Linoleic acid exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-invasive activities in endometrial cancer cells and a transgenic model of endometrial cancer

Emerging evidence has provided considerable insights into the integral function of reprogramming fatty acid metabolism in the carcinogenesis and progression of endometrial cancer. Linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid with the highest consumption in the Western diet regimen, has shown pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic effects on tumor cell growth and invasion in multiple types of cancer. However, the biological role of linoleic acid in endometrial cancer remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the functional impact of linoleic acid on cell proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth in endometrial cancer cells and in a transgenic mouse model of endometrial cancer. The results showed that Linoleic acid significantly inhibited the proliferation of endometrial cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The treatment of HEC-1A and KLE cells with linoleic acid effectively increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, caused cell cycle G1 arrest, and induced intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. The anti-invasive ability of linoleic acid was found to be associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in both cell lines, including the decreased expression of N-cadherin, snail, and vimentin. Furthermore, treatment of Lkb1fl/flp53fl/fl transgenic mice with linoleic acid for four weeks significantly reduced the growth of endometrial tumors and decreased the expression of VEGF, vimentin, Ki67, and cyclin D1 in tumor tissues. Our findings demonstrate that linoleic acid exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-invasive activities in endometrial cancer cell lines and the Lkb1fl/flp53fl/fl mouse model of endometrial cancer, thus providing a pre-clinical basis for future dietary interventions with linoleic acid in endometrial cancer.

M6A modification regulates tumor suppressor DIRAS1 expression in cervical cancer cells

DIRAS family GTPase 1 (DIRAS1) has been reported as a potential tumor suppressor in other human cancer. However, its expression pattern and role in cervical cancer remain unknown. Knockdown of DIRAS1 significantly promoted the proliferation, growth, migration, and invasion of C33A and SiHa cells cultured in vitro. Overexpression of DIRAS1 significantly inhibited the viability and motility of C33A and SiHa cells. Compared with normal cervical tissues, DIRAS1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in cervical cancer tissues. DIRAS1 protein expression was also significantly reduced in cervical cancer tissues compared with para-cancerous tissues. In addition, DIRAS1 expression level in tumor tissues was significantly negatively correlated with the pathological grades of cervical cancer patients. DNA methylation inhibitor (5-Azacytidine) and histone deacetylation inhibitor (SAHA) resulted in a significant increase in DIRAS1 mRNA levels in C33A and SiHa cells, but did not affect DIRAS1 protein levels. FTO inhibitor (FB23-2) significantly down-regulated intracellular DIRAS1 mRNA levels, but significantly up-regulated DIRAS1 protein levels. Moreover, the down-regulation of METTL3 and METTL14 expression significantly inhibited DIRAS1 protein expression, whereas the down-regulation of FTO and ALKBH5 expression significantly increased DIRAS1 protein expression. In conclusion, DIRAS1 exerts a significant anti-oncogenic function and its expression is significantly downregulated in cervical cancer cells. The m6A modification may be a key mechanism to regulate DIRAS1 mRNA stability and protein translation efficiency in cervical cancer.

Nanoparticles transfected with plasmid-encoded lncRNA-OIP5-AS1 inhibit renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice via the miR-410-3p/Nrf2 axis

Nanostructures composed of liposomes and polydopamine (PDA) have demonstrated efficacy as carriers for delivering plasmids, effectively alleviating renal cell carcinoma. However, their role in acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the plasmid-encoded lncRNA-OIP5-AS1@PDA nanoparticles (POP-NPs) on renal ischemia/reperfusion (RI/R) injury and explore the underlying mechanisms. RI/R or OGD/R models were established in mice and HK-2 cells, respectively. In vivo, vector or POP-NPs were administered (10 nmol, IV) 48 h after RI/R treatment. In the RI/R mouse model, the OIP5-AS1 and Nrf2/HO-1 expressions were down-regulated, while miR-410-3p expression was upregulated. POP-NPs treatment effectively reversed RI/R-induced renal tissue injury, restoring altered levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, malondialdehyde, inflammatory factors (IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α), ROS, apoptosis, miR-410-3p, as well as the suppressed expression of SOD and Nrf2/HO-1 in the model mice. Similar results were obtained in cell models treated with POP-NPs. Additionally, miR-410-3p mimics could reverse the effects of POP-NPs on cellular models, partially counteracted by Nrf2 agonists. The binding relationship between OIP5-AS1 and miR-410-3p, alongside miR-410-3p and Nrf2, has been substantiated by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. The study revealed that POP-NPs can attenuate RI/R-induced injury through miR-410-3p/Nrf2 axis. These findings lay the groundwork for future targeted therapeutic approaches utilizing nanoparticles for RI/R-induced AKI.

Genetic characteristics and potential pathogenic agents in Campylobacter upsaliensis based on genomic analysis

Campylobacter upsaliensis was the most common Campylobacter species in pets' gastrointestinal tracts and has been isolated from patients with bacteremia, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, spontaneous abortion, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. However, the genetic characteristics and the full extent of its significance as a human pathogen remain to be fully understood. This study involved an investigation for genomic analysis of 154 strains from different sources and additional antimicrobial resistance profiles of 26 strains for this species. The genomes contained 1,558-1,971 CDS and the genome sizes were estimated to vary from 1.53 Mb to 1.86 Mb, with an average GC content of  34.71%. The entire analyzed genomes could be divided into three clades (A, B, and C) based on ANI and phylogenomic analysis. Significantly, nearly all strains in Clade B were isolated from patient samples, and the virulence-related sequences FlgD, GmhA, and CdtC might serve as determining factors for the classification of Clade B. Half of the tested isolates had MIC values over 64 μg mL-1 for nalidixic acid, gentamicin, and streptomycin. Isolates from pets in China carried more resistant elements in the genomes. This study both provided a comprehensive profile of C. upsaliensis for its genomic features and suggested some pathogenic agents for human infection with this species.

PHF19 before and post induction treatment possess favorable potency of reflecting treatment response to protease inhibitors, event-free survival, and overall survival in multiple myeloma patients

OBJECTIVE

Plant homeodomain finger protein 19 (PHF19) regulates hematopoietic stem cell differentiation and promotes multiple myeloma (MM) progression. This study intended to explore the potency of PHF19 at baseline and post induction treatment in estimating treatment response to protease inhibitors and survival in MM patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study screened 69 MM patients who received protease inhibitors with bone marrow (BM) samples available at both baseline and post induction treatment. Twenty healthy BM donors were included as healthy controls (HCs). PHF19 in plasma cells from BM was quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

PHF19 at baseline and post induction treatment in MM patients were increased than in HCs. In MM patients, PHF19 was declined post induction treatment. Elevated PHF19 at baseline and post induction treatment were correlated with renal impairment, beta-2-microglobulin ≥5.5 mg/L, t (4; 14), higher international staging system (ISS) stage, and higher revised ISS (R-ISS) stage. Concerning treatment response, PHF19 at baseline and post induction treatment were negatively associated with complete response and overall response rate. Notably, abnormal PHF19 (above 95% quantile value of PHF19 in HCs) at baseline and post induction treatment were linked with shortened event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). After adjustment, abnormal PHF19 post induction treatment was independently related to shortened EFS (hazard ratio = 2.474) and OS (hazard ratio = 3.124).

CONCLUSION

PHF19 is aberrantly high and declines post induction therapy, which simultaneously reflects unfavorable treatment response to protease inhibitors as well as shorter EFS and OS in MM patients.

Filamentous morphology engineering of bacteria by iron metabolism modulation through MagR expression

The morphology is the consequence of evolution and adaptation. Escherichia coli is rod-shaped bacillus with regular dimension of about 1.5 μm long and 0.5 μm wide. Many shape-related genes have been identified and used in morphology engineering of this bacteria. However, little is known about if specific metabolism and metal irons could modulate bacteria morphology. Here in this study, we discovered filamentous shape change of E. coli cells overexpressing pigeon MagR, a putative magnetoreceptor and extremely conserved iron-sulfur protein. Comparative transcriptomic analysis strongly suggested that the iron metabolism change and iron accumulation due to the overproduction of MagR was the key to the morphological change. This model was further validated, and filamentous morphological change was also achieved by supplement E. coli cells with iron in culture medium or by increase the iron uptake genes such as entB and fepA. Our study extended our understanding of morphology regulation of bacteria, and may also serves as a prototype of morphology engineering by modulating the iron metabolism.

