Occurrence and fate of microplastics from a water source to two different drinking water treatment plants in a megacity in eastern China

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) contamination in drinking water has raised concerns regarding water safety and public health. In this study, a micro-Raman spectrometer was used to trace the occurrence of MP transport from a water source to a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP)1 with an advanced treatment process and DWTP2 with a conventional treatment process and the contributions of different processes to the risk reduction of MPs were explored. Six types of MPs were detected: polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride. 2-5 μm (35.8-41.2%) and polyethylene terephthalate (27.1-29.9%) were the most frequently detected MP sizes and types of water source samples, respectively. The abundance of MPs in treated water decreased by 72.7-83.0% compared to raw water. Ozonation and granular activated carbon (52.7%), and sand filtration (47.5%) were the most effective processes for removing MPs from DWTP1 and DWTP2, respectively. Both DWTPs showed significant removal effects on polyethylene terephthalate, with 80.0-88.1% removal rates. The concentrations of polystyrene increase by 30.0-53.4% after chlorination. The dominant components in the treated water of DWTP1 and DWTP2 were polypropylene (24.7%) and polyethylene 27.7%, respectively, and MPs of 2-5 μm had the highest proportion (55.3-64.3%). Pollution load index and potential ecological risk index of raw water treated by DWTPs were reduced by 48.0-58.7% and 94.5-94.7%, respectively. The estimated daily intake of MPs in treated water for infants was 45.5-75.0 items/kg/d, respectively, approximately twice that of adults. This study contributes to the knowledge gap regarding MP pollution in drinking water systems.

[Propensity score matching analysis of the short-term efficacy of Kamikawa versus double- tract reconstruction in laparoscopic proximal gastric cancer surgery]

Objective: To compare the short-term efficacy of Kamikawa anastomosis and double-tract reconstruction (DTR) after proximal gastrectomy. Methods: This was a propensity score matched, retrospective, cohort study. Inclusion criteria comprised age 20-70 years, diagnosis of gastric cancer by pathological examination of preoperative endoscopic biopsies, tumor diameter ≤4 cm, and location in the upper 1/3 of the stomach (including the gastroesophageal junction), and TNM stage IA, IB, or IIA. The study cohort comprised 73 patients who had undergone laparoscopic proximal gastric cancer radical surgery in the Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University between June 2020 and February 2023, 19 of whom were in the Kamikawa group and 54 in the DTR group. After using R language to match the baseline characteristics of patients in a ratio of 1:2, there were 17 patients in the Kamikawa group and 34 in the DTR group. Surgery-related conditions, postoperative quality of life, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results: After propensity score matching, there were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the DTR group, the Kamikawa group had longer operative times (321.5±15.7 minutes vs. 296.8±26.1 minutes, t=32.056, P<0.001), longer anastomosis times (93.0±6.8 minutes vs. 45.3±7.7 minutes, t=56.303, P<0.001), and less bleeding (76 [54~103] mL vs.112 [82~148) mL, Z=71.536, P<0.001); these differences are statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in tumor size, time to first postoperative passage of gas, postoperative hospital stay, number of lymph nodes removed, duration of lymph node dissection, or total hospitalization cost (all P>0.05). The median follow-up time was 6.1 ± 1.8 months. As to postoperative quality of life, the Kamikawa group had a lower rate of upper gastrointestinal contrast reflux than did the DTR group (0 vs. 29.4% [10/34], χ2=6.220, P=0.013); this difference is statistically significant. However, differences between the two groups in quality of life score on follow-up of 3 months and 6 months on the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) scale were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 2/17 in the Kamikawa group, which is significantly lower than the 41.2% (14/34) in the DTR group (χ2=4.554, P=0.033). Conclusion: Kamikawa anastomosis and DTR are equally safe and effective procedures for reconstructing the digestive tract after proximal gastric surgery. Although Kamikawa anastomosis takes slightly longer and places higher demands on the surgical team, it is more effective at preventing postoperative reflux.

PFAS release from the subsurface and capillary fringe during managed aquifer recharge

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is a sustainable way of harvesting groundwater in water-stressed urbanized areas, where reclaimed wastewater or stormwater is applied on a large basin to infiltrate water into the groundwater aquifer naturally. This process could rapidly fluctuate the water table and move the capillary fringe boundary, and the change in flow dynamic and associated geochemical changes could trigger the release of sequestered pollutants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals', from the subsurface and capillary fringe. Yet, the potential of PFAS release from the subsurface and capillary zone during recharge events when the water table rapidly fluctuates has not been evaluated. This study uses laboratory column experiments to simulate PFAS release from pre-contaminated subsurface and capillary fringe during groundwater table fluctuation. The results reveal that the groundwater level fluctuations during MAR increased the release of perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) from the capillary fringe, but the fraction released depended on PFAS type and their association with soil colloids. A higher proportion of PFOS in column effluent was found to be associated with particles, while a greater portion of released PFBS was in a free or dissolved state. The direction of water table fluctuation did not affect the release of PFAS in this study. A lack of change in the concentration of bromide, a conservative tracer, during flow interruption, indicates that diffusion of PFAS through reconnected pores during water table rise had an insignificant effect on PFAS release. Overall, this study provides insights into how PFAS can be released from the subsurface and capillary fringe during managed aquifer recharge when the groundwater level is expected to fluctuate quickly.

