Understanding the role of manganese oxides in retaining harmful metals: Insights into oxidation and adsorption mechanisms at microstructure level

The increasing intensity of human activities has led to a critical environmental challenge: widespread metal pollution. Manganese (Mn) oxides have emerged as potentially natural scavengers that perform crucial functions in the biogeochemical cycling of metal elements. Prior reviews have focused on the synthesis, characterization, and adsorption kinetics of Mn oxides, along with the transformation pathways of specific layered Mn oxides. This review conducts a meticulous investigation of the molecular-level adsorption and oxidation mechanisms of Mn oxides on hazardous metals, including adsorption patterns, coordination, adsorption sites, and redox processes. We also provide a comprehensive discussion of both internal factors (surface area, crystallinity, octahedral vacancy content in Mn oxides, and reactant concentration) and external factors (pH, presence of doped or pre-adsorbed metal ions) affecting the adsorption/oxidation of metals by Mn oxides. Additionally, we identify existing gaps in understanding these mechanisms and suggest avenues for future research. Our goal is to enhance knowledge of Mn oxides' regulatory roles in metal element translocation and transformation at the microstructure level, offering a framework for developing effective metal adsorbents and pollution control strategies.

Microbiota-mediated shaping of mouse spleen structure and immune function characterized by scRNA-seq and Stereo-seq

Gut microbes exhibit complex interactions with their hosts and shape an organism's immune system throughout its lifespan. As the largest secondary lymphoid organ, the spleen has a wide range of immunological functions. To explore the role of microbiota in regulating and shaping the spleen, we employ scRNA-seq and Stereo-seq technologies based on germ-free (GF) mice to detect differences in tissue size, anatomical structure, cell types, functions, and spatial molecular characteristics. We identify 18 cell types, 9 subtypes of T cells, and 7 subtypes of B cells. Gene differential expression analysis reveals that the absence of microorganisms results in alterations in erythropoiesis within the red pulp region and congenital immune deficiency in the white pulp region. Stereo-seq results demonstrate a clear hierarchy of immune cells in the spleen, including marginal zone (MZ) macrophages, MZ B cells, follicular B cells and T cells, distributed in a well-defined pattern from outside to inside. However, this hierarchical structure is disturbed in GF mice. Ccr7 and Cxcl13 chemokines are specifically expressed in the spatial locations of T cells and B cells, respectively. We speculate that the microbiota may mediate the structural composition or partitioning of spleen immune cells by modulating the expression levels of chemokines.

Chemical characterization and source attribution of organic pollutants in industrial wastewaters from a Chinese chemical industrial park

Accelerated urbanization and industrialization have led to an alarming increase in the generation of wastewater with complex chemical contents. Industrial wastewaters are often a primary source of water contamination. The chemical characterization of different industrial wastewater types is an essential task to interpret the chemical fingerprints of wastewater to identify pollution sources and develop efficient water treatment strategies. In this study, we conduct a non-target chemical analysis for the source characterization of different industrial wastewater samples collected from a chemical industrial park (CIP) located in southeast China. The chemical screening identified volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds that included dibutyl phthalate at a maximum concentration of 13.4 μg/L and phthalic anhydride at 35.9 μg/L. Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substances among the detected organic compounds were identified and prioritized as high-concern contaminants given their impact on drinking water resources. Moreover, a source analysis of the wastewater collected from the wastewater outlet station indicated that the dye production industry contributed the largest quantities of toxic contaminates (62.6%), and this result was consistent with the ordinary least squares and heatmap results. Thus, our study utilized a combined approach of a non-target chemical analysis, a pollution source identification method, and a PMT assessment of different industrial wastewater samples collected from the CIP. The results of the chemical fingerprints of different industrial wastewater types as well as the results of the PMT assessment benefit risk-based wastewater management and source reduction strategies.

Non-linear relationship between dietary vitamin E intake and cognitive performance in older adults

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary vitamin E (VE) intake and cognitive function in older adults.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We applied data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey obtained during 2011-2014 that met our requirements. The cognitive ability assessments included the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word Learning (CERAD-WL) and Delayed Recall (CERAD-DR) tests, the animal fluency test, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and a composite z-score calculated by summing z-scores of individual tests. We used binary logistic regression analysis to explore the relationship between VE intake and cognitive performance. The results are reported using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Our study also included sex-stratified analyses and sensitivity analysis. A restricted cubic splines model was used to evaluate the dose-response relationship between dietary VE intake and cognitive function.

