Bimetallic Fe/Ni metal organic framework-based hypoxanthine biosensor for early monitoring of freshness changes of aquatic products

The timely detection of freshness changes of aquatic products is crucial. In this study, we have developed a reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly method for rapidly detecting hypoxanthine using a xanthine oxidase (XOD)/nanozyme enzymatic cascade system. The nanozyme, derived from the Fe7/Ni3 metal-organic framework (Fe7Ni3MOF), exhibited good peroxidase-mimetic activity and stability. Our proposed XOD/Fe7Ni3MOF enzymatic cascade system demonstrated a linear response to hypoxanthine in the range of 3-70 μM, with a low detection limit of 1.39 μM. We also analyzed hypoxanthine in actual aquatic products, achieving spiked recoveries ranging from 90.04 % to 107.37 %. The correlation coefficient between our developed colorimetric method and the HPLC method was 0.98. Importantly, our proposed method holds several advantages over alternative techniques, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness, precision, and speed. Consequently, this methodology shows great promise for the early detection of freshness changes in aquatic samples.

Development of a fluorescent multiplexed lateral flow immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of crustacean allergen tropomyosin, sarcoplasmic calcium binding protein and egg allergen ovalbumin in different matrices and commercial foods

A quantum dot (QD) based multiplexed lateral flow immunoassay (xLFIA) for the simultaneous detection of egg allergen ovalbumin, crustacean allergen tropomyosin (TM) and sarcoplasmic calcium binding protein (SCP) was developed in this study. QD-labeled rabbit anti-ovalbumin, SCP and TM antibodies were applied as fluorescent detection probes. The chromatography system was optimized to reduce the mutual interference of different test lines. Visual and instrumental detection limits of the xLFIA were 0.1 and 0.05 μg/mL for SCP, both 0.05 μg/mL for ovalbumin and both 0.5 μg/mL for TM. As low as 0.10 % crab powder, 0.01 % egg white powder and 0.05 % shrimp powder could be detected in all three model foods using xLFIA. Besides, the xLFIA detection results of 23 of 28 commercial foods were consistent with ingredient labels. These findings indicate that the developed xLFIA is a practical tool for point-of-care detection of egg and crustacean allergens in processed and commercial foods.

Characterisation of the mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Toxocara apodemi (Nematoda: Ascarididae)

We first sequenced and characterised the complete mitochondrial genome of Toxocara apodeme, then studied the evolutionary relationship of the species within Toxocaridae. The complete mitochondrial genome was amplified using PCR with 14 specific primers. The mitogenome length was 14303 bp in size, including 12 PCGs (encoding 3,423 amino acids), 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and 2 NCRs, with 68.38% A+T contents. The mt genomes of T. apodemi had relatively compact structures with 11 intergenic spacers and 5 overlaps. Comparative analyses of the nucleotide sequences of complete mt genomes showed that T. apodemi had higher identities with T. canis than other congeners. A sliding window analysis of 12 PCGs among 5 Toxocara species indicated that nad4 had the highest sequence divergence, and cox1 was the least variable gene. Relative synonymous codon usage showed that UUG, ACU, CCU, CGU, and UCU most frequently occurred in the complete genomes of T. apodemi. The Ka/Ks ratio showed that all Toxocara mt genes were subject to purification selection. The largest genetic distance between T. apodemi and the other 4 congeneric species was found in nad2, and the smallest was found in cox2. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated amino acid sequences of 12 PCGs demonstrated that T. apodemi formed a distinct branch and was always a sister taxon to other congeneric species. The present study determined the complete mt genome sequences of T. apodemi, which provide novel genetic markers for further studies of the taxonomy, population genetics, and systematics of the Toxocaridae nematodes.

Seafood waste derived carbon nanomaterials for removal and detection of food safety hazards

Nanobiotechnology and the engineering of nanomaterials are currently the main focus of many researches. Seafood waste carbon nanomaterials (SWCNs) are a renewable resource with large surface area, porous structure, high reactivity, and abundant active sites. They efficiently adsorb food contaminants through π-π conjugated, ion exchange, and electrostatic interaction. Furthermore, SWCNs prepared from seafood waste are rich in N and O functional groups. They have high quantum yield (QY) and excellent fluorescence properties, making them promising materials for the removal and detection of pollutants. It provides an opportunity by which solutions to the long-term challenges of the food industry in assessing food safety, maintaining food quality, detecting contaminants and pretreating samples can be found. In addition, carbon nanomaterials can be used as adsorbents to reduce environmental pollutants and prevent food safety problems from the source. In this paper, the types of SWCNs are reviewed; the synthesis, properties and applications of SWCNs are reviewed and the raw material selection, preparation methods, reaction conditions and formation mechanisms of biomass-based carbon materials are studied in depth. Finally, the advantages of seafood waste carbon and its composite materials in pollutant removal and detection were discussed, and existing problems were pointed out, which provided ideas for the future development and research directions of this interesting and versatile material. Based on the concept of waste pricing and a recycling economy, the aim of this paper is to outline current trends and the future potential to transform residues from the seafood waste sector into valuable biological (nano) materials, and to apply them to food safety.

Near-infrared light responsive gold nanoparticles coating endows polyetheretherketone with enhanced osseointegration and antibacterial properties

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is considered as a promising dental implant material owing to its excellent physicochemical and mechanical properties. However, its wide range of applications is limited by its biologically inert nature. In this study, a near-infrared (NIR) light responsive bioactive coating with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and metronidazole adhered to the PEEK surface via dopamine polymerization. Compared to pure PEEK, the hydrophilicity of the treated PEEK surface was significantly improved. In addition, under NIR light, the surface coating exhibited photothermal conversion effect, and gold nanoparticles and the antibiotic can be released from the coating. This improved the antibacterial properties of PEEK materials. Moreover, the coating was more conducive to the early adhesion of bone mesenchymal stem cells. The results of in vitro and in vivo osteogenic activity studies showed that the developed coating promoted osseointegration of PEEK implants, and NIR light irradiation further improved the antibacterial ability and osteogenic activity of PEEK implants. Through RNA sequencing, the potential underlying mechanism of promoting bone formation of the AuNPs coating combined metronidazole was interpreted. In summary, the developed coating is a potential surface treatment strategy that endows PEEK with enhanced osseointegration and antibacterial properties.

Sex-specific associations between sex hormones and clinical symptoms in late-life schizophrenia

The prevalence of late-life schizophrenia is increasing with high burden. It is well-documented that schizophrenia affects men and women differently in terms of symptoms. Sex hormones, which play a role in the pathology and symptoms of schizophrenia, are greatly affected by aging. To the best of our knowledge, this is a study to examine the sex differences in psychiatric symptoms and their correlation with sex hormones in participants with late-life schizophrenia. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) factors were evaluated. Testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin were measured. Male participants with late-life schizophrenia had more severe negative symptoms than female participants (z = -2.56, P = 0.010), while female participants had more severe anxiety/depression compared to male participants (z = 2.64, P = 0.008). Testosterone levels in male participants were positively associated with negative symptoms (β = 0.23, t = 2.27, P = 0.025), while there was no significant association between sex hormones and symptoms in female participants. In conclusion, higher testosterone levels were associated with more severe negative symptoms in male participants with late-life schizophrenia, suggesting that attention should be paid to the sex differences in late-life schizophrenia in clinical practice.