Transcriptional Differential Analysis of Nitazoxanide-Mediated Anticanine Parvovirus Effect in F81 Cells

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a single-stranded DNA virus that can cause typical hemorrhagic enteritis, and it is one of the common canine lethal viruses. In previous studies, we screened the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s drug library and identified nitazoxanide (NTZ), which has anti-CPV capabilities. To investigate the potential antiviral mechanisms, we first reconfirmed the inhibitory effect of NTZ on the CPV by inoculating with different doses and treating for different lengths of time. Then, the differences in the transcription levels between the 0.1%-DMSO-treated virus group and the NTZ-treated virus group were detected using RNA-seq, and a total of 758 differential expression genes (DEGs) were finally identified. Further Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the DEGs revealed that these genes are involved in a variety of biological processes and/or signaling pathways, such as cell cycle, mitosis and cell proliferation and differentiation. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis further identified hub genes associated with cell cycle and division among the DEGs. In addition, the expression levels of some of the enriched genes were detected, which were consistent with the high-throughput sequencing results. Moreover, when the cell cycle was regulated with cell cycle checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitor MK-8776 or Prexasertib HCl, both inhibitors inhibited the CPV. In summary, the transcriptome differential analysis results presented in this paper lay the foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism and potential targets of NTZ anti-CPV.

Dual-Fuel Propelled Nanomotors with Two-Stage Permeation for Deep Bacterial Infection in the Treatment of Pulpitis

Bacterial infection-induced inflammatory response could cause irreversible death of pulp tissue in the absence of timely and effective therapy. Given that, the narrow structure of root canal limits the therapeutic effects of passive diffusion-drugs, considerable attention has been drawn to the development of nanomotors, which have high tissue penetration abilities but generally face the problem of insufficient fuel concentration. To address this drawback, dual-fuel propelled nanomotors (DPNMs) by encapsulating L-arginine (L-Arg), calcium peroxide (CaO2 ) in metal-organic framework is developed. Under pathological environment, L-Arg could release nitric oxide (NO) by reacting with reactive oxygen species (ROS) to provide the driving force for movement. Remarkably, the depleted ROS could be supplemented through the reaction between CaO2 with acids abundant in the inflammatory microenvironment. Owing to high diffusivity, NO achieves further tissue penetration based on the first-stage propulsion of nanomotors, thereby removing deep-seated bacterial infection. Results indicate that the nanomotors effectively eliminate bacterial infection based on antibacterial activity of NO, thereby blocking inflammatory response and oxidative damage, forming reparative dentine layer to avoid further exposure and infection. Thus, this work provides a propagable strategy to overcome fuel shortage and facilitates the therapy of deep lesions.

Prevalence and influencing factors of depressive and anxiety symptoms among hospital-based healthcare workers during the surge period of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chinese mainland: a multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

From November 2022 to February 2023, the Chinese mainland experienced a surge in COVID-19 infection and hospitalization, and the hospital-based healthcare workers (HCWs) might suffer serious psychological crisis during this period. This study aims to assess the depressive and anxiety symptoms among HCWs during the surge of COVID-19 pandemic and to provide possible reference on protecting mental health of HCWs in future infectious disease outbreaks.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out among hospital-based HCWs in the Chinese mainland from 5 January to 9 February 2023. The PHQ-9 (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire) and GAD-7 (seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire) were used to measure depressive and anxiety symptoms. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to identify influencing factors.

RESULTS

A total of 6522 hospital-based HCWs in the Chinse mainland were included in this survey. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the HCWs was 70.75%, and anxiety symptoms was 47.87%. The HCWs who perceived higher risk of COVID-19 infection and those who had higher work intensity were more likely to experience depressive and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, higher levels of mindfulness, resilience and perceived social support were negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that a high proportion of HCWs in the Chinese mainland suffered from mental health disturbances during the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience, mindfulness and perceived social support are important protective factors of HCWs' mental health. Tailored interventions, such as mindfulness practice, should be implemented to alleviate psychological symptoms of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic or other similar events in the future.

Effect of Segmental Abutting Esophagus-Sparing Technique to Reduce Severe Esophagitis in Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Concurrent Hypofractionated Thoracic Radiation and Chemotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate the effect of segmental abutting esophagus-sparing (SAES) radiotherapy to reduce severe (G3+) acute esophagitis from 20% to 5% in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with a clinical target volume (CTV) ≤1 cm close to the esophagus were enrolled in the experimental arm (45 Gy in 3 Gy daily fractions in 3 weeks) of an ongoing phase III randomized clinical trial (NCT02675088), which enrolled patients with histologically confirmed SCLC and clinically staged as LS or I-IIIB (AJCC 7th). This trial was designed to determine whether HYPO TRT (45 Gy in 3 Gy QD, experimental arm) has the same efficacy as CF TRT (60 Gy in 2 Gy QD, controlled arm) in patients with LS-SCLC. The whole esophagus was divided into the involved esophagus and abutting esophagus (AE) to receive different dose limitations according to the distance from the edge of the CTV. The primary endpoint was grade ≥ 3 acute esophagitis.

RESULTS

From 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022, 30 patients were enrolled and completed four cycles of planned chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Our patient population was predominantly male (66.7% men vs. 33.3% women), with a median age of 62 years. A majority of patients presented with Stage N2-3 (90.0%) and T2-4 (76.7%), in which 4 patients had ultracentral-located primary tumors. With the SAES technique, all dosimetric parameters were significantly reduced for the whole esophagus and AE. The maximal and mean dose of the esophagus (47.4±1.9 Gy and 13.5 ± 5.8 Gy, respectively) and AE (42.9±2.3 Gy and 8.6 ± 3.6 Gy, respectively) in the SAES plan were significantly lower than those (esophagus 48.0±1.9 Gy and 14.7± 6.1 Gy, AE 45.1±2.4 Gy and 9.8± 4.2 Gy, respectively) in the non-SAES plan. After the follow-up of more than 7 months (range, 7.0-18.1 months) for all patients, only one patient (3.3%, 95% CI 0.1%-17.2%) experienced grade 3 acute esophagitis and no grade 4-5 acute esophagitis happened (Table 3). For late toxicities, one patient suffered sustained grade 1 late esophagitis and all others had no symptoms of esophagitis. The rate of radiation pneumonitis was very low, with one grade 3 event and no grade 4-5 event. Twelve (40.0%) patients had G3+ hematologic toxic events, including 2 patients with febrile neutropenia. The 1-year OS, LRFS, DMFS and PFS was 96.4%, 88.7%, 78.4% and 64.3%, respectively. No patient developed local recurrence in the abutting esophagus-sparing region.