Dual-functional ionic liquids additive enables dendrite-free Zn anode with ultra-long cycle life over one year

Zn anodes suffer from the formation of uncontrolled dendrites aggravated by the uneven electric field and the insulating by-product accumulation in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Here, an effective strategy implemented by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate (BMIHSO4) additive is proposed to synergistically tune the crystallographic orientation of zinc deposition and suppress the formation of zinc hydroxide sulfate for enhancing the reversibility on Zn anode surface. As a competing cation, BMI+ is proved to preferably adsorb on Zn-electrode compared with H2O molecules, which shields the "tip effect" and inhibits the Zn-deposition agglomerations to inducing the horizontal growth along Zn (002) crystallographic texture. Simultaneously, the protonated BMIHSO4 additives could remove the detrimental OH- in real-time to fundamentally eliminate the accumulation of 6Zn(OH)2·ZnSO4·4H2O and Zn4SO4(OH)6·H2O on Zn anode surface. Consequently, Zn anode exhibits an ultra-long cycling stability of one year (8762 h) at 0.2 mA cm-2/0.2 mAh cm-2, 3600 h at 2 mA cm-2/2 mAh cm-2 with a high plating cumulative capacity of 3.6 Ah cm-2, and a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.6 % throughout 1000 cycles. This work of regulating Zn deposition texture combined with eliminating notorious by-products could offer a desirable way for stabilizing the Zn-anode/electrolyte interface in AZIBs.

Chemometrics combined with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the identification of Baijiu vintage

The identification of baijiu vintage is crucial for quality assessment and economic value determination. However, its complex composition and multifaceted influences pose significant technical challenges, necessitating research into its aging mechanisms and the development of related identification methods. This study utilized Chemometrics in conjunction with GC × GC-TOFMS for Baijiu Vintage identification. Data compression achieved a reduction of over 1000-fold without compromising key information, enabling analysis on many samples and get their changing regular in a big matrix by MCR. Subsequently, MCR-ALS facilitated the extraction of physical and chemical meaningful information related to baijiu vintage. Key MCR principal components suitable for qualitative and quantitative assessments were selected using CARS-PLS. The regression model demonstrated errors of less than one year. Furthermore, a PLS-DA model provided 30 MCR principal components as potential markers. The research results provide technical support for baijiu vintage identification and lay the groundwork for studying the changing patterns of flavor compounds in baijiu.

Bushen Formula promotes the decrease of HBsAg levels in patients with CHB by regulating Tfh cells and B-cell subsets

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bushen Formula (BSF) is the effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) according to our previous researches. However, the special effectiveness of BSF treating CHB patients in different stages and the immunoregulatory mechanisms remain to be explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To compare the therapeutic effects of BSF in both treatment-naive patients and Peg-IFN-α-treated patients, and explore the potential mechanism of immunomodulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole electrostatic field-orbital trap high resolution mass spectrometry and the TCMSP database were used to determine the main components of BSF. Two hundred and sixty-six patients were enrolled in the retrospective study, and they were divided into the treatment group (T-Group, BSF plus Peg-IFN-α) and the control group (C-Group, Peg-IFN-α monotherapy). Within each group, patients were further grouped into subgroups, namely T1/C1 groups (treatment-naive patients, T1 = 34, C1 = 94) and T2/C2 groups (Peg-IFN-α-treated patients, T2 = 56, C2 = 82). Serum HBV markers, serum HBV DNA levels, serum ALT/AST and TCM symptoms were obtained from the record. Bioinformatics analysis was employed to obtain the potential immunoregulatory mechanisms of BSF treating CHB patients. Among patients in T2 and C2 group, peripheral mononuclear cells from 36 patients were used to analyze the characteristics of peripheral follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and B-cell subtypes by flow cytometry. Preparation of BSF-containing serum in rats. In vitro, the co-culture system of CXCR5+ cells and HepG2.2.15 cells was built to investigate the immunoregulatory effects of BSF.

RESULTS

A total of 14 main active compounds were detected in BSF, which were deemed critical for the treatment of CHB. Our findings indicated that the T2-Group exhibited the higher percentage of HBsAg decline ≥ 1-log10 IU/ml and rate of HBeAg seroclearance compared to the C2-Group (35.7% vs. 15.9%, P = 0.033; 33.9% vs. 11.0%, P = 0.002). Additionally, the T2-Group demonstrated the higher percentage of HBsAg decline ≥ 1-log10 IU/ml and rate of HBeAg seroclearance compared to the T1-Group (35.7% vs. 14.7%, P = 0.031; 33.9% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.000). The total effective rate based on TCM clinical syndrome in T1-Group and T2-Group were significantly greater than those in C1-Group and C2-Group (85.3% vs. 61.7%, P = 0.012; 89.1% vs. 63.4%, P = 0.000). Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the immunoregulatory mechanisms of BSF treating CHB patients were mainly linked to the growth and stimulation of B-cell, T-cell differentiation, and the signaling pathway of the B-cell receptor. Furthermore, the frequencies of Tfh cells and its IL-21 level, and the IL-21R expressed by B-cell were all increased after BSF treatment. Additionally, in the co-culture system of CXCR5+ cells and HepG2.2.15 cells, HBsAg and HBeAg levels were decreased after BSF-containing serum treatment，as well as the up-regulating of Tfh cell frequencies and down-regulating of B-cell frequencies.

CONCLUSIONS

BSF have the higher percentage of HBsAg decline and HBeAg seroclearance in Peg-IFN-α-treated patients compared with treatment-naive patients. The potential immunoregulatory mechanism may correlate with promoting the interaction between Tfh cells and B-cell through IL-21/IL-21R signaling pathway.

A G-quadruplex/thioflavin T-based label-free biosensor to detect ClO- in stress-induced hypertension

Hypochlorous acid (HClO), as an essential reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems, plays a pivotal role in processes of physiology and pathology. Abnormal fluctuations in HClO concentration can lead to various diseases, such as inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegeneration. Therefore, developing an approach to rapidly and sensitively quantify ClO- content is vital to biomedicine development and bioassays. Herein, we fabricated a novel "turn-on" label-free fluorescence DNA probe to specifically detect hypochlorite ion (ClO-) based on G-quadruplex formation. To this end, we designed a G-rich signal DNA sequence (S-DNA) and a block DNA sequence (B-DNA), followed by the introduction of ClO--responsive phosphorothioate (PS) into B-DNA. In the absence of ClO-, B-DNA hybridized with S-DNA, preventing G-quadruplex formation from S-DNA; this resulted in the relatively low fluorescence intensity of ThT. Once ClO- was added, the hydrolysis between PS and ClO- split the B-DNA into two fragments, resulting in B-DNA breaking away from S-DNA, allowing G-quadruplex formation from S-DNA and increasing the fluorescence intensity of ThT. Using this method, we can detect ClO- without the interference of additional reactive oxygen species. The detection limit of ClO- was as low as 10 nM. Furthermore, this method facilitates the detection of ClO- within the tissues of rats with stress-induced hypertension.

Acarbose glycosylation by AcbE for the production of acarstatins with enhanced α-amylase inhibitory activity

Acarbose is a potent glycosidase inhibitor widely used in the clinical treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Various acarbose analogs have been identified while exploring compounds with improved pharmacological properties. In this study, we found that AcbE from Actinoplanes sp. SE50/110 catalyzes the production of acarbose analogs that exhibit significantly improved inhibitory activity towards α-amylase than acarbose. Recombinant AcbE mainly catalyzed the formation of two new compounds, namely acarstatins A and B, using acarbose as substrate. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and glycosidase hydrolysis, we elucidated their chemical structures as O-α-d-maltosyl-(1 → 4)-acarbose and O-α-d-maltotriosyl-(1 → 4)-acarbose, respectively. Acarstatins A and B exhibited 1584- and 1478-fold greater inhibitory activity towards human salivary α-amylase than acarbose. Furthermore, both acarstatins A and B exhibited complete resistance to microbiome-derived acarbose kinase 1-mediated phosphorylation and partial resistance to acarbose-preferred glucosidase-mediated hydrolysis. Therefore, acarstatins A and B have great potential as candidate therapeutic agents for T2DM.

A SCYL2 gene from Oryza sativa is involved in phytosterol accumulation and regulates plant growth and salt stress

Rice is a crucial food for humans due to its high nutritional value. Phytosterols, essential components of the plant membrane lipid bilayer, play a vital role in plant growth and contribute significantly to lipid-lowering, antitumor, and immunomodulation processes. In this study, SCY1-like protein kinases 2 (SCYL2) was found to be closely related to the accumulation of phytosterols. The levels of campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol significantly increased in transgenic rice seeds, husks, and leaves, whereas there was a considerable reduction in scyl2 plants. Subsequent investigations revealed the crucial role of SCYL2 in plant development. Mutations in this gene led to stunted plant growth while overexpressing OsSCYL2 in Arabidopsis and rice resulted in larger leaves, taller plants, and accelerated development. When subjected to salt stress, Arabidopsis plants overexpressed OsSCYL2 showed significantly higher germination rates than wild-type plants. Similarly, transgenic rice seedlings displayed better growth than both ZH11 and mutant plants, exhibiting lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content and higher peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities. Conversely, scyl2 plants exhibited more yellow leaves or even death. These findings suggested that OsSCYL2 proteins might be involved in phytosterols synthesis and play an important role during plant growth and development. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing functional rice.

