Disparity of serum uric acid threshold for CKD among hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension and rising serum uric acid (sUA) played a pivotal role in the development of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This study investigates the interactive effect of sUA and hypertension on CKD and identifies the optimal threshold of sUA among individuals with and without hypertension in the Chinese community population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 4180 individuals aged 45-85 years, derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) between 2011 and 2015. Additionally, a hospital-based study enrolled subjects in the Department of Nephrology at Zhongshan Hospital, China from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The interaction effect analysis were used to assess the impact of sUA and hypertension on CKD. We also compared the distribution of sUA and the CKD risk in community populations, distinguishing between those with and without hypertension. For the hospital-based population, kidney injury was marked by a KIM-1 positive area.

RESULTS

Our results indicate a higher prevalence of CKD in the community population with hypertension (10.2% vs. 3.9%, p < .001). A significant additive synergistic effects of the sUA and hypertension on the CKD risk were found. When the sUA level was < 4.55 mg/dL in the hypertensive population and < 5.58 mg/dL in the non-hypertensive population, the risk of CKD was comparable (p = .809). In the propensity score matched (PSM) population, the result remained roughly constant.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, even moderate levels of sUA was associated with a higher risk of CKD in middle-aged hypertensive patients, who warrant stricter sUA control.

Metabolic dysfunction, rather than obesity, is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease in Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysfunction and obesity are closely related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, studies on the relationship between various metabolic syndrome-body mass index (MetS-BMI) phenotypes and the risk of CKD in the Chinese population have not yet been explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2015 were analyzed in this study. This study enrolled 12,054 participants. Participants were divided into six distinct groups according to their MetS-BMI status. Across the different MetS-BMI groups, the odd ratios (ORs) for CKD were determined using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CKD was higher in metabolically unhealthy groups than in the corresponding healthy groups. Moreover, the fully adjusted model showed that all metabolically unhealthy individuals had an increased risk of developing CKD compared to the metabolically healthy normal weight group (OR = 1.62, p = 0.002 for the metabolically unhealthy normal weight group; OR = 1.55, p < 0.001 for the metabolically unhealthy overweight group; and OR = 1.77, p < 0.001 for the metabolically unhealthy obesity group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to evaluate the relationship between the MetS-BMI phenotype and renal prognosis in the Chinese population. Individuals with normal weights are at different risk of developing CKD depending on their different metabolic phenotypes.

Comparison of the physical stability, microstructure and protein-lipid co-oxidation of O/W emulsions stabilized by l-arginine/l-lysine-modified soy protein hydrolysate

This work investigated the physical stability, microstructure, and oxidative stability of the emulsions prepared by soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) after modification with different concentrations of l-arginine and l-lysine. l-Arginine and l-lysine significantly increased the absolute zeta potential values, and decreased droplet sizes of the emulsions, thereby improving the physical stability of the emulsions. Meanwhile, l-arginine and l-lysine markedly decreased the apparent viscosity of the emulsions. The measurement of interfacial protein adsorption percentage showed that l-arginine (≤0.5 %) promoted the adsorption of SPH at the oil-water interface, whereas l-lysine (≤1%) reduced the adsorption of SPH at the oil-water interface. In addition, l-arginine and l-lysine (≤0.5 %) could retard lipid and protein oxidation. Correlation analysis indicated that the improvement in the physical stability of the emulsions by l-arginine and l-lysine also enhanced the oxidative stability of the emulsions. In summary, l-arginine and l-lysine could be effective modifiers for the protein-based emulsion systems.

Unraveling the binding mechanism between soybean protein isolate and selected bioactive compounds

The present study was aimed to investigate the interactions between soybean protein isolate (SPI) with resveratrol (RESV) and lutein (LUT). The binding forces, molecular interactions and functional properties were explored by multi-spectroscopic analysis, molecular docking and functional property indexes between SPI and RESV/LUT. The RESV/LUT quenched SPI chromophore residues with static mechanism and the endothermic reaction. The SPI- RESV/LUT complexes were formed through hydrogen bond, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Molecular docking confirmed van-der-Waals force as one of the important forces. The interaction of RESV/LUT led to SPI's secondary structure alterations with a decrease in α-helix and random coil and an increase in β-sheet and β-turns. RESV/LUT developed foaming and emulsifying properties of SPI and showed a significant decrease of the surface hydrophobicity with RESV/LUT concentrations increase attributed to SPI's partial unfolding. Our study exposed molecular mechanisms and confirmations to understand the interactions in protein- RESV/LUT complexes for protein industrial base promotion.

Designing a Se-intercalated MOF/MXene-derived nanoarchitecture for advancing the performance and durability of lithium-selenium batteries

Lithium-selenium batteries have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-sulfur batteries due to their high electrical conductivity and comparable volume capacity. However, challenges such as the shuttle effect of polyselenides and high-volume fluctuations hinder their practical implementation. To address these issues, we propose synthesizing Fe-CNT/TiO2 catalyst through high-temperature sintering of an amalgamated nanoarchitecture of carbon nanotubes decorated metal-organic framework (MOF) and MXene, optimized for efficient selenium hosting, leveraging the distinctive physicochemical properties. The catalytic features inherent in the porous Se@Fe-CNT/TiO2 nanoarchitecture were instrumental in promoting efficient ion and electron transport, and lithium-polyselenide kinetics, while its inherent porosity could play a crucial role in inhibiting electrode stress during cycling. This nanoarchitecture exhibits remarkable battery performance, retaining 99.7% of theoretical capacity after 425 cycles at 0.5 C rate and demonstrating 95.8% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 1 C rate, with ∼100% Coulombic efficiency. Additionally, the Se@Fe-CNT/TiO2 electrode exhibited an impressive recovery of 297.5 mAh/g (97.9%) capacity after undergoing 450 cycles at a charging rate of 10 C and a discharging rate of 1 C. This synergistic integration of MOF- and MXene-derived materials unveils new possibilities for high-performance and durable LSeBs, thus advancing electrochemical energy storage systems.

Sulfate radical dominated rapid pollutants degradation leaded by selenium vacancies in core-shell N-doped carbon wrapped cobalt diselenide nanospheres

Herein, a new heterogeneous CoSe2-x@NC material with abundant selenium vacancies is synthesized via an in-situ carbonization-selenization process from cobaltic metal organic framework (Co-MOF). The obtained CoSe2-x@NC has a unique electronic structure and rich active sites, which can activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade carbamazepine (CBZ) with superior catalytic performance and stability. The quenchingexperiments and EPR test show that SO4•- is the dominant reactive oxidation species (ROSs) for CBZ degradation. Significantly, systemic electrochemical tests and theoretical calculations illustrated that the dominant role of SO4•- is attributed to the existence of abundant selenium vacancies in CoSe2-x@NC, which can adjust the density of electron cloud of the Co atoms in CoSe2-x@NC to improve the PMS adsorption and promoting the conversion of transition metallic redox pairs (Co3+/Co2+). This work provides a facile way to improve the activity and stability of CoSe2 by defect engineering in the PMS based advanced oxidation process (AOPs).

Photoelectric dual-mode triggered phase change materials for all-weather personal thermal management and shape memory

To cope with the demand of more complex and variable applications, it is urgent to develop dual-mode triggered, breathable, and shape-memory wearable heaters for all-weather personal thermal management of composite phase change materials (PCMs). Herein, after high-temperature carbonization of ZnCo-MOF (metal-organic framework) nanosheet array grown in situ on flexible and breathable carbon cloth (CC) and subsequent encapsulation of polyethylene glycol (PEG), the as-prepared PEG/CC@Co/CNT (carbon nanotube) composite PCMs exhibited good breathability, mechanical strength (tensile strength of 9.15 MPa), thermal energy storage density (114.19 J/g), and shape memory due to the synergy of flexible CC skeleton and rigid PEG. More importantly, composite PCMs possessed excellent solar-thermal (93.7 %, 100 mW/cm2) and electro-thermals (94.5 %, 2.0 V) conversion and storage capacity, benefiting from the conjugation effect of high graphitized carbon/carbon heterostructure with fast electron/photon/phonon transmission and the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Co nanoparticles. Therefore, the integration of solar heating and Joule heating into breathable composite PCMs can be accurately used for next-generation all-weather, all-season, dual-mode triggered personal thermal management, including indoor/outdoor, daytime/night, rainy/cloudy and other complex and changeable scenarios.

