Fluoride Induces Neurocytotoxicity by Disrupting Lysosomal Iron Metabolism and Membrane Permeability

The detrimental effects of fluoride on neurotoxicity have been widely recorded, yet the detailed mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. This study explores lysosomal iron metabolism in fluoride-related neurotoxicity, with a focus on the Steap3/TRPML1 axis. Utilizing sodium fluoride (NaF)-treated human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and mouse hippocampal neuron (HT22) cell lines, our research demonstrates that NaF enhances the accumulation of ferrous ions (Fe2+) in these cells, disrupting lysosomal iron metabolism through the Steap3/TRPML1 axis. Notably, NaF exposure upregulated ACSL4 and downregulated GPX4, accompanied by reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These changes indicate increased vulnerability to ferroptosis within neuronal cells. The iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) mitigates this disruption. DFO binds to lysosomal Fe2+ and inhibits the Steap3/TRPML1 axis, restoring normal lysosomal iron metabolism, preventing lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP), and reducing neuronal cell ferroptosis. Our findings suggest that interference in lysosomal iron metabolism may mitigate fluoride-induced neurotoxicity, underscoring the critical role of the Steap3/TRPML1 axis in this pathological process.

The predictive value of serum Dickkopf-1, Dickkopf-3 level to coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have already confirmed the association between Dickkopf (Dkk) protein and the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis. However, there is limited clinical evidence regarding the serum levels of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) and Dickkopf-3 (Dkk3) in relation to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), particularly acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 88 healthy volunteers and 280 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary angiography for angina between October 2021 and October 2022, including 96 cases of stable angina (SA), 96 of unstable angina (UA) and 88 of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were included finally. The serum concentrations of Dkk1 and Dkk3 were measured using electrochemiluminescence of Meso Scale Discovery. The predictive value of single or combined application of serum Dkk1 and Dkk3 in CAD and ACS were evaluated.

RESULTS

The serum levels of Dkk1 were significantly higher in the SA group, UA group, and AMI group compared to the control group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that elevated serum Dkk1 levels were independent predictive factors for increased risk of CAD and ACS (OR = 1.027, 95%CI = 1.019-1.034, p < 0.001; OR = 1.045, 95%CI = 1.028-1.053, p < 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value of serum Dkk1 for predicting ACS was 205 ng/dl, with a sensitivity of 82.6% and specificity of 96.6%. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.930 (95%CI: 0.899-0.961, p < 0.001). Regarding Dkk3, serum Dkk3 levels were elevated in CAD patients compared to the healthy control group, and significantly higher in ACS patients compared to SA patients. Serum Dkk3 was significantly associated with increased risk of CAD and ACS (OR = 1.131, 95%CI = 1.091-1.173, p < 0.001; OR = 1.201, 95%CI = 1.134-1.271, p < 0.001, respectively). ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value of serum Dkk3 for predicting ACS was 50.82 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 85.9% and specificity of 87.5%. The AUC was 0.925 (95%CI: 0.894-0.956, p < 0.001). When serum Dkk1 and Dkk3 are combined as predictive factors for ACS, the AUC was 0.975.

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of Dkk1 and Dkk3 are significantly associated with an increased risk of CAD and ACS, and they possess predictive value for CAD and ACS. The combination of serum Dkk1 and Dkk3 is a superior predictive factor for CAD and ACS.

Hydrogen Bubbles: Harmonizing Local Hydrogen Transfer for Efficient Plastic Hydro-Depolymerization

Hydro-depolymerization presents a promising avenue for transforming plastic waste into high-value hydrocarbons, offering significant potential for value-added recycling. However, a major challenge in this method arises from kinetic limitations due to insufficient hydrogen concentration near the active sites, requiring optimal catalytic performance only at higher hydrogen pressures. In this study, we address this hurdle by developing "hydrogen bubble catalysts" featuring Ru nanoparticles within mesoporous SBA-15 channels (Ru/SBA). The distinctive feature of Ru/SBA catalysts lies in their capacity for physical hydrogen storage and chemically reversible hydrogen spillover, ensuring a timely and ample hydrogen supply. Under identical reaction conditions, the catalytic activity of Ru/SBA surpassed that of Ru/SiO2 (no hydrogen storage capacity) by over 4-fold. This substantial enhancement in catalytic performance provides significant opportunities for near atmospheric pressure hydro-depolymerization of plastic waste.

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes-Reprogrammed Macrophages Facilitate Breast Cancer Metastasis via NBR2/TBX1 Axis

In recent years, carbon nanotubes have emerged as a widely used nanomaterial, but their human exposure has become a significant concern. In our former study, we reported that pulmonary exposure of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) promoted tumor metastasis of breast cancer; macrophages were key effectors of MWCNTs and contributed to the metastasis-promoting procedure in breast cancer, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be explored. As a follow-up study, we herein demonstrated that MWCNT exposure in breast cancer cells and macrophage coculture systems promoted metastasis of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo; macrophages were skewed into M2 polarization by MWCNT exposure. LncRNA NBR2 was screened out to be significantly decreased in MWCNTs-stimulated macrophages through RNA-seq; depletion of NBR2 led to the acquisition of M2 phenotypes in macrophages by activating multiple M2-related pathways. Specifically, NBR2 was found to positively regulate the downstream gene TBX1 through H3k27ac activation. TBX1 silence rescued NBR2-induced impairment of M2 polarization in IL-4 & IL-13-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, NBR2 overexpression mitigated the enhancing effects of MWCNT-exposed macrophages on breast cancer metastasis. This study uncovered the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer metastasis induced by MWCNT exposure.

Layered Double Hydroxide Derivatives for Polyolefin Upcycling

While Ru-catalyzed hydrogenolysis holds significant promise in converting waste polyolefins into value-added alkane fuels, a major constraint is the high cost of noble metal catalysts. In this work, we propose, for the first time, that Co-based catalysts derived from CoAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) are alternatives for efficient polyolefin hydrogenolysis. Leveraging the chemical flexibility of the LDH platform, we reveal that metallic Co species serve as highly efficient active sites for polyolefin hydrogenolysis. Furthermore, we introduced Ni into the Co framework to tackle the issue of restricted hydrogenation ability associated with contiguous Co-Co sites. In-situ analysis indicates that the integration of Ni induces electron transfer and facilitates hydrogen spillover. This dual effect synergistically enhances the hydrogenation/desorption of olefin intermediates, resulting in a significant reduction in the yield of low-value CH4 from 27.1 to 12.6%. Through leveraging the unique properties of LDH, we have developed efficient and cost-effective catalysts for the sustainable recycling and valorization of waste polyolefin materials.

Temporal patterns of organ dysfunction in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit: A group-based multitrajectory modeling analysis

BACKGROUND

The course of organ dysfunction (OD) in Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is unknown. Herein, we analyze the temporal patterns of OD in intensive care unit-admitted COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

Sequential organ failure assessment scores were evaluated daily within 2 weeks of admission to determine the temporal trajectory of OD using group-based multitrajectory modeling (GBMTM).