A novel NIR-II FL/ PA imaging-guided synergistic photothermal-immune therapy: Biomineralizing nanosystems integrated with anti-tumor and bone repair

Advanced stages of breast cancer are frequently complicated by bone metastases, which cause significant cancer-related bone destruction and mortality. However, the early precise theranostics of bone metastasis remains a formidable challenge in clinical practice. Herein,a novel all-in-one nanotheranostic system (ABI NYs) combining NIR-II FL/PA dual-modal imaging with photothermal-immunity therapeutic functionalities in one component was designed to precisely localize bone metastasis microscopic lesions and achieve complete tumor ablation at an early stage. The surface modification of the nanosystem with ibandronate (IBN) facilitates both passive and active targeting, significantly improving the detection rate of bone metastasis and suppressing the bone resorption. Superior photothermal performance produces sufficient heat to kill tumor cells while stimulating the upregulation of heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70), which triggers the immunogenic cell death (ICD) effect and the anti-tumor immune response. These all-in-one nanosystems precisely demonstrated early lesion localization in bone metastases and total tumor ablation with a single integration via "one-component, multi-functions" technique. To sum up, ABI NYs, as novel biomineralizing nanosystems integrated with anti-tumor and bone repair, present a synergistic therapy strategy, providing insight into the theranostics of bone metastases and clinical research.

Dual regulation of osteosarcoma hypoxia microenvironment by a bioinspired oxygen nanogenerator for precise single-laser synergistic photodynamic/photothermal/induced antitumor immunity therapy

The hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) of osteosarcoma (OS) is the Achilles' heel of oxygen-dependent photodynamic therapy (PDT), and tremendous challenges are confronted to reverse the hypoxia. Herein, we proposed a "reducing expenditure of O2 and broadening sources" dual-strategy and constructed ultrasmall IrO2@BSA-ATO nanogenerators (NGs) for decreasing the O2-consumption and elevating the O2-supply simultaneously. As O2 NGs, the intrinsic catalase (CAT) activity could precisely decompose the overexpressed H2O2 to produce O2 in situ, enabling exogenous O2 infusion. Moreover, the cell respiration inhibitor atovaquone (ATO) would be at the tumor sites, effectively inhibiting cell respiration and elevating oxygen content for endogenous O2 conservation. As a result, IrO2@BSA-ATO NGs systematically increase tumor oxygenation in dual ways and significantly enhance the antitumor efficacy of PDT. Moreover, the extraordinary photothermal conversion efficiency allows the implementation of precise photothermal therapy (PTT) under photoacoustic guidance. Upon a single laser irradiation, this synergistic PDT, PTT, and the following immunosuppression regulation performance of IrO2@BSA-ATO NGs achieved a superior tumor cooperative eradicating capability both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, this study proposes an innovative dual-strategy to address the serious hypoxia problem, and this microenvironment-regulable IrO2@BSA-ATO NGs as a multifunctional theranostics platform shows great potential for OS therapy.

Variability in molecular composition and optical absorption of atmospheric brown carbon aerosols in two contrasting urban areas of China

Atmospheric brown carbon (BrC) aerosols were investigated at two urban sites in southern (Hefei) and northern (Shijiazhuang) China during summer and winter of 2019-2020 to explore regional variability in their compositional and optical properties. Organic matter in ambient PM2.5 samples were characterized at molecular level using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Although the molecular composition of organic aerosols varied substantially over different ambient environments, they were mainly composed by CHO and CHON species in positive ionization mode while CHO and CHOS species in negative mode. The mass absorption coefficients of BrC aerosols at wavelength range 250-450 nm were relatively higher for winter samples in both cities and for Shijiazhuang samples in both seasons, partly attributed to the higher concentration levels of anthropogenic air pollutants in these environments. The absorption Ångström exponents further revealed that BrC aerosols in winter seasons and in Shijiazhuang had a greater capacity of absorption at shorter wavelengths. A total of 26 BrC species with strong absorption were unambiguously identified from different environments, which mainly consisted of CHO, CHON, and CHN species and had higher degrees of unsaturation and lower degrees of oxidation. The presence and abundance of these BrC species varied dynamically across the seasons and cities, with a greater number of species presented in the winter of Shijiazhuang. The BrC species together contributed 12-26 % in the total absorbance of light-absorbing organic components at 250-450 nm. This study highlights the regional differences in BrC properties influenced by the sources and atmospheric processes, which should be taken into account to assess their climate impacts.

Mitochondrial targeting sequence of magnetoreceptor MagR: More than just targeting

Iron-sulfur clusters are essential cofactors for proteins involved in various biological processes, such as electron transport, biosynthetic reactions, DNA repair, and gene expression regulation. Iron-sulfur cluster assembly protein IscA1 (or MagR) is found within the mitochondria of most eukaryotes. Magnetoreceptor (MagR) is a highly conserved A-type iron and iron-sulfur cluster-binding protein, characterized by two distinct types of iron-sulfur clusters, [2Fe-2S] and [3Fe-4S], each conferring unique magnetic properties. MagR forms a rod-like polymer structure in complex with photoreceptive cryptochrome (Cry) and serves as a putative magnetoreceptor for retrieving geomagnetic information in animal navigation. Although the N-terminal sequences of MagR vary among species, their specific function remains unknown. In the present study, we found that the N-terminal sequences of pigeon MagR, previously thought to serve as a mitochondrial targeting signal (MTS), were not cleaved following mitochondrial entry but instead modulated the efficiency with which iron-sulfur clusters and irons are bound. Moreover, the N-terminal region of MagR was required for the formation of a stable MagR/Cry complex. Thus, the N-terminal sequences in pigeon MagR fulfil more important functional roles than just mitochondrial targeting. These results further extend our understanding of the function of MagR and provide new insights into the origin of magnetoreception from an evolutionary perspective.

Catalytic hairpin self-assembly amplification fluorescence detection of chloramphenicol based on cross-shaped DNA and UiO-66

A catalytic hairpin self-assembly (CHA) amplification method was developed for CAP detection based on cross-shaped DNA and UiO-66. MOF was used to quench the fluorescent signal of FAM labeled DNA. Cross-shaped DNA with four fluorophore group (FAM) was utilized to enhance the fluorescent intensity. CAP could open hairpin structure of H-apt and induce CHA reaction. The product of CHA hybridized with cross-shaped DNA, resulting its leaving from the surface of UiO-66 and recovery of fluorescent signal. The limit of detection (LOD) was low to 0.87 pM. This method had been successfully applied for the detection of CAP in actual samples. Importantly, the high sensitivity was attributed to the great amplification efficiency of CHA, strong fluorescent intensity of cross-shaped DNA structure and great fluorescent quenched efficiency of UiO-66.

Integration of network pharmacology with experimental validation to reveal the mechanism of action of Longdan Xiegan Decoction against HSV2 infection and determine its effective components

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has made enormous strides recently in the discovery of anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) drugs under the guidance of TCM theory. Longdan Xiegan Decoction (LXD), a formulation recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, has proved to be effective against HSV infection. However, its effective components and action mechanism remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effective components and mechanisms of LXD in treating HSV infection based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-HSV activities of key compounds predicted by network analysis were detected by antiviral tests. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to identify the main components of the LXD aqueous extract. Time-of-addition assay and infectivity inhibition reversibility assay were conducted to identify the potential antiviral mechanisms of licochalcone B (LCB). Additionally, we assessed the antiviral effect of LCB in vivo by use of body weight, viral load, histological analysis, and scoring of genital lesions in an HSV2-infected mouse model.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated that some components exhibited significant anti-HSV1/2 activity in vitro, including quercetin, kaempferol, wogonin, formononetin, naringenin, baicalein, isorhamnetin, glabridin, licochalcone A, echinatin, oroxylin A, isoliquiritigenin, pinocembrin, LCB and acacetin. HPLC analysis showed that LCB was the main component of LXD aqueous extract. In vitro experiments revealed that LCB not only inactivated HSV2 particles, but also inhibited HSV2 multiplication through the inhibition of the phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream targets. In vivo experiments confirmed that LCB could significantly reduce viral titer, delay weight loss, and alleviate pathological changes in vaginal tissue in vaginal infection mouse models.