A chimeric porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1 strain containing synthetic ORF2-6 genes can trigger T follicular helper cell and heterologous neutralizing antibody responses and confer enhanced cross-protection

The prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1 (PRRSV1) isolates has continued to increase in Chinese swine herds in recent years. However, no effective control strategy is available for PRRSV1 infection in China. In this study, we generated the first infectious cDNA clone (rHLJB1) of a Chinese PRRSV1 isolate and subsequently used it as a backbone to construct an ORF2-6 chimeric virus (ORF2-6-CON). This virus contained a synthesized consensus sequence of the PRRSV1 ORF2-6 gene encoding all the envelope proteins. The ORF2-6 consensus sequence shared > 90% nucleotide similarity with four representative strains (Amervac, BJEU06-1, HKEU16 and NMEU09-1) of PRRSV1 in China. ORF2-6-CON had replication efficacy similar to that of the backbone rHLJB1 virus in primary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and exhibited cell tropism in Marc-145 cells. Piglet inoculation and challenge studies indicated that ORF2-6-CON is not pathogenic to piglets and can induce enhanced cross-protection against a heterologous SD1291 isolate. Notably, ORF2-6-CON inoculation induced higher levels of heterologous neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against SD1291 than rHLJB1 inoculation, which was concurrent with a higher percentage of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLNs), providing the first clue that porcine Tfh cells are correlated with heterologous PRRSV nAb responses. The number of SD1291-strain-specific IFNγ-secreting cells was similar in ORF2-6-CON-inoculated and rHLJB1-inoculated pigs. Overall, our findings support that the Marc-145-adapted ORF2-6-CON can trigger Tfh cell and heterologous nAb responses to confer improved cross-protection and may serve as a candidate strain for the development of a cross-protective PRRSV1 vaccine.

Ultra-Thin Hydrogen-Organic-Framework (HOF) Nanosheets for Ultra-Stable Alkali Ions Battery Storage

Organic frameworks-based batteries with excellent physicochemical stability and long-term high capacity will definitely reduce the cost, carbon emissions, and metal consumption and contamination. Here, an ultra-stable and ultra-thin perylene-dicyandiamide-based hydrogen organic framework (HOF) nanosheet (P-DCD) of ≈3.5 nm in thickness is developed. When applied in the cathode, the P-DCD exhibits exceptional long-term capacity retention for alkali-ion batteries (AIBs). Strikingly, for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), at current of 2 A g-1, the large reversible capacity of 108 mA h g-1 shows no attenuation within 5 000 cycles. For sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), the related capacity retains 91.7% within 10 000 cycles compared to the initial state, significantly much more stable than conventional organic materials reported previously. Mechanism studies through ex situ and in situ experiments and theoretical density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the impressive long-term performance retention originates from the large electron delocalization, fast ion diffusion, and physicochemical stability within the ultra-thin 2D P-DCD, featuring π-π and hydrogen bonding stacking, nitrogen-rich units, and low impedance. The advantageous features demonstrate that rationally designed stable and effective organic frameworks pave the way to utilizing complete organic materials for developing next-generation low-cost and highly stable energy storage batteries.

HCN1 in the lateral habenula contributes to morphine abstinence-induced anxiety-like behaviors in male mice

Anxiety disorders, common symptoms during morphine withdrawal, are important negative reinforcement factors leading to relapse. Lateral habenula serves as a negative reinforcement center, however its role in morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety remains uncovered. The hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels have been reported to be important in emotion processing and addiction, but the role of HCN in anxiety from drug protracted abstinence remains elusive. In this study, by using behavioral test, Western blot, immunofluorescence, electrophysiology and virus-mediated regulation of HCN, we found that: (1) Intra-LHb injection of selective HCN blocker ZD7288 alleviated anxiety-like behaviors in morphine protracted abstinent male mice. (2) The LHb neuronal activity was increased by morphine protracted abstinence. (3) LHb neurons were inhibited by ZD7288 and activated by 8-Br-cAMP respectively, which were enhanced by morphine withdrawal. (4) HCN1 in the LHb was upregulated by morphine withdrawal. (5) Virus-mediated overexpression of HCN1 in the LHb was sufficient to produce anxiety-like behaviors in male mice and virus-mediated knockdown of HCN1 in the LHb prevented the anxiety-like behaviors in male mice. The findings reveal that selective blockade of HCN1 channels in the LHb may represent a therapeutic approach to morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety.

Characterization, interfacial rheology, and storage stability of Pickering emulsions stabilized by complex of whey protein isolate fiber and zein derived from micro-endosperm maize

In present study, we characterized the formation, interfacial rheology, and storage stability of emulsions stabilized by microendosperm maize-derived zein (M-Zein)/whey protein isolate fiber (WPIF) nanoparticles. Microendosperm maize is a newly developed, oleic acid-rich oilseed resource. Recent research has shown that M-Zein possesses unique hydrophobic properties. Combining it with WPIF may enhance its performance as a stabilizer. Optimization of weight ratios for M-Zein/WPIF composites, guided by particle size analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy, three-phase contact angle (θ), and interfacial rheological analysis, revealed that a 4: 6 mass ratio at pH 7 yielded favorable wettability (θ = 91.2°). Interfacial rheology analysis showed that the combination of WPIF reduced M-Zein's interfacial tension to 7.2 mN/m and 36.7 mN/m at oil-water and air-water interfaces, respectively. The M-Zein/WPIF complex exhibited an elastic protein layer at the oil-water interface. Further investigations into nanoparticle concentration, oil phase volume, and pH revealed that emulsions containing 3 % nanoparticles (w/w), 50 % oil phase volume, and pH 7 showed the best storage stability. This research highlights the development of M-Zein/WPIF composited nanoparticles with superior storage stability and interfacial rheology. Additionally, it introduces a novel application for M-Zein, which elevates the value proposition of microendosperm maize.

Body size, insulin sensitivity, metabolic health and risk of cardiovascular disease in Chinese adults: Insights from the China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C) study

AIMS

To assess the excess risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with different criteria for metabolic health, and the interplay of body size, insulin sensitivity and metabolic health with CVD risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective study involving 115 638 participants from the China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C) Study. Metabolic health was defined using three different definitions: (1) insulin sensitivity defined by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index; (2) absence of metabolic syndrome according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria; and (3) simultaneous absence of metabolic abnormalities (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia). The primary endpoint was a composite of incident CVD events comprising the first occurrence of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, or cardiovascular death.

RESULTS

During a mean 3.61-year follow-up period, obese individuals with insulin sensitivity (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-2.08), or without metabolic syndrome (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.13-1.89) still exhibited increased CVD risks, when compared to their normal-weight counterparts. Otherwise, those with obesity but simultaneous absence of metabolic abnormalities demonstrated similar CVD risk compared to normal-weight individuals (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.53-1.59). CVD risk increased with the number of abnormalities across body mass index categories, regardless of insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the need for refined definitions of metabolic health and advocates for meticulous screening for metabolic abnormalities to reduce cardiovascular risks, even in individuals with normal weight and insulin sensitivity.

[Diagnostic value of high frequency oscillation in localization of type Ⅱ focal cortical dysplasia epilepsy]

Retrospective analysis was conducted on 9 patients with type Ⅱ focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) who underwent stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) implantation in the Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from November 2020 to February 2023. The onset area, onset time, and frequency of high-frequency oscillations (HFO) were analyzed and the correlation of HFOs with interictal, preictal, and ictal periods. SEEG recordings of 80-500 Hz HFOs were observed in both interictal and ictal periods in 9 patients, with 6 patients exhibiting fast ripples (FR) in the range of 250-500 Hz. Surgical resection of the seizure onset area and FR-generating electrodes was performed, and postoperative follow-up for over 2 years indicated Engel I in 5 cases. 6 patients showed continuous discharge during the preictal period, and the distribution index of continuous discharge was positively correlated with seizure frequency. HFOs in the range of 80-500 Hz were present in all four seizure onset patterns during the ictal period. The onset area and FR-emitting electrode were surgically removed in 6 patients with continuous discharge and overlapping HFOs during the preictal period, with 5 cases of Engel I. Type Ⅱ FCD discharges exhibited complexity, high discharge indices, and a close association with HFOs. Compared with the spike wave, the electrode range of HF is more limited, and the incidence of HF before attack is significantly increased, which is closely correlated with the onset area. The simultaneous occurrence of HFO and the spike waves has higher diagnostic value than the individual occurrence, effectively enhancing surgical efficacy.