CONCLUSION

SAES radiotherapy has significant dosimetric advantages compared with standard radiotherapy, which are successfully translated into clinical benefits for patients with LS-SCLC treated with 45 Gy in 3 Gy daily fractions. This may facilitate dose escalation for TRT in LS-SCLC patients.

Component identification of modified sanmiao pills by UPLC-Xevo G2-XS QTOF and its anti-gouty arthritis mechanism based on network pharmacology and experimental verification

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Modified sanmiao pills (MSMP), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is consisted of rhizome of Smilax glabra Roxb., Cortexes of Phellodendron chinensis Schneid., rhizome of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz., and roots of Cyathula officinalis Kuan. in a ratio of 3:3:2:1. This formula has been broadly applied to treat gouty arthritis (GA) in China.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To elaborate the pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanism of MSMP against GA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UPLC-Xevo G2-XS QTOF combined with UNIFI platform was applied to qualitatively assess the chemical compounds of MSMP. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to identify the active compounds, core targets and key pathways of MSMP against GA. The GA mice model was established by MSU suspension injecting into ankle joint. The swelling index of ankle joint, expressions of inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological changes in mice ankle joints were determined to validate the therapeutic effect of MSMP against GA. The protein expressions of TLRs/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome in vivo was detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS

In total, 34 chemical compounds and 302 potential targets of MSMP were ascertained, of which 28 were overlapping targets pertaining to GA. 143 KEGG enrichment pathway were obtained, of which the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway were strongly associated with GA. In silico study indicated that the active compounds had excellent binding affinity to core targets. In vivo study confirmed that MSMP observably decreased swelling index and alleviated pathological damage to ankle joints in acute GA mice. Besides, MSMP significantly inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) induced by MSU, as well as the expression levels of key proteins involved in TLRs/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome.

CONCLUSION

MSMP possessed a pronounced therapeutic effect on acute GA. Results from network pharmacology and molecular docking showed that obaculactone, oxyberberine, and neoisoastilbin might treat gouty arthritis by down-regulating TLRs/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome.

[Establishment of hysteroscopic scoring system of chronic endometritis and correlative analysis with pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in infertile patients]

Objective: To establish a hysteroscopic chronic endometritis (hCE) scoring system for patients with chronic endometritis, and observe the correlation of hCE score with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) pregnancy outcomes in infertile women. Methods: The study retrospectively investigated the correlation of morphologic features and hCE score with pregnancy outcomes during IVF-ET in infertile women with CE (n=429) at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital between January 2017 and September 2018. The clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate with different score levels (1-3,4-7 and 8-14) after IVF-ET treatment were analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounding factors. The correlation and regression between hCE score and pregnancy outcomes was analyzed by curve fitting. Results: The age of 429 patients [M(Q₁, Q₃)] was 31 (29, 35) years. There were 50.6% (217 cases), 35.4% (152 cases), and 14.0% (60 cases) of patients with hCE score of 1-3, 4-7, and 8-14, respectively. The pregnancy rates of the three groups were 60.8% (132 cases), 44.7% (68 cases) and 16.7% (10 cases), P<0.001; The live birth rates were 51.2% (111 cases), 36.8% (56 cases) and 13.3% (8 cases), respectively (P<0.001). Compared with patients with hCE of 1-3, pregnancy rates in those with hCE of 4-7 and 8-14 were lower, and the OR values were 0.521 (0.342-0.793) and 0.129 (0.062-0.268). The live birth rates in patients with hCE of 4-7 and 8-14 were lower than that in patients with hCE of 1-3, and the OR values were 0.570 (0.372-0.873) and 0.162 (0.073-0.360), all P<0.05. Quadratic curve fitting results showed that clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate decreased with the increase of hCE score. Conclusions: With the increase of hCE score, the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate of patients gradually decrease. hCE 4 is an important cut-off threshold significantly affecting the pregnancy outcome.

Perfluorooctanoic acid dominates the molecular-level effects of a mixture of equal masses of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid in earthworm

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an important class of emerging contaminants in the environment. Most studies on the impact of PFAS mixtures considered phenotypic endpoints, which may not adequately reflect the sublethal effects on organisms. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the subchronic impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)-as individual compounds and a mixture (PFOS+PFOA)-on earthworm (Eisenia fetida), using phenotypic and molecular endpoints. PFAS decreased the survival (12.2-16.3%), biomass (9.0-9.8%), and reproduction (15.6-19.8%) of E. fetida after 28 d of exposure. The bioaccumulation of PFOS after 28 d increased (from 2790.7 ng/g-dw to 5224.9 ng/g-dw) while that of PFOA decreased (from 780.2 ng/g-dw to 280.5 ng/g-dw) when E. fetida was exposed to the mixture compared to the individual compounds. These bioaccumulation trends were partly attributed to changes in the soil distribution coefficient (K_d) of PFOS and PFOA when present in the mixture. Eighty percent of the (p and FDR < 0.05) altered metabolites after 28 d were similarly perturbed by both PFOA and PFOS+PFOA. The pathways dysregulated are related to the metabolism of amino acids, energy, and sulfur. We showed that PFOA dominates the molecular-level impact of the binary PFAS mixture.