RESULTS

A total of 392 patients were enrolled with a 28-day mortality rate of 53.6%. GBMTM identified four distinct trajectories. Group 1 (mild OD, n = 64), with a median APACHE II score of 13 (IQR 9-21), had an early resolution of OD and a low mortality rate. Group 2 (moderate OD, n = 140), with a median APACHE II score of 18 (IQR 13-22), had a 28-day mortality rate of 30.0%. Group 3 (severe OD, n = 117), with a median APACHR II score of 20 (IQR 13-27), had a deterioration trend of respiratory dysfunction and a 28-day mortality rate of 69.2%. Group 4 (extremely severe OD, n = 71), with a median APACHE II score of 20 (IQR 17-27), had a significant and sustained OD affecting all organ systems and a 28-day mortality rate of 97.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Four distinct trajectories of OD were identified, and respiratory dysfunction trajectory could predict nonpulmonary OD trajectories and patient prognosis.

Knittable Electrochemical Yarn Muscle for Morphing Textiles

Morphing textiles, crafted using electrochemical artificial muscle yarns, boast features such as adaptive structural flexibility, programmable control, low operating voltage, and minimal thermal effect. However, the progression of these textiles is still impeded by the challenges in the continuous production of these yarn muscles and the necessity for proper structure designs that bypass operation in extensive electrolyte environments. Herein, a meters-long sheath-core structured carbon nanotube (CNT)/nylon composite yarn muscle is continuously prepared. The nylon core not only reduces the consumption of CNTs but also amplifies the surface area for interaction between the CNT yarn and the electrolyte, leading to an enhanced effective actuation volume. When driven electrochemically, the CNT@nylon yarn muscle demonstrates a maximum contractile stroke of 26.4%, a maximum contractile rate of 15.8% s-1, and a maximum power density of 0.37 W g-1, surpassing pure CNT yarn muscles by 1.59, 1.82, and 5.5 times, respectively. By knitting the electrochemical CNT@nylon artificial muscle yarns into a soft fabric that serves as both a soft scaffold and an electrolyte container, we achieved a morphing textile is achieved. This textile can perform programmable multiple motion modes in air such as contraction and sectional bending.

Rutin mitigates fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity by inhibiting ROS-mediated lysosomal membrane permeabilization and the GSDME-HMGB1 axis involved in pyroptosis and inflammation

Fluoride is known to induce nephrotoxicity; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Therefore, this study aims to explore the roles and mechanisms of lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and the GSDME/HMGB1 axis in fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity and the protective effects of rutin. Rutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid compound known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, is primarily mediated by inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing proinflammatory markers. To that end, we established in vivo and in vitro models. In the in vivo study, rats were exposed to sodium fluoride (NaF) throughout pregnancy and up until 2 months after birth. In parallel, we employed in vitro models using HK-2 cells treated with NaF, n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), or rutin. We assessed lysosomal permeability through immunofluorescence and analyzed relevant protein expression via western blotting. Our findings showed that NaF exposure increased ROS levels, resulting in enhanced LMP and increased cathepsin B (CTSB) and D (CTSD) expression. Furthermore, the exposure to NaF resulted in the upregulation of cleaved PARP1, cleaved caspase-3, GSDME-N, and HMGB1 expressions, indicating cell death and inflammation-induced renal damage. Rutin mitigates fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity by suppressing ROS-mediated LMP and the GSDME/HMGB1 axis, ultimately preventing fluoride-induced renal toxicity occurrence and development. In conclusion, our findings suggest that NaF induces renal damage through ROS-mediated activation of LMP and the GSDME/HMGB1 axis, leading to pyroptosis and inflammation. Rutin, a natural antioxidative and anti-inflammatory dietary supplement, offers a novel approach to prevent and treat fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity.

Preparation and structural characterization of epoxidized soybean oils-based pressure sensitive adhesive grafted with tea polyphenol palmitate

Vegetable oils-based pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are green and sustainable but face unsatisfactory adhesion strengths and are prone to aging during storage and application due to the existence of residual double bonds and massive ester bonds. Nine common antioxidants (tea polyphenol palmitate (TPP), caffeic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, tertiary butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, and tea polyphenols) were grafted into epoxidized soybean oils-PSA (ESO-PSA) system to enhance antiaging properties and adhesion strengths. Results showed ESO-PSAs grafted with caffeic acid, tertiary butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, tea polyphenols, or TPP didn't occur failure with TPP having best performance. The optimal conditions were ESO reacted with 0.9 % TPP, 70 % rosin ester, and 7.0 % phosphoric acid at 50 °C for 5 min, under which peel strength and loop tack increased to 2.460 N/cm and 1.66 N, respectively, but peel strength residue reduced to 138.09 %, compared with control (0.407 N/cm, 0.43 N, and 1669.99 %). Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric results showed TPP grafting increased the glass transition temperature of ESO-PSA slightly but improved its thermal stability significantly. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance results showed TPP, phosphoric acid, and rosin ester all partially participated in the covalently crosslinking polymerization of ESO-PSAs and the rest existed in the network structures in the free form.

Grave-to-cradle photothermal upcycling of waste polyesters over spent LiCoO2

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and plastics are pivotal components of modern society; nevertheless, their escalating production poses formidable challenges to resource sustainability and ecosystem integrity. Here, we showcase the transformation of spent lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathodes into photothermal catalysts capable of catalyzing the upcycling of diverse waste polyesters into high-value monomers. The distinctive Li deficiency in spent LCO induces a contraction in the Co-O6 unit cell, boosting the monomer yield exceeding that of pristine LCO by a factor of 10.24. A comprehensive life-cycle assessment underscores the economic viability of utilizing spent LCO as a photothermal catalyst, yielding returns of 129.6 $·kgLCO-1, surpassing traditional battery recycling returns (13-17 $·kgLCO-1). Solar-driven recycling 100,000 tons of PET can reduce 3.459 × 1011 kJ of electric energy and decrease 38,716 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. This work unveils a sustainable solution for the management of spent LIBs and plastics.

A new index to measure the uniformity of remolded loess

The uniformity of remolded loess is crucial for engineering stability and in laboratory testing, as it affects physical and mechanical properties. It is important to have an index which can accurately and conveniently evaluate the uniformity of remolded loess. This study demonstrated and verified the feasibility of using hydraulic conductivity (K) as an indicator for evaluating the uniformity of remolded loess through laboratory experiments and theoretical analysis. In laboratory research, nine loess samples under different preparation conditions were meticulously prepared in duplicate, which were divided into three sets according to the whole dry density (WDD) of approximately 1.3 g/cm3, 1.4 g/cm3, and 1.5 g/cm3 respectively. For the nine duplicate samples, two procedures were performed for each of the sample. One is the uniformity analysis by cutting the soil column and weighing. The other is the hydraulic conductivity experiment. Results showed that sample uniformity is affected by sample preparation conditions, and there are differences in the uniformity of the same WDD samples. The values of K positively correlate with the degree of sample uniformity. In theoretical analysis, based on Darcy's Law and Kozeny-Carman equation, it is found K is inversely proportional to the variance ( σ 2 ) of the sample dry density. That is, K is positively proportional to the sample uniformity. Since K can be easily determined in the laboratory, the application of this new index in the field of geotechnical engineering makes it very convenient and simple to evaluate the uniformity of remolded loess.