PqsA mutation-mediated enhancement of phage-mediated combat against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Phage therapy is a potential approach in the biocontrol of foodborne pathogens. However, the emergence of phage resistance and the narrow host range of most phage isolates continue to limit the antimicrobial efficacy of phages. Here, we investigated the potential of the pqsA gene, encoding the anthranilate-CoA ligase enzyme, as an adjuvant for phage therapy. The knockout of the pqsA gene significantly enhanced the bactericidal effect of phages vB_Pae_QDWS and vB_Pae_S1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Under phage infection pressure, the growth of the PaΔpqsA was significantly inhibited within 8 h compared to the wild-type PAO1. Furthermore, we found that altering phage adsorption is not how PaΔpqsA responds to phage infection. Although pqsA represents a promising target for enhancing phage killing, it may not be applicable to all phages, such as types vB_Pae_W3 and vB_Pae_TR. Our findings provide new material reserves for the future design of novel phage-based therapeutic strategies.

The Association between Educational Attainment and the Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Chinese Adults: Findings from the REACTION Study

Background/Aims

: Low educational attainment is a well-established risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in developed areas. However, the association between educational attainment and the risk of NAFLD is less clear in China.

Methods

: A cross-sectional study including over 200,000 Chinese adults across mainland China was conducted. Information on education level and lifestyle factors were obtained through standard questionnaires, while NAFLD and advanced fibrosis were diagnosed using validated formulas. Outcomes included the risk of NAFLD in the general population and high probability of fibrosis among patients with NAFLD. Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the risk of NAFLD and fibrosis across education levels. A causal mediation model was used to explore the potential mediators.

Results

: Comparing with those receiving primary school education, the multi-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for NAFLD were 1.28 (1.16 to 1.41) for men and 0.94 (0.89 to 0.99) for women with college education after accounting for body mass index. When considering waist circumference, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.94 (0.86 to 1.04) for men and 0.88 (0.80 to 0.97) for women, respectively. The proportions mediated by general and central obesity were 51.00% and 68.04% for men, while for women the proportions were 48.58% and 32.58%, respectively. Furthermore, NAFLD patients with lower educational attainment showed an incremental increased risk of advanced fibrosis in both genders.

Conclusions

: In China, a low education level was associated with a higher risk of prevalent NAFLD in women, as well as high probability of fibrosis in both genders.

Sex-stratified genome-wide association and transcriptome-wide Mendelian randomization studies reveal drug targets of heart failure

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) subtypes, which are classified by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), demonstrate significant sex differences. Here, we perform sex-stratified genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on LVEF and transcriptome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) on LVEF, all-cause HF, HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The sex-stratified GWASs of LVEF identified three sex-specific loci that were exclusively detected in the sex-stratified GWASs. Three drug target genes show sex-differential effects on HF/HFrEF via influencing LVEF, with NPR2 as the target gene for the HF drug Cenderitide under phase 2 clinical trial. Our study highlights the importance of considering sex-differential genetic effects in sex-balanced diseases such as HF and emphasizes the value of sex-stratified GWASs and MR in identifying putative genetic variants, causal genes, and candidate drug targets for HF, which is not identifiable using a sex-combined strategy.

Influence of linoleic acid on the immunodetection of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) tropomyosin and the mechanism investigation via multi-spectroscopic and molecular modeling techniques

The effect of linoleic acid (LA) on the IgG/IgE recognition, in vitro digestibility and immunodetection of shrimp tropomyosin (TM) was investigated. Subsequently, the simultaneous binding of LA-TM was explored using multi-spectroscopic and molecular modeling techniques. Our findings reveled that the addition of LA significantly reduced TM's IgG/IgE immunoreactivity, digestibility, and immunodetection. Further analysis using multi-spectroscopic and molecular modeling techniques indicated that while TM's secondary structure remained largely unchanged, its 3-D structure showed significant alterations such as increased particle size and hydrophobic surface area, and a higher number of buried hydrophobic residues exposed due to the binding of LA to TM. These structural changes rendered it difficult for target antibodies and digestive enzymes to interact with related epitopes and cleavage sites buried inside the molecule. The results obtained in this study provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanism of poor immunodetection caused by food matrix interference.

Brain tissue- and cell type-specific eQTL Mendelian randomization reveals efficacy of FADS1 and FADS2 on cognitive function

Epidemiological studies suggested an association between omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive function. However, the causal role of the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene, which play a key role in regulating omega-3 fatty acids biosynthesis, on cognitive function is unclear. Hence, we used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to estimate the gene-specific causal effect of omega-3 fatty acids (N = 114,999) on cognitive function (N = 300,486). Tissue- and cell type-specific effects of FADS1/FADS2 expression on cognitive function were estimated using brain tissue cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTL) datasets (GTEx, N ≤ 209; MetaBrain, N ≤ 8,613) and single cell cis-eQTL data (N = 373), respectively. These causal effects were further evaluated in whole blood cis-eQTL data (N ≤ 31,684). A series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate MR assumptions. Leave-one-out MR showed a FADS gene-specific effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cognitive function [β = -1.3 × 10-2, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-2.2 × 10-2, -5 × 10-3), P = 2 × 10-3]. Tissue-specific MR showed an effect of increased FADS1 expression in cerebellar hemisphere and FADS2 expression in nucleus accumbens basal ganglia on maintaining cognitive function, while decreased FADS1 expression in nine brain tissues on maintaining cognitive function [colocalization probability (PP.H4) ranged from 71.7% to 100.0%]. Cell type-specific MR showed decreased FADS1/FADS2 expression in oligodendrocyte was associated with maintaining cognitive function (PP.H4 = 82.3%, respectively). Increased FADS1/FADS2 expression in whole blood showed an effect on cognitive function maintenance (PP.H4 = 86.6% and 88.4%, respectively). This study revealed putative causal effect of FADS1/FADS2 expression in brain tissues and blood on cognitive function. These findings provided evidence to prioritize FADS gene as potential target gene for maintenance of cognitive function.

High-efficient nutrient removal in a single-stage electrolysis-integrated sequencing batch biofilm reactor (E-SBBR) for low C/N sanitary sewage treatment

To efficiently remove nutrients from low C/N sanitary sewage by conventional biological process is challenging due to the lack of sufficient electron donors. A novel electrolysis-integrated sequencing batch biofilm reactor (E-SBBR) was established to promote nitrogen and phosphorus removal for sanitary sewage with low C/N ratios (3.5-1.5). Highly efficient removal of nitrogen (>79%) and phosphorus (>97%) was achieved in the E-SBBR operating under alternating anoxic/electrolysis-anoxic/aerobic conditions. The coexistence of autotrophic nitrifiers, electron transfer-related bacteria, and heterotrophic and autohydrogenotrophic denitrifiers indicated synergistic nitrogen removal via multiple nitrogen-removing pathways. Electrolysis application induced microbial anoxic ammonia oxidation, autohydrogenotrophic denitrification and electrocoagulation processes. Deinococcus enriched on the electrodes were likely to mediate the electricity-driven ammonia oxidation which promoted ammonia removal. PICRUSt2 indicated that the relative abundances of key genes (hyaA and hyaB) associated with hydrogen oxidation significantly increased with the decreasing C/N ratios. The high autohydrogenotrophic denitrification rates during the electrolysis-anoxic period could compensate for the decreased heterotrophic rates resulting from insufficient carbon sources and nitrate removal was dramatically enhanced. Electrocoagulation with iron anode was responsible for phosphorus removal. This study provides insights into mechanisms by which electrochemically assisted biological systems enhance nutrient removal for low C/N sanitary sewage.