New insights into the distribution, potential source and risk of microplastics in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants have become a major global concern, however, the distribution and origin of MPs in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and their impacts on ecosystem are poorly known. Hence, we systematically evaluated the profile of MPs on the representative metropolitan locations of Lhasa and Huangshui Rivers and the scenic sites of Namco and Qinghai Lake. The average abundance of MPs in the water samples was 7020 items/m³, which was 34 and 52 times higher than those for the sediment (206.7 items/m³) and soil samples (134.7 items/m³), respectively. Huangshui River had the highest levels, followed by Qinghai Lake, Lhasa River and Namco. Human activities rather than altitude and salinity impacted the distribution of MPs in those areas. Besides the consumption of plastic products by locals and tourists, laundry wastewater and exogenous tributary inputs, the unique prayer flag culture also contributed to the MPs emission in QTP. Notably, the stability and fragment of MPs were crucial for their fate. Multiple assessment models were employed to evaluate the risk of MPs. PERI model took MP concentration, background value and toxicity into account, comprehensively describing the risk differences of each site. The large PVC proportion in Qinghai Lake posed the highest risk. Furthermore, concerns should be raised about PVC, PE and PET in Lhasa and Huangshui Rivers, and PC in Namco Lake. Risk quotient suggested that aged MPs in sediments slowly released biotoxic DEHP and should be cleaned up promptly. The findings offer baseline data of MPs in QTP and ecological risks, providing important support for the prioritization of future control measures.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the temporal bone presenting with reversible vestibular impairment

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal bone cysts are expansile benign lesions associated with compressive destruction and obscure pathogenesis. The most common sites of temporal bone involvement are the petrous apex, squamous portions and mastoid.

CASE REPORT

This paper reports a right temporal aneurysmal bone cyst in a 51-year-old man who presented clinically with facial palsy, and hearing loss and impaired vestibular function. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings were consistent with a diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst. Inter-operative findings showed that the lesion had caused compressive damage to the internal auditory canal. Following surgical excision, the patient experienced vertigo, indicating recovery of vestibular function. Follow-up imaging revealed complete resection without clinical recurrence.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report of aneurysmal bone cyst invasion of the inner auditory canal. Our clinical experience indicates that vestibular nerve damage recovery is relatively uncommon. This case report will hopefully inform future studies.

Chemical profiling of Ziziphi spinosae semen using on-line comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based on a novel phthalic anhydride bonded stationary phase

Ziziphi spinosae semen has been widely used to treat insomnia and anxiety. To profile its chemical components, an online comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed. In this two-dimensional liquid chromatography system, a novel phthalic anhydride-bonded stationary phase column was combined with a C18 column. As a result, this new stationary phase exhibited remarkable differences in separation selectivity from C18, achieving a good orthogonality of 83.3%. Moreover, this new stationary phase with weaker hydrophobicity than C18 realized solvent compatibility in the online configuration. Coupled with tandem MS, 154 compounds were identified, including 51 unreported compounds. Compared with one-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, this online two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system exhibited a much higher resolving power in isomer separation. This work provided an effective separation and characterization method for the material basis of Ziziphi spinosae semen. This strategy provides ideas for the material basis research of other traditional Chinese medicines.

Foliar application of nanoceria attenuated cadmium stress in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Foliar application of nanoparticles (NPs) as a means for ameliorating abiotic stress is increasingly employed in crop production. In this study, the potential of CeO₂-NPs as stress suppressants for cadmium (Cd)-stressed okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants was investigated, using two cycles of foliar application of CeO₂-NPs at 200, 400, and 600 mg/l. Compared to untreated stressed plants, Cd-stressed plants treated with CeO₂-NPs presented higher pigments (chlorophyll a and carotenoids). In contrast, foliar applications did not alter Cd root uptake and leaf bioaccumulation. Foliar CeO₂-NPs application modulated stress enzymes (APX, SOD, and GPx) in both roots and leaves of Cd-stressed plants, and led to decreases in Cd toxicity in plant's tissues. In addition, foliar application of CeO₂-NPs in Cd-stressed okra plants decreased fruit Cd contents, and improved fruit mineral elements and bioactive compounds. The infrared spectroscopic analysis of fruit tissues showed that foliar-applied CeO₂-NPs treatments did not induce chemical changes but induced conformational changes in fruit macromolecules. Additionally, CeO₂-NPs applications did not alter the eating quality indicator (Mg/K ratio) of okra fruits. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that foliar application of CeO₂-NPs has the potential to ameliorate Cd toxicity in tissues and improve fruits of okra plants.

The Effect of Gut Microbiota on the Progression of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

OBJECTIVE

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the main cause of back pain, and its treatment is a serious socio-economic burden. The safety and treatment of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been established. However, the relationship between FMT and IDD still unclear. We aimed to explore whether FMT plays a role in IDD to provide a reference for the treatment of IDD.

METHODS

An experimental model of IDD was established using 2-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. FMT was performed by intragastric gavage of IDD rats with a fecal bacterial solution. Rat serum, feces, and vertebral disc tissue were collected after surgery for 2 months. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-13, Collagen II, and aggrecan in the serum or vertebral disc tissue were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, or western blotting. We also examined the pathology of the vertebral disc tissue using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and safranin O-fast green staining. Finally, we examined the gut microbiota in rat feces using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

We found that the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-3, MMP-13, NLRP3 and Caspase-1 increased in the IDD group rats. In contrast, Collagen II and aggrecan levels were downregulated. Additionally, vertebral disc tissue was severely damaged in the IDD group, with disordered cell arrangement and uneven safranin coloration. FMT reversed the effects of IDD modeling on these factors and alleviated cartilage tissue damage. In addition, FMT increased the gut microbiota diversity and microbial abundance in rats treated with IDD.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that FMT has a positive effect in maintaining cellular stability in the vertebral disc and alleviating histopathological damage. It affects the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota in rats with IDD. Therefore, FMT may serve as a promising target for amelioration of IDD.