RESULTS

This study found that a higher intake of dietary VE was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment in patients. Sensitivity analysis shows stable results. The results of the gender stratification analysis showed that dietary VE intake was negatively related to the risk of cognitive disorder among females. An irregular L-shaped dose-response relationship was observed between dietary VE intake and cognitive impairment risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary VE intake was negatively related to the risk of cognitive disorder in older adults, with a higher VE intake lowering the risk.

Potential capture and conversion of CO2 from oceanwater through mineral carbonation

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted by human activities not only brings about a serious greenhouse effect but also accelerates global climate change. This has resulted in extreme climate hazards that can obstruct human development in the near future. Hence, there is an urgent need to achieve carbon neutrality by increasing negative emissions. The ocean plays a vital role in absorbing and sequestering CO₂. Current research on marine carbon storage and sink enhancement mainly focuses on biological carbon sequestration using carbon sinks (macroalgae, shellfish, and fisheries). However, seawater inorganic carbon accounts for more than 95 % of the total carbon in marine carbon storage. Increasing total alkalinity at a constant dissolved inorganic carbon shifts the balance of existing seawater carbonate system and prompts a greater absorption of atmospheric CO₂, thereby increasing the ocean's "carbon sink". This review explores two main mechanisms (i.e., enhanced weathering and ocean alkalinization) and materials (e.g., silicate rocks, metal oxides, and metal hydroxides) that regulate marine chemical carbon sink (MCCS). This work also compares MCCS with other terrestrial and marine carbon sinks and discusses the implementation of MCCS, including the following aspects: chemical reaction rate, cost, and possible ecological and environmental impacts.

Rapid, Sensitive, Label-Free Electrical Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Nasal Swab Samples

Rapid diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is key for the long-term control of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) amid renewed threats of mutated SARS-CoV-2 around the world. Here, we report on an electrical label-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab samples directly collected from outpatients or in saliva-relevant conditions by using a remote floating-gate field-effect transistor (RFGFET) with a 2-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sensing membrane. RFGFET sensors demonstrate rapid detection (<5 min), a 90.6% accuracy from 8 nasal swab samples measured by 4 different devices for each sample, and a coefficient of variation (CV) < 6%. Also, RFGFET sensors display a limit of detection (LOD) of pseudo-SARS-CoV-2 that is 10 000-fold lower than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, with a comparable LOD to that of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for patient samples. To achieve this, comprehensive systematic studies were performed regarding interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and spike proteins, neutralizing antibodies, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, as either a biomarker (detection target) or a sensing probe (receptor) functionalized on the rGO sensing membrane. Taken together, this work may have an immense effect on positioning FET bioelectronics for rapid SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.

Potential risks of CO2 removal project based on carbonate pump to marine ecosystem

The development of marine carbon sequestration project has an important potential for carbon neutralization in the short-term (several decades). Marine carbon sequestration technology is based on biological and carbonate pumps to increase particulate organic carbon and authigenic insoluble carbonates to the deep sea or seafloor, aiming to achieve permanent carbon sequestration. Particularly, chemical carbon sequestration technology based on carbonate pump is proposed and considered to achieve short-term marine carbon sequestration in recent years. This technology mainly includes alkaline mineral addition and combining CO₃^2- to insoluble carbonates to improve marine carbon fixation capacity. Potential marine ecosystem risks of chemical CO₂ removal method should be considered before being a feasible technology. We reviewed the potential effects of marine chemical carbon sequestration project on marine organisms. Marine chemical carbon sequestration had two main effects on marine organisms: released chemicals effect, and particle effect. Released chemicals in mineral weathering directly affected phytoplankton and bacteria community. Particles formed during carbon sequestration process mainly affected filter feeding organisms. The toxic effects of particles on aquatic organisms increased with decreasing sizes and increasing concentrations of particle. Algae and crustaceans were the most sensitive groups exposed to metal nanoparticles (nm-μm) in seawaters, thus could be used as target species to evaluate ecological risk of small particles generated in chemical carbon sequestration project. Embryos or larva of filter feeding organisms were more sensitive to large clay and metal microparticles (μm‑mm) than adults, thus could be used as sensitive groups to establish safety concentration of large particles. The relatively inert metal nanoparticles and microparticles had higher safety concentrations than active ones. These particle concentration thresholds could be as a reference to design concentrations and initial sizes of applied minerals in marine chemical carbon sequestration project. This will ensure that the ecological risk is minimized when carbon fixation efficiency is maximized.