Roles of Lipolytic enzymes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a bacterial pathogen that can endure for long periods in an infected patient, without causing disease. There are a number of virulence factors that increase its ability to invade the host. One of these factors is lipolytic enzymes, which play an important role in the pathogenic mechanism of Mtb. Bacterial lipolytic enzymes hydrolyze lipids in host cells, thereby releasing free fatty acids that are used as energy sources and building blocks for the synthesis of cell envelopes, in addition to regulating host immune responses. This review summarizes the relevant recent studies that used in vitro and in vivo models of infection, with particular emphasis on the virulence profile of lipolytic enzymes in Mtb. A better understanding of these enzymes will aid the development of new treatment strategies for TB. The recent work done that explored mycobacterial lipolytic enzymes and their involvement in virulence and pathogenicity was highlighted in this study. Lipolytic enzymes are expected to control Mtb and other intracellular pathogenic bacteria by targeting lipid metabolism. They are also potential candidates for the development of novel therapeutic agents.

The Addition of Resveratrol-Loaded Emulsions to Yogurts: Physicochemical Characterization, In Vitro Bioaccessibility and NMR-Based Nutritional Profiles

In this study, resveratrol-loaded nano-emulsions were added to yogurts, improving the physicochemical properties and functional factors and realizing the development of nutrient-fortified yogurt. Yogurts added with free resveratrol (Y-R), resveratrol-loaded emulsions stabilized by sodium caseinate (Y-NN), decaglycerol monooleate (Y-DN), and sodium caseinate-decaglycerol monooleate (Y-DND) were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, including pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, and textural parameters, with 5-day intervals for 15-day storage. The resveratrol retention rate was analyzed in the Y-R, Y-NN, Y-DN, and Y-NDN groups during 15 days of storage. The dynamic bioaccessibility of resveratrol and the NMR-based nutritional profile of yogurt in the Y-R, Y-NN, Y-DN, and the Y-NDN group were investigated after in vitro digestion. The results demonstrated that the addition of resveratrol emulsion decreased the hardness of yogurt while evaluating its titratable acidity and water-holding capacity, which were characterized by high stability. The stability of resveratrol added in the form of an emulsion was significantly higher than that of the free form. Compared with the other groups, the yogurt formulated with sodium caseinate/decaglycerol monooleate (NaCas/DGMO) emulsion showed the highest resveratrol retention rate, about 70%. In vitro digestion showed that encapsulation effectively and persistently improved the dynamic bioaccessibility of resveratrol. Additionally, NMR-based nutritional profile analysis before and after in vitro digestion demonstrated that resveratrol emulsion nutritional fortification promoted the release of nutrients, improving the nutritional value of yogurt. These findings offered theoretical guidance and technical support for the use of resveratrol nano-emulsions in yogurt.

Impact of Lysine Succinylation on the Biology of Fungi

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in protein functionality and the control of various cellular processes and secondary metabolites (SMs) in fungi. Lysine succinylation (Ksuc) is an emerging protein PTM characterized by the addition of a succinyl group to a lysine residue, which induces substantial alteration in the chemical and structural properties of the affected protein. This chemical alteration is reversible, dynamic in nature, and evolutionarily conserved. Recent investigations of numerous proteins that undergo significant succinylation have underscored the potential significance of Ksuc in various biological processes, encompassing normal physiological functions and the development of certain pathological processes and metabolites. This review aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Ksuc and its diverse functions in fungi. Both conventional investigation techniques and predictive tools for identifying Ksuc sites were also considered. A more profound comprehension of Ksuc and its impact on the biology of fungi have the potential to unveil new insights into post-translational modification and may pave the way for innovative approaches that can be applied across various clinical contexts in the management of mycotoxins.

[Research progress on the prevalence and harm of heated tobacco products]

Heated tobacco products (HTP) are a new type of tobacco product, also known as heat-not-burn (HnB) tobacco products. They are devices that use an electronic heat source to heat tobacco and produce aerosols containing nicotine for smokers to inhale. Currently, traditional combustible cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are increasingly being regulated under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Tobacco companies have responded by actively promoting heated tobacco products worldwide, which pose new challenges to global tobacco control efforts and may become a challenge for tobacco control work in China. In reviewing the situation and the potential harm of heated tobacco products, it was noted that HTP are rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, and that their harmfulness may be underestimated. Compared to combustible cigarettes (CC) and ENDS, the long-term health effects of HTP are not fully understood, and they may pose new health risks. Potential health risks include an increase in smoking prevalence, the presence of harmful and potentially harmful compounds not found in CC, and the potential gateway effect on non-smokers. Due to differences in laws, regulations, health policies, institutions, and cultural factors related to the tobacco industry in different countries and regions, attitudes, and regulatory measures towards HTP also vary. It is essential for countries and regions around the world to develop appropriate policies to strengthen control of HTP and prevent their widespread use.

Role of RNA Modifications, Especially m6A, in Aflatoxin Biosynthesis of Aspergillus flavus

RNA modifications play key roles in eukaryotes, but the functions in Aspergillus flavus are still unknown. Temperature has been reported previously to be a critical environmental factor that regulates the aflatoxin production of A. flavus, but much remains to be learned about the molecular networks. Here, we demonstrated that 12 kinds of RNA modifications in A. flavus were significantly changed under 29 °C compared to 37 °C incubation; among them, m6A was further verified by a colorimetric method. Then, the transcriptome-wide m6A methylome and m6A-altered genes were comprehensively illuminated through methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing, from which 22 differentially methylated and expressed transcripts under 29 °C were screened out. It is especially notable that AFCA_009549, an aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway gene (aflQ), and the m6A methylation of its 332nd adenine in the mRNA significantly affect aflatoxin biosynthesis in A. flavus both on media and crop kernels. The content of sterigmatocystin in both ΔaflQ and aflQA332C strains was significantly higher than that in the WT strain. Together, these findings reveal that RNA modifications are associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis of A. flavus.

Zeolite imidazolate framework-8 in bone regeneration: A systematic review

Zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a biomaterial that has been increasingly studied in recent years. It has several applications such as bone regeneration, promotion of angiogenesis, drug loading, and antibacterial activity, and exerts multiple effects to deal with various problems in the process of bone regeneration. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the applications and effectiveness of ZIF-8 in bone regeneration. A search of papers published in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases revealed 532 relevant studies. Title, abstract, and full-text screening resulted in 39 papers being included in the review, including 39 in vitro and 22 animal studies. Appropriate concentrations of nano ZIF-8 can promote cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by releasing Zn2+ and entering the cell, whereas high doses of ZIF-8 are cytotoxic and inhibit osteogenic differentiation. In addition, five studies confirmed that ZIF-8 exhibits good vasogenic activity. In all in vivo experiments, nano ZIF-8 promoted bone formation. These results indicate that, at appropriate concentrations, materials containing ZIF-8 promote bone regeneration more than materials without ZIF-8, and with characteristics such as promoting angiogenesis, drug loading, and antibacterial activity, it is expected to show promising applications in the field of bone regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This manuscript reviewed the use of ZIF-8 in bone regeneration, clarified the biocompatibility and effectiveness in promoting bone regeneration of ZIF-8 materials, and discussed the possible mechanisms and factors affecting its promotion of bone regeneration. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of the latest advances in the field of bone regeneration of ZIF-8, serves as a design guide, and contributes to the design of future experimental studies.