Stable Interfacial Ruthenium Species for Highly Efficient Polyolefin Upcycling

The present polyolefin hydrogenolysis recycling cases acknowledge that zerovalent Ru exhibits high catalytic activity. A pivotal rationale behind this assertion lies in the propensity of the majority of Ru species to undergo reduction to zerovalent Ru within the hydrogenolysis milieu. Nonetheless, the suitability of zerovalent Ru as an optimal structural configuration for accommodating multiple elementary reactions remains ambiguous. Here, we have constructed stable Ru0-Ruδ+ complex species, even under reaction conditions, through surface ligand engineering of commercially available Ru/C catalysts. Our findings unequivocally demonstrate that surface-ligated Ru species can be stabilized in the form of a Ruδ+ state, which, in turn, engenders a perturbation of the σ bond electron distribution within the polyolefin carbon chain, ultimately boosting the rate-determining step of C-C scission. The optimized catalysts reach a solid conversion rate of 609 g·gRu-1·h-1 for polyethylene. This achievement represents a 4.18-fold enhancement relative to the pristine Ru/C catalyst while concurrently preserving a remarkable 94% selectivity toward valued liquid alkanes. Of utmost significance, this surface ligand engineering can be extended to the gentle mixing of catalysts in ligand solution at room temperature, thus rendering it amenable for swift integration into industrial processes involving polyolefin degradation.

circFOXK2 promotes the progression of osteoarthritis by regulating the miR-4640-5p/NOTCH2 axis

OBJECTIVES

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common age-related chronic and disabling joint disease, frequently causing pain and disability in the adult population. Given that there are no proven disease-modifying drugs for OA, it is urgent to gain a deeper understanding of OA pathogenesis. This study intended to uncover the circFOXK2 regulation in OA.

METHODS

First, an in vitro OA cell model was constructed by treating murine chondrocytes with interleukin (IL)-1β. Then, a series of functional assays were conducted to evaluate the effect of circFOXK2 on OA progression in murine chondrocytes. Bioinformatics analysis and mechanism investigations were performed to investigate the competitive endogenous ribonucleic acid (RNA) network of circFOXK2 in OA.

RESULTS

circFOXK2 is overexpressed in IL-1β-treated chondrocyte. We confirmed the cyclic structure and cytoplasmic distribution of circFOXK2. Functionally, circFOXK2 promotes chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation but inhibits chondrocyte proliferation. Mechanically, circFOXK2 competitively binds to microRNA-4640-5p (miR-4640-5p) to enhance NOTCH2 expression in OA, affecting OA progression. Besides, circFOXK2 could motivate the NOTCH pathway to accelerate OA progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The circFOXK2/miR-4640-5p/NOTCH2 axis stimulates the NOTCH pathway to promote the transcription of inflammatory cytokines (IL33, IL17F, and IL6), consequently facilitating OA progression in murine chondrocytes.

Salinization of shallow groundwater in the Jiaokou Irrigation District and associated secondary environmental challenges

Understanding groundwater salinization of irrigation areas and related secondary environmental challenges is important for ensuring sustainable development. However, the mechanism under which groundwater salinization forms under the influence of long-term anthropogenic activities remains unclear. Therefore, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal variation in groundwater salinization and the underlying mechanism, and discussed the secondary environmental challenges in an irrigation area. The Jiaokou Irrigation District, North China, was adopted as a case study. The results showed a slight downward trend in groundwater salinity over the past two decades at a rate of 0.0229 g/L/y. Higher groundwater salinity was observed in areas with shallow groundwater depth. This correlation was mainly attributed to evaporative concentration, with secondary processes including natural weathering, depth of water-table, and fertilizer leaching. Drainage ditches may reduce groundwater salinity. Groundwater was transformed from freshwater to salt water and then to brackish water during the runoff process. The former transformation is mainly related to evaporation and fertilization. The latter transformation could be related to the inverse relationship between the distance to the Wei River and sediment permeability, with sediment permeability positively related to groundwater flow and leading to the discharge of salt into the Wei River. The secondary environmental challenges related to groundwater salinization in irrigation areas, mainly manifested in deterioration of irrigation water quality, soil salinization, and increased fluorine concentration. This study can act as a theoretical and practical reference for the development and utilization of water resources, ecological protection, and soil salinization in typical irrigation districts.

RVdb: a comprehensive resource and analysis platform for rhinovirus research

Rhinovirus (RV), a prominent causative agent of both upper and lower respiratory diseases, ranks among the most prevalent human respiratory viruses. RV infections are associated with various illnesses, including colds, asthma exacerbations, croup and pneumonia, imposing significant and extended societal burdens. Characterized by a high mutation rate and genomic diversity, RV displays a diverse serological landscape, encompassing a total of 174 serotypes identified to date. Understanding RV genetic diversity is crucial for epidemiological surveillance and investigation of respiratory diseases. This study introduces a comprehensive and high-quality RV data resource, designated RVdb (http://rvdb.mgc.ac.cn), covering 26 909 currently identified RV strains, along with RV-related sequences, 3D protein structures and publications. Furthermore, this resource features a suite of web-based utilities optimized for easy browsing and searching, as well as automatic sequence annotation, multiple sequence alignment (MSA), phylogenetic tree construction, RVdb BLAST and a serotyping pipeline. Equipped with a user-friendly interface and integrated online bioinformatics tools, RVdb provides a convenient and powerful platform on which to analyse the genetic characteristics of RVs. Additionally, RVdb also supports the efforts of virologists and epidemiologists to monitor and trace both existing and emerging RV-related infectious conditions in a public health context.

Effect of Cobalt on Lifetime of Sb4 O5 Cl2 -Graphene Anode in Chloride-Ion Batteries

Anode materials based on metal oxychlorides hold promise in addressing electrode dissolution challenges in aqueous-based chloride ion batteries (CIBs). However, their structural instability following chloride ion deintercalation can lead to rapid degradation and capacity fading. This paper investigates a cobalt-doped Sb4 O5 Cl2 -graphene (Co-Sb4 O5 Cl2 @GO) composite anode for aqueous-based CIBs. It exhibits significantly enhanced discharge capacity of 82.3 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at 0.3 A g-1 ; while, the undoped comparison is only 23.5 mAh g-1 in the same condition. It also demonstrated with a long-term capacity retention of 72.8 % after 1000 cycles (65.5 mAh g-1 ) and a favorable rate performance of 25 mAh g-1 at a high current density of 2 A g-1 . Undertaken comprehensive studies via in-situ experiments and DFT calculations, the cobalt (Co) dopant is demonstrated as the crucial role to enhance the lifetime of Sb4 O5 Cl2 -based anodes. It is found that, the Co dopant improves electronic conductivity and the diffusion of chloride ions beside increases the structural stability of Sb4 O5 Cl2 crystal. Thus, this element doping strategy holds promise for advancing the field of Sb4 O5 Cl2 -based anodes for aqueous-based CIBs, and insights gain from this study also offer valuable knowledge to develop high-performance electrode materials for electrochemical deionization.