Interactions of microplastics with organic, inorganic and bio-pollutants and the ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial and aquatic organisms

As emerging contaminants, microplastics (MPs) have attracted global attention. They are a potential risk to organisms, ecosystems and human health. MPs are characterized by small particle sizes, weak photodegradability, and are good environmental carriers. They can physically adsorb or chemically react with organic, inorganic and bio-pollutants to generate complex binary pollutants or change the environmental behaviors of these pollutants. We systematically reviewed the following aspects of MPs: (i) Adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants by MPs and the key environmental factors affecting adsorption behaviors; (ii) Enrichment and release of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on MPs and the effects of MPs on ARG migration in the environment; (iii) Formation of "plastisphere" and interactions between MPs and microorganisms; (iv) Ecotoxicological effects of MPs and their co-exposures with other pollutants. Finally, scientific knowledge gaps and future research areas on MPs are summarized, including standardization of study methodologies, ecological effects and human health risks of MPs and their combination with other pollutants.

Differential uptake of nitrogen forms by two herbs in the Gurbantunggut desert, Central Asia

Understanding how plants adjust their requirements for different N forms can help elucidate plant coexistence strategies in N-limited desert ecosystems. To understand the mechanisms involved, we investigated whether two desert herbs can directly absorb dissolved organic nitrogen (N) and tested whether the patterns changed over different growth stages. Two dominant herbaceous species, Astragalus arpilobus and Arnebia decumbens, from the southern edge of the Gurbantunggut desert, China, were selected. Short-term (24 h) ¹⁵ N-labelled tracer (¹⁵ N-NO₃ , ¹⁵ N-NH₄ , 2-¹³ C-¹⁵ N-Glycine) treatments were conducted at two soil depths (0-5 cm and 5-15 cm) in the season of rapid growth (June) and in the peak biomass season (July). Enrichment in ¹³ C and ¹⁵ N was assessed in the two species receiving glycine. The ratio ¹³ C:¹⁵ N was 0.21-1.39 at the 24-h harvest, suggesting that approximately 10.5-69.5% of glycine had been absorbed. The amount of absorbed ¹⁵ N was significantly affected by species, month, soil depth and N form. The two species absorbed most ¹⁵ N from the 0-5 cm soil layer, and the absorption rate in July was higher than that in June. The absorption of ¹⁵ N-NO₃ and ¹⁵ N-NH₄ was significantly higher than that of 2-¹³ C-¹⁵ N-Glycine. The results indicate that these herbs could use amino acids in the N-deficient desert ecosystem. The two co-existing species used different forms of inorganic N for their requirements and maintained a specific preference throughout various growth stages.

Effects of Cd uptake, translocation and redistribution in different hybrid rice varieties on grain Cd concentration

In order to identify the key transport process that determines the Cd concentration in brown rice, this study used 21 hybrid rice varieties as experimental materials and conducted field experiments in Qiyang (cadmium-contaminated site) and Yongding (low-cadmium site). Cd concentrations in 8 organs were measured, and bioconcentration factors and transfer factor were further calculated. The results showed that the Cd concentrations of the organs related to the xylem transport were as follows: root > node > stem > leaf sheath > leaf. In the phloem, the Cd concentrations were as follows: rachis > brown rice > rice husk. And the results of the correlation analysis found that Cd concentration between brown rice and root showed a significant positive correlation in Cd-contaminated site, but no significant correlation in low-cadmium site. Meanwhile, at both experimental sites, the Cd concentration of brown rice showed the most significant correlation with the phloem transfer factor from leaf and leaf sheath to brown rice. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and stepwise regression analysis likewise found that Cd concentration in leaf and leaf sheath and their phloem transport of Cd to brown rice were significantly and positively correlated with Cd concentration in brown rice. The above results showed that the transport of leaf and leaf sheath to brown rice was a key process, and played a more important role in the accumulation of cadmium in brown rice than in root.