Effect of sodium alginate block type on the physicochemical properties and curcumin release behavior of quaternized chitosan-oxidized sodium alginate Schiff base hydrogels

Controlling bioactive ingredients release by modulating the 3D network structure of cross-linked hydrogels is important for functional food development. Hereby, oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) with varying aldehyde contents was formed by periodate oxidation of sodium alginate (SA) with different β-d-mannuronic acid (M) and α-l-guluronic acid (G) ratios (M/G = 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1) and its structure was characterized. Moreover, hydrogels were prepared via Schiff base and electrostatic interactions between quaternized chitosan (QCS) and OSA. The properties of hydrogels such as microstructure, thermal stability, swelling and controlled release were investigated. The results showed that OSA with M/G = 1:2 had the highest content of aldehyde groups, and the hydrogel formed by it and QCS had higher thermal stability and a denser network structure with the lowest equilibrium swelling rate, which could better control the release of curcumin. Additionally, it had good self-healing and can recover rapidly after the rupture of its network structure.

Construction of emulsion gel based on the interaction of anionic polysaccharide and soy protein isolate: Focusing on structural, emulsification and functional properties

In this study, the effects on the structures and emulsion gels of carrageenan (CA) and gum arabic (GA) with soybean protein isolate (SPI) were investigated. The results showed that CA and GA exposed hydrophobic groups to SPI, and formed complexes through non-covalent interactions to improve the stability of the complexes. Furthermore, the emulsion gels based on the emulsions exhibited that CA formed emulsion-filled gels with higher elasticity, stronger gel strength, and thermal reversibility, whereas GA formed emulsion-aggregated gels with higher viscosity, and a weak-gel network. The results of digestion showed that, CA was more helpful to slow down the release of free fatty acids and protect vitamin E during digestion. Compared with SPI-GA emulsion gel, SPI-CA emulsion gel had better physicochemical properties and stronger network structure. The results of this study may be useful in the development of anionic polysaccharides that interact with SPI, and they may provide new insights on the preparation of emulsion gels that slowly release fat-soluble nutrients.

A Model generation method and iteration algorithm for optimising fire protection thickness

With temperatures rising above 1000 °C within 5 min, hydrocarbon fire causes rapid strength degradation of structural steel members. It is among the most dangerous hazards, such as boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE) in the oil and gas industry. Intumescent coating as passive protection is widely adopted to prevent the steel structure from material property reduction. However, when optimising fire protection with heat transfer simulation, repetitive modelling work and lacking recalculation principle hinder productivity improvement. This method is developed to generate steel beam models and provides an effective algorithm to optimise coating thickness considering the temperature of a specific region. The main functions of the method include: •Providing section dimensions, initial insulation thickness, target temperature and heating time, temperature allowance and mesh size as variables.•Automatically generating the Abaqus steel beam model under 3-side heating conditions.•Effective iteration algorithm to modify fire protection thickness: test containing 38 Universal beam sections with a 5 °C allowance below target shows that 55.2% were completed within five iterations and 76.3% were completed within eight iterations.

The PIEZO1/miR-155-5p/GDF6/SMAD2/3 signaling axis is involved in inducing the occurrence and progression of osteoarthritis under excessive mechanical stress

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the molecular mechanism of overloading-induced osteoarthritis (OA) and to find a novel therapeutic target.

METHODS

We utilized human cartilage specimens, mouse chondrocytes, a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model, and a mouse hindlimb weight-bearing model to validate the role of overloading on chondrocyte senescence and OA development. Then, we observed the effect of PIEZO1-miR-155-5p-GDF6-SMAD2/3 signaling axis on the preservation of joint metabolic homeostasis under overloading in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo by qPCR, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, SA-β-gal staining, CCK8 assay, et al. Finally, we verified the therapeutic effects of intra-articular injection of miR-155-5p inhibitor or recombinant GDF6 on the murine overloading-induced OA models.

RESULTS

Chondrocytes sensesed the mechanical overloading through PIEZO1 and up-regulated miR-155-5p expression. MiR-155-5p mimics could copy the effects of overloading-induced chondrocyte senescence and OA. Additionally, miR-155-5p could suppress the mRNA expression of Gdf6-Smad2/3 in various tissues within the joint. Overloading could disrupt joint metabolic homeostasis by downregulating the expression of anabolism indicators and upregulating the expression of catabolism indicators in the chondrocytes and synoviocytes, while miR-155-5p inhibition or GDF6 supplementation could exert an antagonistic effect by preserving the joint homeostasis. Finally, in the in vivo overloading models, intra-articular injection of miR-155-5p inhibitor or recombinant GDF6 could significantly mitigate the severity of impending OA and lessened the progression of existing OA.

CONCLUSION

GDF6 overexpression or miR-155-5p inhibition could attenuate overloading-induced chondrocyte senescence and OA through the PIEZO1-miR-155-5p-GDF6-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. Our study provides a new therapeutic target for the treatment of overloading-induced OA.

The AMPK and AKT/GSK3β pathways are involved in recombinant proteins fibroblast growth factor 1 (rFGF1 and rFGF1a) improving glycolipid metabolism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed a high carbohydrate diet

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) regulates vertebrate cell growth, proliferation and differentiation, and energy metabolism. In this study, we cloned rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fgf1 and fgf1a, prepared their recombinant proteins (rFGF1 and rFGF1a), and described the molecular mechanisms by which they improve glycolipid metabolism in carnivorous fish. A 31-d feeding trial was conducted to investigate whether they could enhance glycolipid metabolism in rainbow trout on high-carbohydrate diets (HCD). A total of 720 rainbow trout (8.9 ± 0.5 g) were equally divided into 4 groups: the chow diet (CD) group injected with PBS, the HCD group injected with PBS, the HCD group injected with rFGF1 (400 ng/g body weight), and the HCD group injected with rFGF1a (400 ng/g body weight). The results showed that short-term HCD had a significant positive effect on the specific growth rate (SGR) of rainbow trout (P < 0.05). However, it led to an increase in crude fat, serum triglyceride (TG) and glucose content, as well as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) contents (P < 0.05), suggesting a negative health effect of HCD. Nevertheless, rFGF1 and rFGF1a showed beneficial therapeutic effects. They significantly reduced the crude fat content of the liver, serum TG, GOT, and GPT contents caused by HCD (P < 0.05). The upregulation in atgl, hsl, and acc2 mRNAs implied the promotion of TG catabolism. Moreover, rFGF1 and rFGF1a contributed to promoting lipolysis by activating the AMPK pathway and reducing lipid accumulation in the liver caused by HCD. In addition, the rFGF1 and rFGF1a-treated groups significantly reduced serum glucose levels and elevated hepatic glycogen content under HCD, and increased glucose uptake by hepatocytes. We observed a decrease in mRNA levels for pepck, g6pase, and pygl, along with an increase in mRNA levels for gys, glut2, and gk in the liver. Furthermore, these proteins regulated hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis by increasing the phosphorylation level of AKT, ultimately leading to an increase in GSK3β phosphorylation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that rFGF1 and rFGF1a can enhance lipolysis and glucose utilization in rainbow trout by activating the AMPK pathway and AKT/GSK3β axis.

Exploring the associations of demographics and scale measures with cognitive driving behavior among older drivers in China

Age-related changes and frailty are reasons for the high proportion of older drivers in certain types of crashes, such as giving right of way at intersections and turning left. The identified crash causes include the driver's demographics, driving style, cognitive function, and mental workload. This study aimed to explore the associations of demographics and scale measures with cognitive driving behavior. Thirty-nine drivers, consisting of twenty younger drivers (18-60 years old) and nineteen older drivers (above 60 years old), participated in driving simulation experiments after completing scale tests. The selected scale measures included the demographic questionnaire, Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI-C), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A) and Part B (TMT-B), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) for obtaining subjective information from drivers. Driving scenarios were developed based on the driving characteristics of older adults to investigate age-related driving ability. The driving behavior parameters included reaction time, lateral stability, and driving speed, corresponding to reaction, perception, and execution. Three stepwise regression models showed that NASA-TLX, the interaction between age and driving experience, and the interaction between age and TMT-A significantly explained 53.3 % of reaction time variance; TMT-A, risk driving style, anxiety driving style, and gender significantly explained 53.5 % of lateral stability variance; TMT-A, NASA-TLX, and MMSE significantly explained 60.6 % of driving speed variance. Subsequently, the impact of four age-related predictor variables on driving behavior was further discussed. It is worth noting that a rich driving experience may compensate for driving performance. However cognitive impairment impairs this compensation. Driving behavior is influenced by a combination of various factors. Age, as a physiological indicator, is not sufficient to be a strong predictive factor for lateral stability and driving speed. The results provide a reference for traffic safety management departments to streamline driving suitability test procedures and propose targeted training methods for older drivers.