Insights into mineralogical distribution mechanism and environmental significance from geochemical behavior of sediments in the Yellow River Basin, China

Mineralogical investigations on fluvial sedimentary sequences could provide historical environmental information on the effects of human activities and natural events. This study aims to identify the mineralogical distribution mechanism and environmental significance of sediments of the Yellow River Basin based on topographic analysis, statistics, weathering and recycling indices. In total, 107 samples were collected from sedimentary sequences in the source area, and the upper, middle, and lower reaches and analyzed for grain size, major elements, and mineral composition. The results showed that the climate conditions were cold and arid, where weak hydrolysis under continental weathering and strong erosion accelerated physical weathering. Clay minerals in the upper reaches primarily originated from the Tibetan Plateau, whereas the middle and lower reaches received input of aeolian deposits from Northern China. Quartz and feldspar in the middle and lower reaches may derive from the source area and upper reaches. Meanwhile, calcite and dolomite formed through diagenesis, with loess input from the Chinese Loess Plateau. Regarding heavy minerals, the dominant determinative factors of pyrite were post-depositional diagenesis and leaching. Hematite and amphibole primarily formed through magnetite conversion and contribution from regional sources, respectively. Moreover, the mineral distribution mechanism significantly affected the mobility and distribution of geochemical elements through diagenesis and alteration. The findings are instrumental in reconstructing the environmental evolution of large-scale watersheds across multiple climatic zones.

Pathogenic fungi shape the fungal community, network complexity, and pathogenesis in kiwifruit

Kiwifruit decay caused by endophytic fungi is affected by exogenous pathogens that trigger changes in fungal community composition and interact with the endophytic fungal community. Four fungal pathogens of kiwifruit were identified. These were Aspergillus japonicus, Aspergillus flavus, Botryosphaeria dothidea, and Penicillium oxalicum. Except for P. oxalicum, the remaining three species represent newly described pathogens of kiwifruit. All four fungal species caused disease and decay in mature kiwifruit. Results of the fungal community analysis indicated that three pathogens that A. japonicus, A. flavus and P. oxalicum were the most dominant, however, other fungal species that did not cause disease symptoms were also present. Positive interactions between fungal species were found in asymptomatic, symptomatic, and infected kiwifruit. The ability of all four pathogens to infect kiwifruit was confirmed in an inoculation experiment. The presence of any one of the four identified pathogens accelerated decay development and limited the postharvest longevity of harvested kiwifruit. Results of the study identified and confirmed the ability of four fungal species to infect and cause decay in harvested kiwifruit. Changes in the structure and composition of the kiwifruit microbiome during the decay process were also characterized. This provides a foundation for the further study of the microbiome of kiwifruit and their involvement in postharvest diseases.

[A study on the first-order interaction of diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography-derived fractional flow reserve]

Objective: To investigate the effect of image quality, degree of stenosis, calcification, and their first-order interactions on diagnostic performance of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR). Methods: This is a reanalysis of data from a multi-center retrospective cross-sectional study of CT-FFR in China. A total of 522 patients with suspected or known coronary heart disease [mean age: 61.6 (34.0-83.0) years, 71.8% (354/493) were male] from 11 medical centers including the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from May 2015 to October 2019 were enrolled. All patients underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA), CT-FFR, and invasive FFR examination. Subjective image quality scores of target vessels were recorded on CCTA images, and stenosis was visually assessed at the lesion level. Calcification arc and calcification remodeling index (CRI) were recorded for each lesion. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were compared. Two-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the first-order interaction effects of image quality, degree of stenosis, and calcification. Results: A total of 493 patients with 629 lesions with invasive FFR as a reference were included in the study. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT-FFR were 80.4%, 93.8%, and 88.6%, respectively. The specificity (95.0% vs. 87.3%, χ2=4.11, P=0.043); accuracy (90.1% vs. 81.9%, χ2=6.22, P=0.013); and NPV (89.7% vs. 80.9%, χ2=4.25, P=0.039) of the group with image quality ≥3 was higher than the group with image quality <3. The degree of stenosis affected the sensitivity, PPV, and NPV of CT-FFR and the calcification arc affected the specificity of CT-FFR (all P>0.05). The specificity (95.8% vs. 90.5%, χ2=4.23, P=0.040); accuracy (91.0% vs. 86.1%, χ2=4.01, P=0.045); and NPV (91.1% vs. 83.8%, χ2=5.10, P=0.024) of the group with CRI<1 were higher than that of the group with CRI≥1. In the subgroup of mild and severe stenosis, no calcification, and CRI<1, the accuracy of CT-FFR with image quality ≥3 points were higher than that with image quality <3 points. The accuracy of CT-FFR in the moderate stenosis group was mainly affected by CRI; the accuracy of CT-FFR in the group with CRI<1 was higher than that in the group with CRI≥1 (after Bonferroni correction, P values between groups were statistically significant). Conclusion: Subjective image quality, degree of stenosis, calcification of lesions, and their first-order interactions can all negatively affect the diagnostic performance of CT-FFR.

3D collagen porous scaffold carrying PLGA-PTX/SDF-1α recruits and promotes neural stem cell differentiation for spinal cord injury repair

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), one of the major factors of disability, can cause irreversible motor and sensory impairment. There are no effective therapeutic drugs and technologies available in domestic or foreign countries currently. Neural stem cells (NSCs), with the potential for multidirectional differentiation, are a potential treatment for SCI. However, it has been demonstrated that NSCs primarily differentiated into astrocytes rather than neurons due to the inflammatory microenvironment, and the current challenge remains to direct the differentiation of NSCs into neurons in the lesion site. It was reported that the microtubule-stabilizing agent paclitaxel (PTX) was able to promote the differentiation of NSCs into neurons rather than astrocytes after SCI. SDF-1α can recruit NSCs and thus guide the migration of stem cells. In this study, we developed a functional collagen scaffold by loading SDF-1α and nanoparticle-encapsulated PLGA-PTX into a 3D collagen porous scaffold, allowing for slow release of PTX. When the functional scaffolds were implanted into the injury site, it provided a neural regeneration conduit channel for the migration of NSCs and neuronal differentiation. Neural regeneration promoted the recovery of motor function and reduced glial scar formation after SCI. In conclusion, a 3D collagen porous scaffold combined with PLGA-PTX and SDF-1α is a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI repair.

Applications of Prolamin-Based Edible Coatings in Food Preservation: A Review

Foods are susceptible to deterioration and sour due to external environmental influences during production and storage. Coating can form a layer of physical barrier on the surface of foods to achieve the purpose of food preservation. Because of its good barrier properties and biocompatibility, prolamin-based film has been valued as a new green and environment-friendly material in the application of food preservation. Single prolamin-based film has weaknesses of poor toughness and stability, and it is necessary to select appropriate modification methods to improve the performance of film according to the application requirements. The practical application effect of film is not only affected by the raw materials and the properties of the film itself, but also affected by the selection of preparation methods and processing techniques of film-forming liquid. In this review, the properties and selection of prolamins, the forming mechanisms and processes of prolamin-based coatings, the coating techniques, and the modifications of prolamin-based coatings were systematically introduced from the perspective of food coating applications. Moreover, the defects and deficiencies in the research and development of prolamin-based coatings were also reviewed in order to provide a reference for the follow-up research on the application of prolamin-based coatings in food preservation.