CONCLUSION

LCB acted as the main component of LXD, with significant anti-HSV2 infection effects both in vivo and in vitro. This study provides additional evidence of the healing efficacy of LXD against HSV infection and presents an efficient analytical method for further investigation of the mechanisms of TCM in prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Zeolite facilitates sequestration of heavy metals via lagged Fe(II) oxidation during sediment aeration

Aeration of sediments could induce the release of endogenous heavy metals (HMs) into overlying water. In this study, experiments involving FeS oxygenation and contaminated sediment aeration were conducted to explore the sequestering role of zeolite in the released HMs during sediment aeration. The results reveal that the dynamic processes of Fe(II) oxidation play a crucial role in regulating HMs migration during both FeS oxygenation and sediment aeration in the absence of zeolite. Based on the release of HMs, Fe(II) oxidation can be delineated into two stages: stage I, where HMs (Mn2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Cu2+) are released from minerals or sediments into suspension, and stage II, released HMs are partially re-sequestered back to mineral phases or sediments due to the generation of Fe-(oxyhydr) oxide. In contrast, the addition of zeolite inhibits the increase of HMs concentration in suspension during stage I. Subsequently, the redistribution of HMs between zeolite and the newly formed Fe-(oxyhydr) oxide occurs during stage II. This redistribution of HMs generates new sorption sites in zeolite, making them available for resorbing a new load of HMs. The outcomes of this study provide potential solutions for sequestering HMs during the sediment aeration.

Ecological impacts of the expansion of offshore wind farms on trophic level species of marine food chain

The global demand for renewable energy has resulted in a rapid expansion of offshore wind farms (OWFs) and increased attention to the ecological impacts of OWFs on the marine ecosystem. Previous reviews mainly focused on the OWFs' impacts on individual species like birds, bats, or mammals. This review collected numerous field-measured data and simulated results to summarize the ecological impacts on phytoplankton, zooplankton, zoobenthos, fishes, and mammals from each trophic level and also analyze their interactions in the marine food chain. Phytoplankton and zooplankton are positively or adversely affected by the 'wave effect', 'shading effect', oxygen depletion and predation pressure, leading to a ± 10% fluctuation of primary production. Although zoobenthos are threatened transiently by habitat destruction with a reduction of around 60% in biomass in the construction stage, their abundance exhibited an over 90% increase, dominated by sessile species, due to the 'reef effect' in the operation stage. Marine fishes and mammals are to endure the interferences of noise and electromagnetic, but they are also aggregated around OWFs by the 'reef effect' and 'reserve effect'. Furthermore, the complexity of marine ecosystem would increase with a promotion of the total system biomass by 40% through trophic cascade effects strengthen and resource partitioning alternation triggered by the proliferation of filter-feeders. The suitable site selection, long-term monitoring, and life-cycle-assessment of ecological impacts of OWFs that are lacking in current literature have been described in this review, as well as the carbon emission and deposition.

Novel alternative tools for metastatic pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas prediction

OBJECTIVE

The existing prediction models for metastasis in pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PPGLs) showed high heterogeneity in different centers. Therefore, this study aimed to establish new prediction models integrating multiple variables based on different algorithms.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Data of patients with PPGLs undergoing surgical resection at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2007 to 2022 were collected retrospectively. Patients were randomly divided into the training and testing sets in a ratio of 7:3. Subsequently, decision trees, random forest, and logistic models were constructed for metastasis prediction with the training set and Cox models for metastasis-free survival (MFS) prediction with the total population. Additionally, Ki-67 index and tumor size were transformed into categorical variables for adjusting models. The testing set was used to assess the discrimination and calibration of models and the optimal models were visualized as nomograms. Clinical characteristics and MFS were compared between patients with and without risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients with 59 cases of metastasis were included and classified into the training set (n = 138) and testing set (n = 60). Among all models, the logistic regression model showed the best discrimination for metastasis prediction with an AUC of 0.891 (95% CI, 0.793-0.990), integrating SDHB germline mutations [OR: 96.72 (95% CI, 16.61-940.79)], S-100 (-) [OR: 11.22 (95% CI, 3.04-58.51)], ATRX (-) [OR: 8.42 (95% CI, 2.73-29.24)] and Ki-67 ≥ 3% [OR: 7.98 (95% CI, 2.27-32.24)] evaluated through immunohistochemistry (IHC), and tumor size ≥ 5 cm [OR: 4.59 (95% CI, 1.34-19.13)]. The multivariate Cox model including the above risk factors also showed a high C-index of 0.860 (95% CI, 0.810-0.911) in predicting MFS after surgery. Furthermore, patients with the above risk factors showed a significantly poorer MFS (P ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Models established in this study provided alternative and reliable tools for clinicians to predict PPGLs patients' metastasis and MFS. More importantly, this study revealed for the first time that IHC of ATRX could act as an independent predictor of metastasis in PPGLs.

Organic acid and aromatic compounds create distinctive flavor in the blackening process of jujube

Previous studies demonstrated jujube blackening effectively increased cyclic adenosine phosphate and triterpene acid levels, improving its nutritional value. However, compositional changes during this process require further elucidation. The objective aimed to analyze compositional transformations during this process with SEM, TPA, UPLC-MS, E-nose. Results showed decreased hardness, springiness, and chewiness coupled with increased gumminess over blackening durations. Untargeted omics analysis revealed increases of 2-aminooctadec-8-ene-1,3,4-trioland carbendazim. Targeted organic acid analysis showed initial citric acid accumulation (1481.62 to 1645.78 mg/kg) in the first 24 h, then declines to 1072.96 mg/kg. Meanwhile, oxalic and lactic acids steadily rose, peaking at 96-120 h before slightly decreasing. E-nose analysis implied alterations in organic sulfide aromatics engendered the characteristic flavors. Organic acid fluctuations likely resulted from sugar biotransformation and thermal degradation. These comprehensive analyses demonstrate jujube blackening imparts a rich and unique flavor, providing theoretical support for investigating the mechanisms and products underlying this process.

TRIB3-TRIM8 complex drives NAFLD progression by regulating HNF4α stability

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress of hepatocytes plays a causative role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Reduced expression of hepatic nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is a critical event in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and other liver diseases. Whether ER stress regulates HNF4α expression remains unknown. The aim of this study was to delineate the machinery of HNF4α protein degradation and explore a therapeutic strategy based on protecting HNF4α stability during NAFLD progression.

METHODS

Correlation of HNF4α and tribbles homologue 3 (TRIB3), an ER stress sensor, was evaluated in human and mouse NAFLD tissues. RNA-sequencing, mass spectrometry analysis, co-immunoprecipitation, in vivo and in vitro ubiquitination assays were used to elucidate the mechanisms of TRIB3-mediated HNF4α degradation. Molecular docking and co-immunoprecipitation analyses were performed to identify a cell-penetrating peptide that ablates the TRIB3-HNF4α interaction.

RESULTS

TRIB3 directly interacts with HNF4α and mediates ER stress-induced HNF4α degradation. TRIB3 recruits tripartite motif containing 8 (TRIM8) to form an E3 ligase complex that catalyzes K48-linked polyubiquitination of HNF4α on lysine 470. Abrogating the degradation of HNF4α attenuated the effect of TRIB3 on a diet-induced NAFLD model. Moreover, the TRIB3 gain-of-function variant p.Q84R is associated with NAFLD progression in patients, and induces lower HNF4α levels and more severe hepatic steatosis in mice. Importantly, disrupting the TRIB3-HNF4α interaction using a cell-penetrating peptide restores HNF4α levels and ameliorates NAFLD progression in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings unravel the machinery of HNF4α protein degradation and indicate that targeting TRIB3-TRIM8 E3 complex-mediated HNF4α polyubiquitination may be an ideal strategy for NAFLD therapy.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Reduced expression of hepatic nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is a critical event in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and other liver diseases. However, the mechanism of HNF4α protein degradation remains unknown. Herein, we reveal that TRIB3-TRIM8 E3 ligase complex is responsible for HNF4α degradation during NAFLD. Inhibiting the TRIB3-HNF4α interaction effectively stabilized HNF4α protein levels and transcription factor activity in the liver and ameliorated TRIB3-mediated NAFLD progression. Our findings demonstrate that disturbing the TRIM8-TRIB3-HNF4α interaction may provide a novel approach to treat NAFLD and even other liver diseases by stabilizing the HNF4α protein.