BACH1 promotes intervertebral disc degeneration by regulating HMOX1/GPX4 to mediate oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and lipid metabolism in nucleus pulposus cells

BACKGROUND

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a primary health problem worldwide that involves oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and lipid metabolism. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We investigated whether the transcription factor BACH1 affected IDD progression by regulating HMOX1/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis and lipid metabolism in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs).

METHODS

A rat IDD model was created to detect BACH1 expression in intervertebral disc tissues. Next, rat NPCs were isolated and treated with TBHP. BACH1, HMOX1, and GPX4 were knocked down, and oxidative stress and ferroptosis-related marker levels were examined. The binding of BACH1 to HMOX1 and of BACH1 to GPX4 was verified using ChIP. Finally, untargeted lipid metabolism analysis was performed.

RESULTS

An IDD model was successfully created, and BACH1 activity was found to be enhanced in the rat IDD tissues. BACH1 inhibited TBHP-induced oxidative stress and oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis in NPCs. Simultaneously, ChIP verified that BACH1 protein bound to HMOX1 and targeted the HMOX1 transcription inhibition to affect oxidative stress in NPCs. ChIP also verified that BACH1 bound to GPX4 and targeted the GPX4 inhibition to affect ferroptosis in NPCs. Finally, BACH1 inhibition in vivo improved IDD and affected lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

The transcription factor BACH1 promoted IDD by regulating HMOX1/GPX4 to mediate oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and lipid metabolism in NPCs.

Shrimp waste-derived porous carbon adsorbent: Performance, mechanism, and application of machine learning

Aquaculture generates significant amount of processing wastes (more than 500 million pounds annually in the United States), the bulk of which ends up in the environment or is used in animal feed. Proper utilization of shrimp waste can increase their economic value and divert them from landfills. In this study, shrimp waste was converted to a porous carbon (named SPC) via direct pyrolysis and activation. SPC was characterized, and its performance for adsorbing ciprofloxacin from simulated water, natural waters, and wastewater was benchmarked against a commercial powdered activated carbon (PAC). The surface area of SPC (2262 m²/g) exceeded that of PAC (984 m²/g) due to abundance of micropores and mesopores. The adsorption of ciprofloxacin by SPC was thermodynamically spontaneous (ΔG = -19 kJ/mol) and fast (k₁ = 1.05/min) at 25 °C. The capacity of SPC for ciprofloxacin (442 mg/g) was higher than that of PAC (181 mg/g). SPC also efficiently and simultaneously removed low concentrations (200 µg/L) of ciprofloxacin, long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and Cu ions from water. An artificial neural network function was derived to predict ciprofloxacin adsorption and identify the relative contribution of each input parameter. This study demonstrates a sustainable and commercially viable pathway to reuse shrimp processing wastes.

(-)-Epicatechin Ameliorates Monosodium Urate-Induced Acute Gouty Arthritis Through Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome and the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Background: Gouty arthritis is a common and complex inflammatory disease that will reduce the life quality of human beings (-)-Epicatechin (EC) is famous for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of EC on gouty arthritis and its mechanisms. Methods and results: EC was added into a monosodium urate (MSU)-stimulated THP-1 cell that was induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in advance to establish a gout model in vitro. The efficiency of EC on acute gouty arthritis mice induced by MSU was further investigated. The results showed that EC concentration-dependently improved the cell viability of LPS and MSU stimulated THP-1 cells, and significantly alleviated MSU-induced ankle edema in mice in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EC inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells and local cascular congestion in ankle joint tissue. Furthermore, the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α) activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway were markedly suppressed by EC in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: These results indicated that EC could effectively improve MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and the NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, which suggested that EC might be a promising active ingredient for the prevention and treatment of gouty arthritis.

Supplemented phase diagrams for vitrification CPA cocktails: DP6, VS55 and M22

DP6, VS55 and M22 are the most commonly used cryoprotective agent (CPA) cocktails for vitrification experiments in tissues and organs. However, complete phase diagrams for the three CPAs are often unavailable or incomplete (only available for full strength CPAs) thereby hampering optimization of vitrification and rewarming procedures. In this paper, we used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure the transition temperatures including heterogeneous nucleation temperatures (T_het), glass transition temperatures (T_g), rewarming phase crystallization (devitrification and/or recrystallization) temperatures (T_d) and melting temperatures (T_m) while cooling or warming the CPA sample at 5 °C/min and plotted the obtained transition temperatures for different concentrations of CPAs into the phase diagrams. We also used cryomicroscopy cooling or warming the sample at the same rate to record the ice crystallization during the whole process, and we presented the cryomicroscopic images at the transition temperatures, which agreed with the DSC presented phenomena.