Effects of Salinity Stress at Reproductive Growth Stage on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Composition, Starch Structure, and Physicochemical Properties

This study aimed to investigate the changes in polished rice composition, starch structure, and physicochemical properties from three rice cultivars treated with medium and high salinity stress at the reproductive growth stage. The results showed that salt stress led to poor milling and appearance quality, higher total starch content, protein content, higher proportion of the medium, and long chains of amylopectin, as well as gelatinization temperature (GT) but lower amylose content and lower proportion of the short chain of amylopectin. Compared with salt-sensitive cultivars, the salt-tolerant cultivars exhibited lower GT and gelatinization enthalpy, better pasting properties, and more stable crystal structure; therefore, their eating and cooking quality (ECQ) was less affected. The above results imply that salt stress at the reproductive growth stage can degrade ECQ and can slightly increase the pasting property of starch from salt-tolerant rice cultivar.

Remote Floating-Gate Field-Effect Transistor with 2-Dimensional Reduced Graphene Oxide Sensing Layer for Reliable Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins

Despite intensive research of nanomaterials-based field-effect transistors (FETs) as a rapid diagnostic tool, it remains to be seen for FET sensors to be used for clinical applications due to a lack of stability, reliability, reproducibility, and scalability for mass production. Herein, we propose a remote floating-gate (RFG) FET configuration to eliminate device-to-device variations of two-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sensing surfaces and most of the instability at the solution interface. Also, critical mechanistic factors behind the electrochemical instability of rGO such as severe drift and hysteresis were identified through extensive studies on rGO-solution interfaces varied by rGO thickness, coverage, and reduction temperature. rGO surfaces in our RFGFET structure displayed a Nernstian response of 54 mV/pH (from pH 2 to 11) with a 90% yield (9 samples out of total 10), coefficient of variation (CV) < 3%, and a low drift rate of 2%, all of which were calculated from the absolute measurement values. As proof-of-concept, we demonstrated highly reliable, reproducible, and label-free detection of spike proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a saliva-relevant media with concentrations ranging from 500 fg/mL to 5 μg/mL, with an R² value of 0.984 and CV < 3%, and a guaranteed limit of detection at a few pg/mL. Taken together, this new platform may have an immense effect on positioning FET bioelectronics in a clinical setting for detecting SARS-CoV-2.

Effects of Preoperative Oral Nutritional Supplements on Improving Postoperative Early Enteral Feeding Intolerance and Short-Term Prognosis for Gastric Cancer: A Prospective, Single-Center, Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Early enteral nutrition (EN) after abdominal surgery can improve the prognosis of patients. However, the high feeding intolerance (FI) rate is the primary factor impeding postoperative EN.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients who underwent radical subtotal or total gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC) were randomly allocated to the preoperative oral nutritional supplement group (ONS group) or dietary advice alone (DA group). Both groups were fed via nasojejunal tubes (NJs) from the first day after surgery to the fifth day. The primary endpoint is the FI rate.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 66 completed the trial (31 in the ONS group, 35 in the DA group). The FI rate in the ONS group was lower than that in the DA group (25.8% vs. 31.4%, p = 0.249). The postoperative five-day 50% energy compliance rate in the ONS group was higher than that in the DA group (54.8% vs. 48.6%, p = 0.465). The main gastrointestinal intolerance symptoms were distension (ONS vs. DA: 45.2% vs. 62.9, p = 0.150) and abdominal pain (ONS vs. DA: 29.0% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.226). Postoperative nausea/vomiting rate and heartburn/reflux rate were similar between the two groups. We noted no difference in perioperative serum indices, short-term prognosis or postoperative complication rates between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that short-term preoperative ONS cannot significantly improve FI and the energy compliance rate in the early stage after radical gastrectomy.