Diabesity phenotype in relation to the incidence and resolution of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Diabesity is a term used to emphasize the dual epidemic and the combined detrimental effects of diabetes and obesity. We aimed to investigate the associations of diabesity with the incidence and resolution of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 5549 participants with a median follow-up of 4.3 years (2010-2015). Diabesity was defined as six categories by the combinations of glucose tolerance status (normal glucose tolerance [NGT], prediabetes, and diabetes) diagnosed by fasting and oral glucose tolerance test 2-h glucose and hemoglobin A1c and general or abdominal obesity status. We examined the odds ratios (ORs) for the incidence and resolution of NAFLD associated with diabesity categories, respectively.

RESULTS

For NAFLD incidence, compared with the diabesity category of NGT with nonobesity, the categories of either glucose intolerance or general obesity were associated with higher risks of NAFLD, of which the categories with obesity, regardless of glucose intolerance status, exhibited greater risks (ORs ranged from 3.19 to 4.49) than the categories of nonobesity. For NAFLD resolution, the categories of prediabetes or diabetes with obesity were associated with decreased likelihoods of a resolution of NAFLD (ORs ranged from 0.40 to 0.58). These association patterns were consistent across various definitions of diabesity by glucose tolerance status diagnosed by different combinations of glycemic parameters and general or abdominal obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

The diabesity association pattern with NAFLD incidence was mainly determined by obesity, while that with NAFLD resolution was driven by the combined phenotype of glucose intolerance and obesity.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

18F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics model for predicting the degree of pathological differentiation in non-small cell lung cancer: a multicentre study

AIM

To explore the value of 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics model for predicting the degree of pathological differentiation in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical characteristics of 182 NSCLC patients from four centres were collected, and radiomics features were extracted from 18F-FDG PET/CT images. Three logistic regression prediction models were established: clinical model; radiomics model; and nomogram combining radiomics signatures and clinical features. The predictive ability of the models was assessed using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

RESULTS

Patients from centre 1 were assigned randomly to the training and internal validation cohorts (7:3 ratio); patients from centres 2-4 served as the external validation cohort. The area under the curve (AUC) values for the clinical model in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort were 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-0.84), 0.64 (95% CI = 0.46-0.81), and 0.74 (95% CI = 0.60-0.88), respectively. In the training (AUC: 0.84 [95% CI = 0.77-0.92]), internal validation (AUC: 0.81 [95% CI = 0.67-0.95]), and external validation cohorts (AUC: 0.74 [95% CI = 0.58-0.89]), the radiomics model showed good predictive ability for differentiation. Compared to the clinical and radiomics models, the nomogram has relatively better diagnostic performance, and the AUC values for nomogram in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort were 0.86 (95% CI = 0.78-0.93), 0.83 (95% CI = 0.70-0.96), and 0.77 (95% CI = 0.62-0.92), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 18F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics model showed good ability for predicting the degree of differentiation of NSCLC. The nomogram combining the radiomics signature and clinical features has relatively better diagnostic performance.

Spectral data fusion in nondestructive detection of food products: Strategies, recent applications, and future perspectives

In recent years, the food industry has shown a growing interest in the development of rapid and nondestructive analytical methods. However, the utilization of a solitary nondestructive detection technique offers only a constrained extent of physical or chemical insights regarding the sample under examination. To overcome this limitation, the amalgamation of spectroscopy with data fusion strategies has emerged as a promising approach. This comprehensive review delves into the fundamental principles and merits of low-level, mid-level, and high-level data fusion strategies within the domain of food analysis. Various data fusion techniques encompassing spectra-to-spectra, spectra-to-machine vision, spectra-to-electronic nose, and spectra-to-nuclear magnetic resonance are summarized. Moreover, this review also provides an overview of the latest applications of spectral data fusion techniques (SDFTs) for classification, adulteration, quality evaluation, and contaminant detection within the purview of food safety analysis. It also addresses current challenges and future prospects associated with SDFTs in real-world applications. Despite the extant technical intricacy, the ongoing evolution of online data fusion platforms and the emergence of smartphone-based multi-sensor fusion detection technology augur well for the pragmatic realization of SDFTs, endowing them with formidable capabilities for both qualitative and quantitative analysis in the realm of food analysis.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Whole Blood-based Transcriptional Risk Score for Nonobese Type 2 Diabetes Predicts Dynamic Changes in Glucose Metabolism

CONTEXT

The performance of peripheral blood transcriptional markers in evaluating risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with normal body mass index (BMI) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We developed a whole blood-based transcriptional risk score (wb-TRS) for nonobese T2D and assessed its contributions on disease risk and dynamic changes in glucose metabolism.

METHODS

Using a community-based cohort with blood transcriptome data, we developed the wb-TRS in 1105 participants aged ≥40 years who maintained a normal BMI for up to 10 years, and we validated the wb-TRS in an external dataset. Potential biological significance was explored.

RESULTS

The wb-TRS included 144 gene transcripts. Compared to the lowest tertile, wb-TRS in tertile 3 was associated with 8.91-fold (95% CI, 3.53-22.5) higher risk and each 1-unit increment was associated with 2.63-fold (95% CI, 1.87-3.68) higher risk of nonobese T2D. Furthermore, baseline wb-TRS significantly associated with dynamic changes in average, daytime, nighttime, and 24-hour glucose, HbA1c values, and area under the curve of glucose measured by continuous glucose monitoring over 6 months of intervention. The wb-TRS improved the prediction performance for nonobese T2D, combined with fasting glucose, triglycerides, and demographic and anthropometric parameters. Multi-contrast gene set enrichment (Mitch) analysis implicated oxidative phosphorylation, mTORC1 signaling, and cholesterol metabolism involved in nonobese T2D pathogenesis.

CONCLUSION

A whole blood-based nonobese T2D-associated transcriptional risk score was validated to predict dynamic changes in glucose metabolism. These findings suggested several biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of nonobese T2D.

Qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of melamine in liquid milk based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Melamine is one of the common limited contaminations in dairy products. The traditional detection method has a long period and complicated pretreatment process. The rapid detection method is the better method to solve the screening of limited contaminations. In this paper, taking melamine as the research object, the surface enhanced Raman spectrum of melamine in liquid milk were collected by portable Raman spectrometer, and melamine was qualitatively identified and semi-quantitatively analyzed by Raman characteristic peak and Raman intensity, and a simple and efficient rapid screening method for limited contaminations was developed. The limit of detection is 0.25 mg/kg. The probability of detection is 100% at 2.5 mg/kg, which is the same between the two laboratories, indicating that the semi-quantitative method has good repeatability. The method of melamine proposed in this study can meet the rapid screening requirements of limited contaminations at the maximum residue limit, and has a good application prospect.