Entropy Confinement Promotes Hydrogenolysis Activity for Polyethylene Upcycling

Chemical upcycling that catalyzes waste plastics back to high-purity chemicals holds great promise in end-of-life plastics valorization. One of the main challenges in this process is the thermodynamic limitations imposed by the high intrinsic entropy of polymer chains, which makes their adsorption on catalysts unfavorable and the transition state unstable. Here, we overcome this challenge by inducing the catalytic reaction inside mesoporous channels, which possess a strong confined ability to polymer chains, allowing for stabilization of the transition state. This approach involves the synthesis of p-Ru/SBA catalysts, in which Ru nanoparticles are uniformly distributed within the channels of an SBA-15 support, using a precise impregnation method. The unique design of the p-Ru/SBA catalyst has demonstrated significant improvements in catalytic performance for the conversion of polyethylene into high-value liquid fuels, particularly diesel. The catalyst achieved a high solid conversion rate of 1106 g ⋅ gRu -1  ⋅ h-1 at 230 °C. Comparatively, this catalytic activity is 4.9 times higher than that of a control catalyst, Ru/SiO2 , and 14.0 times higher than that of a commercial catalyst, Ru/C, at 240 °C. This remarkable catalytic activity opens up immense opportunities for the chemical upcycling of waste plastics.

A comprehensive dataset of animal-associated sarbecoviruses

Zoonotic spillover of sarbecoviruses (SarbeCoVs) from non-human animals to humans under natural conditions has led to two large-scale pandemics, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic in 2003 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Knowledge of the genetic diversity, geographical distribution, and host specificity of SarbeCoVs is therefore of interest for pandemic surveillance and origin tracing of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. This study presents a comprehensive repository of publicly available animal-associated SarbeCoVs, covering 1,535 viruses identified from 63 animal species distributed in 43 countries worldwide (as of February 14,2023). Relevant meta-information, such as host species, sampling time and location, was manually curated and included in the dataset to facilitate further research on the potential patterns of viral diversity and ecological characteristics. In addition, the dataset also provides well-annotated sequence sets of receptor-binding domains (RBDs) and receptor-binding motifs (RBMs) for the scientific community to highlight the potential determinants of successful cross-species transmission that could be aid in risk estimation and strategic design for future emerging infectious disease control and prevention.

Direct recycling of spent Li-ion batteries: Challenges and opportunities toward practical applications

With the exponential expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), the disposal of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) is poised to increase significantly in the coming years. Effective recycling of these batteries is essential to address environmental concerns and tap into their economic value. Direct recycling has recently emerged as a promising solution at the laboratory level, offering significant environmental benefits and economic viability compared to pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling methods. However, its commercialization has not been realized in the terms of financial feasibility. This perspective provides a comprehensive analysis of the obstacles that impede the practical implementation of direct recycling, ranging from disassembling, sorting, and separation to technological limitations. Furthermore, potential solutions are suggested to tackle these challenges in the short term. The need for long-term, collaborative endeavors among manufacturers, battery producers, and recycling companies is outlined to advance fully automated recycling of spent LIBs. Lastly, a smart direct recycling framework is proposed to achieve the full life cycle sustainability of LIBs.

Direct Regeneration of NCM Cathode Material with Aluminum Scraps

Hydrothermal-based direct regeneration of spent Li-ion battery (LIB) cathodes has garnered tremendous attention for its simplicity and scalability. However, it is heavily reliant on manual disassembly to ensure the high purity of degraded cathode powders, and the quality of regenerated materials. In reality, degraded cathodes often contain residual components of the battery, such as binders, current collectors, and graphite particles. Thorough investigation is thus required to understand the effects of these impurities on hydrothermal-based direct regeneration. In this study, we focus on isolating the effects of aluminum (Al) scraps on the direct regeneration process. We found that Al metal can be dissolved during the hydrothermal relithiation process. Even when the cathode material contains up to 15 wt.% Al scraps, no detrimental effects were observed on the recovered structure, chemical composition, and electrochemical performance of the regenerated cathode material. The regenerated NCM cathode can achieve a capacity of 163.68 mAh/g at 0.1 C and exhibited a high-capacity retention of 85.58 % after cycling for 200 cycles at 0.5 C. Therefore, the hydrothermal-based regeneration method is effective in revitalizing degraded cathode materials, even in the presence of notable Al impurity content, showing great potential for industrial applications.

Panoramic analysis of coronaviruses carried by representative bat species in Southern China to better understand the coronavirus sphere

Bats, recognized as considerable reservoirs for coronaviruses (CoVs), serve as natural hosts for several highly pathogenic CoVs, including SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Investigating the bat CoV community provides insights into the origin for highly pathogenic CoVs and highlights bat CoVs with potential spillover risks. This study probes the evolution, recombination, host range, geographical distribution, and cross-species transmission characteristics of bat CoVs across China and its associated CoVs in other regions. Through detailed research on 13,064 bat samples from 14 provinces of China, 1141 CoV strains are found across 10 subgenera and one unclassified Alpha-CoV, generating 399 complete genome sequences. Within bat CoVs, 11 new CoV species are identified and 425 recombination events are detected. Bats in southern China, particularly in Yunnan province, exhibit a pronounced diversity of CoVs. Limited sampling and low detection rates exist for CoVs in Myotacovirus, Nyctacovirus, Hibecovirus, Nobecovirus in China. The genus Myotis is highlighted as a potential ancestral host for Alpha-CoV, with the genus Hipposideros suggested as a likely progenitor host for bat-associated Beta-CoV, indicating the complexity of cross-species transmission dynamics. Through the comprehensive analysis, this study enriches the understanding of bat CoVs and offers a valuable resource for future research.

The metabolic score for insulin resistance in the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) is a simple, convenient, and reliable marker for resistance insulin (IR), which has been regarded as a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular events. However, few studies examined the relationship between METS-IR and prognosis after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This study aimed to investigate the potential value of METS-IR as a prognostic indicator for the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients after CABG.

METHOD

1100 CABG patients were enrolled in the study, including 760 men (69.1%) and 340 women (30.9%). The METS-IR was calculated as Ln [(2 × FPG (mg/dL) + fasting TG (mg/dL)] × BMI (kg/m²)/Ln [HDL-C (mg/dL)]. The primary endpoint of this study was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery revascularization, and stroke.

RESULT

The following-up time of this study was 49-101 months (median, 70 months; interquartile range, 62-78 months). During the follow-up period, there were 243 MACEs (22.1%). The probability of cumulative incidence of MACE increased incrementally across the quartiles of METS-IR (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 1.97 (1.36-2.86) for MACE in quartile 4 compared with participants in quartile 1. The addition of the METS-IR to the model with fully adjusting variables significantly improved its predictive value [C-statistic increased from 0.702 to 0.720, p < 0.001, continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) = 0.305, < 0.001, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) = 0.021, p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

METS-IR is an independent and favorable risk factor for predicting the occurrence of MACE and can be used as a simple and reliable indicator that can be used for risk stratification and early intervention in patients after CABG.