Cruciferous vegetable and isothiocyanate intake and multiple health outcomes

Isothiocyanates, bioactive phytochemicals of cruciferous vegetables, have chemopreventative efficacy. To clarify evidence of associations between cruciferous vegetable and isothiocyanate intake and various health outcomes, we conducted an umbrella review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews in humans. A total of 413 articles were identified, and 57 articles with 24 health outcomes were included. Consumption of cruciferous vegetables was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cancers, and depression. Dose-response analyses revealed that a per 100 g/d increment was associated with a 10% decrease in the risk of all-cause mortality. Warfarin resistance caused by vitamin K-rich broccoli was reported. Caution was warranted for those allergies/hypersensitivities to the Brassica genus. The intake of cruciferous vegetables is generally safe and beneficial in humans. However the quality of the majority (68%) of evidence was low.

A new method for quantifying the value of ecological environment damage caused by illegal fishing: A case study

Illegal fishing may trigger structural disruption of the food chain and even damage the entire marine ecosystem. This paper proposes a new method for quantifying the value of eco-environment damage caused by illegal fishing; as an example, we used an illegal fishing case of anchovies in the vicinity of the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve. Based on the data from the field investigation and literature, we estimated the number and age distribution of illegally harvested anchovies. Additionally, the potential number of the offspring was calculated according to the potential number and survival rate of anchovy eggs. Due to the unavailability of commercial anchovy fries, "alternative stock enhancement" was recommended to restore the damaged eco-environment. Notably, the alternative species should have similar economic value, status in the food chain, and living areas to anchovies. Eventually, we selected Liza haematocheilus as the alternative species and calculated the total eco-environment recovery cost.

Retention of thallium by natural minerals: A review

Though thallium (Tl) is usually present in trace amounts in natural environments, its biotoxicity is extremely high. With the development of mining, the metallurgy industry, and the growing application of Tl in high-tech fields, the threat of Tl to ecological environments and human health is increasing. Natural minerals, such as clay minerals, iron oxides, and manganese oxides, are natural Tl adsorbents due to their mineralogy and crystal structures. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of Tl adsorption by various natural minerals, compare the adsorption capacities of common soil minerals for Tl, and describe the limitations of traditional sequential extraction methods for identifying the chemical states of Tl on minerals and source of Tl. We also provide suggestions on future directions needed in Tl research including a) additional in-depth studies on the competitive adsorption of Tl by minerals; b) more direct comparison of Tl adsorption behavior from lab-based experiments with field observations to clarify the mechanisms of Tl adsorption by minerals under environmental conditions; c) more research data are needed to support the establishment and improvement of relevant research methods based on modern leading-edge technologies such as synchrotron radiation. Further, we suggest further research is needed in adsorption technologies used for Tl treatment. This is the first review on the research progress of Tl adsorption by natural minerals with the purpose of helping understanding the mechanisms of Tl migration and transformation controlled by natural minerals, and providing theoretical supports for the development of Tl adsorbents and the treatments of Tl pollution.

Long-term outcome of indwelling colon observed seven years after radical resection for rectosigmoid cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND

Indwelling colon is characterized by an excluded segment of the colon after surgical diversion of the fecal stream with colostomy so that contents are unable to pass through this part of the colon. We report a rare case of purulent colonic necrosis that occurred 7 years after surgical colonic exclusion.

CASE SUMMARY

A 73-year-old male had undergone extended radical resection for rectosigmoid cancer. The invaded ileocecal area and sigmoid colon were removed during the procedure, and the ileum was anastomosed side-to-side with the rectum. The excluded ascending, transverse, and descending colon were sealed at both ends and left in the abdomen. After 7 years, the patient developed persistent abdominal pain and distension. Work-up indicated intestinal obstruction. The patient underwent ultrasound-guided catheter drainage of the descending colon and a large amount of viscous liquid was drained, but the symptoms persisted; therefore, surgery was planned. Intraoperatively, extensive adhesions were found in the abdominal cavity, and the small intestine and the indwelling colon were widely dilated. The dilated colon was 56 cm long, 5 cm wide (diameter), and contained about 1500 mL of viscous liquid. The indwelling colon was surgically removed and its histopathological examination revealed colonic congestion and necrosis with hyperplasia of granulation tissue. The bacterial culture of the secretions was negative. The patient recovered after the operation.

CONCLUSION

Although colonic exclusion is routinely performed, this report aimed to increase awareness regarding the possible long-term complications of indwelling colon.