On-site detection of chloramphenicol in fish using SERS-based magnetic aptasensor coupled with a handheld Raman spectrometer

In recent years, the rapid detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) has become a market demand due to its high toxicity. In this study, for the first time, a portable surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) aptasensor for the rapid and on-site detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) residues in fish was developed. Fe3O4@Au nanoflowers combined with sulfhydryl (SH)-CAP aptamer complementary DNA acted as capture probes. SH-CAP aptamer modified Au@Ag nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs) embedded with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) were served as reporter probes. The strongest Raman intensity was produced due to the coupling of Fe3O4@Au nanoflowers (Fe3O4@Au NFs) and Au@Ag NPs. For CAP detection, a wide linear range from 0.001 to 1000 μg/L, with an R2 of 0.9805, was obtained. The limit of detection was determined to be 0.87 ng/L. The SERS aptasensor showed excellent performance for analytical applications for real fish samples. Compared with the conventional HPLC method, the developed SERS aptasensor coupled with a handheld Raman spectrometer had flexible application and avoided the limitations of complex operating conditions. It should be a promising portable analytical tool for analysis of drug residues in the field.

Investigation of the allergenicity alterations of shrimp tropomyosin as glycated by glucose and maltotriose containing advanced glycation end products

Tropomyosin (TM) is the major allergen in shrimp that is known to be the primary trigger for shrimp-induced food allergy. Our previous reports suggest that glycation could reduce the allergenicity of TM and the reduction of allergenicity is largely dependent on the sources of saccharides. This investigation aimed to investigate the glycation of TM by glucose and maltotriose as well as the effects of glycation on the allergenicity of TM. Compared to TM, the IgG-binding capacity and IgE-binding capacity of tropomyosin glycated by glucose (TM-G) was greatly reduced with a longer glycation time, the release of allergic mediators from RBL-2H3 mast cells was reduced in a time-dependent manner, and weaker allergic reactions were induced in BALB/c mice. Conversely, tropomyosin glycated by maltotriose (TM-MTS) exhibited a stronger allergenicity after 48 hours of glycation due to the generation of neoallergens that were derived from the advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In conclusion, glucose could be used to desensitize the shrimp TM-induced food allergy via glycation, which could significantly reduce the allergenicity and alleviate allergic symptoms. This work could provide a novel approach to reduce the allergenicity of shrimp tropomyosin and prevent the shrimp tropomyosin-induced food allergy.

Robust and Efficient Carbon-Based Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with a CsPbBr3-MoS2 Hybrid Absorber

Optical response improvement and hole transport/extraction enhancement are critical to enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) with an absorber of CsPbBr3. In this study, a multifunctional optimization method by embedding MoS2 nanosheets in CsPbBr3 bulk to construct a perovskite-nanosheet hybrid structure was presented. A CsPbBr3-MoS2 hybrid film was fabricated by two-step spin-coating the precursor solutions of PbBr2 and CsBr-MoS2 under an ambient atmosphere, where the aqueous solution with highly distributed MoS2 nanosheets was applied as a solvent of the hybrid precursor solution. MoS2 nanosheets were utilized as a p-type modifier and extra absorber to hybridize with CsPbBr3 for improving the CsPbBr3-carbon interface and light absorption ability of the perovskite layer. As expected, the optical response ability, absorber film quality, and carrier separation/extraction/transport properties of C-PSCs were enhanced significantly by embedding MoS2 nanosheets in CsPbBr3 film, which resulted in enhanced C-PSCs properties. Finally, the C-PSCs with the structure of FTO/SnO2/CsPbBr3-MoS2/C presented a champion PCE of 7.87% (active area: 1 cm2), which demonstrated excellent ambient and operational stability. This study provides an efficient method for constructing ultrastable C-PSCs by hybridizing perovskite and nanosheets.

A Rare Case of Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Right Submandibular Gland

Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the submandibular gland is an extremely rare carcinoma of the salivary gland that originates from the basal cells of the submandibular gland. Due to its rarity, there are relatively few case reports and literature on this cancer. After comprehensive clinical, imaging, and pathologic analyses, we confirmed the patient's diagnosis and documented the consultation in detail. The purpose of this article is to report the case of a patient with basal cell adenocarcinoma of the submandibular gland and to perform a review of the relevant literature to improve the understanding of this rare disease.

The performance and microbial response of zero valent iron alleviating the thermal-alkaline stress and enhancing hydrolysis-acidification of primary sludge

The biological thermal-alkaline hydrolysis-acidification (BTAHA) could promote sludge disintegration, which was conducive to producing volatile fatty acids (VFAs). However, high temperature and strong alkali could reduce the BTAHA effluent quality. Because high temperature denatures proteins and significantly changes the material and energy metabolism of bacteria, while strong alkali inhibits fermentation microorganisms (especially acid-producing microorganisms). This study investigated the internal mechanism of zero valent iron (ZVI) and magnetite (Mag.) alleviating temperature and alkali stress and improving the quality of hydrolysis-acidification effluent. At pH 7-10, compared with the control and magnetite, ZVI increased the average effluent VFAs by 24.0%-40.1% and 11.6%-18.1%, respectively. At pH 9, ZVI could provide an ecological niche for acidifying bacteria that preferred neutral and weakly alkaline conditions, with a 49.8% proportion of VFAs to soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD). At pH 12, the fluorescence intensity ratio of easy to difficult biodegradable organic matter in control, RMag., and RZVI were 0.63, 0.62, and 1.31, respectively. It indicated ZVI effectively alleviated high temperature and strong alkali stress. This study provides a reference for improving the quality of BTAHA effluent.

Small RNAs contribute to citrus Huanglongbing tolerance by manipulating methyl salicylate signaling and exogenous methyl salicylate primes citrus groves from emerging infection

Citrus production is severely threatened by the devastating Huanglongbing (HLB) disease globally. By studying and analyzing the defensive behaviors of an HLB-tolerant citrus cultivar 'Shatangju', we discovered that citrus can sense Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) infection and induce immune responses against HLB, which can be further strengthened by both endogenously produced and exogenously applied methyl salicylate (MeSA). This immune circuit is turned on by an miR2977-SAMT (encoding a citrus Salicylate [SA] O-methyltransferase) cascade, by which CLas infection leads to more in planta MeSA production and aerial emission. We provided both transgenic and multi-year trail evidences that MeSA is an effective community immune signal. Ambient MeSA accumulation and foliage application can effectively induce defense gene expression and significantly boost citrus performance. We also found that miRNAs are battle fields between citrus and CLas, and about 30% of the differential gene expression upon CLas infection are regulated by miRNAs. Furthermore, CLas hijacks host key processes by manipulating key citrus miRNAs, and citrus employs miRNAs that coordinately regulate defense-related genes. Based on our results, we proposed that miRNAs and associated components are key targets for engineering or breeding resistant citrus varieties. We anticipate that MeSA-based management, either induced expression or external application, would be a promising tool for HLB control.

Comparison of the new self-contained darkroom refractive screener versus table-top autorefractor and cycloplegia retinoscopy in detecting refractive error

PURPOSE

By comparing the results of the new self-contained darkroom refractive screener (YD-SX-A) versus table-top autorefractor and cycloplegic retinoscopy, to evaluate the performance of the YD-SX-A in detecting refractive error in children and adolescents and then judge whether it can be used in refractive screening.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. 1000 participants between the ages of 6 and 18 who visited the Optometry Center of the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from June to December 2022 were selected. First, participants were instructed to measure their diopter with a table-top autorefractor (Topcon KR8800) and YD-SX-A in a noncycloplegic setting. After cycloplegia, they were retinoscopy by a professional optometrist. The results measured by three methods were collected respectively. To avoid deviation, only the right eye (1000 eyes) data were used in the statistical analysis. The Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement of diopters measured by the three methods. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to analysis effectiveness of detecting refractive error of YD-SX-A.