Study on induced radioactivity and individual dose evaluation in Gantry room for Varian ProBeam Proton Therapy System

Proton therapy has emerged as an advantageous modality for tumor radiotherapy due to its favorable physical and biological properties. However, this therapy generates induced radioactivity through nuclear reactions between the primary beam, secondary particles, and surrounding materials. This study focuses on systematically investigating the induced radioactivity in the gantry room during pencil beam scanning, utilizing both experimental measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. Results indicate that patients are the primary source of induced radioactivity, predominantly producing radionuclides such as 11C, 13N, and 15O. Long-term irradiation primarily generates radionuclides like 22Na, 24Na, and 54Mn etc. Additionally, this study estimates the individual doses received by medical workers in the gantry room, the irradiation dose for patient escorts, and the additional dose to patients from residual radiation. Finally, the study offers recommendations to minimize unnecessary irradiation doses to medical workers, patient escorts, and patients.

Self-assembly and aggregation behavior of temperature-controlled modified glycinin and d-galactose colloidal particles

The molecular structure and morphologies of complex colloidal particles with modified glycine (S-11S) and d-galactose were studied by multispectral, microscopic imaging and chromatographic techniques at different temperatures, and the self-assembly and aggregation mechanisms were determined. Overall, high-temperature-treated S-11S and d-galactose associate at cysteine and phenylalanine sites and self-assemble into colloidal particles of greater stability than glycinin and S-11S via ionic and disulfide bonds. The structure and subunit content of composite colloidal particles were changed. Assessing the sub-microstructure reveals that temperature can regulate the directional aggregation of complex colloidal particles. The elasticity of the complex colloidal particles is maximum enhanced at 95 ℃ as confirmed by the rheological. Thus, the heat-treated aggregation of the soy protein and its complex was evaluated to provide a new theoretical basis for the application of soy protein in gels and other areas and contribute to the design of new soy protein products.

Quemeiteng granule relieves goiter by suppressing thyroid microvascular endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis via miR-217-5p-mediated targeting of FGF2-induced regulation of the ERK pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Goiters are enlargements of the thyroid gland and are a global public issue. Quemeiteng granule (QMTG) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used to treat goiter in Yunnan Province. However, the effectiveness and underlying mechanism of these treatments have not been fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of QMTG on goiter and the downstream regulatory mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we first evaluated the antigoiter efficacy of QMTG through biochemical indices [body weight, thyroid coefficient, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)] and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining in a Propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced model. Based on microRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis, key miRNA was screened out. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the transcriptional regulation of the target gene by the miRNA. The viability of rat thyroid microvascular endothelial cells (RTMECs) and human thyroid microvascular endothelial cells (HTMECs) was assessed using the CCK-8 assays. The migration and angiogenesis of RTMECs and HTMECs were visualized through tube formation and wound scratch assays. Proteins involved in angiogenesis and the ERK pathway were assessed via Western blotting.

RESULTS

QMTG significantly increased body weight, decreased the thyroid coefficient, increased the levels of T3, T4, FT3 and FT4 and reduced TSH levels in rats with goiter. QMTG also promoted the morphological recovery of thyroid follicles. MiR-217-5p was identified as a key miRNA. Our studies revealed that miR-217-5p directly targets FGF2 and that QMTG promotes the recovery of thyroid hormone (TH) levels and morphological changes in the thyroid, suppresses thyroid microvascular endothelial cell vitality, tube formation and migration, and reduces the expression of VEGF, Ang-1 and VCAM-1 triggered by miR-217-5p, thereby inhibiting the Ras/MEK/ERK cascade through FGF2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experiments demonstrated that the QMTG had therapeutic effects on goiter. These effects were attributed to the inhibition of ERK pathway-induced proliferation and angiogenesis through the targeting of FGF2 by miR-217-5p.

Integrated surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and convolutional neural network for quantitative and qualitative analysis of pesticide residues on pericarp

Pesticide residue poses a significant global public health concern, necessitating improved detection methods. Here, a novel platform was introduced based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect ten distinct types of pesticides. Notably, the sensitivity of this approach is exemplified by detecting trace amounts of 50 pM (10 ppt) thiabendazole. The correlation between the characteristic peak intensity of coexisting pesticides and their concentrations displays an exceptional linear relationship (R2 = 0.9999), underscoring its utility for quantitative mixed pesticide detection. Additionally, qualitative analysis of five mixed pesticides was conducted leveraging distinctive peak labeling. Harnessing machine learning techniques, a model for classifying and predicting pesticides on pericarps was developed. Remarkably, the convolutional neural network achieved classification accuracy of 100 % and prediction accuracy of 99.62 %. This innovative approach accurately identifies and quantifies diverse pesticides, thus offering a feasible scheme for in-situ detection of pesticide residues. Ultimately, this strategy contributes to ensuring food safety and public health.

Effects of microplastics on soil microorganisms and microbial functions in nutrients and carbon cycling - A review

The harmful effects of microplastics (MPs) pollution in the soil ecosystem have drawn global attention in recent years. This paper critically reviews the effects of MPs on soil microbial diversity and functions in relation to nutrients and carbon cycling. Reports suggested that both plastisphere (MP-microbe consortium) and MP-contaminated soils had distinct and lower microbial diversity than that of non-contaminated soils. Alteration in soil physicochemical properties and microbial interactions within the plastisphere facilitated the enrichment of plastic-degrading microorganisms, including those involved in carbon (C) and nutrient cycling. MPs conferred a significant increase in the relative abundance of soil nitrogen (N)-fixing and phosphorus (P)-solubilizing bacteria, while decreased the abundance of soil nitrifiers and ammonia oxidisers. Depending on soil types, MPs increased bioavailable N and P contents and nitrous oxide emission in some instances. Furthermore, MPs regulated soil microbial functional activities owing to the combined toxicity of organic and inorganic contaminants derived from MPs and contaminants frequently encountered in the soil environment. However, a thorough understanding of the interactions among soil microorganisms, MPs and other contaminants still needs to develop. Since currently available reports are mostly based on short-term laboratory experiments, field investigations are needed to assess the long-term impact of MPs (at environmentally relevant concentration) on soil microorganisms and their functions under different soil types and agro-climatic conditions.

A novel fluorescence probe for ultrafast detection of SO2 derivatives/biogenic amines and its multi-application: Detecting food and fish freshness, fluorescent dye and bioimaging

In this study, we have effectively prepared a novel fluorescent probe named HDXM based on benzopyran derivatives for the ultrafast detection (within 3 s) of SO2 derivatives or biogenic amines. HDXM showed a noticeable color change after the addition of SO2 derivatives (from purple to colorless) or biogenic amines (from purple to blue), indicating that HDXM can identify two analytes with the naked eye. It is worth noting that HDXM can be used to detect SO2 derivatives in actual sugar samples, and to image HSO3-/SO32- in living cells. More importantly, sensing labels (HDXM-loaded filter paper or agarose hydrogel) enable real-time visual monitoring of salmon freshness through colorimetric and fluorescence dual channels. Compared with the Chinese national standard method, the sensing label is an effective tool for evaluating the freshness of fish. Benefiting from its excellent solubility and fluorescence performance, HDXM can be used as a versatile fluorescent material in various applications, including flexible films, glass coatings, impregnating dyes, printing, and fingerprint ink. HDXM is expected to be a promising and valuable multifunctional tool for food safety and fluorescent materials.

Facile synthesis of pyrite FeS2 on carbon spheres for high-efficiency Fenton-like reaction

Designing iron-based catalysts for Fenton-like reactions with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) as oxidants have attracted growing attentions. Herein, pyrite FeS2 supported on carbon spheres (FeS2@C) is synthesized by a facile low-temperature method. The FeS2@C/PMS system can degrade carbamazepine (CBZ) effectively in a wide pH range. Sulfate radicals (SO4·-), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), superoxide radical (O2·-), and singlet oxygen (1O2) are the responsible reactive oxygen species (ROSs) for CBZ degradation. Moreover, in the simulated fixed-bed reactor, the FeS2@C/PMS system can maintain a high CBZ removal ratio of >95% for than 8 h, exhibiting its excellent stability. The outstanding performance of FeS2@C/PMS system is attributed to the presence of carbon spheres and lattice S2-, which together promote the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycle. The FeS2@C is a promising catalyst due to its facile synthesis, low cost, high efficiency, and excellent stability to activate PMS for organics degradation.