Clinicopathological Features and Survival of Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma and Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of Right Colon, Left Colon, and Rectum

Histological subtype plays an important role in the different clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, in previous studies, the influences of tumor locations and tumor stages have not been strictly controlled. This study focused on the assessment of the prognostic value of each histological subtype in different tumor locations and tumor stages of CRC. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1973-2011) to analyze 818,229 CRC patients with different clinical and pathological features, and analyzed the prognostic value of each histological subtype. Under the condition of stratification by tumor stage, signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) presented the worst survival in each stage of right colon cancer (stage I, log-rank, p = 0.002, stages II, III, and IV, log-rank, p < 0.001), rectal cancer (RC) (log-rank, p < 0.001), and in stages II, III, and IV of left colon cancer (log-rank, p < 0.001). Multivariate survival analysis suggested SRCC subtype, male gender, age ≥ 70 years, tumor size ≥ 5 cm, stage progression, and poor differentiation were all significant factors worsening survival in CRC (p < 0.001, respectively). Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC) histological subtype proved to be an independent protective factor for the prognosis of right colon cancer (p = 0.003). Overall, in our study, the results suggested SRCC had the worst survival among the three histological subtypes of CRC. MC was associated with favorable prognosis in right colon cancer but not with other tumor locations.

Thallium in aquatic environments and the factors controlling Tl behavior

Although thallium (Tl) usually exists in a very low level in the natural environment, it is highly toxic. With the development of mining and metallurgical industry and the wide application of Tl in the field of high technologies, Tl poses an increasing threat to the ecological environment and human health. This paper summarizes the research results of the toxicity of Tl as well as the distribution, occurrence forms, migration, and transformation mechanism of Tl in rivers, lakes, mining areas, estuaries, coastal waters, and oceans. It also discusses the influence mechanisms of pH, redox potential, suspended particulate matters, photochemical reaction, natural minerals, cation/anion, organic matters, and microorganisms on the environmental behavior of Tl. This paper points out the shortcomings of Tl research methods in water environment, and looks forward to the future development directions: First, the technology for separating Tl(III) and Tl(I) is still immature, especially it is difficult to effectively separate Tl(III) and Tl(I) in seawater. Second, the development of many advanced in situ detection technologies will bring great convenience to the studies of the dynamic mechanisms of Tl migration and transformation in the environments. Third, adsorption is the most effective mechanism to remove Tl from water, in which modified metal oxides or macrocyclic organic compounds have high application potential.

Green leafy vegetable and lutein intake and multiple health outcomes

Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) are a key element of healthy eating patterns and are an important source of lutein. To clarify the evidence for associations between GLVs and lutein intake and multiple health outcomes, we performed a review. A total of 24 meta-analyses with 29 health outcomes were identified by eligibility criteria. Dose-response analyses revealed that, per 100 g/d GLV intake was associated with a decreased risk (ca. 25%) of all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease and stroke. Beneficial effects of GLV intake were found for cardiovascular disease and bladder and oral cancer. Dietary lutein intake was inversely associated with age-related macular degeneration, age-related cataracts, coronary heart disease, stroke, oesophageal cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, metabolic syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Caution was warranted for contamination with potentially pathogenic organisms, specifically Escherichia coli. GLV consumption and lutein intake therein are generally safe and beneficial for multiple health outcomes in humans.

Distribution, source and pollution assessment of heavy metals in the surface sediments of the Yangtze River Estuary and its adjacent East China Sea

The geochemical characteristics of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ti, Zn) in 61 surface sediments from the Yangtze River Estuary and its adjacent East China Sea were studied. The high values of Cu, Co and Zn are distributed near the mouth of Hangzhou Bay. The high values of Cr appear near Zhoushan Archipelago. The high values of Cd appear in the Yangtze River Estuary, while Ti and Cd have high values in the open sea eastward. The order of pollution degree is Cr > Cd > Co > Zn > Ti > Cu. The enrichment degree is Cd > Cr > Zn > Co > Ti > Cu. Except for some sites, Cd is moderately enriched, but there is no severe enrichment. The main sources of human activities of the six metals include industry and shipping. Agricultural production may be another important source of human activities for Cd.