RESULTS

The average age of participants was 10.77 ± 3.00 years, including 504 boys (50.4%) and 496 girls (49.6%). When YD-SX-A and cycloplegia retinoscopy (CR) were compared in the myopia group, there was no statistical difference in spherical equivalent (SE) (P > 0.05), but there was a statistical difference in diopter spherical (DS) and diopter cylinder (DC) (P < 0.05). Comparing the diopter results of Topcon KR8800 and CR, the difference between each test value in the myopia group was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the hyperopia group, the comparison between YD-SX-A and CR showed no statistically significant differences in the DC (P > 0.05), but there were significant differences in the SE and DS (P < 0.05). In the astigmatism group, the SE, DS, and DC were statistically different, and the DC of YD-SX-A was lower than that of CR and Topcon KR8800. Bland-Altman plots indicated that YD-SX-A has a moderate agreement with CR and Topcon KR8800. The sensitivity and specificity of YD-SX-A for detecting myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism were 90.17% and 90.32%, 97.78% and 87.88%, 84.08% and 74.26%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study has identified that YD-SX-A has shown good performance in both agreement and effectiveness in detecting refractive error when compared with Topcon KR8800 and CR. YD-SX-A could be a useful tool for large-scale population refractive screening.

Interactive Association Between Gut Microbiota and Thyroid Cancer

CONTEXT

The association between the gut microbiota and thyroid cancer remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically investigate the interactive causal relationships between the abundance and metabolism pathways of gut microbiota and thyroid cancer.

METHODS

We leveraged genome-wide association studies for the abundance of 211 microbiota taxa from the MiBioGen study (N = 18 340), 205 microbiota metabolism pathways from the Dutch Microbiome Project (N = 7738), and thyroid cancer from the Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative (N cases = 6699 and N participants = 1 620 354). We performed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causality from microbiota taxa and metabolism pathways to thyroid cancer and vice versa. We performed a systematic review of previous observational studies and compared MR results with observational findings.

RESULTS

Eight taxa and 12 metabolism pathways had causal effects on thyroid cancer, where RuminococcaceaeUCG004 genus (P = .001), Streptococcaceae family (P = .016), Olsenella genus (P = .029), ketogluconate metabolism pathway (P = .003), pentose phosphate pathway (P = .016), and L-arginine degradation II in the AST pathway (P = .0007) were supported by sensitivity analyses. Conversely, thyroid cancer had causal effects on 3 taxa and 2 metabolism pathways, where the Holdemanella genus (P = .015) was supported by sensitivity analyses. The Proteobacteria phylum, Streptococcaceae family, Ruminococcus2 genus, and Holdemanella genus were significantly associated with thyroid cancer in both the systematic review and MR, whereas the other 121 significant taxa in observational results were not supported by MR.

DISCUSSIONS

These findings implicated the potential role of host-microbiota crosstalk in thyroid cancer, while the discrepancy among observational studies calls for further investigations.

Roles of gut microbiota in atrial fibrillation: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis and genetic data from over 430,000 cohort study participants

BACKGROUND

Gut microbiota imbalances have been suggested as a contributing factor to atrial fibrillation (AF), but the causal relationship is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the causal relationships between the gut microbiota and AF using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

METHODS

Summary statistics were from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 207 gut microbial taxa (5 phyla, 10 classes, 13 orders, 26 families, 48 genera, and 105 species) (the Dutch Microbiome Project) and two large meta-GWASs of AF. The significant results were validated in FinnGen cohort and over 430,000 UK Biobank participants. Mediation MR analyses were conducted for AF risk factors, including type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), body mass index (BMI), blood lipids, blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea, to explore the potential mediation effect of these risk factors in between the gut microbiota and AF.

RESULTS

Two microbial taxa causally associated with AF: species Eubacterium ramulus (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.12, P = 0.0001, false discovery rate (FDR) adjusted p-value = 0.023) and genus Holdemania (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.25, P = 0.0004, FDR adjusted p-value = 0.042). Genus Holdemania was associated with incident AF risk in the UK Biobank. The proportion of mediation effect of species Eubacterium ramulus via CAD was 8.05% (95% CI 1.73% - 14.95%, P = 0.008), while the proportion of genus Holdemania on AF via BMI was 12.01% (95% CI 5.17% - 19.39%, P = 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided genetic evidence to support a potential causal mechanism between gut microbiota and AF and suggested the mediation role of AF risk factors.

Early-life famine exposure, adulthood obesity patterns, and risk of low-energy fracture

Malnutrition in early life increases the risk of osteoporosis, but the association of early-life undernutrition combined with adulthood obesity patterns with low-energy fracture remains unknown. This study included 5323 community-dwelling subjects aged ⩾40 years from China. Early-life famine exposure was identified based on the participants' birth dates. General obesity was assessed using the body mass index (BMI), and abdominal obesity was evaluated with the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Low-energy fracture was defined as fracture occurring after the age of ⩾40 typically caused by falls from standing height or lower. Compared to the nonexposed group, the group with fetal, childhood, and adolescence famine exposure was associated with an increased risk of fracture in women with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 3.55 (1.57-8.05), 3.90 (1.57-9.71), and 3.53 (1.05-11.88), respectively, but not in men. Significant interactions were observed between fetal famine exposure and general obesity with fracture among women (P for interaction = 0.0008). Furthermore, compared with the groups with normal BMI and WHR, the group of women who underwent fetal famine exposure and had both general and abdominal obesity had the highest risk of fracture (OR, 95% CI: 3.32, 1.17-9.40). These results indicate that early-life famine exposure interacts with adulthood general obesity and significantly increases the risk of low-energy fracture later in life in women.

Regulation of Fungal Morphogenesis and Pathogenicity of Aspergillus flavus by Hexokinase AfHxk1 through Its Domain Hexokinase_2

As a filamentous pathogenic fungus with high-yield of aflatoxin B1, Aspergillus flavus is commonly found in various agricultural products. It is crucial to develop effective strategies aimed at the prevention of the contamination of A. flavus and aflatoxin. Hexokinase AfHxk1 is a critical enzyme in fungal glucose metabolism. However, the role of AfHxk1 in A. flavus development, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and virulence has not yet been explored. In this study, afHxk1 gene deletion mutant (ΔafHxk1), complementary strain (Com-afHxk1), and the domain deletion strains (afHxk1ΔD1 and afHxk1ΔD2) were constructed by homologous recombination. Phenotype study and RT-qPCR revealed that AfHxk1 upregulates mycelium growth and spore and sclerotia formation, but downregulates AFB1 biosynthesis through related classical signaling pathways. Invading models and environmental stress analysis revealed that through involvement in carbon source utilization, conidia germination, and the sensitivity response of A. flavus to a series of environmental stresses, AfHxk1 deeply participates in the regulation of pathogenicity of A. flavus to crop kernels and Galleria mellonella larvae. The construction of domain deletion strains, afHxk1ΔD1 and afHxk1ΔD2, further revealed that AfHxk1 regulates the morphogenesis, mycotoxin biosynthesis, and the fungal pathogenicity mainly through its domain, Hexokinase_2. The results of this study revealed the biological role of AfHxk1 in Aspergillus spp., and might provide a novel potential target for the early control of the contamination of A. flavus.

The effect of yoga classes on the mental health of female college students

BACKGROUND

Mental health problems have become prominent among college students. The purpose of this study was to to explore the influence of yoga course on female college students' mental health.

METHODS

Three hundred fifty-four female college students enrolled in Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2020 or 2021 were selected and divided into three groups according to whether they took PE courses and the content of PE courses: No physical education group (control group) (N.=131), aerobics group (N.=120), and yoga group (N.=103), questionnaire survey was conducted before, at the middle (8 weeks), and at the end of the course. The patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Connor- Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) were used to evaluate the mental health status of female college students at different time points.