IRON MAN interacts with Cu-DEFICIENCY INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 1 to maintain copper homeostasis

Copper (Cu) is essential for plant growth and development. IRON MAN (IMA) is a family of small peptides that can bind both iron (Fe) and Cu ions. It was reported that IMAs mediate Fe homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, it remains unclear whether IMAs are involved in Cu homeostasis. The transcript abundance of IMA genes decreased in response to Cu deficiency. The combined disruption of all IMA genes caused enhanced tolerance to Cu deficiency and resulted in an increase in the transcript abundance of Cu uptake genes, whereas the overexpression of IMA1 or IMA3 led to the opposite results. Protein interaction assays indicated that IMAs interact with Cu-DEFICIENCY INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR1 (CITF1), which is a positive regulator of the Cu uptake genes. Further studies showed that IMAs not only interfere with the DNA binding of CITF1 but also repress the transcriptional activation activity of CITF1, hence resulting in downregulation of the Cu uptake genes. Genetic analyses indicated that IMAs modulate Cu homeostasis in a CITF1-dependent manner. Our findings indicate that IMAs inhibit the functions of CITF1 in regulating Cu deficiency responses, thereby providing a conceptual framework for comprehending the regulation of Cu homeostasis.

Clinical value assessment for serum hsa_tsr013526 in the diagnosis of gastric carcinoma

Gastric carcinoma (GC) is a malignant tumor that is detrimental to human health. Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs are a newly identified class of noncoding small RNAs with specific biological functions that are aberrantly expressed in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of hsa_tsr013526 as a biomarker for GC. Quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression level of hsa_tsr013526. The molecular characteristics of hsa_tsr013526 were verified by agarose gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, and separation of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA fractions. By testing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the diagnostic efficiency of GC using hsa_tsr013526 was determined. Finally, we predicted the downstream of hsa_tsr013526 using functional assays and bioinformatics analysis. Serum expression of hsa_tsr013526 was higher in GC patients than in healthy donors. Serum expression showed differential changes in GC patients, gastritis patients, and healthy donors. Chi-squared tests showed that high expression of hsa_tsr013526 was significantly correlated with T stage, lymphatic metastasis, and tumor node metastasis stage. ROC curve analysis indicated that GC patients could be discriminated from healthy donors or gastritis patients based on their serum levels of hsa_tsr013526. Furthermore, hsa_tsr013526 expression was significantly reduced in postoperative GC patients (p = .0016). High expression of hsa_tsr013526 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Serum hsa_tsr013526 was stable and specific, and could be used for dynamic monitoring of GC patients. Therefore, hsa_tsr013526 may be a new biomarker for the diagnosis and postoperative monitoring of GC patients.

SG-Transunet: A segmentation-guided Transformer U-Net model for KRAS gene mutation status identification in colorectal cancer

Accurately identifying the Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) gene mutation status in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients can assist doctors in deciding whether to use specific targeted drugs for treatment. Although deep learning methods are popular, they are often affected by redundant features from non-lesion areas. Moreover, existing methods commonly extract spatial features from imaging data, which neglect important frequency domain features and may degrade the performance of KRAS gene mutation status identification. To address this deficiency, we propose a segmentation-guided Transformer U-Net (SG-Transunet) model for KRAS gene mutation status identification in CRC. Integrating the strength of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Transformers, SG-Transunet offers a unique approach for both lesion segmentation and KRAS mutation status identification. Specifically, for precise lesion localization, we employ an encoder-decoder to obtain segmentation results and guide the KRAS gene mutation status identification task. Subsequently, a frequency domain supplement block is designed to capture frequency domain features, integrating it with high-level spatial features extracted in the encoding path to derive advanced spatial-frequency domain features. Furthermore, we introduce a pre-trained Xception block to mitigate the risk of overfitting associated with small-scale datasets. Following this, an aggregate attention module is devised to consolidate spatial-frequency domain features with global information extracted by the Transformer at shallow and deep levels, thereby enhancing feature discriminability. Finally, we propose a mutual-constrained loss function that simultaneously constrains the segmentation mask acquisition and gene status identification process. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of SG-Transunet over state-of-the-art methods in discriminating KRAS gene mutation status.

Developing active and intelligent biodegradable packaging from food waste and byproducts: A review of sources, properties, film production methods, and their application in food preservation

Food waste and byproducts (FWBP) are a global issue impacting economies, resources, and health. Recycling and utilizing these wastes, due to processing and economic constraints, face various challenges. However, valuable components in food waste inspire efficient solutions like active intelligent packaging. Though research on this is booming, its material selectivity, effectiveness, and commercial viability require further analysis. This paper categorizes FWBP and explores their potential for producing packaging from both animal and plant perspectives. In addition, the preparation/fabrication methods of these films/coatings have also been summarized comprehensively, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and their commercial adaptability. Finally, the functions of these films/coatings and their ultimate performance in protecting food (meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables) are also reviewed systematically. FWBP provide a variety of methods for the application of edible films, including being made into coatings, films, and fibers for food preservation, or extracting active substances directly or indirectly from them (in the form of encapsulation) and adding them to packaging to endow them with functions such as barrier, antibacterial, antioxidant, and pH response. In addition, the casting method is the most commonly used method for producing edible films, but more film production methods (extrusion, electrospinning, 3D printing) need to be tried to make up for the shortcomings of the current methods. Finally, researchers need to conduct more in-depth research on various active compounds from FWBP to achieve better application effects and commercial adaptability.

Mapping prodromal symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder: A network perspective

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a major mental disorder that significantly impairs behavior and social functioning. This study assessed the network structure of prodromal symptoms in patients with BD prior to their index mood episode. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Scale-Retrospective (BPSS-R) to examine patients' prodromal symptoms. Network analysis was conducted to elucidate inter-relations between prodromal symptoms. A total of 120 eligible patients participated in this study. Network analysis indicated that the observed model was stable. The edge Mania3-Depression9 ('Racing thoughts' - 'Thinking about suicide', edge weight = 14.919) showed the strongest positive connection in the model, followed by the edge Mania1-depression1 ('Extremely energetic/active' - 'Depressed mood', edge weight = 14.643). The only negative correlation in the model was for Mania7-depression2 ('Overly self-confident' - 'Tiredness or lack of energy', edge weight = -1.068). Nodes Mania3 ('Racing thoughts'), Depression9 ('Thinking about suicide'), Mania1 ('Extremely energetic/active'), and Depression1 ('Depressed mood') were the most central symptoms. Both depressive and manic or hypomanic symptoms appeared in the prodromal phase. Symptoms reflecting 'Racing thoughts', 'Thinking about suicide', 'Extremely energetic/active', and 'Depressed mood' should be thoroughly assessed and targeted as crucial prodromal symptoms in interventions to reduce the risk of BD episodes.

A MoS2 nanosheet-based CRISPR/Cas12a biosensor for efficient miRNA quantification for acute myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) represents the leading cause of cardiovascular death worldwide, and it is thus pivotal to develop effective approaches for the timely detection of AMI markers, especially possessing the characteristics of antibody-free, signal amplification, and manipulation convenience. We herein construct a MoS2 nanosheet-powered CRISPR/Cas12a sensing strategy for sensitive determination of miR-499, a superior AMI biomarker to protein markers. The presence of miR-499 at a trace level is able to induce a significantly enhanced fluorescence signal in a DNA-based molecular engineering platform, which consists of CRISPR/Cas12a enzymatic reactions and MoS2 nanosheet-controllable signal reporting components. The MoS2 nanosheets were characterized by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The detection feasibility was verified by using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis and fluorescence measurements. The detection limit is determined as 381.78 pM with the linear range from 0.1 ⅹ 10-9 to 13.33 ⅹ 10-9 M in a fast manner (about 30 min). Furthermore, miRNA detection in real human serum is also conducted with desirable recovery rates (89.5 %-97.6 %), which may find potential application for the clinic diagnosis. We describe herein the first example of MoS2 nanosheet-based signal amplified fluorescence sensor for effective detection of AMI-related miRNA.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α facilitates transmissible gastroenteritis virus replication by inhibiting type I and type III interferon production

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is characterized by watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration and is associated with high mortality especially in newborn piglets, causing significant economic losses to the global pig industry. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) has been identified as a key regulator of TGEV-induced inflammation, but understanding of the effect of HIF-1α on TGEV infection remains limited. This study found that TGEV infection was associated with a marked increase in HIF-1α expression in ST cells and an intestinal organoid epithelial monolayer. Furthermore, HIF-1α was shown to facilitate TGEV infection by targeting viral replication, which was achieved by restraining type I and type III interferon (IFN) production. In vivo experiments in piglets demonstrated that the HIF-1α inhibitor BAY87-2243 significantly reduced HIF-1α expression and inhibited TGEV replication and pathogenesis by activating IFN production. In summary, we unveiled that HIF-1α facilitates TGEV replication by restraining type I and type III IFN production in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. The findings from this study suggest that HIF-1α could be a novel antiviral target and candidate drug against TGEV infection.