Abundance, fate, and effects of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in aquatic environments

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are found in wastewater, and thus, the environment. In this study, current knowledge about the occurrence and fate of PPCPs in aquatic systems-including wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and natural waters around the world-is critically reviewed to inform the state of the science and highlight existing knowledge gaps. Excretion by humans is the primary route of PPCPs entry into municipal wastewater systems, but significant contributions also occur through emissions from hospitals, PPCPs manufacturers, and agriculture. Abundance of PPCPs in raw wastewater is influenced by several factors, including the population density and demography served by WWTPs, presence of hospitals and drugs manufacturers in the sewershed, disease burden of the population served, local regulations, and climatic conditions. Based on the data obtained from WWTPs, analgesics, antibiotics, and stimulants (e.g., caffeine) are the most abundant PPCPs in raw wastewater. In conventional WWTPs, most removal of PPCPs occurs during secondary treatment, and overall removal exceeds 90% for treatable PPCPs. Regardless, the total PPCP mass discharged with effluent by an average WWTP into receiving waters (7.35-20,160 g/day) is still considerable, because potential adverse effects of some PPCPs (such as ibuprofen) on aquatic organisms occur within measured concentrations found in surface waters.

Evaluation and application of a positively-charged phenylaminopropyl bonded stationary phase for separation of basic compounds

Silica-based positively-charged stationary phase bonding phenylaminopropyl (named PHN) was found to produce symmetrical peak shape and higher sample loading for basic compounds. In this work, firstly, surface charge property of the PHN was evaluated by ζ-potential and retention of NO₃^-. A considerable amount of pH-dependent positive charges was confirmed more than that on CSH Phenyl-Hexyl, a commercial positively-charged phenyl stationary phase. Then chromatographic evaluation of standard alkaloids revealed that PHN could offer better peak shape and higher column efficiency at lower pH, and it functioned well under a wide range of buffer ionic strength. The PHN also showed different selectivity for basic compounds compared to the CSH Phenyl-Hexyl. Furthermore, it provided superior peak shape for high sample mass, demonstrating potential applications of this stationary phase in a preparative scale. These results can be explained by the strong charge intensity of the PHN stationary phase. Finally, the PHN was applied to separate a fraction from rhizomes of Corydalis decumbens, and purify dehydrocorybulbine from Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang. Our study indicated the advantages and potential applications of the phenylaminopropyl bonded PHN stationary phase for basic compound separation.

[Japan narrow-band imaging Expert Team type 2B colorectal cancer: consistency between endoscopic prediction and pathological diagnosis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential factors that affect the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis for Japan narrow-band imaging (NBI) Expert Team (JNET) type 2B colorectal lesions.

OBJECTIVE

The clinical data were collected from 261 patients with JNET type 2B colorectal lesions diagnosed in Nanfang Hospital between July, 2018 and July, 2021. We analyzed the macroscopic type, size, location or pit pattern classification of the lesions for their potential influence of the diagnostic accuracy of JNET type 2B lesions.

OBJECTIVE

The 261 lesions included 91 low-grade intramucosal neoplasia lesions (34.9%), 132 high-grade intramucosal neoplasia lesions (50.6%), 13 submucosal invasive cancer lesions (5.0%), and 25 deep submucosal invasive cancer lesions (9.6%). The coincidence rate between endoscopic prediction and pathological diagnosis of these lesions was 55.6% (145/ 261). The macroscopic type and size of the lesions were significantly associated with the diagnostic accuracy of JNET type 2B lesions (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy among the lesions with different pit pattern types (P < 0.001).

OBJECTIVE

Both the macroscopic type and size affect the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis of JNET type 2B colorectal lesions. JNET classification combined with pit pattern types can have better accuracy in predicting the pathological diagnosis of these lesions.

SGN nerve filaments develop synapses with IHCs earlier than with OHCs in C57BL/6 mouse inner ear

OBJECTIVE

To explore the connections between hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) during the development of the C57BL/6 mouse inner ear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The specimens of C57BL/6 mouse inner ear, from E15 (embryo day 15) to adult mouse, were collected; immunohistochemistry was employed to explore the frozen sections of specimens.

RESULTS

The development of cochlea starts sequentially from the basal turn to the apex turn. Morphological development of SGNs occurs mainly from E16 to P12 (postnatal day 12). Hair cells appear from E18 to P12, and inner hair cells (IHCs) develop earlier than outer hair cells (OHCs). The connections between hair cells and SGNs begin to develop during E18-P1, morphologically resemble mature synapses during P8-P12, and completely mature in adult mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The genesis of auditory ribbon synapse occurs from E18 to P1. Synchronized with the development of SGNs and hair cells, the functional filaments remain connected to hair cells, while the spare ones get disconnected from the surface of hair cells. Connections between SGN nerve filaments and IHCs occur earlier than those between SGN nerve filaments and OHCs.

Integrating a Concentration Gradient Generator and a Single-Cell Trapper Array for High-Throughput Screening the Bioeffects of Nanomaterials

We herein develop a concentration gradient generator (CGG) on a microfluidic chip for diluting different nanoparticles. Specifically designed compact disk (CD)-shaped microchannels in the CGG module could thoroughly mix the flowing solutions and generate a linear concentration gradient of nanoparticles without aggregation. We combine the CGG with a single-cell trapper array (SCA) on microfluidics to evaluate the concentration-dependent bioeffects of the nanoparticles. The precise control of the spatiotemporal generation of nanoparticle concentration on the CGG module and the single-cell-level monitoring of the cell behaviors on the SCA module by a high-content system in real time, render the CGG-SCA system a highly precise platform, which can exclude the average effect of cell population and reflect the response of individual cells to the gradient concentrations accurately. In addition, the CGG-SCA system provides an automated platform for high-throughput screening of nanomedicines with high precision and low sample consumption.