RESULTS

The demographic characteristics of the three groups showed no significant differences. Repeated measures Analysis of Variance showed that there were time main effect, group and time interaction effect and group main effect in patients' health questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Connor- Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) among the three groups before and after practice. Patient health score: The score of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in yoga group at 16 weeks, at 8 weeks, before practice (P<0.05), and the scores of yoga group at 8 weeks and 16 weeks were lower than those of control group and aerobics group (P< 0.05). For CD-RISC: the score of yoga group at16 weeks, 8 weeks, before practice (P<0.05), and the scores at 8 and 16 weeks were higher than those of aerobics group and control group (P<0.05); There was no significant difference before and after exercise between the control group and the aerobics group (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The teaching of yoga course can enhance the level of psychological resilience, improve depression and anxiety, promote mental health, and improve subjective well-being and improve the quality of college life.

Ovariectomy induces hyperalgesia accompanied by upregulated estrogen receptor α and protein kinase B in the rat spinal cord

Hormone supplementation is one of the common therapies for menopause-related disorders. Among different tools, the ovariectomy (OVX) rodents are widely accepted as an appropriate menopausal pain model. Our previous study has showed that OVX produces a significant pain facilitation in both acute pain and tonic pain, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of OVX treatment and estradiol (E2) supplementation on formalin-induced nociceptive responses, and explored the associated spinal mechanisms. Female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral OVX, and E2 supplementation was given subcutaneously from the 5th week after surgery (30 μg/day for 7 days). Our results showed that formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors did not differ between diestrus and proestrus stages of the estrous in intact rats. However, OVX exacerbated formalin-evoked inflammatory pain, especially in the late phase at 4-5 weeks but not 2 weeks post-surgery. E2 supplementation significantly reversed the OVX-triggered hyperalgesia. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that both ERα and ERβ in the spinal dorsal horn were co-labeled with the neuronal markers, but not with markers of astrocytes or microglia. The spinal ERα (but not ERβ) expression significantly increased in the OVX group, which was reversed by E2 supplementation. Moreover, the OVX individuals showed an increased protein kinase B (AKT) level in lumbar spinal cord, and E2 supplementation diminished the AKT expression in OVX rats. Finally, intrathecal injection Wortmannin, an inhibitor for AKT signaling, effectively reduced the nociceptive behaviors in the late phase and the number of c-fos positive cells. Together, our findings indicate that E2 supplementation alleviates the OVX-induced hyperalgesia, which might be involved in spinal ERα and AKT mechanisms.

HER2-low expression in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors

BACKGROUND

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low is a newly defined category with HER2 1+ or 2+ expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and lack of HER2 gene amplification measured by in situ hybridization (ISH). Much remains unknown about the HER2-low status across tumor types and changes in HER2 status between primary and metastatic samples.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

HER2 expression by IHC was evaluated in 4701 patients with solid tumors. We have evaluated the HER2 expression by IHC and amplification by ISH in paired breast and gastric/gastroesophageal (GEJ) primary and metastatic samples. HER2 expression was correlated with ERBB2 genomic alterations evaluated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in non-breast, non-gastric/GEJ samples.

RESULTS

HER2 expression (HER2 IHC 1-3+) was found in half (49.8%) of the cancers, with HER2-low (1 or 2+) found in many tumor types: 47.1% in breast, 34.6% in gastric/GEJ, 50.0% in salivary gland, 46.9% in lung, 46.5% in endometrial, 46% in urothelial, and 45.5% of gallbladder cancers. The concordance evaluation of HER2 expression between primary and metastatic breast cancer samples showed that HER2 3+ remained unchanged in 87.1% with a strong agreement between primary and metastatic samples, with a weighted kappa (Κ) of 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.79-0.91). ERBB2 alterations were identified in 117 (7.5%) patients with non-breast, non-gastric/GEJ solid tumors who had NGS testing. Of 1436 patients without ERBB2 alterations, 512 (35.7%) showed any level HER2 expression by IHC.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that HER2-low expression is frequently found across tumor types. These findings suggest that many patients with HER2-low solid tumors might benefit from HER2-targeted therapies.

Evaluation of the Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibition on Fracture Risk: Evidence From Mendelian Randomization and Genetic Association Study

This study aims to evaluate the causal effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition on bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis, and fracture risk using genetics. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed utilizing two sets of genetic variants as instruments (six and two single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) associated with SLC5A2 gene expression and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels. Summary statistics of BMD from the Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis consortium (BMD for total body, n = 66,628; femoral neck, n = 32,735; lumbar spine, n = 28,498; forearm, n = 8143) and osteoporosis (6303 cases, 325,717 controls) and 13 types of fracture (≤17,690 cases, ≤328,382 controls) data from the FinnGen study were obtained. One-sample MR and genetic association analyses were conducted in UK Biobank using the individual-level data of heel BMD (n = 256,286) and incident osteoporosis (13,677 cases, 430,262 controls) and fracture (25,806 cases, 407,081 controls). Using six SNPs as the instrument, genetically proxied SGLT2 inhibition showed little evidence of association with BMD of total body, femoral neck, lumbar spine, and forearm (all p ≥ 0.077). Similar results were observed using two SNPs as instruments. Little evidence was found for the SGLT2 inhibition effect on osteoporosis (all p ≥ 0.112) or any 11 major types of fracture (all p ≥ 0.094), except for a nominal significance for fracture of lower leg (p = 0.049) and shoulder and upper arm (p = 0.029). One-sample MR and genetic association analysis showed that both the weighted genetic risk scores constructed from the six and two SNPs were not causally associated with heel BMD, osteoporosis, and fracture (all p ≥ 0.387). Therefore, this study does not support an effect of genetically proxied SGLT2 inhibition on fracture risk. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Early adulthood weight change, midlife "Life's essential 8" health status and risk of cardiometabolic diseases: a chinese nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

The association between weight change during early adulthood and cardiometabolic diseases remains uncertain in Chinese population. Whether the association varies with comprehensive cardiovascular health (CVH) in midlife assessed by "Life's Essential 8" has not been characterized. We aim to examine the associations of early adulthood weight change and midlife "Life's Essential 8" CVH status with cardiometabolic outcomes in a Chinese cohort.

METHODS

The study participants were from the China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4 C) Study. This analysis included 72,610 middle-aged and older participants followed for a median of 3.6 years. At baseline, the participants recalled body weight at age 20 and 40 years, and we calculated change in weight and BMI between 20 and 40 years of age. Health behaviors information in "Life's Essential 8" was collected by questionnaire, and health factors were measured in the study center. During follow-up, we ascertained incident cardiovascular events based on medical records, and diagnosed incident diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association 2010 criteria.

RESULTS

72,610 study participants were included with a mean age of 56.0 ± 8.8 years and 29% of them were males. Weight gain of more than 10 kg between 20 and 40 years of age was associated with 22% increased risk of incident cardiovascular events (HR: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.04-1.43) and 38% increased risk of diabetes (HR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.25-1.53) compared to stable weight. Besides, the association of weight gain more than 10 kg in early adulthood with cardiometabolic risk was even stronger in those with low CVH score in midlife (HR: 2.44; 95%CI: 2.01-2.97 for incident cardiovascular events; HR: 2.20; 95%CI: 1.90-2.55 for incident diabetes) or with few ideal cardiovascular health metrics in midlife.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicated that weight gain in early adulthood was associated with significantly increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. And the association could be stronger in those with poor CVH profiles in midlife. These findings confirmed the significance of weight management during early adulthood and suggested that individuals who experienced substantial weight gain in early life should be encouraged to maintain good CVH status in Chinese population.