Wildfire particulate exposure and risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in the Southwestern United States

OBJECTIVES

Wildfire air pollution is a growing concern on human health. The study aims to assess the associations between wildfire air pollution and pregnancy outcomes in the Southwestern United States.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Birth records of 627,404 singleton deliveries in 2018 were obtained in eight states of the Southwestern United States and were linked to wildfire-sourced fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and their constituents (black carbon [BC] and organic carbon [OC]) during the entire gestational period. A double-robust logistic regression model was used to assess the associations of wildfire-sourced PM2.5 exposures and preterm birth and term low birth weight, adjusting for non-fire-sourced PM2.5 exposure and individual- and area-level confounder variables.

RESULTS

Wildfire-sourced PM2.5 contributed on average 15% of the ambient total PM2.5 concentrations. For preterm birth, the strongest association was observed in the second trimester (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.07 for PM2.5; 1.06, 95% CI: 1.05-1.07 for BC; 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03-1.05 for OC, per interquartile range increment of exposure), with higher risks identified among non-smokers or those with low socio-economic status. For term low birth weight, the associations with wildfire-sourced PM2.5 exposures were consistently elevated for all trimesters except for the exposure averaged over the entire gestational period. Overall, the associations between wildfire-sourced PM2.5 and pregnancy outcomes were stronger than those with total PM2.5.

CONCLUSIONS

Wildfire-sourced PM2.5 and its constituents are linked to higher risks of preterm birth and term low birth weight among a significant US population than the effects of ambient total PM2.5.

Single atom sites as CO scavenger to allow for crude hydrogen usage in PEMFC

Nanosized Pt catalysts are the catalyst-of-choice for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) anode, but are limited by their extreme sensitivity to CO in parts per million (ppm) level, thereby making the use of ultrapure H2 a prerequisite to ensure acceptable performance. Herein, we confront the CO poisoning issue by bringing the Ir/Rh single atom sites to synergistically working with their metallic counterparts. In presence of 1000 ppm CO, the catalyst represents not only undisturbed H2 oxidation reaction (HOR) catalytic behavior in electrochemical cell, but also unparalleled peak power density at 643 mW cm-2 in single cell, 27-fold in mass activity of the best PtRu/C catalysts available. Pre-poisoning experiments and surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS) and calculation results in combine suggest the presence of adjacent Ir/Rh single atom sites (SASs) to the nanoparticles (NPs) as the origin for this prominent catalytic behavior. The single sites not only exhibit superb CO oxidation performance by themselves, but can also scavenge the CO adsorbed on approximated NPs via supplying reactive OH* species. We open up a new route here to conquer the formidable CO poisoning issue through single atom and nanoparticle synergistic catalysis, and pave the way towards a more robust PEMFC future.

Association analyses between the variants of SNAP25, SV2C and ST3GAL2 and the efficacy of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of the primary Meige syndrome

Objective

Individual differences were observed in the clinical efficacy of Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) in the treatment of the primary Meige syndrome. Our study aimed to explore the potential associations between the clinical efficacy of BoNT-A in the treatment of the primary Meige syndrome and variants of SNAP25, SV2C and ST3GAL2, which are involving in the translocation of the BoNT-A in vivo.

Methods

Patients with the primary Meige syndrome treated with BoNT-A were enrolled. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the maximum improvement rate of motor symptoms and the duration of efficacy. Variants of SNAP25, SV2C and ST3GAL2 were obtained by Sanger sequencing. Another cohort diagnosed with primary cervical dystonia was also enrolled in the replication stage.

Results

Among the 104 primary Meige syndrome patients, 80 patients (76.9%) had a good efficacy (the maximum improvement rate of motor symptoms ≥30%) and 24 (23. 1%) had a poor (the maximum improvement rate of motor symptoms <30%). As to the duration of efficacy, 52 patients (50.0%) had a long duration of efficacy (≥4 months), and 52 (50.0%) had a short (<4 months). In terms of primary Meige syndrome, SNAP25 rs6104571 was found associating with the maximum improvement rate of motor symptoms (Genotype: P = 0.02, OR = 0.26; Allele: P = 0.013, OR = 0.29), and SV2C rs31244 was found associating with the duration of efficacy (Genotype: P = 0.024, OR = 0.13; Allele: P = 0.012, OR = 0.13). Besides, we also conducted the association analyses between the variants and BoNT-A-related adverse reactions. Although, there was no statistical difference between the allele of SV2C rs31244 and BoNT-A-related adverse reactions, there was a trend (P = 0.077, OR = 2.56). In the replication stage, we included 39 patients with primary cervical dystonia to further expanding the samples' size. Among the 39 primary cervical dystonia patients, 25 patients (64.1%) had a good efficacy (the maximum improvement rate of motor symptoms ≥50%) and 14 (35.9%) had a poor (the maximum improvement rate of motor symptoms <50%). As to the duration of efficacy, 32 patients (82.1%) had a long duration of efficacy (≥6 months), and 7 (17.9%) had a short (<6 months). Integrating primary Meige syndrome and primary cervical dystonia, SV2C rs31244 was still found associating with the duration of efficacy (Genotype: P = 0.002, OR = 0. 23; Allele: P = 0.001, OR = 0. 25).

Conclusion

In our study, SNAP25 rs6104571 was associated with the maximum improvement rate of motor symptoms in patients with primary Meige syndrome treated with BoNT-A, and patients carrying this variant had a lower improvement rate of motor symptoms. SV2C rs31244 was associated with duration of treatment in patients with primary Meige syndrome treated with BoNT-A and patients carrying this variant had a shorter duration of treatment. Patients with primary Meige syndrome carrying SV2C rs31244 G allele have an increase likelihood of BoNT-A-related adverse reactions. Involving 39 patients with primary cervical dystonia, the results further verify that SV2C rs31244 was associated with duration of treatment and patients carrying this variant had a shorter duration of treatment.

Epigenetic, transcriptional, and functional characterization of myeloid cells in familial Mediterranean fever

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a periodic fever syndrome caused by variation in MEFV. FMF is known for IL-1β dysregulation, but the innate immune landscape of this disease has not been comprehensively described. Therefore, we studied circulating inflammatory proteins, and the function of monocytes and (albeit less extensively) neutrophils in treated FMF patients in remission. We found that monocyte IL-1β and IL-6 production was enhanced upon stimulation, in concordance with alterations in the plasma inflammatory proteome. We did not observe changes in neutrophil functional assays. Subtle differences in chromatin accessibility and transcriptomics in our small patient cohort further argued for monocyte dysregulation. Together, these observations suggest that the MEFV-mutation-mediated primary immune dysregulation in monocytes leads to chronic inflammation that is subsequently associated with counterregulatory epigenetic/transcriptional changes reminiscent of tolerance. These data increase our understanding of the innate immune changes in FMF, aiding future management of chronic inflammation in these patients.

Neurovascular coupling in the attention during visual working memory processes

Focusing attention in visual working memory (vWM) depends on the ability to filter distractors and expand the scope of targets. Although many properties of attention processes in vWM have been well documented, it remains unclear how the mechanisms of neurovascular coupling (NVC) function during attention processes in vWM. Here, we show simultaneous multimodal data that reveal the similar temporal and spatial features of attention processes during vWM. These similarities lead to common NVC outcomes across individuals. When filtering out distractors, the electroencephalography (EEG)-informed NVC displayed broader engagement across the frontoparietal network. A negative correlation may exist between behavioral metrics and EEG-informed NVC strength related to attention control. On a dynamic basis, NVC features exhibited higher discriminatory power in predicting behavior than other features alone. These results underscore how multimodal approaches can advance our understanding of the role of attention in vWM, and how NVC fluctuations are associated with actual behavior.

