low, and most patients are already at an advanced stage by the time they are diagnosed, posing significant challenges for treatment and exhibiting high recurrence rates, which notably diminish patients' survival time and quality of life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify methods that can enhance treatment efficacy. Nanomedicine, distinguished by its small size, high targeting specificity, and strong biological compatibility, is particularly well-suited to address the toxic side effects associated with current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for gastric cancer. Consequently, the application of nanomedicine and delivery systems in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer has garnered increasing interest from researchers. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in the use of nanomaterials as drugs or drug delivery systems in gastric cancer research, encompassing their applications in diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and phototherapy, and explores the promising prospects of nanomedicine in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Role of hepatotropic viruses in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma-current knowledge and recent advances

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with chronic infections by hepatotropic viruses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), being major risk factors. Chronic infections with these viruses are the leading cause of HCC worldwide, with HBV alone responsible for over 50% of cases. Despite advances in direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) for HBV, challenges remain in HCC prevention, early detection, and treatment. Recent research highlights the role of viral-induced metabolic alterations, such as the Warburg effect, mitochondrial dysfunction, and lipid dysregulation, in promoting HCC. Moreover, immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as effective treatments for advanced HCC, though responses vary between HBV- and HCV-related cancers. Additionally, novel therapeutic approaches and metabolic-targeted therapies offer promising avenues for virus-associated HCC treatment. Advancements in liquid biopsy biomarkers and artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics are improving HCC surveillance and risk stratification, potentially enabling earlier interventions. While HBV vaccination has significantly reduced HCC incidence, disparities in global vaccination coverage persist. Furthermore, antiviral therapies combined with structured surveillance programs have proven effective in reducing HCC incidence and mortality. This review highlights the complex connection between viral, genetic, and environmental factors in HCC development and underscores the importance of integrated prevention strategies to reduce its burden globally.

Cancer burden in Europe: a systematic analysis of the GLOBOCAN database (2022)

BACKGROUND

Cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Europe, with substantial regional disparities in incidence, mortality, and access to healthcare. This study analyses cancer patterns across Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Europe in 2022, highlighting key public health implications and gaps in prevention and treatment.

METHODS

Using data from GLOBOCAN 2022, this study assessed total new cancer cases, age-standardized incidence and mortality rates (ASRs) per 100,000, and cumulative cancer risk at age 75. The top three cancers by sex and region were also analysed to identify trends and disparities.

RESULTS

In 2022, Europe recorded 4,471,422 new cancer cases (ASR 280 per 100,000), with a cumulative risk of 27.9% by age 75. Males accounted for 2,359,303 cases (ASR 319.6, cumulative risk 31.9%), while females had 2,112,119 cases (ASR 253.4, cumulative risk 24.7%). Northern and Western Europe had the highest incidence rates, with Denmark leading at 374.7 per 100,000 (cumulative risk 34.9%), likely due to advanced screening and healthcare. Conversely, Eastern Europe had the highest mortality, with 1,091,871 deaths (ASR 135.3), reflecting late diagnoses and limited access of treatment. Hungary exhibited the highest mortality rate (ASR 143.7, cumulative risk 15.8%), followed by Poland (ASR 133.1). Prostate and breast cancers were the most common in males and females, respectively. Lung cancer, despite a lower incidence (ASR 24.7), had the highest mortality (ASR 17.7), while pancreatic cancer showed high fatality (ASR 6.3, mortality ASR 5.6). Thyroid cancer had a relatively high incidence (ASR 7.5) but low mortality (ASR 0.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant regional disparities in cancer burden underscore the need for targeted public health strategies. Expanding cancer screening programs, strengthening smoking cessation and HPV vaccination efforts, and improving healthcare accessibility particularly in Eastern Europe are critical to reducing mortality and enhancing early detection. Differences in mortality-to-incidence ratios also highlight the role of healthcare infrastructure and timely interventions. Future research should explore the socioeconomic and environmental determinants driving these disparities to inform evidence-based cancer control policies across Europe.

Fabrication of Au Nanostructured Thin Film via Femtosecond Laser Glass Texturing for Enhanced Glucose Sensing

Accurate glucose sensing is crucial for diabetes management, with nonenzymatic electrochemical devices promising enhanced durability and sensitivity. Nonetheless, widespread commercialization remains challenging, with the market still being dominated by their enzymatic counterparts. This study reports on the feasibility of femtosecond-laser texturing of glass followed by thin gold layer deposition to create a highly active and microchip-compatible glucose sensing platform. The laser treatment enables significant nanostructuring of the glass substrate, remarkably resulting in an 8 times greater surface area compared to flat gold films on glass. The electrodes were calibrated via both potentiostatic and potentiodynamic techniques. The laser-treated electrodes displayed in chronoamperometry a sensitivity to glucose of 63.9 ± 1.2 μA·cm-2·mM-1 in the 0.25 mM to 4 mM range and of 42.6 ± 0.8 μA·cm-2·mM-1 ranging from 5 mM to 10 mM. Compared to the flat film gold electrodes, the sensitivity was strikingly 5-fold and 10-fold greater for the two linear ranges. The effect of chlorides on gold was discussed both in terms of leaching from the Ag|AgCl reference electrode during sulfuric acid cycling and in terms of sensitivity decay in phosphate buffer solutions with physiological chloride concentrations. The combination of femtosecond-laser texturing with thin film deposition aims to facilitate the integration with preexisting glass-supported integrated sensing platforms, such as microfluidic systems for point-of-care applications. Its implementation offers substantial versatility, allowing for fine-tuning of the physicochemical properties of the electrode through straightforward adjustments in the deposition protocol parameters.

Small Biological Fighters Against Cancer: Viruses, Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, Protozoa, and Microalgae

Despite the progress made in oncological theranostics, cancer remains a global health problem and a leading cause of death worldwide. Multidrug and radiation therapy resistance is an important challenge in cancer treatment. To overcome this great concern in clinical practice, conventional therapies are more and more used in combination with modern approaches to improve the quality of patients' lives. In this review, we emphasize how small biological entities, such as viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoans, and microalgae, as well as their related structural compounds and toxins/metabolites/bioactive molecules, can prevent and suppress cancer or regulate malignant initiation, progression, metastasis, and responses to different therapies. All these small biological fighters are free-living or parasitic in nature and, furthermore, viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protozoans are components of human and animal microbiomes. Recently, polymorphic microbiomes have been recognized as a new emerging hallmark of cancer. Fortunately, there is no limit to the development of novel approaches in cancer biomedicine. Thus, viral vector-based cancer therapies based on genetically engineered viruses, bacteriotherapy, mycotherapy based on anti-cancer fungal bioactive compounds, use of protozoan parasite-derived proteins, nanoarchaeosomes, and microalgae-based microrobots have been more and more used in oncology, promoting biomimetic approaches and biology-inspired strategies to maximize cancer diagnostic and therapy efficiency, leading to an improved patients' quality of life.