The 2022 report of synergetic roadmap on carbon neutrality and clean air for China: Accelerating transition in key sectors

China is now confronting the intertwined challenges of air pollution and climate change. Given the high synergies between air pollution abatement and climate change mitigation, the Chinese government is actively promoting synergetic control of these two issues. The Synergetic Roadmap project was launched in 2021 to track and analyze the progress of synergetic control in China by developing and monitoring key indicators. The Synergetic Roadmap 2022 report is the first annual update, featuring 20 indicators across five aspects: synergetic governance system and practices, progress in structural transition, air pollution and associated weather-climate interactions, sources, sinks, and mitigation pathway of atmospheric composition, and health impacts and benefits of coordinated control. Compared to the comprehensive review presented in the 2021 report, the Synergetic Roadmap 2022 report places particular emphasis on progress in 2021 with highlights on actions in key sectors and the relevant milestones. These milestones include the proportion of non-fossil power generation capacity surpassing coal-fired capacity for the first time, a decline in the production of crude steel and cement after years of growth, and the surging penetration of electric vehicles. Additionally, in 2022, China issued the first national policy that synergizes abatements of pollution and carbon emissions, marking a new era for China's pollution-carbon co-control. These changes highlight China's efforts to reshape its energy, economic, and transportation structures to meet the demand for synergetic control and sustainable development. Consequently, the country has witnessed a slowdown in carbon emission growth, improved air quality, and increased health benefits in recent years.

Psychosomatic mechanisms of heart failure symptoms on quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure: A multi-centre cross-sectional study

AIMS

To determine the contributions of different kinds of symptoms to the quality of life and mediating effect of psychological and physical symptoms between heart failure symptoms and quality of life.

DESIGN

A multi-centre cross-sectional study.

METHODS

2006 chronic heart failure patients from four cities were recruited in China from January 2021 to December 2022. Patients' symptoms and quality of life were self-reported, and data were analysed using correlation analysis, dominance analysis and mediating effects analysis.

RESULTS

The dominance analysis revealed that the overall mean contributions of heart failure, psychological and physical symptoms were .083, .085 and .111; 29.5%, 30.2% and 39.5% of the known variance. And heart failure symptoms could negatively affect quality of life through psychological and physical symptoms, accounting for 28.39% and 22.95% of the total effect. Heart failure symptoms could also affect quality of life through the chain-mediated effect of physical and psychological symptoms, accounting for 16.74%.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiological symptoms had the strongest effect on quality of life and heart failure symptoms had the weakest. Most of the effect for heart failure symptoms on quality of life in chronic heart failure patients was mediated by psychological and physiological symptoms.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

It is important to design non-pharmacological intervention plans for the enhancement of physical and psychological symptoms' management skills, to reduce the adverse impact of heart failure symptoms on quality of life.

REPORTING METHOD

Study methods and results reported in adherence to the STROBE checklist.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patients or members of the public were involved in the study.

Progress of nanomaterials in the treatment of thrombus

Thrombus has long been the major contributor of death and disability because it can cause adverse effects to varying degrees on the body, resulting in vascular blockage, embolism, heart valve deformation, widespread bleeding, etc. However, clinically, conventional thrombolytic drug treatments have hemorrhagic complication risks and easy to miss the best time of treatment window. Thus, it is an urgent need to investigate newly alternative treatment strategies that can reduce adverse effects and improve treatment effectiveness. Drugs based on nanomaterials act as a new biomedical strategy and promising tools, and have already been investigated for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in thrombus therapy. Recent studies have some encouraging progress. In the present review, we primarily concern with the latest developments in the areas of nanomedicines targeting thrombosis therapy. We present the thrombus' formation, characteristics, and biomarkers for diagnosis, overview recent emerging nanomedicine strategies for thrombus therapy, and focus on the future design directions, challenges, and prospects in the nanomedicine application in thrombus therapy.

Exploring the influence of microstructure and phospholipid type of liposomes on their interaction with lung

Liposome is a promising carrier for pulmonary drug delivery and the nano-sized liposomes have been widely investigated in the treatment of lung diseases. However, there still lack the knowledge of micron-sized liposomes for lung delivery, which have more advantages in terms of drug loading and sustained drug release capacity. The micron-sized liposomes can be classified into multilamellar liposome (MLL) and multivesicular liposome (MVL) according to their microstructure, thus, this study focused on exploring how the micron-sized liposomes with different microstructure and phospholipid composition influence their interaction with the lung. The MLL and MVL were prepared from different types of phospholipids (including soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC), egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EPC), and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC)) with geometric diameter around 5 μm, and their in vitro pulmonary cell uptake, in vivo lung retention and organ distribution were investigated. The results showed that the microstructure of liposomes didn't affect pulmonary cellular uptake, in vivo lung retention and organ distribution. MLL and MVL prepared with the same phospholipid had similar cellular uptake in both NR8383 cells and A549 cells, and both of them possessed prolonged lung retention and limited distribution in other organs during 72 h. Notably, the phospholipid type presented remarkable influence on liposomes' interaction with the lung. SPC-based liposomes exhibited higher cellular uptake than the DPPC-based ones in both NR8383 cells and A549 cells, also possessed a better lung retention behavior. In conclusion, this study might provide theoretical knowledge for designing micron-sized liposomes intended for lung delivery.

Physician Empathy in Doctor-Patient Communication: A Systematic Review

Physician empathy is at the heart of doctor-patient communication and significantly influences patient outcomes. However, the research on how physicians express their empathy and how physician empathy affects patient outcomes and doctor-patient communication has not been well summarized in the latest literature. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to synthesize existing studies on physician empathy and its value to patient outcomes and doctor-patient communication. The systematic review consisted of studies published in English peer-reviewed journals between January 2017 and October 2021. Following the PRISMA procedure, a total of 3055 articles were retrieved, and 11 articles were retained. The thematic analysis revealed three emergent themes: physicians' empathic expressions; patient outcomes (patient functional status, patient safety, and patient satisfaction); and empathy enhancing doctor-patient communication. This study highlighted the different ways empathy may be expressed by physicians and its positive effects on patient outcomes and doctor- patient communication. This study also suggested the under-researched areas that can be expanded in the future.

Rotavirus infection inhibits SLA-I expression on the cell surface by degrading β2 M via ERAD-proteasome pathway

Group A Rotavirus (RVA) is a major cause of diarrhea in infants and piglets. β2-microglobulin (β2 M), encoded by the B2M gene, serves as a crucial subunit of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules. β2 M is indispensable for the transport of MHC-I to the cell membrane. MHC-I, also known as swine leukocyte antigen class I (SLA-I) in pigs, presents viral antigens to the cell surface. In this study, RVA infection down-regulated β2 M expression in both porcine intestinal epithelial cells-J2 (IPEC-J2) and MA-104 cells. RVA infection did not down-regulate the mRNA level of the B2M gene, indicating that the down-regulation of β2 M occurred on the protein level. Mechanismly, RVA infection triggered β2 M aggregation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and enhanced the Lys48 (K48)-linked ubiquitination of β2 M, leading to the degradation of β2 M through ERAD-proteasome pathway. Furthermore, we found that RVA infection significantly impeded the level of SLA-I on the surface, and the overexpression of β2 M could recover its expression. In this study, our study demonstrated that RVA infection degrades β2 M via ERAD-proteasome pathway, consequently hampering SLA-I expression on the cell surface. This study would enhance the understanding of the mechanism of how RVA infection induces immune escape.

Associations of maternal sleep trajectories during pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Sleep problems are common in pregnant women and sleep is altered during pregnancy. However, the associations between sleep trajectory patterns and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes are unclear. The current study aims to identify sleep trajectory patterns and explore their associations with adverse perinatal outcomes in a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Pregnant women (N = 232) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index each trimester during pregnancy in Tianjin, China. Perinatal outcomes were extracted from the hospital delivery records. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) described the trajectories of sleep timing, duration, and efficiency. Multivariable linear regression and multivariable logistic regression were employed to evaluate associations between sleep trajectory patterns and perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS

Trajectories were identified for bedtime (early, 49.1%; delaying, 50.9%), wake-up time (early, 82.8% of the sample; late, 17.2%), duration (short, 5.2%; adequate 78.0%; excessive, 16.8%), and efficiency (high, 88.4%; decreasing, 11.6%). Compared with women in more optimal sleep groups, those in the late wake-up, excessive duration, and decreasing efficiency groups had babies with shorter birth lengths (β range, -0.50 to -0.28, p < 0.05). Moreover, women in the decreasing efficiency group had babies with lower birth weight (β, -0.44; p < 0.05). Women in the delaying bedtime group had greater odds of preterm delivery (OR, 4.57; p < 0.05), while those in the decreasing efficiency group had greater odds of cesarean section (OR, 3.12; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Less optimal sleep trajectory patterns during pregnancy are associated with perinatal outcomes. Therefore, early assessment of maternal sleep during pregnancy is significant for identifying at-risk women and initiating interventions to reduce perinatal outcomes.