Dual-Ion Co-Regulation System Enabling High-Performance Electrochemical Artificial Yarn Muscles with Energy-Free Catch States

Artificial yarn muscles show great potential in applications requiring low-energy consumption while maintaining high performance. However, conventional designs have been limited by weak ion-yarn muscle interactions and inefficient "rocking-chair" ion migration. To address these limitations, we present an electrochemical artificial yarn muscle design driven by a dual-ion co-regulation system. By utilizing two reaction channels, this system shortens ion migration pathways, leading to faster and more efficient actuation. During the charging/discharging process, [Formula: see text] ions react with carbon nanotube yarn, while Li+ ions react with an Al foil. The intercalation reaction between [Formula: see text] and collapsed carbon nanotubes allows the yarn muscle to achieve an energy-free high-tension catch state. The dual-ion coordinated yarn muscles exhibit superior contractile stroke, maximum contractile rate, and maximum power densities, exceeding those of "rocking-chair" type ion migration yarn muscles. The dual-ion co-regulation system enhances the ion migration rate during actuation, resulting in improved performance. Moreover, the yarn muscles can withstand high levels of isometric stress, displaying a stress of 61 times that of skeletal muscles and 8 times that of "rocking-chair" type yarn muscles at higher frequencies. This technology holds significant potential for various applications, including prosthetics and robotics.

Pretension-Free and Self-Recoverable Coiled Artificial Muscle Fibers with Powerful Cyclic Work Capability

Similar to natural muscle fibers, coiled artificial muscle fibers provide a straightforward contraction. However, unlike natural muscle fibers, their recovery from the contracted state to the initial state requires high stress, resulting in almost zero work during a full actuation cycle. Herein, a self-recoverable coiled artificial muscle fiber was prepared by conformally coating an elastic carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber with a very thin liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) sheath. The as-obtained muscle fiber demonstrated excellent actuation properties comprising 56.9% contractile stroke, 1522%/s contraction rate, 7.03 kW kg^-1 power density, and 32,000 stable cycles. The LCE chains were helically aligned in a nematic phase, and the phase change of the LCE caused by Joule heating drove the actuation process. Moreover, the LCE/CNT fiber had a well-separated, torsionally stable, and elastic coiled structure, which permitted large contractile strokes and acted as an elastic template for external-stress-free recovery. Thus, the use of self-recoverable muscle fibers to mimic the natural muscles for object dragging, multidirectional bending, and quick striking was demonstrated.

Mechanical digit sensory stimulation: a randomized control trial on neurological and motor recovery in acute stroke

Background

Mechanical digit sensory stimulation (MDSS) is a novel therapy designed to accelerate the recovery of upper limb (including hand) function in patients with hemiplegia following a stroke. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the effect of MDSS on patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

Sixty-one inpatients with AIS were randomly divided into conventional rehabilitation group (RG) and stimulation group (SG), and the latter group received MDSS therapy. A healthy group consisting of 30 healthy adults was also included. The interleukin-17A (IL-17A), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plasma levels were measured in all subjects. The neurological and motor functions of patients were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Fugel-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI).

Results

After 12 days of intervention, the IL-17A, TNF-α, and NIHSS levels were significantly decreased, while the VEGF-A, MMSE, FMA, and MBI levels were significantly increased in both disease groups. No significant difference was observed between both disease groups after intervention. The levels of IL-17A and TNF-α were positively correlated with NIHSS but negatively correlated with MMSE, FMA, and MBI. The VEGF-A levels were negatively correlated with NIHSS but positively correlated with MMSE, FMA, and MBI.

Conclusion

Both MDSS and conventional rehabilitation significantly reduce the production of IL-17A and TNF-α, increase the VEGF-A levels, and effectively improve cognition and motor function of hemiplegic patients with AIS, and the effects of MDSS and conventional rehabilitation are comparable.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for detection of circulating tumor cells based on a highly efficient enzymatic cascade reaction

There has been great interest in the enzymatic cascade amplification strategy for the electrochemical detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). In this work, we designed a highly efficient enzymatic cascade reaction based on a multiwalled carbon nanotubes-chitosan (MWCNTs-CS) composite for detection of CTCs. A high electrochemical effective surface area was obtained for a MWCNTs-CS-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for loading glucose oxidase (GOD), as well as a high loading rate and high electrical activity of the enzyme. As a 'power source', the MWCNTs-CS composites provided a strong driving power for horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on the surface of polystyrene (PS) microspheres, which acted as probes for capturing CTCs and allowed the reaction to proceed with further facilitation of electron transfer. Aptamer, CTCs, and PS microspheres with HRP and anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti-EpCAM) antibody were assembled on the MWCNTs-CS/GCE to allow for the modulation of enzyme distance at the micrometer level, and thus ultra-long-range signal transmission was made possible. An ultrasensitive response to CTCs was obtained via this proposed sensing strategy, with a linear range from 10 cell mL^-1 to 6 × 10⁶ cell mL^-1 and a detection limit of 3 cell mL^-1. Moreover, this electrochemical sensor possessed the capability to detect CTCs in serum samples with satisfactory accuracy, which indicated great potential for early diagnosis and clinical analysis of cancer.

Geochemical evidence of fluoride behavior in loess and its influence on seepage characteristics: An experimental study

High background levels of fluorine in groundwater and soil in arid and semi-arid loess regions pose a severe threat to socio-economic development and human health, necessitating the evaluation of fluorine migration in loess. In this study, static leaching and dynamic seepage tests as well as scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and X-ray fluorescence analyses were conducted using loess as the porous medium. Additionally, simulations using PHREEQC software were performed. The results indicated that the studied loess had a high background level of fluorine. Geochemical processes closely related to fluorine include dissolution of gypsum and dolomite, precipitation/dissolution of calcite and fluorite, and ion exchange between CaX and NaX. Under seepage of water with high fluorine levels, soil particles flocculated and formed aggregates; furthermore, the contact area between soil particles reduced, resulting in point-to-point contact between particles. Consequently, pores changed from small (intra- and inter-particle pores) to large (intra- and inter-granular pores) scale pores. Permeability initially decreased rapidly, then remained relatively stable, and subsequently rapidly increased with the passage of time. This was attributed to the dissolution of calcium minerals in loess, yielding Ca²⁺, which induced the precipitation of fluorite and promoted the dissolution of carbonates. Cation exchange and dissolution of other components were also important factors influencing permeability. The findings of this study can elucidate the coupling between loess microstructure, seepage behavior, and geochemical actions under the influence of high‑fluorine water, and are of great significance for in-situ regional research in loess areas.