Pathway of Room-Temperature Formation of CdSeS Magic-Size Clusters from Mixtures of CdSe and CdS Samples

The synthetic application of prenucleation-stage samples of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) is in its infancy. It is shown that when two prenucleation-stage samples of binary CdSe and CdS are mixed, ternary CdSeS magic-size clusters (MSCs) grow at room temperature in dispersion. As the amount of the CdS sample increases, the optical absorption of the CdSeS MSCs blueshifts from ≈380 to ≈360 nm. It is proposed that the cluster in the CdSe sample reacts with the CdS monomer from the CdS sample. The monomer substitution reaction of CdSe by CdS can proceed continuously; thus, CdSeS MSCs with tunable compositions are obtained. The present study provides compelling evidence that clusters formed in the prenucleation stage of QDs. The clusters are precursor compounds (PCs) of MSCs, transforming at room temperature with the thermoneutrality principle of isodesmic reactions. The nucleation and growth of QDs follows a multi-step non-classical instead of one-step classical nucleation model.

MiR-202-3p Targets Calm1 and Suppresses Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is regarded as a type of respiratory failure. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the significant roles of microRNAs in various disorders. Nevertheless, the role of miR-202-3p in ARDS is unclear. Forty male C57BL/6 mice treated with phosphate buffer saline/lipopolysaccharide (PBS/LPS) and administrated with NC/miR-202-3p agomir were divided into four groups. A reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the level of miR-202-3p, its target genes, and proinflammatory factors. Hematoxylin‑eosin was utilized for histological observation of the lung tissues. The Wet/Dry ratio, myeloperoxidase activity, and total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were assessed to determine pulmonary edema. Western blotting was used for quantifying protein levels of proinflammatory factors, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling-associated proteins. Calmodulin 1 (Calm1) protein expression in murine lung tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The binding relation between miR-202-3p and Calm1 was assessed by luciferase reporter assay. The results showed that miR-202-3p was lowly expressed in the lung tissues of ARDS mice. Overexpressed miR-202-3p relieved LPS-induced edema, reduced proinflammatory factors, and inactivated NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling in murine lung tissues. Calm1 was targeted by miR-202-3p and displayed a high level of LPS-induced ARDS. In conclusion, miR-202-3p targets Calm1 and suppresses inflammation in LPS-induced ARDS, thereby inhibiting the pathogenesis of ARDS in a mouse model.

Accelerating Intersystem Crossing in Multiresonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters via Long-Range Charge Transfer

Multiresonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) emitters are excellent candidates for high-performance organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) due to their narrowband emission properties. However, the inherent mechanism of regulating the rate of intersystem crossing (ISC) is ambiguous in certain MR-TADF skeletons. Herein, we propose a mechanism of accelerating ISC in B/S-based MR-TADF emitters by peripheral modifications of electron-donating groups (EDGs) without affecting the narrowband emission property. The long-range charge transfer (LRCT) stems from the introduced EDG leading to high-lying singlet and triplet excited states. The ISC process is accelerated by the enhanced spin-orbital coupling (SOC) between the singlet short-range charge transfer (SRCT) and triplet LRCT manifolds. Meanwhile, the narrowband emission derived from the MR-type SRCT state is well retained as expected in the peripherally modified MR-TADF emitters. This work reveals the regulation mechanism of photophysical properties by high-lying LRCT excited states and provides a significant theoretical basis for modulating the rate of ISC in the further design of MR-TADF materials.

[Current status of pubertal sexual characteristics development of 2 704 girls aged 6-18 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing]

Objective: To understand the current status of pubertal sexual characteristics development of girls aged 6-18 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing and to compare the differences in sexual characteristics development among girls characterized as thin, normal, overweight, and obese. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2 844 girls aged 6-18 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing from September 2022 to July 2023. The developmental stages of breast and pubic hair were assessed on site, and menarche status was inquired. Weight and height were measured. The girls were subsequently characterized into thin, normal, overweight and obese groups. Basic information (including family and personal history) was obtained through questionnaires. Probit probability unit regression was applied to calculate the age of each Tanner stage of sexual characteristics development and the age of menarche. The χ2 test was applied to compare the counting data between two or multiple groups. Results: A total of 2 844 girls were surveyed and 2 704 girls met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a valid response rate of 95.1%. Among these girls, 1 105 (40.9%) were aged 6-9 years, 1 053 (38.9%) were aged 10-13 years, and 546 (20.2%) were aged 14-18 years. The of height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), and body mass index-for-age Z-score (BAZ) were 0.46(-0.23,1.16), 0.69(-0.16,1.67), and 0.67(-0.27,1.73) respectively. The prevalences of thin, overweight, and obesity were respectively 1.7% (45/2 704), 17.3% (467/2 704), and 19.9% (538/2 704), respectively. There were 45 girls in the thin group, 1 654 girls in the normal weight group, 1 005 girls in the overweight and obesity group. The age of Tanner stage breast 2 (B2), Tanner stage pubic hair 2 (P2), and menarche was 9.0 (95%CI 8.9-9.1), 10.5 (95%CI 10.4-10.6), and 11.4 (95%CI 11.3-1.5) years, respectively. The current status of breast and pubic hair maturity in girls with pubertal development shows that 64.6% (1 211/1 874) of these girls had breast development preceding pubic hair development, 32.4% (607/1 874) had concurrent breast and pubic hair development, and 3.0% (56/1 874) had pubic hairs development preceding breast development. The interval age between B2 and B5 was 4.7 (95%CI 4.6-4.8) years, between P2 and P5 was 4.5 (95%CI 4.4-4.6) years, and between B2 and menarche was 2.4 (95%CI 2.3-2.5) years. The ages of sexual characteristics development in overweight and obese groups were earlier than that in normal and thin groups. The ages of B2 in thin, normal, overweight, and obese groups were 10.0 (95%CI 9.5-10.6), 9.3 (95%CI 9.2-9.4), and 8.6 (95%CI 8.4-8.7) years, respectively. The age of menarche in thin, normal, overweight, and obese groups were 13.1 (95%CI 12.4-13.7), 11.6 (95%CI 11.4-11.7), and 11.1 (95%CI 11.0-11.2) years, respectively. The interval ages between B2 and B5 and between P2 and P5 was 4.5 and 4.1 years, respectively in the overweight and obese groups, and those in normal group and thin group was 4.7 and 4.5 years, 4.6 and 4.7 years, respectively. Conclusions: The ages of sexual characteristics development and menarche tend in Tongzhou District of Beijing to be earlier than that being reported of Beijing's survey 20 years ago. Girls characterized as overweight and obese not only start puberty at an earlier age than girls of normal weight, but also have a shorter developmental process.

PIVKA-II combined with alpha-fetoprotein for the diagnostic value of hepatic tumors in children: a multicenter, prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

To investigate whether protein induced by vitamin K antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) combined with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can improve the diagnostic and differential diagnostic accuracy of childhood hepatic tumors.

METHODS

A multi-center prospective observational study was performed at nine regional institutions around China. Children with hepatic mass (Group T) were divided into hepatoblastoma group (Group THB) and hemangioendothelioma group (Group THE), children with extrahepatic abdominal mass (Group C). Peripheral blood was collected from each patient prior to surgery or chemotherapy. The area under the curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of PIVKA-II and the combined tumor markers with AFP.

RESULTS

The mean levels of PIVKA-II and AFP were both significantly higher in Group T than Group C (p = 0.001, p < 0.001), in Group THB than Group THE (p = 0.018, p = 0.013) and in advanced HB than non-advanced HB (p = 0.001, p = 0.021). For the diagnosis of childhood hepatic tumors, AUROC of PIVKA-II (cut-off value 32.6 mAU/mL) and AFP (cut-off value 120 ng/mL) was 0.867 and 0.857. The differential diagnostic value of PIVKA-II and AFP in hepatoblastoma from hemangioendothelioma was further assessed, AUROC of PIVKA-II (cut-off value 47.1mAU/mL) and AFP (cut-off value 560 ng/mL) was 0.876 and 0.743. The combined markers showed higher AUROC (0.891, 0.895 respectively) than PIVKA-II or AFP alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum level of PIVKA-II was significantly higher in children with hepatic tumors, especially those with malignant tumors. The combination of PIVKA-II with AFP further increased the diagnostic performance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials, NCT03645655. Registered 20 August 2018, https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/ct2/show/NCT03645655 .