Multilayer Ratiometric Fluorescent Nanomachines for Imaging mRNA in Live Cells

Detection of mRNA expression in live cells during treatment is a challenging task, despite its importance in tumor biology and potential therapeutic leads. Here a multilayer ratiometric fluorescent nanomachine for live-cell perturbation and imaging of mRNA at single cell resolution is reported. The nanomachines fabricated by microfluidic approaches consist of fluorescent polymeric cores and multiple lipid layers, which can efficiently deliver siRNA and molecular beacons (MBs) to cytosol and then release the cargo in a sequential way. The siRNA molecules released from the outer lipid layers lead to silencing of multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene, and the MBs from the middle lipid layers detect the presence of MDR1 mRNA. The fluorescent ratio of MBs to fluorescent polymeric cores positively correlates with the expression level of MDR1 mRNA in MCF-7/ADR cells during siRNA treatment. The nanomachines provide comparable results with traditional qPCR for quantifying mRNA, showing great potential for modulation and imaging of intratumoral mRNA in vitro and in vivo.

Effects of supplementation of sea buckthorn press cake on mycelium growth and polysaccharides of Inonotus obliquus in submerged cultivation

AIMS

Investigation of the influence of cultivation time and sea buckthorn press cake (Hippophaë rhamnoides) dosage on mycelium yield of Inonotus obliquus in submerged cultivation and on the yield, monomer composition, and macromolecular properties of the exopolysaccharides (EPS) from culture media and intracellular polysaccharides (IPS) extracted from mycelia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Supplementation at 5 g l^-1 combined with cultivation time of 250 h granted highest yield increase in mycelia (by 122%). The supplementation reduced extraction yield and decreased the molecular weight of the main IPS population. The supplementation increased production and molecular weight of EPS. The relative content of arabinose and rhamnose in EPS positively correlated with dosage of the press cake. The press cake supplementation increased the content of galacturonic acid in IPS, but not in EPS.

CONCLUSION

Sea buckthorn press cake is a food industry fibrous side stream with high oil content. It increases the cultivation yield of Inonotus obliquus mycelium and influences the produced polysaccharides.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Mycelium is a resource of bioactive polysaccharides, attracting the interest of nutraceutical companies. Sea buckthorn press cake is a promising supplement for increasing mycelium production. The utilization of this agricultural side stream would therefore favour circular economy.

Molecular Identification of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Using Thermophoresis-Mediated DNA Computation

Molecular profiling of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tEVs) holds great promise for non-invasive cancer diagnosis. However, sensitive and accurate identification of tEVs is challenged by the heterogeneity of EV phenotypes which reflect different cell origins. Here we present a DNA computation device mediated by thermophoresis for detection of tEVs. The strategy leverages the aptamer-based logic gate using multiple protein biomarkers on single EVs as the input and thermophoretic accumulation to amplify the output signals for highly sensitive and specific profiling of tEVs. Employing this platform, we demonstrate a high accuracy of 97% for discrimination of breast cancer (BC) patients and healthy donors in a clinical cohort (n = 30). Furthermore, molecular phenotyping assessed by tEVs is in concordance with the results from tissue biopsy in BC patients. The thermophoresis-mediated molecular computation on EVs thus provides new opportunities for accurate detection and classification of cancers.

Dihydroartemisinin induces ER stress-dependent apoptosis of Echinococcus protoscoleces in vitro

In this study, we investigated the effect of dihydroartemisinin on Echinococcus protoscoleces and explored the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in this process. Echinococcus protoscoleces were collected and cultured in RPMI 1640 medium. Changes in the expressions of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP-78), caspase-12, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were assessed through confocal immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. Cell viability and morphological changes were observed under a light microscope. The ultrastructure of protoscoleces was observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Caspase-3 activity was detected using an enzyme assay kit. After dihydroartemisinin treatment, the protoscoleces showed loss of viability, and morphological changes including soma contraction, blebs formation, hooks loss, microtrichia destruction, and development of lipid droplets was observed. The levels of caspase-12 and CHOP were increased within 2 days of dihydroartemisinin treatment. However, the levels of GRP-78, caspase-12, and CHOP were decreased in 4 days. Furthermore, caspase-3 activity was increased after treatment with different concentrations of dihydroartemisinin. Dihydroartemisinin can induce apoptosis in protoscoleces via the ER stress-caspase-3 apoptotic pathway in vitro. These results indicate that dihydroartemisinin is a potentially valuable therapeutic agent against echinococcosis.

Spatial variation of the soil bacterial community in major apple producing regions of China

AIMS

In China, apple production areas are largely from the coastal to inland areas and across varied climate zones. However, the relationship among soil micro-organisms, environmental factors and fruit quality has not been clearly confirmed in orchards. Here we attempted to identify the variation of soil bacteria in the main apple producing regions and reveal the relationship among climatic factor, soil properties, soil bacterial community and fruit quality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixty soil samples were collected from six main apple producing areas in China. We examined the soil bacteria using bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiling. The results show that the soil bacterial diversity of apple orchards varied from the Bohai Bay Region to the Loess Plateau Region. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria were the predominant taxa at the phylum level for all six areas. In the Bohai Bay and the Loess Plateau region, which are the two largest apple producing areas, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria had the highest relative abundance, respectively. Furthermore, soil bacterial diversity showed positive correlation with the mean annual temperature (MAT), soil organic matter (SOM) and pH. Excluding a direct effect on the apple fruit quality, MAT exerted an indirect influence through soil SOM and pH to alter the relative abundance of dominant taxa and shift the bacterial diversity, which affects the apple fruit titratable acids and soluble solids.

CONCLUSIONS

Geographic variables underlie apple orchard soil bacterial communities vary according to spatial scale. Environmental factors exert an indirect effect on apple fruit quality via shaping soil bacterial community.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides a list of bacteria associated with environmental factors and the ecological attributes of their interactions in apple orchards, which will improve our ability to promote soil bacterial functional capabilities in order to reduce the fertilizer input and enhance the fruit quality.