PRKAA1 induces aberrant mitophagy in a PINK1/Parkin-dependent manner, contributing to fluoride-induced developmental neurotoxicity

Chronic fluoride exposure can cause developmental neurotoxicity, however the precise mechanisms remain unclear. To explore the mechanism of mitophagy in fluoride-induced developmental neurotoxicity, specifically focusing on PRKAA1 in regulating the PINK1/Parkin pathway, we established a Sprage Dawley rat model with continuous sodium fluoride (NaF) exposure and an NaF-treated SH-SY5Y cell model. We found that NaF exposure increased the levels of LC3-Ⅱ and p62, impaired autophagic degradation, and subsequently blocked autophagic flux. Additionally, NaF exposure increased the expression of PINK1, Parkin, TOMM-20, and Cyt C and cleaved PARP in vivo and in vitro, indicating NaF promotes mitophagy and neuronal apoptosis. Meanwhile, phosphoproteomics and western blot analysis showed that NaF treatment enhanced PRKAA1 phosphorylation. Remarkably, the application of both 3-methyladenosine (3-MA; autophagy inhibitor) and dorsomorphin (DM; AMPK inhibitor) suppressed NaF-induced neuronal apoptosis by restoring aberrant mitophagy. In addition, 3-MA attenuated an increase in p62 protein levels and NaF-induced autophagic degradation. Collectively, our findings indicated that NaF causes aberrant mitophagy via PRKAA1 in a PINK1/Parkin-dependent manner, which triggers neuronal apoptosis. Thus, regulating PRKAA1-activated PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy may be a potential treatment for NaF-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

[Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic analysis of testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) . Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 68 patients with testicular DLBCL admitted to Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from October 2001 to April 2020. The gene mutation profile was evaluated by targeted sequencing (55 lymphoma-related genes) , and prognostic factors were analyzed. Results: A total of 68 patients were included, of whom 45 (66.2% ) had primary testicular DLBCL and 23 (33.8% ) had secondary testicular DLBCL. The proportion of secondary testicular DLBCL patients with Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ (P<0.001) , elevated LDH (P<0.001) , ECOG score ≥ 2 points (P=0.005) , and IPI score 3-5 points (P<0.001) is higher than that of primary testicular DLBCL patients. Sixty-two (91% ) patients received rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) -based first-line regimen, whereas 54 cases (79% ) underwent orchiectomy prior to chemotherapy. Patients with secondary testicular DLBCL had a lower estimated 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate (16.5% vs 68.1% , P<0.001) and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate (63.4% vs 74.9% , P=0.008) than those with primary testicular DLBCL, and their complete remission rate (57% vs 91% , P=0.003) was also lower than that of primary testicular DLBCL. The ECOG scores of ≥2 (PFS: P=0.018; OS: P<0.001) , Ann Arbor stages Ⅲ-Ⅳ (PFS: P<0.001; OS: P=0.018) , increased LDH levels (PFS: P=0.015; OS: P=0.006) , and multiple extra-nodal involvements (PFS: P<0.001; OS: P=0.013) were poor prognostic factors in testicular DLBCL. Targeted sequencing data in 20 patients with testicular DLBCL showed that the mutation frequencies of ≥20% were PIM1 (12 cases, 60% ) , MYD88 (11 cases, 55% ) , CD79B (9 cases, 45% ) , CREBBP (5 cases, 25% ) , KMT2D (5 cases, 25% ) , ATM (4 cases, 20% ) , and BTG2 (4 cases, 20% ) . The frequency of mutations in KMT2D in patients with secondary testicular DLBCL was higher than that in patients with primary testicular DLBCL (66.7% vs 7.1% , P=0.014) and was associated with a lower 5-year PFS rate in patients with testicular DLBCL (P=0.019) . Conclusion: Patients with secondary testicular DLBCL had worse PFS and OS than those with primary testicular DLBCL. The ECOG scores of ≥2, Ann Arbor stages Ⅲ-Ⅳ, increased LDH levels, and multiple extra-nodal involvements were poor prognostic factors in testicular DLBCL. PIM1, MYD88, CD79B, CREBBP, KMT2D, ATM, and BTG2 were commonly mutated genes in testicular DLBCL, and the prognosis of patients with KMT2D mutations was poor.

TFE3-mediated impairment of lysosomal biogenesis and defective autophagy contribute to fluoride-induced hepatotoxicity

Excessive fluoride exposure can cause liver injury, but the specific mechanisms need further investigation. We aimed to explore the role of impaired lysosomal biogenesis and defective autophagy in fluoride-induced hepatotoxicity and its potential mechanisms, focusing on the role of transcription factor E3 (TFE3) in regulating hepatocyte lysosomal biogenesis. To this end, we established a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model exposed to sodium fluoride (NaF) and a rat liver cell line (BRL3A) model exposed to NaF. The results showed that NaF exposure diminished liver function and led to apoptosis as well as autophagosome accumulation and impaired autophagic degradation. In addition, NaF exposure caused compromised lysosome biogenesis and decreased lysosomal degradation, and inhibited TFE3 nuclear translocation. Notably, the mTOR inhibitors rapamycin (RAPA) and Ad-TFE3 promoted lysosomal biogenesis and enhanced lysosomal degradation function. Furthermore, RAPA and Ad-TFE3 reduced NaF-induced apoptosis by alleviating impaired autophagic degradation. In conclusion, NaF impairs lysosomal biogenesis by inhibiting TFE3 nuclear translocation, decreasing lysosomal degradation function, resulting in impaired autophagic degradation, and ultimately inducing apoptosis. Therefore, TFE3 may be a promising therapeutic target for fluoride-induced hepatotoxicity.

The inhibition of TRPML1/TFEB leads to lysosomal biogenesis disorder, contributes to developmental fluoride neurotoxicity

Fluoride is capable of inducing developmental neurotoxicity; regrettably, the mechanism is obscure. We aimed to probe the role of lysosomal biogenesis disorder in developmental fluoride neurotoxicity-specifically, the regulating effect of the transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1)/transcription factor EB (TFEB) signaling pathway on lysosomal biogenesis. Sprague-Dawley rats were given fluoridated water freely, during pregnancy to the parental rats to 2 months after delivery to the offspring. In addition, neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with sodium fluoride (NaF), with or without mucolipin synthetic agonist 1 (ML-SA1) or adenovirus TFEB (Ad-TFEB) intervention. Our findings revealed that NaF impaired learning and memory as well as memory retention capacities in rat offspring, induced lysosomal biogenesis disorder, and decreased lysosomal degradation capacity, autophagosome accumulation, autophagic flux blockade, apoptosis, and pyroptosis. These changes were evidenced by the decreased expression of TRPML1, nuclear TFEB, LAMP2, CTSB, and CTSD, as well as increased expression of LC3-II, p62, cleaved PARP, NLRP3, Caspase1, and IL-1β. Furthermore, TRPML1 activation and TFEB overexpression both restored TFEB nuclear protein expression and promoted lysosomal biogenesis while enhancing lysosomal degradation capacity, recovering autophagic flux, and attenuating NaF-induced apoptosis and pyroptosis. Taken together, these results show that NaF promotes the progression of developmental fluoride neurotoxicity by inhibiting TRPML1/TFEB expression and impeding lysosomal biogenesis. Notably, the activation of TRPML1/TFEB alleviated NaF-induced developmental neurotoxicity. Therefore, TRPML1/TFEB may be promising markers of developmental fluoride neurotoxicity.