Comparison of pH-induced protein-polyphenol self-assembly methods: Binding mechanism, structure, and functional characteristics

Herein, we used pH-shifted and pH-driven methods to assemble kidney-bean protein isolate (KPI) and luteolin (Lut) into a nanocomplex and subsequently investigated their binding mechanism, structure, and functional properties. Results showed that the nanocomplex prepared by the pH-driven method exhibited a better encapsulation effect and controlled release of Lut. Fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking analysis showed that the binding affinities under alkaline conditions were higher than those under acidic and neutral conditions. Various spectral techniques were used to determine the structural changes in the KPI-Lut nanocomplex, including the transformation of α-helices and β-sheets and alteration of specific amino acid microenvironments, which were more pronounced in the pH-driven nanocomplex. The structural changes in the nanocomplex further affected their surface hydrophobicity and thermal stability. Additionally, the combination of KPI and Lut significantly improved the antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory ability of the resultant nanocomplexes, particularly the one prepared by the pH-driven method.

[Clinical characteristics of children with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in Yunnan]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of 130 children with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in Yunnan province after the relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, and analyze the risk factors for mortality. Methods: This study is a retrospective case summary that analyzed the demographic data, underlying diseases, clinical diagnoses, disease outcomes, and laboratory results of 130 children with severe COVID-19 infections admitted to nine top-tier hospitals in Yunnan Province from December 2022 to March 2023. According to the prognosis, the patients were divided into survival group and death group. The clinical and laboratory data between the two groups were compared, and the risk factors of death were evaluated. The χ2 test and Mann-Whitney U test were employed to compare between groups, while Spearman correlation test and multiple Logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for death. The predictive value of independent risk factors was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: The 130 severe patients included 80 males and 50 females with an onset age of 28.0 (4.5, 79.5) months. There were 97 cases in the survival group and 33 cases in the death group with no significant differences in gender and age between the two groups (P>0.05). Twenty-five cases (19.2%) out of the 130 patients had underlying diseases, and the number with underlying diseases was significantly higher in death group than in survival group (36.4% (12/33) vs. 13.4%(13/97), χ2=8.36, P=0.004). The vaccination rate in the survival group was significantly higher than that in the death group (86.1% (31/36) vs. 7/17, χ2=9.38, P=0.002). A total of 42 cases (32.3%) of the 130 patients were detected to be infected with other pathogens, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of co-infection between the death group and the survival group (39.3%(13/33) vs. 29% (29/97), χ2=1.02, P>0.05). Among the 130 cases, severe respiratory cases were the most common 66 cases (50.8%), followed by neurological severe illnesses 34 cases (26.2%) and circulatory severe cases 13 cases (10%). Compared to the survival group, patients in the death group had a significantly higher levels of neutrophil, ferritin, procalcitonin, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, B-type natriuretic peptide, interleukin-6 and 10 (6.7 (4.0, 14.0) vs. 3.0 (1.6, 7.0)×109/L, 479 (298, 594) vs. 268 (124, 424) μg/L, 4.8 (1.7, 10.6) vs. 2.0 (1.1, 3.1) μg/L, 66 (20, 258) vs. 23 (15, 49) U/L, 464 (311, 815) vs. 304 (252, 388) g/L, 71(52, 110) vs. 24(15, 48) U/L, 484 (160, 804) vs. 154 (26, 440) ng/L, 43 (23, 102) vs. 19 (13, 27) ng/L, 216 (114, 318) vs. 86 (45, 128) ng/L, Z=-4.21, -3.67, -3.76, -3.31, -3.75, -5.74, -3.55, -4.65, -5.86, all P<0.05). The correlated indexes were performed by multivariate Logistic regression and the results showed that vaccination was a protective factor from death in severe cases (OR=0.01, 95%CI 0-0.97, P=0.049) while pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (PSOFA) (OR=3.31, 95%CI 1.47-7.47, P=0.004), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (OR=1.56, 95%CI 1.05-2.32, P=0.029) and D dimer (OR=1.49, 95%CI 1.00-1.02, P=0.033) were independent risk factors for death (all P<0.05). The area under the curve of the three independent risk factors for predicting death were 0.86 (95%CI 0.79-0.94), 0.89 (95%CI 0.84-0.95) and 0.87 (95%CI 0.80-0.94), all P<0.001, and the cut-off values were 4.50, 3.66 and 4.69 mg/L, respectively. Conclusions: Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection can occur in children of all ages, primarily affecting the respiratory system, but can also infect the nervous system, circulatory system or other systems. Children who died had more severe inflammation, tissue damage and coagulation disorders. The elevations of PSOFA, NLR and D dimer were independent risk factors for death in severe children.

Integrated analysis of metabolome, transcriptome, and bioclimatic factors of Acer truncatum seeds reveals key candidate genes related to unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and potentially optimal production area

BACKGROUND

Lipids found in plant seeds are essential for controlling seed dormancy, dispersal, and defenses against biotic and abiotic stress. Additionally, these lipids provide nutrition and energy and are therefore important to the human diet as edible oils. Acer truncatum, which belongs to the Aceaceae family, is widely cultivated around the world for its ornamental value. Further because its seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs)- i.e. α-linolenic acid (ALA) and nervonic acid (NA)- and because it has been validated as a new food resource in China, the importance of A. truncatum has greatly risen. However, it remains unknown how UFAs are biosynthesized during the growth season, to what extent environmental factors impact their content, and what areas are potentially optimal for their production.

RESULTS

In this study, transcriptome and metabolome of A. truncatum seeds at three representative developmental stages was used to find the accumulation patterns of all major FAs. Cumulatively, 966 metabolites and 87,343 unigenes were detected; the differential expressed unigenes and metabolites were compared between stages as follows: stage 1 vs. 2, stage 1 vs. 3, and stage 2 vs. 3 seeds, respectively. Moreover, 13 fatty acid desaturases (FADs) and 20 β-ketoacyl-CoA synthases (KCSs) were identified, among which the expression level of FAD3 (Cluster-7222.41455) and KCS20 (Cluster-7222.40643) were consistent with the metabolic results of ALA and NA, respectively. Upon analysis of the geographical origin-affected diversity from 17 various locations, we found significant variation in phenotypes and UFA content. Notably, in this study we found that 7 bioclimatic variables showed considerable influence on FAs contents in A. truncatum seeds oil, suggesting their significance as critical environmental parameters. Ultimately, we developed a model for potentially ecological suitable regions in China.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between metabolome and transcriptome in A. truncatum at various developmental stages of seeds and a new strategy to enhance seed FA content, especially ALA and NA. This is particularly significant in meeting the increasing demands for high-quality edible oil for human consumption. The study offers a scientific basis for A. truncatum's novel utilization as a woody vegetable oil rather than an ornamental plant, potentially expanding its cultivation worldwide.

Deciphering biomolecular complexities: the indispensable role of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy in modern bioanalytical research

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as an indispensable analytical tool in biomolecular research, providing unmatched sensitivity critical for the elucidation of biomolecular structures. This review presents a thorough examination of SERS, outlining its fundamental principles, cataloging its varied applications within the biomolecular sphere, and contemplating its future developmental trajectories. We begin with a detailed analysis of SERS's mechanistic principles, emphasizing both the phenomena of surface enhancement and the complexities inherent in Raman scattering spectroscopy. Subsequently, we delve into the pivotal role of SERS in the structural analysis of diverse biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and biochromes. The remarkable capabilities of SERS extend beyond mere detection, offering profound insights into biomolecular configurations and interactions, thereby enriching our comprehension of intricate biological processes. This review also sheds light on the application of SERS in real-time monitoring of various bio-relevant compounds, from enzymes and coenzymes to metal ion-chelate complexes and cellular organelles, thereby providing a holistic view and empowering researchers to unravel the complexities of biological systems. We also address the current challenges faced by SERS, such as enhancing sensitivity and resolution, developing stable and reproducible substrates, and conducting thorough analyses in complex biological matrices. Nonetheless, the continual advancements in nanotechnology and spectroscopy solidify the standing of SERS as a formidable force in biomolecular research. In conclusion, the versatility and robustness of SERS not only deepen our understanding of biomolecular intricacies but also pave the way for significant developments in medical research, therapeutic innovation, and diagnostic approaches.