Biotransformation of Pb and As from sewage sludge and food waste by black soldier fly larvae: Migration mechanism of bacterial community and metalloregulatory protein scales

The accumulation and transformation of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) during the digestion of sewage sludge (SS) by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) remain unclear. In this study, we used 16 s rRNA and metagenomic sequencing techniques to investigate the correlation between the microbial community, metalloregulatory proteins (MRPs), and Pb and As migration and transformation. During the 15-day test period, BSFL were able to absorb 34-48 % of Pb and 32-45 % of As into their body. Changes in bacterial community abundance, upregulation of MRPs, and redundancy analysis (RDA) results confirmed that ZntA, EfeO, CadC, ArsR, ArsB, ArsD, and ArsA play major roles in the adsorption and stabilization of Pb and As, which is mainly due to the high contribution rates of Lactobacillus (48-59 %) and Enterococcus (21-23 %). Owing to the redox reaction, the regulation of the MRPs, and the change in pH, the Pb and As in the BSFL residue were mainly the residual fraction (F4). The RDA results showed that Lactobacillus and L.koreensis could significantly (P < 0.01) reduce the reducible fraction (F2) and F4 of Pb, whereas Firmicutes and L.fermentum can significantly (P < 0.05) promote the transformation of As to F4, thus realizing the passivation Pb and As. This study contributes to the understanding of Pb and As in SS adsorbed by BSFL and provides important insights into the factors that arise during the BSFL-mediated migration of Pb and As.

Rare-Earth Metal-Organic Framework with Nonplanar Porphyrin Groups for High-Efficiency Photocatalysis

Nonplanar porphyrins play crucial roles in many biological processes and chemical reactions as catalysts. However, the preparation of artificial nonplanar porphyrins suffers from complicated organic syntheses. Herein, we present a new rare-earth porphyrinic metal-organic framework (RE-PMOF), BUT-233, which is a three-dimensional (3D) framework structure with the flu topology consisting of 4-connected BBCPPP-Ph ligands H4BBCPPP-Ph = 5',5⁗-(10,20-diphenylporphyrin-5,15-diyl)bis([1,1':3',1″-terphenyl]-4,4'' dicarboxylic acid) and 8-connected Eu6 clusters. Noteworthily, the porphyrin cores of the BBCPPP-Ph ligands in BUT-233 are nonplanar with a ruffle-like conformation. In contrast, the porphyrin core in the free ligand H4BBCPPP-Ph is in a nearly ideally planar conformation, as confirmed by its single-crystal structure. BUT-233 is microporous with 6-8 Å pores and a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 649 m2/g, as well as high stability in common solvents. The MOF was used as a photocatalyst for the oxidation degradation of a chemical warfare agent model molecule CEES (CEES = 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide) under the light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation and an O2 atmosphere at room temperature. CEES was almost completely converted into its nontoxic light-oxidized product CEESO (CEESO = 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide) in only 5 min with t1/2 = 2 min (t1/2: half-life). Moreover, the toxic deep-oxidized product 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfone (CEESO2) was not detected. The catalytic activity of BUT-233 was high in comparison with those of some previously reported MOF catalysts. The results of photo/electrochemical property studies suggested that the high catalytic activity of BUT-233 was benefited from the presence of nonplanar porphyrin rings on its pore surface.

Establishment of a mild cognitive impairment risk model in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Early identification individuals at high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is essential for prevention and intervention strategies of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. MCI prediction considering the interdependence of predictors in longitudinal data needs to be further explored. We aimed to employ machine learning (ML) to develop and verify a prediction model of MCI.

METHODS

In a longitudinal population-based cohort of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 8390 non-MCI participants were enrolled. The diagnosis of MCI was based on the aging-associated cognitive decline (AACD), and 13 factors (gender, education, marital status, residence, diabetes, hypertension, depression, hearing impairment, social isolation, physical activity, drinking status, body mass index and expenditure) were finally selected as predictors. We implemented a long short-term memory (LSTM) to predict the MCI risks in middle-aged and older adults within 7 years. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the performance of the model.

RESULTS

Through 7 years of follow-up, 1925 participants developed MCI. The model for all incident MCI achieved an AUC of 0.774, and its deployment to the participants followed 2, 4, and 7 years achieved results of 0.739, 0.747, and 0.750, respectively. The model was well-calibrated with predicted probabilities plotted against the observed proportions of cognitive impairment. Education level, gender, marital status, and depression contributed most to the prediction of MCI.

CONCLUSIONS

This model could be widely applied to medical institutions, even in the community, to identify middle-aged and older adults at high risk of MCI.

Chemical Control of Fluorescence Lifetime towards Multiplexing Imaging

Fluorescence lifetime imaging has been a powerful tool for biomedical research. Recently, fluorescence lifetime-based multiplexing imaging has expanded imaging channels by using probes that harbor the same spectral channels and distinct excited state lifetime. While it is desirable to control the excited state lifetime of any given fluorescent probes, the rational control of fluorescence lifetimes remains a challenge. Herein, we chose boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) as a model system and provided chemical strategies to regulate the fluorescence lifetime of its derivatives with varying spectral features. We find electronegativity of structural substituents at the 8' and 5' positions are important to control the lifetime for the green-emitting and red-emitting BODIPY scaffolds. Mechanistically, such influences are exerted via the photo-induced electron transfer and the intramolecular charge transfer processes for the 8' and 5' positions of BODIPY, respectively. Based on these principles, we have generated a group of BODIPY probes that enable imaging experiments to separate multiple targets using fluorescence lifetime as a signal. In addition to BODIPY, we envision modulation of electronegativity of chemical substituents could serve as a feasible strategy to achieve rational control of fluorescence lifetime for a variety of small molecule fluorophores.

Characterizing Genetic Alterations Related to Radioiodine Avidity in Metastatic Thyroid Cancer

CONTEXT

Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with distant metastasis (DM) are usually not recognized as radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory DTC in a timely manner. The elucidation of genetic features related to RAI uptake patterns may shed light on the early recognition of RAI-refractory DTC.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to elucidate the underlying molecular features behind different RAI uptake patterns.

METHODS

A total of 214 patients with DM-DTC were retrospectively included in the analysis. RAI uptake patterns were defined as initially RAI refractory (I-RAIR) and initially RAI avid (I-RAIA) according to the first post-treatment scan, then I-RAIA was further divided into continually RAIA (C-RAIA), partly RAIR (P-RAIR), and gradually RAIR (G-RAIR) according to subsequent scans. The molecular subtype groups-BRAFV600E mutated, RAS mutated, fusions, and others-were classified according to main driver genes status.

RESULTS

BRAF, TERT promoter, and TP53 mutations are more frequently detected in the I-RAIR pattern while RET fusions and RAS mutations are more frequent in the I-RAIA pattern. A late-hit mutation including TERT, TP53, or PIK3CA is more common in I-RAIR than that in I-RAIA (50.0% vs 26.9%, P = .001), particularly for those with RAS mutations in the I-RAIR group, always accompanied by TERT promoter. Isolated RET fusions accounts for 10% of I-RAIR. When compared among driver gene groups, BRAFV600E-mutated tumors have a higher rate of the I-RAIR pattern (64.4%) than RAS-mutated (4.5%, P < .001) and fusion-positive (20.7%, P < .001) tumors. In I-RAIA subgroups, BRAFV600E-mutated tumors have lower prevalence of the C-RAIA pattern than those with RAS mutation or fusions.

CONCLUSION

Patients with the I-RAIR pattern predominantly featured mutations of the BRAF and/or TERT promoter, of which RAS mutations were usually accompanied by late-hit mutations, while fusions mostly occurred alone.

Isthmin-1 alleviates cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury through cGMP-PKG signaling pathway

AIMS

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is an important complication of reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction, extremely compromising the cardiac benefits of revascularization, however, specific and efficient treatment for cardiac I/R injury is still lacking. Isthmin-1 (ISM1) is a novel adipokine, and plays indispensable roles in regulating glycolipid metabolism and cell survival. The present study aims to investigate the potential role and molecular mechanism of ISM1 in cardiac I/R injury using gain- and loss-of-function approaches.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cardiac-specific ISM1 overexpression and silence were achieved using an adeno-associated virus serotype 9 system, and then these mice were subjected to I/R surgery, followed by biochemical test, echocardiography and histopathologic examinations, etc. Meanwhile, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) with ISM1 silence or overexpression also received simulated I/R (sI/R) injury to further verify its role in vitro. The potential downstream pathways and molecular targets of ISM1 were screened by RNA-sequencing. We also treated injured mice and NRCMs with recombinant ISM1 (rISM1) to explore whether supplementation with ISM1 was sufficient to protect against I/R injury. Furthermore, acute myocardial infarction patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and paired healthy controls were included to reveal the clinical relevance of circulating ISM1. Cardiac-specific ISM1 silencing aggravated while ISM1 overexpression alleviated I/R-induced acute cardiac injury and cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Mechanistically, ISM1 targeted αvβ5 integrin to facilitate the nuclear accumulation of nuclear transcription factor Y subunit alpha, transcriptionally increased soluble guanylyl cyclase beta subunit expression, and eventually enhanced cGMP generation. Besides, we confirmed that treatment with rISM1 before or after reperfusion could confer cardioprotective effects in mice. Clinically, lower ISM1 levels post-PCI was associated with worse outcome in patients.