M1-like TAMs are required for the efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades in gastric cancer

The efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockades is heterogeneous in different molecular subtypes of gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we analyzed relevant clinical trials to identify the molecular subtypes associated with the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockades, and public datasets, patient samples, and GC cell lines were used for investigating potential mechanisms. We found that GC with EBV-positive, MSI-H/dMMR, TMB-H or PIK3CA mutant subtype had enhanced efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades. Also, differentially expressed genes of these molecular subtypes shared the same gene signature and functional annotations related to immunity. Meanwhile, CIBERSORT identified that the overlapping landscapes of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the four molecular subtypes were mainly M1-like macrophages (M1). The relationships between M1 and clinical characteristics, M1, and gene signatures associated with PD-1/PD-L1 blockades also revealed that M1 was associated with improved prognosis and required for the efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades in GC. We identified that tumor-infiltrating CD68⁺CD163⁻ macrophages could represent M1 calculated by CIBERSORT in clinical application, and CXCL9, 10, 11/CXCR3 axis was involved in the mechanism of CD68⁺CD163⁻ macrophages in the enhanced efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades. In conclusion, CD68⁺CD163⁻ macrophages are required for the efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades and expand the applicable candidates in GC patients without the molecular subtypes.

Tomato and lycopene and multiple health outcomes: Umbrella review

Lycopene is a potent lipophilic antioxidant in tomato. We aim to clarify the evidence for associations between tomato and lycopene and multiple health outcomes. Umbrella review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews was performed in humans. A total of 174 articles were searched, 17 articles with 20 health outcomes were identified by eligibility criteria. Tomato intake was inversely associated with all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease mortality, cerebrovascular disease mortality, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer. Dietary lycopene intake or serum lycopene was inversely associated with all-cause mortality, prostate cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and male infertility. Caution was warranted for potential allergy and pollution. The quality of the vast majority of evidence by GRADE was low or very low with the remaining six as moderate. The intake of tomato or lycopene was generally safe and beneficial for multiple health outcomes in humans. But the quality of the evidence was not high.

Seasonal nitrogen uptake strategies in a temperate desert ecosystem depends on N form and plant species

Symbiotic plants might be able to regulate a limited nitrogen (N) pool, thus avoiding and reducing competition for resources, through the uptake of different chemical N forms. Our aim was to see whether coexisting herbs showed preference for different forms of N in a temperate desert. We conducted a situ experiment using the ¹⁵ N labeling method in the Gurbantunggut Desert of Northwestern China dominated by Erodium oxyrrhynchum, Hyalea pulchella, Nonea caspica and Lactuca undulata during their growing period (April and May). Four desert herb species preferentially relied on ¹⁵ N-NO₃ for their N nutrition. Multi-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis results showed that species, N forms, months, and soil depths strongly affected N uptake rate. The uptake rate by herbs was higher in May than in April, and higher at 0-5 cm than at 5-15 cm soil layers. Erodium oxyrrhynchum, N. caspica and L. undulata showed different preference on N form over months. Erodium oxyrrhynchum and L. undulata changed their uptake preference from more ¹⁵ N-Glycine in April to more ¹⁵ N-NH4 in May. Although the N uptake rate of four desert herbs varied across different soil depths and months, all species absorbed more inorganic N compared with organic N. The higher preference for ¹⁵ N-NO₃ and ¹⁵ N-NH4 over ¹⁵ N-Gly possibly reflects adaptation to different N forms in temperate desert.

Soy and Isoflavone Consumption and Multiple Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies and Randomized Trials in Humans

SCOPE

To assess the existing evidence of associations between consumption of soy and isoflavone and multiple health outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is an umbrella review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews of randomized trials and observational studies in humans. 114 Meta-analyses and systematic reviews are identified with 43 unique outcomes. Soy and isoflavone consumption seems more beneficial than harmful for a series of health outcomes. Beneficial associations are identified for cancers, cardiovascular disease, gynecological, metabolic, musculoskeletal, endocrine, neurological, and renal outcomes, particularly in perimenopausal women. Harmful association is only found for gastric cancer (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02-1.36) for high intake of miso soup (1-5 cups per day) in male.

CONCLUSION

Generally, soy and isoflavone consumption is more beneficial than harmful. The results herein support promoting soy intake as part of a healthy diet. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm this finding.