A colorimetric and NIR fluorescent probe for ultrafast detecting bisulfite and organic amines and its applications in food, imaging, and monitoring fish freshness

Herein, for the first time, we have successfully constructed a novel near-infrared (NIR) emission fluorescent probe Dpyt for ultrafast detecting (within 5 s) bisulfate and organic amines based on a 1,2-dihydrocyclopenta[b]chromene-barbiturate conjugation system. Upon addition of bisulfate or organic amines, Dpyt displayed a distinct color change from blue to colorless or from purple to blue, respectively, suggesting that the Dpyt can be used to detect two analytes by the naked eye. Based on quantum chemistry calculations, the fluorescence quenching of Dpyt after the addition of HSO3- is caused by the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process of the adduct Dpyt-HSO3-. The fluorescence enhancement of Dpyt caused by most organic amines is due to the enhanced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process of deprotonated Dpyt. Notably, Dpyt can be applied for detecting HSO3- in actual food samples such as red wine and sugar, as well as for imaging of HSO3- and representative propylamine in living cells. And more importantly, indicator labels constructed by filter paper loaded with Dpyt can visually monitor the freshness of salmon in real-time by daylight and fluorescence dual-mode. The comparison with national standard method of China manifests that indicator labels are a valid tool to assess the freshness of seafood.

Supramolecular Coordination Complexes for Synergistic Cancer Therapy

ConspectusSupramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs) are predictable and size-tunable supramolecular self-assemblies constructed through directional coordination bonds between readily available organic ligands and metallic receptors. Based on planar and 3D structures, SCCs can be mainly divided into two categories: metallacycles (e.g., rhomboidal, triangular, rectangular, and hexagonal) and metallacages (e.g., tetrahedral, hexahedral, and dodecahedral). The directional coordination bonds enable the efficient formation of metallacycles and metallacages with well-defined architectures and geometries. SCCs exhibit several advantages, including good directionality, strong interaction force, tunable modularity, and good solution processability, making them highly attractive for biomedical applications, especially in cellular imaging and cancer therapy. Compared with their molecular precursors, SCCs demonstrate enhanced cellular uptake and a strengthened tumor accumulation effect, owing to their inherently charged structures. These properties and the chemotherapeutic potential inherent to organic platinum complexes have promoted their widespread application in antitumor therapy. Furthermore, the defined structures of SCCs, achieved via the design modification of assembly elements and introduction of different functional groups, enable them to combat malignant tumors through multipronged treatment modalities. Because the development of cancer-treatment methodologies integrated in clinics has evolved from single-modality chemotherapy to synergistic multimodal therapy, the development of functional SCCs for synergistic cancer therapy is crucial. While some pioneering reviews have explored the bioapplications of SCCs, often categorized by a specific function or focusing on the specific metal or ligand types, a comprehensive exploration of their synergistic multifunctionality is a critical gap in the current literature.In this Account, we focus on platinum-based SCCs and their applications in cancer therapy. While other metals, such as Pd-, Rh-, Ru-, and Ir-based SCCs, have been explored for cancer therapy by Therrien and Casini et al., platinum-based SCCs have garnered significant interest, owing to their unique advantages in antitumor therapy. These platinum-based SCCs, which enhance antitumor efficacy, are considered prominent candidates for cancer therapies owing to their desirable properties, such as potent antitumor activity, exceptionally low systemic toxicity, active tumor-targeting ability, and enhanced cellular uptake. Furthermore, diverse diagnostic and therapeutic modalities (e.g., chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy) can be integrated into a single platform based on platinum-based SCCs for cancer therapy. Consequently, herein, we summarize our recent research on platinum-based SCCs for synergistic cancer therapy with particular emphasis on the cooperative interplay between different therapeutic methods. In the Conclusions section, we present the key advancements achieved on the basis of our research findings and propose future directions that may significantly impact the field.

Comprehensive pulmonary metabolic responses to silica nanoparticles exposure in Fisher 344 rats

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) could induce adverse pulmonary effects, but the mechanism was not clear enough. Metabolomics is a sensitive and high-throughput approach that could investigate the intrinsic causes of adverse health effects caused by SiNPs. The current investigation represented the first in vivo metabolomics study examining the chronic pulmonary toxicity of SiNPs at a low dosage, mimicking real human exposure situation. The recovery process after the cessation of exposure was also taken into consideration. Fisher 344 rats were treated with either saline or SiNPs for 6 months. Half of the animals in each group received an additional six-month period for recovery. The findings indicated that chronic low-level exposure to SiNPs resulted in notable alterations in pulmonary metabolism of amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleotides. SiNPs exerted an impact on various metabolites and metabolic pathways which are linked to oxidative stress, inflammation and tumorigenesis. These included but were not limited to L-carnitine, spermidine, taurine, xanthine, and glutathione metabolism. The metabolic alterations caused by SiNPs exhibited a degree of reversibility. However, the interference of SiNPs on two metabolic pathways related to tumorigenesis was observed to persist after a recovery period. The two metabolic pathways are glycerophospholipid metabolism as well as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis. This study elucidated the metabolic alterations induced by chronic low-level exposure to SiNPs and presented novel evidence of the chronic pulmonary toxicity and carcinogenicity of SiNPs, from a metabolomic perspective.

Synthesis of tetraphenylethylene-based small molecular sensor for the selective "turn-on" detection of pyrophosphoric acid in the aqueous solution

Pyrophosphoric acid (PPi) is a crucial indicator for monitoring adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis processes, and abnormal PPi levels in the human body seriously threaten human health. Thus the efficient detection of the concentration of PPi in the aqueous solution is important and urgent. This paper described the successful synthesis of a tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivative, named as TPE-4B, which contained four chelate pyridinium groups exhibiting aggregation-induced emission characteristics. TPE-4B was explicitly developed for the selective and sensitive fluorescence detection of PPi in aqueous solutions, showing a fluorescence "turn-on" response, and the detection limit was 65 nM. The four chelate pyridinium moieties of TPE-4B exhibited robust electrostatic interactions and binding capacity towards PPi, leading to the formation of aggregations, which was confirmed by zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. Compared with free TPE-4B in the aqueous solution, the zeta potential of aggregations decreased from 20.7 to 4.2 mV, the average diameter increased from 155 to 403 nm, and the morphology transformed from porous nanostructures into a block-like format. Leveraging these properties, TPE-4B is a promising candidate for a "turn-on" fluorescence sensor designed to detect PPi in the aqueous solution.

Ultra-stable hollow nanotube conjugated microporous polymer incorporating fluorenyl moieties for Co-capture of PM and CO2

Conjugated microporous polymers have a highly delocalized π-π conjugated porous skeleton connected by covalent bonds, which can combine their excellent stability with high adsorption, in order to be applied to the study of co-capture of harmful particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide (CO2) under high temperature and high humidity conditions. In this paper, fluorene-based coupled conjugated microporous polymers (D-CMPs) with functionalized hollow nanotubes and abundant microporous structures were proposed. Through mechanism exploration and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) calculation, the capture efficiency, adsorption capacity and selectivity of PM and CO2 in the waste gas stream of carbon-based combustion were analyzed. The results indicate that D-CMPs, with their rigid carbon-based π-conjugated framework, exhibit excellent tolerance under prolonged high-humidity conditions, with a capture efficiency exceeding 99.87% for PM0.3 and exceeding 99.99% for PM2.5. Meanwhile, based on its chemical/thermal stability, it can realize the recycling of adsorption-regeneration. On this basis, the "slip effect" induced by the open three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure of D-CMPs significantly enhances airflow dispersion and improves gas throughput (with a minimal permeation resistance of only 15 Pa). At a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 273.15 K, D-CMP-2 exhibited a CO2 adsorption capacity of up to 2.69 mmol g-1. The fitting results of three isothermal adsorption models demonstrate that D-CMPs exhibit an outstanding equilibrium selectivity towards CO2. Therefore, prior to the widespread adoption of low-carbon and clean energy technologies, porous solid materials exhibiting excellent structural stability, equilibrium selectivity, environmental tolerance, and high adsorption capacity emerge as optimal candidates for the treatment of industrial waste gases.