Cross-talk between autophagy and ferroptosis contributes to the liver injury induced by fluoride via the mtROS-dependent pathway

Fluoride can induce hepatotoxicity, but the mechanisms responsible are yet to be investigated. This study sought to investigate the role and mechanism of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), autophagy, and ferroptosis in fluoride-induced hepatic injury with a focus on the role of mtROS-mediated cross-talk between autophagy and ferroptosis. To this end, an in vivo Sprague-Dawley rat model and in vitro BRL3A cells were exposed to sodium fluoride (NaF). The results revealed that NaF exposure diminished the mitochondrial membrane potential, increased mtROS production and TOMM20 expression, and induced autophagic flux blockage and ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the autophagy activator (RAPA) enhanced GPX4 expression while inhibiting ACSL4 expression, reduced the accumulation of ferrous ions in BRL3A cells, and restored lipid peroxidation levels, thus inhibiting ferroptosis. Fer-1, a ferritinase inhibitor, downregulated the expression of LC3-II and p62, increased the number of autolysosomes while decreasing the number of autophagosomes, and alleviated the blockage of autophagic flux by improving autophagic degradation. These results suggest the occurrence of a cross-talk between autophagy and ferroptosis. The mtROS inhibitor (Mito-TEMPO) could alleviate autophagic flux blockage and inhibit ferroptosis in NaF-induced liver injury. In addition, the cross-talk between NaF-induced autophagy and ferroptosis was dependent on the mtROS pathway.

[Analysis of the effects of low/intermediate dose of coagulation factor Ⅷ on 30 adult patients with severe hemophilia A in a single center]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of low- and intermediate-dose factor Ⅷ (F Ⅷ) prophylaxis in Chinese adult patients with severe hemophilia A. Methods: Thirty adult patients with severe hemophilia A who received low- (n=20) /intermediate-dose (n=10) F Ⅷ prophylaxis at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital affiliated with Nanjing University Medical College were included in the study. The annual bleeding rate (ABR), annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR), number of target joints, functional independence score of hemophilia (FISH), quality of life score, and health status score (SF-36) before and after preventive treatment were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Results: The median follow-up was 48 months. Compared with on-demand treatment, low- and intermediate-dose prophylaxis significantly reduced ABR, AJBR, and the number of target joints (P<0.05) ; the improvement in the intermediate-dose prophylaxis group was better than that in the low-dose prophylaxis group (P<0.05). Compared with on-demand treatment, the FISH score, quality of life score, and SF-36 score significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) . Conclusion: In Chinese adults with severe hemophilia A, low- and intermediate-dose prophylaxis can significantly reduce bleeding frequency, delay the progression of joint lesions, and improve the quality of life of patients as compared with on-demand treatment. The improvement in clinical bleeding was better with intermediate-dose prophylaxis than low-dose prophylaxis.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of primary and secondary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the pancreas]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of primary and secondary pancreatic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) . Methods: Clinical data of patients with pancreatic DLBCL admitted at Shanghai Rui Jin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from April 2003 to June 2020 were analyzed. Gene mutation profiles were evaluated by targeted sequencing (55 lymphoma-related genes). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to evaluate the prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) . Results: Overall, 80 patients were included; 12 patients had primary pancreatic DLBCL (PPDLBCL), and 68 patients had secondary pancreatic DLBCL (SPDLBCL). Compared with those with PPDLBCL, patients with SPDLBCL had a higher number of affected extranodal sites (P<0.001) and had higher IPI scores (P=0.013). There was no significant difference in the OS (P=0.120) and PFS (P=0.067) between the two groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that IPI intermediate-high/high risk (P=0.025) and double expressor (DE) (P=0.017) were independent adverse prognostic factors of OS in patients with pancreatic DLBCL. IPI intermediate-high/high risk (P=0.021) was an independent adverse prognostic factor of PFS in patients with pancreatic DLBCL. Targeted sequencing of 29 patients showed that the mutation frequency of PIM1, SGK1, BTG2, FAS, MYC, and MYD88 in patients with pancreatic DLBCL were all >20%. PIM1 (P=0.006 for OS, P=0.032 for PFS) and MYD88 (P=0.001 for OS, P=0.017 for PFS) mutations were associated with poor OS and PFS in patients with SPDLBCL. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the OS and PFS between patients with PPDLBCL and those with SPDLBCL. IPI intermediate-high/high risk and DE were adverse prognostic factors of pancreatic DLBCL. PIM1, SGK1, BTG2, FAS, MYC, and MYD88 were common mutations in pancreatic DLBCL. PIM1 and MYD88 mutations indicated worse prognosis.

Phase separation of EB1 guides microtubule plus-end dynamics

In eukaryotes, end-binding (EB) proteins serve as a hub for orchestrating microtubule dynamics and are essential for cellular dynamics and organelle movements. EB proteins modulate structural transitions at growing microtubule ends by recognizing and promoting an intermediate state generated during GTP hydrolysis. However, the molecular mechanisms and physiochemical properties of the EB1 interaction network remain elusive. Here we show that EB1 formed molecular condensates through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to constitute the microtubule plus-end machinery. EB1 LLPS is driven by multivalent interactions among different segments, which are modulated by charged residues in the linker region. Phase-separated EB1 provided a compartment for enriching tubulin dimers and other plus-end tracking proteins. Real-time imaging of chromosome segregation in HeLa cells expressing LLPS-deficient EB1 mutants revealed the importance of EB1 LLPS dynamics in mitotic chromosome movements. These findings demonstrate that EB1 forms a distinct physical and biochemical membraneless-organelle via multivalent interactions that guide microtubule dynamics.

Combination of multi-modal MRI radiomics and liquid biopsy technique for preoperatively non-invasive diagnosis of glioma based on deep learning: protocol for a double-center, ambispective, diagnostical observational study

Background

2021 World Health Organization (WHO) Central Nervous System (CNS) tumor classification increasingly emphasizes the important role of molecular markers in glioma diagnoses. Preoperatively non-invasive "integrated diagnosis" will bring great benefits to the treatment and prognosis of these patients with special tumor locations that cannot receive craniotomy or needle biopsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics and liquid biopsy (LB) have great potential for non-invasive diagnosis of molecular markers and grading since they are both easy to perform. This study aims to build a novel multi-task deep learning (DL) radiomic model to achieve preoperative non-invasive "integrated diagnosis" of glioma based on the 2021 WHO-CNS classification and explore whether the DL model with LB parameters can improve the performance of glioma diagnosis.

Methods

This is a double-center, ambispective, diagnostical observational study. One public database named the 2019 Brain Tumor Segmentation challenge dataset (BraTS) and two original datasets, including the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, and Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, will be used to develop the multi-task DL radiomic model. As one of the LB techniques, circulating tumor cell (CTC) parameters will be additionally applied in the DL radiomic model for assisting the "integrated diagnosis" of glioma. The segmentation model will be evaluated with the Dice index, and the performance of the DL model for WHO grading and all molecular subtype will be evaluated with the indicators of accuracy, precision, and recall.

Discussion

Simply relying on radiomics features to find the correlation with the molecular subtypes of gliomas can no longer meet the need for "precisely integrated prediction." CTC features are a promising biomarker that may provide new directions in the exploration of "precision integrated prediction" based on the radiomics, and this is the first original study that combination of radiomics and LB technology for glioma diagnosis. We firmly believe that this innovative work will surely lay a good foundation for the "precisely integrated prediction" of glioma and point out further directions for future research.

Clinical trail registration

This study was registered on ClinicalTrails.gov on 09/10/2022 with Identifier NCT05536024.