CONCLUSION

ISM1 can protect against cardiac I/R injury through cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, and it is a promising therapeutic and predictive target of cardiac I/R injury.

The Essential Role of PGF2α/PTGFR in Molding Endometrial Breakdown and Vascular Dynamics, Regulated by HIF-1α in a Mouse Menstrual-like Model

In women of childbearing age, extensive decidualization, shedding and remodeling of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle are fundamental for successful pregnancy. The role of prostaglandins (PGs) in menstruation has long been proposed in humans, and the rate-limiting enzyme cyclooxygenase was shown to play a key role in endometrial breakdown and shedding in a mouse menstrual-like model in our previous study. However, the specific types of PGs involved and their respective roles remain unclear. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the mechanism through which PGs regulate endometrial disintegration. In this study, the microscopy was observed by HE; the protein levels of prostaglandins E1 (PGE1), prostaglandins E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) were detected by ELISA; the mRNA level of Pfgfr2, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor(Vegf), Angiostatin and Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (Hif1α) were examined by real-time PCR; PTGFR Receptor (PTGFR), VEGF, Angiostatin and HIF-1α protein levels were investigated by western blotting; the locations of protein were observed by Immunohistochemistry; HIF-1α binding PTGFR promoter was detected by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and real-time PCR. We found that the concentrations of PGE1, PGE2, and PGF2α all increased significantly during this process. Furthermore, Ptgfr mRNA increased soon after Progesterone (P4) withdrawal, and PTGFR protein levels increased significantly during abundant endometrial breakdown and shedding processes. PTGFR inhibitors AL8810 significantly suppressed endometrial breakdown and shedding, promoted Angiostatin expression, and reduced VEGF-A expressions and vascular permeability. And HIF-1α and PTGFR were mainly located in the luminal/gland epithelium, vascular endothelium, and pre-decidual zone. Interestingly, HIF-1α directly bound to Ptgfr promoter. Moreover, a HIF-1α inhibitor 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) significantly reduced PTGFR expression and suppressed endometrial breakdown which was in accord with PTGFR inhibitor's effect. Similar changes occurred in human stromal cells relevant to menstruation in vitro. Our study provides evidence that PGF2α/PTGFR plays a vital role in endometrial breakdown via vascular changes that are regulated by HIF-1α during menstruation.

Ti─O─C Bonding at 2D Heterointerfaces of 3D Composites for Fast Sodium Ion Storage at High Mass Loading Level

3D composite electrodes have shown extraordinary promise as high mass loading electrode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, they usually show poor rate performance due to the sluggish Na+ kinetics at the heterointerfaces of the composites. Here, a 3D MXene-reduced holey graphene oxide (MXene-RHGO) composite electrode with Ti─O─C bonding at 2D heterointerfaces of MXene and RHGO is developed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the built-in electric fields (BIEFs) are enhanced by the formation of bridged interfacial Ti─O─C bonding, that lead to not only faster diffusion of Na+ at the heterointerfaces but also faster adsorption and migration of Na+ on the MXene surfaces. As a result, the 3D composite electrodes show impressive properties for fast Na+ storage. Under high current density of 10 mA cm-2, the 3D MXene-RHGO composite electrodes with high mass loading of 10 mg cm-2 achieve a strikingly high and stable areal capacity of 3 mAh cm-2, which is same as commercial LIBs and greatly exceeds that of most reported SIBs electrode materials. The work shows that rationally designed bonding at the heterointerfaces represents an effective strategy for promoting high mass loading 3D composites electrode materials forward toward practical SIBs applications.

High-Fidelity Assay Based on Turn-Off Fluorescence to Detect the Perturbations of Cellular Proteostasis

The persistence of neurodegenerative diseases has necessitated the development of new strategies to monitor protein homeostasis (proteostasis). Previous efforts in our laboratory have focused on the development of fluorogenic strategies to observe the onset and progression of proteostatic stress. These works utilized solvatochromic and viscosity sensitive fluorophores to sense protein folded states, enabling stressor screening with an increase in the emission intensity upon aggregation. In this work, we present a novel, high-fidelity assay to detect perturbations of cellular proteostasis, where the fluorescence intensity decreases with the onset of proteostatic stress. Utilizing a fluorogenic, hydroxymethyl silicon-rhodamine probe to differentiate between protein folded states, we establish the validity of this technology in living cells by demonstrating a two-fold difference in fluorescence intensity between unstressed and stressed conditions.

Robot-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction based on three-dimensional images

Background Tunnel placement is a key step in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of bone tunnel drilling in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction assisted by a three-dimensional (3D) image-based robot system. Methods Robot-assisted ACL reconstruction was performed on twelve freshly frozen knee specimens. During the operation, three-dimensional images were used for ACL bone tunnel planning, and the robotic arm was used for navigation and drilling. Twelve patients who underwent traditional arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were included. 3D computed tomography was used to measure the actual position of the ACL bone tunnel and to evaluate the accuracy of the robotic and traditional ACL bone tunnel. Results On the femoral side, the positions of robotic and traditional surgery tunnels were 29.3 ± 1.4% and 32.1 ± 3.9% in the deep-to-shallow direction of the lateral femoral condyle (p = 0.032), and 34.6 ± 1.2% and 21.2 ± 9.4% in the high-to-low direction (p < 0.001), respectively. On the tibial side, the positions of the robotic and traditional surgical tunnels were located at 48.4 ± 0.9% and 45.8 ± 2.8% of the medial-to-lateral diameter of the tibial plateau (p = 0.008), 38.1 ± 0.8% and 34.6 ± 6.0% of the anterior-to-posterior diameter (p = 0.071), respectively. Conclusions In this study, ACL reconstruction was completed with the assistance of a robot arm and 3D images, and the robot was able to drill the bone tunnel more accurately than the traditional arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.

Leucine zipper as a bridge for transaminase self-assembly: A fusion enzyme for efficient chiral conversion of d-phenylglycine

Amino acid transferase is a family of enzymes used to catalyze and separate chiral amino acids. However, due to the low efficiency, by-products and reverse reactions occur in cascade reactions. Therefore, in the research, phenylglycine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were self-assembled in vitro by leucine zipper. The self-assembled enzyme system with d-phenylglycine and α-ketoglutarate as substrates were used for the chiral transformation reaction. By studying the enzyme combination, kinetic reaction stability and catalytic efficiency, it was found that the self-assembled enzyme showed improved stability and better affinity to the substrate than the control and achieved only ee value of 17.86% for the control at the substrate ratio was 1:2. In contrast, the self-assembled enzyme basically catalyzed the complete conversion of d-Phg to l-Phg, with the ee value as 99%. These results demonstrated the feasibility of the leucine zipper and the conversion of d-phenylglycine to the l-type by fusion enzyme.

Ba-Qi-Rougan formula alleviates hepatic fibrosis by suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation via the MSMP/CCR2/PI3K pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Ba-Qi-Rougan formula (BQRGF) is a traditional and effective compound prescription from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilized in treating hepatic fibrosis (HF).