Influence of mesenchymal stem cells on respiratory distress syndrome in newborn swines via the JAK-STAT signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) threatens humans' health worldwide, causing huge labor and economic cost investment. This study aims to explore whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) affect RDS in newborn swines via the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway by the establishment of the model of the disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phosphorylation of the JAK-STAT signal transduction proteins was first detected via Western blotting to verify the regulatory effect of MSCs on RDS in newborn swines through the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Then, the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to analyze the influences of the injection of MSCs into the blood of newborn model RDS swines on inflammatory factors in vivo. To further demonstrate the signal transduction function put forwarded, the RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were adopted to analyze the influences of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway inhibitor on the expression of the signature proteins of RDS in newborn swines and the changes in the inflammatory factors.

RESULTS

MSCs induced the phosphorylation of JAK and STAT, and they activated the JAK-STAT signal transduction of RDS in newborn swines. Compared with those in normal saline group, the interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression levels in MSC group were increased, namely, MSCs substantially promoted their expression levels (p<0.05), but those of IL-10 and IL-13 were significantly decreased (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibitor of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway can suppress the therapeutic effect of MSCs on RDS in newborn swines.

A fully automated centrifugal microfluidic system for sample-to-answer viral nucleic acid testing

The outbreak of virus-induced infectious diseases poses a global public-health challenge. Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) enables early detection of pandemic viruses and plays a vital role in preventing onward transmission. However, the requirement of skilled operators, expensive instrumentation, and biosafety laboratories has hindered the use of NAAT for screening and diagnosis of suspected patients. Here we report development of a fully automated centrifugal microfluidic system with sample-in-answer-out capability for sensitive, specific, and rapid viral nucleic acid testing. The release of nucleic acids and the subsequent reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) were integrated into the reaction units of a microfluidic disc. The whole processing steps such as injection of reagents, fluid actuation by rotation, heating and temperature control, and detection of fluorescence signals were carried out automatically by a customized instrument. We validate the centrifugal microfluidic system using oropharyngeal swab samples spiked with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) armored RNA particles. The estimated limit of detection for armored RNA particles is 2 copies per reaction, the throughput is 21 reactions per disc, and the assay sample-to-answer time is approximately 70 min. This enclosed and automated microfluidic system efficiently avoids viral contamination of aerosol, and can be readily adapted for virus detection outside the diagnostic laboratory.

A fully automated centrifugal microfluidic system for sample-to-answer viral nucleic acid testing

The outbreak of virus-induced infectious diseases poses a global public-health challenge. Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) enables early detection of pandemic viruses and plays a vital role in preventing onward transmission. However, the requirement of skilled operators, expensive instrumentation, and biosafety laboratories has hindered the use of NAAT for screening and diagnosis of suspected patients. Here we report development of a fully automated centrifugal microfluidic system with sample-in-answer-out capability for sensitive, specific, and rapid viral nucleic acid testing. The release of nucleic acids and the subsequent reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) were integrated into the reaction units of a microfluidic disc. The whole processing steps such as injection of reagents, fluid actuation by rotation, heating and temperature control, and detection of fluorescence signals were carried out automatically by a customized instrument. We validate the centrifugal microfluidic system using oropharyngeal swab samples spiked with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) armored RNA particles. The estimated limit of detection for armored RNA particles is 2 copies per reaction, the throughput is 21 reactions per disc, and the assay sample-to-answer time is approximately 70 min. This enclosed and automated microfluidic system efficiently avoids viral contamination of aerosol, and can be readily adapted for virus detection outside the diagnostic laboratory.

Electronic Supplementary Material

Supplementary material is available for this article at 10.1007/s11426-020-9800-6 and is accessible for authorized users.

PERSPECTIVE: Critical Cooling and Warming Rates as a Function of CPA Concentration

Cryoprotective agents (CPAs) are routinely applied in cryopreservation protocols to achieve the vitrified state thereby avoiding the damaging effects of ice crystals. Once the CPA has been added, the system needs to cool at a rate ≥ critical cooling rate (CCR) to avoid ice crystallization and successfully enter the vitrified state. Subsequently, upon warming the system needs to meet or exceed a critical warming rate (CWR), often one to two orders of magnitude higher than the CCR, to avoid ice formation and return the system to physiological temperatures for use. Many experimental and theoretical studies have been published on CCRs and CWRs, and correlation for these rates as a function of concentration has been explored for some single component CPAs, but not the CPA cocktails which are commonly used in tissue and organ cryopreservation. In this paper, we summarize the available data of CCRs and CWRs for a variety of CPAs, and suggest a convenient mathematical expression for CCR and CWR that can guide general use for cryoprotective protocol, but also highlights the critical need for further study on CPA cocktails and tissue systems in which CPAs may behave differently and/or may not be fully equilibrated to the loaded CPA.

Data Dependent-Independent Acquisition (DDIA) Proteomics

Data dependent acquisition (DDA) and data independent acquisition (DIA) are traditionally separate experimental paradigms in bottom-up proteomics. In this work, we developed a strategy combining the two experimental methods into a single LC-MS/MS run. We call the novel strategy data dependent-independent acquisition proteomics, or DDIA for short. Peptides identified from DDA scans by a conventional and robust DDA identification workflow provide useful information for interrogation of DIA scans. Deep learning based LC-MS/MS property prediction tools, developed previously, can be used repeatedly to produce spectral libraries facilitating DIA scan extraction. A complete DDIA data processing pipeline, including the modules for iRT vs RT calibration curve generation, DIA extraction classifier training, and false discovery rate control, has been developed. Compared to another spectral library-free method, DIA-Umpire, the DDIA method produced a similar number of peptide identifications, but nearly twice as many protein group identifications. The primary advantage of the DDIA method is that it requires minimal information for processing its data.