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BQRGF on HF and explore the underlying mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology was employed to identify the material basis of BQRGF. Mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HF received BQRGF at three doses (3.87, 7.74, and 15.48 g/kg per day). We examined serum and liver biochemical indicators and liver histology to assess the therapeutic impact. Primary mouse cells were isolated and utilized for experimental analysis. MSMP expression levels were examined in vitro and in vivo experimental models, including human and mouse tissue. Furthermore, lentivirus and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfections were employed to manipulate microseminoprotein (MSMP) expression in LO2 cells (human normal liver cells). These manipulated LO2 cells were then co-cultured with LX2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Through the modulation of MSMP expression in co-cultured cells, administering recombinant MSMP (rMSMP) with or without BQRGF-medicated serum, and using specific pathway inhibitors or agonists in LX2 cells, we elucidated the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

A total of 48 compounds were identified from BQRGF, with 12 compounds being absorbed into the bloodstream and 9 compounds being absorbed into the liver. Four weeks of BQRGF treatment in the HF mouse model led to significant improvements in biochemical and molecular assays and histopathology, particularly in the medium and high-dose groups. These improvements included a reduction in the level of liver injury and fibrosis-related factors. MSMP levels were elevated in human and mouse fibrotic liver tissues, and this increase was mitigated in HF mice treated with BQRGF. Moreover, primary cells and co-culture studies revealed that BQRGF reduced MSMP expression, decreased the expression of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers, and suppressed critical phosphorylated protein levels in the CCR2/PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings were further validated using CCR2/PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitors and agonists in MSMP-activated LX2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our results suggest that BQRGF combats HF by diminishing MSMP levels and inhibiting MSMP-induced HSC activation through the CCR2/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Molecular insight into the binding properties of marine algogenic dissolved organic matter for polybrominated diphenyl ethers and their combined effect on marine zooplankton

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widespread in marine ecosystems, despite the limits placed on several congeners, and pose a threat to marine organisms. Many coexisting factors, especially dissolved organic matter (DOM), affect the environmental behavior and ecological risk of PBDEs. Since blooms frequently occur in coastal waters, we used algogenic DOM (A-DOM) from the diatom Skeletonem costatum and examined the interaction of A-DOM with 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47). Moreover, their combined effect on the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis was analyzed. During the stationary period, A-DOM had more proteins than polysaccharides, and 7 extracellular proteins were identified. A-DOM fluorescence was statically quenched by BDE-47, and amide, carbonyl, and hydroxyl groups in A-DOM were involved. Molecular docking analysis showed that all 5 selected proteins of A-DOM could spontaneously bind with BDE-47 and that hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals forces and pi-bond interactions existed. The reproductive damage, oxidative stress and inhibition of mitochondrial activity induced by BDE-47 in rotifers were relieved by A-DOM addition. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that A-DOM could activate energy metabolic pathways in rotifers and upregulate genes encoding metabolic detoxification proteins and DNA repair. Moreover, A-DOM alleviated the interference effect of BDE-47 on lysosomes, the extracellular matrix pathway and the calcium signaling system. Alcian blue staining and scanning electron microscopy showed that A-DOM aggregates were mainly stuck to the corona and cuticular surface of the rotifers; this mechanism, rather than a real increase in uptake, was the reason for enhanced bioconcentration. This study reveals the complex role of marine A-DOM in PBDEs bioavailability and enhances the knowledge related to risk assessments of PBDE-like contaminants in marine environments.

ADCY4 promotes brain metastasis in small cell lung cancer and is associated with energy metabolism

Brain metastasis (BMs) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a very poor prognosis. This study combined WGCNA with the mfuzz algorithm to identify potential biomarkers in the peripheral blood of patients with BMs. By comparing the significantly differentially expressed genes present in BMs samples, we identified ADCY4 as a target for further study. Expression of ADCY4 was used to cluster mfuzz expression pattern, and 28 hub genes for functional enrichment. PPI network analysis were obtained by comparing with differentially expressed genes in BMs. GABRE, NFE4 and LMOD2 are highly expressed in patients with BMs and have a good diagnostic effect. Immunoinfiltration analysis showed that SCLC patients with BMs may be associated with memory B cells, Tregs, NK cell activation, macrophage M0 and dendritic cell activation. prophytic was used to investigate the ADCY4-mediated anti-tumor drug response. In conclusion, ADCY4 can be used as a promising candidate biomarker for predicting BMs, molecular and immune features in SCLC. PCR showed that ADCY4 expression was increased in NCI-H209 and NCI-H526 SCLC cell lines. In vitro experiments confirmed that the expression of ADCY4 was significantly decreased after anti-PD1 antibody treatment, while the expression of energy metabolism factors were significantly different. This study reveals a potential mechanism by which ADCY4 mediates poor prognosis through energy metabolism -related pathways in SCLC.

Deciphering recovery paradigms: Foam rolling's impact on DOMS and lactate dynamics in elite volleyball athletes

This study examines the effects of Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) techniques on post-exercise recovery in elite volleyball athletes. Through a controlled investigation involving eighteen Chinese Men's National Volleyball Team athletes, the research assessed the impact of foam rolling (FR) versus passive recovery (PAS) on blood lactate clearance and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), as measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. Findings indicated that FR significantly reduces VAS scores and facilitates lactate clearance when compared to PAS, suggesting foam rolling may enhance post-exercise recovery. While confirming foam rolling's benefits, this research calls for further exploration into recovery mechanisms, emphasizing a cautious interpretation of foam rolling as part of a comprehensive recovery strategy.

Minimal residual disease in systemic light chain amyloidosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is a validated prognostic factor in several hematological malignancies. However, its role in systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis remains controversial, and this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to fill this gap.

METHODS

We searched for relevant studies on Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, nine studies involving 451 patients were included and meta-analyzed. This systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023494169).

RESULTS

Our study found that in the group of patients who achieved very good partial response (VGPR) or better, MRD negativity was correlated with higher cardiac and renal response rates [pooled risk ratio (RR) = 0.74 (95% CI 0.62-0.89), 0.74 (95% CI 0.64-0.87), respectively]. Patients with MRD positivity had a higher hematologic progression rate within two years after MRD detection [pooled RR = 10.31 (95% CI 2.02-52.68)]; and a higher risk of hematologic + organ progression in the first year [pooled RR = 12.57 (95% CI 1.73-91.04)]. Moreover, MRD negativity was correlated with a better progression-free survival (PFS) [pooled hazard ratio (HR) = 0.27 (95% CI 0.17-0.45)]; but it did not significantly improve the overall survival (OS) [pooled HR = 0.34 (95% CI 0.11-1.07)].

CONCLUSION

In AL amyloidosis, our study supports that MRD negativity correlates with higher cardiac or renal response rates and indicates a better PFS in the follow-up. However, the correlation between OS and the status of MRD is not significant.

A joint brain extraction and image quality assessment framework for fetal brain MRI slices

Brain extraction and image quality assessment are two fundamental steps in fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 3D reconstruction and quantification. However, the randomness of fetal position and orientation, the variability of fetal brain morphology, maternal organs around the fetus, and the scarcity of data samples, all add excessive noise and impose a great challenge to automated brain extraction and quality assessment of fetal MRI slices. Conventionally, brain extraction and quality assessment are typically performed independently. However, both of them focus on the brain image representation, so they can be jointly optimized to ensure the network learns more effective features and avoid overfitting. To this end, we propose a novel two-stage dual-task deep learning framework with a brain localization stage and a dual-task stage for joint brain extraction and quality assessment of fetal MRI slices. Specifically, the dual-task module compactly contains a feature extraction module, a quality assessment head and a segmentation head with feature fusion for simultaneous brain extraction and quality assessment. Besides, a transformer architecture is introduced into the feature extraction module and the segmentation head. We utilize a multi-step training strategy to guarantee a stable and successful training of all modules. Finally, we validate our method by a 5-fold cross-validation and ablation study on a dataset with fetal brain MRI slices in different qualities, and perform a cross-dataset validation in addition. Experiments show that the proposed framework achieves very promising performance.

Behavioral toxicity of TDCPP in marine zooplankton: Evidence from feeding and swimming responses, molecular dynamics and metabolomics of rotifers

As new organic flame retardants, chlorinated organophosphate esters (Cl-OPEs) have high water solubility and structural similarity to organophosphate pesticides, posing risks to aquatic organisms. The potential neurotoxicity of Cl-OPEs has attracted attention, especially in marine invertebrates with a relatively simple nervous system. In this study, a marine rotifer with a cerebral ganglion, Brachionus plicatilis, was exposed to tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) (two environmental concentrations and one extreme level), and the changes in feeding and swimming behaviors and internal mechanism were explored. Exposure to 1.05 nM TDCPP did not change the filtration and ingestion rates of rotifers and average linear velocity. But 0.42 and 4.20 μM TDCPP inhibited these three parameters and reduced unsaturated fatty acid content, reproduction and population growth. All TDCPP test concentrations suppressed AChE activity, causing excessive accumulation of acetylcholine within rotifers, thereby disturbing the neural innervation of corona cilia. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics revealed that this inhibition was because TDCPP can bind to the catalytic active site of rotifer AChE through van der Waals forces and electrostatic interactions. TRP420 was the leading amino residue in the binding, and GLY207 contributed to a hydrogen bond. Nontargeted metabolomics using LC-MS and GC-MS identified differentially expressed metabolites in TDCPP treatments, mainly from lipid and lipid-like molecules, especially sphingolipids. TDCPP decreased ganglioside content but stimulated ceramide generation and the expression levels of 3 genes related to ceramide de novo synthesis. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP content decreased, and the electron respiratory chain complex and TCA cycle were deactivated. An inhibitor of ceramide synthase, fumonisin, alleviated MMP and ATP, implying a critical role of ceramide in mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, TDCPP exposure caused an energy supply deficit affecting ciliary movement and ultimately inhibiting rotifer behaviors. Overall, this study promotes the understanding of the neurotoxicity of Cl-OPEs in marine invertebrates.